A/N: So I guess this is a Cassie centric? Or maybe more just me writing about Christmas. Either way, here's what I have for you today, I hope you like it! I am very worn out still from my first semester at school, and my writing is falling behind. But I'm doing my best and I hope I'm still getting you some Christmas cheer! Enjoy today's story!

December 21st- Carol of the Bells

"One seems to hear words of good cheer

From everywhere filling the air"

The backdoor had led the Librarians out a closet in the middle of Macy's that night. Now, after making their way through the store, they walked out into the streets of New York City. Cassandra skipped forward and gave a little cheer.

"I love Christmas in Manhattan!" she exclaimed. "It's just so pretty."

Jake laughed and followed close behind her. Soon she jumped over to him and grabbed his hand.

"What do you guys wanna see first?" Flynn asked.

"The tree!" Cassandra gasped. "We only saw it at daytime last year. I've never seen it at night"

"Ooh we could go ice skating again" Eve suggested.

"Um no" Jake said, remembering his struggle the year before. "I'm not going through that again"

"Oh come on" Cassie pleaded "If we go ice skating that means you get to hang all over me again"

"Why don't we start with some hot chocolate?" Melody suggested. "There's a Starbucks right over there."

"Well I actually have to finish up some Christmas shopping" Jake said. "But you guys go ahead. I'll meet you by the tree"

Cassandra was sitting chatting with Eve, looking at the tree, when someone came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulder. She jumped before turning around and seeing Jacob there. Smiling, she leaned up on her tippy-toes and gave him a quick kiss.

"I got you your peppermint mocha" she said, handing him a coffee cup. "It might be a little cold by now"

"That's alright" Jake said. "Thanks"

He wrapped his arms around her middle and laid his chin on her shoulder so that their cheeks were touching. She chuckled. His coat was extra warm, and she could smell his cologne. She could smell home. They rocked back and forth like that while they looked at the bright lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

"I got your Christmas present" he whispered, softly, so only she would hear him.

"Ooh" she piped. She closed her eyes and let herself breathe alone with him for a moment. Even in the thirty degree weather, her whole body felt warm. There was peace in the moment, and the decorations surrounding the city only made it better.

Suddenly Cassie's ear caught something. There were voices nearby, soft, small voices. They sounded so beautiful. She grabbed Jake's hand and pulled him towards the sound. When she found the source, her jaw dropped; there was a children's choir singing underneath the tree.

Hark how the bells sweet silver bells all seem to say throw cares away

A select few little girls were lightly ringing jingle bells, so that there was just a hint of jingle behind their voices. Cassandra smiled brightly.

"Isn't this peaceful?" she asked Jake.

"It sure is" he said. "They're great."

Cassandra looked around. To her left Eve and Flynn were cuddling underneath the tree, kissing and rubbing noses. They were only three days away from getting married, and she could see the happiness radiating off of them, brighter than any of the lights up on that tree. Melody and Ezekiel were sitting on a nearby bench, laughing about something she was sure was special to just the two of them. And she felt Jake's arms around her, the warmth in her body not at all due to the coffee in her system. All around the city couples like them were repeated. Some of them took pictures. Some swung little toddlers in between their arms. Some linked fingers that were wrinkled with decades of age.

She tuned in to the children again, who were spreading their youthful joy with all of Rockefeller Center. She knew they all had only Santa on their mind this week. What a wonderful thing to believe in magic in such an innocent way.

She thought of Santa, restoring the good will on Christmas Eve. Well it seemed to be here, all in this little square, days before he even showed up. Brothers and sisters and friends and parents and lovers were everywhere. There was joy everywhere. And the decorations and the light ringing of jingle bells was the cherry on top. She looked up at Jake one more time.

"This is Christmas" she said to him, understanding now more than ever why these years experiencing all the Christmas traditions felt so much more magical than those in her childhood.

On on they send, on without end, their joyful tone to every home

"What do you mean?" Jake asked.

"Love" Cassandra answered. "Christmas is love"

Ding dong ding dong

A/N: Hope you liked it! Thank you once again for your continued love and support. 4 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS. Oh shiny balls you guys. I haven't felt Christmasey at all this year. What's going on. WHO'S EXCITED FOR SUNDAY? I KNOW I AM. FLYNN CARSEN PLEASE PROPOSE. PRETTY PLEASE. IT CAN BE MY CHRISTMAS PRESENT. Anyway you guys, have a good night. See you tomorrow.