Please note that I know that Ryou's/Elliot's dad is OOC. That's how I meant him to be in this. This is the only story that I use him in where he is OOC. other stories he is very supportive of Ryou's/Elliot's choice in girls. Plus, if you think about it he died when Ryou was ten-didn't get that far in the English dub. So i'd like to let people know that this is just my creative thought process. what happened if he really didn't die and did go into witness protection? would he be the same man that he was back then?

Mai's First Christmas! What A Disaster!

Elliot's P.O.V.:

Present:

It was Mai's first Christmas and all was good, until it wasn't…

Flashback:

Well let's start at about a week ago; six days to be exact.

After Mai's panic attack I took her to Zoey's to explain what had happened; I really didn't know what else to do. I was surprised at what Suzie came up with; I mean I was really happy that she came up with Zoey moving in with me and Mai; I know that Mai will be really happy when she finds out about that.

Anyways we spent the night and when I woke up Zoey and Mai were still asleep; so I laid there for a little longer just watching both of my angels sleep peacefully. I almost couldn't get up out of bed because Mai had one of her hands in mine and the other in Zoey's; like she is the glue that is holding us all together.

Sometimes I wonder if it hadn't been for Mai would Zoey and I be together. But then I wonder how my life would actually end up if Mai weren't here. With or without Zoey I think I could be happy with Mai if it had come down to it.

After a few minutes I managed to get up and out of bed to go use the bathroom real quick before heading to the kitchen; Suzie was the only one in there at the moment.

"Oh Elliot; you're awake." She said enthusiastically.

"Did you say something dear?" Adam asked yawning as he also just literally just got up. "Oh, it's just you…wait is Mai awake yet?" Adam said and then asked worried as he didn't want to upset Mai again.

"No, both she and Zoey are still asleep." I told him and immediately took a deep breath and relaxed.

"So how'd you sleep? Would you like some coffee? Do you even drink coffee? Anything you want to eat?" Suzie asked me making me sit down.

"Uh…I slept well. Yes I drink coffee and that would be nice thank you. And no thank you; I promised Mai I would take her to Smackdonalds for breakfast today. Whenever she gets up that is; they serve breakfast until ten I think. We still got two hours…" Elliot said simply.

All of the sudden I heard Zoey scream that she was going to be late for school and five minutes later she came running down the stairs.

"No time for breakfast; gotta go! Love you mom! Love you dad! Love you Ellie! I already told Mai I loved her and I had to go to school; she's up asking where daddy is. Gotta run; see you all after school!" Zoey yelled running out the door for the last day of school before Christmas break.

"That's not normal is it?" I asked Zoey's parents as I stood up.

"Yes and no; depends on the day. It used to be like this all the time until she started working at the café. A few months after that she started getting up and going to school on time almost every day; Mondays are usually pretty late mornings, but all the other days are good…unless she's not feeling well. I think she's running late today because last night was a late night." Suzie explained before I went to go get Mai.

Zoey was right; Mai was sitting up looking for me.

"Daddy!" She cried running to me with tears in her eyes.

"Hey there baby-girl; what's wrong?" I asked her; even though I'm pretty sure I knew what was wrong.

"Where you go? You weren't here when I woke up; I thought you left me behind." Mai cried.

"What did we talk about last night?" I asked her as I set her on the bed.

"Dat you'd would never leave me." She said softly.

"And?" I asked.

"Dat you'd never forget me?" She asked looking at me.

"Exactly. Now come on, let's get you dressed; we have a big day ahead of us." I told her as I got her dressed. Today we were wearing a pink and white striped long sleeved shirt and a blue jean skirt with thin white leggings.

When we got out there Suzie and Adam looked at me like I was crazy.

"That's not what she's wearing is it?" Adam shot out right away.

"Yeah, why?" I asked really confused.

"Here, come here." Suzie said dragging me and Mai to a window.

"Oh my wow…" Was all I could say; the entire ground was filled with white fluffy snow.

"Daddy…what happen to the ground? Why is it all white? Did something bad happen? Did I do something wrong? I'm cold!" Mai whined scared.

"No, you didn't do anything wrong; It's just snow. I'm not sure what happened to the decent weather we had last night; we walked here in just our pajamas, coats and shoes. Why would you think you did something wrong?" I asked her shocked.

"Fake mommy said that when the earth turned white like this little kids like me and especially me did something bad and that the world was ending." Mai said softly.

"Well, that's not true; it's just snow. And basically snow is soft frozen water that a lot of people, especially kids play in." I told her softly.

And then it hit me; I hadn't unloaded any of her winter clothing. It had been so nice out this year that I didn't think she'd need it; winter happened late this year.

Just as I was think that Suzie came out with a large box marked Zoey's winter clothing. Age 3.

"Well I have to get ready for work; see you all later. Love you babe. Love you princess." Adam said kissing his wife and then Mai on the forehead and walked off while waving at me. To be honest, I'm really kind of glad he didn't say he loved me; that would've been awkward at this given time.

"Here you go; these are just some of mommy's old winter outfits from when she was your size. Now they can be yours. I'm guessing all the stuff we bought you awhile back are still in boxes." Suzie said with a kind smile and then that smile got bigger; I knew what was coming…

"Can I dress her? Please? I know that you're her father and that you want first times with her, but can I have this one? Please? Zoey has a bathroom of the side of her room; oh but I suppose you know that already! You could take a shower and get ready. So please, can I just get her dressed?" Suzie asked me with big hopeful eyes to which I couldn't say no to. I really didn't care; it gave me time to get cleaned and dressed. And for crying out loud it was just getting her changed; it's not like she was taking her to get her hair cut.

"If you really want to; it's just a new outfit. As long as I get to take her to her first hair cut and her first day of school and the important stuff like that." I told Suzie to which she gave me the biggest smile and a life squeezing hug.

"Deal!" Was all she said after she let go.

"You'll regret that; Suzie has a habit of playing dress up and will probably take forever finding the "cutest" outfit ever." Adam mocked as he walked into the kitchen.

Suzie didn't even say anything in retort; she just smiled as I handed her Mai.

"Come on Mai; let's let daddy get ready while we get you ready!" Suzie said excitedly as she grabbed the box and carried it to a different room.

'Oh my god; what did I just do to my poor daughter?' I asked myself as I went to take a shower.

About ten minutes I came out wearing a pair of blue jeans and a dark blue and white shirt and blue socks and there was no sign of Suzie or Mai other than the incoherent squeals of delight coming from Suzie. I'm guess she was having too much fun; Adam was already gone.

I decided I should call Wesley.

"Hello? Elliot, what's going on? How's Mai?" Wesley asked once he picked the phone up.

"She's better; I think. Well, I'm just waiting on Suzie; she's getting Mai dressed. Well I'm guessing she's having a hard time picking out an outfit. Considering the outfit I picked out isn't snow appropriate. But anyways, I just called to let you know I think Suzie is going to ask to take us to Smackdonalds because I told her that's where I promised to take Mai for breakfast and Suzie's eyes just lit up. She didn't say anything, but I'm sure she will." I told Wesley.

"Hahaha. Yeah, that sounds like Suzie alright; on both points. And that's fine, just call if she can't; Renee just left a little bit ago for a shoot, but I'll still take you if you want. Otherwise I was just going to get the house set up some more. Have you seen the news?" Wesley asked.

"Yeah it does; but I don't care. I really like Zoey's parents and bonus as a bonus they love Mai to no end and treat her like she's family…even before any of us knew she biologically related. Ok. And no, why? What's going on?" I asked suspicious.

"They're saying that your father is saying that you don't want Mai to be a normal little girl; that you want to keep her cooped up all day and night and not to ever leave your side. Also that you want nothing to do with her biological mother's side and that you want to be with Mara's side. You also want to keep the world's first successful baby born in the way that she was to yourself. And finally, that you're keeping the next big scientific find to yourself." Wesley said with slight annoyance.

You knew when Wesley was agitated when you could hear it in his voice; and he was pissed. And to be honest so am I; I certainly couldn't deny that.

"Seriously?!" I yelled into the phone.

"Unfortunately; I just saw the news a little bit ago." Wesley told me.

"Damnit all to hell and back! I want Mai to be as normal as possible; I mean I know about her cat genes but there's nothing that can be done about that. But I can try to make it so she can be as normal as I possibly can. And we all know damn well that I don't want her cooped up all the time. We all know how much I love Zoey and her family and how much I can't stand Mara; I don't even know her side of the family except Amanda and Derek! She may or may not be the first baby born that way, but I want her to go out and make friends and such. Maybe I do want to keep her safe from scientists and such; she doesn't need to poked and prodded at! And finally she's not some science project; she is my daughter, my precious little angel! They want a statement, fine I'll give them a fucking statement!" I yelled into the phone not realizing Suzie had come out with Mai.

"Sounds good; they should hear your side of the story. Well, I'm going to go and get stuff ready; call if you need a ride. Talk to you later." Wesley said as we both needed to calm down.

"Yeah, ok; talk to you later." I said as we both hung up.

"Daddy!" Mai cried running to me and hugged my leg. "I love you daddy!"

"Oh hey, I love you too. Did you hear all of that?" I asked picking her up. She just nodded her head in response.

"Most of it; what's going on?" Suzie asked sitting down.

"News media getting false information from my father; for now that's all I'm going to say on that subject. Moving on; would you like to come to breakfast with us?" I asked looking at Suzie.

"I would love to! We can give Wesley a break and it can just be us three for a change! Me, my son-in-law and granddaughter! Ohhh, this is so exciting! And did you see just how cute Mai is in Zoey's old clothes?" Suzie asked running to her room to grab who knows what.

After she disappeared I set Mai down to get a good look at her; she was defiantly cute. With the exception of her eyes and most of her facial features she looked just like Zoey. Suzie had put her in a long sleeved red and green Christmas shirt with matching soft pants, Christmas socks and some boots. Her hair was tied up just like Zoey's; just a little longer.

So after a few minutes Suzie took us to Smackdonalds where Mai had pancakes, a hashbrown, a sausage egg sandwich with cheese and an orange juice. I had some eggs, a bacon egg sandwich with cheese coffee; I wasn't all that hungry at the moment. And Suzie had some eggs, pancakes, a hashbrown and coffee.

After breakfast we went to see my mom and told her what was going on, and she said couldn't be any more wrong; that she loved Mai almost as much as she loved me.

We sat and chatted for a bit when Suzie invited her to Christmas this year. Something about it made more since to do it together so she wouldn't be alone on Christmas. We had had planned on being at Christmas on Christmas at Zoey's place long before I even knew my parents were alive.

So my mom obliged and all of the sudden my father arrived…that was a whole new level of fun.

I had told Mai to go up to her old room and play because my mom had decided she was just going to stay there and wanted to leave Mai's room alone just in case she was ever allowed to spend the night or if they just came over to visit for a few hours. This was all just temporary though; until my mom could find an apartment or something. This was still the café and that's how it was going to stay; especially with the lab in the basement.

Anyways we got into a huge argument to which my dad tried to claim how sorry he was and that he wanted us back in his life-just me, mom and Wesley. I told him no; my daughter is the most important person in my life. So from there it turned nasty; the police were called in and it went from there.

Moving on…a few hours after that incident I made a call to a few different places and set them straight on the lies my father had told them. And then I told them I would make a statement sometime after the New Year; we just wanted to be left alone for Christmas and New Years. They agreed and would eagerly await my next call.

So that was a few days ago and now it was Christmas Day and we had just arrived at Zoey's parents' place and we were all greeted warmly; even my mother was welcomed in.

We were doing Secret Santa this year and I ended up getting Nick. I know that my mom was welcomed in and someone gave her Suzie and Suzie ended up getting my mom. I know that Zoey got Hannah because we went Secret Santa shopping together. As for the rest of them I don't know. I know the rules of this year's Secret Santa are. 1) You can't get yourself or your partner. 2) Don't tell the person you got. 3) Don't write your name on the card (you will reveal who you got when it's time to open presents. 4) Everyone who participates in Secret Santa must get the little kids something no matter your age. Please note: Little Kids are ages twelve and down. I know what that rules says but I also got Tyler and Nelly something as well; don't know why I did, but I did. 5) Price limit is $30.00 except for the kids-that's limitless.

Anyways, I got Nick a football jersey for about $28.84. You know me; I got Mai a bunch of different things. For Zoey I got her a heart shaped locket for her parent's Christmas party, but I plan to give her the engagement ring at the Christmas/New Year's party that Wesley and I are throwing for the mews and gang.

I know that Zoey got Mai a few things; some for her family's party and some for the other party.

And actually, we talked to Zoey's parents and they said it was ok to split the little kid's presents and that's what we decided to do; we got Allie a light red teddy bear with her name on it and Ellie a purple teddy bear with her name on it. We got Tyler a football lamp, Nelly a stuffed unicorn, Jenny a science kit and Devin some DS game about fighting. We got Alexia a accessory kit with just some nail polish, chapstick and stuff like that; nothing too over the top, Axel Jr. a train set, Kyle a construction set and Katie a Barbie doll set.

Anyways onto what happened thus far…

We had just arrived with Wesley, Renee and my mom and Nattie and her daughters were already there; turned out that they lived three blocks away from us, so five blocks away from Zoey's parents. That was actually kind of nice because Mai, Allie and Ellie all seemed to get along really well; best friends almost.

Soon after we arrived all the others arrived as well; they were a little confused as to why there was a turkey for dinner as well as a ham. Well that's simple; awhile ago we discovered that Mai has an allergy to pork products. She can't eat pork chops or roast, bacon, pork sausage, ham or anything containing pork. She also has a shellfish allergy along with pears, pineapples, coconuts and regular milk; it has to be lactose free milk, but she can eat regular yogurts, cheeses and sour cream. Boy does that kid love sour cream; she'd eat it by the spoonful if I'd let her.

So after that was explained they were all like "oh ok…" Others were actually quite happy because they didn't like ham to begin with.

So everything was going so smoothly until my dad decided to show up drunk…

And that's where we are now…

Present Time: Normal P.O.V.:

James had showed up completely inebriated because he was fed up with how he was being treated.

"We-well, well, we-well. Wha-what do we have her-here? a par-party and I was-n't invit-ed…" James said slurring his words.

"James, what are you doing here? I told you I didn't want to see you anymore; we're divorced." Amy said surprised to see him.

"Oh tha-that? Tha-that didn't mean nothin'! I know you still love me…" James said slurring his words.

"No, I loved the old you. I'm sorry you lost everything after the accident, but that's no reason to show up at a Christmas party drunk. Please leave; you're scaring the children." Amy said standing up to James.

"I don't care about those children. I just care about our child; who is throwing away his life to be a father to a test tube science project instead of being a great scientist! A child who is nothing but a mistake!" James yelled causing Mai and the other children to cry.

"That is enough! Zoey, take the little kids to the basement. Anyone younger than eighteen go with them." Adam ordered and they all listened except for Zoey.

"Zoey, you too." Adam said simply.

"No, I'm staying." Zoey said standing her ground.

"Zoey, I said go." Adam said in a somewhat demanding tone.

"And I said I'm staying! I may not have given birth to Mai, but she is my daughter; she has my blood running through her veins because of my eggs! She is my daughter and I'm staying to defend her!" Zoey yelled back at her father causing her father to give her a look he'd never given her before. The, you're no longer a little baby no more, but you're still my baby girl, but I understand look.

"Now listen here you; you're not welcome here! You need to leave before we call police. Like Amy said you're scaring the children; and we care about them!" Adam yelled starting to get pissed.

"I will leave when my wife and son come to their senses and come home with me and leave everything behind! That child cannot be his; she's not intelligent like him. She must take after her whore of a mother!" James yelled again.

Adam was about to say something when Elliot stepped in, "Zoey is not a whore; she is the love of my life! Something I thought you understood since you married my mom at one point. You always told me that love comes first, not looks, not intelligence, but love! And as for Mai; I love her just the way she is! And she may not be at my level and she may never be at my level, but she is not stupid! Don't you ever insult her intelligence just because she's not where I was at at her age; same goes for Zoey!"

"So you'd really choose them over me?" James asked surprisingly calm.

"Yes and you chose science and greed over me." Elliot said annoyed.

"And what of you?" James asked looking at Amy.

"I will always choose my son and whatever makes him happy. And Zoey is a really sweet young lady with a good head on her shoulders. And Mai; well Mai is just the sweetest little girl you could ever meet." Amy said softly.

"So you were better off with us being dead then?" James asked sourly.

"I wouldn't say that; I missed you, I did; but I missed the you I grew up with." Elliot said simply.

"Well then…I guess I'll go then." James said leaving.

They waited a good ten to fifteen minutes before bringing the children and others up; each little child running to their parents.

"I'm sorry about all that." Amy said sadly.

"It's not your fault; that man just can't let well enough alone." Adam said simply.

"I know but…" Amy started.

"But nothing mom; dad changed and not for the better. I don't know what happened to you or him after the accident, but it must've been bad. For now, let's just try to enjoy the rest of Christmas!" Elliot said simply as he held onto Mai and Zoey.

"Agreed!" Everyone else in the room shouted raising a glass in the air.

"Ok…" Amy said softly watching the window.

So it took about fifteen minutes but everything calmed down and everything went back to normal; the kids were playing together, the older kids were playing on their devices while the teens did whatever. Suzie, Franny and Becky were kitchen getting dinner ready while Adam, Garry and Axel were watching a football game.

About an hour later it was time to eat; it was the same setup as Thanksgiving except for Amy who sat next to Suzie.

Mai, Allie and Ellie sat next to each other with Mai in the middle so they could both sit next to her. They talked like they were best friends who have known each other for years; it was really amazing and it made everybody happy.

"At least my girls have someone they know living around here." Nattie said softly watching the girls.

"I know right; Mai really needed the friends." Zoey said smiling.

"Hey, we should have a play date one of these days!" Nattie and Zoey said at the same time.

"Well, you two do that it's really up to Elliot right; he is her legal guardian after all." Franny said with a little hiccup and red across her face; by now she was a little drunk.

"Mom!" Laura, Suzie, Derek and Darcy exclaimed all at once.

"What? It's the truth isn't it? Elliot has sole custody of the girl because of the circumstances. I just have one thing to say to you Zoey; good job. You at least did the right thing by signing over your rights instead of keeping the child." Franny said as she kept hiccupping.

"I'm soo sorry Elliot; she's normally not like this." Zoey said softly.

"Yeah, I kind of figured; like most it's the alcohol; I understand." Elliot replied back.

"Maybe so, but I'm still sorry about my mother. After all Mai's been through; she doesn't need this. I'm going to put my mother to bed." Suzie said as she and Garry apologized as they took Franny to bed.

Surprisingly enough none of the kids noticed any of what went on; they were too busy giggling and having a good time which made all the sober adults sigh with relief.

After the kitchen was cleaned it was time for presents to which all the kids went hog wild over; well all except Mai, Allie and Ellie. Mai we all understood; she's not used to any of this, but the twins were. It just seems like they're more interested in having fun with each other.

So this is who got who in Secret Santa:

Zoey got Hannah a lucky charm bracelet.

Hannah got Tate a Dragon Ball Z action figure.

Tate got Taylor a tennis set.

Taylor got Nattie a gift certificate to an old fashioned spa.

Nattie got Zoey a cat necklace.

Elliot got Nick a football jersey.

Nick got Elliot set of chokers and some lube as a gag gift.

Suzie got Amy new sewing kit.

Amy got Suzie some scented candles.

Franny got Darcy a book on how to raise teenagers.

Darcy got Franny how a witch's outfit, complete with a broom and book for spells.

Garry got Keith foot ball tickets for him and one more.

Keith got Wesley a baking book he didn't have.

Wesley got Becky some perfume he found out she liked.

Becky got Laura a year's subscription to her favorite magazine.

Laura got Vic a book on dental hygiene because he was studying to be a dentist.

Vic got Adam a book on how to remain calm when your daughter gets a boyfriend.

Adam got Garry a book of his hometown's history.

Missy got Renee a book on horoscopes and a homemade disco ball.

Renee got Bailey a copy of her new CD that wasn't out yet and a signed poster.

Bailey got Axel Sr. a gift certificate for him and one other to an all you can eat buffet.

Axel Sr. got Aaron an old record player with an Elvis Pressley record.

Kara got Missy tickets to the Trans Siberian Orchestra for next year.

And Aaron got Kara a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant (he got in trouble because he was supposed to put his wives name back if he drew her name.

The kids all got a bunch of really neat toys and clothes; everyone, except the little kids, thinks that Suzie overdid it when it came to the little kids.

After a few hours Franny apologized to everybody before she and Garry went home.

Becky and Axel Sr. were the next ones to leave.

And after them, slowly, one by one, others started to leave until the only ones left were the people who lived there, Elliot, Mai, Wesley, Renee, Darcy, Nattie, Tate, Allie, Ellie and Amy.

"That was a really fun; thank you for inviting me, even though you didn't have to." Amy said politely.

"No, thank you for coming; it was a pleasure. I'm really glad that Mai has another grandma to hang around." Suzie said softly.

As if on cue the front door burst open to reveal a very angry and drunk looking James who was holding a gun.

"Adam! Call the cops now!" Suzie yelled to Adam who was in the living room.

"What for? Oh, I'm on it!" Adam yelled getting his phone.

"Zoey get the little kids to the basement!" Suzie yelled as Zoey ran to the living room to get Mai, Allie and Elliot to the basement along with Tate and Nattie…but it was too late.

"If I can't you, no one can!" James yelled shooting Amy square in the head and Elliot in the shoulder and then himself.

"Daddy!" Mai cried getting away from Zoey and ran to Elliot…

So there you go

Tell me what you thought

Try to update soon,

SarT55