No warnings this chapter my lovelies. Your continued support means the world to me. 3

Ch 9

With the Tundrabears off at an away game Amelia had some much needed time to not run into Ivan Braginsky. But she also didn't have her brother around to hang out with during her free time either. Drag.

But maybe it was just what she needed. A little downtime to focus on her and those future plans.

She yanked open the attic door and the ladder creaked down until she could climb right up. It was November and darnit it was about time she got started on decorating for Christmas. After Halloween was over it was fair game to start hanging tinsel and wreaths as far as she was concerned.

Besides it would help keep her mind off the ominous lurking Turkey day coming up in a few weeks.

XX

Arthur nearly tripped over the field littered with cardboard boxes that had once been his living room. He stared in amazement. His daughter had once again singlehandedly brought down all of the decorations. Blast was it that time of year already? He'd been so caught up he'd completely forgotten.

"Oh hey. Can you pass me that box?" Amelia called from in the middle of the room, pointing to the box closest to his feet. "I'm pretty sure that one has the garlands."

"Amelia this is out of control," he said trying to figure out which box she was pointing to before lifting one up.

"I'll have it all out of here by supper. Ten at the latest," she promised with such a hopeful look in her eyes and he relented and rolled up his sleeves. So much for a relaxing evening he thought as he began to help his daughter put everything together.

"Do you think dogs can be around Christmas trees or should we just get a fake one?" she asked as her father sat down to unravel the garlands.

"I do not know. But we still have a month and a half to figure it out," he replied optimistically.

"And I'm going to need every day I've got to get everything going," she said determinedly as she pulled out red bows and fluffed them. "I want Maddie to really feel a big welcome back when her and Ricky Ricardo visit."

"Amelia that's tacky and beneath you," he chided her over the rim of his glasses as she pouted.

"You're right," she said glumly. "I know I should like the guy but he took her away and I'm still not over it. I'm not a shut in and I'm doing more stuff but nothing's ever going to be able to take her place dad. She's my best friend."

"I know love," he said sympathetically as she took a seat beside him. "Perhaps you should take some time off at work and go visit her in the Spring. In fact your papa and I were thinking some sun in Florida might do us some good when the winter becomes unbearable."

"Winter is great. It's just too bad you oldies can't handle a little snow and frost," she said before laughing when he father tried to tickle her ribs in retaliation.

XX

Thanksgiving Day she played hooky. It wasn't too surprising when her parents texted her asking where she was. She ignored them for a minute before typing in a response. "Hanging out with a friend."

She had thought she could handle the big day of food, food, and more food followed by football but not this year. Amelia did feel a little disheartened that something so small, a holiday that she'd celebrated from a young age could shake her up so much. But the fact was that she just couldn't handle being in the house all day ignoring the holiday unsuccessfully.

She thanked god, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that the bar was open and walked in to find her company waiting at one of the tables watching a soccer game. With a fresh cold beer and a bowl of pretzels in hand she joined him.

"Oh you're here," Feliciano said smiling softly as she took a seat beside him.

"Wouldn't miss it," she said her mouth quirking a smile. "Thanks for meeting me. I hope I'm not pulling you away from a family dinner or anything."

"I never really adapted to American holidays. I forget every time it comes around," he said with an easygoing shrug.

"Alright if you're sure I'm not keeping you," she said when the match ended and he'd ordered another beer.

"No not really. I'm all yours," he said with a smile and she swore she saw him flutter his lashes at her.

Of course then the little flirt took the opportunity to ogle the new bartender, a strapping blond thing with muscles that looked prime for picking someone up and throwing them on a bed.

"And hottie with a body's too," she teased as he laughed a little. "Why don't you go talk to him?"

"Because I'm here with you cara," he said finally turning his eyes away.

"Dude you're killing me. You've got the perfect opportunity to get laid and you're going let it pass right by?" she muttered in disgust as she munched on a pretzel and he blushed a little.

She ran a hand through her hair before sighing. "Sorry. Lack of sex has made me a bitter, bitter shriveled up spinster."

"Mia you are adorable. You could have any guy in this bar!" he said reassuringly.

"Well my brother has some pretty sexy guys on his team but how do you sleep with someone your brother works with? Well I did sleep with that intern in my other brother's office but the guy was so hot I'm pretty sure he was a Kennedy or something. I was so ready and willing," she said grinning to herself at the memories.

She looked up when she felt eyes on her. Looking around before seeing Ivan standing by the door staring from her to Feliciano with a furrow between his brows.

It was the first time she'd seen him since the die of embarrassment moment back at his place. Shit he looked good. Black jeans and a white sweater looked snug and warm on that big frame. She met his eyes and felt her face heat up before he broke the contact and walked to order a drink.

XX

Ivan refused to look at her after that, drinking alone by himself at the bar as he watched the tv. It was peaceful, calming he thought as he gritted his teeth and felt his jaw tighten every time there was that annoying female laugh from across the room. When the man with her got up eventually, he watched him go through the glass mirror behind the bar.

Then the peace was broken when Amelia let herself sit right down next to him, clearly a little inebriated as she used his shoulder as a prop to lean against.

His fist tightened. Amelia's companion had left without making sure she got home safe? At least he hadn't been the sort to try to take advantage of a woman like that. If Ivan had suspected that happening he would have strangled the bastard with his scarf.

"You could have joined us you know," she said looking up at him with a raised brow while he refused to say anything and threw back another shot.

"I would not have wanted to interrupt your date," he replied coolly, saying the last word with distaste.

"Like I'd come here for a date," she said loudly as she shook her head emphatically.

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye to see her watching him pointedly.

"I'm having a rough day. He's a dog walking friend," she explained while he remained impassive. She didn't know why she felt the need to explain herself instead of telling him to go to hell. "He was the only one I could think to call and hang out so I could get out of the house on Thanksgiving day."

"Ah," he said somewhat comprehending her. "Your family does not celebrate?"

"Not really," she muttered before drinking down the rest of her beer then letting out a loud belch.

Ivan muttered something about being lady like as she gasped.

"Oh shit is that the time?" she said staring at the new watch on his wrist.

"According to central time zone," he said in amusement as he watched her get up.

"I should head back. The holiday is over and I'm prolly safe," she said hopping down before leaning heavily against the bar.

He swore softly before laying money down and wrapping an arm around her waist to support her.

"Don't need your help. Whoa you are tall," she said looking up at him as he started to walk them slowly out the door, catching her when she nearly stumbled a few times. "Kay maybe I do."

"Someone cannot handle their alcohol," he teased when they were outside in the brisk cool air.

"Only because I'm little so it goes right to my head. You could prolly drink a whole freaking lot and not feel it," she slurred making him chuckle.

"It does take a lot," he conceded walking her down the sidewalk before looking down at her when she rested her head against his side. "It was not date?"

"No not a date. He wants to bang the bartender," she giggled before nearly stepping on her own foot as he wrapped his arms around her tightly to keep her up. She turned her head up to look at him and grinned. "And I need to bang something quick before I lose it!

"Da perhaps after the explosive headache and hangover tomorrow you will be ready," he laughed as he kept them moving.

"Like your laugh," she admitted as they reached her front door.

"Spasibo."

"Mmm like the way you talk too. If you weren't such a jerk I'd-"

"Amelia thank god," Francis said as the door burst open and he looked at Ivan in relief.

"I saw her at the bar and wanted to see her home safely," he explained under the protective papa's scrutiny.

"Thank you," he said reaching out to grab Amelia and lead her towards the house. "We are all very grateful. Amelie!"

Francis wasn't quick enough to catch his when she started to walk away in Ivan's direction, a look of determination on her face. Unfortunately her feet chose the moment to trip over themselves as Ivan leaned forward to grab her, keeping her from landing on her face as he stared down at her in worry.

"That was a close one," he sighed as he tried to set her upright. "You are a handful."

"You have no idea," she grinned at him before sobering a little as she leaned in and placed a kiss as soft as a snowflake on his cheek and made him feel as if he was melting from the gentle touch. He blushed and helped her back inside, nodding to Francis before walking off with his face buried in his scarf and a blush on his face even when he returned home.

XX