Delsa Oneshots

by hiccups-are-better

This is a series of Delsa (Danny Phantom x Young!Elsa) oneshots. I do take requests, suggestions, and constructive criticism if you have any. If not, just enjoy! Cover Art by iesnoth.

45. White Christmas

Hello everyone! I hope your are all having a wonderful holiday. I know I'm enjoying the break. I have so much to be grateful for and I'd like to thank all my friends who have supported me this year. Thank you. So have a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve, 1944

The battle front of World War I didn't pause for holidays. No, in the distance, where trenches were cut deep into Europe's mud, flashes of light, big thundering booms and explosions went off every few minutes or so.

But the men of the U.S. armed forces sat a safe distance away from the action, smiling and poking fun at the Christmas show that was being put on in front of nothing but a cloth with a poorly painted winter scene and a rinky dink piano. It was all the performers needed to lift the spirits of their fellow troops.

On the trail by the camp, a jeep of commanding officers stopped at the sound of clapping, laughter, and music.

"Stop the jeep sergeant," a sour old man commended before looking out to the crowd just past a few crumbling buildings, "What's this all about captain?"

The man just shrugged back, "A little entertainment for the men, sir. Tonight's Christmas Eve."

"These men are moving up tonight, General Manson," the older man turned to the woman beside him, "They should be lined up for inspection."

She gave him a short look before nodding, "You're absolutely right. There's no Christmas in the army," she stood to exit the jeep, leaping onto the ground before straightening her uniform, "Troops usually slip up a bit during a change in command. But I know I'm leaving them in good hands."

He nodded, "Thank you general," he turned to face front again, "Take me to headquarters immediately."

"Uh, captain?" the general addressed the driver, "Make sure to take the short cut."

The captain nodded knowingly before the jeep started up again and drove down the beaten road.

"That's not the way back to headquarters," the sergeant beside her said as the jeep turned right,

"Oh you know that, and I know that," she smirked and turned to him, "But he doesn't know that, least not for another hour and a half," she rolled her eyes, "Inspection my ass, it's Christmas Eve!"

"Then we better go see the show," the sergeant laughed as the two ventured into the crowd of troops gathered to watch the show.

A few men noticed her and she nodded at them to be at ease and to not interrupt the show as she sat down. Then a nice, velvety tenor voice rang out over the heads of the soldiers.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

She looked up and smiled at the sight of a big, goofy, and joyous smile, bright blue eyes, and midnight hair hidden under his helmet.

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

It was then that she looked around to see the faces of her men. They all looked starry eyed or wistful, no doubt missing home.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

When the last note faded into the silence, with the battlefield roaring a few miles away, the man on stage looked out on his fellow troops and took a deep breath before speaking. "And that wraps it up fellas," his smile faded ever so slightly, "It's too bad Sam couldn't make it to this little celebration cause we sure had something special for her, but you all know by now that she's being replaced by a new commanding general fresh from the pentagon," he shook his head, "Not a very nice Christmas present for those of us in a division that's moving up. All I wanted to say is, we owe a whole lot to General Manson and her-"

"Attention!"

The whole division was immediately on their feet at Sam's harsh shout, standing stiff as boards and she walked through them and made her way up to the stage. "Captain Fenton," she barked as she stepped up on stage, "Who's responsible for holding a show in this advanced area?"

"Well-"

"I-It… It was me ma'am," another officer stepped forward, "It was my idea, sir. I mean, when you got an entertainer like Captain Fenton here sir… Well I mean… ma'am it's Christmas Eve-"

"I'm well aware of the date and Fenton's abilities," she snapped, "And who are you."

He fumbled a bit, "Tucker Foley, sir, private first class."

She shook her head with amusement, "Then at ease Foley," she turned around to the troops staring right back at her, "This division is now under new command, don't forget it. Not that he'll let you. He's tough, and that's what you slackers need. So if you don't give him everything you've got I'll come back and fight for the enemy," there was a pause before a smile came to her face, "And Merry Christmas, boys."

A chorus of "Merry Christmases" and smiles filtered through the air.

Sam then turned back to the dark haired captain, nodding down at the stage, "Great, now how the hell do I got off?"

"Just so happen to have a nice finale for you, general," he smirked at her before turning to the pianist and nodding at him to begin.

The band cued up again and a bunch of troops moved to stand in their seats, singing as the chorus sounded heavily through the air.

We'll follow that woman wherever she wants to go

Long as she wants to go

Opposite to the foe

We'll stay with that woman wherever she wants to stay

Long as she stays away from the battle's fray

Sam looked out at her troops as she moved down and back into the crowd, allowing men to hug and congratulate her and offer words of thanks or luck or some such nonsense.

Because we love her, we love her

Especially when she keeps us on the ball

And we'll tell the kids we answered duties call

With the grandest and strongest woman of them all!

Cutting through the cheer the the tender moment, the sound of airplanes and their bombs pierced the air, causing the music to come to a stop and everyone to duck before rushing to take cover. Smoke and dust flew up into the air as projectiles hit the ruins of the campgrounds.

"Danny!" someone shouted before rushing towards him, "Danny, the wall! Look out!"

Tucker Foley ran and grabbed the sleeve of Danny's uniform pulling him out of the way as the stand-alone brick wall beside them crumbled to the ground. They both managed to duck out of the way but only lone piece of rumble caught Tucker's arm, tearing a sizable gash into it.

Danny was the one to help him to the infirmary and made sure he was patched up. "How you feeling, Foley?" Danny asked him, guilt clouding his mind a bit as he sat beside the man's cot.

"Pretty good captain," Tucker smiled as he sat up, adjusting his arm in the brace they'd tied around his neck.

He nodded and smiled, patting him gently on the back, "Well, I wanted to thank you for, well, saving my life back there. If there's anything I could ever do for you, you let me know."

Tucker smiled at this, "Well thanks, captain," he paused, looking a little uncertain, before speaking, "Actually captain, there is one thing."

Danny furrowed his brow, "What's that?"

"Well, I've recently taken to music, which is why I helped with the show," he nodded before looking hopeful, "And I have a few songs written, and I know you have a lot of experience and, well…" he gestured around himself, "When all this blows over, if you could take a look at it, it would really mean a lot."

Danny blinked at the strange request, but softened a bit at the private's excited gaze. "Sure thing, Foley," he patted him on the back again, "You and me, when this whole thing blows over."

Not too long after, the boys were sent back home to the states, raving and raring to go.

And one simple show with a double act created the duo of Fenton and Foley. Their names were big, bright, and in lights when they teamed up. Growing almost overnight, they hit the top of the charts of radios with their new songs, co-written, co-sung, you name it. They traveled, sang and danced, even put together a whole show that was to debut in Boston to be determined for Broadway.

The two men grew to be friends, close close friends that worked together like gears in a clock, they just clicked. It was their last night in the Florida Theatre performing their show before they set off for New York.

Danny and Tucker had just finished their number and walked back to their dressing rooms their the flurry of people running around backstage.

"Oh Tucker!"

He turned at the call of his name to find a dancer girl come up to him. "Oh hey Star, what's new?"

"Got one for you Tucker," she said before pointing him to her friend who was fixing her makeup, "This is Paulina, you know her."

The dark haired girl turned and smiled, "Hi."

"Oh hi."

"Oh Kwan," Danny called to the stage manager, "Did you get the notice written?"

The man nodded with a big smile, putting down the cables he was organizing before rushing over with a piece of paper, "The show gets laid off tonight, everyone gets 10 days off with pay," he beamed at his boss, "If that's not a Christmas present, I don't know what is."

"Well, they deserve it, and so do you," he smiled back, "Did you get the tickets for New York?"

Kwan nodded, picking up a clipboard, "It was a little hard this time a year but I managed, got you on the 1:00."

"Alright thank you," he took his hat off as someone asked him to sign something, "And put that notice on the bulletin board please. You need anything we'll be at Radio City, rehearsing for the Dash Baxter Show. Give the tickets when they come, would you?"

"Yes, sir," Kwan nodded before rushing off.

Tucker soon appeared at his side, "Hey Danny, can I see you for a minute?"

Danny furrowed a brow as his friend just took his arm and pulled him back into the dressing room area without his answer. "You know Paulina, a friend of Star's," Tucker introduced the girls in front of him.

"Another one, huh?" he muttered to his friend, resisting the urge to roll his eyes and tried to play nice. He smiled, "How do you do?"

She smiled and responded, "Mutual, I'm sure."

Danny just looked back at his friend, with a "really?" look on his face, who shrugged and said, "I thought before the train we could all get a bite to eat and have a few laughs."

This made him laugh, "I can't make it, and neither can you. We have business to take care of."

"What business?" Tucker asked with a furrowed brow.

"We gotta look at an act," he said before nodding his head at the ladies, "Another time."

Paulina scoffed as he walked away, "Well, how do you like that? Not so much as nothing for me."

Star sent a glare to Tucker, "That's the last time I find him a date."

Tucker looked between them a gave them a sheepish smile, "Would you give me a minute?" With that, he turned and rushing into his and Danny's dressing room. "Danny, it's time you and I had a little talk," he said as he entered the dressing room and started to get out of his costume.

He scoffed, "Yeah, good idea Tucker. And you know what? I'll start," he turned around and met he friend who opened his mouth to speak but was beat to it, "It's been, what, three months since the first girl you've tried to set me up with and here we are."

"It's for you own good," Tucker said, shurgging, "You're lonely and miserable. And unhappy. When you're unhappy, I'm unhappy. I fell sort of responsible for you, ever since I-"

"Don't you dare," Dany cut him off as his friend reached for his arm, "Don't throw around that life saving bit again."

Tucker sighed a patted his shoulder before turning away, "Well, if you'd rather forget it."

"How can I? You wouldn't let me," Danny managed to laugh, "Listen, we did great and we are great. Hell, you're one of the best friends I've ever had. But that doesn't mean you get to run my life, which, by the way, is not unhappy and miserable."

Tucker scoffed, "Yeah right. Yet you don't got a dame to call yours and a dame who can call you hers. So maybe you'd get someone to come home to besides me."

"Where's all this even coming from?" the dark hair man asked, straightening up in the middle of changing into his suit, "I know it's not for 'my own happiness.' For god's sake, Tuck, I'm not that old."

He looked up at his friend and crossed his arms, "Fine, you really wanna know?" at his pause Danny nodded, "Ever since we became producers, you've worked and nothing else. And from that damned day, I haven't had one moment to myself."

Danny laughed, "And there it is. Then tell me Tuck, what do you want me to do about it?"

"I want you to get married and have nine children, then spend at least five minutes with each of them so I can get forty five minutes of rest," Tucker breathed out, half joking, but half serious.

He nodded, "Alright Tuck, forty five minutes. You really think those girls you find are the type to settle down," he scoffed and shook his head, "Those girls are the kind that have their own dreams. They wanna chase them, and in this day and age, they'll trample a man in an instant to go after what they want, not that it's a bad thing but…" he paused and sighed, "Okay, I admit it, I want to find the right dame and maybe settle down."

"Ha!" Tucker pointed at his friend.

He just laughed before he got serious again, "But… well, the kind of girls we meet are ambitions and full of their own careers. They're not interested in marriage and a family," he shrugged as he buttoned up his shirt, "Someday, the right girl will come along," he turned back to his friend and sent him a smile, "Forty five minutes still good for you?"

And he smiled right back at his friend before coming over and patting his back, "Works out just fine for me. If I need anymore, I'll tell you."

Danny's smile widened before a knock at the door caused him to yell, "Come in!"

Kwan then opened the door, "I have your railroad tickets."

"Could you grab them, Tuck?" Danny asked as he finished up tying his tie, "Thanks, Kwan."

The stage manager nodded before leaving, handing Tucker the tickets. He stuffed them in his pocket before Danny spoke again. "We'll go to the train station after we audition this act."

"What kind of an act?" Tucker asked as he grabbed his tie.

Danny shrugged on his jacket, "It's a sister act."

"But we don't need a sister act," Tucker said, annoyed that he had to forfeit his date with Star.

"Yeah, well I got a letter from Kristoff," Danny turned to him, "One of them is his sister."

He furrowed a brow, "One of them," then he looked even more confused, "Wait, you mean old freckle face Kristoff? The sergeant that handed the dogs? He's got a sister?" He just sighed and shook his head, "Give me one good reason we should spent our last two hours here looking at associates of a man who slept alongside dogs."

"Let's just say we're doing it for an old pal in the army," he replied.

Tucker scoffed as he grabbed his jacket, "Well… it's not good, but it's a reason."

---

"Girls! It's me, Tiana!"

The two girls in the dressing room shared a looked before opening the door for the woman. She rushed in with an excited look on her face, "Danny Fenton and Tucker Foley are here to catch your act."

One of the girl's mouth dropped open, "Fenton and Foley?"

Tiana nodded, "Got a letter from your brother. He asked them to take a look and give you some advice," she gestured to them before turning to leave the room, "Now hurry up and dress. You're on in fifteen."

Once she left, the other girl smiled as she stood to turn to her friend, "Isn't that fabulous, Elsa? Fenton and Foley, here to see us."

She just stared back, a little bewildered, "Yeah, I suppose."

"That was so thoughtful of your brother to think of us," she smiled brightly.

She nodded, turning suspicious, "Wonder where he got the idea."

The other girl shrugged, turning to fix her hair in the mirror, "Oh, he probably heard they were in town and that they were doing a big show."

"Uh huh," she raised a brow with an amused look, "Funny thing is I got a call from my mother this morning. Kristoff got a job in Alaska working with sled dogs."

Her eyes widened as she began to put her stage earrings on, "Oh? Well, can't people write letters from Alaska?"

"Valerie," Elsa shook her head, a disapproving look on her face.

The woman turned to her friend, "It's good business. You can't just leave everything up to fate. All it needs is a little push."

"Yeah, well, tell me before you go around pushing again," Elsa shook her head with a small amused smile as she moved to get her costume ready.

Valerie scoffed, but nonetheless smiled at her friend, "You sound like a mother hen."

"Until someone comes along who can look after you, I'll always be close to the coop," she smiled right back.

They finished dressing and made it onstage on time, setting back to back with big blue feather fans to block their faces.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Winter Sisters."

Applause followed as the announcer turned to serve as the conductor for the orchestra onstage. The girls on the dancefloor lowered their fans, smiles bright as they met the audience.

Sisters, sisters

There were never such devoted sisters

Valerie smiled charmingly as she stepped forward. Never had to have a chaperone, no sir

Elsa followed and placed a hand on her shoulder, shooting the audience a look. I'm there to keep my eye on her

Both smiling, the continued, step touching lightly to the music while swaying their fans.

Caring, sharing

Every little thing that we are wearing

Valerie twirled, covering her dress with her fan. When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome

Elsa sighed. She wore the dress, and I stayed home

All kinds of weather, we stick together

The same in the rain and sun

They turned and smiled to each other.

Two different faces, but in tight places

We think and we act as one

They looked to the audience with a tentative face and a, "Eh huh," of a laugh.

Valerie's smile returned as she took center again. Those who've seen us, know that not a thing could come between us

Elsa nodded as she joined her, Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can

They both went back to back again and smiled proudly at the audience. Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister

They turned to glare at each other. And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man.

Tucker stared up at the two, still amazed that Kristoff knew such cute girls. They were both dressed in short blue dresses with long lace sleeves that matched their fans. One girl was blonde with her hair up in an intricate pretty bun with pale skin and blue eyes. But the other contrasted her, with darker skin, beautiful voluminous hair in an updo, and eyes more green then blue in a sort of teal color.

He'd turned to elbow Danny, but stopped when he noticed him watching the show intently. His attention was brought back when the two girls began to dance, their table conveniently up front. He did, in fact, end up elbowing his friend to get his attention, "Hey, how bout those big teal eyes, eh?"

"No, they're blue," was Danny's half-hearted response.

"Teal," he argued.

Danny shook his head, not taking his eyes off the show, "Uh uh, blue."

Tucker turned to further his point that, in fact, the girls eyes were more teal than blue, but froze when he followed his friend's line of sight to the blonde that was onstage. "Oh yeah," he nodded in agreement, a small smirk on his face, "Deep blue."

Sisters!

They both spun around and fan kicked outwardly.

Ever-loving sisters!

They joined each other in the center once more and fluttered their fans.

Sister don't come between me and my man!

As they held out the last note, they made their exit, applause and cheers following them, including those of Fenton and Foley.

The girls came back out a few minutes later, dressed in regular clothes, to join the two men at their table. "Hello," they both greeted the two girl, shaking their hands as Tucker slyly slipped between them to make them sit boy, girl, boy, girl.

"Hello, I'm Elsa," the blonde smiled before nodding to her friend, "And this is Valerie."

Valerie smoothed down her light pink dress as she sat down. "And you're Tucker Foley, and you're Danny Fenton," she continued, nodding at the two with an excited smile.

"And that's quite an act you two have," Danny continued with a smile, "Kristoff never mentioned show business to us."

Elsa looked to her sister before turning towards him, shrugging her violet shawl off her shoulders, "To be perfectly honest, Mr. Fenton-"

"Kristoff is just shy," Valerie waved it off, shooting Elsa a look, "You know how he is. He wouldn't want to take advantage of an old army friendship."

"Speaking of families and whatnot, you wouldn't mind my inquiring about your interest in a family," Tucker said to Elsa, "Would you want one?"

She blinked at the sudden change of subject, "W-Well, yes, I suppose so."

Danny rolled his eyes and muttered an, "Oh boy," under his breath.

Tucker beamed at her, "Oh wow, imagine a girl in show business wanting to settle down and raise a family. It's so refreshing isn't it?"

"Pushing, pushing," Danny said quietly as the two girls exchanged a look.

Valerie looked between the two, "Well, I for one would like from free advice. Do you have any suggestions for the act?"

Danny's friendly smile returned, "No, I say just keep on going and see where it takes you."

"There must be something," Valerie shook her head before nodding at Elsa, "Should Elsa be blonde? Or should she go a shade darker, or change the style?"

Danny turned to look at Elsa and found her awaiting an answer as well. "No," he shook his head, staring at her a bit, "No, I wouldn't change a thing."

Color flooded her cheeks as Tucker quickly glanced between the two before turning to Valerie, "Care to dance?"

Valerie opened her mouth to protest before catching onto his little plan, "Alright," she turned to the other two who were at the table, "Now promise you won't say anything important until I get back." When they both nodded, she smiled and stood to join Tucker on the dance floor.

Danny, despite himself, smiled at the two. "They look good together," he commented easily.

"Yes," she smiled before it faded. She took a deep breath before turning to face him completely, "Mr. Fenton, I must be totally honest with you. Kristoff didn't write the letter, Valerie did."

He furrowed his brow, "She did?"

Elsa shrugged, "Well, she figured you wouldn't come if we asked and you might if Kristoff did."

To her surprise, he laughed. "How about that, huh?" Danny looked out to the woman in question, "Even Valerie's got an angle."

She jumped to her friend's defense, "She didn't mean anything by it, she just-"

"Don't apologize, everybody's got an angle," Danny shrugged, easy smile still on his face.

Elsa's eyes turned a little colder as she straightened her shoulders, "That's a pretty cynical point of view." She looked away from him and pulled in her chair a bit, "Just know now that my friend and I don't play angles."

"Then what was that letter?" he asked right back.

She narrowed her eyes a bit, "I don't like what you're inferring."

Danny sat up as well. "I've got no problem with it. She had a percentage, she played, and here we are," he shrugged, "No big deal."

She relaxed at bit, but the slight chill never left her eyes.

"Aren't they getting along just fine?" Tucker asked Valerie as they danced, both of them keeping a close eye on their friends.

"And so quickly too," Valerie agreed with a smile.

Tucker sighed in content, "Well, isn't that nice."

"All I'm saying is that when you're in show business like I've been in show business, you just get used to people working angles, that's all," Danny tried to reason.

The blonde lifted her chin ever so slightly, "Mr. Fenton, seeing as the chance of us two meeting again is extremely remote, I see no point in arguing."

Danny couldn't help but smirk at her, picking up his glass, "I'll drink to that."

Tucker sighed, "Would you look at them. Too bad we have to leave town tonight."

"That is a shame," Valerie nodded, "But we're leaving tomorrow anyway."

He furrowed his brow, "Where you going?"

She turned her head back to look at him, their conversation now shifting away from their friends. "Vermont, Elsa and I were booked for the holidays. It should be beautiful this time of year, all that snow."

"Yeah…" Tucker trailed off, looking at her, "You know something?"

She smile slyly, "What?"

"Vermont should be beautiful this time of year," he repeated absentmindedly, "All that snow."

"That's what I just said," Valerie deadpanned, but an amused smile stayed on her face, taking his dreamy state as flattery and finding it kind of cute. "Maybe it's the music."

He blinked, their dance slowing to dream-like swaying instead of steps. "Maybe it isn't only the music," he said as their dance lead them out onto the club's outdoor area that was completely empty, "You know, the best things happen while you're dancing."

After a little while, Elsa noticed that the two had disappeared from the dance floor. After quickly excusing herself and giving a brief thank you to Danny, she headed off. Though he secretly wanted her to stay a little longer, and he'd never admit it, he didn't due to their trivial spat earlier.

Elsa found Valerie and Tucker out under the moonlight, just having a wonderful moment. A part of her felt bad for having to pull them apart, but her protective instincts also reminded her of the dear Mr. Cynical she'd left at the table. "Valerie," she called gently, approaching them, "We have to go change for the last act."

Valerie blinked, as did Tucker, and the two stepped away from each other. They shared a small, shy look before Valerie moved towards her friend. They were stopped however, when Tiana appeared in the doorway. "The sheriff's here," she said hurriedly, "With a warrant to arrest you two."

Both girls stopped in their tracks and looked to the owner of the club with wide eyes, as did Tucker. "Hey now, what's the trouble?" Tucker asked.

Valerie sighed, "The landlord claims we burned a hole in the rug and he's trying to hold us up for $200."

"Oh, not that old rug routine," Tucker shook his head with a roll of his eyes.

Elsa looked to him, "We snuck our bags out."

"Well, where are they?"

She nodded towards the back, "In our dressing rooms."

Tucker thought for a moment before nodding, "Okay then, you two go and pack. Danny and I will take care of this."

Elsa remembered her encounter with Danny and shook her head, "Oh, no. We don't want to cause you any trouble."

He shrugged, "It's no trouble."

She sighed, "I know but Mr. Fenton already thinks that we-"

"Oh don't worry about him," Tucker shook his head, "We like to help where we can."

"But you'll get yourself in an awful jam. Why should you?" Valerie tried.

He looked between the two of them before pressing a hand to his heart, "Forty five minutes, all to myself."

They both looked at him, confused. He shook his head and waved them away, "Go on, now. Go pack." They hesitated, but nonetheless, turned to go to their dressing rooms to pack. Tucker turned around to Tiana, "Now you gotta go back there and stall."

"How am I gonna do that?" she asked, slightly panicked.

He shrugged, "Tell him a story, anything. Tell him the girls have to finish their show. Something like that." She looked unsure but she still turned and walked back to her office. Tucker rushed back inside and to their table. "Danny," he said hurriedly, "The girls are in a jam, we gotta help them."

"What's the trouble?" he asked.

Tucker just shook head before reaching forward and taking Danny's arm, pulling him up from his seat. "I'll explain, just come on." He dragged him back into the office area where the dressings rooms were as well, briefly summing up the situation.

Danny sighed, "Well, why don't we just pay the $200?"

"Are you kidding? And let a rat like that con money off a few girls?" Tucker scoffed, "Come on, you call a cab out back."

He stopped before turning to his best friend, "Now Tuck, I'm all for helping people, but why should I listen to you? Give me one good reason."

"Let's just say we're doing it for an old pal in the army," he said, turning Danny around by his shoulder to push him towards the door.

He sighed, "Well, it's not good, but it's a reason." With that, he turned and went out the back door.

Tucker turned and entered the girls' dressing room. They were hurriedly shoving things into their suitcases as fast as they could. He joined in seamlessly, taking whatever the girls handed to him and packing it away. "You two get down to the station and hop on a train," he said.

Elsa sighed, "We can't. Our tickets aren't good until tomorrow."

"Tickets," he froze before patting his pockets, "Wait a minute," he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pair of tickets, "Here, take these."

She looked back at him, eyes widening, "We can't take your tickets. What will Mr. Fenton think?"

"Sweetie it was his idea, now come on."

"His idea?" she paused before she raised a brow sarcastically, "You sure he won't think it's some kind of an angle?"

Tucker opened the window and pulled back the curtains, "I told you it was his idea, now let's get you going." Elsa moved to the window and sat on the windowsill, some clothes in her arms as she lept outside.

"We'll pay you back," Valerie said as she moved to get out the window as well, "Where can we reach you?"

Tucker shook his head as he handed Elsa her suitcase, "Oh, don't worry, we'll be in touch."

Valerie paused at the window as he handed her suitcase to Elsa as well, "Oh but our trunks-"

"We'll get them to you," Tucker waved her off as the cab honked from outside.

She lept outside as well and they three exchanged a few rushed goodbyes as the girls got into the cab and Tucker moved to close the window. He watched the car drive away and he turned to leave the room. His eye, however, caught the vinyl record of the girls' song before he rushed out the door, seeing Tiana speaking with Danny in the hallway.

"I can't stall them much longer," she shook her head.

Tucker shook his head as well, "Well, we gotta give the girls a head start." He paused before he looked to Danny, then to Tiana, "I've got an idea if you could just stall them for a few more minutes."

"I'll try but that man will eat me out of business at the rate he's going," Tiana rolled her eyes before turning to go back into her office.

Tucker moved to return to the dressing room, "Come on, Danny, this just might work."

"Why do I get the funny feeling that I'm not gonna like it?" Danny asked in exasperation as he followed his friend to the door.

Tucker shrugged, "I got a feeling your gonna hate it."

He gave him a look, "Then what am I doing it for?"

He returned said look, "Let's just say we're doing-"

"We're doing it for a pal in the army, yeah, yeah," Danny finished before shoving Tucker into the dressing room.

A few minute later, the girls' music started playing before the announcer turned to the audience. "Ladies an gentlemen, an impromptu surprise for you."

It was then that the vinyl copy of the song was played and the blue fans folded down to reveal Danny and Tucker with blue barrettes in their hair, smiling cheesily at the audience as they mouthed the words to the song.

---

After being chased out of the club by the sheriff, the two men ran down the station platform to hop on the departing train. They huffed as they reached the train's corridor. The conductor smiled as he went up to the two men. "Oh gentlemen, you made it just in time," the older man smiled, "You have space on this train?"

"Yes, sir. Show him the tickets Tucker," Danny nodded to his friend, panting.

Tucker felt his heart drop into his stomach as he nodded. "Oh yes, tickets," he said as she pretended to search his pockets, his voice cracking a bit.

After a while the conductor spoke, "Gentlemen, either you have tickets or you haven't tickets. But it seems every available space on this train is occupied. However, if you care to purchase tickets, you can sit up all night in the club car."

Danny, holding back a glare for Tucker, asked, "How much for two fares to New York?"

The conductor checked, "$97.24."

Tucker, still slightly nervous about Danny's lack of reaction shook his head, "How much more to Vermont?"

"Vermont?" Danny repeated looking to his friend in confusion.

Tucker shrugged, "But it must be beautiful this time of year, all that snow."

Danny turned back to the conductor, "Two tickets to New York, please." As he paid for the tickets, he tried to ignore Tucker's protests.

The conductor nodded at them, "Club car's straight ahead."

With a huff, the two men picked up their suitcases and moved towards the dining car. "I don't get it," Danny shook his head, "That room was in our name, they aren't allowed to give it to anyone else."

"Oh, must be the holiday rush and all," Tucker brushed it off. Just then, the train clicked a little rougher, causing them both to stumble a bit and knock them into a closed room door, swinging it open to reveal two very familiar girls. Tucker's eyes widened as the door shut on it's own. "C-Come on," he ushered Danny further down the hall, "Club car's this way."

As they reached the dining car, they set their suitcases in a booth then sat in another facing each other. "I still don't get it," Danny huffed, "We paid for tickets twice. We had a room with a nice, soft, warm bed, where right now two girls-"

He froze and stopped himself, realizing who was in the room they'd paid for. He looked to Tucker, who looked very guilty glancing around the room. "Oh no, Tucker," he said, rubbing his temples, in an instant, he stood up, "You got me involved with a sheriff, I danced like a dame in front of a live audience, we almost get hurt trying to catch a train… Tucker, we hardly know those gir-"

"Mr. Fenton!"

He turned when he heard a familiar voice call to him to find the blonde and brunette smiling brightly at him as they entered the car. "Mr. Fenton, how can we ever thank you?" Valerie beamed as they reached the other pair.

Elsa's smile was brighter as she reached out to gently touch his arm, "It really was so generous of you," she nodded at Tucker, "Mr. Foley told us you insisted on giving us the tickets and…" her smile widened, "Well, it was just wonderful of you."

Danny blinked back at the two girls beaming at him. Tucker just smirked at his friend's reaction and looked to the girls, "Won't you join us for sandwiches and such?"

"Oh," Elsa looked between the two, "We couldn't possibly. After all you've done-"

"Please," Danny said, finding his voice, "We insist."

She seemed a little surprised, but her smile soon returned and she moved to sit in the booth. Tucker, with smirk ever present, managed to maneuver so he and Valerie sat together and Elsa and Danny were across from them.

They did the normal idle chatter as they ate, swaping stories of show business and funny tales that made everyone laugh. As they were finishing up, Danny spoke up, "Where are you two headed?"

"We're booked for the holidays," Elsa turned to him to say, "At the Amity Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont."

Then in clicked in Danny's mind and he glanced over at Tucker, who readily avoided the eye contact. "That sounds lovely," he said, still looking at his friend, "Should be beautiful this time of year, all that snow." He finally made eye contact and smirked, "Just what we need, eh?"

"Wonderful," Valerie smiled, "Could you come up for a few days?"

Danny looked away from his friend, realizing the joke may not have come across at that to the girls. "Well, gee, I don't know."

"Oh, I wish you could," Elsa said to him, her smile softening his resolve, "It'd be awfully nice."

He stopped for a moment, trying to find a way to say no to her. But the smile and a flutter of her eyes was his downfall, "Well…" He met Tucker's eyes, who discretely rubbed his arm with a small pout. "Miss Elsa," Danny spoke suddenly, "If you're ever under a falling building and somebody offers to carry you to safety, spit in his eye."

She blinked, "Now what did that mean?"

He sighed, "It means we're going to Vermont." At the excited sounds of his companions, he lightened up a little, "Won't be bad to step away from show business for a while, with those beautiful mountains, pine trees," he smiled, "And snow."

"Uh oh," Tucker smirked before lifting a brow, "Do I sense a new number from you Mr. Songwriter?"

Danny laughed before thinking about that in his head, simply singing he word Snow.

Snow, was Tucker's response a step higher.

Valerie smiled and found the next, Snow.

Snow, was Elsa to top off the chord they'd built.

Snow, Danny sang on his own, It won't be long before we'll all be there with snow

Snow, I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow, Elsa joined, copying his melody.

Tucker sighed, Snow, I long to clear a path and lift a spade of snow

Valerie laughed, Snow, oh, to see a great big man entirely made of snow

Danny looked around the quartet around him, Where it's snowing all winter through, that's where I want to be

Snowball throwing, Elsa smirked at him, That's what I'll do

Valerie smiled, How I'm longing to ski, through the

Snow, they all joined back in before Danny picked up the next line. Those glistening houses that seem to be built of snow

Elsa faced him, Snow, oh, to see a mountain covered with a quilt of snow

The two girls made eye contact before continuing on their own, What is Christmas with no snow?

No white Christmas with no snow? Danny asked with a smile

I'll soon be there with snow, Elsa smiled, looking at the advertisement of Vermont that was propped on their table.

Valerie smiled, I'll wash my hair with snow

And with a spade of snow, Tucker smirked, I'll build a man that's made of snow. He paused before looking to Danny, I'd love to stay up with you but I recommend a little shuteye, go to sleep

He couldn't help but smile at his friend, And dream of snow

Elsa beamed, Snow

Tucker winked, Snow

Valerie smirked, Snow

Snow!

---

"Pine Tree! Pine Tree!"

The yelling of the conductor was the early morning greeting they received the next day. Valerie opened the door to their room to get the luggage out but spotted Tucker and Danny. "Good morning," she called to them with a smile.

"Well hey there," Tucker smiled, setting down his bags and going to help her with her things.

Danny followed suit, "How'd you two sleep?"

"Alright, I don't mind sleeping on trains," Valerie admitted as she opened the door for them.

As Tucker took the bags, Danny found Elsa dressed and sitting on the top bunk. "You ended up on the shelf, huh?" he teased with a small smile.

She laughed a bit before shrugging, "Yes."

"Well, here," he stepped forward, "Let me help you down."

"Alright," she compiled with a nod as she checked to make sure she didn't leave anything on the bed. She turned to him as he opened his arms to her. She reached down and got a hold of his shoulders before hopping off of the bed, letting Danny take her waist and help her down to the ground. Just then, the train lurched a bit, causing the two to stumble a bit into each other.

Chests pressed together, they looked up to find their noses almost touching. Even through their winter coats, Elsa could still feel some heat radiating off of him. She could also feel the blush spread through her cheeks as she stood back on her feet and reached down to hurriedly get her suitcase, Danny just watching her with a stunned expression.

"Your strategy's a little obvious," Valerie said to Tucker, having watched the two.

He looked at her, "You don't mind, do you?"

She shook her head, "But I got some news for you. She's a real slow mover."

"I got some news for you," Tucker retaliated, "She's in there with the champ."

She smirked, "Then we have our work cut out for us."

The train began to come to a stop and the crew piled out onto the platform, surprised to find green pine trees and warm weather. "Is this really Vermont, or did we take the wrong train? Where's the snow?" Valerie asked jokingly.

"We haven't had snow since Thanksgiving," an attendant on the platform informed them before returning to his work.

"Car for Amity Inn!"

A shout sounded from the road, not far from the platform. "Oh, that's us," Elsa said to the group, causing them to shrug away their confusion and continue on. As they moved to get into the car, packing their bags and such, Danny turned to the group. "How bout that huh?" he smiled before he sung the first note from last night, Snow.

Snow Tucker huffed in key as he set down his suitcase.

Snow Valerie rolled her eyes playfully.

Snow Elsa finished before they all dissolved into laughter at their situation.

The car ride was not long at all and it pulled into a round driveway of the main house of the inn. The driver helped them with their bags as the two girls went up to the check in counter of the lobby, meeting a blonde haired, green eyed woman in a blue dress. "Welcome to the Amity Inn," she smiled, "What sort of a accommodations would you like?"

Elsa shook her head, "We're not here as guests. We're the Winter Sisters."

Her cheery smile faded, "Oh… I'm sorry but we won't be able to use you. We can pay half the salary for canceling." She turned to the two men, "You aren't going to stay either, are you?"

Danny shrugged before going to get the bags, "Well if the girls are leaving, I'll just get the luggage."

He didn't notice the back door open until it shut, causing him to look up. And when he did, he did a double take. "General Manson," he said in disbelief before straightening up and saluting, "Sir."

The dark haired woman smiled, "At ease." She nodded, "How are you, captain?"

"You know, right now we're probably more interested in what you've been doing," Tucker spoke up, staring wide-eyed at her.

Sam rolled her eyes as him as she set the firewood down in a pile by the door. "Then are we going to do introductions?" she quirked a brow teasingly, "Like who are those two women who just happen to be accompanying you? Because this," she gestured to the woman at the counter, "Is my housekeeper, Dora Draco."

"We're the Winter Sisters," Elsa nodded at them.

Valerie nodded, "Your floor show."

"Don't worry," Dora said to Sam, "I've already told them we've have to cancel."

"Why?" Sam asked before leaning against the counter, "We have a floor, don't we?"

Dora sighed, "Then who are they gonna sing to?"

"Even if it's just you and me," Sam smiled at the girls, "It'll be well worth it. This old inn could use a little music. Besides there should be six inches of snow tomorrow so this place should be packed."

Elsa's eyes widened, "Is that the weather forecast?"

"No, but if there's one thing I learned in the army, it's to stay positive."

They all couldn't help but smile. "Miss Manson," Elsa spoke up before shaking her head, "We don't want you to feel obligated to do anything. We can-"

"Nonsense," Sam waved them off as the stood up straight, "Your first show is tonight at eight. And don't be late," she glanced at the time, "And I also have a date with some chores so, if you'll excuse me."

She nodded at the group, trying to ignore Danny and Tucker saluting her. But a smile reached her face at the idea of seeing old familiar faces once again.

That night the lodge's dinner floor had a few people there to sit, eat, and watch the show. But as the show went on Danny's gaze drifted to Sam, who stood off by herself, watching the show with a smile and dressed in a suit.

"She always loved music didn't she?" Danny asked Tucker as the girls finished the show and made their exit.

Tucker laughed, "She would straighten out every snicker and bark at every cough. But if you were humming? She told you to sing."

The two shared a laugh as Valerie and Elsa came out, having changed out of their costumes, and joined them at the table. After ordering a meal, Elsa sighed. "Isn't this just awful?" she asked the table, "I feel like we're taking money under false pretenses." She perked up as Dora came over with their food, "Oh, Dora, do you think you could convince her to let us work for half salary?"

The woman shook her head with a laugh, "No way Sam will ever do such a thing. She's sunk everything into this Inn."

Tucker furrowed his brow, "How deep is she?"

"Too deep to back out," she shook her head as she placed the food on the table, "But you two know her and you know she'd never back out on anything." With a nod, she turned to attend to the other guests.

"There's got to be something we can do about it," Tucker mused to himself, "Find some way to get people to this inn."

Valerie perked up, "What about an act? Not just a floor show, but a real show stopper."

Tucker nodded, pointing at her, "Now you're talking."

She then raised a brow, "Someone like Fenton and Foley."

"No honey, they're too big. You'll never get them here," Tucker replied absentmindedly, before perking up, "Wait a minute. Fenton and Foley. Well, how bout it Danny? We could do our old nightclub act and even fit the girls in."

Danny stared off for a bit before looking back at him and nodding, "It's almost there Tuck. It just needs… something," his eyes lit up before his stood and turned to the woman at the bar, "Dora, could you get me the New York operator?"

She nodded and came out from behind the counter, "Alright then, this way."

Tucker watched as Dora led Danny back to the lobby. He sighed and looked back at the girls, "I don't know what he's up to but he's got that Rodgers and Hammerstein look in his eye."

Elsa blinked, "Is that… bad?"

Tucker shook his head, "Not bad. Expensive." He thought for a minute before standing up, "Excuse me ladies."

They both watched him go before Valerie smirked back at Elsa, "So much for a cold heart."

"Valerie," she scolded her friend.

"Did you see the look in his eye? That's the look of a man on a noble mission," she shrugged.

Elsa smiled, "And you've known many men who've been on missions, have you?"

"Oh hush."

Tucker made his way back to the lobby to find Danny on the phone behind the front desk. "I know it's crazy all but you're working for crazy people," Danny laughed into the phone as Tucker came to the counter, "Now, I want the whole show up here in three days. Sets, costume, and all the cast you can round up."

His friend blinked, "Wait a minute, what's this gonna cost?"

"Everybody gets an extra weeks pay for the short notice," he added, "We got a month and a half and we open Christmas Eve."

Tucker groaned, "Danny, what's the cost? How much?"

He blinked, as if just noticing his friend before asking, "How much?" over the phone. In a moment, his eyes widened and he muttered a, "Wow."

Tucker straightened up, "How much is 'wow?'"

"Okay, well, just do the best you can," Danny smiled, "Good luck and thank you."

As he hung up the phone on the receiver Tucker spoke again, "How much is 'wow?'"

"We've got a big job ahead of us Tuck," Danny rubbed his hands together as he came out from behind the counter, "Whatever acts we can't get, the Winter Sisters will take up, plain and simple."

Tucker just shook his head and grabbed Danny's shoulders, "I'm only going to ask one more time. How much is 'wow?'"

Danny winced, "It's right between 'ouch' and 'yikes.'"

"Wow." Tucker froze for a second before nodding, "Alright then I'm right behind you."

---

In three days, the driveway of the Inn was filled with cast, crew, sets, trucks, production teams, and more, all moving and unpacking like a well-oiled machine. And Sam walked right through the middle of it.

She quickly found Danny and Tucker and marched right up to them. "You brought your whole show up here?"

Tucker shrugged, "Only most of it."

She blinked and looked around, "Well, I still don't understand why?"

"Well, we closed our show for the holidays before we hit New York," Danny shrugged, "Why not practice here?"

"Yes, I get it," she looked between them before putting her hands on her hips, "But why here?"

"You've got a big empty ski lodge don't you?" he asked, "We have new material we'd like to test. Might as well use your audience."

Sam laughed, "Well, what audience?"

Tucker shrugged, "Not to brag but Fenton and Foley never had any trouble filling seats."

She just shrugged and shook her head, "Alright then. Go ahead and do your thing. As much as I love it, there's a lot I don't know about show business."

"Well, we wouldn't be any good as generals," Tucker joked as she turned to return to the Inn.

She smirked, "You weren't any good as privates."

It took them half of the day to get everything organized. Basic curtains and lighting was hung, a small rehearsal space was available, a costume section was roped off and the band's stage was cleared of instruments for the beginnings of rehearsals. Then the weeks of set building, costuming and real rehearsals started. In those few weeks leading up to the cast and crew arrival, Danny and Tucker had incorporated Elsa and Valerie into their show. They worked closely on the materials, learning each of their strengths in performing. While both can sing, Elsa was more dance coordinated while Valerie could act a character part very well. That afternoon the cast ran "The Minstrel Number" on stage with full lights, props and costumes.

The song itself was a whirlwind. Danny and Tucker opened before Elsa joined them, dressed in a long black sleeveless dress with a red train and red gloves. When the cast joined in, Valerie was center in a short white dress with a red train and white gloves, moving and acting around the male dancers before joining the other three up front and singing.

At the very end, the two members of the audience, Sam and Dora, started clapping as the cast broke their pose. "This is sure to bring business," Dora smiled to Sam.

They all rushed offstage to undress and get ready for their next rehearsal. "Was that alright?" Valerie asked Danny and Tucker as they all exited the stage, "I know this is the one we worked on the most so…"

"It's was great," Tucker smiled.

Danny nodded, taking off his top hat, "Sure was."

Elsa sat down at the piano, taking off her gloves before playing a few chords of the song they'd just performed. "Valerie?" she asked, "During your little section, was this part too slow?"

Danny listened as she played before stepping behind her. "Yeah, maybe try driving it a bit more," he reached around her, playing the chords with a bit more swing style. "Isn't that better?"

"Yes," Elsa smiled, "It's much better…" she trailed off, however, when she came face to face with Danny, their noses almost touching and her heart doing a little flutter as her cheeks bloomed red.

Danny stared at her for moment before repeating absentmindedly, "Much better."

Valerie and Tucker shared a knowing look before he nodded, "Much much better."

After a long day of rehearsing, Danny was feeling restless, filled with new ideas for modifications and additions to the show in order to help Sam. So, he set off for the dining space-turned-rehearsal-room to spend some time with the piano.

Once he'd left, Tucker peeked out his and Danny's room window to find Valerie looking back at him through her own window. He gave her a wink and a thumbs up. Valerie smiled a nodded before turning and moving to her bed. "Anything wrong?" she asked the girl who was tossing an turning in the bed beside hers.

Elsa shook her head, sitting up, "No, I'm just restless."

Valerie grabbed and extra pillow from the closet and began to fluff it, "Anything on your mind?"

Elsa shook her head before repeating, "Just restless." She smiled at her friend as she placed the extra pillow behind her head.

She returned to her own bed before removing her slippers, "Maybe you would sleep better if you had something to eat."

"Oh no, honey, I'm not hungry."

"Well, Dora said she left some sandwiches down at the snack bar," she offered.

"Valerie," she gave her a look, "Go to sleep."

"And some lemonade."

"Goodnight Valerie."

She slumped her shoulders before another idea came to her mind. She perked up before turning to her friend, "They say if you eat something right before bed, it helps to… um…" she snapped her fingers, "Drain blood from the head, in case your thinking of anything or… anybody, or anything really."

Elsa sighed before sitting up and getting out of bed, "Alright fine. I'll go and get something," she looked ot her friend as she pulled a thin robe over her nightdress, "Not because I want something to eat, but if I don't get something to eat you won't go to sleep." She gave her friend a playful shove as she made her way to the door, "Goodnight Valerie."

She smirked as Elsa left the little cabin. Once the door shut, she got out of bed and carefully went to the window. She spotted Tucker and immediately gave him a thumbs up.

The blonde entered the warm main building through the back door. She found a cosy open fire pit had been lit in the sitting area and a piano was being played by the bar. She crept over to find Danny sitting at the instrument, a pencil in his mouth and eyes on the sheet music in front of him.

She couldn't help but smile at the sight. "Hello," she spoke up.

She'd snapped him out of his creative trance and he looked up and smiled at her, accidentally dropping the pencil. He quickly grabbed it off the floor before his smile turned sheepish, "Hi." He glanced at her pajamas before he stood and placed the pencil on the top of the piano, "What's got you up so late?"

Elsa shrugged, "Couldn't sleep. And I heard something about sandwiches and lemonade?"

He nodded before moving around to the other side of the bar. "Then, you Miss Winter, have come to the right place," he teased, earning a small laugh from her, before reaching down onto a shelf and pulling out a tray of sandwiches. "What'll you have?"

"Anything," she shrugged as she sat down at the corner.

"Hm," he thought before looking up at her, "Tell me what you want to dream about and I'll know what to give you."

Another short laughed came from her as she quirked a brow, "And how's that?"

He shrugged before placing his elbows on the counter and leaning onto it, "Well, in showbusiness, late meals are sometimes unavoidable. Now I find it that certain foods lead to certain dreams," he laughed to himself as he poured some lemonade, "Now ham and cheese makes for a city street, but the good kind with colorful people and pleasant noise in the air," he said placing a sandwich on the a plate before picking up another one, "Now turkey, you dream about a tropical island with sweet smelling wind and waves."

"Either sound wonderful," she answered right back, loving the way he spoke to her with their eyes locked.

After a few moments, Danny was the first to blink when he noticed she had no coat. "Are you a little cold?" he asked as he watched her wrap her arms around herself. At her sheepish nod, he took the plate and glass in his hand, "I got the perfect spot for you."

He came around the counter as Elsa got off her chair. "Oh an open hearth," she smiled as he placed the food on the small table by the cushioned benches around the fire, "This is so nice." As she sat down, she glanced up at him, "Aren't you glad you came?"

"Yes," he answered with a nod, "Very much so."

Elsa shrugged, fidgeting with her robe, "I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't usually have any trouble sleeping."

Danny laughed, "It's funny. I was working on a song just now that talks about that." He glanced at her, "You wanna hear it?"

She perked up excitedly, "Of course."

He couldn't help but laughed at her enthusiasm. He had to swallow his embarrassment before opening his mouth to sing. When I'm worried and I can't sleep, he shrugged with smiled, I count my blessings instead of sheep. And I fall asleep counting my blessings. He moved to sit down next to her, When my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all, and I fall asleep counting my blessings.

He watched her carefully before reaching out and taking her hand. So if you're worried and you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep, he looked up and met her eyes, And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.

When he finished, she stared at him the silence with glittering eyes. He cleared his throat and looked away, a little embarrassed. "It's um… very rough and simple, you know? I-I just started it and-"

"Can I be completely honest for a moment?" she asked, cutting him off.

Danny blinked before nodding, "Well, of course."

Her cheeks grew pink and her eyes found their two hands, "I know you probably hear this a lot but… I think your voice is just wonderful."

His breath left him in a second and he could feel his heart speed up at the simple compliment. Yes, he had heard it a lot before, but hearing her say it was just different. "Thank you. Though it's nothing compared to yours."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Oh please."

"I'm serious," he smiled at her, causing her to meet his eyes, "You're going places, Elsa," he paused before leaning a bit closer with a smirk, "I'll tell you a secret. I didn't start out as a singer. I wrote the songs and gave them to other people. It was Christmas Eve in the army when I first performed. And I could just see and feel how much it meant to those men. And that feeling… well here we are."

She stared at him, fully understanding the feeling he was describing. "I think what you're doing for the general is just wonderful," she nodded at him, "One of the most decent and unselfish things I've ever heard of."

He smirked and raised a brow, "No angle?"

She laughed before shaking her head, "No angle." Her smiled disappeared before she turned sheepish, "I wanted to apologize for the way I acted in Boston. I guess I've always been a bit of a schoolgirl. You know the bit, lady fair and white knight on the horse."

"Well a guy could easily slip off one of those things," he joked.

Elsa's smile grew, "Are you worried?"

He returned it, "Kind of."

If you're worried and you can't sleep, she smirked, count your blessings instead of sheep.

He beamed at her as he joined in, And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.

They stayed there, holding hands in the warmth of the fire. Danny took a chance and leaned forward, tilting up his chin to connect their lips. Elsa met him halfway, her heart soaring as his hand came up to brush her cheek with his knuckles.

But the warm tender moment was broken by the clearing of a throat. They broke apart to find Sam by the door of the lobby with a book in her hand and a smirk on her face. Elsa's face burned bright red while Danny just gave the general a look.

"I didn't mean to interrupt or anything," she said as she sauntered past them to the bar, "But I was craving something sweet," her smirk returned, "Seems you two beat me too it."

"Oh you're hilarious," Danny playfully glared at her, a smile coming to his face, "Go bother someone else, won't you."

Elsa couldn't help but laugh at him, causing his attention to come back to her. "Say, you still haven't eaten anything," he mentioned.

She shook her head, "No," she leaned forward and pressed her hands to his chest, "But I know exactly what I'm going to dream about tonight." She looked at him for a moment before leaning up and kissing him again. "Goodnight," she muttered as she broke away.

"Wow," he breathed as she stood and opened the door to return to her cabin.

---

Danny woke up with a smile on his face and a spring in his step, fond memories from last night still fresh in his head. Even when Dora asked him to help with a few chores that involved the show, he agreed with a smile and a nod.

He returned around midday to find Sam sitting out on the porch swing. She looked up and smiled at him as he got out of the car. "Well, where have you been, loverboy?"

He laughed as he climbed the steps to join her, "Yeah well Dora asked for some help today. Plus I picked up the bills for the show." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the sample playbill before handing it to her.

She smiled as she took it, "That should bring in an audience, huh?" She shrugged, handing it back to him as he sat with her, "Now, I still don't know much about show business, but if you and Foley are worried about a certain Innkeeper, you shouldn't be. Her inn days are numbered."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," he shook his head, "All we need a little help from Jack Frost."

"Well, unless Jack Frost is rejoining the army too, I won't need him."

Danny turned to her, "No kidding?"

She smiled proudly, "I've applied for active duty. They'd better not pawn off a desk job on me. I'm holding out for a training command or something overseas. I'll be hearing back any day now."

"Well, then I'm right there with you," he smiled as he pulled a stack of envelopes out of his other pocket, "I've got the mail right here." He shuffled through it before smiling, "Yup, Samantha Manson, from Washington."

"You know I hate it when you call me that," she said as she took the letter from him. Too excited to wait, she opened it, her eyes hurriedly scanning the pages. But her expression fell and her shoulder slumped as she read on.

Danny looked at her cautiously, "Bad news?"

She "hmphed" in response, folding the letter back up. "It was friendly," she said shortly, "Just an old friend joking around. Suggested that I… I start looking for a husband to settle down with. Maybe have some kids."

"Geez," he scoffed, "The nerve of those guys."

Sam shook her head as she put the letter back in the torn envelope, "I'm not gonna fool myself anymore Danny," she stood and nodded at him, "It was a miracle I got a commanding position as a woman when I was active. So don't kid a kidder, okay?"

With that, she turned and retreated into the house, leaving Danny to think about what she said. And conveniently, he got an idea.

So, he told Tucker.

"Now that's the craziest thing I ever heard of."

Danny shrugged as he sat with his friend in the rehearsal room, "So what?"

He rolled his eyes, "What? Us get the whole division up here by Christmas Eve?"

"Well maybe not the whole division but there are definitely enough in New England to fill a town this size and let Sam know she's not forgotten," he urged.

Tucker stood, "Don't you think the show would do that?"

Danny shook his head, his eyes sad, "You didn't see her when she read that letter."

"We got, what, a little over a week?" Tucker went on, "How are we gonna get in touch with all the troops?"

He opened his hands with a smile, "Dash Baxter and his show. Was gonna go put a call in now. If it works, I'll go down to New York for the show and pitch it to the guys myself."

Tucker rolled his eyes, "If I know Dash, he'll try to make a profit."

He shook his head, "That's not what we're trying to do. It's more than that. Even he can understand."

Tucker sighed, "I think it's impossible, ridiculous, and insane."

"Anything else?" Danny asked.

"Yeah, I wish I'd thought of it first."

They both shared a laugh before Danny stood up, "Then I'll go make the call. You rehearse 'Choreography' with the cast."

Tucker nodded before Danny turned around to go into the lobby. The costumes were all set as the music began for the number. This was Tucker and Elsa's number. With a chorus to back them up, Tucker began with a contemporary group of dancers and danced and sang with them before Elsa entered and does a tap solo with her own ensemble.

Once the number finished, Elsa checked the time. Realizing how late it was, she moved into the lobby, tap shoes and short hot pink pantsuit still on. "Dora?" she called as she pulled the feather headpiece out of her hair.

When the housekeeper appeared Elsa smiled, not really noting the woman's distressed demeanor. "Was there a telegram for me?" she asked.

"Oh, yes," Dora nodded absentmindedly, reaching over to the counter and grabbing an envelope. She handed it to Elsa, wringing her hands afterward. The blonde hurriedly opened the telegram, her smile widening as she read it. "What is it?" Dora asked.

"An offer from the Carousel Club in New York," she smiled, "Anytime Valerie and I are free." She stopped when she looked up and notice's the other woman's anxiousness, "What's wrong Dora?"

She sighed before glancing around. When she found no one else to be in the room with her she leaned close to Elsa. "Did you know the boys are planning to televise the whole show?" she asked, "Right form here on Christmas Eve. I just heard Danny fix it with Dash Baxter. Talked about putting the general on to make the pity party complete. But also thousands of dollars of free publicity for Fenton and Foley, least that's what Baxter said over the phone."

Elsa blinked, "Are you sure? Maybe you misunderstood."

"I listened over the phone," she shrugged, "How could I not when Danny asked to phone one of the biggest shows in the country?" Suddenly the switchboard buzzed, needing Dora's attention behind the counter.

Elsa stood froze in the center of the lobby. Danny would never do something like that. To humiliate his friend? The man she spent those wonderful moment with last night would not even think of such a thing.

That was when Tucker entered the lobby, having changed out of his costume. "Oh hey Elsa," he smiled, "Have you seen Danny? I wanna know if he made that call to New York."

Her heart sunk in her chest, "I understand that he did."

"Oh so he worked it all out," Tucker smiled, "A nice little angle isn't it?" his eyes lit up, "Oh, but maybe keep this a secret, we wouldn't want the general to, you know…"

Her gaze hardened, "I can understand that."

Dora came back out to the counter, "Elsa, that was Danny. He's waiting for you to start rehearsing."

"Tell him I'll be right there," she answered before turning to make her way into the dining room.

A flood of cast members were exiting the room for their lunch break. The set from "Choreography" had been moved and some stray set pieces had been left due to the crew's break as well. But Danny was there on stage with a piano, plucking away at the keys.

She willed herself to go up and join him and to shove down the lump in her throat from what she just found out.

Yet he smiled brightly at her when he saw her. "Hey," he looked her over, "I see you haven't changed yet. You wanna go do that or-"

"No it's alright," she said shortly as she moved to the other side of the piano.

"Alright," he stood and held a bunch of sheet music in his hands, "I was just working on this blessings number. Thought," he swallowed, gathering his courage as a small blush came to his cheeks, "Maybe it could be something we do together?" He reached over to hand her the music, which she took absentmindedly. "You want to try it from the bridge?"

She nodded silently, still trying to think through what she'd just found out. So, she didn't follow along with the music, nor did she come in when she was supposed to.

"What's wrong?" he asked, "Bad key for you?"

She shook her head, "I don't think I'm right for this song."

He looked up at her and scoffed with a laugh, "You kidding? It's in the perfect range for you."

Then something in her just snapped and she looked up at him for the first time. "I'm saying I don't want to do the song," she set down the music on the piano, "In fact, I might not do the show."

Danny furrowed his brow, getting worried about her, "Did you not sleep well last night or…"

"I'd rather not discuss last night," she said rather coldly, sending a chill through Danny's heart.

Thinking he'd done something wrong, he started to apologize, "Look, if I got carried away or if I made you feel uncomfortable, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I," he paused before standing up, leaning on the piano so he could look directly at her, "Elsa, you're a great girl. But you're also a great performer, one of the best, I think," his heart sagged at his next few words, "But, I can't let you feel obligated… or, um… I mean… My feelings will have no effect on the show or work with you. It'll be strictly professional. I-"

"Is that all, Mr. Fenton?" she cut off his rant coldly, "Because I have a business endeavor I need to see to."

He froze, her harsh gaze catching him off guard. "Yes," he swallowed before nodding, "I suppose that's all."

"Good," she said before turning and storming off the stage and out of the man house, leaving behind a sad, confused boy with a piano.

Valerie and Tucker had seen the whole thing and quickly devised a plan in time for the cast party that night. The cast and crew had all gathered in the sitting that had been filled with food and people in formal wear. The talk and chatter of night time mingling filtered through the room along with the pleasant piano and string band music.

On one sofa by the wall sat Elsa in a deep green velvet dress. On the opposite end of the room on the other wall sat Danny.

So Valerie and Tucker sprang into action.

"Hi Danny, you wanna dance?"

"Hey Elsa, how about some exercise?"

Once the pair had gotten the others onto the dance floor for a few minutes, they quickly made a switch so Danny and Elsa were dancing together. But it only took a few more minutes for them to split up and end up back in their original spots.

"Looks like it's absolutely necessary," Valerie huffed as she realized their efforts were in vain.

Tucker gave her a look, "You sure about this, Val?"

She shrugged, "It's only temporary."

He sighed, "Alright then," he turned to the band as they finished the song, "Hey fellas could you hold it for a moment? Maybe give me a little, ching-a-ring?" They nodded and played a bit to get everyone's attention before stopping.

"Folks I have an announcement to make!" he called out, stifling his nerves as everyone turned to him, "I want you all to be the first to know. That um… well Valerie and I just agreed… we uh, I asked," he sighed, "Valerie and I are engaged."

The room erupted in cheers as the piano man played "Here comes the bride." Elsa and Danny's heads both snapped up immediately at the sudden announcement.

As people came up to the couple to congratulate them, Elsa stood and made her way over. "Oh Valerie," she smiled, taking her friend into her arms, "I don't know if I've ever told you, but I never had a real sister, but ever since I met you, that changed," she pulled away and held her friend by her shoulders, "I love you and I'm just so happy for you."

"I hoped you would be," she smiled right back before she noticed Elsa's glassy eyes, "Are you alright?"

She waved her off, "Yes I'm fine," her eyes caught Tucker's. She turned to him, "You're getting the best girl in the whole world."

Dora suddenly appeared and clapped for the two, "This calls for champagne."

"I'll help you Dora," Elsa nodded before following the housekeeper to the kitchen.

It was then that Danny came up to they. "Well well well," he smiled at the two, "Congratulations you two," he leaned towards Valerie, "I don't know what you see in him, but I guess he's endurable." She laughed at him while Tucker glared playfully. "I uh… I gotta go take care of something," he nodded at them before turning and making way for the kitchen.

Tucker and Valerie didn't get a chance to celebrate their success because Sam come up to them immediately. "Aren't you going to kiss the bride?" she teased, nodding to Valerie.

He blinked with a playful, "Yes sir." He leaned down and lightly kissed her. He pulled back before his eyes widened and he looked back at Valerie, "Yes sir." He kissed her harder and pulled back just in time to see Sam roll her eyes before patting him on the back.

Danny had grabbed two glasses of champagne from Dora on his way back to the kitchen. Once he got there, he carefully approached Elsa, offering it to her silently as a sort of peace offering. When she took it, he smiled, "Let's drink to their happiness. To dreams and getting everything back on track."

With that sentence, she'd had enough. She put down the glass and turned, leaving the kitchen and the main house to go back to her cabin, and leaving Danny once again to wonder what he did wrong.

That night when Valerie returned, Elsa was already in bed, laying on her side facing away from her. "I know we said we'd never break up the act, but that wasn't very realistic," she's said to her friend as she dressed for bed, "I mean we knew that one day… well, I'm not your responsibility anymore. You don't need to feel like you need to take care of me," she moved to get into her bed, "So, if there's anything special you want to do, you can feel free to go ahead and do it." When there was no answer, she furrowed her brow, "Elsa? Are you asleep?" No answer so she moved to turn out the light, "Goodnight then."

But she didn't she Elsa lying awake all night with tears streaking her face.

---

The next morning Elsa had asked Sam to give her a ride to the train station. Once they'd reached the station, Elsa got out and reached into her purse, "Thank you General. When you get back, could you give this to Valerie?" she held out an envelope to her, "It explains everything."

Sam took the letter and examined it before examining her. "I think you're making a mistake," she deadpanned, "I watched you and Danny last night. You two just need a good talking to."

Elsa shook her head, "I appreciate it general, but I don't think it's such a good idea. Please, don't do anything."

She sighed before nodding, "I promise," she gave her a look, "Good luck."

"Thank you, again," Elsa smiled before taking her bag and moving towards the platform.

"Yes, on Christmas Eve we'll have a lot of trains coming in from everywhere. Think you can handle it?" Danny asked one of the conductors on the platform.

He nodded, "I'll just have to call a traffic manager."

Danny smiled, "Good. Oh and this is off record, remember?"

The conductor smiled, "Yes. Mr. Fenton."

The last call of the train's conductor made Danny turn to look at the train pulled into the station. He then noticed a head of blonde hair boarding it. "Elsa!" he called out, causing her to turn as she got on the train. He jogged over to the car she boarded on and looked at her with confused eyes, "What's going on?"

She blinked down at him, not prepared to face him after her anger had simmered. "I-I got a job in New York," she answer shortly.

"What?" he asked, "Where?"

She just reached out and took his hand to shake, "Goodbye Danny, and good luck with the show."

"Elsa," he said staring at her as the train began to pull out of the station, causing him to walk with it, "I-If I said anything, I didn't mean it."

"Goodbye," she nodded at him as he still held onto her hand.

"I must have sounded like an idiot," he tried to offer her anything to get her to get off that train.

But she let go of his hand with one last, "Goodbye."

"I didn't mean…" but he trailed off, knowing his last attempts would be in vain as the train began to speed up and pull completely out of the station.

Back at the Inn, Valerie was rehearsing a number with a cast member. When she'd finished, Sam delivered Elsa's letter.

Dear Valerie,

We always knew that one day we'd break up the act. I guess this is it. Tucker's a wonderful guy and I know you'll both be very happy. I've got good news too. I've taken a job in New York. I open at the Carousel Club tomorrow night. I wish you the best and I'll visit you soon.

With love,

Elsa

After hurriedly showing Tucker the letter, they both agreed that it had gone too far and they went to talk to Danny.

"You faked an engagement?" Danny asked the two in disbelief, "What were you two thinking? Playing with people like that?"

Tucker looked at Valerie who was majorly upset at the fact that Elsa had left with only a note as a goodbye. "We were thinking of you two," he gave Danny a look, "We know the two of you, so we wanted to give you a little push."

"Oh, yeah yeah, for my own good right?" Danny rolled his eyes, "Well, this time you pushed too hard."

Valerie choked on a sob, not really listening to the conversation. She was worried about Elsa. She was on her own working in a club by herself in New York city no less. It was one thing when there were two of them, but by herself? There's no way Elsa could stand against floods of backstage daddys or grimmy club owners.

Danny's attention turned to her when he heard a sniffle. His eyes softened when he saw her crying over her friend. "Alright," he said softer, his anger dimming a bit, "I'll go down to New York and straighten this out with her."

Valerie looked up at him hopefully, but he went on. "But I have a little job for you two in exchange," he said, "Sam always watches Dash Baxter's show. She likes to make fun of it. Make sure she missed the first fifteen minutes cause I'll be on making the announcement, yeah?"

When all he got was two sheepish nods, he huffed, still mad at them for all their meddling. But the train down to New York city allowed his anger to simmer a bit. Having arrived early in the evening, he decided to go to talk to Elsa before he went to the show.

He arrived at the Carousel Club just in time, easily getting a table. He made sure to tell the waiter that he was expecting Dash Baxter to join him later.

Elsa, due to nerves, was peeking out of the curtains before she went on to get a feel for the audience. But instead, her eyes were drawn to a certain black haired, blue eyed man and she felt more nerves well up inside her.

"Hans?" she called to the band conductor, who came over when she called, "Let's not do the number we rehearsed. Play Blue Skies, anything."

The man furrowed his brow, "But the number sounded great at rehearsal."

"I-I know, but I just-"

"It's a wonderful number," her smiled as he lead her on stage, "You'll be great, nothing to worry about."

Her protests were silenced by the band starting the song and her entrance happening. So she ignored it and put up a face, trying to forget who was in the room.

Danny looked up when the music began, and he instantly forgot all that was occupying his mind. She stood center stage with a regal heir, dressed in a long fitted black dress, diamonds in her ears and sparkling white gloves. Yet, he was surprised at the first word she sang.

Love, she sang, you didn't do right by me. You planned a romance that just hadn't a chance and I'm through

Love, you didn't do right by me

I'm back on the shelf

And I'm blaming myself

She looked to the side as a male dancer in black stood beside her facing upstage, But it's you

Another one appeared while the other disappeared. My one love affair didn't get anywhere from the start, then the man left her and she just watched him go, To send me a Joe who had winter and snow in his heart wasn't smart

Love she looked to the audience as four men appeared around her. She looked around at them, as if hoping for them to look back, You didn't do right by me. As they say in the song… you done me wrong

The other men leaned away while one took her waist and pulled her close, My one love affair didn't get anywhere from the start, and in the next moment he let her go and left her side, To send me a Joe who had winter and snow in his heart wasn't smart

Oh Love, You didn't do right by me, she sang to the audience, her stance confident but her eyes revealing that she was shrinking into herself, As they say in the song… you done me wrong.

Thunderous applause was given as the number ended and Elsa retreated backstage. Danny couldn't help but beam with pride from the audience at her performance. He'd thought it was beyond wonderful, how she drew him in and sung from her heart. But of course, he wasn't oblivious to the lyrics. Nevertheless, he needed to straighten things out with her, so he asked the host for her.

He hoped she would actually come. And when she did, his smile returned and he stood up to greet her.

"Well… what brings you here?" she asked, dying to know the answer as they both sat down.

He shrugged, "I had some business to do. Some of it concerns you."

She looked up, "Really?"

"Yeah, well," he paused, "You didn't really have to break up the act or leave town because Valerie and Tucker's engagement was fake."

Elsa's eyes widened, "Fake?"

He sighed as he nodded, "Lot of trouble those two," he shook his head with a laugh, "They wanted to get rid of anything keeping you 'tied down' so to speak. They thought… we were serious about each other."

Her heart stuttered in her chest as a lump formed in her throat, "Just shows how foolish people can be." She shook her head, "Why can't people stay out of other people's business?"

Danny laughed again, shaking his head, "That's Tucker for you. First we're having a few laughs and suddenly…" he paused and swallowed, "We're in love?"

"Ridiculous," she answered weakly.

"Yeah," Danny fiddled with his hands, "They're sorry about it now. Valerie wants you to come back," he looked down at his hands, "I'd like to see you come back too."

She looked unsure, "Well… I don't know."

"Elsa," he reached over and took her hand, meeting her eyes seriously, "I know your white knight slipped off his horse, but… I want to do anything I can to get him back up there for you."

Her heart thudded in her chest, and she was suddenly reminded all at once why it hurt so bad when she left Pine Tree.

But their moment was interrupted.

"Fenton, come on. It's 8:30."

They both looked up to find a blonde man in a hat and coat before them. "Oh, Elsa, this is Dash Baxter, you must know his show," Danny quickly introduced, letting go of her hand.

"How do you do," she said coldly, reminded then of why she left in the first place.

"Hi," he said absentmindedly before turning to Danny, "Got it all ready, sponsors, executives, all we're waiting on is you," he gesture outside, "Come on, I've got a cab waiting."

Danny nodded standing, "Just a sec," he turned to Elsa, "Could I see you later tonight?"

"No I have a date," she shook her head quickly.

"Tomorrow then?"

"I'm sorry but I'll be busy all day," she shut him down as Dash tried to hurry him along, "You better go."

He furrowed his brow, "Then what'll I tell Valerie?"

A pang ran through her heart, "I don't know. I'll have to think about it." Not really being able to stand it much longer, she turned and retreated backstage as he was dragged out by the television star.

Her performances from then on were different, more real yet also hollow, as if her mind was somewhere else. When her 9:00 break hit, her co-stars invited her back into the green room to watch the Dash Baxter show. Although she knew she was going to hate it, she didn't want to be rude to new coworkers. She also wanted to see the look on Danny's face when he appeared on television and threw the general under the bus.

Yet she couldn't stop her heart from fluttering at the sight of him on the show. The audience applauded when he came onstage and his smile lit up the room. "Now Fenton here's got a very special message for all you guys in the 151st division," Dash introduced to the camera, "It's about someone close to us all. He'll tell you about it in his own way."

With that Dash nodded at the band and left Danny alone onstage. Elsa straightened up in her chair when she recognized the music. She had heard him playing it in the background during rehearsals. The man simply turned to the camera and began.

When the war was over, why, there were jobs galore For the G.I. Josephs who were in the war.

He winced as he glanced to the side, But for generals things were not so grand and it's not so hard to understand

He shrugged, What can you do with a general when she stops being a general? Oh, what can you do with a general you admire?

He looked to the other side of the stage, Who's got a job for a general when she stops being a general? They all get a job but a general no one hires.

They're delighted that she came

But they can't recall her name

Nobody thinks of assigning her

When they stop wining and dining her

It seems this country never has enjoyed

So many one and two and three and four star generals, he shrugged, Unemployed

After bit of an applause, Danny took a short bow before looking at the camera, "Now like Dash said, that was for the 151st division. The officers and men under the command of Major General Samantha Manson. I hope a lot of you guys are listening because I have something I want you to do," his demeanor turned very sincere and all aspect of his performance was gone, "I know it's hard to ask you to leave your homes and families on Christmas Eve, but we want as many of you to come up to Pine Tree, Vermont to the Amity Inn to show our general, and our friend, that she was not forgotten when the war ended."

Elsa's heart stopped at his words and she was suddenly very confused until he spoke the next part.

"But remember this, no one in the show is getting anything out of it, nothing at all except for this," he smiled, "A chance to give the nicest Christmas gift for the best general we've ever known."

She stood up immediately and turned to the stage manager. "Hans," she addressed shakily, "I need a ticket to Pine Tree, Vermont as soon as you can get one."

---

When Elsa arrived back in Pine Tree, she hit the rush of army men that had come from all over just to see Sam. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of old army pals reuniting on the old train station platform.

She rushed to Amity Inn fast as fast as she could and managed to catch Dora in the lobby, who said the show was starting soon and that Danny was backstage. So she dropped her bags and didn't even take off her coat before she rushed backstage. The Inn was already filled with people, all formally dressed and sitting in the dining room, waiting to start.

When she got backstage, she found Dany giving instructions to the men. All of them were dressed in their uniforms and she'd be lying if she said he didn't look especially dashing. He looked at her when he heard someone walk towards them, his eyes widening when he saw her.

She rushed to him and took his collar, pulling him down for a kiss. She ignored the whoops and hollers of the men around her and just held his face for a few moments before breaking away, finding big blue eyes blinking back at her.

"I'm sorry," she shook her head, her hands falling to his shoulders, "I'm sorry. I never should've left. I was wrong. I should've-"

"Woah woah woah," he stopped her, taking her hands in his in a comforting way, "Elsa, slow down. Breathe, it's okay."

She shook her head, "It's not."

"What are you even talking about?" he laughed shortly.

She just brought him into a tight hug, "It doesn't matter. You have a show to put on and we can talk later," she looked up at him, "Just know that I was wrong and I'm sorry, for everything."

He blinked down at her before sweet smile grew on his face. "Well," he reached up to cup her cheek, "I knew from the moment you left that this show wouldn't be complete without you." She beamed up at him as the men around them "awed." He just nodded to the dressing rooms, "All your things are still there," he looked at her hopefully, "See you onstage?"

"You better believe it," she smiled before kissing him one last time and turning to make her way back into the dressing rooms.

Upstairs, however, Sam was rustling through her closet. "You sent all my formal wear out to the dry cleaners?" she asked Dora as she rummaged around to look for something to wear for the night, "And all at the same time?"

"Why don't you just wear your uniform?" Dora offered, "It's a nice green and the pantsuit is considered formal-"

Sam shook her head as she sighed, "I won't appear in uniform."

Dora tilted her chin up, "Then I'll just have to tell Danny and Tucker that you didn't care to come to the show tonight."

She turned to her friend, "You're not gonna let this go, are you?" At the shake of her head, she huffed and reached back into the closet, "Fine." She dressed and hurried to make it downstairs in time for the start of the show, but she didn't expect the spotlight to come up on her, applause to erupt, and someone to shout "Ten-hut!"

She was greeted by a full dining room, all on their feet and cheering for the general. A quartet of commanding officers awaited her as she walked in. They led her to a table in the center. Once they'd reached it, marching drums started up, the grand curtain of the stage opened and a familiar song could be heard in chorus.

We'll follow that woman wherever she wants to go

Long as she wants to go

Opposite to the foe

It was then that two lines of men began to enter the stage and move down into the aisle of the dining room to form two lines and Danny marched them down dutifully.

We'll stay with that woman wherever she wants to stay

Long as she stays away from the battle's fray

And it was then that tears welled up in Sam's eyes.

Because we love her, we love her

Especially when she keeps us on the ball

And we'll tell the kids we answered duties call

With the grandest and strongest woman of them all!

When they were all lined up, Danny stepped forward and saluted her. "Troops are ready for inspection, sir," he smiled before stepping away.

She saluted him back sloppy, moving around the table and glaring around at the soldiers as she made her way down the aisle. "I am not satisfied with the conduct of this division," she announced harshly, "Some of you have the impression that being in the field doesn't require you to wear neckties. Well, you're wrong, neckties will be worn in this area. Look at the rest of your appearance, you're a disgrace to the outfit!"

The men around her started to smile and hold in laughter, exchanging looks as they recalled the time she once gave such a speech. She made her way to the stage.

"You're soft, you're sloppy, you're unruly, you're undisciplined," she turned around and smiled at all of her troops, "And I've never seen anything look so damn wonderful in my whole life." She glanced around at the smiles beaming back at her, "Thank you all."

They clapped as she made her way back to her seat. But she stopped when she found Tucker and Danny standing in line. She beamed at them before taking them both in a group hug, causing some laughter from the audience. After more applause, the men and her all took their seats for the show to begin.

And what a show it was. Sam always loved theatre like this, and Danny and Tucker watched her from stage to gauge her reactions. She was smiling brightly and enjoyed every minute. As the show was coming to a close and they were all getting ready for their last number, Tucker came to get Danny, Valerie, and Elsa. "You guys won't believe this," he smiled before leading him to the back wall of the backstage.

Tucker, with the help of a crewman, pulled the barn doors open to reveal a freshly lain winter wonderland. They all gasp and smiled at the beautiful sight. "Talk about a miracle, eh?" Tucker smiled, "This is sure to help Sam with business."

Danny looked at them mischievously, "I got an idea." He mused as he leaned against the barn door, Snow.

Snow, Tucker joined in.

Valerie stepped up, Snow.

Elsa stepped closer to Danny, Snow

Snow!

They all laughed before moving to rush to get changed for the finale. But Elsa stayed put, and took Danny's hand. "Talk about a Christmas miracle," she smiled out at the landscape, catching sight of a white sleigh moving down the road.

He laughed, "I'll say."

"Maybe it's all because of a certain white knight who came to the rescue," she looked up at him.

He raised an eyebrow, gently taking her waist, "So, that knight of yours got back on his horse?"

She hummed an answer as she reached for his shoulders, leaning up towards him.

"Hate to break you kids up," Valerie commented, "But we're on in ten."

Elsa and Danny shared a sheepish look before parting to quickly get dressed.

When the curtains opened, a beautiful Christmas tree was center. On one side stood Tucker and Valerie arm in arm, and on the other was Danny and Elsa. The two men wore red and white fur trimmed suits while the women wore red ball gowns with white fur trim and a white fur muff.

Danny and Elsa were the first the beginning as the lagatoe melody floated through the air. I'm dreaming of a White Christmas, they looked each other to share a smile, Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten, Tucker and Valerie sang together, And children listen, to hear sleigh bells in the snow

It seemed the soldiers remembered that song from that one Christmas they all spent together. They all joined in flawlessly. Not joking, but truly participating in the song, I'm dreaming of a White Christmas. At that moment, Danny gestured for the crew to raise the backdrop, revealing the open barn doors to the winter wonderland, with every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

As the crowd yelled cheers of "Merry Christmas!" and laughter and smiles were exchanged, Elsa looked up to Danny. "So," she placed a hand on his chest, "That feeling you had before, when you did this for them, does it compare?"

"I'll tell you right now," he smiled, looking out at the crowd of families and friends, "Nothing can compare to this."

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.