A Very Northman Christmas Special

It was a Christmas Mackenzie never thought she would see. She had accepted it, after learning about her illness, about the progression each time she visited her doctor in New York. She tried not to look forward to anymore holidays or birthdays after the discovery. There wouldn't be another in her short life, so why waste what time she had with pointless hope and wonder?

Only now, it was hard not to be excited, even just for the small things. Because she was alive. By some miracle, Godric's blood kept her alive from week to week, month to month. And she was able to live to another Christmas, with promise of dozens more in the future.

Despite Eric's hatred for the human holiday, just like most years as she was growing up, he accepted his fate of tinsel and twinkling lights taking over his house. There was always a secret smile, however, whenever he watched the elation on his daughter's face. He would give her every damn Christmas she could ever dream of. And now he could, thanks to his maker. He would never see Godric as he once did, but he was the reason Mackenzie could decorate a tree and fumble around the kitchen trying to figure out how to cook Christmas dinner that only she and Sookie would be able to devour. He could let his annoyance slide for one single day.

Or at least, a handful of hours. Just as long as it kept that smile on her face. He would do whatever it took for her to smile.

The morning of Christmas came with Mackenzie waiting impatiently on the stairs leading to the basement, tapping her foot as she tried not to rush Sookie. Right on time, the blonde came blushing out of the set of light tight bedrooms. Normally Mackenzie's nose would scrunch up in disgust, not wanting to know about her now adopted father's personal life. But this was Christmas, and she couldn't give a damn about anything else.

"Finally!" Mackenzie grabbed Sookie's hand, dragging the telepath up the stairs and towards the kitchen. "We need to get started!"

Sookie chuckled as she allowed the teenager to lead the way. The two had grown close in the last couple of months, and she knew how excited Mackenzie was for Christmas. It had always been her favourite holiday as a child, apparently Godric spoiling her to make up for whatever mood Eric might have been in that year. Sookie would believe it, though her heart warmed when she saw the looks Eric would try and hide from them all as he watched her take over the house with her quest for the perfect Christmas.

Just another reason she loved him.

Hours the two gossiped and giggled over the preparations for a meal only the two would be sharing. Mackenzie still insisted on a grand setting at the kitchen table for five. She had already promised Pam an entire day of making her over like a Barbie just for attending. It wasn't a deal Pam refused. Sookie was surprised Eric so readily agreed to Godric's appearance, but was glad that the Viking was slowly beginning to come around. It would take baby steps for the two to form their once tight knitted bond, but it would happen. Just as soon as Eric realized Mackenzie and Godric were madly in love with one another.

But Sookie already had reason to believe Eric already knew that. Stubborn fool.

The moment the sun dropped below the horizon, Mackenzie started fiddling. Her hands smoothed over the dress she and Sookie had picked out, likely much to Pam's disdain. She wanted this day to be perfect. Too perfect, she knew. But she deserved it.

"You look beautiful," Sookie assured her with an encouraging smile. "Godric won't know what hit him."

A blush rose on Mackenzie's cheek. She was too translucent. "Will you really be able to distract Eric for a bit?"

A bright grin formed on Sookie's face. "Oh I think I know a few ways to distract him."

"Ew, definitely did not want to hear that. But thank you," the teen chewed nervously on her bottom lip.

It didn't take long for Eric to join them in the living room, pecking Sookie on the lips before Mackenzie quietly enveloped him in a hug. A smile tugged at his lips as he gladly accepted, holding her in his embrace for longer than he ever had. He was grateful for this opportunity, to be able to father her properly. He wouldn't ruin this again. He refused to.

Pam arrived not much later, her disproving stare at Mackenzie's choice of outfit immediately. But one glare from her maker and she kept her lips sealed, instead placing the handful of presents from her hands to below the tree. There was already a pile worthy of royalty underneath Mackenzie's creation, and Pam couldn't help but smile. This Christmas was different for them all. It wasn't only Mackenzie who wanted it to be just right.

Godric was the last to arrive, a white button up shirt hanging just right, the sleeves rolled up his forearms. Sookie and Pam had to quickly divert Eric's attention as Mackenzie's jaw dropped, her eyes growing dark with desire. Godric's gaze didn't help matters, his orbs dancing across every inch of her body as he licked his lips. He would have taken her right then and there had Eric not been present.

Dinner came and went, Eric rolling his eyes when they all sat at the table. The vampires suffered through the meal without complaint, however, gladly doing whatever they could to make Mackenzie's night.

Gifts were exchanged to one another in rapid fire, Mackenzie handing out each in quick succession as she tried to hurry the evening alone. She would shoot Sookie looks every so often, waiting for the woman's cue. She barely even cared about the thoughtful gifts from her own family. All she could thing about was having her moment alone with Godric. That was the present she was desperately waiting for.

Eventually, Pam happily excused herself, practically running from the house the moment Mackenzie allowed it. Not before offering the girl a rare hug in the shadows of the front porch. She had threatened the teen that should even a word of the embrace reach another soul, there would be hell to pay.

As she walked back into the house, Sookie was already tugging Eric towards the basement. The Viking stopped immediately when he spotted her, a wide smile playing on his lips.

"You have no idea how grateful I am that I can give this day to you," he murmured, taking her into his arms once again. "You were my gift. You have been my gift for the past 14 years. I'm sorry I only now realized how much I loved you."

"I love you too, dad," Mackenzie had to blink away the tears as she nudged him back towards Sookie. "Now go enjoy yourself. And please, for the love of god, tone down the screaming. You're scarring me for life."

There was that infamous smirk of his. He brushed his lips across her forehead before turning back towards the waiting Sookie. Before approaching, however, he turned back to his daughter, sighing as he the battle from within finally came to a close.

"I don't need to hear the two of you either."

A wink, and then he was gone.

Mackenzie's eyes widened as she stared at the now empty hallway in shock. He knew. He knew about her and Godric sneaking around. He likely had known all along. And he was accepting it, at least enough for now.

That was a gift of its own.

Walking back into the living room, Godric turned from the tree where he was inspecting a familiar ornament.

"I remember this from one of the last Christmas we spent together," he recalled the memory with a sad smile. "You made it at school, as I recall, and had insisted that I put it on my own tree."

"In hindsight, I realize now you likely didn't have a Christmas tree in a vampire infested house," she smiled shyly.

"I instead claimed that I would be able to appreciate its beauty better with those that I care most about."

"It's been hung ever single year since. Even after you left," Mackenzie admitted. "Hurt the first few years, but it was tradition. Made it feel like you were here, at least."

Godric sighed as he moved away from the tree. "I truly am sorry for causing you sorrow for all those years."

Mackenzie shook her head. They had had this conversation time and time again. She needed him to move on. "I've forgiven you, Godric. I did a long time ago. I would much rather focus on other…things."

When those lust-crazed eyes met hers, it was all she could do from ripping the dress right off her body and doing the same to his shirt. God, did she ever want him.

"Hi," her cheeks were a rosy pink as she slowly closed the distance between them. She didn't know why she was so nervous; they had spent plenty of time together, both naked and fully clothed. She had lost her innocence with this vampire a long time ago. And yet, each time she would find herself anxious and unsure.

"Hello, love," his hand reached for her, cupping her cheek as he closed the remaining distance. "Sookie seemed eager to distract Eric."

"So really nothing different," Mackenzie rolled her eyes. She was happy for her father, though. He had been thrilled when Sookie had warmed up to him, forgetting Bill Compton ever existed. Mackenzie made sure to remind him that it was all her doing, and that he owed her many books for being the reason they were together.

There always seemed to be a new handful of books waiting for her in the library every week.

"Eric did not suspect anything?"

She had a feeling Godric would quickly retreat should he know Eric knew about them, so she decided against revealing it. It could wait until tomorrow. Or at least until after New Years. She did want that kiss at midnight, after all.

As well as under the mistletoe.

"Nada," she responded before grasping onto his hand and guiding him towards the doorway. Positioning him just so, a grin appeared across her lips. "Did you know about a different kind of Christmas tradition?"

"Hm?"

"Well," her eyes moved upwards. "Apparently, should one find themselves underneath mistletoe, they are to kiss."

Godric's lips twisted into a smirk. His eyes never left her, never caring that there was anything dangling above them. He would always only have eyes for her. "Is that so?"

"Mhmm," her grin widened. "And oh look, guess where we are?"

"What a coincidence," an arm caught her around the waist, tugging her against him. "Well, we cannot break tradition."

"That just wouldn't be right," Mackenzie agreed, her gaze falling to his lips. The night had been torturous, waiting for this exact moment. But it had been worth it. It had been more than worth it. "I suppose we will just have to…"

She was silenced by the capturing of her lips. A moan sounded as she returned the kiss, her body melting against his as his tongue swiped across her bottom lip, tasting her. The kiss was short lived, however, causing a pout to form on Mackenzie's lips as he pulled away far too soon.

"I think tradition says the kiss has to last a certain amount of time," her hands grasped onto the collar of his shirt, attempting to tug him back towards her.

Godric merely slipped his hand into hers and began leading her towards the front door. Confusion littered her face as she began prodding Godric for details.

"Your gift, my love," he informed, hurrying her outside and towards his sleek car. He had the door opened for her in seconds, but Mackenzie stood her ground with narrowed eyes.

"Where are we going?" she eyed him.

A peck on the nose and he was gesturing her inside. "It's a surprise."

"Godric…"

Godric sighed as his thumb rose, ghosting across her lip. "Your father granted me an hour."

She demanded that he repeat himself three times before she stood before him, her eyes blinking in surprise.

"We spoke," Godric explained. "He isn't thrilled of our…coupling, but he wishes to see you happy."

She still didn't believe what she was hearing, but the grin spoke what she was feeling. "Well what he said to me now makes sense."

Godric chuckled as he waved back to the car. "Now, shall we go? Our hour has already begun, and I wish to do many things within those sixty minutes. I will not be able to properly please you if you continue to delay us, love."

Her eyes were as wide as saucers.

He didn't need to tell her twice, Mackenzie quickly sliding into the car and yelling at him for taking to long to do the same.

Merry Christmas to them indeed.

A very Merry Christmas to you all, and a happy holidays! I was originally going to write a New Years Eve special (still might), but I thought this might be just as adorable. PG and all, but hey, it's Christmas. It might get a bit more warmer in here for New Years ;)