Rose sat at her kitchen bar, tapping the end of her pencil against the papers in front of her. It was already dark outside, despite the fact that it was early in the evening. The Christmas party at Capsule Corp would be starting soon. She couldn't believe it was Christmas time already. The weeks had flown by, it seemed. Goten was placed in a new foster home that Rose inspected herself before she let him go there. They were a young couple who were unable to have children of their own and Goten was the only child there. Rose had explained to them his situation and his unique needs. After some careful consideration, the couple agreed that they could provide for the little boy. Rose kept a closer eye on him as much as she could and she was pleased to see that he had quickly put back on the weight he'd lost.
After finding a home for Goten, Rose went and had a long talk with Goku. She wasn't looking for sympathy, but she needed him to understand how many children needed her help. Goten was safe now and she promised to reunite them as quickly as she could, but he had to understand that she needed more time. If she didn't have solid evidence that Chichi was Goten's abuser, the judge would send him back to live with her. In fact, the way it stood now, his house looked to be less safe for Goten than Chichi's house did. She was relieved when Goku agreed to give her more time and said he had no idea that there were so many other children who needed her help. In all honesty, Goku had a hard time accepting the fact that there were so many children being abused. In his mind, Chichi was a rare case and it bothered him to learn otherwise. But Goten was safe for sure now and he was okay with the situation for the time being. He wanted Rose to do it right and now that he understood the process a little more, he had every confidence in her that she would do what needed to be done.
She sighed as she stared out the frosty window. What was she doing? She had tons of work to do, yet she couldn't seem to focus. Her mind kept drifting back to the Christmas party, to Goku, to Dende, her only two friends in the world. They would both be there with their families. She sighed again, puffing her cheeks as she tapped the pencil harder. "Oh, why not?" she asked herself and threw the pencil on the counter. She gave herself a glance in the mirror. Her black suit with a pretty red blouse underneath. That was festive enough, she supposed. What else would people wear to a Christmas party? She didn't own a fancy cocktail dress or anything like that. She slipped on red high heels, the only thing she had that came close to being sexy (she'd been talked into them by the sales rep at the store) and pulled on her coat to head out into the cold night. It was several blocks to Capsule Corp, but not completely out of walking distance and she set off, wondering what in the world she was doing.
Dende was the one closest to the door, who could actually hear the timid rap on the wood. He watched on as Paige was going around proudly, handing out little gifts she had "made" and wrapped herself. The bows and paper wrapped awkwardly, but still with so much love. He chuckled and stood up from his spot on the couch and went to the door. When he opened it, he couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face, "Rose! You made it! Come in, come in! It must be freezing out there."
Goku turned from his spot on one of the couches with Tien and Sabriena, smiling widely, "Rose! You're here! Just in time too!"
"Hi everyone," she smiled, stomping the snow from her heels on the threshold before she stepped inside. Goodness, there were a lot of people here. Some of them she recognized. She pulled off her coat and hung it on the coat rack, then followed Dende further into the room. She smiled when she saw little Paige handing out the presents. Her eyes went wide and she pressed her hands to her face, "Oh no! I didn't even think to get anyone gifts! I'm sorry!" Her already pink cheeks went redder.
Dende chuckled and pulled a chair out for her near the fireplace where he had been sitting, "Relax, We're just happy you were able to make it. Trust me, there are plenty of gifts here tonight. Bulma and Sabriena are fiends when it comes to shopping." He smiled warmly at her. "Can I get you something to drink? Bulma likes to keep plenty on hand on account of the 'bottomless pits'," he chuckled.
Rose sat down, crossing one leg over the other,and nervously placed her hands in her lap. "Uh, sure, thank you," she accepted with a nod. She decided it was best to sit quietly and try to avoid too much conversation. She didn't want to stick her foot in her mouth again like she was so prone to doing. She caught Goku's eye and gave him a small smile. The crackling fire warmed her, the smell of the burning wood was light in the air. It all felt so cozy with the beautifully decorated room, the huge Christmas tree. Goodness, she hadn't expected this many people to be here. She caught sight of Vegeta and Tora and instantly realized they were Saiyans just like Goku. Both of them had tails curled around their waists, just like Goku's grandson. She felt that dizzy feeling in her brain again, she still didn't know what to make of all of this. She wondered if they ate as much as Goku and Goten did and she realized that dinner that evening was going to be interesting.
"So what are you doing for Christmas, Rose?" Sabriena asked loudly, interrupting her thought process.
Rose accepted the drink from Dende as he handed it to her, "Oh, I don't know yet. I usually spend it with my parents, but they're going to be out of town, so..." Her voice trailed off and she shrugged, taking a sip of the wine Dende had given her.
Dende sat back down, choosing a seat closer to Rose. He didn't want her to think he was going to ignore her after he invited her to the party. He smiled at her, "You should think about joining one of us for the holiday."
Goku lit up and nodded, "Oh yeah! Gohan and Lindsey are having a big to-do at their house on Christmas. You should come with us! Sabriena and Lindsey together are a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen! It's amazing!"
Lindsey preened, "We try." She winked at Sabriena.
"Pshhhhh. I do all the work and you take the credit for it."
"Tien, slap her for me," Lindsey ordered, turning away from Sabriena and sipping her soda. "I'd do it myself, but she's not worth the effort to get up right now."
Tien snickered and shook his head and Sabriena glared at him, "Don't. Even. THINK. About it."
"Girls behave or I'll separate you two," Bulma warned, sitting on the arm of Vegeta's chair.
Rose tried not to snicker at them. "Thanks for the invite," Rose said to Goku, "I'll have to see. I might have to work."
Vegeta had his arms crossed, but his tail had easily reached up and curled around Bulma's waist, lightly twitching as though he were content. This was the first he'd seen of the caseworker and he was half tempted to corner her and threaten her into getting Goten back to Goku, but then he thought better of it. Bulma would kill him if his abrasive nature screwed this up somehow. He sighed through his nose and curled his tail tighter around his mate's waist. This "being patient" thing was a bitch.
Goku grinned, "I'll just pop over and kidnap you for dinner. A few hours won't hurt." He looked back down at Phoenix in his arms, snuggling with the baby.
Paige made her way over to Vegeta and Bulma, pulling out two small gifts and balanced them on Vegetas leg, "Papaw! Papaw gift!" She giggled as Bulma reached down and picked them up, cooing as she thanked the little Namek. Paige grinned widely and wandered over to Dende and Rose, dragging her little Santa bag behind her pulling out two more gifts and offering them to each of them.
Rose smiled as she took the gift from the little girl. "Thank you," she said. She turned to Dende and smiled. "She's so cute!" she said to him in a loud whisper. She watched as everyone began to open their presents and she tore into hers. It was a simple clay ornament with Paige's little handprint in the middle, tied with a ribbon on top to hang on a Christmas tree. "Awww!" Rose beamed, "Thank you, Paige!" She looked over at Dende . He had unwrapped a long necklace of macaroni noodles and beads, roughly colored with marker and glued-on glitter. "Oh, you have to wear that," she grinned and reached to take it from him. "Here, let me help." She held the necklace between her hands and Dende lowered his head slightly towards her, smiling at Paige. Rose lowered the necklace over his head, the palm of her hand running over one of his antenna as she did so. "There! Beautiful," she giggled.
Dende had to stifle the gasp that worked it way out of his throat, managing a cough as his body seized up. Oh by the gods. He he felt a heated blush flash across his cheeks as his length hardened. He looked back up at her and tried to offer a smile, "Than… thank you, Rose." Gods, he wanted her to do that again. He coughed and looked down at the necklace to hide his blush.
Jenny was snickering over in the corner where she was sat, holding Alice. She had looked up at just the right moment. Now that was interesting.
"Dende, are you okay?" Rose asked as he coughed. She placed a concerned hand on his back, rubbing him between his shoulder blades. "Do you need a drink?" She offered her glass of wine to him, looking up as Jenny snickered. Rose tried to give her a questioning look, but Jenny had looked back down to the little girl in her arms.
Dende accepted the wine and took a sip before he sat up straighter and smiled at her, "Yes. Of course I am. Sorry I made you worry." He looked down at the necklace and smiled at it, "Just had something in my throat." He looked at her cautiously. He didn't want to make her worry. She was so proper and would die of embarrassment if she knew. She almost died of embarrassment that day she had accidentally touched Goku's scar, not knowing what it meant.
Rose placed her hand back in her lap and looked at the ornament again. It would look so cute on her little tree at home. Goku's laughter drew her attention. He, too, had a macaroni necklace around his neck and the baby he was holding had grabbed onto it, trying to nom on the colored beads.
Paige was yelling, "No! Feee-nix! No!"
Lindsey came to Goku's rescue and disentangled the necklace from the baby's fingers and handed him a teething ring, which he happily gnawed on. She sat back down on the floor with her husband near Goku's side.
Piccolo and Jenny were sitting together, Jenny cuddling Alice. Little Trunks and Marron were showing their parents the gifts Paige had given them.
Rose placed her elbow on her knee and rested her chin in her hand and smiled. "It's nice to see these families so happy together," she said softly.
Dende smiled at her, "I'm glad you were able to get away. It's nice to see the happiness in life, isn't it? Instead of looking at the bad all the time. It's good to have the reminder that not all parents are evil beings. It could make a person sick from the inside out." He touched the necklace he had around his neck. He could feel a warmth radiating from it. The night was young, there was still diner to be eaten, songs to be sung. More presents to be opened. He relaxed back into his chair and smiled as he looked around the room.
A smile pulled at Rose's lips. "It is nice." It was refreshing to be reminded that there were families who loved one another and took care of their children. And while many of the people in the room seemed intimidating, she felt no fear being around them. They were good people; they were just different.
Mrs. Briefs entered the living room and announced that dinner was served.
Trunks jumped to his feet, pushing past Gohan, "Race ya!"
The Christmas party was wonderful. Rose spent the evening visiting with Goku's friends, most of whom were friendly and all of them interesting. Dinner was delicious and watching the children unwrap presents was a lot of fun for her. Seeing the children happy and safe with their families. It warmed her heart, reminding her that there were still good parents in this world. She stayed close to Dende and Goku throughout the night, still feeling a bit shy, and tried not to talk too much for fear of saying or doing something stupid.
The evening was drawing to a close and Rose finally stood to head for the door, thanking them for having her. "I really should head home," she said. "Have a Merry Christmas everyone!" she smiled and headed for the door, carefully stepping around the new toys the children had littered all over the floor.
Dende tried to hide the frown on his face, was it really time to say goodbye? He moved to the door as well, "It's late. Please, let me walk you home, make sure you get there safely." He smiled at her and reached for his cloak, pulling it on around his shoulders, turning and thanking Bulma for the wonderful evening, another party well done. He smiled around at everyone, still sipping cups of eggnog, watching the little ones playing on the floor.
Jenny was over in a corner talking with Vegeta, baby Alice asleep in her hands. Lindsey and Catie were talking with Trunks. Something about braiding his hair with holly sprigs and mistletoe. There was a gentle sound of christmas music playing softly in the background underneath of it all. He turned and took Rose's coat off of the rack and held it open for her.
"Uh oh!" Sabriena suddenly cried, pointing at Rose and Dende, "Look who's under the mistletoe!"
Rose gasped and looked up. Sure enough, hanging above their heads was a bundle of fresh sprigs, tied together with a pretty red ribbon. She felt her face go hot and she adjusted her glasses nervously.
Jenny looked over and laughed, "Go on! It's a Christmas tradition!"
Rose felt as if all eyes were on her and she fidgeted with her hair. Oh, what a silly tradition, putting people on the spot like that. She blinked at Dende, her eyes questioning. Would he even want to kiss her? Her heart hammered in her chest.
"Oh, come on you two," Gohan laughed, shooting Dende a wink. He'd clearly had a bit too much wine that evening and Lindsey shook her head at him.
Dende chuckled as he shook his head. He looked back at Rose and saw her blush, turning red from head to toe. He had butterflies inside his stomach, why was he nervous? It was just a little kiss. He offered her one of his charming smiles and leaned in to press a quick peck onto her lips. He had planned on withdrawing, but stopped short as he pulled away. Their lips hairs breath apart felt like nothing he'd ever felt before. He wanted to do it again, to press his lips back to her soft ones and thread his fingers through her hair. There was something so right about it. He felt a blush creeping over his cheeks, everyone was staring at them and he felt off balance. Like the world was trying to tell him something.
A thrill shot up Rose's spine at the feel of Dende's firm lips against her own, however brief it may have been. She wanted him to do that again. Longer. Oh, what was this bubbling feeling in her stomach? Her lips burned from his kiss, her blood on fire for him. She felt breathless. Her blue eyes were wide as she stared at him. Her head was spinning, she felt dizzy and giddy. Her first kiss. He probably didn't know that. She wasn't sure she wanted him to know that. "I, ahem, yes, thank you all for a lovely evening," she said again to the room. Her face felt so hot. "Okay, goodbye!" She turned and promptly exited through the front door, the cold air washing over her as she slammed it behind her. Dammit. She pulled the door open and snatched her coat from Dende's hands. "Coat," she said simply and shut the door once more, shuffling as quickly across the frosty sidewalk as her heels would allow her, trying to pull her coat on as she went.
Dende blinked at the door that closed in his face as he made to follow her. He heard the warm laughter behind him. No ill will toward her, but that was interesting. He chuckled and waved goodbye to everyone, opening the door and shutting it firmly behind him, "Rose, wait. Please, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'm sorry."
He reached her quickly, as she was struggling to put her coat on. He caught her coat and straightened it out, "Here, please, let me help you. I didnt mean to embarrass you. I should have asked before I did that. I am sorry" He carefully wrapped her coat around her, "Those guys. Its easy to forget when we actually have guests over. Everyone is practically family as it is."
Rose zipped up her coat, barely registering his words. She turned towards him, running her hands through her hair, "Uncomfortable... embarrassed... What?" She blinked harshly at him, seeing the sorry look on his face. She didn't like that. She shook her head, trying to clear it. "You didn't make me uncomfortable Dende. Sorry. I was just flustered." Why did she have this overwhelming urge to kiss him again? She was so confused. She opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, but closed it. She pressed her lips together and swallowed, looking at the ground and finally found her voice. "I had a nice time tonight."
Dende restrained himself from reading her thoughts, her feelings. He had been trying to restrain himself in from doing so. If she had something she wished to say, then she would say so. He offered an arm out to him, maybe he shouldn't have kissed her. He felt that he wanted to do it again, but she must not have enjoyed it. She had practically ran from the house. From him, "Please allow me to make it up to you. Let me walk you home." He could see the park lights from here, "Want to take the long way? Might give you some time to become unflustered. Looks like they have decorated the park for the occasion too."
Rose swallowed again and nodded, a smile creeping over her face. "Sure," she nodded. "I'd like that." She slipped her hand into the crook of Dende's arm and they fell into step together, heading for the park. "Oh, it doesn't look like they've cleared the sidewalks off very well," she said nervously, gripping Dende's arm a little tighter.
The sidewalk looked slick and icy as they walked along, the bright strands of Christmas lights twinkling overhead in the trees. It looked much different than the last time they were here, when Dende had healed the duckling. The first time she'd played music for him. She'd nearly kissed him on accident then. She gave a nervous giggle, "Maybe high heels wasn't the best idea tonight. I'll try not to fall for you... ON you, I mean. Try not to fall ON you." Oh gods, she was doing it again. Even in the frosty air, she felt her face go hot once more.
Dende could feel his own feet slipping on the slick pavement and he was so concentrated on his footing, he'd missed what she said. He chuckled, "To be honest, I don't think it would have mattered even if you wore cleats. This is really dangerous." He gripped her arm tightly as he felt himself slip, one arm going around her. He pulled her close as the other shot out to try and keep himself from slipping down, "Whoa!" He laughed at the funny position he was in, "You know, back on my home planet, it doesn't really snow at all. Usually has one constant temperature all year round."
"That would be nice," Rose said in a strained voice, her arms flying around Dende, holding onto him, trying to keep their balance. It was no use. Her heels slid out from under her and her weight drug them both down on the sidewalk, her flat on her back, Dende slightly over the top of her. She cringed and grabbed the back of her head. "Ow," she laughed, staring up at the Christmas lights overhead. There was something so awkwardly hilarious about this, all she could do was laugh. "Are... are you okay?" she giggled, patting him on the back. A shiver ran up her spine that have very little to do with the cold air and more to do with the weight of his body on top of hers.
Dende braced himself above her, chuckling with her, really trying to not fall down on top of her. He looked at her and felt his heart stop. Her hair, wild around her face, the lights casing the most beautiful glow on her skin, making her blue eyes sparkle. He coughed and did his best to move off of her, feeling his blush growing, "I'm… I'm just fine. What about you? You didn't break anything did you?" He looked down at her feet, looking at her high-heels. "Goku would have my head if I let something happen to you!"
"The only thing I hurt was my pride," she groaned, moving to sit up. The sidewalk was cold under her hands. She laughed again. She carefully tried to get to her feet, but she slipped again, grabbing onto Dende's shoulders. "Oh no!" she laughed. She sunk to her knees, pressing her lips together, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Well, that's it. We're stuck here until spring."
Dende smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders tightly, "Close your eyes for a sec." He made sure they were shut before he brought out his energy and used it to make them hover in the air, not very high, just few feet off the pesky ice covered sidewalk. "Here we are. The zero walking tour of the Christmas light park. What do you think?" he asked as he slowly drifted them through the beautiful lights, icicles hanging down from various trees, reflecting the lights, the multicolored strands here and there, providing a splash of color in the otherwise silvery-white park . There was even a section where they had draped the lights overhead, on top of an archway. It was overall warming and still beautiful.
"Oh!" Rose gasped. She could handle this. She clung to Dende, staring at the beautiful lights as they drifted along. His strong arms held her securely; she never once questioned him. He wouldn't drop her. There was a contentment growing in her chest, she could've let him hold her like this forever. What was happening? Did he feel it, too? 'Shut up, Rose,' she scolded herself. Why did she have to constantly figure everything out? For once, she just wanted to enjoy the moment and not try to pick it apart and put it back together. "Oh Dende," she breathed, "This is amazing."
Dende felt his own breath catch in his throat. Her words, warm on his ear, warmed him in a way he couldn't explain. He didn't want this moment to end, floating slowing through the lights. He didn't know what to think. He peeked into her mind, trying to read what she was thinking about the kiss they'd shared, but her mind was on the beautiful lights and the wonder of floating through the air at the moment. He was a little disappointed. He wanted to know what she thought, why she'd been so flustered. But this, he could do this forever. Forget his responsibilities, just floating there with her. He loved the way her arms tightened around his shoulders. He caught a scent of her hair, the flowery shampoo she used. It was a little slice of heaven on earth. He was glad it was so cold. He could blame his blush on that. "It's wonderful."
The "walk" was over far too soon and they found themselves back at the entrance to the park. Dende carefully set her back on the clearer sidewalk and offered his arm, just as he always did. Rose couldn't help but smile. Perhaps chivalry wasn't dead. She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and headed for her apartment. "I've always loved Christmas," Rose said. "I love the lights and the decorations and just spending time with family. Just that warm, fuzzy feeling you get. Do they have Christmas where you're from?"
Dende chuckled, "No, I'm afraid not. Christmas is more of an earth holiday. Religion and all that. We do have this one planet wide tradition, celebrating our peace and reminding us that we are a united people no matter the distance between us. We usually celebrate it by having big get togethers with friends and family. Cherishing what we have and who we are with, remembering those who have passed, celebrating those who have yet to come to us." He looked up at the sky, watching his breath condensate in the air, "Though I have to say, the cold weather took some getting used to. But it is nice to cozy up to a fire on a cold night."
"That sounds like a good holiday," she smiled. "We should celebrate it sometime." She tried to walk slower. The walk back to her apartment seemed to be going too fast. Rose shivered in the cold wind. "A fire sounds nice right about now." She could see her apartment building now. She didn't care how cold she was, she didn't want to go back up to that empty apartment by herself. But she'd spent so much time with Dende already this evening, she didn't want to wear out her welcome, either. Why couldn't she read his thoughts the way he read hers? Life would be a lot less complicated if she could do that.
Dende noticed her shivering, "You don't have a heavier coat?" He paused and shrugged off his outer robe and draped it around her shoulders. He smiled at her, "Don't you have a small little fireplace inside your apartment?" He looked up at her apartment buildings coming into view. The evening had gone by way too fast. He wondered if it would be too weird if he invited himself up. Watch a movie. Hot chocolate. No, he shouldn't. He had to get back to the Lookout.
"Oh, Dende! You don't have to do that," she protested, but his cloak certainly did block the wind. The wind caught the cloak; Rose got the slightest smell of it on the cold wind. It smelled light and freshly cleaned, there was a cool scent to it that could only be him. "Now you're going to be cold," she said, holding on tighter to his arm, rubbing her free hand up and down his bicep as if trying to warm him. "I do have a fireplace, but I've never used it," she admitted. "I don't know how to start a fire."
Dende laughed, "I've got a high tolerance for the weather. And if you think you could stand my company a bit longer, I think I could figure out how that fireplace works if you like?" He felt giddy. He didn't know who this woman was to make him feel so alive, but he wanted to find out. Never before had any woman made his heart skip and his body react the way Rose did. "I don't like the thought of having you going home to a cold house. And I'll tell you more about the holiday on my planet if you like?"
Rose tried not to smile too big. Her stomach was in butterflies again. "Sure! That is, if you don't mind? I know it's late..." She trailed off and bit her lip for a second as they reached the steps to her apartment. She gave her head a shake,."It's not really cold in there," she said. "But having a fire going would be nice anyway. Maybe I could make you some hot chocolate? You know, as a thank you for figuring the fireplace out for me? If you like it, that is."
Dende nodded, smiling at her, "That sounds wonderful. It has been a good while since I have had hot chocolate." He carefully helped her up the steps into the apartment.
Rose led the way into her apartment. There was a smallish Christmas tree set up in the corner near the fireplace, decorated with little white lights and golden bows. Rose hung up Dende's cloak and her coat, then set to making them some hot chocolate. "The landlord said it's a gas fireplace? I don't know anything about it. I was afraid of blowing something up so I never messed with it." By the time she had the hot chocolate ready, Dende had the fire going merrily in the darkened apartment.
"Oh wow," Rose smiled, handing him a large, rounded cup topped with little marshmallows. She smiled. "It actually feels kind of cozy in here now." She slipped off her heels and sat down on the couch. "So do you have plans for Christmas?"
Dende chuckled and gratefully accepted the hot chocolate from her, cradling it in his hands, "Aside from watching over the world? No. I imagine Jenny has something planned for the girls up at the Lookout. Small presents, a tree. You should go to Gohan's for Christmas. Its not good to be alone during good times." He smiled, "You would never have experienced the wonders of flopping around on ice if you didn't come tonight, you know." He loved this. Something about it just seemed right. They'd always spent the holidays together, curled up in front of a fireplace… He had to shake his head. There was that strange sense of knowing her again. He ever so slightly narrowed his eyes at her, trying to figure her out. Trying to make sense of that feeling again. He couldn't explain it to save his soul.
Rose wasn't sure if she wanted to be around a big family on Christmas. This was going to be her first year without her family. She shook her head, "No, I think I'd rather spend it alone." She sipped her hot chocolate, staring at the fire. Something burned inside her, whether it was courage or her tendency to stick her foot in her mouth, she didn't know. "Actually, that's a lie. I don't want to spend Christmas alone. I wish I had a family to spend Christmas with. Not, like, my parents. I mean, just someone... Someone who gets me and makes me smile. Someone to wake up to and make cinnamon rolls for or lay under the tree and look up at the lights. Someone to give a gift to and throw the empty wrapping paper at." A sad smile came across her face, "Just one person to spend it with. I don't need more than that," she said quietly. She cast a glance at Dende and gave her head a shake. "I don't really have time for someone like that, though, I suppose. It wouldn't be fair to them. I spend so much time working."
Dende laughed, "I understand that, but you work too much." He tilted his head. That sounded wonderful and in that moment all he wanted was to be that person for her. "I might not be able to for an entire day, Christmas isn't as peaceful as many would like to think, but if you want to throw wrapping paper at someone I suppose I could be available." He snickered into his hot chocolate, "But I might take you out onto the ice again and trip around some more in retaliation." He looked around. He didn't like the thought of her spending Christmas alone with nothing but the haunted looks of abused children haunting her from unsolved case files.
"Oh, I know that," Rose said. "I'm on call that day. Everyone is, actually. Christmas can be a sad time for a lot of people. I think it gets to them. Their family isn't what they think it should be on Christmas or something. People snap." She met his eyes. "But I guess you'd know that better than anyone." She was thoughtful for a moment. "I don't think there's going to be any wrapping paper here this year, but if you're an early riser, I could make you some orange danish rolls for breakfast on Christmas. My mom and I always made them. They're like cinnamon rolls, but better. It is the one singular thing I know how to cook. And that's mostly because you just have to pop open a can and my mom has shown me a million times how to do it."
Dende laughed and smiled warmly at her, "I'd like that. How early is early? I can get here and help you make them. And I may sneak out some wrapping paper. No presents, but wrapping paper." He chuckled before it faded away and he looked down into his cup of hot chocolate, "Yeah. Christmas is a hard time. Harder to keep the world in balance on that day. Emotions are extreme for one reason or another." He looked over at her, "You are on call? You mean, you can get called away to a loveless house at any time? Perhaps I can think of a gift for you that day. Not what you'd expect though."
Rose nodded. "Yeah, if I get a call that day, I have to answer it, have to go in to work. Parents don't stop abusing their children just because it's a holiday." She tilted her head at him. "A gift?" she asked, a small smile pulling at her lips, a little gleam in her eyes. "What sort of gift?"
Dende smiled, "Now that would be telling, wouldn't it?" He drained the last of his drink. "You can wait two days." He smiled, "But perhaps something to help you out on that day." He leaned back against the sofa and looked into the fire. It was warm and cozy. He didnt want to go. Something wanted him to stay there. Fall asleep next to her in his arms. He closed his eyes. He didn't know what was getting into him. Guardians weren't supposed to feel this way towards their charges, "I suppose I should let you get some rest. What time do you work tomorrow? Gosh, I cant believe it's almost Christmas Eve."
Rose shook her head. "No work tomorrow. Just on call." She peered at him in the soft firelight. It glowed a beautiful golden color against his emerald skin, his features pronounced. His strong brow and high cheekbones, those lips that had pressed against hers earlier in the evening. "Do you have to go?" she asked softly, the words slipping from her mouth before she realized she'd even said them. She blinked at herself, her words. She ducked back into her mug of hot chocolate, her ears burning. Part of her hoped he'd stay. But where?
In her bed.
'Shut up, shut up,' she thought to herself as if her brain was arguing with itself.
Dende looked over at her, "Yes, unfortunately, I do need to go home. It's easier to watch the world from up there." He smiled at her before he stood up setting his cup over on the table, "Hopefully, the world will be at peace for the next couple of days and give us both a reprieve. I will see what I can do in your part of the world to make sure your day goes well, and the lives of the children you look over." He went over to the door and pulled his cloak off of the rack, "You take care of yourself. The others were happy to see you. Don't be surprised if Goku shows up on Christmas day and kidnaps you."
She got up and followed him to the door. She was sad to see him go, but she knew he had work to do. Plus the last time he'd slept over had ended rather embarrassingly for both of them. "Thanks for inviting me tonight, Dende," she said, smiling at him. "I had a really nice time." She hesitated for a moment before she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "I'm so lucky to have you for a friend." She swallowed hard, squeezing him just a little bit harder before she drew back from him and planted a tiny kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for being my friend."
Dende's breath caught when she was in his arms, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. He wanted nothing more than to pull her back to him, envelope her into his arms and kiss her all night long. Instead he smiled at her, "Any time, Rose. Any time. I'll see you Christmas morning." He reached out and gave her shoulder a firm squeeze before he turned and headed downstairs, feeling alone and cold as he stepped out into the air. Christmas morning couldn't come soon enough.