Point taken about Angel's eyes seeming a bit unrealistic…of course, on the other hand, Cathy and Dorothy don't even have pupils…just think of them as dark blue, like you could almost mistake them for black in dim light.

Also, thank you all for your wonderful support! I've never had such a positive response to the first chapter of a fic before, and I truly appreciate it! I'm sorry for the delay on this part, though—college applications and such (ahh!)—but I promise to be more regular in the future, especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas break!

I'm sorry this is so short, as well…I'll be sure to try and lengthen the chapters. *^^* Please review! Love you all!

12 Days

December 14, A.C. 200

Neo-London, L-6 Colony Cluster

The Second Day

On the second day of Christmas

My true love gave to me

Two turtle doves

And a partridge in a pair tree.

"It's snowing!" Angel cried to no one in particular, staring out as the delicate, white flakes drifted lazily toward the ground. It didn't snow much in L-6, which suited considering it didn't snow much in London, either. Therefore, it was always an adventure for Angel when it did snow. She quickly yanked on a couple of layers, ankle-high boots, and gloves, and then rushed outside to play in the snowflakes. Exhilarated by the scent of morning fires and fresh snow, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes, feeling the flakes catch in her lashes.

It was one of those days she wanted to forever imprint on her memory. One of the days she looked back on during the dark times in order to remind herself why life was worth it all. And there would be many dark times, as was the way of life. Still, she was sure that with the aide of such potent and magical reminders, she would be ready to face the challenge. No matter how daunting that challenge was—

No, she told herself firmly, don't think like that. Enjoy the morning! Wait for Quatre to call! Nodding to firm her resolve, she spun around again just for good measure and then half-skipped toward a larger drift. She decided it was high time to make her first snowman.

© --©

She hadn't spotted him yet—that much Quatre was sure of, and he smiled to himself as he watched her play in the snow as if she'd never seen it before. He'd been turning off his car when he saw her rush outside and twirl around like a child in the snow. Breakfast can wait, he decided as he watched her play. And play she did, making him laugh out loud several times. She was definitely everything he'd ever wanted in a companion—funny, bright, playful, and lovely, with enough childish innocence to reassure him that she was being completely honest. Sitting in his car, watching her, he decided would be deeply saddened if she turned him down.

Pushing that uncomfortable thought from his mind, Quatre emerged from his car and strode up behind Angel. He playfully slanted an arm over her shoulders and watched her blue eyes crinkle as she smiled at the sight of him.

"Good morning!" she said merrily, turning her gaze back to her snowman.

"Morning," he replied easily, also regarding their icy companion.

"Looks good, huh? I must admit, I didn't expect you to show up on my doorstep," Angel said, and Quatre paused a minute as he worked out the two entirely unrelated topics.

"Yes, he looks good, and I was going for surprise," he responded, easing his arm off of her shoulders.

"I see," she replied, and smiled again. "Surprise, eh? What kind of surprise?"

She found their relationship to be utterly amazing. After only a few hours they were flirting and joking with each other in a completely relaxed fashion. It was as if they had become totally at ease with each other after only a day. Their utter understanding of each other, and sudden closeness on top of it, was something entirely new—though not unpleasant—to her.

"The 'boo!' kind," he replied with a cute grin after a pause. "Actually," he amended as she tugged him toward her apartment building, "I was wondering if you'd be interested in spending the day with me."

There it was; the little smile Quatre had so been looking forward to. Her eyes lit up at the suggestion and she slightly increased her pace.

"I'd love to," she told him, and led him to her flat so she could change.

© --©

"Look at all the lights," Angel murmured in wonder, letting her eyes roam over the glittering city street. "Absolutely beautiful."

"Yeah," Quatre agreed, smiling down at her. They were strolling arm-in-arm down the street, simply walking for the sake of walking. It was a new experience for him to simply enjoy someone's company, and he found it to his liking.

There's definitely feelings here, he thought to himself, reluctantly tearing his gaze from her face in order to guide her into a small candle shop. He swept open the door for her and bowed her inside, watching her sigh in contentment as the delicate scent of melting wax reached her. Suddenly he realized why the saying went "heart in his eyes", because he was certain that his expression gave away his enchantment with her.

And so soon…it hadn't taken him long to discover that even if they never got married, he'd always be partly enraptured by her. The rate at which he felt himself falling for her was tremendous. He could only hope that his quick fall wouldn't scare her.

He shook that unpleasant thought away and took three strides forward to again be at her side. How perfectly she fit against his side, how automatic it was for him to slip an arm around her, how good it felt to have her small body nestled against his larger frame.

If she says no, he thought wryly, I think I'd be crushed.

© --©

It wasn't until late afternoon that someone actually recognized Quatre, and his heart sank as the reporters and cameramen rushed toward them. Angel stiffened against his side, but didn't glance up at him. In fact, she wasn't really responding at all. To be perfectly honest, Quatre didn't blame her. She more than likely would fade back while he handled the awkward questions and the flashing lights. Just as well, that was the norm, anyway. Bracing himself, he strode forward, more than a little surprised to find that Angel, as opposed to being a deadweight and trying to pull back, matched his stride.

"Good afternoon," he said amicably, throwing them a bright smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Any minute now Angel would sink back and let him take the reins. He sighed inwardly and glanced around.

"Who is your lovely companion?" one of the reporters asked, shoving a microphone at them. Before Quatre could answer, Angel leaned forward slightly and smiled beautifully at the reporter.

"Thank you for the compliment. I'm Angel," she replied easily, as if dealing with two dozen reporters was something she did everyday.

"I see. Are you and Mr. Winner close?" another interjected, and again Angel answered as if she was talking to a good friend.

The whole ordeal lasted for about fifteen minutes, and to Quatre's utter surprise, he found himself fading into the background as his radiant and charming companion handled the questions. When the cameras and reporters finally disappeared, he turned to gape at her.

"That was…amazing," he told her, quite truthfully.

Angel brushed it off with an embarrassed smile. "Not that amazing. I'm shaking," she told him, and he became suddenly aware of her trembles. Wrapping her in his arms, he led the way toward a bakery, intent on giving her something sweet and refreshing.

If it was at all possible, Quatre decided that he'd already fallen for the woman in his arms. He gulped as he realized he had only ten days to prove it.

© --©

The second gift came to Angel late at night, wrapped in silk. Carefully, with shaking fingers, she pulled the ribbon loose and unfolded the fabric. There, in the center, were two sapphire bracelets, meant to match the necklace she'd received the night before. She touched the bracelets with bare fingertips, trying to hold back the sudden flow of tears.

It isn't fair. You should call off the whole deal now, a nagging voice whispered in the back of her mind.

Not yet, she told it, wrapping up the bracelets once more in their silk. Just let me pretend for a little while longer.

You'll hurt him. You'll hurt you.

Just a little bit longer, she told herself, and eased into her bed with a full, aching heart. There would be time to call off the show later. For now she wished only to entertain her foolish heart for a few days more.

Hopefully, the same foolish heart that had fallen in love for Quatre Winner wouldn't fail her when it came time to face the truth…

…Just a few more days…