Deck the Mallrats

Couple: Mega/Trudy

Others: Ram/May and Jay/Ebony and please include Zoot somehow if possible

Words: heart, fruity, elephant, ivy, holly, accordion, train, sprig, velvet, cherub, and hark

Sentences:
"His heart was two sizes too small"
"Happy Chrismahanakwansika!"
"All the whos down in whoville liked Christmas a lot."

Must include: caroling, drinking eggnog, and elves.

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

"With the lights out it's less dangerous, Here we are now, Entertain us, I feel stupid and contagious, Here we are now, Entertain us, A mulatto, An albino- A mosquito…"

"Darryl!"

"Huh, what?" Darryl replied stopping his song half beat as he turned toward Salene whose arms where folded.

"What are you doing?"

"Caroling!"

"To Nirvana?"

"Yea…" He said looking at her showing just slow he could be at times.

Salene sighed, "Never mind- go back to doing what you were you doing…"

"Great! And I forget, Just why I taste, Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile. I found it hard, It was hard to find, Oh well, whatever, nevermind…" he continued as he walked off causing Salene to shake her head.

With a sigh, she headed towards the café decked out in her new holiday clothes. Part of the techno's new city changes was resorting holidays and that meant Christmas was back on. For the occasion, Salene had taken the time to show herself a very flattering springy velvet green and red outfit.

Once she reached the café, she saw May pouring some eggnog that they had traded for and Ram joining her. Though he was in deep chat with Jack currently.

"Hey," May said brightly.

"Hi- I'm surprised to see you here, I thought you had practically moved into the Hotel," Salene remarked.

"Well they say it's tradition to go home for the holidays- so here I am- even though it's a week in advanced. Besides, I managed to convince Ram it would be good for us to hang out with non computer geeks for a while," May said sweetly.

When they techno's first invaded they had been the enemy but slowly but surely- peace had been resorted. Ram had his heart fixed by May, with help from Jay and Mega who had been hell bent on getting rid of the poison in his life.

Java was banished from the city, Slade had forced Ram to walk and get over his paranoia, while Jay and Mega took over the city control aspects with Amber being integrated in as president.

The improvements were visible all over the city. The train yard had been turned into a trading area. Technology had been properly fixed, paradise handled, and the Mallrats had gained a life long allies in the techno's. They also made a friend in a visitor in the city looking for his brother named Slade who eventually joined their tribe… around the time Mega did as well.

He and Jay still worked at hotel during the day though. Jay though return to Ebony nightly- and Mega would return to Trudy, and Brady- and their soon to be arrival. May however left the Mallrats for Ram with a promise to visit often like today.

"Well I'm happy to see you back here, you can help me set up this place. I want to get a tree, some cherub's, holly, mistletoe, and lights going," Salene said brightly.

"Wait a second, you're going to do all this alone? And what is Lex going to do? Sit on his fat ass? Some husband you have," May replied.

"Now, I didn't say that- trust me he'll be stringing the lights outside before this is all over," Salene announced causing a laugh to escape May.

"Good, it's only fitting. You thought about what you're going to get him?" She asked playing with her pink tips briefly considering replacing them with holiday colours like Salene had done for herself.

"Well considered a accordion just to be mean, and for sense of humour a elephant with the tag reading "Lex's animal sign"- but I figure both of those would be too cruel. I've since decided that I plan to get him a basket of fruit for our room, some frames for Tai-san's pictures, and a new outfit," Salene told her.

"Good plan," May said with a laugh.

"Happy Chrismahanakwansika!" a happy voice announced running into the café.

"Brady that's Christmas and it's not for a week," Trudy said sweetly walking into the café behind her running child who was bouncing around.

"Hi Brady- Trudy," May said happily as they entered- Brady being picked up by Salene.

Ram looked over and snorted, "You know your boyfriend is still shacked up at the hotel," he said to Trudy as Jack got up and went off to see Ellie.

"I know and I plan to fix that," she replied, "And you don't mind watching Brady do you Salene?"

"Of course not but… will Mega go? I mean… he's a bit compulsive that one… he works everyday from 9 to 5 EXACTLY," Salene said.

"Oh he will- Jay promised me to help tie him up if need be- Slade too. He needs a vacation," she declared.

"Are you sure that's why?" May asked looking over Trudy's rather large belly noting that she looked about ready to pop that thing out.

She silently thanked whatever gods were out there that it wasn't her having a baby let alone Mega's.

Trudy looked at her somewhat sharply, "I'm going to go now- see you all later," she replied before smiling at Salene and giving Ram a nod before walking off.

"Is it something I said?" May asked.

"Of course," Ram replied getting a glare from May.

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(The hotel)

Twenty minutes over, Trudy and Slade made their way over to the hotel. Trudy having to pull Slade off Amber to make this possible; the two celebrating their own pre Christmas way which was more graphic then she had counted on.

As they arrived, passing guards they headed to the control room, as they opened the door Jay was standing there talking to Mega about something before looking over his shoulder.

"Finally, I thought I'd have to do this alone," he said.

"Don't worry reinforcements are here," Slade promised folding his arms as Mega turned towards him and Trudy.

"I'm not leaving till the day is over," he announced stiffly from the chair.

"Not even for me?" Trudy asked with a pleading look.

"Nope- too much to do," he answered.

Slade and Jay looked between each other silently for a second.

"Okay let's go," Slade said walking over and grabbing his brother forcing him up as he lifted him to his feet despite Mega's attempt to keep seated and grounded but with Jay's added pressure he was losing.

Then, he attempt to get Slade off him a quick wrestling match took place as Jay sighed looking over at Trudy who was now frowning, "I told you this was not something you wanted to watch".

Slade now having Mega pressed against a wall backwards was enough that Jay could help cuff him causing Mega to glare at them both.

"You…"

"Woman present," Slade reminded him, "Mouth"

"Bastard," Mega finished.

Slade rolled his eyes in response, "I warned you last week I'd do this if you didn't knock this off".

"I didn't think you were SERIOUS," Mega responded trying to get himself loose as Jay put an arm around Trudy.

"I was- and so was she- and even Jay," Slade told him.

"You've been practically married to this place for the last month… we had to do something," Jay added folding his arms.

"You haven't been sleeping or eating either- it's like you've become obsessed with… safety suddenly," Trudy said carefully, "And crime and punishment".

Mega looked at her, "So what you're all just going to hold me hostage at the Mall?"

"That's it exactly," Slade said in place of her before opening the door and shoving him out.

"Ram and I will run this place until after the holidays," Jay told him causing Mega to glare in return.

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(Back at the Mall)

"Hey look Gel, its mistletoe," Sammy said happily, "Now you gotta kiss me".

"Actually Sammy that's sprig," Trudy informed him sadly.

"Oh- hey Gel look its mistletoe," he cried pointing to the ivy.

"Yea… it is…" Trudy replied dead as Gel cringed but went up to Sammy and kissed him on the cheek.

"All the whos down in whoville liked Christmas a lot," Salene told Brady as they walked to the café.

"Mummy- mummy auntie Sallie was tellin' me 'bout Grinchy- his heart two- two- two sizes two sm-baby size," she said holding up two fingers each time she spoke.

"That's right," Trudy said with a smile laugh trying to hide her face.

"You okay?" Salene asked.

"Sure…"

"Really because I heard Slade and Jay locked Mega in the cage for this "own good"- is it because of how he's been acting?" Salene asked.

"It's just… I'm worried that something is happening. My little dream happy family is slipping before my eyes. At first, he seemed so sweet, understanding- with a good work ethic- brains like Jack- but that sexual presence that Jay had… he was going to be perfect… but now it's like he's turning into Zoot in front my eyes. The exact same way I lost Martin- it's just happening again Sal and I can't stop it," Trudy proclaimed starting to sob.

"Mummy- don't cry mummy- babies cry mummy- have fruity mummy- fruity make all better mummy," Brady said holding out an orange for Trudy in an attempt to be comforting.

"Thanks baby"

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(Upstairs)

"You know between the wax elves Lex put outside, Gel singing hark the angels sing, and Sammy with "look Gel it's mistletoe" all over the Mall. I'm glad I'm stuck in bed," Ebony said from her bed.

She had a strong cold and Jay had demanded she didn't move from the bed that morning. Returning to be by her side now that Mega was secure in the Mall.

"If it helps, I brought us a mini Christmas tree with ornaments," he said bring in a small tree.

Ebony laughed, "Those are peanuts with wings on a tree with a hook," she replied.

"Well I figured we'd do something different- I also bought your Christmas gift already," he announced, "Traded my hand held for it"

"What is it?" Ebony demanded.

"You'll find out… until then how about we just lay here for a while?" Jay suggested taking off his clothes to reveal bright blue boxers.

"Works for me"

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(The basement)

"Why are you doing this Josh?"

"The name is Mega not Josh- I've told you that," Mega said harshly.

"They said you weren't like this when they met you what changed…" he demanded.

Mega just looked at him, and then if by accident it hit Slade… HE had changed, not Mega. He arrived exactly around the time Mega had started to surface more at the hotel- less here.

A month ago, he joined the Mallrats and hooked up with Amber in hopes of getting closer to this brother… he was causing their rift not Trudy nor her baby.

"It's me isn't it?" Slade demanded suddenly as if a revelation had come to light.

"What EVER gave you that impression?" Mega said coldly, "You're just now figuring it out?"

"Why? What did I do?"

"You mean besides show up and ruin my life again? Oh I don't know Slade. Why don't you tell me. You're sleeping with my president- you're co leading a tribe that I happen to be tied to. You're making nice with my woman- and on top of that you've got Jay following your lead. What could ever be wrong there Slade?" Mega demanded darkly, "No one asked you to come back haven't you done enough already?"

"Like what?"

"Like what? Like what? Like what? Like LEAVE ME- for starters in a caravan by myself with no one there to help me while you ran off," Mega said angrily, "Now get out of here".

Slade looked at him dumb founded- he never… not on purpose how could his brother think that? How could he have missed this?

"Josh…"

"I said go or did you miss that line?"

Slade looked at him for a minute before getting up and storming off.

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(That night)

"He hates me"

"He doesn't"

"He does"

"You don't know that Slade," Amber replied noting that he still remained on the floor like a mindless zombie instead of joining her in bed- finally causing her to get up and sit next to him.

"I do. I didn't even notice. I was too busy trying to get close to him to even notice his attempts to run in the other direction. Like I was subconsciously ignoring it. Chances are I was too," Slade said after a minute.

"Apologise then, make him see reason but don't just say he hates you and leave it there. He wouldn't be so bitter if that was the case," Amber told him.

"You've done this before haven't you?"

"Bray's brother was Zoot"

"That explains it"

"Bray was too late to help Zoot, Jay was too late with Ved… but you're not too late to fix him. You've got a chance that Jay will never have, and Bray never did have. But if you let it sit then it'll end the same way. With hate and death. You can stop it now if you force yourself to," she told him honestly.

"I think I better go then"

"Same here"

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(The basement- the following morning)

"I already said I was sorry, what more do you want?" Slade demanded.

"Sorry doesn't fix things- not like this," Mega answered coldly.

"All right fine, so it doesn't but here's the thing. You're about to be a father. You have a girlfriend that adores you but here's the catch she's been hurt before by her other child's father. Who let his hate of his brother destroy them- and lead to his death. He only got to meet her once. Do you want the same, Josh? Do you?" he demanded, "Because that's a great way to do it".

"I want you out of here"

"That won't do anything. It'll still rip you up. But if you want to destroy yourself- keep going the path you are and become the next Zoot then go right ahead. But if you do- I'll help bring you down… and I won't let go either way- I'm not leaving ever again," he warned moving to stand up.

Mega looked at him- Slade turned back to look over his shoulder. Mega had made no move to even talk- perhaps he was hopelessly lost. However before he could go anywhere his brother finally spoke.

"Do you swear it?"

"Swear what?"

"That you don't plan to take off?"

"I do"

Mega said nothing for another minute still looking at him, "I might need help…"

"You think so?"

"Maybe but if… you can't just give up and walk out… I won't play this again. I give you once chance there is no second," he replied.

"One is enough"

"I want to see her…"

"Now?"

"Yes"

"Then you better promise me two things right now, first that you won't go to the hotel until some time has passed- until you've gotten over this little anger management issue you have with me… and that you'll be give your attention later," Slade said laying out his terms.

"Fine. I'll hold back for now… but just for now"

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

(1 week later- Christmas)

It was Christmas, it was hot outside with the group standing in summer clothes of red and green. Smiles on the faces of all as they exchanged gifts- eating cookies and singing.

Couples lying down together as kids ran around. In the corner, Mega was holding Trudy and whispering something as Slade looked over. Mega nodded at him lightly.

They were far from better but things were looking up- as he turned over to Trudy who was clutching her stomach… a bit oddly…

"Trudy…"

"Uh merry Christmas were about to be parents?" she said suddenly.

"Oh shit"

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

The end