Bernie started to bury through his bag while they were both resting in his room "Uh Oh."

"What?"

"I'm running out of dust.."

"Yes? And?" he looked out of the book he was reading.

Bernie continued to bury through his bag "You don't understand.. That dust is very VERY special." He looked through the little pouch "If I run out, I can't help you… It's like I'm just a hapless nobody, the tooth fairy without teeth, Santa without his raindeer!" he started to panic, then suddenly calmed down "Okay, I can only provide enough for what you REALLY need. Got it?"

"Yes."

Bernie sighed and plopped on the couch "You know why I decided to become a guardian angel?"

They stayed silent, Ratigan not averting his eyes from his work "I completely give up."

Bernie folded his hands in his lap "I wanted to help people. I spent my entire life no having anyone there for me.. it was hard. When I help other people, showing them their past, I think to myself 'Why would they mess everything up?' they have everything, a good job, a good house.. a family.."

"Don't you have a family.." Ratigan put down his work, paying attention to the boy.

"I don't remember.. Well all I remember was that it was cold and I fell.. " He shook his head "I had always imagined having a home as something beautiful.. I just woke up one day, not remembering a thing, being given a job.. and I accepted it.. But you know what?" he walked to the window, watching little mice children play outside in the snow "You never know how good you have it until it is all gone.." he sighed "Enough about me, this isn't a therapy session." He laughed "Now let's figure out how we're gonna get you back!"

Bernie opened the door, as Ratigan hesitantly walked through it "Thank you Bernie."

"Wow."

"What?" The professor asked, his eyes widening.

"That's the first time you said 'Thank you'" Bernie smiled "Oh called me Bernie without making fun of my name." he smiled and walked down the stairs, Ratigan softening for a moment. They made it to the bottom of the stairs, hearing an argument ensue:

"I told you that was MY Christmas gown!" Penelope shouted.

Girdy held the gown close "Well it might not fit anymore!"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Girdy laughed "Well, I don't know, someone has been diving into the Christmas cookies."

"It's still my dress! The eldest should wear it!"

"Oh by two minutes!"

Rosalie and Nellie peered out of nowhere "Ladies! Have a bit of decorum!" Nellie clapped her hands as she stepped between the two identical white mice. Nellie was holding them back when she muttered "Rosalie, I can't go shopping or do the donations with you today!"

"What?"the tan mouse exclaimed.

Nellie blew a piece of hair out of her face "I am kind of busy darling!"

Rosalie grabbed her bag "Well, I'll go by myself then." She walked to the door as Nellie shouted, still holding back the girls, she had enough "Both of you to your room! NOW!" the two girls ran to their rooms "You want to act like children, Fine.." she huffed "I have to watch them… but you are not going by yourself!" her attention went to the boys "Bernie and Ratigan can go with you!" they smiled as Rosalie rolled her eyes "NO! I mean.. I can really do this on my own."

Nellie stopped her "Rosalie Ann you will be accompanied on today's activities or a swear I will force you to handle the predicament with your cousins all by yourself!" they all heard a crash upstairs, Nellie ran up "Now go! Have fun! Be careful!" she stopped "Ratigan?"

"Yes Miss Nellie?"

"Take care of my neice, or I'll-"

Their was a voice from upstairs: "You tart!"

"Trollop!"

Nellie slapped her head "I'll figure it out later! Both of you watch over her!"

The door to the bedroom closed as Bernie clasped his hands together "Now Miss Rosalie, where to first?"

They stopped at the florists shop first, a little mouse was handing bouquets to Rosalie "Miss Hampstead, Your fiancé specifically asked for lilies for the wedding."

"Not exactly, I mean I asked him to take care of it, but I guess he doesn't know my.." she shook her head "Nevermind.. It's fine."

Ratigan stepped up to the little mouse "I believe the lady would like Roses.. white specifically."

"What?" the clerk and Rosalie said at the same time.

Ratigan looked at Rosalie "If I am right, that is your favorite flower?"

"How did you…" her green eyes widened "Yes, I would like white roses please." The little mouse wrote on the little notepad "Alrighty! White roses!" he muttered to himself "Maybe you should marry him instead."

"Excuse me?" Rosalie asked.

He quickly ran to the back of the store "Nothing."

Rosalie walked through the market place, picking out different amounts of food and placing it on a large cart that Bernie was strolling along. Ratigan suddenly began to talk to her "So.. how did you meet Mr. Lockson." He spit the words like poison.

"My, My.. Are you actually trying to strike up a situation with me Professor?" he looked at her with an annoyed glance as she laughed "One day I visit my father at work and he introduces me to this man named Elijah. He was always there near my father's side no matter what, when my father needed him he was there. He was practically his son when we started courting for about three months. Then he asked me to marry him.." she finished her story.

Ratigan scoffed "This marriage is basically out of obligation then?"

"Pardon me?" Rosalie stopped as Ratigan leaned on a cart "Well, he has been there for your father.. but has he been there for yourself?"

"He happens to make me happy." Rosalie placed a large crate of grapes on the cart Bernie was carrying "And what business is it to you who I fall in love with?"

Ratigan crossed his arms "Does he make your life happy, or you happy?"

Rosalie thought for a second when she scoffed "Whatever, I know jealousy when I see it.." she pointed to three turkeys, Bernie quickly grabbed them and paid the vendor "Well you are all in my business, what is your love life about?"

Ratigan shrugged his shoulders "More complicated than you think."

"Well, someone doesn't seem to be in the Christmas spirit." She bit back.

Ratigan looked into her green eyes "I have a lot of things on my mind right now. I have no time to waste on frivolity."

"Oh you humbug." Rosalie said. Ratigan suddenly stopped in his tracks rubbing his temples "I've heard that phrase multiple times already."

Bernie started to huff as he pushed the cart "Miss Rosalie, what are we doing with all this food?" Rosalie smiled as she led them down a different path. Past the river front, and all the nice flats in town. The houses began to turn more and more run down as they walked down the street. Many stood outside, homeless warming their hands by the fire. They stopped in front of a rundown flat, the glass windows frosted with snow, barley displaying the torn curtains in front.

Rosalie knocked on the door as a little grey mouse answered the door "Rosalie!"

"Good to see you Lucy!" Rosalie picked up the little mouse "How is your family!"

A tall brown mouse walked up "Better now that you're here." He shouted into the house "Everyone! Rosalie is here!" suddenly, many mice walked down the stairs starting to cheer and welcome the three "Wonderful to see you dear!" a brown mouse called from upstairs.

"What took ye' so long lass?" a red mouse asked.

Rosalie motioned outside to the cart filled with food "Well.. I would have gotten here sooner but I got a little sidetracked.." everyone stood outside in awe, the little children cheered and motioned the group inside. the brown mouse patted her on the back "You didn't have to go all this way-"

Rosalie shook her head "Nonsense, I have enough money.. What am I going to do with it anyway." The mother of the large family carried a crate of food "God bless you Miss Rosalie."

The father turned his head "Now, Now, who's this?" looking at Ratigan and Bernie. The two remained silent when Rosalie spoke up "This is Bernie Cloud and this is-"

"Your fiancé we've been hearing so much about!" the mother spoke up.

"No!" Rosalie said "No, this is Professor Ratigan.. he's my piano teacher."

They all sighed:

"Aw.. too bad.."

"Yeah, he looks nice."

The father muttered underneath his breath "He seems nicer than that Elijah Lockson fellow." He marched up to the mice and hugged them "Good to have you part of our family for today!"

Rosalie pulled the older mice aside "So.. How's Tim?"

"Getting better and better.. slowly. He doesn't complain about pain at all.. he really is a trooper." He looked upstairs. Up the stairs sat a little red mouse, he had a metal cast on his leg and a wooden crutch. He looked himself in the mirror, adjusting his small green jacket

"Oh what a day, I don't care if it's grey, if it's Christmas.. together.

People will say were the luckiest family in town!

Rosalie brought us a perfect feast, Mother's wearing her loveliest gown!

And father will come and he'll carry me down!

To Christmas together!"

the brown mouse made it to the top of the stairs "Come along Tim! We have a wonderful surprise for you!" he picked up Tim in his arms and walked downstairs "Look who's here!"

"Here's to the lad who makes everyone glad that it's Christmas together!"

The mother kissed her husband and child on the cheek "Here's to the one day we don't give a worry of thought!"

Tim proclaimed "Pudding!"

"Chicken!" Lucy squealed

The lady smiled "The finest in London children! Look what our friends have wrought!"

"And look what surprises, your father has brought!"

All: for Christmas together!"

Little Tim brought up his glass, as his mother placed a cup in every one's hands, including Rosalie, Ratigan and Bernie.

Tim: "Bless this family, Bless this feast! And Cheers!"

"To the joy of your company!

Bless us all from first to least! Yes!

Here's how the world ought to be, sharing Christmas together!"

Ratiagan softened for a moment being surprised how such a small child can speak beyond his years and be able to bring so much cheer for such a poor state of mind "Cheers to everyone! Including our new friends!" said the father.

Ratigan spoke "Oh no.. I have nothing to be proud of." Rosalie looked at him with a curious face, as the brown mouse marched up to him "Nonsense! You spending the holiday with us is the most joyous of all occasions!" he looked around "All of us may be penniless, homeless, hungry.. but having joy in your heart is the most important."

Ratigan smiled slightly, absorbing the thougt as Tim and Lucy grabbed both of his hands "Come on! Follow us!"

Bernie cheered: "Down every lane, Every Tom, Dick, and Jane's off for Christmas Together!

"Look their as glad as canaries let out of a cage!"

Several couples walked around as Ratigan observed, Rosalie watched as the children played with snowballs, tossing them around until Ratigan was hit in the face with one. Rosalie laughed as he wiped it off, then he was hit with another by Rosalie who innocently pointed at the other children. He picked up a giant snowball and was about to throw it at the children when he was hit from behind, getting the giant snowball thrown right on top of him.

The couples: "Nice to relax from the world of business, Haven't had fun for an age!

Or stuffin with onions, and raisins and sage! And Christmas together!"

Three drunks walking around the large marketplace: "Nice to have got such a comfortable spot for our Christmas, together! Sharing a morsel of bread and a jigger of gin!"

As the homeless lined up behind the donations table, the smell of pie's and turkey filled the air making their mouths water. Rosalie helped an old man to his seat at the wooden table and Bernie placed a large blanket on him.

"Giving the needy a nice hot meal, and saving the sinners from sin!"

At least six sailors made it off the boat, gazing at the young ladies while the band began to play. Little Lucy tugged on Ratigan's sleeve "Dance with me!" he shook his head as he was dragged to the middle of the square. Rosalie was suddenly in the presence of a young sailor, who bowed for a dance:

"And aint it a blessing, the ship made it in! For Christmas, Together!" The sailor grabbed her and started to dance as she laughed. She noticed Lucy dancing with Ratigan as he picked her up and started to smile.

Rosalie and the others smiled: "Bless this family! Bless this feast! And cheers, to the joy of your company!

Bless us all, from first to least! Yes! here's how the world ought to be, sharing Christmas together!"

The sailor twirled her out, right into Ratigan's arms. She shrugged her shoulders as he smiled and held her in a waltz position, they started to dance gracefully across the square as the snow started to fall. Bernie smiled, not knowing that Vlad was watching closely behind. Ratigan dipped her as Rosalie noticed what position they were in and broke away, walking with the children to another small flat. Lucy grabbed Ratigan's hand:

"Let the stars in the sky, remind us of man's compassion.."

Everyone else started to sing along to the small child

"Let us love till we die, and god bless us everyone.."

Ratigan started to sing silently as Bernie grinned "God bless us everyone.."

The entire family started to eat and enjoy each other's company as Bernie nudged Ratigan "I think she's starting to like you." They watched Rosalie hang mistletoe in front of the door, kissing little Tim on the cheek. After, she made a small glance at Ratigan, immediately looking away. "Have you been listening to the way she has been talking to me?" Ratigan said.

"I haven't been listening.. I've been watching."

Ratigan looked back at her as the mother of the family patted him on the shoulder "Thank you for all your help, Tim certainly has a new person to look up to."

"A new train!" Tim shouted as he ripped open his present "Mister Ratigan will you help me set it up sir?"

He stood speechless, then smiled "Certainly young man."

All: "Gather and sing, Of this glorious thing!

Known as Christmas together. Fam'lies created by friendship

As well as by birth!"

The mother in an impulse purposely bumped Rosalie and Ratigan together

The mother cheered "Even the poorest are rich in love.
Of love, there is never a dearth.

So celebrate Christmas
For all that it's worth …

SAILORS, LOWER CLASS LADIES:
To friendship…

PARENTS, CHILDREN:
…to fam'ly…

BUSINESS MEN:
To Christ-mas
…together

ALL
Together!
All over
The Earth!

Tim was starting to fall asleep as the father started to carry him up. Ratigan patted him on the shoulder and took over the little boy, Rosalie watching in awe as he carried the little boy upstairs. He rested him in bed, placing a large blanket over him. He yawned and grabbed his pillow as they watched the father kiss him goodnight.

Ratigan: "I never knew

There was anything to

Spending Christmas together.

Even this child who has nothing

Has so much to share.

What is this feeling

That overwhelms?

He looks as fragile as air.

How gently his father

Is placing him there …"

For just a moment, Rosalie looked at him a little differently. With kindness and even a little compassion. They motioned downstairs as Ratigan gently shut the door.

They waved goodbye and shut the door to the flat, walking home in the gently falling snow. Bernie nudged Ratigan, handing him the small sack of dust "It's only for an emergency. Don't screw up!"

Bernie mockingly yawned and winked at the professor "Well, it's time for me to turn in for the night, goodnight you two! I'll go catch a cab!" he disappeared behind the corner, out of sight. Rosalie suddenly sighed "What a day." Filling in the awkwardness "Who knew you had a soft spot for children." She playfully nudged him. He suddenly thought of Victoria, P.J, and even Alex, missing them.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Oh nothing."

She smiled "I've never seen Tim so happy to get that train.. what was your favorite toy?"

He started to think of his past Christmases, then stopped at the risk of growing upset "I don't remember." He said shortly.

"I remember one Christmas, I wanted this doll." She started to smile wide "It was a little white mouse, porcelain. She had long blonde curls and big blue eyes… I wanted it more than anything, but my father wasn't there for that Christmas.. he was on his trading route." Her eyes saddened "I never got it because I didn't want to bother him." Ratigan suddenly brightened and pulled out the dust, Rosalie tried to look behind his back "What are you doing?"

He turned around fast and handed her the exact doll she was talking about "How did you!?" she was speechless.

"Well I.. did some of my own shopping, when you were buying the dinner."

She held the doll close, touching the curls softly "All my years, no one has ever done anything like this for me." she stopped walking "But how could you know? I just told you this story."

He smiled "I guess I know you well enough, my dear."

"You're a very strange man."

"Oh?" he said.

She smiled at him "I like it." the snow started to gently fall, as carolers and people walked around the square. They finally made it to the manor, Both of them stopping in front of the house "Thank you for joining me today, you really didn't have to. Elijah never goes out with me, he says he has no time to make 'idle people merrry'"

He suddenly flashed back to what he said to the two gentlemen "I particularly enjoyed it." he said.

Like magic, a piece of mistletoe appeared out of nowhere above the two. She looked up in awe, then right into Ratigan's yellow eyes. She cautiously stepped back, slipping on one of the icy steps, Ratigan caught her hand before she fell to the ground, pulling her close to him.

Their faces grew closer and closer as Ratigan spoke "Rosalie.. I.."

"Yes?"

"I mean.. I-" he was about to kiss her when the door burst open to reveal Elijah, his smile disappearing at the sight of them "Darling?"

"Elijah! Your back! so soon? I thought-" she gently broke away from Ratigan, slowly letting go of his hand.

"Me too darling, but I couldn't stray away from you for another minute! Nellie told me you were running errands.."

She smiled at Ratigan, then turned her attention back to Elijah "I was out with Bernie and the Professor"

"James.."

Rosalie quirked and eyebrow "What?"

"You can call me James.."

Rosalie softened as Elijah fixed his cravat "Well, Darling I have wonderful news, we can move the wedding to Christmas day!"

Rosalie's eyes widened, Ratigan and her spoke at the same time "That's in two days!"

"I know!" he smiled "But wouldn't it be wonderful? A Christmas wedding! We can have the reception dinner tomorrow night, Professor are you and Bernie going to be joining us?" he wrapped an arm around Rosalie making Ratigan cringe "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

She fiddled with her fingers "Sounds.. wonderful. Can't wait." She kissed him on the cheek and headed up the stairs, she stopped and looked at both of them "Goodnight Elijah, Goodnight Pro-" she corrected herself "James.." she smiled and walked up the stairs.

Elijah cleared his throat, watching the professor watching Rosalie march up the white staircase with a dreamy look in his eyes "Professor, I hope you had a goodnight."

He smiled evilly and walked away to his room "Oh don't you worry Mr. Lockson.. Me and Rosalie did." He shut the door as the little tan mouse growled to himself. He saw Vlad walk through the door "Vlad, thank goodness, please tell me you have some dirt on our new visitors.."

"You have no idea sir.."

REVIEW AND FOLLOW! THE SONG IS FROM "CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL" WITH KELSEY GRAMMAR. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SONG!