Treize ouvrit lentement les yeux et regarda autour de ce qu'elle pouvait voir de la salle. Elle regardait à la fenêtre où les nuances ont été heureusement établie et la lumière du soleil a été retenu derrière eux. Sensation inhabituelle de froid, elle blottis encore sous les couvertures et se roula en boule.

Le calme de l'appartement de Rachel entourée Treize comme les couvertures elle était enveloppée po Pendant quelques instants, elle a trouvé étrangement réconfortant avant que la sensation a été soudainement remplacé par la solitude. Elle enroulée sur elle-même encore jusqu'à ce que ses genoux étaient rentrés sous son menton. Tout comme elle a commencé à envisager de passer ses jours comme ça, Rachel marchait en Treize abaissé le couvre juste assez pour elle de regarder Rachel à pied du lit. Elle portait un plateau, qu'elle plaça entre elle et treize avant de s'installer sur le lit.

"Qu'est-ce que tu fais ici?" Treize demandé.

«Je vis ici», a déclaré Rachel avec un petit sourire.

"Je veux dire, pourquoi n'êtes-vous pas au travail?"

«Ma pratique est fermé pour les vacances. Je vous aurais réveillé, mais je ne pouvais me résoudre à le faire. "

«Ça ne fait rien. Maison de fermer trop, "Treize marmonné. «Il est tout aussi bien. Je ne veux pas voir quelqu'un aujourd'hui. "

"Dois-je vous laisser seul alors?"

"Vous n'êtes pas n'importe qui. Vous êtes la personne que j'aime. "

«Je suis aussi la personne que vous rompu avec l'autre jour."

«Je n'ai pas. Au moins, je ne voulais pas. J'étais en colère et je l'ai dit quelque chose de stupide. Je n'ai pas fait exprès. "

«Je sais», soupire Rachel. "Quand avons-nous commencer à se battre comme ça?"

"C'est de ma faute. Je n'aurais pas été tellement en colère contre vous. Vous venez de regarder pour moi. "

«Ce n'est pas votre faute."

"Il est," Treize insisté. «Je pensais que je faisais quelque chose qui importait, et je me sentais comme si vous étiez debout sur le chemin de cela. Je suis désolé j'ai paniqué sur vous. "

"Mais je me le procurer. Je me tenais à votre façon. J'étais le contrôle. "

"Vous n'étiez pas."

"Ouais, j'ai été", murmura-t-Rachel. "La nuit dernière n'était pas la première fois j'ai pensé à combien de temps vous avez quitté. C'est à l'arrière de l'esprit tout le temps. Je m'inquiète tellement. Chaque fois que je pense que tu fais quelque chose qui est la moindre peu dangereux, je vais à présent à paniquer, place surprotectrice. Je tiens à vous mettre dans une bulle protectrice ou quelque chose. "

«Une bulle pourrait être amusant. Je pourrais continuer zorbing, "Treize dit. Elle fendu d'un sourire, comme Rachel laissa échapper un petit rire. «J'aime que vous vous souciez assez parlé de moi à la surprotection. Je vais essayer de vous donner de moins parce que pour elle. "

Rachel sourit et pousse le plateau vers Treize, "Je vous ai apporté une offre de paix."

Haha! April Fool's! It's been a long time, so I hope this chapter's worth the wait. Seasonally, it's really late. Thirteen comes back really soon, so I hope to get some fresh insight. The wait is driving me crazy! Hope you all enjoy it.

Thirteen opened her eyes slowly and peered around at what she could see of the room. She looked to the window where the shades were thankfully drawn and the bright sunlight was restrained behind them. Feeling unusually cold, she huddled further beneath the covers and curled into a ball.

The quiet of Rachel's apartment surrounded Thirteen like the blankets she was wrapped in. For a few moments she found it strangely comforting before the feeling was suddenly replaced by loneliness. She curled further into herself until her knees were tucked beneath her chin. Just as she began to contemplate spending her day like that, Rachel walked in. Thirteen lowered the covers just enough for her to watch Rachel walk to the bed. She carried with her a tray, which she placed between herself and Thirteen before settling on the bed.

"What are you doing here?" Thirteen asked.

"I live here," Rachel said with a small smile.

"I mean, why aren't you at work?"

"My practice is closed for the holidays. I would have woken you, but I couldn't bring myself to do it."

"Doesn't matter. House shut down too," Thirteen mumbled. "It's just as well. I really don't want to see anyone today."

"Should I leave you alone then?"

"You're not anyone. You're the person I love."

"I'm also the person you broke up with the other day."

"I didn't. At least I didn't mean to. I was angry and I said something stupid. I didn't mean it."

"I know," Rachel sighed. "When did we start fighting like that?"

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have gotten so angry with you. You were just looking out for me."

"It's not your fault."

"It is," Thirteen insisted. "I thought I was doing something that mattered, and I felt like you were standing in the way of that. I'm sorry I freaked out on you."

"But I get it. I was standing in your way. I was being controlling."

"You weren't."

"Yeah, I was," Rachel muttered. "Last night wasn't the first time I thought about how much time you have left. It's in the back of mind all the time. I worry about you so much. Whenever I think about you doing something that's the slightest bit dangerous, I go to this freaked out, overprotective place. I want to put you in a protective bubble or something."

"A bubble could be fun. I could go zorbing," Thirteen said. She cracked a smile as Rachel let out a small laugh. "I love that you care enough about me to be overprotective. I'll try to give you less cause for it."

Rachel smiled and pushed the tray towards Thirteen, "I brought you a peace offering."

Thirteen sat up and removed the cover that sat in the center of the tray. "Blueberry waffles?"

"If it helps your appetite, I could start eating them first." Rachel smiled as Thirteen laughed a bit. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind Thirteen's ear and kissed her temple. "Eat up before they get cold. I'll grab you some coffee."

As Rachel headed for the kitchen, Thirteen pulled herself out of bed and grabbed her purse. She searched through it quickly before finding what she needed. When Rachel returned with a mug full of coffee, Thirteen pulled something out and handed it to her.

"Here," she said, offering a small paper bag.

"What's this?"

"Last night, before all the stuff with our patient, I picked up my own peace offering."

Rachel reached into the bag and pulled out a small package. "Sunflower seeds?" she asked with a quirked eyebrow and a slight smile.

"It was too late to get to the florist's, so I grabbed these in the cafeteria."

"You are very cute," Rachel said. She kissed Thirteen appreciatively before they both returned to bed.

Thirteen dug into the waffles hungrily. "You're not eating?" she asked through a mouthful.

Rachel shook her head, "No, these are just for you. I ate hours ago."

"Hours?" Thirteen looked past Rachel to the clock on the nightstand, "Oh my god, it's almost one o'clock?"

"Yeah, you were knocked out good."

"I don't think I've slept that late since med school."

"Well," Rachel said. "It seems to have brightened your disposition. You're not nearly as–well, last night you were–"

"Morose, distraught, and a little out of my mind?"

"What? No. I would never say that," Rachel said playfully.

"But you were thinking it, weren't you?" Thirteen pushed.

"I wouldn't even think it…while you were in the room. Look, this isn't about me thinking you're completely mental," Rachel joked. "I just want to make sure you're okay. You seemed really low last night."

"I'll be fine. Some time away from work and close to you should fix me right up."

"Does that mean you'll be spending Christmas with me?"

"Mmm, I'd rather just drink some eggnog together and sleep in until New Year's," Thirteen groaned.

"Well, bah humbug."

Thirteen shrugged, "I probably should celebrate a little. This is the first time I've actually had anyone to spend the holidays with."

"Me too. You see, we have to celebrate. Otherwise, we–" Rachel was promptly silenced by Thirteen shoving a forkful of waffles into her mouth.

"Shut up and think about this for half a second," Thirteen said. "Every time we try to celebrate something, it gets completely screwed up."

Rachel rolled her eyes and swallowed her mouthful, "Mini Thanksgiving went pretty well."

"Yeah, but only after I crashed into my couch. I had a bruise the size of my fist."

"Well, that was your own damn fault. Who doesn't turn on the lights when they come home?" Rachel asked. "We'll keep it simple. It'll be great."

Thirteen sighed, "Always the optimist."

"Always the pragmatist."

"Fine. What's simple?"

"Dinner, eggnog, a tree, and gifts," Rachel offered.

"No tree, that's too much."

"It's not Christmas without a tree. It'll be just like any other day."

"That's kind of where I'm hoping to go with the whole simplicity thing," Thirteen said. "It can still be special without a tree."

Rachel sighed, "Fine, but if there's no tree, we have to have lights."

"Are you trying to bargain with me?"

"You're either bargaining or you're demanding."

"Okay," Thirteen considered. "How about lights, gifts, takeout, and drinks."

"I think I can live with that," Rachel said. "Shall we shake on it?"

"The fate of Christmas is at stake. A handshake won't do," Thirteen said drolly. "No, I think this sort of deal should be sealed with a kiss." She leaned into Rachel and kissed her passionately. Thirteen skimmed her hands under Rachel's shirt making her gasp as she brushed a whole chain of sensitive spots.

Rachel pulled Thirteen to her lips and returned the same ardor, "Seals are much more official."

Rachel woke to the sounds of clanking cookware and Thirteen swearing. She pulled herself out of bed and headed towards the offending noises. In the kitchen, Thirteen tumbled through Rachel's cabinets searching for the tools she needed. Rachel yawned and stretched before leaning against the counter tiredly.

"It is way too early for you to be making so much noise," Rachel mumbled.

Startled by Rachel's voice, Thirteen turned around sharply, "Sorry. Your kitchen is kind of weird."

"You're kind of weird, my kitchen is fine. What are looking for?"

"A whisk."

"Here's a hint," Rachel said, walking to the dishwasher and opening it. "I don't keep it in the cabinets."

Thirteen blushed as she grabbed the whisk. "Looks like all my noisemaking has made you cranky," she said.

Rachel promptly shook her head, "No, it's just that for a girl who sleeps past noon, you're really bad at relaxing. It's so fucking early."

"Okay, you're definitely cranky," Thirteen quipped. She poked playfully at Rachel's ticklish sides, causing her to jerk fitfully as she tried to avoid Thirteen's torments. "It's nine o'clock. You're usually up at five."

"Not during vacation time. I shouldn't be out of bed for another hour."

"Poor baby," Thirteen said mockingly. She kissed Rachel quickly, "Go back to bed and I will bring something delicious to cheer you up."

Rachel shrugged, "I'm already up. Besides, now I get to spend an extra hour with you."

Thirteen smiled as Rachel met her with a lingering kiss. "You always know just what to say. If we weren't so in love, I'd think you were just trying to get into my pants."

"I love you with or without pants. Although without is definitely preferred," Rachel said, smirking. "I'll go get washed up."

Rachel showered and dressed quickly before sitting down to breakfast with Thirteen. They ate at a leisurely, unhurried clip, letting the meal set the pace of their day. When they had finished, the couple headed out to make the most of their vacation.

The two of them made their way to the shopping centers, boldly facing the crazed holiday shoppers. Rachel looked around with a strange determination as Thirteen browsed the shops with disinterest. She began to kick up a fuss in indifference, huffing and sighing, making it more and more difficult for Rachel to ignore her. As the incessant complaining wore on, Rachel used the last of her patience to suggest that Thirteen find something more interesting to keep her busy. With feigned reluctance, Thirteen agreed. She left the shop quickly, attempting to hide the scheming grin spreading across her face. She hurried the few blocks to a small boutique she had visited days before.

The small bell on the door chimed as Thirteen entered, bringing the shopkeeper from the back room. "Can I help you, miss?" the older man asked.

"I need to pick up an order," Thirteen answered.

"I remember you. The name's Hadley, isn't it?" The man returned to the back room for a moment and reappeared with a small box. "Your order turned out very well. You brought in such a beautiful specimen."

"Thanks, it took forever to find." Thirteen peered into the box as the shopkeeper presented it for her inspection. Inside sat a dahlia bloom that had been preserved in resin. Its outstretched petals were a deep, vibrant red, while the ones surrounding its still-closed center were a velvety burgundy. The petals closest to the center of the flower rolled together like a nest of tiny tulips. As the petals radiated outward, their pointed tips shot out dramatically like cascading fireworks.

Thirteen removed the bloom from the box and held it carefully. The resin made the petals feel smooth, hard, and glossy, but the flower still looked as if it had just been picked. A pleased smile stretched across her face as she gently returned it to the box. "It looks perfect," she said.

"Glad you're happy with it," the shopkeeper said. He gave her his own pleased smile as he rung up her order. "May I ask what you plan to do with it?"

"It's a memento for a friend of mine. I'm going to mount and frame it for her." Thirteen paid for the flower and tucked it safely away in her purse. "Happy holidays," she told the shopkeeper as he returned the sentiment.

Thirteen was pleased with herself as she left the shop. A broad smile overcame her, but she tried to keep it in check so as not overplay her hand. When she met up with Rachel again, she found her looking agitated. Rachel paced back and forth next to her car with her arms crossed tightly.

"Are you okay?" Thirteen asked.

"Yeah. I'm just sick of all this," Rachel mumbled. "This time of year, I hate any place with a register."

"So, why'd you want to go shopping?"

Rachel shrugged, "Don't know. Dumb idea, I guess. Are you ready to go?"

Thirteen nodded as she narrowed her eyes at Rachel, trying to determine the cause of her sudden change in attitude. She barely got a chance to settle into the car before Rachel sped off hastily.

As they approached Rachel's apartment, she became increasingly detached. Thirteen had long since given up on conversation and rode in silence as Rachel drove. Rachel slowed to a stop for a traffic light and slumped over the steering wheel for a moment. When she straightened up something caught her eye. She stared across the street with an intent frown while Thirteen tried to figure out what she had fixated on. As she followed Rachel's gaze to a Christmas tree lot, a twist of guilt churned in her stomach.

"Rachel? The light's green," Thirteen urged softly. Rachel nodded slightly and continued on.

When they returned home, Thirteen watched Rachel closely. She quietly set herself to decorating the apartment, pulling out multiple sets of lights before she began testing and sorting them. Thirteen lent a cautious hand and without talking, they untangled the lights and hung them over the windows. As she returned the boxes to the closet, Thirteen came across a clear plastic container. She peered through the box to glimpse its contents, but couldn't see past the packing materials.

"What's in this one?" she asked.

"Just some more decorations," Rachel grumbled. "I'm going to go lie down. I'm getting a headache."

Thirteen followed Rachel to the bedroom hesitantly. She was sullenly curled in a ball and burrowed beneath a blanket. Thirteen thought back to when she lay in that position and of how much comfort Rachel had been.

"Want to talk about it?" she ventured.

"About what?"

"Whatever has you so down. I thought we weren't having a Blue Christmas this year."

"What would the holidays be without the blues?" Rachel mumbled. "I really don't feel like talking."

Thirteen walked to the bed and sat by Rachel's side, "It might make you feel better. Besides, after the past few days, it's my turn to comfort you."

"What was Christmas like with your mom?"

Thirteen hesitated for a moment. At first, she didn't have an answer, but when she did, it wasn't one she liked. "I don't remember."

"Not at all?"

"Not clearly. Her illness hit its advanced stages when I was still pretty young. Mostly things were just stressful," Thirteen said quietly. "But, there was this one Christmas that she and I opened gifts together really early, just the two of us. I must've been about six. My dad says I woke up before sunrise, busted into their room and started jumping on the bed. My mom took me downstairs, we opened gifts, had breakfast, and fell asleep on the couch."

Rachel smiled weakly, "Sounds like a good memory of her."

"It is," Thirteen said, smiling distantly at her thoughts. "What about you? You must have some good memories to share."

Rachel frowned a bit as tears began to well in her eyes. "She baked cookies," she murmured. "She'd bake dozens of cookies and Evan and I would take them to our friends and neighbors. Then she'd find the perfect tree and decorate it so beautifully. I think I miss her most this time of year."

"I know what you mean," Thirteen sighed. She lay down next to Rachel and pulled her close. Rachel buried her face in Thirteen's shoulder and shut her eyes tightly. After a while she finally let out a heavy breath and relaxed.

It didn't take long for Rachel to drift off to sleep. When her breathing became deep and rhythmic, Thirteen carefully slipped away from her and left the apartment quietly. She got into her car and drove hastily to the intersection that had distracted Rachel earlier that day.

When Thirteen stepped onto the tree lot it was swarming with people. She watched them for a few moments. They all made their selections quickly and moved on, taking their bushy treasures eagerly home. They all seemed to know what they were doing while Thirteen hung about by the entrance. After looking lost for a few minutes, she was finally approached by one of the lot attendants.

"You need some help, miss?" he asked.

Thirteen nodded eagerly, "I need a tree."

"Well, you're in the right place," the attendant half-chuckled. "Why don't you take a few minutes to look around and let me know when you find something you like."

"You don't understand. I'm trying to cheer someone up. I need a tree that's beautiful and perfect and I've never picked out a tree in my life. I have no idea what I'm doing."

The man laughed under his breath and nodded in understanding. "Just take a breath and relax. This is pretty simple. We just got some fresh trees in this morning. Come with me." The attendant led Thirteen to the back of the lot where the newest trees waited. "We've got Douglas' and a couple of Balsams. They're both nice, but if you're going for perfect, the Balsams will give you that nice, piney scent."

Thirteen looked the trees over. They were full and bushy, and the ones the attendant recommended smelled as good as promised. "Sounds good," Thirteen said. She stood back as the attendant chose an appropriately sized tree for her and tied it to her car.

After making another quick stop, Thirteen found herself with a bag full of small parcels. She headed to her car and rushed back to Rachel's apartment to prepare her surprise. It wasn't until she tried to remove the tree from the roof of her car that Thirteen realized what she had gotten herself into. She slung the bag of parcels over her shoulder while she tried to wrestle the tree into the building. Her efforts were less than successful until one of Rachel's neighbors offered a hand. He took one end of the tree and helped Thirteen into the elevator and up to Rachel's door.

After thanking the neighbor graciously, Thirteen snuck into the apartment as quietly as she could. Rachel was still sound asleep, but Thirteen used her time wisely all the same. She quickly set the tree into its stand and settled it into a free corner of the living room. She returned to the closet and pulled out the box Rachel had pushed aside.

Inside, there were dozens of ornaments. They were made of delicate crystal, and each was carefully nestled in protective packing. Some were shaped like icicles, some like snowflakes, and some like latticed hearts. There were even globes decorated with ivory and gold ribbons. The star was the most glorious of them all; it was crystal like the rest, but encased within it was a golden star. Thirteen held it up to the light and the inner star glowed brightly.

She took the fragile ornaments and placed them throughout the tree with care. When her inner perfectionist was satisfied, she opened the parcels she had bought to reveal dozens of freshly baked cookies. She spread them over a platter and returned to the bedroom.

Rachel was still lying in the same spot Thirteen had left her in. Thirteen sat down beside her and brushed the hair away from her face. "Rachel?" she called softly, stroking her back. When Thirteen didn't receive a response she placed kisses along Rachel's temple and cheek. "Wake up, Rachel."

"I'm awake," she murmured, her eyes still closed.

"Can you come into the other room with me?"

Rachel turned to face Thirteen with sad eyes, "I really just want to mope for a while, Rem."

"I have a surprise for you," Thirteen said, pushing on. "If I've done my job right, you won't feel nearly as mopey in a few minutes. If you don't feel better, I'll lie down and mope with you."

Thirteen rose from the bed and took Rachel by the hand. As she pulled herself up, Rachel let Thirteen cover her eyes and guide her into the living room. When they stood in front of the tree Thirteen removed her hands and stepped aside. Rachel's eyes lit up when she saw it. A slow smile crept across her face as she walked over to it. She ran her fingers over one of the globes gently and turned to Thirteen. "You got me a tree," she said softly.

Thirteen smiled and grabbed a cookie from the platter. "I also got you these. I figured giving you cookies I actually baked would only make you more depressed."

Rachel laughed and pulled Thirteen into her arms, "Thank you. Everything looks beautiful."

"I'm sorry for being so anti-holiday before," Thirteen said. "I wish you'd told me how much all of this meant to you."

Rachel shrugged, "I didn't realize it did. But I'm so glad you understood. All of this is wonderful." She smiled and ran her fingers over a few more ornaments, "This is weird, though."

"What do you mean?"

"Just that you knew what I needed and you did it. It's kind of weird."

"Weird?" Thirteen asked, raising an eyebrow. "Me being thoughtful and considerate is weird?"

"No, no, no, no, no. This is sweet. Very, very sweet," Rachel blurted as she tried to work her way out of trouble. "I just meant that the idea of you knowing how I feel before I can even understand it is odd. Sweet, but odd."

Thirteen rolled her eyes and shook her head, "Just shut up and have a cookie."

Rachel took the cookie Thirteen still held and munched on it sheepishly. "What about you, Remy?" she asked after a moment.

"What do you mean?"

"You won't miss being with your family for Christmas?"

Thirteen shook her head, "I haven't spent Christmas with them in a while. I'm usually working anyway. My dad just sends me a gift, then we have a catch up phone call Christmas day."

"What'd he send you this year?" Rachel asked.

"A new watch for my collection."

Rachel smirked, "What is it with you and watches? And suspenders?"

"I like what I like, okay? Have another cookie before you put your foot in your mouth again," Thirteen teased.

Rachel dutifully grabbed another cookie and headed to the couch. A thoughtful look came over her as Thirteen trailed behind her.

"Are holiday treats and decorations only good for a few minutes of happiness?"

"Do you…" Rachel started. "Do you think we could ever go just one week without one of us having some emotional breakdown or crisis?"

Thirteen sat down beside Rachel and looked at her squarely. "No," she said.

"At least you're honest."

"Well, I may be exaggerating just a little. We could probably make it two weeks," Thirteen said dryly. "That's not us. Drama follows us like a shadow. Maybe someday we can go a whole month, but until then at least we're together."

Rachel nodded, "Things are definitely better with you around."

Thirteen smiled as she curled up at Rachel's side and nuzzled against her. "I keep hoping that one day things will get easier and we can just be, but I don't think that's going to happen."

"We've been knocked around by life and have the bruises to show for it," Rachel sighed. "But, that doesn't mean we stop trying."

"Of course not. What I'm saying is that even when things are hard I know I can handle it as long as I have you."

"You do know how to make a girl feel special," Rachel smiled. She leaned over and kissed Thirteen softly. "We're really good together, Remy."

"Mmhmm," Thirteen nodded. "And if we work really hard, maybe we can overcome our natural tendencies to screw things up."

Rachel laughed and pulled Thirteen closer. "We've come this far," she said. "What's a little thing like nature going to do to us?"

Christmas Day came quickly for Thirteen and Rachel. It was late when they began to stir. Rachel woke first, stretching stiffly under Thirteen's grasp. As she glanced to the window a fresh snow was falling. The sight of it filled Rachel with a childlike excitement and made her leap to her feet. She shook Thirteen, who held her tongue as Rachel eagerly pulled her out of bed. She didn't speak until Rachel stood her in front of the window.

"Why are you so excited?"

"It's snowing."

"I see that," she mumbled.

"It's snowing! How can you not be excited? Everything's clean and beautiful."

Thirteen could only shrug tiredly, making Rachel roll her eyes and return to the window. Though she wasn't very enamored with the snow, the look of delight on Rachel's face made Thirteen smile. She placed a quick peck on Rachel's cheek and pulled her close. "Okay, snow's pretty. I'm just going to be quiet and let you enjoy this."

The two of them stood by the window for another few minutes until Rachel pulled away from Thirteen, leaving her with a thankful kiss.

In return for her silence, Rachel graciously filled Thirteen with coffee and made breakfast. When they were finished they went to the tree, pulling out the only two gifts under it.

Thirteen handed Rachel her present, insisting that she go first. She chewed her lip nervously as Rachel began to open the gift. Once she peeled through the wrapping paper and opened the box, Rachel found the dahlia gracefully set in a black shadow box. A broad smile spread across her face as she pulled it free. "This is just like–"

"The flowers you brought me the first day we were together. Do you like it?"

"I love it," Rachel said. She kissed Thirteen quickly before handing her a box of her own. "Your turn."

Thirteen tore through the paper quickly to get to her present. Inside a small velvet box she found a beautiful pocket watch. It shone brightly in white gold, while elegant, leafy scrolls wound across it in yellow gold. She opened the case to reveal an even more elegant inside. The hands of the watch moved gracefully across the face and in the center Thirteen could peer through to the inner gears. On the back there was a viewing window through which she could see the watch's gold movement ticking away. For a moment she was speechless. She could only run her fingers over the watch and the long chain attached to it. "This is amazing," she said finally.

"It was my mom's," Rachel said quietly. She chuckled softly as a memory struck her. "She had it made. She had gone off on this wild tangent about how pocket watches needed to come back into popularity and that women should wear them."

"You don't wear it?"

Rachel shook her head quickly, "It's too weird. I only take it out to wind it. But it was her favorite. It should be worn. And I'd like you to wear it."

"I'd be happy to," Thirteen said. She slipped the watch around her neck and fastened the chain before hugging Rachel tightly. "You and your damn romantic gestures," she laughed.

Rachel laughed as well, "Making you look bad again?"

"Yes, you always beat me when it comes to romance."

Rachel shook her head, "You're much better than you think you are."

"Am I?"

"Yes. You're lovely and romantic in your way," Rachel said, pushing Thirteen's hair behind her ear. "You make me feel happy and loved. And sane, we both know how important that is."

"It's so elusive," Thirteen chuckled.

"It is," Rachel laughed again. She grabbed Thirteen's hands and quickly laced their fingers together. "We make each other happy. And I think that's incredibly romantic."

Rachel's living room glowed with the light of a dozen candles. Their shadows stretched to the kitchen and back as a warm orange light cascaded throughout the apartment. The muted murmurs of a cheering crowd could be heard from the television. It grew louder as the crowd began to count down to the ball drop. "Ten, nine, eight…" they chanted. Throughout the building, and even outside, people were yelling, clapping, and making all manner of noise. Thirteen and Rachel were oblivious.

Somehow they had ended up on the floor, which now seemed miles away from what was going on around them. They writhed together in each other's arms, panting rhythmically. Rachel arched her back against the floor as Thirteen's fingers dove into her over and over again. With her own fingers deep inside Thirteen, Rachel matched the pace stroke for stroke.

Thirteen kissed and licked her way down Rachel's neck before nipping sharply at her collarbone. Rachel yelped slightly and captured Thirteen's lips. They both began to tremble. Thirteen rocked her body into Rachel's a few moments longer until they both cried out in unison. She collapsed on top of Rachel, laying her head on her chest. She listened to the sound of Rachel's heaving heartbeat for a long while. When it began to slow, she sat up and looked down at Rachel. It was all Rachel could do to shoot her a satisfied smile.

Thirteen pulled a blanket from the couch as the cool air began to settle on her sweat-slicked skin. Rachel still lay motionless next to her. They watched each other with a soft, wordless gaze until Thirteen broke the silence.

"Did you hear fireworks?"

"Definitely," Rachel said breathily.

Thirteen chuckled softly. "I meant outside," she said.

Rachel finally pulled herself up. Thirteen wrapped the blanket around them both as she slid into her arms. "I have no idea what's going on beyond your body," Rachel said. "What time is it?"

Thirteen glanced to the television, "A bit after midnight."

"What a way to ring in the new year," Rachel said, pulling Thirteen into a long kiss. She grabbed her underwear from the coffee table and slipped them on before heading to the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" Thirteen asked.

"I'm getting the champagne so we can toast."

"That could be a problem," Thirteen called. After a moment of searching for her own undergarments, she joined Rachel. "I may have stuck it in the freezer before we started…celebrating."

"The freezer?"

"I wanted it to chill quickly. I didn't know we'd get so sidetracked."

Rachel took the bottle from the freezer and looked at it closely. It was still mostly liquid, but a few slushy clumps floated about. "It seems okay," Rachel said. She held the bottle over the sink and opened it carefully. The cork released with a dull pop as Thirteen exchanged a befuddled look with Rachel. They had expected the champagne to bubble to the top as usual, but nothing happened. Just as Rachel reached for the glasses, the liquid rushed forth from the bottle in a turbulent, icy flow.

"Hurry, get the glasses!" Thirteen yelled. She sipped some of the runoff from the bottle, giggling as the bubbles tickled her nose.

Rachel quickly filled the glasses as the gushing began to subside. She gently clinked her glass to Thirteen's as she proposed a toast. "Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year," Thirteen replied. She wrinkled her nose a bit as the beverage hit her tongue. "It's like a slushie."

Rachel nodded, "Starting the year with sex and a champagne slushie. This should be an interesting one."

"Any resolutions?"

"I never make resolutions. I just think about what I want from the year."

"And what's that?" Thirteen asked.

"I'd like to actually have a life outside of work. I really want to take a trip together," Rachel said. "And you? What does this year hold for Remy Hadley?"

Thirteen smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. I guess I just want to be happy more often than not."

Rachel nodded, "What about the future? Next year, five years from now, further out?"

"Next year I want to do this again. With you," Thirteen smiled. "In five years I think I'd like to be married, starting a family. Beyond that I just want to be healthy and…here."

Rachel's brows knotted together. Thirteen's comment was simply an acknowledgement of the reality of their situation. It hadn't ruined the moment, but there would always be some sadness in it. She gave Thirteen a brief kiss and clinked their glasses together again. "To the future. Whatever it may hold."