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Well, there’s that thought Xiu to himself with a satisfied air. He was done with this year’s Christmas shopping and…not a moment too soon it would seem. Christmas was only a few days away and he needed to have these gifts sent out. Xiu nodded to himself. Yes, there was not much time to lose. He would need to write those greeting cards, wrap up those presents and get them to the post office. Thankfully there was the gift wrapping counter set up by the store just for this occasion. Humming softly to himself, Xiu squeezed past a rather crowded lane and was just about to turn a sharp corner when someone from the opposite end bumped into him. Christmas presents (not his, Xiu was lucky enough to not drop his bags) had then spilled onto the tiled floor with many a bump, thud and clatter.

“It’s alright, no worries,” replied Xiu in response to the other’s apology. It was not like accidents like these couldn’t happen, what with all the busy shoppers about. Only…

“Lazarus?” exclaimed the white frei incredulously. Of all the people (or raevans) he had expected to see in such a busy shopping mall, Lazarus was not one of them. Quickly bending down to help the Sigel lest his presents were trodden on by the harried shoppers, Xiu gave the Sigel an amused smile. “Fancy meeting you here,”

However small talk was not possible in such a crowded location as this and Xiu found himself quickly grabbing Lazarus’ presents and stuffing them into an eco friendly bag that the Sigel had with him. Perhaps there would be time to chat once all the presents had been collected and the two raevans were out of the crowd’s way.

Lazarus was Christmas shopping? That would probably explain why the Sigel was moving around in such a crowded place. Xiu was only surprised that he hadn’t thought of that earlier. Now that Xiu recalled, Lazarus had mentioned the need for Christmas shopping.

"Come, let's move."

Xiu nodded. He was only too pleased to be able to get out of the crowded lanes. Despite what people thought about holiday cheer, the harassed holiday shoppers provided meager feeding. The blue rune flickered as Xiu snatched bits and pieces of innocence while following Lazarus to a less densely populated area. But among the innocence taken at random, Xiu realized that...something tasted a bit odd. It wasn't the usual taste he got from innocence but Xiu brushed it off to his imagination. The place was crowded after all and it was possible that he'd taken an innocence that was not of human origin? A pet dog maybe? There were many of those dressed up in fluffy outfits about and...he was feeling a little warm. Which was normal too. Animal innocence did not usually agree with him. Tucking his wings neatly behind his back, Xiu chuckled softly. “No, you were not, Lazarus. That was probably the reaction of most sane people; or raevans,”

“And yeah, I’m alone. I’ll be meeting Hazeline later though after she’s done with her shopping,” admitted Xiu looking a little nervous at the question. Hazeline had gotten into trouble with Rivener for letting Xiu wander off on his own last time and Xiu did not want the same incident repeating itself. But…he was older right? So he should be allowed off on his own. “Umm…a-anyway,” said Xiu quickly changing the subject to distract the older raevan, “Have you got what you wanted?? I know I have,” said Xiu with a smile as he raised his shopping bags. “Nothing too fancy I’m afraid but there is one I’m rather pleased about,” said Xiu with a mischievous chuckle.

“Oh? That’s great, Lazarus,” said Xiu with a nod of his head. The Sigel had definitely taken on a more relaxed attitude since their escape from the overly crowded walkway. Feeling the tension of the frantic shopping spree ebbing away from him as well, Xiu nodded enthusiastically. There was still an hour or so left before he was due to meet Hazeline. Xiu had initially planned on using it for gift wrapping and a short visit to the bookstore but heading off with Lazarus to get that last gift would work just as fine. “Sure, I’d be delighted to, Lazarus. Lead the way,” and with that said, the white frei fell into an amiable pace beside the fiery Sigel.

“The decorations seem to be almost done,” Xiu remarked as they floated past a group of workers working hard at finishing up the final touches of a reindeer and snowman while another group was busy adding Christmas lights to a miniature stage. “It’s looking pretty so far, isn’t it?” said Xiu ruefully, wishing he had brought a camera along. It might be the usual Christmas fare but it was still beautiful to look at none the less. Shifting his wings slightly, Xiu turned to Lazarus. “So…what exactly are you planning to get? Perhaps I could help?” offered Xiu good naturedly. “Unless it is meant to be a secret of course,”

Xiu nodded at Lazarus’ mischievous smile. “Very well, I look forward to seeing it then,” said Xiu with a soft chuckle. “You certainly are being rather mysterious today, Lazarus,” said the white frei before stopping at the sight before him in amazement.

If the deer and the snowman were pretty, the decorations that were being done to the concourse were spectacular! Jaw slightly agape, the white frei was transfixed by the whole set up. It was apparent that the management went the whole way with the decorations here. Four large decorated Christmas trees stood like silent sentinels at the four corners of the magical garden. Presents and fairies could be seen peeping playfully out of nooks and crannies; giving the place a jovial and dream-like atmosphere. The sight of laughing children and doe-eyed couples only complemented the breathtaking scenery before them.

And there was the gazebo. Xiu felt his breath caught in his throat as he stared at the intricately constructed building before him. Creeping vines, sculptured pillars, the gazebo was nothing less than a work of art.

Immersed in the moment, Xiu would have continued gazing at the wondrous sight if Lazarus hadn’t at that moment brushed against his arm. Startled out of his trance, Xiu could only nod at the other’s suggestion. Floating over to the gazebo with Lazarus, Xiu was surprised to see that there were even seats placed under the gazebo’s intricate dome. Smiling excitedly, Xiu floated towards them and indicated that Lazarus should do the same. The young couple that was previously taking pictures had already moved off and the two raevans were left pretty much to themselves here.

Placing the bags of gifts onto the seat of the gazebo, the white frei turned to Lazarus excitedly. “Had planned on giving these on Christmas day but …,” said Xiu as he fished into the bag to bring out two Christmas presents, one for Dr. Kyou and the other for Lazarus. Offering them to the Sigel, Xiu smiled. “A bit early for Christmas but…this place seems like the right place for gift-giving. Merry Christmas, Lazarus,”

A brown giftbox for Dr. Kyou...



A red and white giftbox for Lazarus...



Floating back a little from the Sigel, Xiu motioned that Lazarus should open his gift. “I was lucky to get these, Lazarus,” said Xiu excitedly. “It was rather like a lucky draw for presents and I was lucky enough to be there when it happened. I just hope that…they would fit…,” said Xiu looking a little worried at the size of Lazarus’ horns.

The moment where Lazarus took his time to observe the giftbox seemed almost like forever to the white frei. This was the first time he had actually got a Christmas gift for someone and gave it to them face to face. Xiu fidgeted slightly as the firey raevan began unwrapping the present, afraid that the Sigel would not like the gift he had got.

But Xiu’s worries were put to rest when Lazarus exclaimed excitedly and held out the headphones for closer inspection. Xiu beamed when he saw the older raevan grinning with pleasure. “I’m glad you like them, Lazarus, I really do,” laughed the frei heartily.

The Sigel had then surprised Xiu by stating that he too had a gift for Xiu and Hazeline. Xiu tilted his head slightly with curiosity as the red raevan rummaged through the contents of the sling bag and brought out two beautifully wrapped packets. Stunned, the white frei gingerly accepted the offered packets and fingered them with wonder. The packets made a soft rustling sound when shaken and this only made the white frei even more curious. Tucking Hazeline’s present away carefully, Xiu was about to open his present when Lazarus fished out a crumpled piece of paper with the list of addresses Xiu required. The white frei beamed.

“Thank you, Lazarus,” exclaimed Xiu happily as he took the piece of paper and kept it alongside Hazeline’s gift in one of the bags he carried. “I would have been at a lost without your help!”

Then turning his attention to the white packet once more, Xiu carefully peeled back the packet’s opening and slid the present out. What the white frei saw made him gaze in wonder. The present was beautiful! Lifting the present up for closer inspection, the white frei was lost for words. “L-Lazarus, this bookmark, it is lovely,” choked the white frei as he twirled the slender bookmark in his fingers. Then lifting the bookmark towards the light for a closer look, Xiu gave a soft chuckle. “This bookmark certainly won’t be having itself blown away anytime soon. Thank you, thank you, Lazarus,”

Lowering the bookmark, it was then that Xiu noticed another little decoration of the gazebo they were in. “Hey, Lazarus, there seems to be a mistletoe hanging up there,” said Xiu with a soft chuckle. “I guess someone must have placed it there to give this place a more Chrismassy look…or something,”

"Do you know that according to traditional Christmas cheer, that we need to kiss when we are underneath a mistletoe?"

Blue eyes stared bewilderedly at the Sigel’s red as Lazarus bent forward. Of course Xiu knew of the Christmas tradition. It was just that…he had not expected that …that…

That it applied to raevans!

There was a moment’s delay and the white frei could feel his body tensing as the Sigel leaned forward. Then, there was the kiss. Letting out a small gasp, Xiu could only float dazedly in place as he felt the older raevan’s warm lips pressed gently against his cheek. A warm feeling that had not originated from Lazarus’ lips was quickly making itself known to the white frei and Xiu was horrified to realize that…he was blushing.

Wings flared, Xiu was on the verge of pulling himself away from the firey raevan when…the kiss ended and Xiu was faced with a grinning Lazarus. Trying his best to hide his reddening cheeks, Xiu nodded. “Yeah…M-Merry Christmas to you too…,” stuttered the white frei.

This was silly! Lazarus had obviously meant nothing by the kiss. He was probably doing what any normal person would do under a mistletoe! And yet…Xiu couldn’t help but feel…inwardly pleased that the Sigel had done so. It was flattering to know that Lazarus had considered him enough of a friend to initiate such a warm gesture. Sliding the bookmark carefully into its package once again, Xiu was careful to not look directly at the Sigel lest his coloured cheeks would cause the Sigel to tease him. With deliberate slowness, Xiu slowly kept his Christmas gift before finally turning to look at Lazarus. Trying not to look too flustered, the white frei then asked with mocked lightheartedness. “So…err…about the final gift you’d need to get?”

Xiu nodded. “Yes…we should,” said the white frei, still a little dazed by the kiss. Giving his wings a couple of short flicks as if to dispel the feeling, Xiu was glad to find out that his cheeks were no longer an embarrassing red anymore. But…

By the way Lazarus was grinning at him, Xiu couldn’t help but feel that Lazarus was amused by it. Well, Xiu guessed that was normal too. Anyone would be amused by the way he had reacted to something as simple as a kiss on the cheek. Yeah…talk about being overreacting and old fashioned. Grabbing the bags on the seat, Xiu then followed Lazarus out of the gazebo; floating a little to the side to allow a human couple entry and out of curiosity’s sake, Xiu turned to see what the human couple would do. The manner in which the couple stood lip-locked beneath the mistletoe confirmed Xiu’s thoughts that what Lazarus had done was merely done in a friendly gesture. Perhaps there was something to this Christmas cheer making people feel tipsy and happy after all.

Lazarus had then indicated the direction in which they would be heading. Located at the far end of the concourse, it was hard to determine which shop was the shop that Lazarus had planned to visit.