Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics to Mariah Carey's All I want For Christmas Is You.

As Ned watched Seth leave, he felt a huge rush of relief and excitement wash over him. Everyone was finally gone! It had been a long night for Ned and his friends. All Ned wanted now was to be with Moze.

As he stood by the entry way he studied her carefully. She was sitting with her legs crossed on the edge of the couch, in what seemed to be a deep train of thought. The glow from the fire in the fireplace accenting her features perfectly, giving her somewhat of an angelic look.

Ned made his way over to the couch where she was sitting and plopped down next to her.

"Hey," He said quietly.

"Hey!" She replied now looking at him. "Where did you come from?"

"Not far, I was just over by the door making sure everyone make it home safely. That was some party huh?"

Moze smiled at the memory of their gift exchange a few hours ago. "Sure was!" She said blushing slightly.

Catching Moze's blush, Ned blushed too. He was pretty sure he knew what had brought it on.

"You really didn't have to get me such an extravagant gift." She told him, genuinely.

"Moze I know I didn't have too, but I wanted too. You mean the world to me."

She blushed even harder now.

"Besides it was no trouble, really."

"Good to know." She murmured, "I already feel bad about what I got you."

"Why would you feel bad?" Ned asked confused, "That was a great present. You know I love Vertical Horizon!"

"I know, but it just seems so impersonal….?" She trailed off.

"compared to what I got you." He finished for her.

She nodded.

Ned placed his hand on the small of her back, and pecked her ever so slightly on the cheek. "If I know you feel bad than I will feel bad too, and we can't have both of us unhappy; especially so close to Christmas."

Moze smiled. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" Ned asked.

"Make me feel so much better in a matter of seconds?" She asked him curiously.

"Oh… I'm your best friend. I know what makes you tick, good and bad." He said smiling his special half smile.

"Amazing," Moze said laughing.

Ned leaned over to grab the remote that was sitting on the coffee table. "What do you say we listen to some music?" He asked.

"Sounds good to me!" Moze agreed.

He hit the play button and music seemed to come from every direction, loudly booming through the speakers.

Moze flinched at the sudden loud burst of sound.

"Sorry about that, my dad's into the whole surround sound thing!" Ned tried explaining.

Moze just laughed, as she snuggled in close to her best friend. She grabbed the blanket nearby and wrapped it around them, making sure they were both warm and cozy.

As they sat there quietly, together,it was then Ned realized what song was playing. Mariah Carry's "All I Want For Christmas Is You"

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is...
You

Ned shuddered uncomfortablyas he sat there lying up against Moze.

"What's the matter? Don't you like this song?" Moze asked her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Erm err… it's alright…"

Of all songs that had to be playing, it was the one that fit his feelings for Moze perfectly. He didn't want some silly expensive gift, he wanted her. It was just too weird that it happened to be playing as he sat here with her now.

Moze giggled at his distraught expression. "Well I personally love this song!" She said emphasizing on the word love.

"Right…" Ned let said letting his voice trail off, as he let the music take the words from his mouth.

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby

Moze rested her head his on shoulder as she felt Ned become more relaxed, his muscles now less tight against her. She felt him lean closer to her, his arm snaking around her waist. She could feel his cologne tickle her nose, it smelled delicious.

"Mmmm," She murmured sighing heavily.

Moze closed her eyes and was bombarded with a million different images running through her head. Mainly of her and Ned throughout the years, but most of them were more then friendly gestures always some sort of romantic setting.

Why the whole world seemed to be so for a relationship to happen between the two she would never understand. If something were to happen it would have happened already. She new her and Ned were only friends, but as she heard the song playing she had some ray of hope and knew that some little part inside of her wanted to be more than his best friend.

I won't ask for much this Christmas
I don't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeers click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
Ooh baby
All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me...

Moze glanced down at her watch and could feel the dread forming in her stomach. It was 1:15 she had promised her parents she would be back around Midnight. She shifted uncomfortably against Ned.

As if coming out of a trance of his own, Ned groggily spoke: "What's the matter?"

"Were you sleeping?" She asked noticing his tired expression, as she swiped some of his hair away from his eyes.

"Oh… no" Ned said blushing under Moze's touch. "I was just thinking about some things…" He said embarrassed to have been caught at such an off moment.

Moze smiled, not believing him for a second. "I better get going." She said, as she got up off the couch, lending out a hand for Ned to grab, to pull himself up. "I told my parents I would be home around Midnight and it's already past one.

"That late already?" Ned asked scratching his head.

"Unfortunately!" Moze responded, sadly as she averted her gaze back to the clock.

"Well I'll at least walk you to the door." Ned said as he followed her into the foyer.

They stared at each other for a while before Moze opened the door, to leave.

Ned had just happened to look up at that exact moment.

"Uhh Moze wait," He said grabbing her by the arm.

"Did I forget something?" She asked confused.

"No look up!" Ned told her.

There above there heads was a sprig of mistletoe.

"No way!" Moze gasped.

The music was still playing in the background, but otherwise all was quiet. Time seemed to stop as the two of them stood there, gazing at each other intently.

Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is...
You

Ned took the plunge and closed the space, between them as he let his lips brush against hers. It was good luck after all.

A:N Sorry it took forever for me to update! I know it's a little late but it is Christmas night after all! I figured this was my last chance so i buckled down and started typing. I had the idea already in my head for a while now, just not enough time for me to actually post it. I just wanted to let everyone know i am continuing this story but the next chapter is going to take place after Christmas! PLEASE REVIEW:)