Ok so with Christmas just around the corner my fingers were itching to try a little christmas fic! This takes place in the same universe, if you will, as the previous one featuring Ami!

Featuring: Rei/Jadeite
Warnings: Once again I'd say this is T due to mentions of alcohol and kissing; M if you can't handle heavy kissing :)
I don't own Sailor Moon or Frozen

Rei stood watching him curiously as he bought two tickets to the botanic garden. He had on an oxford gray wool car coat and dark blue jeans, his blond, slightly curly hair peaking through the front of his blue beanie. She grudgingly admitted, if only to herself, that he looked good. He made his way back to her, his cerulean eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Ready?" He asked her, unable to keep the giddiness out of his voice.

She nodded her head, a slight smile forming on her lips. They made their way outside, standing just far enough apart that their arms grazed one another's. As far as nights went, the weather wasn't so bad tonight, as long as the wind didn't pick up. It was pleasantly cold, as both of them had bundled up for the occasion. She pulled on her black knitted beanie with a little pompon, a gift from Usagi, more snuggly around her ears. They walked past the bare fountain, now decorated with white lights that made an intricate pattern around it, as if the lights itself were moving water. As they made their way to the open area, where the path curved right, left, or straight ahead, Rei halted to take a look around.

The botanic garden had been transformed into a winter wonderland. The sidewalk had been outlined with luminaries as far as her eyes could see. The trees next to them shown brightly with white lights winding its way up all the branches. Christmas music could be heard softly playing in the background.

"It's beautiful," she said softly. And romantic, she couldn't help adding to herself. She suddenly felt a little nervous standing so close to him. Luckily for her, her demeanor remained the same.

Julian grinned and grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. "Come on, let's go this way." He tugged her slightly to the right. She was pretty sure they were supposed to start on the left and make their way slowly to the other side, but she stayed silent and followed him. She secretly didn't want to damper the boy-like smile he had on his face. She glanced at their hands quickly, hers covered in a black leather glove, his in a knitted blue. It dawned on her that his gloves, along with the matching beanie, were the one's Makoto had made him the year before. They were well used from what she could see, and apparently well loved. That made her smile.

They stopped at a tall tree that partially hung over the sidewalk. The base of the tree had been decorated with purple lights. Where the trunk turned into branches, it alternated between purple, red, and blue. Hanging from the branches were balls made up of more lights, varying in color. It was gorgeous, so they stood there a little longer, admiring it. Rei untangled her hand from his to pull out her phone. She snapped a picture so as to always remember it.

"Want me to get a picture of you standing by it?"

Rei shook her head. "No, I don't want to ruin it."

"I think the tree would disagree with you," Julian teased.

Rei snorted. "Talking to tree's now, are you?" She slipped her phone back into the pocket of her red pea coat.

He chuckled. "I'll leave that to the expertise of Mako." He intertwined their fingers again and continued leading her down the path. The gesture was not lost on her. Deep down, she treasured holding hands, not that she would ever tell him that.

The girls would always have their bi-weekly "girls night", a tradition they had started once they had all become friends. On those nights, they would either get all dolled up and hit the clubs, or wear ridiculous pajamas and either spend the night at Makoto's or her place. They would all drink copious amounts of liquor and get plastered drunk, eagerly munching on the sweets Makoto had made while either getting ready or lying around all the blankets they'd laid on the floor. Those nights were the only time she let her guard down, feeling inebriated due to all the alcohol running through her body. She would snatch the closest girls hand and lace her fingers through theirs, regardless if they were headed to the latest club, out in public, or all lying on the blankets in a circle, their heads all touching as they giggled uncontrollably.

The girls would tease her about it, saying it was the only time she showed her affection towards them. She knew where her love of handholding stemmed from. Her mother had always held her hand. Whenever they were out running errands or walking around the park, her mother would slip her hands through hers. She had never felt so close to her mother as she did then, quietly relishing in the special bond as she happily swung their arms. After her mother had passed away, she hadn't felt that bond with anyone else for a long time.

When they had their first girl's night outing, after finishing off a bottle of RumChata and spiced Rum (what Minako had called a crunchy captain) she'd felt the yearning again for the bond she'd had with her mother. For the simple human interaction she had when they quietly walked hand in hand down the street. Sure she had her grandfather, who'd been an amazing and doting man. But she had never sought him out for that, the wound still too fresh after losing her mother. She'd been a child, and foolishly believed if she did, she'd loose him too. And so, after years of that yearning, and with friends who she thought of as sisters, she finally let go of those foolish, childish fears. In her drunken stupor, she'd boldly latched onto Minako's hand. Minako had giggled and looked down at their clasped hands.

The blonde's eyes had been glazed over with alcohol, but in that moment they were as sharp as ever. Minako had squeezed her hand in hers and whispered drunkenly, "I love you too, Rei."

Usagi had made her way to Rei's other side then, and taken her hand into hers. She gave Rei a drunken smile. "Sharing is caring, Minako!" She'd attempted a drunken hug while still holding fast to Rei's hand.

Makoto had laced her fingers with Minako's other hand and Ami's with Usagi's. They'd walked like that, hand in hand, all the way to the club, stumbling, giggling, and supporting each other.

So yes, she really relished handholding. She'd be lying to herself if she were to say she didn't enjoy her hand in his. She felt closer to him somehow, an intimate moment that they hadn't shared yet.

She didn't like it. Not one bit. Julian was wheedling his way into her armored defenses and it scared her senseless. This was their fourth official date. He'd been the epitome of a complete gentleman in the first three. Not once did he try to kiss her, grope her, or attempted an awkward hug after saying goodbye after each date. He'd kept his hands, and lips, to himself at all times. He'd been patient with her, giving her the space she needed to come to terms with it all. Hell, the man had given her almost a whole year before asking her out on an official date. He was stubborn, she'd give him that much.

She vaguely wondered who had spilled the beans on her secret love of handholding. Whoever it was (most likely Usagi, the little traitor), she'd be having a few choice words with later on. She'd been so rapt up in her murderous thoughts that she'd missed what Julian had asked her.

"I'm sorry, what?"

He chuckled again. "I think you've been hanging around Usagi too long. I asked who was in trouble since you looked ready to scorch someone. My bet's on Zeph." He added happily, his face lighting up. Probably picturing her burning his friend. Typical.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said coolly.

He scoffed at her. "Please! You get this evil little glint in your eyes and giddy look on your face every time you think about lighting anything on fire. You practically ooze satisfaction. I've been observing you, just like I used to back-" Julian coughed, a pink tinge marring his cheeks. "That is, look, what a beautiful display!" He pointed with his free hand hurriedly.

Rei bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. He looked cute, all flustered at his slip. Not that that excused his creepy tendencies.

Rei shrugged. "I've got to find ways to be jolly during the holidays," she smoothly replied, a teasing tone lacing her words.

"Remind me to have Zeph piss you off. Which shouldn't be too hard," he teased back.

Rei glared at him. "I'll add you to that list if you keep giving me lip!"

"Oh, the naughty list I hope!" He smiled wickedly at her.

This time, she was the one that felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She grumbled her plans on how she'd burn his ass if people weren't around. That just made him laugh. She ignored him and looked to what he'd originally pointed to. She was taken aback on how she had blatantly missed the display. LED lights had been placed on the ground, making about a 10-foot square. Above the square and centered stood a lone tree made up of only lights. Currently, the lights were dancing along to the Frozen song, Let it Go.

Rei turned towards Julian, an eyebrow quirked up. "Really?"

His face was completely serious as he replied, "Yes. Frozen is a majestic movie."

Rei rolled her eyes. "Says the 12 year old prepubescent girl."

Julian mocked being hurt. "The 12 year old prepubescent girl in me is crying real tears of hurt right now."

His laugh was infectious and Rei couldn't help but join in. They continued walking down the illuminated sidewalk, stopping in front of a beautiful wooden pergola. It had been decorated with stunning ice blue lights that shined brightly like little crystals. She had started pulling out her phone when an older gentleman stopped by them.

"Want me to take a picture of you lovebirds underneath it?" He asked, smiling sweetly at them.

Rei stiffened, her back ramrod straight. Julian easily pulled out his phone and handed it to the man, not missing a beat. "Yeah, that'd be great, thanks."

Julian pulled her close to him, wrapping an arm around her waist. Put in this position, Rei had no other choice but to stiffly place her arm around him. Up this close to him, she could smell his cologne. And her nose was a traitor for enjoying it.

"Okay, on the count of three. One…"

Rei felt Julian lean down towards her. "You smell delicious," he whispered right before she heard the click of his phone go off. Rei was pretty sure that picture would show her mortified face and Julian smiling cheekily.

The man handed Julian back his phone. "You two make a lovely couple. Have a good night." He shook hands with Julian, who had the biggest smile on his face.

"Thanks, you too."

Rei glared daggers at the man's retreating form. "Careful, Rei, I think I see smoke coming off of him," Julian teased. Rei knew he was teasing her on purpose to get a rise out of her. Well, two could play that game.

Instead of responding, she just rolled her eyes at him. She gave him a charming smile, which she noticed made him slightly nervous, and grabbed his hand. They made small talk as they continued their way around the garden, a plan formulating in her mind. When her sharp, amethyst eyes spotted what she'd been looking for, her grin turned predatory. Luckily for her, Julian had been distracted by another display of lights and hadn't noticed.

"Oh, let's take another picture together under that beautiful arch!" She made sure her eyes were full of pleading, her lips a little pouted. Minako would've been so proud. Plus, she wasn't lying; it really was beautiful. A large, white arch made up of the colors of the rainbow in lights stood over a part of the sidewalk that branched off.

Julian just stared dumbfounded at her. Maybe she had laid it on a little too thick. He stared at her suspiciously, his cerulean eyes searching hers. Finally, a grin broke over his face. "There's that joyful spirit!"

Rei laughed. "Yes, it's been hiding all along," she sarcastically remarked, signaling down an older couple passing by while Julian headed closer to the arch. Rei whispered something to the lady while handing her the phone. The lady smiled and nodded her head. Rei walked over to Julian, a little smile on her face.

He looked at her curiously. "What was that about?"

"Oh, just making sure she doesn't cut the arch off. You know how some older people do that by mistake," she supplied offhandedly. She snuggled up close to him, placing her hand on his chest. Even through all the fabric of his coat and shirt, she could feel the taught muscle underneath.

He pulled her closer, not seeming to mind or notice her complete 180 in regards to being so close. Rei almost snorted. When the lady started messing with her phone, tilting it this way and that to get the perfect angle, Rei casually whispered, "Look up."

Julian glanced upward, probably spotting what she'd seen earlier, and then back down to face her, confusion written all over his face. Rei quickly untangled herself from him, stood on her tiptoes, bracing herself on his chest with both hands, and brushed her lips against his. When she felt him respond, she pushed herself back, a wicked glint in her eyes and a cocky smile on her lips. The lady, per request, had taken a series of pictures of the whole thing. Rei couldn't wait to go through them to see the surprise on his face. She could feel Julian pouting next to her, but ignored him as she thanked the couple and stored her phone away.

"You know, that wasn't very nice," he mumbled.

Rei gave him a haughty look. "Maybe you should be more astute next time. Kaiden wouldn't be too happy." She smirked at his sour expression.

"You shouldn't be playing with fire, little miko, unless you're willing to get burnt," he warned, his eyes darkening.

Rei stared right back, tilting her head a little higher. "You forget how well I play with fire then."

Julian leaned in close and whispered, "No, but I've learned a few tricks." Rei felt a shiver run down her spine and knew it hadn't been from the cold.

She scoffed and poked him in the chest with a manicured finger. "If my memory serves right, falling on your ass while attempting to ice skate doesn't count."

He laughed and took her hand into his, eyes full of mirth. "I never claimed to be amazing at it, plus Neven pushed me. Now come on, Santa's here and I want to get my wish in."

Re rolled her eyes at him. "Figures you'd have an ulterior motive for bringing me here. You know he's not-"

"Ah ah," he said, cutting her off, "Don't go ruining it for me with your bah humbug attitude!"

Rei just shook her head, muttering nonsensical things about him.

He had insisted on dropping her off and as they made their way up the steps, still hand-in-hand, Rei had thought how much fun she had had with him. Sure they'd had their other dates, but she'd been cautious around him. She hadn't really let herself enjoy his company until tonight. That thought made her frown.

"Regretting what you wished for?" He asked teasingly. She just stared at him. "With Santa," he supplied, still smiling.

She sighed, a little exasperated. "Santa could never grant me my wish."

"Well, what is it?"

She gave him a sardonic smile. "I thought you weren't supposed to tell, you know, or else it wouldn't come true."

He shrugged. "Not sure, I didn't get that far in reading up on Santa." He gave her a sheepish grin. They arrived in front of her door and they stood facing each other.

"I'll tell you mine, if you tell me yours." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

She smacked him in the arm. "You're impossible." She turned, offering her back to him as she fumbled around for her keys.

"Wait, Rei." He grabbed both her hands in his larger ones. His tone came off serious, all jesting gone from his face. "Don't turn away from me. You could never hide what was wrong then from me and let's not pretend you can now."

She met his gaze, and what she saw there startled her. She'd forgotten how his very stare could bore into her soul so easily. Even if she's uncertain of what she's doing, she didn't show it. Her keys fell to the floor as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down towards her. This time, she didn't give him a chaste kiss, but a scorching one. One of her hands had his blue beanie clutched tightly, the other played with his soft curls, tugging him further down to her; she needed him closer. He seemed to want the same thing as he pushed her against the door roughly. She bit down on his bottom lip to chastise him. He grabbed one of her legs and lifted it to his hip, pressing into her, but didn't seem satisfied with just that, and hoisted her up instead. She gasped, a little surprised by his hand placement, but wrapped her legs around his torso. He groaned into her mouth, and the noise sparked a little flame inside of her.

When she finally pushed against his chest gently, they were both breathing hard. She noticed that her beanie, along with his, were loitering the ground. He rested his head on the hollow of her neck; his hot breath tickling her skin, giving her goose bumps. She bit down on her bottom lip when she felt his lips leave fiery kisses there.

He pulled away slightly then. "You've no idea how long I've been wanting to kiss you like that." His voice sounded strained. She answered him by kissing him again, this time not so fiercely- taking her time to enjoy him. She trailed her tongue across his lips and then captured his bottom lip into her own, sucking it slightly. He tightened his grip on her as he continued to kiss her slowly. She felt herself losing control and abruptly stopped. She pulled away again and this time unhooked her legs from around his waist. He slowly eased her down and sighed.

"Looks like you've learned a few tricks since then. Not that I mind," he hastily added when her eyes narrowed at him.

"I'll take that as a compliment," she said a little fiercely. Her heart pounded against her chest and she vaguely wondered what she'd gotten herself into. He always had a way of undoing her. He bent down and picked up their discarded beanies and her keys.

"You won't hear me complain. Except I am curious to know the names of those who taught you so I can beat them into a bloody pulp." He gave her a wolfish grin, his eyes glittering dangerously.

"You'll have a hard pressed time beating yourself up then," she coolly responded, noticing how her comment wiped the smirk off his face. He just stood there quietly, absorbing what she'd said. She watched his face as a cocky grin reappeared, making the connection.

"Goodnight, Julian," she said between gritted teeth. She didn't allow him to voice his inner thoughts about the situation out loud. Let him think what he wanted.

He smirked and bended down quickly, giving her a quick kiss before she could complain. When she glanced up at him, she saw his somber look.

"I know I've made empty promises in the past, so I won't make any now. And I know why you're scared, Rei. God knows I don't blame you, since you've got every reason to be. I've done some shitty things in the past. But I'm not going anywhere and I'll wait another 1000 years or more until you realize that." He handed her the keys and made his way to the stairs. When he reached the foot of them, he turned back around. She stood rooted to the spot, barely able to breath.

"For the record, I wished for another million years like tonight. And I'm glad I did, because even if this is all you can give me, I'm happy." He smiled sadly at her and began walking down the stairs.

Rei couldn't seem to make her feet move. Fear paralyzed her to the spot. Back then, she'd been too prideful to tell him how she felt. Now, she'd known too much lose. It scared her to think that she could love him back, because if she did, it meant that he'd be capable of hurting her like no one else could. Even more than her father, and that still stung to this day. Had she not suffered the last time? Had she not died back then because of what she felt for him? Or, a little voice in her mind said, whom she always pictured as being her grandfather, because you didn't let yourself love him; you made yourself suffer. Was she doomed to keep repeating her childish mistakes again and again? Had she not finally learned after many years that the opposite of love was not hate, like she had previously thought, but indifference? Whatever she felt for Julian, it was anything but apathy.

Scrounging up what little gumption she had left, she bolted after him. He was at the bottom of the stairs, rounding the corner when she yelled, "Julian, stop!"

He turned towards her, his face a mask of cool indifference. She halted in her treacherous decent down the steps.

"Why don't you stay for tea," she lamely finished. He smiled radiantly at her and her breath hitched in her throat. He ran up the stairs to meet her half way, the boyish grin still on his face. He leaned down and captured her mouth with his hungrily, knowing full well that even if that wasn't a declaration of love, it was a step in the right direction. When he pulled away, he threaded his fingers through hers easily. As they made their way back up the stairs, Rei couldn't help but think that maybe Santa had granted her wish.

Ok, so I had wanted to do a Christmas type thing and this is what I came up with. I had originally planned it to be light and fluff (but the end kind of spluttered a little, oops). Because of that, Rei might be a little out of character. I wanted to give her and Jadeite a fluffy side since they're always so angsty! So don't worry, she'll go back to being her normal, haughty self soon! Hope you guys enjoyed it as it was intended to be a little Christmas present. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :D