"Rosette! It's almost time to exchange presents! What's mine, huh!"

Joshua explaimed, sprawled out on the floor. Somehow, Rosette couldn't help but think his weak smile lit up the entire orpanage.

The 12-year-old girl smiled warmly. "Alright. Close you eyes. On the count of three, we set them on the floor." Her brother nodded excitedly. "Okay, okay!" This was the ritual for every year. The two siblings only had each other before meeting Chrono, therefore they always gave presents to each other before the rest of the children. It was their special way of taking place of their parents.

In seconds, the tiny gifts hit the floor, and Joshua grabbed his before anyone could see it's wrapping. Both kids unraveling the ribbons quickly, their treasure lay in their palms.

Joshua looked at his a moment, smiling with such glee that Rosette couldn't help but laugh. Suddenly, the boy interrupted. "Uh…um…Rosette? What is it?"

Rosette's eyes glared with furiously in such a hurry that her brother fell off guard. "What do you mean "What is it, Rosette"! It's a scarf, and I knitted it myself! So you better like it, Joshua!"

Suddenly, the boy's face burst into a sweet smile. "Of course I do, Rosette. Now I can go outside with you on cold days. I can't wait." Before Rosette could protest about Joshua going outside, he threw his arms around her. "Thanks, sis."

Closing her eyes, she sighed. "Yeah, yeah…anyway, let me see mine." Pulling back the last sliver of wrapping, she peered inside. "Oh, Josh…" she murmered. "Where did you get the money for this?" It was a beautiful hard-cover book on the explorers of the world.

"It doesn't matter, does it? Do you like it?"

"Yeah, I do. I'll read it to you tonight, okay?"

"Wow, really!"

Many cheers, ribbons, and gifts later, the sun started to rise a bit higher into the sky.

Joshua tied his scarf around his neck and chuckled softly. "Wow, perfect fit." Sticking out his tougue, he laughed. "Who knew Rosette could sew inbetween fits?"

Rosette opened her mouth to say something, but it was interupped with a fit of coughs, and the boy's face reddened as he bent over.

"Joshua! Joshua, are you alright? I know it's Chrismas, but you HAVE to remember to take your medicine!" Lifting her brother up, Rosette's eyes dimmed with concern and worry. "Let's get you to bed."

Suprisingly though, Joshua struggled and squirmed out of his sister's grip. "No! No…Rosette, please…not…yet…"

"Josh…I think that's enough. Please…you can't let yourself get any weaker. Your attacks become more frequent when you do."

The boy's eyes twinkled with dispair. "I'm begging you, sis. Please? It's Chrismas. Just one more…"His body shook with racking coughs. "One more thing!"

"Okay! One more thing! What is it!"

"I…Chrono's done so much for us." He smiled weakly. "I have something I want to give him. I promise I'll be alright." Giving her hand one last squeeze for reassurence, his coughs surely softened.

"O-okay. But be sure to put your scarf on, got it?"

------------------------------------------------------

"Where is he? Rosette, Chrono usually meets us right here…right?"

"I think so." Swearing under her breath as to not upset Joshua, the young girl clutched her fists. "If he decided to ditch us…I TOLD HIM TO MEET US HERE!"

"R-Rosette. Calm down, now. Eheheheheheh…."

Suddenly, Joshua brightened. "There he is!"