I'm fast forwarding a couple weeks in the future. I don't own PPG.

Finally escaping her sisters' scrutiny, Bubbles ran outside, taking in the fresh air of the winter morning. It was exactly a week before Christmas and Bubbles decided she would go buy her family presents that day.

Walking down to the village, she bit her lip, trying to figure out if she should get something for the boys. On account of her being attacked, King Edward agreed to join forces with the Wind Kingdom. She smiled, remembering her father's joyful face as King Edward had a similar expression. Apparently, the War of the Elements had been forgotten…whatever that was.

After much begging from her and her sisters, their father invited the Royal Family of Fire to enjoy Christmas with them. Even though she knew they wouldn't admit it, Bubbles knew her sisters liked the boys as much as she liked Boomer.

She blushed at the thought of his name. When she had woken up, he had avoided her, ashamed of her getting hurt. It had took a while for her to convince him it wasn't his fault, but he did eventually. 'He's like my best friend now…so that's why I can't tell him I like him. I would totally ruin it…' she thought, sighing.

Bubbles reached the village and began to greet the people out. She began to search for her sisters' presents. She knew Blossom would want books, but wanted to get her something different. She also knew Buttercup would hate makeup, but wouldn't mind something like…

Stopping at a strange set-up, she gasped at some super-sparkly, shinny belts. "This would be perfect for Buttercup! She's always complaining about her pants being too big!" She looked around until she saw the perfect one. It had a dark background, with a green stripe going down the middle. Bright and lime green sparkles decorated the belt and the buckle was a black star, the sparkles on that also.

She grinned and grabbed it. "I'll take this."

After paying for it, she began to look around for Blossom. 'What should I get her?' she thought, then stopped, seeing the perfect present.

It was a white faux-down vest, but it had rose zigzags all down the front. Smiling, she bought that also.

"Okay, time for Daddy." She looked around but couldn't find anything. "I guess I can go back home for now."

Walking back to the palace, she began to think then panicked. 'Crap! If I get Boomer something, should it be friendly or romantic? I kind of want him to know, but then I kind of don't!' She bit her lip in thought, then grinned. "I know!" she exclaimed, running all the way back.

The five teens were sitting in front of the fire, talking about stuff, when a red-faced Bubbles ran in.

"Bubbles, what happened!" Boomer exclaimed, fear on his face. But Bubbles shook her head.

"Nothing but a great idea!" She sat down.

Blossom stared at her. "What are you talking about?"

"This!" She pulled out a Santa's hat from behind her back in a grand manner. She held it up for everyone to see.

"It's a Santa's hat." Butch said flatly.

Bubbles frowned. Then she realized that she probably ought to have explained it first. Her grin appeared again and continued as though she was on an infomercial.

"It's not just a Santa's hat!" She reached into the hat and pulled out a little slip of paper that had the name Buttercup written on it. "Inside I have put little slips of paper with each of our names written on it."

"So?" Butch asked raising an eyebrow but Blossom masked his sarcastic remark by exclaiming, "Oh! I see! Is this like Secret Santa?"

Bubbles nodded enthusiastically, "It's exactly like Secret Santa! In fact, it is Secret Santa!"

Blossom clapped, "Oh! That's brilliant, Bubbles!"

Bubbles beamed.

"What's Secret Santa?" Buttercup asked.

"Glad you asked! You see each of us will draw a name from this hat, but don't tell anyone who you got, and that's the person you'll buy a gift for!" Bubbles paused, letting her brilliance soak in, "Don't you see? You only have to buy a gift for one person!"

Boomer nodded, "That is a good idea!"

"Thanks." Bubbles smiled.

Brick piped up, "Why don't we tell anyone?"

Bubbles paused for a moment. She hadn't really expected this question. "Well...I guess it's just to make it interesting..."

"And it'll keep people from buying an overly expensive gift and then bragging about it." Buttercup added looking at Butch.

"Hey! I have never done that!" Butch exclaimed, offended.

Brick smirked, "Sure…"

Butch frowned, "Shut up."

Bubbles nodded, "Exactly! So, everyone, grab a name out of the hat." Bubbles passed the hat around and everyone followed her instructions, "Everyone got one? Good! Okay, remember; don't tell anyone whom you got."

Later that day

After that the group went their separate ways, either to their rooms or the village square. Boomer mingled outside awhile. Leaning against a tree, he pulled the slip of paper out of his pocket and looked at the name.

Bubbles

So, he had to buy a gift for Bubbles. Boomer wistfully ran a hand through his hair. But what would she want? This should be easy, but for some reason he couldn't think of anything to get her. He ran through her traits in his mind: she was extremely nice, hyperactive, and attractively perky. When that didn't help, he let out a sigh

Strangely enough, Boomer found that he wanted this gift to be absolutely perfect. He wanted her to open his gift and glow with pure joy as she saw his gift. He didn't care that she wouldn't know who had given it to her, he just wanted to see that expression, he wanted to see her radiance.

He frowned. 'But why do I want it to be perfect? Sure, she's like my best friend, but…'

Giving up, he supposed he could do some detective work and find out what she liked. But Christmas was only a week away and he didn't have enough time for that.

He sighed and slipped the paper back into his pocket and pushed off of the tree. He stretched a little and took a big whiff of the air. Boomer began to walk away from the palace, lost in thought. He was just walking, no where in particular, just walking. Walking and thinking about what he could possibly buy for Bubbles. His mind was still a blank.

Boomer stopped in the forest. He closed his eyes and sat by the frozen river. Some flowers were growing there. They weren't particularly astounding flowers, just you're everyday dandelion. They were growing in a little cluster on the side. Boomer liked flowers, even though he would never admit it. He had, as some would say, a green thumb. In fact, had it not been winter, the secret garden at his palace would have been filled with blooming flowers.

Though, he didn't really think dandelions were a flower. He didn't like them; they were too much like a weed. He was, however, very passionate about roses. That wasn't the only flower he favored. He liked many others such as peonies, cherry blossoms, hibiscuses, irises, lilies...

Lilies.

Boomer had to leave his thought unfinished as the wind blew, causing him to continue walking.

Lily, doesn't Bubbles love lilies? She did! It was a perfect! He wasn't going to give Bubbles a flower but it was something to build off of. But what could he give Bubbles that was lily themed? There had to be something he was sure.

What did people give that involved flowers? He'd seen a lot of fabric with flower patterns. Would he give Bubbles a dress?

She had enough of those.

He'd often seen flowers on furniture.

He refused to give Bubbles furniture for Christmas.

There was flower jewelry.

Jewelry?

Jewelry!

It was absolutely perfect! He'd give Bubbles a necklace or a ring perhaps! It was brilliant! Bubbles would love it. He took of running, searching for the nearest jewelry display.

A Week Later

Knock knock

Boomer woke up to the sound of someone knocking on his door. He yawned and looked briefly at the clock at his bedside. The hands were on the 6 and the 12; 6 a.m. Boomer sighed and closed his eyes once again. It was too early for company. He looked around to see his brothers dead asleep.

Knock, knock

Boomer groaned and rolled over determined to ignore it.

Knock, knock

Boomer defiantly smashed a pillow to his ears and closed his eyes tightly.

Knock, knock Knock, knock Knock, knock

Boomer at last gave in and sat up wearily. With a very reluctant groan, Boomer rolled out of bed and trudged to the door. The knocking was still hitting incessantly. Putting on his most perturbed face, Boomer unlocked the door and swung it open. He was greeted with the smiling faces of Bubbles and Blossom.

"Hi, Boomer-Oh!" Bubbles' cheeks suddenly became a fierce shade of red and her eyes grew to the size of saucers. She clapped a hand over her mouth. Boomer's eyebrow's furrowed bemusedly at looked over at Blossom who was in a similar state. Both of them were looking down. Boomer followed their gaze and saw immediately what was the cause of all this. Blushing an even brighter shade of red. He squeaked a quick "Excuse me." And walked as swiftly back to his room. Leaving a very shocked Bubbles and Blossom outside in the hallway.

After a long silence Blossom coughed. Bubbles answered with another cough. "Well..."

"That was..." Blossom coughed.

Bubbles nodded, "Roses."

Blossom blinked, "What?"

"His boxers had roses on them." Bubbles said with unease.

Blossom nodded, and then looked at her, "Really? All I saw were red dots..."

Bubbles shrugged, "I was closer than you were."

"Oh."

A clicking signaled that Boomer had finished dressing and he opened the door to greet them. He smiled apologetically, "Sorry about that. I wasn't prepared for company this early in the morning." He held the door open more, "Come in."

Bubbles and Blossom both grinned and stepped in, Blossom shutting the door behind her.

"So, what's up?" Boomer said pleasantly.

"Simple, Boomer!" Bubbles said exuberantly, unloading a large bag on to the floor.

"As you know today is Christmas Eve," Blossom said, unloading a similar bag.

"And you are so good at decorating;" Bubbles continued slinging an arm around Boomer's shoulders.

"So..." Blossom reached into the bag she'd been carrying.

"We decided to have you help us decorate!" They said simultaneously, Blossom pulling out a banner that had the words "Merry Christmas" on it in red and green.

If Boomer had had anything to choke on, he would have, "WHAT?" Boomer staggered.

"Please, Boomer!" Blossom and Bubbles pleaded.

"But-"

"Please, Boomer!" Both of them had gotten onto their knees and were looking up at him imploringly.

Boomer gave a resigned sigh, "Oh, all right..."

They sprang to their feet and threw their arms around him, "Thank you so much! You're the best!" They squealed excitedly and released him. Boomer nodded still a little reluctant about the entire thing, "Don't think anything of it. We should probably do this outside or face the wrath of Butch." Boomer grinned, walking out, the girls following.

As soon as they reached the living room area where they were allowed to have the party, Blossom gasped.

Both Bubbles and Boomer turned around. "What?" Bubbles asked, scared.

"We have no tree! Where are we going to put the angel?" she exclaimed, shaking an angel tree-topper

Blossom started to hyperventilate. Bubbles grabbed a paper bag and made Blossom breathe into it. After she'd calmed down a bit, Blossom ripped the bag from her face and yelled at no one in particular, "Why do we not have a Christmas tree? You always buy a tree at Christmas!"

Boomer stepped back, "I don't see what's so bad. There doesn't seemto be a point-"

"No point?" Blossom screeched.

Bubbles grabbed Blossom, "Calm down! We'll go get one!" Bubbles said trying to abate her sister's anger.

Blossom nodded, "Okay, but go with him! Who knows what he'll pick out..."

Bubbles patted her sister on the back, "Okay; we'll be back soon."

Boomer was too bewildered to do anything, forcing Bubbles to drag him out of the door.

When it shut, Blossom's frown dissipated into a triumphant smile, "Ha! They fell for it! Blossom, old girl, you are quite the actress. And I thought getting them alone would be hard."

With Boomer and Bubbles

Boomer and Bubbles began to walk down to the forest, Boomer carrying an axe.

"So, where should we start?" Boomer asked. There was two reasons he asked this: The first was that he truthfully had no idea where to start was and the second was he wanted to break the silence.

"Lets try here." Bubbles pointed.

They walked in silence until Bubbles broke it.

"Sorry, about Blossom exploding like that. She's become somewhat of a perfectionist."

"Really? I hadn't noticed..." Boomer said sarcastically.

Bubbles laughed, "You should have seen her yesterday! She was screaming at me because I put too much red food coloring in the Christmas cookies!"

It was Boomer's turn to laugh.

"I said four! I didn't say twelve! I just said four!" Bubbles imitated Blossom.

Boomer laughed even harder.

"She won't let me near the food coloring anymore!"

Boomer was near hysterics, "Is this it?" He managed to stop laughing enough to say.

Bubbles nodded, "Yup, this is the place."

Boomer entered the forest and started looking around.

"How about you go down here and I'll go down there and if either one of us finds something we'll holler, okay?" Bubbles suggested.

Boomer nodded and went down his assigned bunch of Douglas Firs.

Bubbles smiled and went of in search of the perfect tree. She probably should have been paying more attention to where she was walking than to the trees for she accidentally walked right into someone.

"Umpf!" Bubbles said as she smashed into a man looking at the trees. He made a similar noise. Bubbles was knocked to the ground as well as the man.

Bubbles shook her head, "Are you all right?" She asked looking at the man she'd bumped into.

The man rubbed his neck and nodded, "I think so...You?"

Bubbles nodded.

He got up and offered her a hand. She took it and he pulled her up.

"Sorry about that!" Bubbles apologized.

"Hey, no problem!" The man waved a hand vaguely; "I wasn't paying attention either."

Bubbles grinned. She looked at the man. He was surprisingly pale. He looked as though he'd never see the sun. Even his hair was white! Bubbles tried to hide that she found his looks odd by saying a quick goodbye and turning to leave.

"Wait!" She heard him say.

She turned around.

"There's a very nice tree over there." He pointed.

Bubbles grinned, "Thanks." And went to look at the tree he was pointing to.

It was truly beautiful. She would never have found a better tree in her life. It was perfect in shape, not a single brown needle in sight, and the perfect size!

Bubbles grinned excitedly and clapped her hands together with glee, "Boomer! Over here!"

The tree was cut down and together they dragged it back. When they arrived back at the house, they discovered that Blossom been quite busy. The entire house was festooned with Christmas decorations. Banners hung everywhere. Little Santa and reindeer figurines were placed in just about every open space. The coffee table was covered in snack trays. The counter had plastic plates and utensils piled and ready for anyone to use. The Christmas turkey was already in the oven. Butch, Buttercup and Brick were all sitting on the couch, looking so scared of Blossom that Bubbles and Boomer couldn't help but laugh.

Blossom immediately ordered them to put the tree in one corner of the living room. Bubbles and Boomer lugged the tree to its respective place and collapsed on the couch, only to be ordered up again and forced to decorate the tree. Both, however, were relieved of the job after they broke a few bulbs.

After that all five teens helped Blossom however they could. Blossom gave them several tasks with explicit instructions that she insisted were followed to the letter. After all was done all six of them sat on the couch and admired their work. Boomer was amazed at just how unrecognizable the living room was. Everything was Christmas themed, including the bathroom. All the red and green was making him dizzy.

At last everyone showed up, all bearing little packages for the Secret Santa. The packages were set in a little pile under the tree. When everyone had arrived they all sat in a little circle around the tree. And everyone waited patiently to receive his or her gifts. Boomer seated himself on the couch with Bubbles on his right and a disgruntled Butch on his left. Blossom sat on the floor and pulled the first gift from the pile and read the name.

"This one is to Brick."

Brick accepted the gift away from Blossom. He opened it and lifted the lid off.

"What is it?" Inquired Bubbles.

Brick grinned and pulled a book out, "Famous War Tactics and Battles." He said. "This is great!"

Blossom smiled. She cleared her throat and pulled out a rather large gift from under the tree.

"Butch."

"All right!" Butch kneeled down in front of the box, "What's in it?" Butch asked shaking the gift.

"You have to open it first!" Blossom chided.

Butch scoffed and opened the box and revealed a punching bag.

"Oh, cool!" Butch lifted the bag from its box and looked at it admiringly.

Blossom smiled approvingly and pulled out the next box, "Oh! This one is for me!"

She tore off the paper and glanced and her gift.

"How beautiful!" Blossom gasped and pulled out the white faux-down vest.

Bubbles leaned over and whispered in Boomer's ear, "I figured that would make her happy." Boomer chuckled.

Blossom pulled out more presents and gave them to whose name was written on it. Boomer received a sheath for his sword and Buttercup was given the belt. And then came the moment that Boomer had been both dreading and awaiting.

Boomer pulled out the last package (Which was rather small.) and didn't bother reading the name but simply handed it over to Bubbles. Boomer held his breath as she slid the box out of its wrapping paper. It became obvious to everyone as they saw the box that the gift was jewelry. They craned their necks to see what the box held. Bubbles lifted the lid and gasped. Inside the box was a necklace. It was the most beautiful necklace she'd ever seen.

She gripped the delicate gold chain with her thumb and index finger and held it up for everyone to see. From the chain hung a charm in the shape of lily. Bubbles let the lily rest in the palm of her hand and leaned forward for a closer look. The exquisiteness of the lily was breath taking, with petals of gold and silver. Bubbles was in awe.

"It's..." Bubbles could not find a word to describe the absolute magnificence of the necklace, "...beautiful."

It was all she could think of. Though the word hardly did it justice. She found the clasp and undid it and fastened it around her neck. She fingered the lily charm lovingly.

"Wow." Blossom said at last and stood up to get a better look at it, "That's fantastic, Bubbles!"

Bubbles nodded speechlessly.

"Well, it's time for dinner!" Blossom exclaimed and waved everyone to the dining room.

Boomer could hardly keep from smiling. She'd liked it! He knew she did. All through dinner her hand often went to her necklace, her fingers tracing the petals of the charm. Resisting the urge to tell her it was he who had given her the necklace was unbearable. Every time her hand went to it, he wanted to tell her. Every time this urge came he stuffed even more food into his mouth.

Dinner was over and everyone mingled. Buttercup plopped down on the couch and stared into the fire. Butch was staring with her, arm around her shoulders. Brick was helping Blossom clean up, stopping at moments to giggle and laugh. Boomer spotted Bubbles standing off to the side admiring her necklace.

"Enjoying yourself, Bubbles?" Boomer said so suddenly that Bubbles jumped.

"Yup!" Bubbles said with a smile, "I love Christmas. It's always been my favorite holiday."

"Mine as well." Boomer grinned; "Your present is beautiful."

Bubbles nodded vigorously, "Yes, I just wish I knew who had given it to me so I could thank them!"

Boomer wished very much that he had something to stuff in his mouth right now. Luckily, Bubbles continued.

"But that would ruin the entire point of Secret Santa, now wouldn't it?"

"Indeed it would." Boomer agreed.

Blossom had finished cleaning and wondered over to them, "Hey, you two."

"Hello, Blossom!" Bubbles responded. Boomer merely nodded pleasantly.

Blossom smiled mischievously, "Look up!"

Boomer and Bubbles did so. Hanging from the roof was a small plant with white berries.

"Mistletoe," Boomer remarked.

"Uh-uh! You two have to kiss now!" Blossom smirked.

A sudden knot tied itself in Bubbles' stomach. She looked at Boomer. He was smiling cheerfully. Before she knew it, he was leaning towards her. She inhaled but forgot to exhale. Why was she so nervous? Her cheeks were burning and the knot in her stomach was becoming tighter.

Her eyes slammed shut.

Something brushed her cheek.

"Hey! You were supposed to kiss her on the lips!" Bubbles heard Blossom protest.

"You didn't specify." Boomer smirked.

Bubbles opened her eyes. He'd already kissed her?

Blossom scoffed indignantly and stalked off. Boomer watched her leave, flashed a smile at Bubbles, and went to speak with Brick. And there stood a very confused Bubbles.

Her hand cupped the cheek Boomer had just kissed. It was still warm. The knowledge of how to exhale came to her. But the knot still remained. A new and unfamiliar feeling was invading her mind. Her eyes kept wandering to Boomer. And every time she looked at him, she blushed. Why?

At last she couldn't stand it anymore. She walked out of the party without a word to anyone, walked into her room and shut the door.

As she got ready for bed, images of the party kept flashing in her mind. But the most dominant memory was with Boomer. She seeing him lean forward. She kept feeling the warmth of his lips on her cheek.

She definitely pushed this memory aside. She did everything to muffle it. She even turned on the began to sing to drown it out. She began to sing a song she faintly remember from her childhood.

"I'm sleeping

Right in the middle of a good dream

And all at once I wake up

From something that keeps knocking at my brain

Before I go insane

I hold my pillow to my head

And spring up in my bed

Screaming out the words I dread

I think I love you!"

Bubbles immediately stopped. She fell unto the bed and buried her face in the pillows. She was furious with the song. It just had said what she had been refusing to admit to herself ever since the first meeting.

She loved Boomer.

Whoa! What's going to happen now? Will she tell Boomer? Does he love her as well? Please RR