Happy Holidays, Ch2
Title: Happy Holidays, Ch2: Under the Mistletoe
Fandom: Megaman
Characters/pairings: Zero/X
Rating: PG-13
Summary: It takes a mistletoe to get X to go after what he wants.
Warnings: slash, sappy as hell
Notes: Old writing, from waaaaay back in the day, in it's mostly original format (very minor corrections may have been made)
o o o
X sighed. It was December the fifth, eight AM, a Saturday, and a day off. The Commander had planned on sleeping in, but their new Commanding Officer, Signas, had just used the PA system to call a meeting of the Commanders and their Lieutenants at eight-thirty. With a groan X rolled out of bed and began to dress. His body suit first, then a matching blue jacket with the insignia of the 17th unit on the back, the Maverick Hunters sign on the right shoulder and the eight pointed Commanders star on his left shoulder. He ran a brush through his unruly red hair and left his room.
Up and down the hall other Commanders were leaving their rooms, all dressed similarly to X. A little way down the hall X spotted a tall black-clad figure with a molten gold ponytail to his knees. "Zero!" X called out, hurrying to catch up with his friend.
The blond hunter smiled and fell into step besides the much shorter X. "Any ideas about what this is about?" he asked.
"Nope," X replied, walking fast to keep up with Zero's long stride. "Might be a talk on a new battle plan or some such rot." They were now walking down the hall of the Lieutenants wing, the Lieutenants falling into step behind their respective Commanders. X flashed his Lieutenants, Foban and Genai, a smile and a salute. They saluted in reply.
"Maybe he's got a Christmas Tree that he needs help setting up," Zero said with a straight face. Several of the Hunters within earshot laughed. X had a brief mental image of Signas dressed as Santa Clause before they reached the auditorium. The Commanders, Lieutenants and other specialty crew members entered and took their seats.
Signas took to the stage. Tall and serious, his face didn't look as young as he truly was. He studied the assembled Hunters with a piercing gaze then did something very few of them had seen him do. He smiled. "I'm glad you all could make it," he said, the smile not leaving his face. "It seems that last year, a number of Hunters complained that your last Commanding Officer did not allow Christmas decorations outside the barracks and limited the amount inside the barracks. As a result, I've lifted this ban." He looked around at the shocked faces. "As long as the decorations do not become overly extravagant and do not interfere with the safety and movement of anyone, I see no reason why they cannot go up."
Zero leaned over to X. "Told ya," he whispered. X shot him a glare.
"I've taken the liberty of ordering the main decorations for the hallways," Signas continued. "And I've had several Hunters design how they will go up. Details and decorations inside the barracks and rooms will be up to the people with those rooms, as well as detailed decorations in the halls outside those rooms. I expect for each of the Commanders and their Lieutenants to inform their Units of the new regulations. At Noon today each of you and your Units will be called back down here in turn to receive your decorations and assigned locations to decorate. Now go tell your Units. You are dismissed." He saluted the room and everyone saluted back. As the CO left the stage the room filled with talk.
"What I'd tell you?" Zero said calmly. "He needed help with flippin' Christmas stuff."
"Quiet yourself Zero," Alia said. "Like you had any idea this was really about."
"'Course I did," Zero said indignantly. "I'm a certified psychic." He added with mock pride.
"More like psycho," A Commander named Jeva said. Everyone laughed, even Zero.
o o o
X was back in the auditorium again, this time with his Unit surrounding him. Signas and several assistants were on stage, making sure they had the right things for the 17th Unit. Finally Signas gave the go-head and the Unit moved to the stage to collect rolls of realistic artificial strands of pine, boxes of ribbon, a box full of wire and nails, several full of silk poinsettias, fake birds, golden cherubs, plasti-glass balls and crystals, and other assorted baubles. X carried a roll of pine and the list of halls they were to decorate. He turned as one of the privates called out to show him something. The young hunter had a small box full of snips of a green leafed plant with white berries. It took X a moment to identify it. Mistletoe. People were supposed to kiss under it.
The Units first stop was their barrack to arrange everything and assign who went where. A mix of laughter and curses filtered through the halls from the Units who had already gotten their assignments. Somewhere near there was a yell and a terrific crash. Several Hunters grinned at the door where snatches or Zero's curses could be heard. "Seems the Commander's boyfriend got fallen on," One of the rookies muttered to another. Both snickered until they were silenced by a glare from X. The azure hunter turned away while fighting back a blush. Zero was his friend, nothing more, as much as X wished it was different. The Hunters of his Unit knew somewhat of his infatuation and kept the secret well from members of other Units. Yet X was constantly jibbed and teased, especially from his Lieutenants.
"Well," X said, scanning the sheet of paper Signas had handed him "Anyone want a specific hall?" The twenty Hunters crowded around, each claiming a hall. X assigned them all and directed them out the door, telling them to do a good job and to watch for falling Hunters. With laughs they left, just as Zero came in, rubbing his head.
"I should've wore my frigging armor," The blond muttered. "Sephas was screwing around and fell off the ladder. God damn, but he's got a hard head!" he sat down on the bunk of a bed and looked up at X. "The whole Base is full of organized chaos. If the Mav's attack now, they'll die of laughter." He rubbed his head again "What is he MADE of? Cast iron?"
"Wait," X said "Isn't Sephas human?"
"That makes it even worse!" Zero exclaimed. "He should be unconscious, yet he isn't feeling a bit off at all! Yet I, I who am artificial, am nursing a headache!" he collapsed backwards on the bed, one arm dramatically thrown across his eyes. "Someone shoot me now." He muttered.
"Come on," X said with a chuckle "Let's go make sure our Units don't rip the place down."
Zero sighed. "I guess your right." He sat up and promptly hit his sore head off the top bunk. "GODDAMMIT!"
o o o
X stretched out on his bed, looking up at the ceiling. The day really had been organized chaos at first. After a while they managed to get the entire mess sorted out and on the right track. Zero's threat that the next Hunter, of ANY Unit, to fall off a ladder would taste plasma saber had spread fast and effectively calmed down any aspiring daredevils. After the initial complaints and gripes, people had really gotten into the Christmas spirit and helped. Signas himself, along with his two secretaries were outside in the snow looping a strand of lights over the front entrance.
Mistletoe hung above every doorway and archway. Much to the chagrin of the Commanders, Signas had said that anyone attacked under the mistletoe had to bear it without punishing the attacker. As many of the Commanders were good-looking and popular, they were a frequent target of attacks. Dares ran rampant. X grinned. A young girl had been dared to kiss Zero on the cheek. The look on Zero's face was one X was going to remember. Yet the Hunter had felt a small twist of jealousy at the sight of his crush getting such attention.
Before he fell asleep, X made a promise to himself. He swore to get Zero under a mistletoe and tell him the truth before Christmas.
o o o
The next day X was sitting with Zero and Alia in the cafeteria when Signas announced over the PA that there would be a party on Christmas Eve. Also the Commanders, Specialty crew and Lieutenants were to meet in the auditorium within an hour. After breakfast the three friends made their way to the auditorium.
"By now you all know of the party," Signas started. "It was suggested to me to do a Secret Santa among the upper officers. I see no reason why not." He sent a basket of paper strips and a second of little pencils down the rows. "Each of you should write down three to five small gifts, not more than five dollars each, and one or two gifts of about fifteen dollars. And do not give me any 'I can't afford that' junk. I happen to know you all can. And please remember to write your names."
X thought for a moment before putting down a book of cross-word puzzles, a sketch pad, color pencils and a CD. Signas passed an empty basket up the row. Everyone threw their slips in. "Now, all of you line up and choose a name. We will set up stockings in the lounge room. On the twenty first, twenty second, and twenty third, everyone will put a small gift in their persons stocking. And on the twenty fourth we will exchange a larger gift." He waited until everyone chose a name. "And don't tell anyone! You are dismissed."
X looked at his paper. He had gotten Signas. The CO had requested redwood incense, a small castle knickknack, a mind-bender puzzle, and a larger castle statuette. X knew that Signas collected medieval castles. They were a passion of his. X looked up to find Zero.
The blond hunter grinned. "So, who'd you get?" he asked.
X snorted. "As if," He replied. "We're not supposed to tell."
"Aww come on," Zero cajoled. "Tell me!"
X shook his head. "Nope."
"X is right, Zero," Said a voice at Zero's shoulder. He whirled around and came face to face with Signas.
Zero grinned sheepishly and saluted. "Sorry sir."
Signas smiled and clapped the older Reploid on the shoulder. "No problem," He said, then his face grew stern. "But no telling, ok?"
"Yes sir," Zeros said smartly. Signas nodded and left.
"That's what you get," X said primly. He grinned at the look Zero gave him. "Want to go Christmas shopping?"
"X," Zero said patiently. "It's the sixth. We have till the twenty first. We don't have to run out right away. Besides, it's Sunday. Most of the businesses in the city are closed. I'm going to the training room." He turned and strode off. X sighed. Zero could be such a pain. Cute, but a pain.
o o o
X hummed along with a carol that was on the radio as he wrapped the gifts for Signas. The next day was the beginning of the gift exchange. Things couldn't be better. They had driven off a Maverick attack the week before, so the odds of a second attack over the holidays were slim. Of course the Mavericks could have been expecting them to think that, but X didn't think they had gotten that smart yet. There had been no sign of Sigma since his attack and defeat in the fall. Everyone was in holidays spirits. Many girls were sporting bits of mistletoe in their hair, inviting kisses on the cheek. One daring young human, a Lieutenant of the 3rd Unit, had fastened a piece to his belt buckle. A chewing out by his Commander was the consequence.
He tied the bow on the last gift. Zero hadn't come shopping with him, a fact which irked X. The Hunter shook his head. It wasn't as if Zero was his. X half hoped the blond never figured out about the crush X had on him. The other half insisted he tell Zero before he found out from someone else. Despite Signas frowning on alcohol, people had been mixing Holiday Cheer's and other drinks after hours. X reverently hoped that Zero wouldn't overhear a bit of drunken conversation.
X stood and grabbed the first of the gifts, a packet of incense, and headed for the lounge. They didn't have to put in their gifts till tomorrow, yet he wanted to put his in there now so no one would see who he had. By reflex he checked all around before going under an archway with mistletoe. He had been attacked at least once a day ever since they had gone up. X grinned to himself. One bold young woman had attacked Signas on half a dare. She was now the CO's date to the Christmas Eve party, much to her delight. News of that had spread and now people were getting surprise kisses everywhere.
He reached the lounge and opened the door. A tall, unfamiliar figure stood in front of the row of stockings. He turned when X opened the door and smiled. It took X a moment to recognize him as Signas. X had never seen the younger Reploid in street clothing. The CO had neat sandy colored hair and was wearing jeans and a dark green sweater. A slight blush faded into his cheeks as X gaped at him.
"I know I never dress normally," Signas said sheepishly. "But I thought 'What the hell.' It's the holidays. I need to relax."
"I didn't even know you could relax," X said. "You're always so calm."
Signas laughed. "I thought I had to be, to keep Hunter HQ in order. But it gets on my nerves, never relaxing. So for the holidays, I'm not Commander, or sir, I just want to be me." He passed X and paused at the door. "Happy holidays, X."
"Happy holidays, Signas," X replied. The door shut and X hurried to place his gift in Signas' stocking. Then he noticed that his own had a bulge at the bottom. He fought off curiosity and left, wondering.
Three days later X sat in a plush chair in the lounge. All of the upper officers were here, dressed in festive holiday clothes. Signas was at the front of the room, his date beside him. X was nearly perfectly happy. He had gotten the gifts he wanted over the past few days and soon he would find out who his Santa was. Signas had decided to do the exchange one at a time.
The CO handed his person, a Lieutenant named Georja a gift in green wrapped paper. The woman opened it to find a tall sculpted candle. She thanked Signas profusely and handed her person a gift. And so it went, all around the room. X's Santa was one of the first Hunters, a short fox Reploid named Hiosfa, who handed him the CD he'd asked for. When it was finally X's turn, he handed Signas his gift. Signas looked surprised and pleased at the ornate ceramic castle. He thanked X and dismissed them to the party.
X entered the room and looked around. Zero was standing nearby, talking lightly with Alia and a winged Reploid from the Medical Unit. The three of them were laughing as X joined the conversation. X's heart thudded. It seemed Zero was planning to stay for quite a while, yet X still had to tell him of his feelings. How was he supposed to tell Zero with all these people around? It would be hard enough in private, let alone public. Oh well, it was still early. He should have time.
Yet as the night wore on, it came closer and closer to midnight. X kept an eye on Zero throughout the night, making sure he knew when the blond left. But he lost track as he was pulled into a conversation with several rookies. Suddenly, he looked up. Zero was no where to be seen. He excused himself and went to find Alia.
"Oh, he left a minute ago." Alia replied airily to X's question. "He said he was going to bed a bit early. You might be able to catch up if you hurry."
"Thanks Alia," X said "Merry Christmas!" he called back over one shoulder.
"Merry Christmas X!" Alia called back.
X ran down the halls, taking a short cut, trying to get to Zero's room before Zero did. Suddenly he ran into something tall and unyielding. He fell to his butt with a thump and looked up. Zero stood over him, looking confused.
"Are you OK X?" Zero asked, reaching down to help X to his feet. X accepted the hand gratefully. "What's your hurry?"
As he stood, the confidence X had been building throughout the night fell away. He nervously twisted his hands together, not knowing what to say. Looking up, he saw that they were standing under an archway with mistletoe in the middle. He took a deep breath, steeled himself, and wrapped both arms around Zero's neck, standing on his toes to kiss the blond hunter fully on the lips. He let the kiss linger as long as he dared before letting go. He nearly choked at the shocked expression on Zero's face and turned away, his cheeks flaming. "I-I-I'm sorry." He stuttered.
"X" Zero said quietly. The red head turned back around. Zero was giving him an odd, unfamiliar look.
"I said I was sorry!" X blurted out. "It's just I had a crush on you for so long and I knew I had to tell you and-" he was silenced when Zero placed one finger across his lips. He looked up at Zero, confused, and saw that the fierce expression in Zero's eyes was a mix of love and relief.
"I don't mind," Zero said, wrapping his arms around X's waist. "Not at all." His lips captured X's in a slow kiss. X froze for a moment then returned the kiss, his arms slipping around Zero's neck again. Dimly he heard a clock strike midnight. Merry Christmas indeed.
Fandom: Megaman
Characters/pairings: Zero/X
Rating: PG-13
Summary: It takes a mistletoe to get X to go after what he wants.
Warnings: slash, sappy as hell
Notes: Old writing, from waaaaay back in the day, in it's mostly original format (very minor corrections may have been made)
o o o
X sighed. It was December the fifth, eight AM, a Saturday, and a day off. The Commander had planned on sleeping in, but their new Commanding Officer, Signas, had just used the PA system to call a meeting of the Commanders and their Lieutenants at eight-thirty. With a groan X rolled out of bed and began to dress. His body suit first, then a matching blue jacket with the insignia of the 17th unit on the back, the Maverick Hunters sign on the right shoulder and the eight pointed Commanders star on his left shoulder. He ran a brush through his unruly red hair and left his room.
Up and down the hall other Commanders were leaving their rooms, all dressed similarly to X. A little way down the hall X spotted a tall black-clad figure with a molten gold ponytail to his knees. "Zero!" X called out, hurrying to catch up with his friend.
The blond hunter smiled and fell into step besides the much shorter X. "Any ideas about what this is about?" he asked.
"Nope," X replied, walking fast to keep up with Zero's long stride. "Might be a talk on a new battle plan or some such rot." They were now walking down the hall of the Lieutenants wing, the Lieutenants falling into step behind their respective Commanders. X flashed his Lieutenants, Foban and Genai, a smile and a salute. They saluted in reply.
"Maybe he's got a Christmas Tree that he needs help setting up," Zero said with a straight face. Several of the Hunters within earshot laughed. X had a brief mental image of Signas dressed as Santa Clause before they reached the auditorium. The Commanders, Lieutenants and other specialty crew members entered and took their seats.
Signas took to the stage. Tall and serious, his face didn't look as young as he truly was. He studied the assembled Hunters with a piercing gaze then did something very few of them had seen him do. He smiled. "I'm glad you all could make it," he said, the smile not leaving his face. "It seems that last year, a number of Hunters complained that your last Commanding Officer did not allow Christmas decorations outside the barracks and limited the amount inside the barracks. As a result, I've lifted this ban." He looked around at the shocked faces. "As long as the decorations do not become overly extravagant and do not interfere with the safety and movement of anyone, I see no reason why they cannot go up."
Zero leaned over to X. "Told ya," he whispered. X shot him a glare.
"I've taken the liberty of ordering the main decorations for the hallways," Signas continued. "And I've had several Hunters design how they will go up. Details and decorations inside the barracks and rooms will be up to the people with those rooms, as well as detailed decorations in the halls outside those rooms. I expect for each of the Commanders and their Lieutenants to inform their Units of the new regulations. At Noon today each of you and your Units will be called back down here in turn to receive your decorations and assigned locations to decorate. Now go tell your Units. You are dismissed." He saluted the room and everyone saluted back. As the CO left the stage the room filled with talk.
"What I'd tell you?" Zero said calmly. "He needed help with flippin' Christmas stuff."
"Quiet yourself Zero," Alia said. "Like you had any idea this was really about."
"'Course I did," Zero said indignantly. "I'm a certified psychic." He added with mock pride.
"More like psycho," A Commander named Jeva said. Everyone laughed, even Zero.
o o o
X was back in the auditorium again, this time with his Unit surrounding him. Signas and several assistants were on stage, making sure they had the right things for the 17th Unit. Finally Signas gave the go-head and the Unit moved to the stage to collect rolls of realistic artificial strands of pine, boxes of ribbon, a box full of wire and nails, several full of silk poinsettias, fake birds, golden cherubs, plasti-glass balls and crystals, and other assorted baubles. X carried a roll of pine and the list of halls they were to decorate. He turned as one of the privates called out to show him something. The young hunter had a small box full of snips of a green leafed plant with white berries. It took X a moment to identify it. Mistletoe. People were supposed to kiss under it.
The Units first stop was their barrack to arrange everything and assign who went where. A mix of laughter and curses filtered through the halls from the Units who had already gotten their assignments. Somewhere near there was a yell and a terrific crash. Several Hunters grinned at the door where snatches or Zero's curses could be heard. "Seems the Commander's boyfriend got fallen on," One of the rookies muttered to another. Both snickered until they were silenced by a glare from X. The azure hunter turned away while fighting back a blush. Zero was his friend, nothing more, as much as X wished it was different. The Hunters of his Unit knew somewhat of his infatuation and kept the secret well from members of other Units. Yet X was constantly jibbed and teased, especially from his Lieutenants.
"Well," X said, scanning the sheet of paper Signas had handed him "Anyone want a specific hall?" The twenty Hunters crowded around, each claiming a hall. X assigned them all and directed them out the door, telling them to do a good job and to watch for falling Hunters. With laughs they left, just as Zero came in, rubbing his head.
"I should've wore my frigging armor," The blond muttered. "Sephas was screwing around and fell off the ladder. God damn, but he's got a hard head!" he sat down on the bunk of a bed and looked up at X. "The whole Base is full of organized chaos. If the Mav's attack now, they'll die of laughter." He rubbed his head again "What is he MADE of? Cast iron?"
"Wait," X said "Isn't Sephas human?"
"That makes it even worse!" Zero exclaimed. "He should be unconscious, yet he isn't feeling a bit off at all! Yet I, I who am artificial, am nursing a headache!" he collapsed backwards on the bed, one arm dramatically thrown across his eyes. "Someone shoot me now." He muttered.
"Come on," X said with a chuckle "Let's go make sure our Units don't rip the place down."
Zero sighed. "I guess your right." He sat up and promptly hit his sore head off the top bunk. "GODDAMMIT!"
o o o
X stretched out on his bed, looking up at the ceiling. The day really had been organized chaos at first. After a while they managed to get the entire mess sorted out and on the right track. Zero's threat that the next Hunter, of ANY Unit, to fall off a ladder would taste plasma saber had spread fast and effectively calmed down any aspiring daredevils. After the initial complaints and gripes, people had really gotten into the Christmas spirit and helped. Signas himself, along with his two secretaries were outside in the snow looping a strand of lights over the front entrance.
Mistletoe hung above every doorway and archway. Much to the chagrin of the Commanders, Signas had said that anyone attacked under the mistletoe had to bear it without punishing the attacker. As many of the Commanders were good-looking and popular, they were a frequent target of attacks. Dares ran rampant. X grinned. A young girl had been dared to kiss Zero on the cheek. The look on Zero's face was one X was going to remember. Yet the Hunter had felt a small twist of jealousy at the sight of his crush getting such attention.
Before he fell asleep, X made a promise to himself. He swore to get Zero under a mistletoe and tell him the truth before Christmas.
o o o
The next day X was sitting with Zero and Alia in the cafeteria when Signas announced over the PA that there would be a party on Christmas Eve. Also the Commanders, Specialty crew and Lieutenants were to meet in the auditorium within an hour. After breakfast the three friends made their way to the auditorium.
"By now you all know of the party," Signas started. "It was suggested to me to do a Secret Santa among the upper officers. I see no reason why not." He sent a basket of paper strips and a second of little pencils down the rows. "Each of you should write down three to five small gifts, not more than five dollars each, and one or two gifts of about fifteen dollars. And do not give me any 'I can't afford that' junk. I happen to know you all can. And please remember to write your names."
X thought for a moment before putting down a book of cross-word puzzles, a sketch pad, color pencils and a CD. Signas passed an empty basket up the row. Everyone threw their slips in. "Now, all of you line up and choose a name. We will set up stockings in the lounge room. On the twenty first, twenty second, and twenty third, everyone will put a small gift in their persons stocking. And on the twenty fourth we will exchange a larger gift." He waited until everyone chose a name. "And don't tell anyone! You are dismissed."
X looked at his paper. He had gotten Signas. The CO had requested redwood incense, a small castle knickknack, a mind-bender puzzle, and a larger castle statuette. X knew that Signas collected medieval castles. They were a passion of his. X looked up to find Zero.
The blond hunter grinned. "So, who'd you get?" he asked.
X snorted. "As if," He replied. "We're not supposed to tell."
"Aww come on," Zero cajoled. "Tell me!"
X shook his head. "Nope."
"X is right, Zero," Said a voice at Zero's shoulder. He whirled around and came face to face with Signas.
Zero grinned sheepishly and saluted. "Sorry sir."
Signas smiled and clapped the older Reploid on the shoulder. "No problem," He said, then his face grew stern. "But no telling, ok?"
"Yes sir," Zeros said smartly. Signas nodded and left.
"That's what you get," X said primly. He grinned at the look Zero gave him. "Want to go Christmas shopping?"
"X," Zero said patiently. "It's the sixth. We have till the twenty first. We don't have to run out right away. Besides, it's Sunday. Most of the businesses in the city are closed. I'm going to the training room." He turned and strode off. X sighed. Zero could be such a pain. Cute, but a pain.
o o o
X hummed along with a carol that was on the radio as he wrapped the gifts for Signas. The next day was the beginning of the gift exchange. Things couldn't be better. They had driven off a Maverick attack the week before, so the odds of a second attack over the holidays were slim. Of course the Mavericks could have been expecting them to think that, but X didn't think they had gotten that smart yet. There had been no sign of Sigma since his attack and defeat in the fall. Everyone was in holidays spirits. Many girls were sporting bits of mistletoe in their hair, inviting kisses on the cheek. One daring young human, a Lieutenant of the 3rd Unit, had fastened a piece to his belt buckle. A chewing out by his Commander was the consequence.
He tied the bow on the last gift. Zero hadn't come shopping with him, a fact which irked X. The Hunter shook his head. It wasn't as if Zero was his. X half hoped the blond never figured out about the crush X had on him. The other half insisted he tell Zero before he found out from someone else. Despite Signas frowning on alcohol, people had been mixing Holiday Cheer's and other drinks after hours. X reverently hoped that Zero wouldn't overhear a bit of drunken conversation.
X stood and grabbed the first of the gifts, a packet of incense, and headed for the lounge. They didn't have to put in their gifts till tomorrow, yet he wanted to put his in there now so no one would see who he had. By reflex he checked all around before going under an archway with mistletoe. He had been attacked at least once a day ever since they had gone up. X grinned to himself. One bold young woman had attacked Signas on half a dare. She was now the CO's date to the Christmas Eve party, much to her delight. News of that had spread and now people were getting surprise kisses everywhere.
He reached the lounge and opened the door. A tall, unfamiliar figure stood in front of the row of stockings. He turned when X opened the door and smiled. It took X a moment to recognize him as Signas. X had never seen the younger Reploid in street clothing. The CO had neat sandy colored hair and was wearing jeans and a dark green sweater. A slight blush faded into his cheeks as X gaped at him.
"I know I never dress normally," Signas said sheepishly. "But I thought 'What the hell.' It's the holidays. I need to relax."
"I didn't even know you could relax," X said. "You're always so calm."
Signas laughed. "I thought I had to be, to keep Hunter HQ in order. But it gets on my nerves, never relaxing. So for the holidays, I'm not Commander, or sir, I just want to be me." He passed X and paused at the door. "Happy holidays, X."
"Happy holidays, Signas," X replied. The door shut and X hurried to place his gift in Signas' stocking. Then he noticed that his own had a bulge at the bottom. He fought off curiosity and left, wondering.
Three days later X sat in a plush chair in the lounge. All of the upper officers were here, dressed in festive holiday clothes. Signas was at the front of the room, his date beside him. X was nearly perfectly happy. He had gotten the gifts he wanted over the past few days and soon he would find out who his Santa was. Signas had decided to do the exchange one at a time.
The CO handed his person, a Lieutenant named Georja a gift in green wrapped paper. The woman opened it to find a tall sculpted candle. She thanked Signas profusely and handed her person a gift. And so it went, all around the room. X's Santa was one of the first Hunters, a short fox Reploid named Hiosfa, who handed him the CD he'd asked for. When it was finally X's turn, he handed Signas his gift. Signas looked surprised and pleased at the ornate ceramic castle. He thanked X and dismissed them to the party.
X entered the room and looked around. Zero was standing nearby, talking lightly with Alia and a winged Reploid from the Medical Unit. The three of them were laughing as X joined the conversation. X's heart thudded. It seemed Zero was planning to stay for quite a while, yet X still had to tell him of his feelings. How was he supposed to tell Zero with all these people around? It would be hard enough in private, let alone public. Oh well, it was still early. He should have time.
Yet as the night wore on, it came closer and closer to midnight. X kept an eye on Zero throughout the night, making sure he knew when the blond left. But he lost track as he was pulled into a conversation with several rookies. Suddenly, he looked up. Zero was no where to be seen. He excused himself and went to find Alia.
"Oh, he left a minute ago." Alia replied airily to X's question. "He said he was going to bed a bit early. You might be able to catch up if you hurry."
"Thanks Alia," X said "Merry Christmas!" he called back over one shoulder.
"Merry Christmas X!" Alia called back.
X ran down the halls, taking a short cut, trying to get to Zero's room before Zero did. Suddenly he ran into something tall and unyielding. He fell to his butt with a thump and looked up. Zero stood over him, looking confused.
"Are you OK X?" Zero asked, reaching down to help X to his feet. X accepted the hand gratefully. "What's your hurry?"
As he stood, the confidence X had been building throughout the night fell away. He nervously twisted his hands together, not knowing what to say. Looking up, he saw that they were standing under an archway with mistletoe in the middle. He took a deep breath, steeled himself, and wrapped both arms around Zero's neck, standing on his toes to kiss the blond hunter fully on the lips. He let the kiss linger as long as he dared before letting go. He nearly choked at the shocked expression on Zero's face and turned away, his cheeks flaming. "I-I-I'm sorry." He stuttered.
"X" Zero said quietly. The red head turned back around. Zero was giving him an odd, unfamiliar look.
"I said I was sorry!" X blurted out. "It's just I had a crush on you for so long and I knew I had to tell you and-" he was silenced when Zero placed one finger across his lips. He looked up at Zero, confused, and saw that the fierce expression in Zero's eyes was a mix of love and relief.
"I don't mind," Zero said, wrapping his arms around X's waist. "Not at all." His lips captured X's in a slow kiss. X froze for a moment then returned the kiss, his arms slipping around Zero's neck again. Dimly he heard a clock strike midnight. Merry Christmas indeed.