Thanks to the many supporters of this story, already. Just to let you know, a one-shot is going to be published everyday. Until Christmas. So watch out for this! :)


To almaa30. Or just simply Alma. Skye x Jill!


For Alma

"What are we waiting for?" I asked.

Rocking on my heels, I lightly bit my lip. My eyes squinted, trying to see beyond the awkward mounts of snow and rocks. My boyfriend told me that his present for me would be arriving soon – but it had already been ten impatient minutes without anything emerging.

He also wouldn't tell me what my present was, or what kind of present it was. It was a little frustrating, as I was anxious about the gift. What was it?

I shivered. The cold was almost getting to me. It snaked up my thick jacket and scarf bunched around my neck.

Skye grinned. He reached up to tug on loose strands of my dark hair and replied, "It's already here."

Finally!

As he gestured towards the direction where I had been looking, I twisted to see. Sure enough, something was quickly approaching. From where I was standing, the chime of jingling bells reached my ears.

The heavy thuds and nimble clicks sounded as the figure neared, and then I realized what they were. "Those are horses."

Their mocha coloured pelts were recently brushed, velvety and vibrant in this fluffy weather. "Those are horses," I said again, because I did not expect this coming. Out of all things, horses dragging a sleigh? What was this? I was confused. I didn't understand.

"Only for the best," Skye smoothly said, pleased with my puzzlement. "We're going to ride in the sleigh."

Then I understood.

I let out a little relieved "Oh" and relaxed. "I couldn't ask for anything more," I excitedly told him. "I've never done anything like this before."

Giving me a look that said, I know, Skye rewarded my astonishment an adorable wink. "That's why I'm taking you on this. I know you'll love this."

"Probably," I replied, and I caught his intense gave. His emerald green eyes were like vivid gems in this mountain of pure white. I could stare at them all day and never get lost. So because it was at the top of my head, I commented, "Golly Skye, your eyes are looking gorgeous today."

Letting a teasing laugh escape from his mouth, he replied, "Jill, every day your eyes are gorgeous. They're always so big and beautiful, and I forget almost everything else around me when I see you."

He just took that as an excuse to give me a compliment. I knew it. Lightly shoving him, I said, "Come on; let's get on these horses already, handsome."

"Alright, darling." Extending a gallant hand at me, Skye couldn't resist the smirk creeping on his face. I eagerly grabbed it and tried not to punch him again for being flirtier than usual today.

The horses whinnied and with a satisfied snort, they halted in their tracks. From behind they trailed overlapping footprints, pressed deep into the ground. Scuffing the snow, the two horses craned their heads to see whether or not we were getting in the sleigh.

Shooting another smile at the driver, Skye inquired, "You have all the blankets, right?"

Blankets? I shot him an alarmed look. He honestly didn't have to go through all this trouble for me. But I was aware that he wanted to. But where was he getting the money for all of this?

I hoped he didn't steal the money.

Skye caught my look and laughed. "I didn't steal the money Jill, don't worry about it."

And I believed him.

The grey-bearded driver dipped his head in agreement. "Like you said." His voice was enriched with French and he stumbled over his English dialect like he rarely spoke it. Clearing his throat, he added, "And Mademoiselle Lumina contributed hot chocolate."

Lumina? I laughed. "Hot chocolate?" The perfect drink for a freezing day like today!

Skye led me into the sleigh. It was an oak brown with a sturdy structure. The grand sleigh overall was very comforting as I settled myself in a billowing red cushion without hesitation. Soon after, Skye hoisted himself in. He directed the driver to go.

With a tug on the reins, the horses began to trot. It was slow and steady, and as Skye pulled the blankets over my chilled body I smiled. After a few moments, I warmed up, leaning against his firm shoulders. He handed me a cup of steaming hot chocolate. "Here," he gently said, and I gratefully took it.

In my grasp it was warm against my bare palm. I lifted the cup up to my lips to taste the spinning drink, and immediately I was filled with a glow. The rich taste brightened my taste buds as I gulped the hot chocolate down, careful not to spill a drop. It tasted like heaven. My mouth was exploding with the milky cocoa.

"This is delicious!" I remarked, watching as Skye raised the cup.

Skye shrugged, and then laughed. "She's rich," he reminded. "She's supposed to have the best things."

I snuggled into Skye a little more after finishing my cup. "Thanks for today," I said, reaching out to peck his cheek. A flush spread across my face as he turned to me, a line of moist brown covering the top of his lip. "Uh," I said.

"What?"

"Nothing," I decided to say. Instead of taking a napkin, I leaned closer to swipe my tongue over his lips. "You got a little chocolate there," I told him with a smirk.

He gave me a kiss. "Do you want more?"

That was when I stared into the distance. I could see the peak of mountains tipped with snow, and the clear blue sky above surrounding it. The evergreen trees sprouted in various places, houses were tucked into little gaps. Below, the thin layer of ice cracked, floating and drifting in water. I thought it was absolutely beautiful.

"This is beautiful," I said. "Thanks so much. I love you."

His hand around my shoulders patted me. "I love you too, Jill." I could smell the curry on Skye. I nestled in the crook of his shoulders a little closer.

After a few moments of silence, Skye asked, "Could you please say that again so I can remember it forever?"

I laughed. Shaking my head, I replied instead, "Merry Christmas, Skye."


I hope you saw this in your Twitter messages, Alma! Season's Greetings!


Thank you to reviewers Xx Eve Of Destruction xX (HEY, YOU'RE ALIVE! *glomps*), FlamingIceWolfGirl, floopyrocks, fooboo24, Grey-Hearted-Hero, and pepsipiggy.