Only one word. Mistletoe.

It's short. I know.

-Meilin-

The Christmas party started. I could see people having a good time. They were either eating, talking, even dancing. I could even see Shane talking to Conor, something I thought I would never see.

Even with the happy atmosphere, I felt a bit trapped and had the feeling of wanting to be alone for a while. I quietly slipped away from the room and out the balcony, feeling the cold air. I heard footsteps approach and I turned to find Rollan.

"If you haven't known, the party is that way," Rollan said, gesturing from where he came from.

I rolled my eyes, "Thanks for the information but I think i'll stay here for a while."

"Well, mind if I join your little party?" He asked with a grin.

"Be my guest," I replied, playing along.

It was quiet for a while, a comfortable silence. Just him and I, on the balcony, on Christmas night, just watching the snow fall.

"So," Rollan broke the silence, "What would you want for Christmas?"

I was silent for a moment, "I haven't really thought about it."

"Why? Cause you had everything you wanted?" Though he tried to hide it, I thought I detected a hint of bitterness underneath his words.

"Well, more like I didn't really need anything more," I said, "but if there was one thing...maybe have a chance to meet my mom." I then let out a laugh at the idea, "Like that'll ever happen."

"What was she like?" He asked, curiosity clear in his voice.

"I wouldn't know," I told him, not wanting to sound bitter, "She died when I was born."

"Oh," was his only response.

After another couple minutes of silence, I decided to break it this time, "So, what would you want for Christmas?"

"That's easy," he replied, "Food, preferably stew, a warm bed, warm place, anything for a full stomach and being inside. I'd be glad for the change from the cold, freezing weather."

I had almost forgotten that Rollan used to be a street orphan, homeless and living in the streets. It all seemed like a long time ago since her father died or the Devourer War because of the whole Wyrm problem. Now I understood why he sounded bitter before. I was rich, had a full stomach, had a place to stay, had my father. He was homeless, lived in the streets, looked for food, had no family.

I had the sudden urge to just hug him right there but I wasn't exactly one to hug. I mean, I never hugged anyone that often. No one would dare try to hug the daughter of General Teng. General Teng himself didn't hug her but this is different. This is Rollan.

Before I could move though, someone else entered the balcony.

"There you guys are," Abeke looked at both of them, an eyebrow raised.

"What?" Both of us spoke at the same time.

"Nothing," Abeke said, "but you better come inside. Something's happening."

"What is?" I asked.

"Um, something between Conor and Shane," Abeke replied before slipping back inside the party.

I sighed, "I thought they were fine. I even saw them talking."

"Well, I am getting cold," Rollan said.

We both headed back inside only to see everyone still having a great time. There seemed to be nothing happening. That was until everyone began to grow silent when they realized we were in the room. I exchanged a confused glance with Rollan, wondering why everyone was looking at us.

"Hey guys," Conor called out to both of us, a mischievous grin on his face. Beside him were Abeke and Shane who exchanged a glance.

I had no clue to why everyone was still staring at us. That was until Abeke pointed to something above us. They immediately looked up to see what looked like a couple of leaves hanging on a hook above them. It took a couple of seconds for me to finally realize what it was.

Rollan's eyes were wide, indicating that he realized as well. His cheeks were getting red and I wouldn't be surprise if I were the same.

"I, uh," Rollan stuttered nervously.

"You can't back down," Abeke grinned, "I mean, would you want to lose your pride and back down with the whole of Greenhaven watching you?"

Well, I sure don't want to be known as the fearless Meilin who could fight a bunch of Conquerors and save Erdas but couldn't find the guts to kiss Rollan. Plus, it's not like this is the first time.

Since Rollan didn't seem like he was about to do anything, I took a deep breath and steeled myself. I then faced him fully and before I could have second thoughts, I took a fistful of his shirt, and kissed him.

I was aware of whistles and cheers erupting from around us. I was aware of him kissing him back. All I thought was that this was the best Christmas gift ever.

With the additional thought, This is better than a hug.

- - -

Merry Late Christmas! Hoped you guys enjoyed this one!