Author's Notes: Agh, so many characters I want to write about!!! This is supposed to be Millie and Meg centered, peppered with bits and pieces of other characters… my apologies to Stacey, Tengaar and Hix won't be making an appearance—maybe a small one if I get around it, but not enough to satisfy you!!
Disclaimer: -.- I am honestly, getting tired of this. Suikoden is NOT mine. To Konami-sama: You are done with Millie and Luc anyway, can I have them?? ^-^ [Police appear and pose threateningly] Oro!!!!!!! o;;; Scary!!
Carol of the Bells
Chapter Four: A Party
Apple knocks timidly at the door.
"Come in."
"Would you like some breakfast, Shu-sempai?" Apple says, peering in. "There's pancakes and fruit, some roast beef sandwiches too."
"No Apple, thanks anyway."
"At least have some tea."
"No, thank you." Shu said, his tone sounding final.
Apple suppressed a sigh and forced a smile. "Anyway, what would you like for Christmas?"
"Pardon?" Shu turned to Apple.
Apple's smile widened at the lost look on Shu's face. Adorable… "A present, Sempai… is there anything in particular you wish for?"
Shu laughed, yet Apple could see a lot of tension in his shoulders. "Nothing really Apple… I can easily buy material things anyway. Unless you plan something more—I would be really happy for a list of step-by-step instructions on how to win this war… it has dragged on for quite long enough, with Master Riou's own best friend becoming the Highland King…"
Apple smiled sadly. "If only… if only Mathiu-sensei were here…"
"Really Apple?" Shu turned to him. "Do you really think, Master's presence would magically end this war?"
"Of course not…" Apple said; her tone laced with bitterness. "But it would make me feel better…"
"It would make all of us feel better…" Shu said.
"Yes, everyone…"
"………"
"………"
"I do believe I would like to speak with Viktor and Flik—and the other captains and generals, while it's still too early to get drunk. Although," Shu said shaking his head. "I wouldn't put it past those two to be drunk already. Especially Viktor."
Apple laughed delicately, knowing that Shu was actually rather fond of the Blue Lighting and the Bear. "I will inform them immediately."
"I will come with you." Shu said. "I really should stop treating you like my own personal 'gofer'."
They went to Viktor's room and found him about to leave.
"Going to the tavern so early?" Shu says wryly.
"Well, I'm running late, actually," Viktor said. "Flik has been waiting for me—"
"Oh good." Shu said. "That would save me the trouble of looking for him."
"Huh?" Viktor looked at Shu. "Please don't tell me we're having another one of your boring strategy meetings again."
"Please don't tell me you have forgotten how each one of 'my boring strategy meetings' have saved countless of lives."
"Shu, it's Christmas!! At least, it's the Christmas season!! The Highlanders are not going to attack now!!"
"They will attack if they had any brains to realize what feeble minds I had here for captains." Shu retorted.
Viktor grumbled. "Bah, it's useless to argue with you!! Come along now!!" He makes his way to the tavern, Apple and Shu following him.
"Hi Leona," Viktor says as he entered the door.
"Why hello, Viktor." Leona says. "Flik's not here. He said something about a pressing engagement when Nina caught him under the mistletoe a while ago."
Viktor was about to laugh when somebody laughed before him.
"Speaking of mistletoe…" Amada says in between laughter and pointed at the plant above Viktor and Leona.
"Lucky!!" Rikimaru chuckles. "That goes for you too." He tells Shu.
"Eh? EH??" Apple looks up at the plant, flustered.
"And who are we to argue with tradition…" Shu murmurs and lightly kissed Apple on the cheek. "Advanced Merry Christmas."
"A Merry Christmas to you too, Sempai." Apple says, blushing.
"Arr, you're no fun!!" Amada says to Shu as the strategist leads Apple back outside.
"We will see to the others, Viktor," Shu says, ignoring the sailor. "Find Flik and meet us at the Great Hall."
"Yes." Viktor says. "Can you believe that man, calling for a strategy meeting two days before Christmas Eve??"
"Oh, he's just doing his job." Leona said.
"Yeah well…" Viktor frowns.
"Hey, you two still owe the little green plant one," Rikimaru gestures towards the mistletoe.
"Oh, behave!!" Leona says. "Or you are not invited to the Christmas Party!!"
"Party??" Viktor's ears perked up.
"Leona has appointed herself, unofficial Santa Claus star." Amada says. "And is now undertaking the task no one else thought of—throwing a Christmas Party."
"Am I invited??!" Viktor asks.
"Of course you are, everyone is." Leona says then looks at Amada and Rikimaru meaningfully. "All nice children that is."
"Oh, that means I'm nice." Viktor smiles.
"Yes," Leona says. "Now go look for Flik before I change my mind."
"Aww…" Viktor pouted.
"That only looks cute on kids, big bear," Leona says, patting his cheek. "And it won't work on Shu either."
"Fine, I will go now." Viktor says. "But you will see me at the party!! Save a keg of ale for me!!!" He leaves.