Author's note: Well, I decided to go with it. My Christmas intermission!!
Anyways, I should have told you guys about this earlier so more of you
would have time to say if it was a smart idea or not. Oh well, my fault.
~_~;; Now like I said this will have ZERO percent to do with the actual
story. Yes, that's right....NO BAREING WHATSOEVER! Even Aisha and Suzuka
are going to show up and give some holiday cheer!
Gene: Whoa....Now that's real AU right there....
Blades: Ah! Gene, I don't own you! You can't speak outside the story!
Gene: Why no- *Muffled by hands over his mouth.*
Blades: Silence!! ....The lawyers may by reading....*Shifty eyes*
Strife: Can I talk?
Blades: Yeah, I own you.
Strife: You don't OWN me!! I am a human BEING!!! *Runs off screaming insanely*
Blades: *Sighs* See? No one's even in character. Anyways, just by reading this A/N ALONE you should know this will be completely different. But it's Christmas! Time to do something new!! Plus this'll be the only time I act this messed up....Well this and other holidays....Anyways! On with the Christmas Special!!
Strife: "Good reading equals good times." I'm out.
Blades: You stole me line!!!
Strife: So? Anyways, enjoy the story everyone!
Blades: *Sighs*
I buttoned the rest of my trench coat and crossed my arms. This was the worst part of standing out in the snow. It looked great but freezes you into an ice cube if you're not careful.
As I stood there watching the artificial snow dropping down from Sentinel III's sky I heard Jim's car pull up beside me.
"Ready to go?" He asked.
"Been ready." I answered getting into the back seat, next to Jess. I accidentally slammed the door of the car causing Jim to fly into an absolute fit.
"Ahh!!! Be careful with my Ehefrau!! I've had my baby for a looong time!"
I groaned, how could someone love a car so much? Even so far as to name it "Wife" in German.
There was a small pause before Jim started up the engine and drove off.
Gene turned around and looked at me. "Now just so you know. Aisha's a C'tarl C'tarl so try not to get on her bad side."
I grinned. "Wouldn't be the first C'tarl I pissed off."
Gene turned around and reclined in his seat, which didn't help my foot room any.
As the car drove down the road I stared out the window at the passing people. The all looked so happy, there wasn't an inch of sadness in any of them. Guess Christmas does that to people. Hell, even I was feeling a little festive even though I wasn't really into the whole holiday bonanza.
We soon pulled up to a large house and I got out.
"Well, here we are." Gene said with a smile.
I couldn't believe we were going to Fred's house. It was a miracle in itself he was up and walking. Once again.....It was that Christmas bug....
Jim was holding all of our presents and walked in first. Greeted by our humble host.
"Greetings, Jim! My you have certainly become a fine, fine man."
Jim shivered at the complement. "Fred, lay off will ya? Y'know, Gene's here too."
"He IS?! Oh where is he!?!"
After hearing Fred shout, Gene slowly walked in, holding Fred's wrapped present. "Hey, Fred! Looks like you're doing much better. Here, I even got you something."
Fred ignored the present and gave Gene a huge-ass hug. This may have been worse then Gene and Melfina....
"Gene! It's soooo great to see you! And boy, age hasn't hindered your looks at all..."
"Uh, thanks Fred. Anyways open your present. I hope you like it."
Fred's grin was bigger then ever as he ripped open the wrapping.
Gene's gift was actually an assortment of three gifts. Fred laughed as he took out the two gag gifts. One being a picture of Gene in his younger years, signed saying: "Stay young." And the other being a calendar full of hot women in bikinis. Fred thought both were very funny and said it was just like Gene to get him something like that. He took out Gene's actual gift and gasped in awe.
"Gene....Is this....? Fred held up and small bracelet with a single charm tied to the end of it. The charm itself was a serpent wrapped around a tiger.
"Yeah, it's that good luck charm you gave me a couple weeks after I cam back from the Leyline. You said that I get into so much danger and should at least have something lucky with me. Well now seeing how you are, I've decided you need it more then me. Plus now I don't have to repay you for it."
He laughed as he gave Fred a small hug, in which Fred made into a much bigger hug.
"Well thank you, Gene. This really means a lot."
Finally Gene walked through the doorway allowing Jess and I to enter. I didn't think about it until right now....But this was my first meeting with Fred. Ever!
"Well who are you?" He asked looking at me.
I shivered about the same as Jim did. "Uh, I'm Strife. Nice to meet you, Fred." I extended my hand to shake his, which he accepted of course, getting a small but of satisfaction from it.
I jerked my hand away, but he just smiled at me.
"Well, you certainly are a fine loo-" I cut him off right quick.
"No, Fred...Just. No."
He laughed and sat as his couch, ignoring Jess. She sighed and sat in a nearby chair.
"Oh and Jess. James it upstairs if you want to say hi."
Now Jess shivered. "No, I don't want to say hi....In fact it would be great if I never saw him all day."
"Oh, why must you always be so hard to please, Jessica?" Jay said from the stairs.
She turned and growled at him. He didn't care about the scowling, he only came up and gave her his gift.
She reluctantly opened the small box and looked inside. There was two tickets to some fancy romantic hotel and some lingerie. She stared at him with pure evil and even went so far as to smack him in the head and throw the present in his face. He only sighed and looked around.
"Hey," He said. "Where's Mel, the cat-girl and that fighter chick? I might be able to still put the gift to good use."
Jess scoffed and joined me as I stood by the door.
"Well, those three said they were going to be late. They were picking up presents, food and other stuff to bring over." Jim answered, just to break the silence.
Thankfully it was around this time the three said girls walked into the house, ALL carrying tons and tons of bags.
Melfina was like a drill sergeant ordering her solders as she said what went were. "Ok Aisha, bring your bags out to the kitchen and put all the stuff in the fridge."
She nodded and walked to the kitchen. "Suzu, you bring your stuff into the kitchen with Aisha and unpack it all on the table. I will put the presents under the tree."
Suzuka followed her orders and went to the kitchen, while Melfina started placing gifts under the large, decorated tree.
Jess turned to me and said. "Well I better go help Suzu and Aisha with making dinner. Knowing them SOMETHING will burn...." She stopped as she saw Gene give his own services to Aisha and Suzuka. "Oh no....Ok, scratch that. If I don't help. Something will explode...." She ran up to Gene and told him to drop some utensil. Form what I heard he agreed but was followed by a loud crash and more screaming.
I simply laughed and sat next to Jim. "So, Jim. Is it like this every year?"
"No, this is actually pretty calm."
I grinned and shook my head. He then asked me if I got him and the others anything. The question made me stare into space with my mouth hanging low to the floor. I FORGOT THE PRESENTS!!!!!!
"Crap! Jim, thanks for the reminder! I have to go buy stuff right NOW!"
"But it's Christmas day! Nothing's open! Plus dinner will start any second!"
"Then stall!" I yelled, already out the door.
I ran out of the door and jumped into Jim's car. After a quick switch of some wires the sweet hum of the engine started and I was on my way.
I could see Jim in the rear-view mirror chasing me down, saying to bring back his Ehefrany, er, whatever it was called. I just kicked it into fourth- gear and drove off to the closet store.
I wasn't surprised at what I saw when I got there. A large mall with the words "Closed for Christmas." on it. Perfect.
I went to each and every store I could find, only to get the same result. "Closed for the holidays." So I went to the only place that was opened today. The locale bar.
I had to be at least an hour since I went out to find some presents. Jim must have been sweating bullets making them wait for me. I thought about Jess and how made she was going to be, she's the one above anyone else that wanted me to go. You know the whole first Christmas with her family and friends kind of thing. Man, Christmas even made Jess light-hearted....And that's saying something.
I sat down at the counter and ordered why they had the most of. The bartender gave me a glass of some brown tinted liquid. I down and already started to feel the affects of the alcohol. This stuff must've been pretty strong.
"You think you're a bit young to be drinking?"
An old portly man with a musty beard, grayed out by age said to me.
"I'm eighteen so screw off. Today hasn't been a good day."
He laughed, almost sarcastically. "Christmas a bad day? Well, I never heard such a thing."
"Yeah well it is. I'm supposed to be at a party right now but I have no gifts to give them. I tried all the stores but they were obviously closed."
"You know, Christmas is more then just how much gifts you give someone. It also has to do with the joy you feel on this pleasant day."
I scoffed at him. "Wrong, old man. Maybe in your day it was like that but Christmas has been over run by the greed of the world. Now it DOES matter about the amount of presents."
My harsh attitude made the man look at his glass then sigh. "Yes, I know....The season is loosing it's magic. What once was a day of happiness is now only a day of money."
"Amen, to that." I said, raising now newly filled glass. This only made him sulk more. "I wish I could find at least one person who remembers the meaning of Christmas. Maybe then I wouldn't have to stop doing what I love...."
His voice slowly cut out before he finished his thought.
"You know," I started back up, "I would like to say that there's someone out there like that and believe me when I say people are sure as hell happier on this day then any other. But to be honest with you, it really is because of the gifts. So stop sulking and get over it."
He looked at me with sadness the tore through me heart. "You mean what you say, do you not?" He once again looked down at his drink, shaking his head. "You must be like the others. One without memory of Saint Nick."
I couldn't help but laugh. Was this guy serious?! "Santa?! You think I should still believe in Santa?! Why!? That's an old wife's tale! Something people made up for the holiday!"
"So you do not think he exists, then?"
"Hell no. Plus how could he get gifts not only around a planet in one night but now an entire GALAXY!"
"With the growth up space, he finds assistance."
"Oh, you mean his little elves help him deliver the presents. And that's another thing! The parents get the gifts for the kids! Not Santa! If there was a gift mom and dad didn't remember getting they would call the cops and have whoever broke into their house arrested!"
"Saint Nicolas does more then deliver gifts. He spreads the holiday joy to every house he visits. There was once a time when everyone was happy because of the joy HE brought, not worldly gifts. A long time ago, Santa Claus was the reason the locale Scrooge was the host of a Christmas feast not a new Rolex."
Now I was getting a bit depressed and it wasn't because of my predicament with the whole party incident. It was because of the serious sadness in this poor man. He must love Christmas more then any other person alive. He loved it so much that even to this day he thought a Santa actually existed!
I put my drink down and patted him on the back. As my hand touched him I felt a warm sensation go threw my entire body. The feeling was so comforting. It lifted my spirit higher then it has ever been, I couldn't help but smile as I talked to this old man. His happiness clearly coming into me.
"Well, old man. I'll tell you one thing. If there's one person in this huge galaxy that still believes in old Saint Nick, it's you. But if there's one person out there who just renewed his once lost belief, it's me. So thank you for this talk. I have a party to get back to and the only gift I'm bringing it this odd yet peaceful feeling you gave me. So, I'm out of here."
I turned and headed for the door. The old man saying one last goodbye as I walked.
"No, Jacob. Thank you."
I chill went down my spine as he said that name....My name. MY REAL NAME!! I turned around to ask the man how he knew that but he was gone. I ran up to the bartender and asked where the fat man with the beard went to.
"What are you talking about, kid? There wasn't anybody sitting here except you."
To say the least, I was dumbfounded. So many questions ran through my mind at once. Who was he? How did he know? Where did he go? Was he....?
I let my last question slowly slip from thought as I walked to Jim's car. The whole car ride home I was only half alert of my surroundings. Who was that guy? The thought came over and over again.
I got to the house and still in half a mind, walked inside. Everyone was at the table, silent and obviously angry. Jess was the only one to show it.
"Where have you BEEN?!"
She followed the question by walking up and smacking me good in the face. Jay got a good laugh out of that. Little bastard.
She didn't even let me answer, the smell on my clothes was good enough.
"Have you been drinking?!?! Why! Didn't you even REMEMBER about the party!!!! Dad finally caved and said you went out to buy late presents but not even THAT was true!! I can NOT believe this, Strife!! You ruined the whole day!!!!!"
Pure malice was the only look I got from her. Yet as I looked closer, I saw tiny tears swelling in her eyes. Was she sad that I didn't show up? But why? The happiness I felt moments ago was gone, replaced by a broken heart. I really did ruin Christmas....Damn....
Her tears now clearly visible, she pushed me out of the way and headed out the door, with her dad and everyone else following.
Crap, what was wrong with me? Why was I such an idiot? I ruined the season for everyone and it JUST had to be when I got this new feeling, too. I'm so horrible, so pitiful, so....
"Unbelievable!!" Jess screamed from outside. Well, that wasn't what I was aiming for but it could work.
She called for me to come outside. She was beyond ecstatic. The odd thing was that she didn't sound mad. Not in the least. I walked outside and turned to her, all she did was silently stare at me as she pointed to her dad's car. No way, I must have been looking at it wrong. I rubbed my eyes to make sure there was nothing affecting them. Well there wasn't, I still saw the same thing.
The car was packed to the brim with presents. Some packed in the passenger side, some stuffed in the back seats, and some that even bulged out of the trunk. This was a miracle, no this was beyond a miracle! I don't quite know what exactly is beyond a miracle but this definitely fit in that category.
I scratched my head. How? How did they all get here? I don't understand.....Was it that man? No, couldn't have been....Or could it.....
Jess popped the trunk to get the rest of the gifts out. They all were in one red bag marked "Gifts from Strife to everyone else." Gifts some me? What?
She pulled it out and pulled it into the house. Her look of anger was replaced by amazement. Probably the same amazement on my own face.
"Strife, I don't know how you did it but I'm glad you did. This has REALLY saved your ass." Gene told me as he pulled some presents from the car and put them in the house.
After some time and effort every one managed to get all the gifts inside the house as I still stood there, speechless.
Jess pulled me in and I sat on the chair. Gene took it upon himself to pass out all the gifts from the bag that was suppose to be from me. There was a present to every person in the room. From Gene to Melfina to Fred and even Jay.
They all opened their gifts one after the other. Gene's was the best. He got a dirty magazine, he told me he would put good use to it. Everyone got a nice laugh out of that. Jim received this new PDA he's had his eye on for quite sometime. He wondered how I knew, I just shrugged and said that it was a secret. Next was Aisha, She got the whole series of this whacked out anime called "Super Space Explorer Teza nan-nan." Guess it was something based off a C'tarl chick, I don't know but she seemed to love it nonetheless.
Suzuka's was even odder. Her gift was some wood polish and a biiiig ol supply of Green Tea. She seemed to love the Green Tea the most. Ah well, messed up chicks. Melfina's gift was an old book titled "Pinocchio." She just stared at it in awe. I suppose she felt a strong bond with the main character. Seeing how they both were created and wanted to be real and all. That book was perfect for her.
Fred got some tickets to a resort on Heiphong V. He was jumping for joy about that one. Every guy needs a makeover now and then. Well at least, good people like Fred. It was finally Jay's turn and seeing how everyone got exactly what they wanted he was hoping for some ultra good present too. Well, I'll tell you one thing. I myself LOVED his present. In a box was $100,000....Of MONOPOLY money!! Everyone was rolling on the ground, except Jay of course but he soon joined in. It was Christmas, after all.
Jess took her present and held it in her hands. It was in a tiny box and at that second I knew exactly what it was. She only talked about it once and she wasn't even serious while she was asking for it but if I actually planed ahead and got everyone their gifts myself, this would have been what I got her. Without a doubt.
She tore off the wrapping and opened the box. In it was one ring, sparkling in a silvery light. On top of the band were two dolphins encircling and crystal blue sphere. She was speechless. She looked at the ring, then to me, then back to the ring.
She closed the box and hugged me as tight as she could. Even though I knew she was going to be please I still didn't expect her to be THAT pleased.
I hugged her back and then she looked at me. "How....Did you know?"
"I have my sources." I said with a sly smile.
The crowed "ooooed" and "Ahhhed" Then opened the other gifts I has 'supposedly' got.
To everyone's great delight the name of the giver of the presents that was written was not my name, instead they were all signed by none other then, that's right, Mr. S.C. himself. Santa Claus.
"Strife, what's up with putting Santa on them?" Jim asked, weaving through the gifts to find his own.
"Just bringing the true meaning of the holidays into our lives."
That put a nice smile on their faces. As they opened their presents they gave me my own to open too. We all sat down and opened our gifts. Boy what a time we had! The laughs, the smiles, the singing, dancing. The fun!! I tell you right now, that the things that had happened in this house would turn any cold heart, warm. Any grumpy man, joyous!! Haha! Even listen to me as I speak! The merriness! .....Wow, did I really just say all that crap?
After it was all over, everyone started packing up. The funniest gift I got was from Gene, who got me exactly what I go him. A dirty magazine. Thinking how he responded I decided to say the same thing.
"Hey, I'll be able to put better use to this then you could."
He only laughed then said. "You think so."
The group laughed in response to our gutter-minds then continued packing. Anyways, the best thing I got was an old Makarov, I wanted this thing SO badly for SO long. I could really put this to good use someday. I looked at the tag to see who got it for me, it was from Jess. I looked over at her as she was busily putting away some gifts. I caught a quick glance of her smile before she turned away.
After it was all said and done, Fred invited us to stay the night. Since there was so much food that would make good breakfast leftovers and since we all were in a great mood, we accepted.
Soon enough everyone huddled in the living room to watch whatever specials were on TV. I, myself, didn't like TV. When people asked why I always said it was too violent. Hypocritical, I know.
I laid down on the roof of Jim's 'Ehefrau' and stared up at the stars. The snow had slowed to a light fall as tiny puffs of white came down to meet black concrete. I loved this weather, it was the best of all. It almost seemed.....Magical.
My eyelids became heavy and I felt myself falling asleep but a presence coming from the house woke me back up. For a moment I thought it was Gene, I picked up and hunk of snow and tossed it at the person before me. To my surprise a female and NOT male voice spoke up.
"Hey, watch were you're throwing that!"
I sat up and looked at Jess. She simply walked over and sat next to me on the hood, staring at the ring on her finger.
"So really, Strife....How did you know?"
"Jess, you wouldn't understand if I told you."
She smiled and laid down next to me, getting close for warmth.
"Well, I guess it doesn't matter. It's the thought that counts."
"That's right, and at least that thought was of you."
Her smile was bigger then ever and glowed with delight. I think this was the first time I noticed her smile above anything else about her. It was so beautiful, SHE was so beautiful. I couldn't help but stare at her.
There was a twinkle in the sky the caught my eye, there seemed to be some sounds coming from it. I couldn't help but focus on it. It wasn't a shooting star, it was some craft being pulled by....Reindeer? Oh my god, no way.....
"What's that?" Jess asked, looking at the same thing. "And do you hear that? Is sounds like laughter of some kind."
I grinned and looked at her. "It's nothing....Just a good friend. A friend I'll never forget."
She looked at me and slightly shook her head. "Whatever." She said before moving closer to me. I put my arm around her shoulders and continued to stare up at the stars. There could have been nothing more perfect then this day, then this moment.
A time I will never forget and always cherish. The day miracles happened, friendships strengthened, and new loves, born. But above all else....The day I met Santa Clause himself. Pfft, forget Saint Nick. No one would believe THIS!
---------*------------*-----------------*--------------*---------------*---- ----------*----------*
Author's note: Well there you have it!! My Christmas special! Oh but crap.....I think's it's going to be one day late so just think of this as a late present to you all! And remember NOTHING in this will revert to the actual story...Well accept Strife's name. Oh and hey! Now you know Strife's real name!! YAY!!! Ah and Gene's gift to Fred was the best I could do....I just couldn't think of anything from the anime that might strike 'nostalgic gift!'
Jess: So um.....Do I keep the ring?
Blades: Nope, you don't
Jess: Damn!! Well what about the thing between me and Strife?
Blades: Eh, maybe. Maybe not. Not sure..
Strife: Ah, that sucks....I was looking forward to getting some of that sweet as-~SMACK!~
Jess: Hmph..*Walks away*
Blades: Ooook.Anyways, that's it! Hope you liked it!! Cya'll and until next time!!!
Strife: I think I lost a tooth......
Gene: Whoa....Now that's real AU right there....
Blades: Ah! Gene, I don't own you! You can't speak outside the story!
Gene: Why no- *Muffled by hands over his mouth.*
Blades: Silence!! ....The lawyers may by reading....*Shifty eyes*
Strife: Can I talk?
Blades: Yeah, I own you.
Strife: You don't OWN me!! I am a human BEING!!! *Runs off screaming insanely*
Blades: *Sighs* See? No one's even in character. Anyways, just by reading this A/N ALONE you should know this will be completely different. But it's Christmas! Time to do something new!! Plus this'll be the only time I act this messed up....Well this and other holidays....Anyways! On with the Christmas Special!!
Strife: "Good reading equals good times." I'm out.
Blades: You stole me line!!!
Strife: So? Anyways, enjoy the story everyone!
Blades: *Sighs*
I buttoned the rest of my trench coat and crossed my arms. This was the worst part of standing out in the snow. It looked great but freezes you into an ice cube if you're not careful.
As I stood there watching the artificial snow dropping down from Sentinel III's sky I heard Jim's car pull up beside me.
"Ready to go?" He asked.
"Been ready." I answered getting into the back seat, next to Jess. I accidentally slammed the door of the car causing Jim to fly into an absolute fit.
"Ahh!!! Be careful with my Ehefrau!! I've had my baby for a looong time!"
I groaned, how could someone love a car so much? Even so far as to name it "Wife" in German.
There was a small pause before Jim started up the engine and drove off.
Gene turned around and looked at me. "Now just so you know. Aisha's a C'tarl C'tarl so try not to get on her bad side."
I grinned. "Wouldn't be the first C'tarl I pissed off."
Gene turned around and reclined in his seat, which didn't help my foot room any.
As the car drove down the road I stared out the window at the passing people. The all looked so happy, there wasn't an inch of sadness in any of them. Guess Christmas does that to people. Hell, even I was feeling a little festive even though I wasn't really into the whole holiday bonanza.
We soon pulled up to a large house and I got out.
"Well, here we are." Gene said with a smile.
I couldn't believe we were going to Fred's house. It was a miracle in itself he was up and walking. Once again.....It was that Christmas bug....
Jim was holding all of our presents and walked in first. Greeted by our humble host.
"Greetings, Jim! My you have certainly become a fine, fine man."
Jim shivered at the complement. "Fred, lay off will ya? Y'know, Gene's here too."
"He IS?! Oh where is he!?!"
After hearing Fred shout, Gene slowly walked in, holding Fred's wrapped present. "Hey, Fred! Looks like you're doing much better. Here, I even got you something."
Fred ignored the present and gave Gene a huge-ass hug. This may have been worse then Gene and Melfina....
"Gene! It's soooo great to see you! And boy, age hasn't hindered your looks at all..."
"Uh, thanks Fred. Anyways open your present. I hope you like it."
Fred's grin was bigger then ever as he ripped open the wrapping.
Gene's gift was actually an assortment of three gifts. Fred laughed as he took out the two gag gifts. One being a picture of Gene in his younger years, signed saying: "Stay young." And the other being a calendar full of hot women in bikinis. Fred thought both were very funny and said it was just like Gene to get him something like that. He took out Gene's actual gift and gasped in awe.
"Gene....Is this....? Fred held up and small bracelet with a single charm tied to the end of it. The charm itself was a serpent wrapped around a tiger.
"Yeah, it's that good luck charm you gave me a couple weeks after I cam back from the Leyline. You said that I get into so much danger and should at least have something lucky with me. Well now seeing how you are, I've decided you need it more then me. Plus now I don't have to repay you for it."
He laughed as he gave Fred a small hug, in which Fred made into a much bigger hug.
"Well thank you, Gene. This really means a lot."
Finally Gene walked through the doorway allowing Jess and I to enter. I didn't think about it until right now....But this was my first meeting with Fred. Ever!
"Well who are you?" He asked looking at me.
I shivered about the same as Jim did. "Uh, I'm Strife. Nice to meet you, Fred." I extended my hand to shake his, which he accepted of course, getting a small but of satisfaction from it.
I jerked my hand away, but he just smiled at me.
"Well, you certainly are a fine loo-" I cut him off right quick.
"No, Fred...Just. No."
He laughed and sat as his couch, ignoring Jess. She sighed and sat in a nearby chair.
"Oh and Jess. James it upstairs if you want to say hi."
Now Jess shivered. "No, I don't want to say hi....In fact it would be great if I never saw him all day."
"Oh, why must you always be so hard to please, Jessica?" Jay said from the stairs.
She turned and growled at him. He didn't care about the scowling, he only came up and gave her his gift.
She reluctantly opened the small box and looked inside. There was two tickets to some fancy romantic hotel and some lingerie. She stared at him with pure evil and even went so far as to smack him in the head and throw the present in his face. He only sighed and looked around.
"Hey," He said. "Where's Mel, the cat-girl and that fighter chick? I might be able to still put the gift to good use."
Jess scoffed and joined me as I stood by the door.
"Well, those three said they were going to be late. They were picking up presents, food and other stuff to bring over." Jim answered, just to break the silence.
Thankfully it was around this time the three said girls walked into the house, ALL carrying tons and tons of bags.
Melfina was like a drill sergeant ordering her solders as she said what went were. "Ok Aisha, bring your bags out to the kitchen and put all the stuff in the fridge."
She nodded and walked to the kitchen. "Suzu, you bring your stuff into the kitchen with Aisha and unpack it all on the table. I will put the presents under the tree."
Suzuka followed her orders and went to the kitchen, while Melfina started placing gifts under the large, decorated tree.
Jess turned to me and said. "Well I better go help Suzu and Aisha with making dinner. Knowing them SOMETHING will burn...." She stopped as she saw Gene give his own services to Aisha and Suzuka. "Oh no....Ok, scratch that. If I don't help. Something will explode...." She ran up to Gene and told him to drop some utensil. Form what I heard he agreed but was followed by a loud crash and more screaming.
I simply laughed and sat next to Jim. "So, Jim. Is it like this every year?"
"No, this is actually pretty calm."
I grinned and shook my head. He then asked me if I got him and the others anything. The question made me stare into space with my mouth hanging low to the floor. I FORGOT THE PRESENTS!!!!!!
"Crap! Jim, thanks for the reminder! I have to go buy stuff right NOW!"
"But it's Christmas day! Nothing's open! Plus dinner will start any second!"
"Then stall!" I yelled, already out the door.
I ran out of the door and jumped into Jim's car. After a quick switch of some wires the sweet hum of the engine started and I was on my way.
I could see Jim in the rear-view mirror chasing me down, saying to bring back his Ehefrany, er, whatever it was called. I just kicked it into fourth- gear and drove off to the closet store.
I wasn't surprised at what I saw when I got there. A large mall with the words "Closed for Christmas." on it. Perfect.
I went to each and every store I could find, only to get the same result. "Closed for the holidays." So I went to the only place that was opened today. The locale bar.
I had to be at least an hour since I went out to find some presents. Jim must have been sweating bullets making them wait for me. I thought about Jess and how made she was going to be, she's the one above anyone else that wanted me to go. You know the whole first Christmas with her family and friends kind of thing. Man, Christmas even made Jess light-hearted....And that's saying something.
I sat down at the counter and ordered why they had the most of. The bartender gave me a glass of some brown tinted liquid. I down and already started to feel the affects of the alcohol. This stuff must've been pretty strong.
"You think you're a bit young to be drinking?"
An old portly man with a musty beard, grayed out by age said to me.
"I'm eighteen so screw off. Today hasn't been a good day."
He laughed, almost sarcastically. "Christmas a bad day? Well, I never heard such a thing."
"Yeah well it is. I'm supposed to be at a party right now but I have no gifts to give them. I tried all the stores but they were obviously closed."
"You know, Christmas is more then just how much gifts you give someone. It also has to do with the joy you feel on this pleasant day."
I scoffed at him. "Wrong, old man. Maybe in your day it was like that but Christmas has been over run by the greed of the world. Now it DOES matter about the amount of presents."
My harsh attitude made the man look at his glass then sigh. "Yes, I know....The season is loosing it's magic. What once was a day of happiness is now only a day of money."
"Amen, to that." I said, raising now newly filled glass. This only made him sulk more. "I wish I could find at least one person who remembers the meaning of Christmas. Maybe then I wouldn't have to stop doing what I love...."
His voice slowly cut out before he finished his thought.
"You know," I started back up, "I would like to say that there's someone out there like that and believe me when I say people are sure as hell happier on this day then any other. But to be honest with you, it really is because of the gifts. So stop sulking and get over it."
He looked at me with sadness the tore through me heart. "You mean what you say, do you not?" He once again looked down at his drink, shaking his head. "You must be like the others. One without memory of Saint Nick."
I couldn't help but laugh. Was this guy serious?! "Santa?! You think I should still believe in Santa?! Why!? That's an old wife's tale! Something people made up for the holiday!"
"So you do not think he exists, then?"
"Hell no. Plus how could he get gifts not only around a planet in one night but now an entire GALAXY!"
"With the growth up space, he finds assistance."
"Oh, you mean his little elves help him deliver the presents. And that's another thing! The parents get the gifts for the kids! Not Santa! If there was a gift mom and dad didn't remember getting they would call the cops and have whoever broke into their house arrested!"
"Saint Nicolas does more then deliver gifts. He spreads the holiday joy to every house he visits. There was once a time when everyone was happy because of the joy HE brought, not worldly gifts. A long time ago, Santa Claus was the reason the locale Scrooge was the host of a Christmas feast not a new Rolex."
Now I was getting a bit depressed and it wasn't because of my predicament with the whole party incident. It was because of the serious sadness in this poor man. He must love Christmas more then any other person alive. He loved it so much that even to this day he thought a Santa actually existed!
I put my drink down and patted him on the back. As my hand touched him I felt a warm sensation go threw my entire body. The feeling was so comforting. It lifted my spirit higher then it has ever been, I couldn't help but smile as I talked to this old man. His happiness clearly coming into me.
"Well, old man. I'll tell you one thing. If there's one person in this huge galaxy that still believes in old Saint Nick, it's you. But if there's one person out there who just renewed his once lost belief, it's me. So thank you for this talk. I have a party to get back to and the only gift I'm bringing it this odd yet peaceful feeling you gave me. So, I'm out of here."
I turned and headed for the door. The old man saying one last goodbye as I walked.
"No, Jacob. Thank you."
I chill went down my spine as he said that name....My name. MY REAL NAME!! I turned around to ask the man how he knew that but he was gone. I ran up to the bartender and asked where the fat man with the beard went to.
"What are you talking about, kid? There wasn't anybody sitting here except you."
To say the least, I was dumbfounded. So many questions ran through my mind at once. Who was he? How did he know? Where did he go? Was he....?
I let my last question slowly slip from thought as I walked to Jim's car. The whole car ride home I was only half alert of my surroundings. Who was that guy? The thought came over and over again.
I got to the house and still in half a mind, walked inside. Everyone was at the table, silent and obviously angry. Jess was the only one to show it.
"Where have you BEEN?!"
She followed the question by walking up and smacking me good in the face. Jay got a good laugh out of that. Little bastard.
She didn't even let me answer, the smell on my clothes was good enough.
"Have you been drinking?!?! Why! Didn't you even REMEMBER about the party!!!! Dad finally caved and said you went out to buy late presents but not even THAT was true!! I can NOT believe this, Strife!! You ruined the whole day!!!!!"
Pure malice was the only look I got from her. Yet as I looked closer, I saw tiny tears swelling in her eyes. Was she sad that I didn't show up? But why? The happiness I felt moments ago was gone, replaced by a broken heart. I really did ruin Christmas....Damn....
Her tears now clearly visible, she pushed me out of the way and headed out the door, with her dad and everyone else following.
Crap, what was wrong with me? Why was I such an idiot? I ruined the season for everyone and it JUST had to be when I got this new feeling, too. I'm so horrible, so pitiful, so....
"Unbelievable!!" Jess screamed from outside. Well, that wasn't what I was aiming for but it could work.
She called for me to come outside. She was beyond ecstatic. The odd thing was that she didn't sound mad. Not in the least. I walked outside and turned to her, all she did was silently stare at me as she pointed to her dad's car. No way, I must have been looking at it wrong. I rubbed my eyes to make sure there was nothing affecting them. Well there wasn't, I still saw the same thing.
The car was packed to the brim with presents. Some packed in the passenger side, some stuffed in the back seats, and some that even bulged out of the trunk. This was a miracle, no this was beyond a miracle! I don't quite know what exactly is beyond a miracle but this definitely fit in that category.
I scratched my head. How? How did they all get here? I don't understand.....Was it that man? No, couldn't have been....Or could it.....
Jess popped the trunk to get the rest of the gifts out. They all were in one red bag marked "Gifts from Strife to everyone else." Gifts some me? What?
She pulled it out and pulled it into the house. Her look of anger was replaced by amazement. Probably the same amazement on my own face.
"Strife, I don't know how you did it but I'm glad you did. This has REALLY saved your ass." Gene told me as he pulled some presents from the car and put them in the house.
After some time and effort every one managed to get all the gifts inside the house as I still stood there, speechless.
Jess pulled me in and I sat on the chair. Gene took it upon himself to pass out all the gifts from the bag that was suppose to be from me. There was a present to every person in the room. From Gene to Melfina to Fred and even Jay.
They all opened their gifts one after the other. Gene's was the best. He got a dirty magazine, he told me he would put good use to it. Everyone got a nice laugh out of that. Jim received this new PDA he's had his eye on for quite sometime. He wondered how I knew, I just shrugged and said that it was a secret. Next was Aisha, She got the whole series of this whacked out anime called "Super Space Explorer Teza nan-nan." Guess it was something based off a C'tarl chick, I don't know but she seemed to love it nonetheless.
Suzuka's was even odder. Her gift was some wood polish and a biiiig ol supply of Green Tea. She seemed to love the Green Tea the most. Ah well, messed up chicks. Melfina's gift was an old book titled "Pinocchio." She just stared at it in awe. I suppose she felt a strong bond with the main character. Seeing how they both were created and wanted to be real and all. That book was perfect for her.
Fred got some tickets to a resort on Heiphong V. He was jumping for joy about that one. Every guy needs a makeover now and then. Well at least, good people like Fred. It was finally Jay's turn and seeing how everyone got exactly what they wanted he was hoping for some ultra good present too. Well, I'll tell you one thing. I myself LOVED his present. In a box was $100,000....Of MONOPOLY money!! Everyone was rolling on the ground, except Jay of course but he soon joined in. It was Christmas, after all.
Jess took her present and held it in her hands. It was in a tiny box and at that second I knew exactly what it was. She only talked about it once and she wasn't even serious while she was asking for it but if I actually planed ahead and got everyone their gifts myself, this would have been what I got her. Without a doubt.
She tore off the wrapping and opened the box. In it was one ring, sparkling in a silvery light. On top of the band were two dolphins encircling and crystal blue sphere. She was speechless. She looked at the ring, then to me, then back to the ring.
She closed the box and hugged me as tight as she could. Even though I knew she was going to be please I still didn't expect her to be THAT pleased.
I hugged her back and then she looked at me. "How....Did you know?"
"I have my sources." I said with a sly smile.
The crowed "ooooed" and "Ahhhed" Then opened the other gifts I has 'supposedly' got.
To everyone's great delight the name of the giver of the presents that was written was not my name, instead they were all signed by none other then, that's right, Mr. S.C. himself. Santa Claus.
"Strife, what's up with putting Santa on them?" Jim asked, weaving through the gifts to find his own.
"Just bringing the true meaning of the holidays into our lives."
That put a nice smile on their faces. As they opened their presents they gave me my own to open too. We all sat down and opened our gifts. Boy what a time we had! The laughs, the smiles, the singing, dancing. The fun!! I tell you right now, that the things that had happened in this house would turn any cold heart, warm. Any grumpy man, joyous!! Haha! Even listen to me as I speak! The merriness! .....Wow, did I really just say all that crap?
After it was all over, everyone started packing up. The funniest gift I got was from Gene, who got me exactly what I go him. A dirty magazine. Thinking how he responded I decided to say the same thing.
"Hey, I'll be able to put better use to this then you could."
He only laughed then said. "You think so."
The group laughed in response to our gutter-minds then continued packing. Anyways, the best thing I got was an old Makarov, I wanted this thing SO badly for SO long. I could really put this to good use someday. I looked at the tag to see who got it for me, it was from Jess. I looked over at her as she was busily putting away some gifts. I caught a quick glance of her smile before she turned away.
After it was all said and done, Fred invited us to stay the night. Since there was so much food that would make good breakfast leftovers and since we all were in a great mood, we accepted.
Soon enough everyone huddled in the living room to watch whatever specials were on TV. I, myself, didn't like TV. When people asked why I always said it was too violent. Hypocritical, I know.
I laid down on the roof of Jim's 'Ehefrau' and stared up at the stars. The snow had slowed to a light fall as tiny puffs of white came down to meet black concrete. I loved this weather, it was the best of all. It almost seemed.....Magical.
My eyelids became heavy and I felt myself falling asleep but a presence coming from the house woke me back up. For a moment I thought it was Gene, I picked up and hunk of snow and tossed it at the person before me. To my surprise a female and NOT male voice spoke up.
"Hey, watch were you're throwing that!"
I sat up and looked at Jess. She simply walked over and sat next to me on the hood, staring at the ring on her finger.
"So really, Strife....How did you know?"
"Jess, you wouldn't understand if I told you."
She smiled and laid down next to me, getting close for warmth.
"Well, I guess it doesn't matter. It's the thought that counts."
"That's right, and at least that thought was of you."
Her smile was bigger then ever and glowed with delight. I think this was the first time I noticed her smile above anything else about her. It was so beautiful, SHE was so beautiful. I couldn't help but stare at her.
There was a twinkle in the sky the caught my eye, there seemed to be some sounds coming from it. I couldn't help but focus on it. It wasn't a shooting star, it was some craft being pulled by....Reindeer? Oh my god, no way.....
"What's that?" Jess asked, looking at the same thing. "And do you hear that? Is sounds like laughter of some kind."
I grinned and looked at her. "It's nothing....Just a good friend. A friend I'll never forget."
She looked at me and slightly shook her head. "Whatever." She said before moving closer to me. I put my arm around her shoulders and continued to stare up at the stars. There could have been nothing more perfect then this day, then this moment.
A time I will never forget and always cherish. The day miracles happened, friendships strengthened, and new loves, born. But above all else....The day I met Santa Clause himself. Pfft, forget Saint Nick. No one would believe THIS!
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Author's note: Well there you have it!! My Christmas special! Oh but crap.....I think's it's going to be one day late so just think of this as a late present to you all! And remember NOTHING in this will revert to the actual story...Well accept Strife's name. Oh and hey! Now you know Strife's real name!! YAY!!! Ah and Gene's gift to Fred was the best I could do....I just couldn't think of anything from the anime that might strike 'nostalgic gift!'
Jess: So um.....Do I keep the ring?
Blades: Nope, you don't
Jess: Damn!! Well what about the thing between me and Strife?
Blades: Eh, maybe. Maybe not. Not sure..
Strife: Ah, that sucks....I was looking forward to getting some of that sweet as-~SMACK!~
Jess: Hmph..*Walks away*
Blades: Ooook.Anyways, that's it! Hope you liked it!! Cya'll and until next time!!!
Strife: I think I lost a tooth......