Sorry this is taking so long. Back to work ya know, blah, but I'll keep writing as long as you're reading.

Review Response:

the Widow Dracula: Because it's cute? That's a wonderful idea, are you going to write it? You should. I feel very honored to have you two reading my work!

Liz-Bathory7: I might go somewhere with the, ahem, "Children Concept" but I'm not sure how I'm going to go about it. I know it's a little short, but that chapter was hard to write.

Sarge1: Yup, that always works, one word and you get complete and total obedience. I hope I avoid kicking.

Vampyric Lycan: Hm? Oh, Anna was remembering a similar incident that occurred on their honeymoon. Which if asked, after this fic is done, I might be compelled to write about.

KillerKitty16: Thank you, yes I suppose it was rather odd. My writers block's been acting up again. Do they make pills for that?

EbonyBeach: I do think it was odd, and I wrote it. But I'm glad you thought it was cute. Ah, yes, don't worry, it'll be Christmas soon enough. Hey, it's me, don't worry LOTS of fluff heading your way.

Spaztic Arwen: I might elaborate anyway, if enough people show interest. But don't worry about your challenge. I got an idea, and I even found a way to sneak Anna and Gabriel into there.

"Oh no, Vasile, I'll get it!" Carl said to the aging gentleman as he heard a knock on the door. The dignified butler simply nodded his head and headed back the direction he'd come. Carl smiled and set his glass of cider down, heading for the door.

He opened it just as the little lad on the other side reached to knock again.

"Oh! Good morning sir, I have a message for Master Van Helsing" he said cheerily, holding his hand out.

Carl's warm smile faded when he saw what the young man had in his hand.

Anna is not going to be happy about this he thought shakily, and reached to take the parcel.

"Thank you, I'll make sure he receives it" Carl said politely, while inside he quailed at the thought of having to deliver such a message.

He smiled again at the lad, then closed the door softly, turning he looked up the stairs. Smiling tightly, he exhaled and started up the grand steps.

"Sure leave all the dirty dangerous work to the Friar" he grumbled, marching up the stairs like someone sentenced to death.

Anna looked up from her book when she head the library door creak open, she smiled as Carl stuck his head into the room.

Gabriel and Anna were settled comfortably on a couch. Anna had her feet in Van Helsings lap as they both read quietly.

"What's the matter Carl you look like you've seen a ghost, or maybe Cardinal Jinette in his birthday suit," Gabriel said wryly. Anna looked over at him and made a face, the same disgusted look painted Carl's features.

"Why would you say something like that?" Carl moaned, smacking his forehead, "I'm going to have to poke out my mental eye!" he complained.

Gabriel shrugged and placed his book down on Anna's leg, laying his left hand on her feet.

"You're telling me you never had that dream? You know where you were naked in front of the whole church?" he asked, ignoring Anna's choking cough. Carl almost looked offended, as he crossed his arms over his chest and took a step back. "No!" he yelped,

Gabriel held his right hand up in surrender. "Okay, okay, no need to get defensive" he soothed, though Anna thought she saw a wicked glimmer in his eyes.

"So are you going to tell us why you've decided to disturb our peaceful afternoon?" Gabriel asked, quirking an eyebrow. All the while tracing a teasing pattern up and down Anna's calf. Carl sighed, he really hated to do this.

"You, uh, you have a letter" he stammered, reaching into his sleeve and removing the plain cream envelope.

He'd expected anger, though he didn't know where it'd be directed, if not anger then fear. He was unprepared for the heart wrenching sorrow Anna's eyes filled with.

Crimson lips parted slightly when she turned her broken gaze to her monster hunter. Van Helsing looked stunned, to say the least, he stared at the envelope in Carl's shaking fingers.

To both Anna and Carl's surprise Gabriel gave a short humorless laugh, reached out and snatched the letter away.

"Just figures doesn't it" he said sarcastically, ripping the envelope open, then yanking the letter out. He read it quickly, then handed it to Anna, smiling ruefully he snorted and shook his head.

"I have to go, I can't just let people die" he said softly, locking gazes with the gypsy. She settled the note in her lap, and stared up out the window, he thought he heard her whisper 'it's not fair'.

"I know," she said simply, then turned back to him.

"I know" she repeated softly. He squeezed her foot reassuringly,

"I'll be quick" he comforted. Anna shook her head,

"Don't make a promise you can't keep, Gabriel" she pleaded. Carl felt it wise to leave the room, and give them a moment.

As soon as the door clicked closed Anna slid her legs off of Gabriel's lap and got to her feet.

"It's my job, Anna" he said, holding out both hands, palms up. She sighed, arms wrapped firmly about herself.

"I know that, I do, and you're right you have to go," she turned back to him, a watery smile on her lovely features.

"It doesn't make it any easier when you have to leave. You're all I've got now, and I've become used to having you here. To having something and someone to wake up to. A reason for living, you know that don't you? You know how much I love you?" she whispered, so close to tears her eyes shimmered.

"I've had to leave before, you've never said anything, never protested, why now?" he asked, standing and approaching her slowly.

She stared up at him, a single tear making it's way unbidden down her cheek. He couldn't help himself, reaching instinctively to wipe the moisture away, silently cursing Jinette and the order.

"It's Christmas, and I can't help but think off all the days for you not to come home..." She trailed off, eyes closing, another tear streaming down her face. He bent his head and kissed this one away, tasting the salt of it and hating that he'd made her cry. But he could make it better, couldn't he?

Taking her hands he gently pulled them from around her waist and set them against his chest. He held them for a brief second, squeezing them tight then slid his fingers to her shoulders and pulled her against him. She relaxed in his embrace with one long shuddery exhale, while he murmured complete nonsense, that he hoped was calming.

"I'll be home for Christmas, Anna," he whispered to her hair, "Not even Dracula himself could keep me from you."

Gabriel dropped his packed bag by his feet, not a single article of clothing was in it. Anna smiled sadly up at him,

"Sure I can't come?" she asked, he frowned and shook his head.

"Waste of time, besides" he smiled, "You're on vacation" he said dryly. She rolled her eyes and snorted in response. His smile softened,

"I'll be home" he repeated, nodding to his wife. She smiled back,

"I know" she replied, she had full faith in him. He was a warrior, he wouldn't break his word.

Standing on her tiptoes she twined her arms around his neck, "Don't be late" she whispered, grinning impishly.

He wasted no time in fully reliving the memory, bending his head to claim her waiting lips.

As usual it got out of hand rather quickly, and he had to force himself away from her. She sighed and kept her eyes closed for a second longer, as if trying to memorize the feeling. Hazel eyes slowly reappeared, staring up at him dazedly. He bent for another quick kiss then stooped to pick up his bag of goodies.

He smiled over at Carl, even bothering with giving a quick salute.

"Take care of her for me" he joked, though both men knew he was deadly serious. Carl nodded, meeting his friends eye and telling him he understood.

"What no kiss for me?" he huffed, mock offended. Gabriel raised and eyebrow, shook his head and opened the door.

"Wait!" Anna gasped, reaching up she deftly undid the latch on her necklace, pulling it from her neck. Smiling lightly, she reached up around his neck again and re-hooked the clasp. She ran her fingers across the delicate cross, then looked down.

"For luck," she explained to his unanswered question, she stood on her tiptoes for one last kiss goodbye. He tugged on a lock of her hair playfully before walking out of the house. His horse waited at the base of the steps, his black coat shining blue-black in the sun.

Anna stood stock still for a moment, when she remembered she'd forgotten something.

"Gabriel!" she cried, launching herself at the door, gripping the doorframe tightly. He turned around, his mount whinnied impatiently and tossed his mane, stamping a hoof in protest.

"I love you" Anna called, Gabriel rewarded her with a smile. Turning he quickly swung up onto the horse, and moved to leave. Twisting in his saddle he looked over his shoulder at her.

"I love you too" he called back, with a final wave he snapped the reigns and headed out.

Will Gabriel be home in time for Christmas? Is Christmas ruined?