A/N: Long chapter ahead for you to snuggle indoors with a cup of hot chocolate ^^

It was the time when Xander used to wake to a mess of sunshine beside him.

The time when they seemed to have less to care about; when everything was just how they liked it to be; when everything was cloaked in a veil of light.

There wasn't a storm in his eyes as they rested on the one he felt so strangely about.

Xander was sure that a year ago, he would have never thought about something as ugly as Love. Thinking seemed—already—far-fetched for a person like himself.

There was nothing good in his heart.

It was filled with hatred and darkness for the world that had abandoned him and his sister.

There was no Love.

And there was no Light.

So when Xander's gaze rested on the warm, small frame beside him—he felt a tingling ache in his chest. It was foreign, and indeed, strange.

His sunshine was breathing; his chest rose in a gentle manner—falling in an equally peaceful motion that brought Xander's cynical thoughts to nowhere.

Somehow, for the first time, there seemed to be no line between dreams and reality.

Xander was eighteen.

He knew nothing about Love.

And yet—that was all he knew he was in.

He wished things would stay as they are.

He wished no one would interfere with their lives.

He wished for his sunshine to be happy.

He wished—for a miracle.

And he wished;

That no one—would take his sunshine away.

______________________________

Beyond Love Chapter 5: Sunshine

[Chip]

I shivered, slipping into a pair of warm and furry house slippers before setting the table for breakfast.

As expected, Xander had retreated back under his covers after spending a short time in the kitchen simply hugging me from behind.

I-It was really unnecessary.

Berry was the first to join me on this cold winter morning, following me around the house as I searched for her food bowl. I glanced behind, noting her pretty blue eyes that stared right into mine. She was big—an adult husky, after all.

But at this time of the day; it felt comforting to have another with the same goal in mind.

Together, we bugged Xander till he finally willed himself to move towards the bathroom; proceeded to Giselle's to prepare her clothes for the day (she wore red on Mondays) and tempt her awake with a cup of hot cocoa; and finally arrived back downstairs to prepare a cup of coffee for Xander.

"Angel—" Came a call from above the stairs. "Have you seen my jersey?"

Berry barked.

"Jersey? Um...um...I think it's in the second drawer that's in your part of the wardrobe," I placed the cup of piping hot coffee on the dining, wiping my hands on the apron as I called back up the stairs. "But it's freezing outside Xan, why do you need a jersey?"

My fiancé came down soon after, joining me at the table.

"Woah, looks great Angel," He said, eyes widening in such pleasant surprise that he forgot to answer my question. "Just pancakes would have been enough."

I blinked.

On his plate was a simple combination of pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon.

There was really nothing special about that.

"Don't be a dummy, Xan. It's a normal breakfast," I pushed the cup of coffee towards him. "Y-You should eat it quickly before it gets cold."

My partner laughed low.

"Thanks Angel."

He reached out his hand, as if to touch my ear—

Berry was nudging my leg, reminding me that her breakfast was in my other hand.

"Uwa, I forgot! Sorry Berry," I jumped, rising from my seat and bending down to fill her bowl.

Oh, her water bowl too—

A heavy sound from the stairs caught my attention. I turned quickly, eyes widening at the sight of Giselle at the bottom of the stairs.

"Giselle!"

Berry barked, abandoning her food and rushing over to her side.

Xander and I followed suit, rushing to help her up. "What happened?"

"Did you miss a step?" Her brother frowned anxiously. "Didn't I tell you to hold onto the railings?"

"I can't see okay?" Giselle snapped all of a sudden, holding onto my shoulders as I helped her up.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" I asked, checking her knees and elbows quickly. "Where's your cane?"

"She doesn't use her cane at home," Xander answered, eyes painful despite his harsh tone. "You could have called for any of us if you had trouble going down the stairs."

His sister didn't answer, merely brushed her skirt and held on tightly to my arm as I led her towards 

the dining.

Giselle probably hates the stairs now. M-Maybe we shouldn't have chosen a two-story house.

I stole a glance at Xander as he resumed his breakfast quietly, eyes downcast.

Knowing Xander, he was most likely blaming himself for thinking that Giselle would be okay with stairs. And by the look in his eyes...I could tell that I wasn't wrong.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[X]

Xander's angel was not wrong indeed.

In fact, it was as though he had read Xander's mind at that point of time; for Xander was beating himself up inside.

Naturally, the man felt responsible for his choice. His sister was no fast learner, and neither was she a vocal one. He knew that he hadn't done enough to ensure that she was comfortable.

But little did he know that Giselle herself did not wish for him to feel like that.

The girl was left feeling slightly confused, and slightly disturbed. She didn't really care about the pain in her back after missing a step and sliding down the remaining steps on her bottom—neither did she notice the dull pain in her left elbow when she knocked it against the wall.

What she did notice however, were the heavy hearts over the dining table during breakfast. She noticed it so fast, and so well—it was as if she saw them.

She saw the hearts of the two she loved most in the world. And she felt their pain for a moment.

Perhaps this was what left her confused;

For she didn't understand how she could feel pain.

She wondered if pain could be seen,

Whether if seen, could it be cured.

If cured, would never come back.

She thought and thought; could not come up with an answer—and unable to put her feelings into words, she kept them inside.

Perhaps this was what left her disturbed.

That she—yet again—could not express her feelings.

"Eat up, Giselle. Here's your hot cocoa. There's strawberry and banana milkshake in the fridge if you'd like! B-But it's cold today, so it's best if you drink the cocoa," Chip guided Giselle's hand to the handle of the mug, a smile in his voice that spread warmth in her chest.

The girl couldn't piece together what the link between a cold day and hot cocoa was.

Why did she have to drink hot cocoa on cold days?

She didn't need hot cocoa.

She already felt warm.

For there was a sun beside her.

"I'm going to walk Berry after breakfast," Xander announced quite suddenly, cutting his pancakes into inexperienced, awkward shapes. "Then go to the office. You need me to pick you up today, Angel?"

"Oh no it's okay," His fiancé shook his head with a smile as he helped Giselle cut her pancakes into small, equal pieces, "I don't want to trouble you. I can take the bus home!"

"B-Besides! Giselle's coming with me to the bakery today," Chip added with a sheepish smile, "She'll be at home painting in the afternoon though."

There was a strange sigh that Xander thought he heard from his heart. Could hearts sigh?

For he felt relieved indeed. He'd never bothered with much of his life; merely took whatever that was coming his way.

But for once...a little planning wasn't all that bad.

In fact, he felt as if he had more control over this rock road.

And he'd thank have his Sunshine to thank.

"Hmm...I-I was thinking, should we move Giselle's room to the first floor?"

"We could move the storage upstairs and change that into her painting room too," Xander agreed.

"What do you think, Giselle?" Chip turned to Xander's sister with a smile, taking her hand.

It was warm.

Though quiet, Giselle was listening.

She was always listening, no matter what others have tried to say.

They always thought she didn't understand.

But of course, she did understand. Of course she'd understand instructions.

She merely didn't understand why she had to follow them.

And if she didn't, Giselle couldn't see why she would get scolded for not following them.

After all, the young girl had always thought that there should be a purpose for actions.

She, despite blind—

Would never follow instructions blindly.

"I like stairs," She said, quite suddenly—without hesitation.

"I like stairs."

She repeated, with a smile.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Xander."

The office was hung in a dead silence that trapped hearts as Xander Jaxon placed an envelope on his father's desk with a resolute smile.

"So," The older man raised an amused brow. "This is your decision."

Glancing down at the obvious intention of the envelope, Xander nodded professionally.

"Yes."

His father laughed in mock disappointment. "You'll regret it."

The resignation letter laid bare on the mahogany desk, Xander's final answer.

The younger Jaxon smiled with a shrug. "It's my decision."

"A foolish one."

"I know."

There was a halt in their conversation; as if father and son had never really known how to speak to each other in the first place.

It hung taut in the air—their inability to communicate.

The barrier that separated the two was now taller; stronger; thicker than ever.

And from there, a mask fell.

"You'll regret it," The older man repeated with a seething anger that stayed hidden in his being.

Xander laughed.

"What do you know about regret, Father?" There was disappointment in the son's grey eyes. And there was pity. A hideous pity. "You don't even have a heart."

And because there was nothing more to be said to the man who had abandoned his son and daughter; Xander Jaxon walked out of the office without a father.

For that—he was relieved, indeed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[Blake]

"You bastard."

"Sir—I merely used my eyes to observe," Ace responded with his usual wit, flashing one of his playful smiles as he implied that I wasn't using my eyes. Well I was, really—but I wasn't using them to look at his hand when we were playing rock paper scissors to decide who'd pay for lunch.

"You can't call it a close match when you throw scissors every single time," Ace added with a shrug as we entered the office building.

I rolled my eyes, checking the time.

It's only the start of the day and all I've been looking forward to is lunch.

And let's say this has been going on for merely...more than a month.

"The lift's here. Let's run for it—" I snapped out of my thoughts upon his voice, body responding naturally with a quickened pace.

Ah fuck I don't even care who pays for lunch anymore. I kinda just want to spend time with him.

Did spending time with Xander make me gay?

Hold the fuck up—since when did I spend time with that bastard of a friend? Nah...nah. Besides, Xander isn't gay. I've never seen him give a second glance at any other men here in the office.

Wait; so. Back to the question—am I gay? Relax Blake, you might be Bi for the matter. Argh, what do you care anyway? My heart asked my brain. You've never bothered about something as stupid as sexuality.

You've never even bothered to finish your math homework in high school, the heart added.

We entered the elevator; barely catching it before the doors closed shut.

"Close one," Ace confessed with a laugh, slapping a hand on my back. "Didn't think we'd make it, to be honest."

"Then why bother to suggest we run for it?" I leaned down slightly to flick his forehead, using my other hand to press for our floor—

Only to find that the button was already lit.

"Ace...?"

Too occupied with our own world, Ace and I had failed to notice the third presence in the elevator. My companion turned, smile disappearing upon the sight.

I sighed, thrown off by the sudden change in events.

"Wait—uh...Trudy? What are you doing here?" His eyes were wide.

My eyes narrowed.

He knows Trudy?

Ace wasn't aware about the collusion between the Jaxons and Stiltons. After all, he had joined the company as my secretary just a month ago. Trudy wouldn't poke her head into our department—not when she had other stuff to do like making Xander's life a living hell. What business does she have at our floor today anyway?

"Um. Ace..." She smiled suddenly, slightly awkward. "It's been a long time."

I glanced sideways, just in time to see Ace avoid her gaze. "Haha, yeah. Right. How are you?"

Great, we'll be having small talk all the way till the 36th floor. Small talk with Trudy. Just great.

"Ah, not so good recently. Nothing's going the way I want it to," She sighed, pausing. Then—she laughed. It wasn't a nice laugh really. There was way too much emotion in it; and they spoke nothing of happiness or sincerity. "But it'll pass."

I frowned upon hearing the addition.

Making a mental note to give Xander a heads-up on this bitch, I turned to Ace—eyes searching.

My companion grinned, happy for her. "Really? That's good to hear. I guess everything does get better, doesn't it?"

Ace was far too naïve.

His heart was simple. So simple and pure that he'd believe in almost anything.

"Of course!" Trudy smiled. And what was that? I blinked. It can't be.

There was sadness in her eyes; but it disappeared as soon as it revealed itself—hiding behind windows of darkness.

I would have thought it was a mere misinterpretation on my part.

"I can tell you more over lunch if you'd like," She added, tucking a stray lock of blonde hair behind her ear. "We could catch up."

Oh fuck no. She'd probably lie.

I wonder if she knows that Ace is Chip's friend?

Ah shit—

"Lunch?" Ace scratched the back of his head sheepishly, smiling in an awkward manner. "Oh darn—I'll have to refuse Trudy. Sorry but,"

Our eyes met.

"I'm having lunch with this guy over here."

He laughed tentatively.

"Sorry."

Trudy's gaze followed his, resting on me—as if finally noticing my presence.

She glared.

I almost laughed; it was amusing, really.

After all she had done to Xander and Chip.

Humans who wouldn't allow the happiness of another just because they didn't have it—were the worst kind of humans.

But...they were humans, after all.

Humans.

"Shit—sorryyyyy guys, I forgot to introduce you to each other—" Ace slapped his forehead all of a sudden, refusing to acknowledge the tense atmosphere in the lift.

You've got to be kidding me, it's only the 27th floor?

I almost sighed out loud. "It's fine, Snowflake. We know each other."

Ace blinked.

Trudy looked like she was in the middle of summer heat trying to prevent herself from exploding.

"Snowflake?" She hissed all of a sudden.

Oh...shit. Well—didn't see that coming. It just slipped out of my lips. I swear. Guys, trust me.

"S-Snowflake?" Ace echoed, blinking rapidly. The base of his neck was red. Haha, so cute.

"Aaanyway," I dragged, "We know each other. No introductions needed."

Well, I knew her; to be exact. I wasn't entirely sure if she knew who I was. Especially if she was so obsessed over nothing but Xander.

But she must've seen me talking to Xander a couple of times...

"Not really. I don't know your name," Trudy gave me a quick up-down inspection, and as if deeming I was nothing special, added, "I don't need to anyway."

Ace looked quite shocked. "What? Haha, don't be rude Trudy. This guy's Blake—"

The bell sounded, indicating that the lift had arrived at the 36th floor. "Let's go Ace. She's not worth any words."

Snowflake blinked. "Um, wha—"

I heard a snort coming from behind when I took Ace by his arm and led him out of the elevator, not bothering with a second glance behind.

"Wait, hold up Blake—I mean. Sir," He corrected, clearing his throat before registering the appropriate time and place we were in. I crossed desk after desk, nodding at the greetings thrown my way while Ace hurried to catch up.

"You never told me anything about you knowing Trudy," I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair. "You could have said something."

"Huh? How would I know you knew her?" Ace pouted as we entered my office, "Besides, I never knew she worked here."

"Yeah, well. Stuff happened," I fell into seat, edgy. "I'll tell you over lunch."

My secretary bit his lip, but nodded all the same.

He started running through today's schedule, propping up the planner in his arms with a serious expression.

I couldn't seem to get anything inside my head.

"Yeah—that's all. Um, Sir."

I nodded, requesting him to leave the planner on my desk.

Ace must have caught on that I wasn't listening, by the look on his face.

"She isn't that bad, you know," He grinned—the sort of sincere expression that held no lie.

I snorted.

"Yeah, she's like your sister, but worse."

"H-Hey!"

I laughed.

Vicky's fine. She's got a big mouth, that's all. All talk.

Trudy, on the other hand...

"Over lunch."

"Fine...Sir," Snowflake added begrudgingly. "And you still have some explaining to do. I mean—what? Snowflake?"

He turned his back against me, and I could see the nape of his neck was red from embarrassment.

I sighed. So cute.

...

...

GDI I'm straight for fuck's sake!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"No you're not," Jaxon's secretary said shortly, "You're barely on time. I've already let someone else in, so you'll have to wait."

I sighed, cursing under my breath.

It was unfortunate enough that I got the brilliant chance to see the devil herself in the office, but everything had been going downhill from that point—and it was barely lunchtime with Ace.

Leaning against the wall opposite of Jaxon's office, I waited for the poor person inside the lion's den to come out hopefully unscathed. To be honest, I'd merely come to submit the weekly report for my department.

But Miss Secretary over here never once agreed to pass any report to Jaxon on their behalf.

I was busy counting my misfortunes of the day when the door to his office clicked open to reveal an unexpected face.

"Xander?"

"Oh, it's you," My best friend remarked casually as he closed the door behind him. "What's up?"

"Dammit Xander must you act like a complete bastard every single time we meet?" I rolled my eyes with a smirk, slapping him on the back.

The secretary glared.

"Can't help it when I see your face," He shrugged. I punched his side.

"What were you doing in your dad's office?" I asked, slightly relieved that his eyes looked less tired. "More threats?"

"Handed in my resignation letter," Xander smirked. "Felt fucking great. I should have shoved it down his throat to stop him from saying anything about Giselle ever again."

The secretary cleared her throat, glancing disdainfully in our direction.

"Listen, I've something to tell you. It's about the...the you-know-who, but—" I paused, rolling my eyes when Jaxon's secretary cleared her throat so loud she sounded like a frog. "I'll tell you over the phone or something. Gotta submit this report to the other Jaxon."

Xander raised a curious brow. "Her?"

Then he frowned. "She didn't say anything to you, did she?"

He's worried.

After all, making Xander's life a living hell possibly meant using the ones he cared about.

Which, apart from Giselle and Chip; meant me.

The secretary coughed.

I shook my head. "Nothing. Even if she did, I'll be fine."

I mean, I'll just take her to some back alley and do some quick amendments to her face—ah but Blake my man you don't hurt women.

Dammit.

The secretary coughed once more.

"Yeah, like I'd have to worry about you," Xander smirked with a laugh.

I didn't miss the darting anxiety in his eyes—the storm that began to stir.

"That's why, you don't."

"Didn't say I was, idiot."

"Ahem!"

"You were obviously—"

"Shut up."

"AHEM!"

DAMMIT GO TAKE SOME COUGH DROPS— 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My usual routine of submitting reports to Jaxon goes like this:

1. Go in.

2. "Hi."

3. Place report on table.

4. "Bye."

5. Bolt.

Of course, things were never as simple as a mere 'hi' and 'bye'—it was Xander's father I was up against. Naturally, I was close to lifeless after his mini-interrogation, firing question after question regarding my department.

It wasn't an uncommon sight, per se, but it sure was draining for the mind to catch up with his relentless questions.

Unexpectedly, his final question made me lose my composure as I let slip a frown.

"Working for Xander?" I almost laughed. "Me?"

Jaxon raised a brow.

"Am I wrong?"

I held back a snort, running threw a couple of possible answers in my mind.

"Not really," I replied carefully. "Xander Jaxon is my superior, Sir. No surprise that I work for him."

My best friend's father shook his head, steepling his hands. "You know what I mean, Mason."

"I'd never work for Xander, Sir," A friend isn't someone you work for— "Not for that bastard."

He's someone you care for.

"And I thought you were his friend," Jaxon said with a smirk. "I guess he pays you well, then? I gotta say, Mason; I can pay better—"

"Sir," I fell short of a snap, rage caged.

Holding our gaze, I did something rather foolish.

Ah, but who fucking cares?

Love made one a fool and it doesn't matter whether it were feelings towards a friend, family, or partner—

"Perhaps you might want to consider that it's because I'm his friend—that I'm not working for him."

I walked out, quite sure that I had braced myself for anything worse.

.

I was wrong;

As usual.

.

I made my way towards the pantry with a tired sigh, groaning under my breath as I noticed that barely any time had passed.

Basically, lunch didn't seem any nearer than it was before. I decided to grab a chilled coffee from the vending machine to lift my spirits and brace myself for the day ahead.

Whilst dragging my feet towards the pantry, I couldn't help but overhear someone's conversation coming from my destination.

After all, I was intending to get to the pantry. It's not my fault if someone was talking really loudly there.

"No dear, don't you worry about the funds. I've got it all covered for you. Besides, I even found the perfect spot for your bakery," The person babbled on.

I turned the corner, expecting to see some office-lady bored enough to excuse herself from a meeting to discuss something with her friend—

Which wasn't entirely wrong, for the matter.

The moment I spotted her blonde hair, my heels turned involuntarily, seeking escape.

Wow, even my body knew that the sight of her was repulsive.

Dammit. So much for my can of coffee.

"Why? Don't be silly," There was a laugh, Trudy wasn't being all that loud but her tone was rather excited—like a child getting her favorite candy. "Of course it's because you're the best baker in town! Your cakes. Are. Amaze. I swear."

I paused, feet stopping automatically at the word 'baker'. It took me a while to realize that Trudy was talking to someone on the phone (yeah, I'm slow, I know) and that whatever I had been hearing was merely her part.

Well, unless she was talking to herself.

"Like I've said, I found the perfect spot for you. All you have to do is come over and I'll show you around. This franchise would be the next step of your career sweetie."

Ugh. I just want my coffee. Can't she talk somewhere else? GDI.

"I know you'll love the place. And the place will love you. Everyone loves your bakery anyway," Trudy complimented sweetly. I inferred that her persuasive skills were actually pretty good.

Just used in the wrong manner at times.

Ah but should I be caring?

It's none of my business...and I doubt she's talking about Xander.

Guess I'll just go three floors down to get coffee from another vending machine—

"Great. I'll see you on Friday then?" She sounded quite pleased with herself.

"Alright. No worries Rachel, it's my pleasure."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[X]

"I'm home Giselle!" A voice called out, "I got you supper from the chippy nearby!"

The girl knew he was home.

The door to her painting room was open—anticipating the sound of a turning lock and happy voice. Placing her brush in a cup attached to her easel, Giselle felt her way out of the painting room, leaving a sleeping Berry inside.

"Chocolate Chip?"

"Did you have fun painting, Giselle?" Xander's angel smiled, setting the bag of piping hot fish and chips on the kitchen top. "You must be hungry."

It was getting dark outside, windows laced with frost as the weather turned chilly. Giselle had been waiting for Chip, knowing that the afternoon shift at the bakery would end quite late.

She had been quite hungry indeed.

Still, Xander had yet to come home.

"O-Oh wait...Xan's not back yet," Chip paused, biting his lip as he was about to open the box of fish and chips. "Let's be nice and wait for him!"

Xander's sister grumbled. "But I'm hungry..."

The young man laughed, brushing Giselle's fringe aside gently. "Aw...how about some hot chocolate with marshmallows on top first?"

She considered that option.

Then deduced that it didn't sound too bad after all.

"Okay," She giggled, quite happy with the exchange. Her companion smiled too, for he was happy to see her smile.

The pair huddled in the kitchen, making two mugs of hot chocolate and raining tiny marshmallows into the drink.

Then—

As if she had heard the wind say;

Giselle asked if it was snowing outside.

Chip looked out of the window; and indeed, it was.

It was snowing.

Chip marveled at that. "H-How did you know?" He asked, pleasantly surprised. "Did you feel cold?"

To that, the girl had no answer.

She, too, was confused.

For it wasn't the cold that told her it was snowing; but rather...there was a warm and fuzzy feeling that she hadn't felt in a long time.

The warmth in her heart told her it was snowing;

And it was right.

Perhaps it was due to the special connection she felt with the snowflakes appearing from the sky. Or perhaps special things happened whenever it snowed.

Special things like miracles.

Special things like miracles—and angels.

Giselle sipped at her hot chocolate, chewing on a marshmallow.

"Can we go outside?" She asked all of a sudden, tugging at Chocolate Chip's sleeve.

Xander's angel blinked, worried. "But it's freezing outside! A-Are you sure, Giselle?"

She nodded.

"I want to see the snow."

She didn't say more—but there was a smile.

Her smile that told Chip that her heart had ran;

More than a mile.

.

So the young man held Giselle's hand as he brought her outside, settling on the porch steps in their house slippers with a cozy blanket wrapped around their body.

A shared scarf protected the two from the cold, and so did the mugs of hot chocolate that they snuck under the covers.

Together, they watched as snow collected on their front yard;

Ever so gently.

"Let's play a game," Giselle whispered, as if afraid that her voice might break the fragile snow—and that they'd stop falling at any point of time.

After all, she believed that snow was a blessing from above.

Flakes of beauty that fell onto earth, cloaking the land in a precious white.

"Okay," Chip nodded, lowering his voice to suit Giselle's. "What game is it?"

"Let's play I spy."

Xander's angel blinked.

He was confused, and slightly worried. But he smiled and nodded all the same. "Sure! That sounds fun. Do you want to start?"

Giselle shook her head. "Chocolate Chip should start."

Chip was beginning to feel anxious. He didn't know how to play the game when Giselle couldn't see.

"U-Um, is there a theme? A topic?"

Giselle shook her head again, grinning. "Nope!"

Chip laughed. "Okay then. I'll...um, start, then?"

"Okie dokie."

The angel cleared his throat, glancing around quickly.

"I spy with my little eye,

Something that is...

Wavy!"

"Is it brown?" Giselle asked straight away.

"Yes it is!"

"My hair," Xander's sister guessed without hesitation, laughing as though she found it too easy. Her companion's lips parted in awe.

"W-Wait. How—that was too fast!"

"One point for me!" Giselle laughed once more, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

The wind had seemed to die down, and the flakes of snow were falling slowly. 

Gently;

As if they were coaxing the land to sleep.

But amidst the silent night, were two warm hearts that spoke. Voices that were filled with simple happiness.

"I spy with my little eye,

Something that is furry."

It was Giselle's turn, and Chip was trying his best.

"Is it big?"

Xander's sister thought for a while. "I don't know."

"Um...is it the blanket?"

"Hehe nope!" She giggled, sipping on her hot chocolate once more.

"U-Um...is it the grass?"

"Grass is not furry!" Giselle laughed heartily, shoulders shaking.

The angel thought for a long time, searching the surroundings, and also his mind. "Uwaa this is so hard!"

He had thought that the answer had to be something that would definitely be there—even if Giselle could not see.

Something she was confident that was present in the front yard.

"Want a clue?" She said smugly.

Chip agreed, admitting that it was a tough one for him.

"I spy with my little eye,

Something that is warm."

The young man began to notice that Giselle's adjectives were not based on sight at all.

Ah, but of course—the girl could not see. Naturally, she would use words that would describe what she felt.

Still,

Chip wondered if warmth could be seen.

To Giselle, maybe—

"Give up?" His companion pouted.

Xander's fiancé thought long and hard.

"A-Are marshmallows furry?"

"Gyahahahaha!" Giselle laughed loudly, and the happy sound lifted in the quiet air. It would have reached the skies.

"Of course not!"

Chip's shoulders fell. "Aw."

"I-I guess I'll have to give up then!" The angel sighed with a smile. "I'm no match for you, Giselle."

The girl only smiled.

And silently—Giselle, too, wished that no one would take her sunshine away.

She said something in a small voice—

"You're just using your eyes to see."

"You know?"

"Chocolate Chip—

I see you."

.

And that was when Chip realized that Giselle had learned to see—

With her heart.

And that perhaps if we all did—

If we all used our hearts to see;

Then really, beauty wouldn't be in the eyes of the beholder,

But the heart of one.

___________________________

Then the world would fall into

A warm and silent cozy sleep—

Despite the snow that cloaked it deep.

___________________________

A/N: It's getting cold lately. Do dress warmly <3 I can't wait for Christmas :'D It's my favorite time of the year. The time of giving.

But what can I say?

The time of giving doesn't merely last for 12 days.

It lasts for eternity.

So here's a hug! O-Oh, and a cupcake. If you don't like hugs. ^0^/

I find it strange how I was intending to write that Giselle had Love in mind when she was playing the game 'I Spy'. But as I was writing, somehow...it turned out to be Chip. Giselle could see Chip, not with her eyes, but with her heart. And I never really thought about that. Somehow, there was someone inside me who told me to write it. 

I think it was Giselle.

I also think I'm tired.

Okay bye im dumb omg

-Cuppiecake

P.S Oh nu more Trudy!! *rolls out longer red carpet* *recalls previous comments* *places pie at end of carpet* *places a brick in it* *takes out all possible baking tools* *runs out of ideas*