Elvengirl: Wow...sorry this is late. I've had to deal with school and exams and what-not. This fic is nearing it's end with only two more chapters to go...but no worries because I've another in the works. Hope you enjoy this.

"What happened to you guys?" asked Azreal, watching Gilbert, Andrew, Mu and Rau wander inside, covered in snow.

"Just got into a little fight is all," said Andrew, "All fun and games you know."

"Yeah. It was fun till Rau decided to turn traitor," Mu snapped.

"Then it was hilarious," Rau grinned, wiping the snow off his coat. No on noticed Dearka sneaking down the hall with an armful of Christmas lights.

The evening progressed quite normally, and with little mishap. Dinner was well cooked this time, not takeout. No one seemed to noticed that one person would leave every now and then, and come back at least half an hour later, somewhat more tired. After dinner, everything meandered into a stated of calm. Andrew, Rau, and Gilbert had started a game of Risk, while Rey, Dearka, Auel, and Luna settled down to play Scrabble. Shinn and Stellar cuddled by the fireplace, while Mu and Murrue watched the snow fall from the window. Finally, eleven o'clock was reached. One hour till midnight.

"Now would be a good time to set up the fireworks," suggested Kira. Responding to their cuem Azreal, Rau and Mu got up to leave. Lacus smiled at Kira, who put his arm around her. Athrun went looking for Cagalli, who was playing cards with Murdoch and Natarle. He gently tapped her one the shoulder, and then brought her a little distance from the group.

"What is it Athrun?"

"Cagalli...I realise..I've kinda be a jerk to you lately..."

"Athrun, what are you talking about? I don't remember you being a jerk. Wishy-washy maybe...but not a jerk."

"Well...I mean, with Meyrin, and Meer..."

"Exactly, you're being wishy-washy. Athrun, I can forgive that. You're worrying over nothing."

"Cagalli..."

"I love you, Athrun."

"I love you to." Athrun pulled Cagalli closer. So what if it wasn't midnight yet. Athrun looked up. He'd finally get to kiss Cagalli under the mistletoe.

BANG!

Or maybe not.

"Who the hell is that reindeer?"

"I thought I'd gotten them all," Andrew muttered. It had been his job to remove the mistletoe.

"How much longer till midnight?" Azreal asked, "I'm freezing."

"Fifteen minutes," Mu replied, "Are we all set up?"

"Yes. We should probably turn off the Christmas lights now," Rau nodded. Azreal threw the switch. Pitch darkness reigned for a few minutes until a bright light split the night. Azreal, Mu, and Rau found themselves surrounded by the gundams, each with a different Christmas light pattern.

"So this is where everyone went..."

"Looks like we all had the same idea."

It was now five minutes till midnight. Athrun was once again being fought over, in order to determine who was to recieve the first kiss of the new year. Lunamaria had given up on that and now smiled happily in Rey's arms. Mu had come back to be with Murrue, leaving Azreal and Rau to deal with the fireworks. Whether or not that was a good idea is debateable.

"One minute!"

Athrun broke away from Meer and Meyrin and ran outside with Cagalli. Others soon followed, eyes turned towards the sky.

"Ten...nine...eight...seven...six...five...four...three...two...one...HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

The first firework shot up into the air, exploding into a shower of white sparkles. Athrun smiled at Cagalli, who smiled back. They joined the other couples in the sharing the first kiss of the new year. This time there was no gunshot. This time there was no mistletoe. A new year had officially begun.

Christmas Comes But Once A Year - End.

Elvengirl: And so it ends...Psych! There's still once chapter to go. The bonus chapter. Where I reveal the answer to question that's been on everyone's mind . Yup...the identity of the mistletoe-sniping Reindeer.

On another note, how was that ending? Cheesy? Alright? Any way to improve? Let me know please...and how about the Athrun/Cagalli moment? I don't have much of a romantic flare, so reviews are appreciated.

Next Time: Bonus! Just Who Is That Mistletoe Sniping Reindeer?