A/N (1): This took a while to write. You're all excited over Christian going Xmas shopping! What gives?

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have so much going on. New Games to play, fan-art to draw, and doing a little xmas shopping myself.

Okay. Back to the story...

...

Fuckin hell! How long have I got to endure a Christmas shopping trip?

All day. That's how long.

I'm still dreading today. Elliot nor Katherine hasn't called and said they're ready yet so here we three are stuck until the green light is lit. Ted is crawling on his padded playmat, searching his toys to find one to play with.

"Come on, Christian. It might be good to get out and stretch your legs. See all the Christmas displays the city has set up, listing what to buy and what not to buy."

I snort. That reminds me... I haven't made a Christmas list this year. Actually, this month, I mean to say. Christmas only comes once a year.

"Besides, I think while we're there, we could have Teddy meet Santa."

I freeze. "Ana. I'm not sure I'd feel okay handing our son over to some random stranger."

"You'll be there, too. I've seen your protectiveness over Ted." She wraps her arms around me. "Sure, Ted may not remember his exact first Christmas that's happening now but don't you want to make his perfect as can be?" Her blue eyes stare into my soul.

"Anastasia Grey... What are you doing to me?" The things she says. It's sounds so natural. Stress, worry-free, natural. "If this goes wrong..."

"Trust me, Christian." She says holding my hands. "Ted will be surround by family." She glances at her phone. "Now, if only they would call so we can get this day over with."

I stand up. "We can meet them there. I mean, technically, Elliot said to be there at noon-ish, he didn't say we all have to pack into a car together."

Ana taps her chin... Biting her lip... "You may be right. Plus, we could get a little head start on our own gifts."

"Bear in mind, I'll be just picking out presents. I ain't buying on the spot, Ana. You can do as you wish with your shopping." I say.

Ana still hasn't really been fond of spending our money. She calls it 'your money.'

"Fair enough. Alright, Mr. Grey. Shall we be off?" She picks up Ted.

"We need to make a list on the way." I grab the Audi keys. "And to all a good shopping."

...

The mall is somewhat getting crowded. People speed walking to and from shops, carrying pounds of bags filled with mystery gifts, all dressed in heavy coats and winter wear. The mall air is a sea of thousands chattering away. Families, individuals, and employees scattered with their significant others trying to help someone else.

Little shops become occupied with long lines. Many of the food emporiums are overwhelmed with people who've decided to take downtime.

There is music playing over the loudspeakers but due the crowd, I cannot hear it, however, I notice bits of a similar melody.

Ba-rum-pa-pa-rum
Ba-rum-pa-pa-rum
Ba-rum-pa-pa-rum

The Little Drummer Boy.

Last year, Ana said it was her favorite Christmas song.

"So..." I turn to Ana. "Where do we start?"

The expression on her face tells me she too is surprised at the mass of people who are here. "I'm not sure. Let me think." Her blue gazes fixes on each shop. "Who do you think will be the hardest to buy gifts for? The harder we start, the more easier everyone else will be to think for without a second chance."

"Maybe you should've brought Ted's stroller, Christian. Are you sure you won't have trouble carrying Ted all day?" She laughs. Ted is spinning his head side to side. His first glimpse into the world of Christmas.

"The shoppers get crazy around this time of year. The pushing, the shoving, the closeness. I know I don't mind you being close to me but everyone else..." I shudder. "I am protecting Ted no matter the cost of this shopping trip."

Getting speechy, huh, Grey?

"Okay, Super Dad. Who are we starting with first?" She leans on my shoulder.

"Your parents and yes, that includes Bob, too."

She pulls out her list she typed up on her blackberry. "My mother... Jewelry, perhaps. Bob. He needs a new sport he can try out. And Ray, I'm not sure."

"I have an idea but that will have to wait. Who's up next?" I reposition Teddy on the other side of my chest, holding him close. He glances up at the vast skylight above him. He's so curious.

"Now, your parents, Christian."

Just as I'm about to speak, two voices catch our attention. Even Ted tires to look.

"Ana!"

"Bro!"

Two heads of blonde hair push and maneuver their way from behind a queue of people.

"Kate! Elliot!" Ana rushes over to her sister-and-brother-in-law. All three hug together then proceed to do the same to me and Teddy.

"Oh my!" Kate exclaims. Her eyes focused on her nephew. "He has gotten so big since we last saw him." Elliot chimes in. "Yep, he sure is growing fast. It's already Christmas. Next thing you know, it'll be his first birthday."

Ted furrows his eyebrows together, trying to study his aunt and uncle. He has seen them before. Maybe he wants to know why they are here. Ted reaches for Elliot, leaning out of my grasp. "Sup, little nephew?" Ted leans back again, gripping my jacket.

"So when did you guys get here?" I ask.

"About an hour ago. We wanted to get some food first before we began any shopping. What about you two?"

I look down at my watch. "30 minutes before. Ana, Ted and I had lunch before we arrived here."

"Since we're together, shall we get started?" Kate inquires.

"Might as well." Elliot says.

"Wait! Who is going to buy who's presents?" Ana looks at all of us.

I snap my fingers. "I got it! Ana, you and Kate handle the girls. Ted, Elliot and I will handle the boys."

"Alright." She kisses my cheek and Ted's. "Don't worry, Ana. I'll keep Ted safe. Remember, you can spend as much as you like."

"Laters, baby...and man." She is whisked off with Kate.

"So, Lelliot, Dad first?" I turn to my brother.

"I was thinking our little guest of honor here. The toy stores are going to get more crowded and all the good toys will be gone."

I raise a brow. "Since when did you become a toy expert?" I smirk. "Elliot. I am not buying anything there. We're picking them out."

"Bro. This mall has got exactly 4 toy stores. We have to be quick with certain decisions when it comes to child's play. I mean, from an adult's point of view. To Teddy here, imagine a little mini vacation with each toy."

Whoa! My philosophical brother, ladies and gentlemen."Who are you and what have you done with Elliot?" I joke.

"Bro, come on. Let's hightail it to the kids corner."

...

The first toy store we reach practically all their toys left.

"Oh boy." I am dreading the crowds for this if we don't hurry the hell up. "Let's say about seven toys for Teddy. I'll grab two, you grab five."

Elliot grabs my shoulder. "Wait..."

I stare at his hand. He retracts it. "Sorry."

"It's alright. As you were going to say..."

"Why don't you handle the gifts for Ted and I'll hold him." He asks. "You know what toys he likes and doesn't play with. I know nothing of babies...yet."

"Elliot. Just help me." I plead.

He nods and we enter the store. "Sure thing, bro."

Christ Almighty! There's at least 15 kids here. All eagerly gripping to toys from the shelves they can reach. Boys with action figures, girls with dolls er.. 'Barbies' or somethings that are like those. Little tiny babies are surrounded by colorful play blocks and stuffed animals.

"What would Teddy Bear like?" I coo to my son. He blue eyes are in full wonderment of every imaginative toy to have in his grasp.

...

I've been shown nearly every toy that would be safe for Ted to play. Elliot has had most of these when he was little then... him and his boyish ways ended with them destroyed because he wanted to play tornado or either colored with what I can only describe as 'Nature's Make-up'.

And when I say make-up, I mean, he smeared mud on his toys, let little bugs crawl over them; worms and snails.

The whole nine yards.

I'm feeling ready to go. All these people crowded around us trying to get the best toys for their children. I know my son's gifts ain't going to be much different from the presents most children get but damn it, I will make Christmas special for Ted.

We make our way to the check out. Ted is holding a toy car in his hands. He picked this one out himself. "Once we're home, you can play with this one all you like, Teddy."

Nothing can be too good for my little boy.

"So, Mr. Grey. Would you like a bag for all this?" The cashier asks.

I hand Ted to Elliot.

"No." I say. "I want these all to be delivered to the address on this card in no less than 5 business days."

I give the cashier my serious look. The one that, apparently, I'm known to give but reserve for people I don't know or trust.

He takes the card willingly, stares at it. His eyes go wide for a brief moment then come back to me. "Of course, M-Mr. Grey."

"Thank you." I reply as politely.

Retrieving Teddy back from Elliot, we walk out from the store.

"Where to next?" My brother inquiries.

"Dad. Has he dropped any hints about what he wants?"

Elliot thinks for a brief moment. "None I can think of. But, hey, maybe we'll see something that's of his style."

"How about yourself, bro?"

He shrugs his shoulders. "You know me bro. I have to show off my love for the teams!"

"I see. When the girls make it back, we'll go back to shopping for each other. Now, let's go find a gift for our Dad, Ray and Bob."

...

I admit. It's really hard to shop for people but as along they have an interest, you can find something close.

We bought Carrick some new leather tote bags. God only knows how much cases he works on everyday. I suggested those while my brother bought him a silver rolex watch.

A 36mm Datejust Steel and White Gold Silver Diamond Dial, to be exact.

For Bob, two sets of golf clubs. I'm not trying to sound like an asshole here, but I don't really know Bob all very much.

Ray... Ana's stepfather. The one who I was introduced to first. In a weird way, we've developed a quick bond. For him, I couldn't quite settle on just one gift so I got him various items which I hope he'll like.

With every purchase, I hand the cashier my card and explain the delivery.

I send a text to Andrea to let me know when the packages arrive.

We're sitting in the food court awaiting our wives. I don't exactly trust the food from here to eat it. I'll wait until we return home.

Speaking of which, Ted needs is going to need to be fed again soon. His midday post lunch.

I feel two delicate hands touch my shoulders. I still. Ted giggles. His mother is now back and he's happy to have her fuss over him. The girls both have a couple of bags filled with whatever.

"Hi Teddy Bear." Ana takes him. "Did you have fun shopping with Daddy and uncle Lelliot?"

Elliot rolls his eyes as we all laugh. "Yeah, because that won't get annoying."

"Christian! Where's your presents and Ted's?!" She exclaims.

I turn to her. "Ana. Relax. I told them to have it delivered to GEH. Trust me, they'll be there."

Her face visibly relaxes but I can sense the worry in her eyes.

"How was shopping with Katherine?" I ask.

"Tiring. She sighs. She wanted to hit every store, try out a bunch of makeup, fit into every pair of shoes. But on the bright side, I found, more or less, perfect items for everyone."

"I take it you boys had fun?" She perks up a brow.

"Same as you. More or less. We must've spent 30 minutes of finding gifts. Except for Teddy, no problems there. Shall we head home? Ted is near his second lunch."

She nods. "There's one more thing I want to do before we leave."

"What?" I ask.

A small, shy smile brightens. "Have Ted take a picture with Santa."

"I'm not sure about this, Ana. Who knows how long we'll have to wait."

Katherine speaks. "Actually, Ana and I just came from the corner. The line to meet Santa isn't long at all."

I stand up. "Okay, Teddy Bear. Ready to meet Santa Claus?" My son smiles. "I'll take that as a yes."

...

We all have waited in line for 25 minutes at the most. I'll agree it wasn't so long but I can't wait to return home. Most of the children that met Santa have either started crying or sat quietly. Given Ted's childish nature, it would seem he would be the lesser of the two.

It's now our turn... I have never felt so on edge in my life.

"Hello, little one." The so called 'Santa' says, happily. Ana places Ted on his lap. "I am Santa Claus."

Ted blue eyes flicker all over the red man, his eyebrows furrow together. Oh yes, he is very, very curious today. He just looks... so serious yet adorable.

"Have you been a good boy this year?" He asks our son.

"Goo bah!" He squeaks.

Santa laughs. "Yes. A good boy. What would you like for Christmas, little one?"

"He would like toy cars." Elliot blurts out.

"They're his favorite toys." I add.

"I see. Well, he seems to know his toys." Ted begins to grab at the little Christmas tree display beside him. All he does is manage to bend the tree branches upward. Could he ever be so cute?

After Ted has a few more seconds with Santa, he gets his picture taken and is given a candy cane.

"Merry Christmas, Ted!" He yells before us five are out of sight.

"I'll need to remind myself to get copies of these." I say. Ted is holding his picture while we walk back to our car. Elliot and Kate went have decided to hang back and wander around the mall.

"See. It wasn't as bad as you thought, now was it?" She winks.

"Okay, I admit. Today was actually very interesting."

"You know, it's times like this when I can't wait to see how you will handle Ted's teen years." She teases.

A cold shiver runs down me. "Not funny, Ana. Please, let's just enjoy our time with our Teddy Bear."

"As you wish, Mr. Grey." She kisses Ted and me.

"Your wish is granted, Mrs. Grey." I kiss her back.