An old Christmas story Steelcode and I did nearly three years go. I originally planned posting this last year, but couldn't find it. And, since it is Christmas Eve, I thought this would be the right time to post.
Macy (along with her parents), Tommy, Andy, Marcus, and the Fitzpatrick sisters Tina and Amy belong to me. Sage, along with a special trade dealer mentioned here, belong to Steelcode. Megan and the Grant Mansion belongs to GoldGuardian2418. Hope you all enjoy and no flames, please.
A Step Closer to the Future
Sage sat on his bed. His acoustic guitar resting on his lap, as he strummed a few casual Christmas melodies. Macy sat on his desk chair doing the same. Outside, snow was coming gently down, as sun peaked through the clouds. Looking outside, Sage smiled.
"Can't believe it's almost the end of the year," Sage said with a smile.
"I know. It's just like only yesterday, it was Fall," Macy agreed, strumming her guitar.
"Not just that. I mean...it feels strange. A year ago, I was just living on my own. Now, I have a family, work, and a stupendous girlfriend. It's amazing." Sage replied, thoughtfully.
"Totally. I didn't think I'd find myself love and a new adventure," Macy grinned.
"Speaking of amazing, what would you like for Christmas? Have you made your list yet?" Sage asked playfully.
"I honestly haven't really thought about that. There doesn't seem to be anything I need or want," Macy shrugged.
Sage nodded. "Yeah. Only real thing that would be great is a new lens for my camera," Sage said, motioning to the lens on the desk. "I have another camera, but that one was the first."
"Is the old lens scratched or broken?" Macy asked, still strumming her guitar.
"Cracked. Got knocked off the table by accident while I was cleaning it," Sage said, with a smile.
"Of course," Macy chuckled, already taking her guitar off to have the strap broken. "Aw, man! I had this strap for ages!"
Sage stepped over, after setting his guitar down. "Looks like it wore right through. That sucks. Was it part of a gift?"
"Yeah. Something that was gifted from my parents and uncle. Even stitched my name on it," Macy admitted.
"Man, that really is a shame. Maybe it can be fixed," Sage said, as Macy put her guitar away.
"Not sure how, though. Besides, I think it was time for a new one, anyway," Macy shrugged.
Sage grew quiet, for a moment, looking at the guitar strap. 'That would be the perfect gift if I can get that mended,' Sage thought to himself.
'I think some new lenses for Sage would be a perfect gift,' Macy thought to herself.
Sage smiled. "Come on. Let's go get ready for bed. I'm sure Tommy is already out cold."
"If it's from all the excitement and fun with your family or from boredom, then yes," Macy agreed.
Sage chuckled. "Well, him becoming a human snowball and rolling down the hill inside with Megan should count as fun."
Macy facepalmed, giving a light groan. "I don't even want to know how that happened. And if he gets a cold because of it, I don't want to hear any complaining."
Sage smiled. "Let's just say a snowball fight with Snare-Oh and Kuphulu turned out to be a dangerous idea especially on the hillside."
"Of course," Macy deadpanned, seriously not surprised.
Sage smiled. "Tis the season."
"Yeah. To be cold and crazy more so than usual," Macy remarked. "I can't imagine what crazy shenanigans by brother and his friends will get themselves into now in Winter time. Especially when exploring the unknown as the Mystery Crusaders."
Sage smiled. "Still can't believe they came down for the Christmas holiday, thought they'd get stuck at home after the snow storm."
"Don't remind me. I'm glad that Tommy gets to be close with Andy and Marcus, and the fact that Tina and Amy came here on Winter Break to help out the Grant Mansion, but I just can't help but think something insane is going to happen," Macy said.
Sage smiled, before pulling Macy in for a hug. "Mace, nothing is going to happen. Everyone will be here for Christmas, HQ is on high alert, and right now from our intel all the big baddies are lying low."
"I know. But I'm not the kind of person to just let my guard down," Macy reasoned.
"I'm not either. Just promise me you'll enjoy Christmas Eve and day with me." Sage said, as he guided Macy out of his room and to her guest room.
"I promise, Sage," Macy assured, giving a caring smile before giving Sage a kiss and heading inside.
It was now a week before Christmas. Macy explored around town looking for the perfect gift for her Wolf Boyfriend.
"Come on, there's got to be some store that has the exact camera lens Sage needs," Macy sighed, in irritation.
It was then she noticed an old looking shop with an odd sign. "Double Dues We Trade and Get Paid."
"That looks promising," Macy muttered to herself, going inside the store.
"Welcome to Double Dues. Trading or buying?" the shop keeper who's a short elderly gentleman with a walking stick, white curly hair and large eye glasses asked.
"Oh. Hello, sir. I'm not sure on whether I'm trading or buying just yet," Macy admitted. "It all depends if I find what I'm looking for. Do you happen to have any new camera lenses?"
"Sure do. Just had someone sell a whole set," the shop keeper said, reaching behind the counter and placing a large set of camera supplies on the display case.
"Whoa. That's amazing!" Macy replied, impressed. "This is perfect for my boyfriend. How much is it?"
"Well...a set like this can go for about...$500. But since it's early in the day and near Christmas, I'll give it to you for 400," the man said, smiling.
Macy stared in shock. "Wow...Um, thanks...Uh..." It wasn't that she was complaining about the man's generosity of lowering the price because of the holidays. The problem was that Macy doesn't have that kind of money to pay for it.
"Something wrong?" the gentleman asked.
"Oh, no. No, there's nothing wrong, sir," Macy raised her hands in defense. "Your price is reasonable on this complete camera set and it's very kind of you in lowering it a hundred dollars. It's just that I don't think I have the amount of money to pay for it, just yet."
"Well, like the sign says, we do trades," the man said, with a smile.
"Oh. Right," Macy smacked her head lightly on that part. "What kind of object would be a good trade to get the set?"
"Something of equal value works. Hmm…what's in the case, if I might ask?" the man asked.
"Hm? Oh, you mean my guitar," Macy answered, bringing it on the table and opened the case to reveal it better. "The strap is broken, but the rest works and sounds fine."
"Oh, this is a fine piece of workmanship. Right buyer would definitely pay four hundred dollars or more for it," the man said, admiring the guitar.
"Really?" Macy questioned.
"Oh, definitely. Heck, if you sold it here, I'd probably just put it on display and keep it for myself," the man said gently, as he shut the case handing it back to Macy.
Macy looked at the guitar inside her case and then the camera supply. She loved playing her guitar, but would she be willing to trade it for the camera set that Sage would love?
"...If I trade my guitar, will it be enough to get the camera set?" Macy asked, making sure if she understood the deal.
"Certainly...But are you sure you want to trade it?" the man questioned.
Macy sighed and nodded her head with a small smile. "Yes...I want to trade my guitar for the camera set."
Even though this was Macy's favorite instrument, she wanted to make her boyfriend happy more. As long as he gets the new lenses and loves it, then Macy will be happy for him.
"I promise you; I won't sell it. Here, fill this out and I'll make a copy of your ID so, if you want it back later, you can get it back." the man said, handing over some paperwork.
"Of course. Thank you," Macy said, grabbing a pen and began filling out the papers.
"Not at all. Well, here you are. One camera set and here is the bag it came in. Thank you for the guitar," The man said, shaking her hand after loading up the equipment into the special case.
"No problem, Mister..." Macy started, not sure if she got his name.
"Nicolas. Nicolas Saint, Miss…?" Mr. Saint said, shaking her hand.
"Macy Monroe," Macy introduced herself, while shaking back Mr. Saint's hand. "Funny, that name reminds me of someone else."
"Oh. Well, I'm sure it's just a coincidence. You had better get going. Looks like the weather is turning nasty," Mr. Saint said, noting the snow beginning to come down harder.
"Good call. Thank you again for the trade. And Merry early Christmas to you, Mr. Saint," Macy replied, already grabbing her bag and leaving the store.
"Merry early Christmas, Macy," Mr. Saint said, with a twinkle in his eye.
Macy hurried back home, looking at the bag in hopes that Sage would love it...even if it meant that she'll probably never see her guitar again.
The next day, Sage stood on the same side walk trying to find the perfect gift for Macy. He already had a surprise for her, but he wanted to also get something meaningful, as well.
"Geez, why am I having so much trouble finding the right gift?" Sage asked himself as he kicked a pile of snow.
It was then that he noticed the odd little shot across the street. "Double Dues We Trade and Get Paid".
"Well, adventure not, want not," Sage sighed, as he walked across and into the store.
"Welcome to Double Dues. Buying or Trading?" an elderly man asked from behind the counter.
"Not sure yet. Umm…you wouldn't by chance have a guitar strap around, would you?" Sage asked, as he stepped up to the counter. The elderly man smiled.
"Why, yes, I do," The elderly man said, as he reached underneath the case and brought out a black leather guitar strap with red flames and shuriken on it.
Sage smiled. "That's perfect. How much?"
"This strap would cost you...five hundred, due to being waterproof and a special non-wearing adhesive on it. However, since it's the holiday season, I'll drop it down to four hundred," the elderly man said.
Sage's eyes saddened. It really was a good and fair price, but he was really short on cash.
"Problem, sunny?" the old man asked.
Sage shook his head. "No, its a fair price, but I don't have those types of funds right now."
"How about a trade, then? That's a nice camera bag there," the elderly man said, noticing the bag on Sage's shoulder.
Sage brought the bag to the front and took out his favorite camera. "This is my first camera."
The elderly man turned the camera this way and started smiling. "It's a solid one, alright, why having this is the shop would really bring in the traffic. Definitely worth a fair penny."
Sage looked at the camera. "How much?"
"Well, since we're missing the one lens, I can pay four hundred for it."
Sage eyes drifted away, as he stared at his camera. Was he willing to give up something he loved for someone he loved? After a moment, Sage sighed and nodded. "Deal."
"Are you sure?" the man asked.
Sage nodded. "Yes, I'll trade the camera for the guitar strap."
"I promise you; I won't sell it. Here, fill this out and I'll make a copy of your ID so, if you want it back later, you can get it back," the man said, handing over some paperwork.
Sage smiled, as he took the pen and papers. "I appreciate that. It'd be great to get it back again."
"Not at all. Well, here you are guitar strap and here is the box it came in. Thank you for the camera," the man said shaking her hand after placing the strap in the designer case.
"Take good care of it, Mister..." Sage said, shaking his hand.
"Nicolas. Nicolas Saint, Mister…?" Mr. Saint said, shaking her hand.
"Sage. Sage Jocklin," Sage replied, suddenly noticing there was something odd and different about the old man.
"You had better get going. Looks like the weather is turning nasty," Mr. Saint said, noting the snow beginning to come down harder than the other day.
"Yeah, I'd better," Sage said, noticing the large flakes. "Thanks, again. Oh. And Happy Holidays."
"Happy Holidays, Sage," Mr. Saint said, with a twinkle in his eye.
It was now Christmas Morning at the Grant Mansion. Sage, Macy, Amy, Tina, Tommy, Andy, and Marcus were all asleep in their pjs until the sound of telltale stomping of feet woke them up.
"Huh?! Did everyone hear that?!" Amy questioned, getting her glasses to put back on.
"Hard not to. It interrupted my beauty sleep!" Tina exclaimed, taking out her night blindfold.
"Let's check it out!" Tommy replied, getting off Sage's fur.
"Yeah!" Marcus and Andy agreed, already following.
"Boys, no!" Macy shouted, trying to catch up to them.
Sighing, Amy and Tina slowly got off Sage and walked behind to follow.
Sage yawned, flashing his fangs. "More than likely, it's my little cousins running to wake their pare-"
"SANTA CAME!" A loud shriek said, as Sage was glomped by Megan.
"Megan...can't breathe," Sage grunted.
"Oh, sorry, big bro." Megan said, losing up, as well.
"He did!?" Tommy and the Mystery Crusaders asked with excitement.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go down stairs and get our presents!" Tommy exclaimed.
"Race ya down!" Andy replied, already running.
"Aw, no fair!" Marcus whined, running as well.
"Hey! No running in the house!" Macy yelled, only to see the three boys out of her sights. "And they're gone," she deadpanned.
"Come on, sis. Let's check out our little cousin's reaction on the gifts," Tina squealed with delight, grabbing her sister's wrist and moved a bit.
"Great," Amy sarcastically said.
Sage gently nudges Megan to his back, as he followed. "Come on, Macy, let's go see what Santa left us."
Macy grinned, already climbing on top of Sage. "Lead the way, Wolf Boy."
Sage barked, as he trotted down the stairs into the large living room where the parents sat perched on the couches and chairs while the children sat on the floor. Megan and Macy slid down his side to go join. Spotting his gift for Macy, Sage grabbed the red and green wrapped package from under the tree and brought it to her.
"Merry Christmas, my moon." Sage purred, nuzzling her.
Macy smiled, as she accepted the gift. "Thanks, Wolf Boy. Oh! Here's your gift!" she said, grabbing a starry night wrapped present from under the tree and gave it to Sage. "Hope you like it."
Sage smiled, taking the gift before shifting into human and opening it. At the sight of what was inside, Sage's heart grew heavy.
"Oh...it's a camera set with the lens I needed...thank you, Macy." Sage said, with a smile.
"No problem, Sage," Macy grinned while opening her gift, only to drop it so suddenly. "You...you got me a new guitar strap?" she asked in disbelief, picking it up and studying the amazing details on it.
"Yeah. It would fit your guitar perfectly. Come on, go get your guitar and put it on," Sage said, with a smile.
Macy gave a sad smile. "Sage...I don't have my guitar anymore. I traded it for the camera set as your Christmas present."
Overhearing the conversation, the Fitzpatrick Sisters gasped in shock "You what?!" Tina and Amy cried together.
"You gave up your guitar?!" Tina exclaimed, completely baffled.
"But you love playing that instrument," Amy added, feeling sad for her best friend.
Macy sighed, facing her friends. "I know. But I love Sage more in giving him what he wants for Christmas, and that's good enough for me."
Sage looked confused, for a moment, before abruptly laughing. Megan and everyone stared at him strangely; wondering what could be so funny.
"Uh...Sage? Did I miss something?" Macy questioned.
"What's going on over there?" Tommy asked, looking up from his present.
"Other than Sage has lost his marbles when hearing Macy give up the item that she enjoys just to get the perfect present for him, I have no idea," Amy admitted.
After a moment, Sage was able to calm down.
"I'm sorry for laughing, but the thing is, I traded my camera for your guitar strap," Sage said, smiling largely.
"You did?!" Macy and the Fitzpatrick sisters nearly shouted in unison shock.
"So…You both did the same item-sacrificing-present situation with each other in order to make the one you love happy on Christmas?" Tina questioned, trying to understand all of this.
"I believe that is the case," Amy responded.
The blonde Fitzpatrick sister started to cry before hugging her glasses-wearing sister so suddenly. "That is the most romantic thing I've ever heard!"
Macy couldn't believe that Sage did the exact same thing as her. He gave up the object he uses and loves just so Macy could be happy...And Macy did the same for him.
Sage nodded looking her in the eye. "I wanted to give you something that would make you happy, and to do that I gave away my camera so that I could see you smile."
"Oh, Sage. That was very sweet of you. I wanted to do the same for you, even if it meant giving away my guitar just to see you smile, as well," Macy replied, looking at her boyfriend lovingly.
Sage moved towards her and French kissed her. Holding on to her, as if worried she would disappear.
"Aw, man! Save that for Valentine's Day!" Marcus exclaimed in disgustment.
"Seriously, if there's no mistletoe, please, don't make this anymore weird," Andy replied.
"Agreed!" Tommy added.
"Oh, come now. I think those two are adorable!" Tina defended, enjoying that cute scene.
"They definitely sure love each other," Amy grinned, slowly getting out of Tina's hug.
Sage pulled back and smiled, looking into Macy's eyes. "I love you more than you can ever know."
"And I love you more than you realize," Macy grinned back.
Feeling eyes on them, Sage blushed a little. "I think we should join the rest of the party and... continue this later?"
"Yeah. Best to do it when we're not crowded," Macy agreed.
The morning continued with a many more gifts and a large breakfast where everyone was cheery and happy. As the day progressed, more and more fun and laughter filled the Grant Mansion than ever before.
Later that night, Sage stood in the ball room in a white long sleeve button down jacket, grey slacks, and dress shoes. A lump was growing in his throat, as he waited for Macy to arrive for the Christmas party.
Soon, Macy and the Fitzpatrick Sisters showed up in gorgeous ballgowns. Macy had on a blue dress with white snowflake prints on them, white long armed gloves, silver earrings, light blue eyeshadow, and a white snowflake-like flower on the side of her head. Tina had on a sparkly red ballgown, accustomed with a ruby necklace, matching earrings, white eyeshadow, red lipstick, and a red diamonded pin on the back of her curly hair. Amy had on a green ballgown, silver earrings, had her hair loose for once, and had on red glasses with white snowflakes on the top edges.
Sage stared gob smacked his eyes almost jumping out of his head at the sight of Macy.
"Oh, my gosh. Holy...holy!" Sage said, as he tried to breathe.
Macy chuckled. "Sage, are you okay?"
"Speechless. I told you that our new outfits would have that effect on people," Tina grinned proudly.
"Yeah...I'll say," Amy admitted, a bit shy on her outfit while blushing.
"I...I...I...I'm...wow. You are drop dead gorgeous," Sage said, moving to Macy and kissing her.
Tina squealed with delight. "They are so made for each other,"
Offering his arm, Sage led Macy to the dance floor where they showed off their dancing skills; twirling in ballroom dance style, moving as like an ocean wave pushing and sliding with each other in complete balance.
Later, as the night progressed, Sage and Macy found themselves near the center of the room, before Sage glanced up and smiled.
"Looks like we have another holiday tradition to do," Sage said, smiling.
"It would seem so," Macy agreed, grinning back.
They were standing under a sprig of mistletoe.
"However, before we go with that tradition…I have another to do," Sage said, as he got down on one knee in front of Macy.
Macy stared in bewilderment, "Sweet Lady Liberty, tell me he's not gonna do what I think he's gonna do."
Tina gasped sharply, lightly smacking her sister's arm for attention in seeing this. "Oh, my tinsel!"
"Sweet science! Is he seriously doing this?!" Amy asked, in utter shock.
Sage smirked. "What do you think I'm going to do?"
"Uh, hello? You're on one knee. Which means you're gonna propose to me in marrying you!" Macy exclaimed. "I thought we agreed that we weren't going to do that because we're still too young for marriage."
"It's still an incredible opportunity of being together with your true love! Don't pass this up!" Tina yelled from a distance.
"Tina!" Amy glared, smacking on her sister's arm. "Have you lost your mind?!"
"What? People do marry each other at a young age," Tina defended.
"They're still too young for stuff like this! That's complete lunacy!" Amy argued.
Sage chuckled. "Who says I'm proposing? Macy, I love you and I know you're not ready for marriage. I'm not either. However, I do want to promise to be yours now and forever, to be there for you no matter what," Sage brought out a grey ring box and opened it up. Inside lay two rings a large silver ring with paw prints around the band, while the second was a twisting second Celtic knot with Blue Sapphire stones. "I'm asking if you'll accept this pre-engagement ring, and when you and I are both ready, we'll move the rings together to our engagement fingers. Macy Monroe, I love you now and forever, will you accept this ring as my symbol of my love for you?"
Macy smiled gratefully and said, "Yes, Sage. I accept your promise ring in loving you forever, too."
"Oh, thank goodness!" Amy sighed in relief.
Tina just fan-girl out on the whole thing. "You go, Macy! You and Sage truly are meant to be together!" she squealed that made Amy facepalm from embarrassment.
Sage chuckled, as he placed the ring on Macy's right hand. "I love you so much. I promise I won't push you to marriage. I just wanted to take one more step with you to it."
"And that's fine with me," Macy smirked, before giving Sage another French kiss.
Sage pushed into the kiss, as he wrapped his arms around Macy.
As those two continued kissing, the Fitzpatrick Sisters just watched smiling. They knew that their best friend was having the best holiday night ever.
"Hey, Big Sis and Bro! Where you at? There's something mom and dad want to-" Tommy said while coming in the ball, only to see Macy and Sage kissing, much to his disgustment. "AW, GROSS!" he stuck his tongue out.
Sage growled. "Tommy, you really have the worst timing."
"I'll say," Macy groaned, seriously annoyed about her little brother interrupting their loving moment.
"Sorry. But mom and dad sent me to find you and Sage. There's something they want to show plus give you," Tommy explained, covering his eyes and looking away.
Sage raised an eyebrow looking at Macy. "Wonder what?"
"Don't know. Guess we're about to find out," Macy answered. She, then looked at her besties. "We'll be right back. You two just enjoy yourselves with the rest of the ball."
"You got it, Macy," Amy spoke with a small smile.
"Yeah! Hope you two come back for more romantic dancing!" Tina replied, having a singing ton in the end with excitement.
Sage walked into the side room with Macy on his arm finding Mr. and Mrs. Monroe.
"What's going on?" Sage asked, curiously.
"We just wanted to give you a couple of gifts," Mr. Monroe said, as he motioned to the table.
Curious, Macy and Sage saw two presents on the table. One had the Brunette's name with the other Sage's.
Sage stepped over and began to gently unwrap the box.
"It...it can't be!" Sage said in shock.
Macy gasped in shocked on what her gift was. "No way!"
The gifts on the table were their stuff they sold at the trade shop! Sage's camera and Macy's guitar!
"But how?" Sage questioned, as he picked up his camera.
"They were on the front porch this morning under the tree for you two," Mrs. Monroe replied.
"Front porch? That's impossible! I sold my guitar to get the camera set for Sage by this Nicolas Saint guy at his trade store!" Macy exclaimed.
"Trade store? Macy, there isn't a shop like that till you hit the next town," Mr. Monroe said.
Sage looked at Macy with disbelief. "You don't think...?"
"...Oh, my shuriken. Tommy is so not gonna believe how he and his pals were right on him existing," Macy muttered, seriously stunned on who that guy really was.
Sage looked out the window into the night sky with a smile. "Merry Christmas, Mr. Saint. Merry Christmas and thank you."
And so, Macy and Sage's holiday night ended in the most magical way possible. But the best gift of all they ever had was their undying love for each other.
Another awesome story collaborated with my best user pal. This year has been really tough as much as last year. But that shouldn't stop us in caring and looking after the people that matter in our lives. So, for those who finished reading this story, hope you have a happy holidays and new year. Keep on staying safe and healthy.
No flames, please, unless used for roasting marshmallows to make smores.