A/N: Gomen'nasai, minna! I know I'm getting this up later than usual, but I was with my bestie all day. =P This isn't one of my faves, but I like it well enough... Enjoy. (:

Special thanks to ElodieKumari94 for reviewing, as well as to ecurtis554 for adding this to their alerts. Arigato minna! (:

Mood Music: I Hate Christmas Parties by, once again, the wonderful Relient K. (:

Disclaimer: ...

Never Far Apart

"It certainly is going to be different this year," Mirajane smiled down at Lucy. "With Lisanna here and everything, I mean. Christmas just wasn't the same after what happened…"

"Really?" Lucy enquired, tilting her head to the side in interest. "What changed?"

"Well…"

XX Years Before

"I'm not going, and that's final!"

"Elfman, you can't skip out because she's gone this year! Those kids are counting on you still – you can't let them down, can you?"

"I guess I am! Because I'm not going!"

"Please, Elfman! Who else is going to play Santa this year?"

"Gildarts."

"How can he when he may not even be the country for all we know?!"

"Mystogan then! No one ever sees his face anyway!"

Mira sighed. "And where do you propose we find him?"

"Ah... Then… GRAY!"

"Elfman! Are you even hearing yourself? Do you not remember what that boy did to Natsu when he so much as mentioned Christmas to him? Besides, even with all the padding in that costume, he would never pass!"

Elfman ran a hand tiredly over his face, seemingly deflated. "Gomen'nasai, Mira-nee. I just can't this year… I can't fake cheer, even if it will disappoint those kids that Santa isn't there."

"Then do it for her," Mira spoke bravely, tears in her eyes. "Just because she is gone from our sight, doesn't mean she's gone from our hearts! She is here with us in spirit, now and forever! How disappointed would she be to find that you can't go on anymore? You were her hero, Elfman! If you can find no other reason, do it for Lisanna!"

Present Time

"Did he end up going?"

Mira nodded. "He did! But only for Santa's midnight entrance. He didn't want to be merry that year, not without Lisanna, which I completely understand since I didn't really want to be merry either. He hasn't been to a Christmas or New Year's party since, except for Santa's appearance. This year though… He's actually excited to play Santa again! Even though we don't have quite as many youngsters around here anymore, it's still tradition! Now that role is more or less just a good way for the Secret Santa gifts to be delivered, but it still warms my heart to see him so excited!"

"Ah, I was wondering about that!" Lucy mused.

"Wondering about what?"

Lucy turned. "Oh! Hi, Lisanna! We were just talking about the Christmas party. Mira was telling me about how your brother always plays Santa!"

She nodded. "He always loved doing that! Even though everyone – including the younger kids – knows it's him by now…"

Lucy laughed lightly, a wide smile spreading across her face.

"You know," Mira mused, "I think this Christmas will be the first in quite a few years that everyone will be together. Usually at least Gildarts is missing, but I know he's making a special effort to be back in time this year. And with so many new members…! I think this will be one Christmas celebration that Fairy Tail isn't likely to ever forget!"