Special: Christmas Destiny

Yup I figured what the hell, let's do a special for all my fans. Warning, fluffy goodness ahead so those who don't like it beware.

Takes place after A New Destiny but before the sequel. I tried to give everyone ample amounts of screen time but some are just difficult to write but I think I did alright.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, all characters belong to Bungie and Activision.

Snow fell on the Tower as Guardians continued about their duties as if nothing was out of place. The temperature was very low but with built in thermal units in their armor it didn't do anything to the stalwart defenders of Light. Ships still came in and out of the Hanger but the fight never ended for most of them.

Except one.

-With Gabe-

The Hunter moved about his small apartment with precision as he went about his task of putting the finishing touches on the decorations before his guests arrived. The dull white walls were decorated with various baubles painted red and green while the small nightstand was beset with a small angel he had found in an antique shop.

Even his Ghost got in the spirit as it changed it's white shell into a festive red and green shell as it played a small tune while Gabe put the final bulb on a large green tree. It took a few days of work but Gabe finally took a step back to admire his handiwork as the apartment was unrecognizable to anyone who hadn't been there before.

"I understand you wanting to revive an old tradition but isn't this a bit too much?" His Ghost asked as Gabe shrugged.

"Since no one was doing anything I thought it might liven things up between us." Gabe responded as he moved to the small kitchen that was tucked in a corner.

"Are you sure about this? I know Eddie and Theresa might know what it is while Avora might be a little confused but what about the F...Eliksni?" His Ghost asked a little hesitantly. It will still take some time to get use to not saying Fallen around Gabe but the Guardian didn't seem to notice.

"I just wanted to do something nice for us for once..." Gabe trailed off as he took out fully baked Ham from the oven, honey glazed and browned to perfection as one of his foster parents would say. "I wanted to get us all together instead of at each other's throats."

"I never said it wasn't nice but you know things are still volatile...the City is still getting use to Eliksni help after what happened a few months ago." His Ghost said as Gabe nodded.

"I know but a little kindness goes a long way." Was Gabe's response as he checked another pot on top of the stove.

"For someone who's still a teenager, you really have come a long way from the person I pulled from some wreckage a long time ago." His Ghost said with praise. "Not many can take what you have and keep coming back."

"It helps to have support." Gabe replied with a small smile.

"That it does." His Ghost said as Gabe starting humming as he took another pot off the stove.

"Knock knock." Theresa said as she threw open the door before stopping. "Uh...what is all of this?" she asked as she looked at all the decorations on the wall. "Did something regurgitate broccoli and blood?"

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." Eddie said as he walked in and looked around. "But what gives?"

"Is it some sort of Human celebration?" Avora asked awkwardly as she carefully stepped into the apartment.

"Yea, it's Christmas..." Gabe trailed off as the three raised their eyebrows. "No one knows about it?"

"Old human tradition about the birth of some religious figure or so old texts say." Gabe's Ghost said as Gabe frowned.

"It's suppose to be about celebrating the holidays with friends and family as well. Being grateful that you made it to another Christmas." Gabe replied as Avora hmmed in thought while Eddie and Theresa shrugged before plopping down on the small couch.

"I don't mean to burst your bubble kid but the holidays went out of touch almost a millennia ago. I understand you wanting to share them but people nowadays are too concerned with living than old traditions." Eddie said calmly even thought he felt a little bad saying it.

"I...just wanted to do something nice." Gabe said depressed as Eddie shook his head.

"I'm not saying it's a bad thing kid but most people don't know or remember anything about it or any other holiday and to those that do it might not be the best thing to bring up." Gabe didn't need to be told just why that was.

It reminded people of the time before the Traveler when everything was already crap. He still had the entire stigma of his birth date hanging over his head despite his best efforts to prove his worth. He still got the looks of distrust every now and then from people inside the Tower as if he had some sort of disease.

Even if the holiday was meant to be a celebration of good it didn't matter to most people. In their eyes, anything before the Traveler needed to be wiped from history and that included him but the Vanguard wouldn't allow it.

"Alright enough doom and gloom, I smell...Fallen." Theresa said with a frown as the door opened one more time and Rilix stepped into the apartment with a critical eye.

"Is this suppose to mean something?" she asked as she eyed the walls. "Something you Guardians do?"

"Old human tradition that went out a long time ago. Your...mate...wanted to share it with us." Eddie said as he still felt uncomfortable with using that word when talking about them. He had nothing against it but it still felt weird to be talking to a former enemy being with a Guardian in that way and one on his own team no less.

"Yea...mate..." Theresa muttered as Rilix gave her a sharp glare.

"Is that a problem human?" Rilix said with a sharp growl as Theresa narrowed her eyes.

"The fact that I'm sharing a guy with an enemy is a problem." she snapped back as Gabe tried to placate them.

"Can you both not do this now?" he asked weakly but they didn't seem to hear him.

"You could always leave." Rilix pointed out as Theresa gritted her teeth together.

"He's not even your species! He's a normal human while you're a freak!"

Now ever Eddie had to stand and prepare.

"Say that again human." Rilix said in a deathly quiet voice that carried into the room.

"I said, you are a freak." Theresa repeated as Avora placed a hand on Gabe's trembling shoulder.

"I'm sorry..." she offered but it did little for the now shaking Guardian.

"Don't be...at least you can be normal." Gabe said sadly before he walked out of the door and shut it.

"I hope you both are happy...our friend just left." Eddie said as he got in between them.

"She started it just by being here." Theresa replied as Rilix snarled.

"Enough, you both just couldn't leave it alone could you?" Avora asked as Theresa crossed her arms. "You don't think I don't feel awkward about this? I don't like it but I deal with it as normally as I can for him while you both just keep going after each other, don't you see how that is making him feel?"

"He would feel better if she would leave." Theresa stated as Rilix balled up her fists.

"At least I give him affection, what do you do? Belittle him at every opportunity? Complain when he can't do something then offer no guidance?" Rilix asked as Theresa balled her fists as well. "If anyone should leave, it's you."

"I SAID ENOUGH!" Avora roared out as the entire room shook. "I EXPECT THIS FROM THERESA BUT NOT FROM YOU! YOU CLAIM TO BE THE MOST AFFECTIONATE AND YET HERE YOU ARE ACTING LIKE HER IN HIS OWN HOME! IS THIS HOW FALLEN ACT SOMEONE'S HOME?"

That stopped Rilix short and for good reason. Eliksni never acted like this in the dwelling of another friend or Housemate, that also went double for mates. She was in the home of her mate and yet she as his Primary1 wasn't even following basic courtesy. It was a blatant insult and she didn't even notice it.

"AND YOU, MISS I AM INSECURE ABOUT MYSELF, HE INVITES US TO HIS HOME AND EVEN TRIES TO GET US TO ACT NORMAL AND YOU HAVE TO SPIT ALL OVER IT! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG YOU?!" Avora finished as Theresa looked away from her.

"And all that food going to waste." Eddie said as he pointed at the still steaming ham on the counter. "He even made us dinner and yet you two had to ruin it."

Even Theresa had a look of shame as she glanced at the food on the counter, the set table and the decorated home. It showed that he spent days planning this and putting it together and in 5 minutes they had ruined it in the worst way. They were all startled as the door opened and closed quickly as Rilix left the apartment in an almost silent way.

-With Gabe-

He felt like walking...that's the best he could do right now. Walk and think about how he ever thought he could even attempt to keep 4 different people happy when two of them weren't even Human. All he wanted to do was a have a nice Christmas dinner with everyone and yet he couldn't even keep those two from fighting for one minute. He just wanted one more Christmas...and apparently it was too much to ask for.

"You seem troubled." Spirit said from his right. He didn't even flinch or jump when she did.

"I thought you said you wouldn't be here." he replied evenly as she faced him.

"I never said I wouldn't, I said I might not." she said calmly. "I decided that it would be nice to spend some time learning more about your old customs. Just so I know what to look for in the future."

"Meaning?" he prodded as her tone became softer.

"So I know of what else to plan for in the future." she replied as he grimaced.

"With how tonight has gone so far I wouldn't plan for anything." he replied as she glanced behind him.

"I wouldn't say that." she said as he turned around and came face to chest with Rilix as she wrapped four arms around him and put her face low against his. Nothing was said between them as he slowly put his own arms around her and held her close.

"I apologize for my actions." Rilix began in a low tone. "I have insulted you and your hospitality in a way that is unbecoming of your Primary." Gabe said nothing in response but he didn't have to. "If you would give me one more chance, I will uphold my honor as a guest in your home."

"I always will." he finally replied after a moment as she gave a soft purr instead of the usual huffs he normally heard. This was a different side of her than he saw; what he normally saw was a battle-hardened warrior with a temper that could exceed Zavala and Crota combined but this was different. She was affectionate but he never saw this much emotion from her.

He sorta liked it if he was honest.

Reluctantly she pulled her arms from around as he did the same while Spirit simply looked on before speaking. "We have a function to attend do we not?"

"No more fighting?" Gabe asked as Rilix gave a small huff of agreement.

"For tonight. I won't allow that to happen again." she replied as he gave a small smile.

"Then let's go."

-Some time later-

"Hey...sorry I-" Gabe began but was cut off as he felt Theresa cover his mouth with her own for a brief kiss while Rilix gave a small snarl but otherwise held her tongue.

"You know I can't say "sorry" real well." Theresa said after she pulled away with a small blush. "Does that make up for it?"

"Yea..." Gabe trailed off in a bit of a daze as Theresa gave a small laugh. "Just...keep everything nice for tonight?" he asked as she nodded. "And warn me next time you do that."

Now she really did laugh as he graced her with a smile.

"I see you decided to show up." Eddie said as Spirit shrugged.

"I didn't want to disappoint." she replied evenly before she looked at Eddie. "The Queen sends her apologies for not attending."

"I know what she means, but I'm not saying that to the kid." Eddie replied as he frowned. What Mara really meant was that she didn't feel like attending an idiotic Human celebration that she didn't even care for though Eddie had a sneaking suspicion that her brother played a large role in that. "I just want to seriously hurt that guy sometimes."

"Even you must keep your distance though." she finished as Gabe walked into the kitchen after calming down.

"Well, I have dinner ready so we can start eating." Gabe said cheerfully as he brought out the food and loaded the table. Unsurprisingly, Rilix already claimed the spot to his right as she settled herself into the Human-sized chair while Spirit got the chair to his left and Eddie went beside her. Avora got the right of Rilix while Theresa got the opposite end of the table, much to her own jealousy, and soon the room dissolved into talking and laughing.

They swapped stories while they ate: talking about the past and what they did, their lives as Guardians and Eliksni in Rilix's case, previous missions before they became a team and so on. They even got a rare glimpse into the way back as Gabe told stories of his life as an Army Soldier in the times that preceded long before the Traveler; not that they wanted to live in that time of course and even being in it for the brief time they were was bad enough. Gabe might've been comfortable at the time but for the three Guardians and Eliksni it was as if they were bathed in constant Darkness.

"So Lieutenant Assan immediately walks up to Private Geiger and asks them what time he got to a bed and Geiger replies "What bed Serg-sir?" like a drunken idiot and Assan just looks at him and says "The bed you pissed all over before falling face first into."." Gabe recounted as he barely held his sides while Theresa had already fallen out of her chair while Avora desperately tried to hide her own laughter at the mental image. Eddie was in the same boat but the twitch at his mouth gave it away while Spirit merely shook her head and Rilix looked confused.

"Human joke?" Rilix asked as Eddie shook his head.

"No, one of the Human's was so drunk he could barely stand up but somehow made it back to the barracks and relieved himself on his bed before falling face first onto the same bed." he explained as Rilix thought for a moment before she shook her own head.

"Disgraceful." Rilix said as Gabe fought down another laugh.

"I miss those guys...and those days." he said as the five turned to him. "It was simpler than this, ya know? It wasn't four-on-one nor was it a fight for survival but just a fight against old beliefs vs new beliefs. We knew who the enemy was while here today's enemies can be tomorrow's allies." he finished with a nod towards Rilix. "It was just easier."

"So if you had the chance, you would go back and stay back?" Spirit asked as three other people tensed.

"I never said that...I guess I'm just a little homesick is all. It was nice meeting them again for a bit but I knew that if we stayed then the Vex would've..." He trailed off as he didn't have the heart to finish that statement.

"Would've swarmed that time trying to get to us and the entire future could've been rewritten." Eddie finished for him as Gabe nodded. "The best choice isn't always the right one nor is it the easiest but it is the best."

"How many more gloomy moments are we going to have today?" Theresa asked as Gabe frowned. "Come on kid, you invited us here for dinner and you want to waste time on the past? I know you miss it and all but we still have the present and future to look forward to. Keep your past in your memories and make some new ones!" Now Gabe had to smile at that. She was right after all, old memories last but it's the new ones you look forward to the most.

"For someone who puts him down, you can be uplifting when you want to be." Avora pointed out as Theresa threw her a look.

"It has been a pleasure but I need to return home now." Spirit said as she rose from the table. "I look forward to the next get together you have planned for us."

Gabe halted her just as she was about to leave. "Before you do leave, here." he said as he handed her a small box wrapped in red and green paper. "I tried to get something you would like but..."

"It's fine, you didn't have too but thank you." Spirit said as she surprised him with a hug and put her cool metallic forehead against his own warm one. "I will be around soon, I promise."

"I'll hold you to that." Gabe replied as she let go of him and disappeared.

"Kid, how in the hell did you pull that off again?" Eddie asked as he never saw Spirit show much emotion at all in his entire life.

"I honestly don't know." Gabe replied as he pulled more gifts from the corner. "I didn't forget about you all either...so Merry Christmas." he finished as he held out their own presents.

"You didn't have to do all of this for us you know." Avora said as she took her own gift and began to unwrap it.

"I know but I wanted to." Gabe replied simply as Avora gave him a peek on the cheek that had him blushing.

"Then thank you." she replied as she went to the couch to open her gift.

"A sniper scope?" Eddie asked weirdly as Gabe shook his head.

"I always kept breaking your old stuff...so I did what I could to at least attempt to pay you back." Gabe said as Eddie looked at the scope.

"Custom-made from Banshee...how much did you spend on this?" Eddie asked as Gabe shrugged.

"It's not important." Gabe said as Eddie shook his head but kept a grin on his face.

"Well it's not really my color but it's close enough." Theresa said as she held up a dark green Warlock robe. "I like forest green for future reference." she quipped though the smile on her face told the story. "Still it's a nice gesture."

"I agree." Avora said as she held up a new sword with a purple hue. "This is why you spent all day in the Crucible isn't it?"

"That and it was hard to find a Titan something they would like. I was debating that or a new pair of Gauntlets." Gabe replied as Avora graced him with a smile. "Shaxx is a slave driver though."

"That he is." Avora agreed as she looked over the sword with interest. That only left one as Gabe looked over to Rilix, only to see her staring at a small green and gold armband with holographic Exile symbol. It was the best he could think of that would work for her but maybe now he should've thought better about what she would want.

Unbeknownst to him she was in deep thought over the gift. It was simple and she might be a warrior but she was also a female as well and that is what made her think. Gifts between Eliksni were usually about friendship or alliance between Houses but gifts between mates meant something else; it meant you were together for life itself. Once a gift was given then the two were held to be inseparable even in death. This Human wouldn't know that but she did and she appreciated it.

Sliding the band on her arm she abruptly stood and engulfed her mate in a large and loving hug as purrs emanated from her throat. She tried to put as much feeling into it as she could but Gabe didn't need any more than that as he wrapped his arms around her and put his cheek on the cool metal of her face mask. No other words or actions were needed as the two remained lock for what seemed like an eternity as Theresa mock-gagged behind them before Avora gave her a sharp slap on the head and a stern glare as Rilix reluctantly pulled back.

"This means much. More than you would know." Rilix said as she lifted her two top arms and cupped his face. "You bring me much honor with your actions. Know that I will stand with you forever should you wish it."

Now Theresa really did gag but the two ignored her. "I wouldn't ask for anything else." Gabe replied as Rilix brought her forehead down to his own before taking both of his hands in her lower ones.

"Then here I shall be." she replied as Theresa frowned.

"She's not moving in here is she?" she questioned as Gabe and Rilix finally turned to her.

"And if I was?" Rilix said with an undertone of a threat.

"Then you would lose pretty much all credibility with the Vanguard." Theresa quipped as Gabe frowned. "You're already on very thin ice as it is but notice I said the Vanguard and not us. To us you're still a teammate...and a lover."

"A friend and a little brother." Eddie supplied with a shit-eating grin.

"A lover and someone with a lot of heart." Avora finished as Gabe looked at each one of them with a smile and tears formed in his eyes.

"i...I've never had better friends...thank you, all of you." Gabe said through some sniffs as he wiped his eyes.

The rest of the night passed relatively easily, Theresa and Rilix got into a competitive game on the small TV while Eddie cleaned the fridge of the dessert and Avora simply sat in between Gabe's legs as she watched the two battle it out on an old game system from the Golden Age. It would also seem that Spirit opened her gift to find her favorite blend of synthetic alcohol if the message he received from her was indication...and the resulting innuendo that he had to fight off a blush.

Still it pleased him that he was able to set everything up alright, despite the rocky start, and the gifts he got were perfect. Theresa was right after all; you can look at past memories fondly but it was the yet unwritten ones that you look forward to the most.

One glance out the window told Gabe the rest of the story, a large bright star shining high in the sky while a fast moving one zoomed right below it before winking out of existence. It made him think of all the people who got him to this point in and out of the Military. To them, he had only one thing to say with a soft smile.

'Merry Christmas to all of you, wherever you are now.'

Phew, another long one but this concludes my obligatory Christmas chapter and look at that, released in the early morning hours of Christmas too. I knew I would have it done and out on Christmas but I didn't think it would be as long as my other chapter but oh well.

I tried to do some parts fluffy, some parts dramatic and some parts tense before getting back into the fluff. I hope you all enjoy it!

Some of you will probably pick up on the couple hints at possible spin-offs in the story. You all know about the sequel that is planning but I do have another spin-off in the pipeline as well so get those brains a rolling.

Well that's all I got for now, so tell me what you all think!

1. Primary or Primary Mate: Title given to the first Eliksni, male or female, when the mate has more than one lover.