A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! Somehow, this ended up being the longest chapter (at 11 pages in Microsoft Word), yet doesn't have as high a word count as the first or the third chapter (the two previous longest ones). Once again, this is more of a Juliexfamily with Juke undertones. I was honestly surprised to get this out because I didn't start writing it until last night. I haven't been in the Christmas mood at all this year and it sucks because I love Christmas. Anyway, I hope you like it.

Chapter song: When We're Together by Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff (from Olaf's Frozen Adventure Soundtrack)

But When We're Together, Then My Favorite Gift Is You

December 22nd

"I wanna get them something," Julie lamented as she and Flynn sat cross-legged on her bed. "But I have no idea what."

"Christmas shopping for ghosts does seem a bit difficult."

"It really is. Like, it's not like they'll need anything."

"New clothes?"

"Oh, cause that'll go over great with my dad," she responded sarcastically. "What, Papi? No, these are just new clothes for Carlos. Don't worry, he'll grow into them." She gave her best friend a look.

"Okay. Okay. No new threads." Flynn bit her lip as she thought about what Julie could give the three ghost boys living in her garage. Her eyes went to the multitude of bracelets on Julie's wrist before flitting to the ones on her own, a gasp escaping her throat as she snapped her fingers. "I got it!" Julie looked expectantly. "How about making them their very own Julie Molina friendship bracelet?"

Letting her eyes slip to her wrist, Julie fingered one of the intricate armlets. "Do you think they'd like it?"

"Oh, for sure."

Grinning, she nodded. "Okay, but we're going to need to visit Michael's. I need to buy supplies. It's been a while since I made one."

"We?"

"You came up with the idea, so you get to help out." Julie stood and grabbed Flynn's hand, giggling when her best friend mocked rolled her eyes before allowing herself to be pulled out the door.

December 23rd

Tongue poking out of the side of her mouth, Julie carefully threaded the strings together as she worked on the second of three bracelets. Each boy had their own colors. Reggie's, which she had completed first, was white, black, and red. Alex's, which she was currently doing, was white, pink, and blue. For Luke's, she planned to use white, orange, and purple. None were particularly challenging, but she wanted them to be perfect so she took her time.

"Who is it?" she called out when a knock came at her door.

"It's us!"

Her head shot up and she quickly hid the evidence. "One second!" Clambering out of bed, she shoved them into her underwear drawer, knowing it was the one place Luke dared not go. "Come in!" She quickly got back into bed just as the guys came strolling through the door.

"Hey," Luke greeted and she smiled, noticing that he seemed to always be the first to enter.

"Hi Julie," Reggie said, followed by Alex who just waved.

"Hey, guys. What's up?"

"Not much. We got bored and saw your light was still on," Alex answered. "Whatcha doing?"

She shrugged. "Reading." The boys shared a look and she knew it was because there was no sign of anything that resembled a book near her. "On my phone," she quickly amended. That seemed to quell any follow-up question. They all read the news report she pulled up on them the first day they met and knew that cell phones could be used to read things.

"Julie, we're in a bit of a situation." Luke crossed the room towards her.

"What kind of situation?" She watched as he took a seat beside her.

"Well…"

"We don't know what to get you for Christmas," Reggie blurted quickly, earning him a glare from his two friends. "Sorry, it just slipped out."

Julie looked from Reggie to Alex to Luke and back before smiling. "Guys, you don't need to get me anything. Really."

"But we want to," Alex responded, sitting on Julie's other side, while Reggie settled in front of her. "We owe you so much."

"Yeah, and it's Christmas. What kind of friends would we be if we didn't get you anything." She smiled at Reggie.

"Don't worry about it." Her fingers absentmindedly picked at the fabric of her comforter. She appreciated that her boys wanted to get her something, but they were still dead. It's not like they could walk into a store and buy something. "Seriously, having you three in my life is enough of a Christmas present for me."

She was not at all surprised when both Luke and Alex laid their heads on her shoulders or when Reggie laid his in her lap. Laughter bubbled in her throat as she pressed a kiss to the top of the heads of the two boys on her shoulders and ran her fingers through Reggie's dark tresses. She loved them more than words could express.

Christmas Eve

You're here, where you should be

Snow is falling as the carolers' sing

It just wasn't the same

Alone on Christmas Day

Julie and Flynn sang along to Kelly Clarkson as they baked cookies. It was a Christmas Eve tradition started years ago by Julie's mom and one that they continued in honor of her memory. Ray watched them in amusement as he looked through the photos from his recent photo shoot.

Presents, what a beautiful sight

Don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight

You're all that I need

Underneath the tree

"Mija." Julie turned towards her father and smiled.

"Yes, Papi?"

"I have a last-minute shoot today, so I'll be gone for a few hours."

She frowned. "You'll still be home for dinner, though, right? Tía Victoria won't be happy if you won't."

He chuckled. "Don't worry, nèna, I will definitely be back by then."

"Okay." Leaving her post, she went to give her father a parting hug. Ray returned the embrace and kissed the top of her head. "Have fun at work."

"Gracias, Mija."

The moment Ray left, Flynn asked if the guys were around. When Julie confirmed that they were alone, she brought up the bracelets.

"Did you finish them?"

Julie nodded. "Yep. I hid them in my underwear drawer. The one place that's immune to Luke's curiosity."

"When are you going to give it to them?"

"Probably tonight."

"Can I see them?"

"Sure, let's finish these up first."

Flynn nodded as the two girls continued to mix the ingredients while singing along to her Christmas playlist on Spotify. After getting twelve separate blobs of cookie dough onto two cookie sheets and placing them in the oven, Julie set the timer and led Flynn up to her room.

"Aww. They're cute," Flynn cooed as she fingered the three wristlets, outlining their different designs.

"I just hope they like it."

"You know they will. Especially a certain brown-haired guitarist with an allergy to sleeves." Julie felt her face warm up. "When are you going to tell him, by the way."

"Tell him what?"

"You're not serious, are you?" the DJ asked, brow lifting. Julie tried to keep her facial expression in a state of confusion, even though she knew what her best friend was talking about. "Don't give me that look, Jules. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Sighing, Julie shrugged. "I don't know. Wasn't it you who was telling me that it was a bad idea for me to allow myself to feel something for him?"

"Wasn't it you that told me that you and him have a deeper connection that couldn't be ignored? Besides, I told you that before you could touch him. I mean, he'll still be dead, but after you nearly lost them, I'd feel bad if I stood in the way of you being happy. Even if it only lasts for a little while."

"Thanks, Flynn."

"What are besties for? But, you should definitely tell him."

Later that night, after Christmas Eve dinner with her family, Julie wandered into the studio. There was a fondness in her chest as she silently watched her boys. Alex and Reggie were in the middle of a conversation that seemed to be about Lego Star Wars if she was catching that correctly, while Luke was in the midst of writing something. She eyed the guitar pick in his mouth and laughed. The sound caught the attention of the band and three heads swiveled her way.

"Hey, guys."

"Julie!" Reggie called before making his way over to her.

Whatever it was that Luke had been working on, he quickly put it away. It made Julie curious, but she would ask about it later. Her attention was drawn away from the guitarist as she was swept up in a hug by the bassist.

"Merry Christmas Eve!" He said as he took a step back.

"Merry Christmas Eve to you, too, Reg." She waited for the other two to come in closer before deciding to bring up the gifts burning holes in her back pocket. "So, I have something for you guys." They all looked confused as she dug into her pocket and pulled out the bracelets. "I made them," she confessed as three pairs of eyes stared back at her. "They're friendship bracelets. Flynn has one and Carrie had one. I don't know if she got rid of it or not."

"Jules…" Luke started.

"I know they're not much, but…"

"They're perfect." Her eyes found his as the same words echoed through her head from all those weeks ago when they were standing on her porch.

Smiling, she grabbed his wrist and wrapped the bracelet meant for him around it. She did the same with Reggie and Alex, noting their soft smiles as they fingered the small trinkets.

"Thanks, Julie," Alex uttered, still staring at the white, pink, and blue bracelet adorning his wrist.

"Yeah," Reggie followed, his smile wide as his eyes met hers. "Thank you."

She returned the grin before her gaze slid to Luke's, who stared back at her. The soft smile and the look of complete devotion on his face caught her off guard. Maybe Flynn was right. Maybe she should tell him. She opened her mouth to ask him if they could speak privately when she was interrupted by the sound of her father calling her name.

"I should go," came out instead. He nodded, understanding. Understanding what? She wasn't quite sure. Could he read what she had wanted to say originally? "Merry Christmas, guys."

"Merry Christmas, Julie," Reggie chimed before wrapping his arms around her. She giggled as Alex flanked her left side and Luke moved up on her right. Before she knew it, she was sandwiched between her boys in a group hug.

Her boys. Her band. Her family. They meant as much to her as the ones that shared the same bloodline as her. They meant as much to her as Flynn, her soul sister. One day, she would have to say goodbye to them, but she would cherish every moment with them that she could.

Christmas

The day, like always, was spent with her father, brother, and her aunt. Julie awoke to breakfast being made, a conglomeration of eggs, bacon, sausage, and Christmas pancakes (buttermilk pancakes made with red and green sprinkles mixed in). She and Carlos pigged out before climbing back upstairs to get dressed. Presents were opened after the arrival of Victoria.

A surge of guilt came over Julie as she took in her family. Here she was celebrating Christmas with the people she loved while her bandmates couldn't. While they were forced to remain in the studio.

Now or never, Julie, she thought to herself, they're going to have to find out one way or another.

"Papa, Tía," she spoke, catching their attention as they stopped their discussion. "There's something I need to tell you guys."

"What is it, Mija?" her father asked. Her eyes went to Carlos, who was also interested in what Julie had to say.

"Um...it's about my band."

Carlos jumped up. "You're going to tell them?"

Julie nodded. "Yeah."

"What about your band?" Victoria asked.

Her mouth opened, ready to confess, but she knew that they wouldn't believe her if she couldn't show them. "Give me one sec. I'll be right back." Julie went out to the studio to fetch her ghostly bandmates and brought them up to the house.

Ray's eyes widened to see three boys trailing after her daughter. "Julie, why didn't you tell me your band was in town?"

"Um, well, you see Papi…"

"Jules, what's going on?" Luke asked.

She looked at him and smiled. "I'm finally doing what I should've done a long time ago." Her gaze turned back to her father, who stood looking confused. "Dad, Tía, my bandmates aren't from a different country, they're actually from right here in L.A."

"I'm confused. Why would you tell us from they're another country if they're not?" Victoria asked, looking between Ray, Julie, and Carlos (who was grinning from ear to ear and she couldn't figure out why).

"Because, before our performance at the Orpheum, they...well...they were basically invisible to everyone except for when they played."

Silence. "What?"

Julie bit her lip before opening her mouth the speak when another voice beat her to it. "We're ghosts, sir," came Luke's hesitant response.

"I'm sorry, you're what?"

"Ghosts, Papi. They're...they're dead." It was weird saying the 'd' word out loud. Flynn had no problem flinging the word around, but for Julie, it wasn't easy. It was a constant reminder that her newfound family was actually buried six feet under, somewhere. Of course, the knowledge that they're ghosts served the same purpose, but it was a much less harsh reminder of the truth.

"How can they be ghosts if I can see them?" Victoria asked as Ray stood dumbfounded by the revelation.

Julie turned to the guys. "Would one of you like to demonstrate?"

"Oooo. Can I do it?" Reggie asked, hand shooting up. Julie smiled and nodded. Grinning widely, he poofed out.

"Woah. Where'd he go?" Carlos asked, speaking for the first time since Julie arrived with her ghost band in tow.

"Right here, little dude." Carlos turned his head and Reggie was seated behind him on the couch next to her aunt.

"Dios Mio!" Victoria shouted as she shot out of her seat and clutched at Ray's sweater.

"That's so cool."

"Now do you believe me?"

Ray found the eyes of his little girl and sighed. It explained a lot. He would often hear her talking to herself and she would make up the excuse that she was FaceTiming someone when her phone was nowhere within reach. He chose to ignore those slip-ups in favor of just being glad that she was happy again. He was glad that there was a reasonable explanation for it, even though the reason was still unfathomable. But the evidence was right in front of his eyes. The three boys he'd only seen when she was performing, that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

"Wait, so that machine you have…?"

"A fake. I honestly don't even know what it's actually used for."

"Well," he sighed, a smile appearing on his face, "at least now I get to personally thank them for bringing music back into my daughter's life."

Reggie, Luke, and Alex smiled widely and Julie breathed a sigh of relief. No more hiding. No more keeping secrets. Her family now knew the truth about her band. There was a weight that lifted off her shoulders.

The day progressed with the boys now being a part of the Molina Christmas traditions. Her aunt fussed over them as she did with her and Carlos, but the guys didn't seem to mind. In fact, they seemed to enjoy it. She guessed not having contact with a parental figure in twenty-five years made them starved for attention. But she knew it was deeper than that. None had a preferable home life by the time they died. This was something they craved more than anything. Julie's heart swelled, happy that she was able to give them this.

Dinner had been a full family affair. They moved it to the formal dining room to make room for the boys. They fell easily into the Molina family as if they'd been there all along. Julie loved how two sides of her heart seamlessly fit together. The family she'd been born into and the family that had literally come crashing into her life morphed into one. The common denominator? Her mom. Despite her not being there physically, her spirit was. Julie silently thanked her for all of it.

"Well, I'm going to bed," her father announced as How The Grinch Stole Christmas, the 2000 version, ended.

After dinner, her aunt bid them all goodnight (after lamenting over the fact that she couldn't hug her new sobrinos) and Carlos suggested they watch a movie. Julie proposed the Jim Carrey version of The Grinch, knowing the boys would like the humor. Carlos fell asleep halfway through, his head resting comfortably on his sister's shoulder.

"Carlos, mijo, time for bed." He gently shook his son awake.

"But I'm not tired."

Julie chuckled. "My shoulder begs to differ."

Carlos sighed before letting his father pull him up. As he was being led towards the staircase, a thought seemed to come to mind and he halted, turning towards the boys. "You guys are going to be here tomorrow, right?"

They all smiled. "Of course, little dude," Reggie answered.

With a tired smile, Carlos allowed his father to lead him upstairs. "Goodnight, Mija," Ray spoke. "Goodnight, Mijos."

A chorus of 'goodnight' answered back. Julie could feel the happiness beaming off of her boys without even looking at them. Once her father and brother disappeared upstairs, she turned to them.

"Wanna watch another movie?"

"Can we watch Home Alone?" Alex asked. "I used to love that movie."

"Yeah, sure." She pulled up her Disney account and searched for Home Alone.

"Does everyone have their own stream channel?" Luke asked.

"Almost, yeah," Julie laughed. "You can blame Netflix for that. They were the first and then when they got big, everyone wanted in."

Hitting play on the movie, she settled back into the couch just as Luke moved into the spot that Carlos previously occupied. Smiling, she couldn't help herself as she leaned her head against his shoulder. His gaze bore into the crown of her head and she could feel the confusion radiating off of him. It eventually subsided as he let himself relax. She ignored the knowing looks of the other two boys as she focused on the movie.

"I swear, this movie has one of the most satisfying endings ever," Reggie commented as the credits began to roll.

"I agree," Alex sighed as he stood, stretching out joints that he no longer had. "Come on Reg."

"Where are we…?" His question was cut off when Alex kicked him and gestured towards the door. "Oh. Right." He stood and turned towards Julie. "Night, Julie. Merry Christmas."

Though she was thoroughly confused by their behavior, she smiled at the bassist. "Night, Reggie. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Julie," Alex called as they went for the door.

"Merry Christmas!" When they disappeared on the other side of the door, she turned to Luke who remained rooted to his spot beside her. "What's going on with those two?"

He chuckled nervously and shook his head. "No idea." She wasn't fooled, but she kept quiet as it seemed he was going to say something. "Jules, there's something I wanted to...give you."

"I told you guys that you didn't have to get me anything."

"I know, but I thought you would like this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper. One not unlike when he showed her 'Bright.' "Here." She took it from him and opened it up.

"You...wrote me a song?" she asked as she looked over the lyrics and musical connotations in the margins.

"Yeah. I'm not that great with words in the general sense, so I thought putting it in song form would be easier for me."

She smiled as she read it over. It was obvious that it was a love song. She'd known him long enough to know that Luke didn't write love songs. At least not for people. Music was his greatest love. But it seems her, little Julie Molina, had changed that. A warm feeling filled up her chest and she turned to him. "I love it. Thank you."

He chuffed and scratched the back of his neck. "It's nothing."

"It's not nothing, Luke." His eyes met hers, "It's you bearing your soul. I don't even feel worthy of it."

Smiling, his eyes drifted from her own to her lips and back. "You've always been, Jules."

Tell him, her inner voice, which suspiciously sounded like Flynn, demanded. He obviously likes you. He wrote you a freaking love song, for Christ's sake. Tell. Him.

He cleared his throat, bringing her attention back to him. "I should probably…" He stood and started for the door. Julie realized that he probably took her silence for rejection and she went after him.

"Luke, wait." He stopped at the threshold between the foyer and the living room. She bit her lip as she came closer. "There's something I wanted to tell you." He turned fully towards her. "I…" Her speech was derailed when she saw the unmistakable sign of mistletoe hanging above them.

"What?" He glanced up and spotted the same offending plant. "Huh. Mistletoe." His eyes found hers and she sputtered to distract from the thought of the tradition behind it.

"We can just ignore it."

He grinned. "Really, Molina? You would reject the tradition of mistletoe?"

"No, I just… I wouldn't want you to think that you had to."

"What if I wanted to?" Julie went silent. Having him write a love song for her and outright saying that he wanted to kiss her were two completely different topics and Julie hadn't yet fully processed the first one. "Would you let me?" Without her permission, her head nodded.

His grin softened into a small smile as he pushed her hair out of her face before cupping her cheek. Time seemed to slow for Julie as he leaned in. Her eyes slid close and seconds ticked by. The feel of his lips against her own was a slight pressure that she hadn't prepared for. They were soft and hard all at once. That warm feeling was back, filling up her body cavity from the inside out. Her hands moved of their own volition and rested against his chest. If he were still living, she was sure she would feel the unmistakable rhythm of his heart. She suspected it would have pounded out the same beat that her own heart was performing under her rib cage.

It ended sooner than she expected; was over quicker than she liked. She kept her eyes closed as he ran his thumb over her cheek. His nose brushed against her own before he pressed another quick kiss to her lips, catching her off guard.

"Merry Christmas, Julie," he whispered against her lips. He was gone by the time she opened her eyes. She stared at the spot he previously occupied and brought her hand up to her lips, unable to stop the smile from breaking across her face.

"Merry Christmas, Luke."