Hey guys! Uhhhhhh long time no see ehh? Ah ha ha ha….yeah well I totally get it if you're extremely angry at me! You'll get an email saying I've updated and yet you won't even remember what this story was about! Once again real sorry…and erm…enjoy!

XX

When the powerful kiss finally came to an end, Kotler pulled away and kept her at an arm's length apart.

"Oh God, you are so beautiful." He breathed. Gretel panted, flushed red and she opened her mouth to respond.

"What is going on here?" a deep voice spoke from off to their side. Kotler and Gretel both looked up and then freeze.

In front of them was Father, standing still with his face set as hard as stone.

Within an instant Gretel jumped away from Kotler.

XX

A million thoughts ran through her head, just as fast as her heart beat against her chest. Never before had Gretel cursed but at that very moment, every word in the book flashed behind her eyes.

Oh no.

With sweaty palms and a face that burned hot as coals, Gretel met Father's gaze.

Shit. Shit-fucking-hell.

The look on his face was unfamiliar, one that she had not seen in all her years before. It was not a look of hatred or even one of anger. It was just a stare. A stone hard stare that portrayed no emotions at all.

That was what scared her the most.

Gretel stole a glance at Kotler and felt her body tense up even more.

But Father's stare wasn't appointed at her. No, it was fixated right on Kotler. Oh no, She thought, Kotler is going to get in trouble!

She timidly stepped forward, ready to take the full blame and accept her punishment; whatever it may be.

She opened her mouth to respond.

"It's exactly what it looks like sir."

Gretel's mouth dropped. Kotler, who had been totally silent only moments ago, had not only too taken a step forward but was also returning a hard stare just like Father's. Gretel's shock morphed into icy fear. Kotler had never dared to stand up to her Father like that. No one had ever dared to do something like that. Standing up to Father was like asking for a death sentence.

But seconds ticked by and Father did not respond. He just stared and stared.

Finally, when Gretel thought she could take no more of this agonizing silence, Father did something that shocked her even more. "Okay." He said.

Gretel blinked. Okay? What did that mean? Okay was a word of acknowledgment, not a word of anger or hatred. But apparently Gretel was the only crazy one for Kotler still stood his ground.

And with a curt nod Kotler spoke, "Okay."

Father looked at Gretel, nodded to her too and then with a turn of his polished boot, left. And just like that it was over.

Gretel turned to Kotler and started at him in raw bewilderment. "I don't….what just happened?"

Kotler blinked. "I have no idea."

At that moment Gretel could no longer handle the absurdity of it all. Her lip quivered and then with a burst she laughed out loud. She laughed until chops of breath came out in wheezes and tears streamed freely down her face. She finally stopped, holding onto her aching sides as she straightened her composure. Kotler just stared at her and just as randomly as she had, he began to burst into laughter. Gretel dropped her hands and laughed with him, the horrible events that had happened previously escaping her very thought.

Minutes passed until their laughing finally died down. Both were kneeled over and panting, alternating exchanged looks to each other and then at Father's door.

With a calculating gaze, Kotler stared into Gretel's eyes.

"Oh God, I love you." Kotler breathed.

Gretel's breath hitched. The house become so silent she could her heart thump loudly in chest and her blood rushing in her ears.

Gretel took a step back. "You love me?" she asked slowly.

Kotler froze immediately and Gretel felt her heart squeeze painfully. If he hesitated any longer Gretel was sure her heart was to break into a million pieces.

Slowly, like the buds of flowers opening slowly at the first sight of Spring, a smile spread across Kotler's face.

"I've loved you for the longest of times." he smiled and then laughed; a look of pure joy on his face. At that moment he looked young and free, like a child almost. A feeling of overwhelming happiness poured over Gretel.

Gretel let out a screech as Kotler grabbed her and swung her over his back. With large steps he strode across the room to the front door and threw it open. He walked across the yard, snow crunching underneath his boots.

He took Gretel from off his shoulder, swung her in a circle and then set her on her feet.

Gretel looked up at him. His blonde hair was shining underneath the rays of the sun, his eyes glowed with happiness, and his mouth was turned upwards into a full toothed smile.

Beautiful.

Gretel kissed him sweetly on the lips. "You are so beautiful." Gretel spoke.

Kotler scoffed. "I don't think I've ever been called a pretty man before, but you on the other hand…"

"You know Kurt, you may sometimes accidently be a dense and demanding perverted jerk but I still can't help but love you."

"Gee thanks." Kotler laughed out loud. "And you can be a back-talking, nosy girl but…you sure make it impossible not to fall in love with you."

"Oh," Kotler added, "and you sure know how to pack a slap."

Gretel giggled and pushed him slightly. Reaching up, she moved her lips to his ear. "You know what I'm thinking…?"

"That this has been the best Christmas present ever?" he finished and then leaned down, gathered her into his arms and kissed her until she saw stars.

XX

I know that was probably by far the shortest chapter I have ever written but have no fear~~~I shall be right on it and start writing the next chapter as soon as possible. I mean may seem like everything is perfect in their life at the moment but a big ol curve ball is headed their way ;)

OH and reviews are much appreciated! 3 thank you all!