Hi loves! First off, just let me say, I'm completely blown away by how much you all love these little stories. I'm glad that by writing these, I make you all happy and the like. So, here is another one for you today. I hope you all like this one too.

Hoaluvpatrome: I'm glad you loved. And I'm glad it's your favorite. That makes me very happy. :)

XxMockingjay'sliveineveryoneXx: I'm glad you could picture them as five year olds. That's what I was worried about.

Simplyflawless122: I'm glad you loved it! That makes me very happy.

Enjoy!

"Merry Christmas!"

Stevie opens her eyes slightly and looks over to see a figure standing in the doorway of her bedroom. It looks like a man, from what she can make out of it. If only her eyes weren't swollen, then maybe she would be able to see a little bit better.

"Who is that?" Stevie asks, with a slight rasp to her voice, due to a sore throat.

"Steves? Wow. You sound horrible. And you don't look so hot either."

"Zander? Gee, thanks for that. I feel so good about myself now."

"Sorry," Zander says walking into the room, "But it's kind of the truth."

"I know," Stevie says, trying to sigh, "I was just hoping that no one would say anything."

"Well, good thing I'm not no one, I'm your best friend. And I tell you the truth, even if it is pretty ugly."

Stevie rolls her eyes as best as she can but then shuts them again tightly due to slight aching.

"You okay?" Zander asks her concerned, stepping closer to her bed.

She sticks a hand out, "Don't come any closer, I don't want to get you sick."

Zander smiles and chuckles, "I think I'll risk it." He moves closer to her and Stevie feels the bed dip down beside her, followed by a pair of arms being wrapped around her. She snuggles into the embrace and puts her head on his chest.

"What are you doing?" She asks him.

"I'm gonna stay with you all day because you are sick."

"Okay. But if you get sick later, don't blame me."

Zander chuckles, "Don't worry, I won't."

"Good. So what's in the bag you brought?" Stevie asks, as she lifts her head slightly, and then drops it again on his chest at feeling it throb.

"Oh. You're gonna love this!" He carefully and slowly pulls away from Stevie and gets up from the bed. He walks over to her desk, where he had placed a brown paper bag when he first showed up.

He opens the bag and reaches inside for a moment before pulling his hand back out.

Smiling, he looks at Stevie who is curled up in the blankets of her bed, obviously missing his gentle embrace.

"What is that?" Stevie asks curiously.

"My mom's homemade chicken noodle soup." He walks towards her bed and laughs quietly as she practically jumps out of the bed.

"Your mom makes the best soup! Give it to me now!" She demands from him happily.

He stops in his tracks, "Magic word."

She looks at him with a blank look, "I'm sick and I want soup." She says dryly.

"Close enough," Zander smiles and then takes the last few steps towards her bed. He sits down on the edge again as Stevie sits up and he hands her the plastic container.

She pulls the lid off of the container, accepts the spoon from Zander, and digs into the soup, savoring each delicious drop as it travels down her throat.

"You like?" he asks her while she continues to down the soup.

She stops for a moment and looks at him, "No. I love. Thanks Z. You really are a great best friend."

"Glad I could be of some assistance. And I'm glad you love. Mom would be pretty upset if you didn't."

"How could I not love your mom's soup? It's magic."

Zander laughs to himself, "I'll be sure to tell her you think so highly of her soup."

"Good." They sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, neither saying a word. Stevie finishes off her soup and then holds the container out to Zander. "All done," she says.

He smiles and takes the container from her, setting it on her nightstand. He turns back to her and motions with his hands, "Scoot over baby." She does as he instructs and he climbs into the bed beside her, being sure to remove his shoes first.

Once he settles himself down onto the bed, he holds his arms out, "Now come here. Let me make you warm." Stevie smiles and crawls closer to him. She wraps her arms around his waist and snuggles into his chest, listening to the soft beating of his heart. He wraps his arms around her waist in return, and rests his chin on the top of her head.

Neither of them speak, both of them just enjoying the quiet moment wrapped in each others' embrace.

Stevie looks up at Zander after a moment, "Thanks Zander."

He looks down at her, "For what?"

"For being a great friend."

He smiles, "You're welcome."

"But mostly for bringing the soup."

Zander chuckles and hugs her tighter, "The soup would outrank me."

Well? Did you all love it? Cause I thought it was pretty cute. Let me know in a review. K thanks!

Jellybean96 out!