Wow, it's been a long, long time... I actually gave up on this story, more or less, because of a multitude of reasons... exams, lack of inspiration, also I kind of felt like no one really cared to read it, to be fair. And so, I have to thank @xsehy3 for giving me the inspiration to add another part to this. Thank you, cherie. You're absolutely amazing <3 

Three months later...

I still can't believe I'm really living with Sebastien. Things have fallen into a pattern now; his coldness is so routine, I'd like to say it doesn't affect me anymore. Sadly, I've come to expect it, and he still makes my heart flutter. More, if possible. I'm sitting by my desk, browsing the internet. I can afford to be a little lazy. It's the Christmas vacation, after all.

The New Year is right around the corner, and I've never been one to endorse the whole 'New Year's Resolutions' jibber-jabber. I think it's pointless to set goals that are both unrealistic and you aren't going to follow through on all the way anyways. But still, I can't say I'm not hoping to start the year afresh. From Sebastien finding out about my crush on him...to Jake's betrayal... I sigh, propping my chin up on my hands.

I'm thinking too far ahead. Christmas hasn't even passed yet, and I'm already speculating about the upcoming year. I need to do my Christmas shopping. Well, to be fair, I had already gotten gifts for everyone...except Sebastien. I have no idea what a guy like Sebastien would use... or want.

I thought of buying him clothes...

"You think I'll wear this cheap, tasteless thing?"

I thought of buying him cologne...

"This smells awful."

I thought of cooking for him...

"How did you manage to burn the potato salad?"

And I'm not even a bad cook! Grumbling, I'm scrolling through the internet, not even taking in what's on the screen. Christmas is two days away, and I need to figure out what to get him. Wait...

Is he even going to get anything for me?

I bite my lip, and shake off the uncharitable thought. It doesn't matter if he's going to get me a present, I should still get one for him. I breathe in, and exhale, masking my yawn with the back of my hand. I blink in surprise at the laptop screen. Subconsciously, I had opened up one of my old Word Document files that had fantasies I'd written about Sebastien. I blush. True, Sebastien had thrown away my book, but I still had these electronic copies. The book was filled of fantasies that had consumed me in school, when I was around him. The documents were for the scenarios that had plagued my mind at home.

What to get for Scrooge incarnate...

I laugh. The image of Sebastien dressed as Santa Claus had flashed into my head. He'd be the grumpiest Saint Nick ever. Wait...

I think I know what I can get him.

*

Christmas eve night, I'm sitting cross-legged on the floor with Suzana as we make decorations to hang everywhere in the house. We had just decorated the tree with the Oshiros. I'm still smiling from the image of Sebastien lifting Yuuki to let him place the star on the top of the tree. It's been a while since Suzana and I had celebrated Christmas like a family. Truthfully, I couldn't remember if we ever did.

The phone rings, and Asuka runs off to answer it. Yuuki is watching us with beady eyes as we construct papier-mâché toys to hang, Akira is sitting at the table, peeling vegetables for his wife, and Sebastien is lying on the couch reading.

"Amaris-chan?"

I look up to see Asuka in the doorway, cordless to her ear, her hand on the receiver.

"It's your father."

I feel my face tighten infinitesimally. I stand and take the phone from her, walking into the kitchen.

"Hello, dad."

It's the first time we've spoken since the day Suzana and I moved in with the Oshiros.

"Hello, Amaris. I trust you and Suzana have been well."

"Yes." No thanks to you.

"Evelyn and I have opted to stay in Europe for Christmas," Cerin says, coughing.

"Good for you."

"Is that sarcasm, Amaris?"

"No," I say honestly. "I meant it. I think you all would enjoy it a lot more there than here."

There's a bit of a pause. Cerin is unaccustomed to me being this... pleasant.

"Well. That's not the response I had been expecting, but I am relieved."

"How's the renovation of the house going, dad?"

"Quite good, but it's still going to take quite some time. Eve keeps thinking of additional installments. She's really got an eye for interior decorating. And remodeling."

I sincerely doubt that, dad. This woman wants a showroom and museum, not a house.

"I'm glad you're sounding well, dad," I say, avoiding the topic altogether.

"So do you, Amaris," he replies, his voice sounding a bit warm for a change. "It was nice speaking with you."

"Yeah. Should I hand the phone over to Suzana?"

"Sorry, Eve wanted us to go out, and she's just finished getting ready...Another time..."

"Of course," I say, through clenched teeth. "Merry Christmas, dad."

"Merry Christmas, Amaris."

He hangs up. That's it. I have to admit, I'm grateful he didn't waste time by proclaiming affection to either Suzana or me. I'm not saying he doesn't care, but he cares about Evelyn a whole lot more.

"You alright?"

I jump and turn around to see Sebastien leaning against the counter, drinking water.

How long was he...

"Fine," I say, then sigh. "No, not really. It bothered me he didn't want to talk to Suzana. It's the holidays, and he's got about as much holiday cheer as the Grinch."

"That doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself."

And before I can ask anything else of him, he disappears into the living room.

*

Despite myself, I wake early on Christmas morning. I'm really excited for it after all. I love the holidays, the scent of cookies, and fruit cake, and turkey. Even though Suzana and I had never celebrated with a family, I had still tried to make it as festive as possible. We both did. I presume that Asuka and Akira are already awake, because of the cooking food, but I can still hear the fan going in Sebastien's room. Don't tell me he's still asleep!

I open the door and run downstairs, happier than I had been in a while. Yuuki and Suzana are sitting at the kitchen table, each nursing a steaming cup of tea. Asuka is checking on the turkey in the oven, while Akira is packing some of the used dishes. The domestic scene never fails to touch me.

"Good morning everyone! Merry Christmas!" I say cheerily.

"Merry Christmas, Amaris-chan!" Asuka replies, looking every bit as excited as I am. "Is Bas coming down?"

"Um, no, I actually think he's still asleep."

Asuka narrows her eyes.

"Could you please go wake him up, Amaris-chan?"

"Huh?"

"Go wake up onii-chan," Yuuki reiterates. "I want to open presents!"

"Me too, nee-chan."

"He won't bite you," Akira assures me. "I know Bas has a temper, but he's harmless."

Well...I want to open presents too...

"Okay! Be right back then..."

*

I pull open the adjoining door, and I'm surprised to see him curled up in his bed. He's obviously sleeping this time, not pretending like he had the one other time I'd come in his room without him knowing. He looks...peaceful. But it's Christmas!

I walk over to his bedside.

"Sebastien. Could you wake up please?"

Jeez, I'm terrible at this.

"Sebastien, are you awake?"

No response.

I reach out and touch his shoulder, gently shaking him with a finger.

"Sebastien, wake up."

His eyes open and he sits up, smiling at me. I blink.

"Y-you were awake," I accuse.

"I woke up the first time you asked me to."

He's making fun of me!

"Then why didn't you get up?!"

"You had to shake me first."

I clench my hands into fists, but Sebastien laughs, swinging his feet off the bed and standing. I swallow, looking up at him. To my surprise, his gaze lingers on me, and he smiles.

"W-what is it?"

"You look cute."

Huh?

I stare at him, bewildered. Sebastien reaches down and gently ruffles my hair.

"I didn't brush it," I mumble.

"It looks fine."

"You told me I have terrible bed hair, more than once."

"Today it doesn't look so bad."

He turns to go to the bathroom, and I'm about to run out of his room, but he stops me.

"Wait. Give me a few seconds. We can walk down together."

What the hell is going on?

*

The base of the Christmas tree is chock-full of presents. As per tradition, Suzana and I empty our stockings first. Yuuki and Sebastien decided to follow suit. We all got an assortment of candy and novelties. Sebastien scowls when he discovers the Rubik's cube in his; apparently, those are too easy. Pretentious bastard.

The real fun starts when we begin tearing gift paper off the presents. Suzana got me some new art supplies, Akira and Asuka both got me an assortment of clothes. Yuuki gave me an odd sort of drawing he did himself. I love it anyways. My heart sinks a little when I realise Sebastien really hadn't gotten me anything. Well, I feel better about what I got him now.

"Amaris-chan! I love the earrings you got me! You're so sweet!" Asuka gushes, then pauses, assessing the gifts surrounding me. "Wait, what did Sebastien get you?"

"Um, nothing, but it's fine-"

"Bas! Sebastien!" Asuka yells at him. "Why didn't you get Amaris-chan a present?"

But Sebastien doesn't reply. He's sitting, on the ground, looking horrified. And I have a sneaking suspicion why. He's opened my gift.

"What the hell is this?" he hisses out.

"I thought it would be food for thought if you saw what you'd look like if you had some holiday spirit, Scrooge."

His hands are shaking. I did a drawing of him; art was one of my favourite past times. I had drawn him in the guise of dear Santa Claus, complete with red hat, beard, and rotund body.

"I wanted to get you something you never got before," I say, smiling.

"You're really talented, Amaris-chan," Akira says, impressed.

"Talented?!" Sebastien chokes out.

I'm rolling around laughing. His reaction is priceless. He's staring at me, looking a mix of horrified, amused, and irritated. Typical Sebastien.

"Merry Christmas!" I cackle.

He doesn't reply. He's staring at Sebastien Claus, twitching.

*

Dinner that day was fantastic.

We're all sitting in the living room now, the TV on. Suzana has somehow roped Yuuki into watching 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' with her. Secretly, I believe Yuuki really likes cartoons as well. In true Scrooge-fashion, Sebastien is sulking on the couch, scowling as he reads a book. Akira is sitting on his chair, watching the show with them. Asuka hustles into the room, clutching a camera.

"Bas! Get up and come here now."

"What's wrong, oka-san?"

She strides up to him, shaking the camera at him like a weapon.

"You didn't get Amaris-chan a present."

"That's fine, oba-san," I try to cut in, but she waves me off.

"I want a picture of the two of you squished together."

My eyes widen. To my surprise, Sebastien shrugs.

"Sure. I don't mind. Just, only one picture."

"Excellent! Then both of you, go stand over there," Asuka points.

I get up, and stand next to Sebastien, woodenly. He puts an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to him. Jeez, my heart is beating over time. Asuka bends, and is about to take the picture.

"Nee-chan."

"Yes, Suzana?"

"You're standing under mistletoe."

"M-M-M-!"

I jerk my gaze upwards, blushing. Yep, mistletoe.

"Why is there mistletoe here?" Sebastien demands, moving his hand from around me.

"Oops. Lucky mistake. Well then, go ahead," Asuka says evilly. "Mistletoe kisses are tradition."

Sebastien looks so furious, and a muscle is jumping in his jaw. I feel partially responsible for his anger; this morning I'd really ticked him off. I place a hand on his shoulder, and shake my head.

"It's alright. You don't have to kiss me."

"You have to!" Asuka cried out.

"I don't want-"

"Forget it, Sebastien. The cheek is fine right, oba-san?"

Sebastien is about to say something, but I step in front of him. Tiptoeing, I aim to kiss his cheek, but I lose my balance. His hands steady me at the waist, and my kiss ends up brushing his collarbones. A sharp flash blinds us both.

"No!"

The picture shows me falling onto Sebastien. Oh well. At least we're squished together.

*

I breathe out a sigh of happiness as I drop on my bed. It had been a long day, but arguably one of the best Christmases I'd ever spent. I'd changed into my pajamas, a long sleeved flannel shirt and fluffy pants, and was just about ready to call it a night. The door sliding open surprised me.

"Sebastien?"

I sit up, feeling uncomfortable. He's got something in his hands, but in the semi-darkness of the room, I can't tell what it is. I flick the switch for the lamp. He leans against the desk next to my bed. Whatever he's holding is in the hand I can't see.

"I'm sorry about the drawing."

"Why?"

"You hate it."

"What gave you that impression?"

I gape at him.

"Your reaction?!"

"I was startled, sure, but it can grow on me. I've gotten worse Christmas presents."

"That sounds like a backhanded compliment," I mutter. "What's in your hand?"

I stand as I ask, rendering his reply unnecessary. He's holding a piece of mistletoe. I blink.

"Did you know there are 1,300 mistletoe species worldwide?" He asks.

"Well, I do now..."

What is he doing?

He takes my hand, and somehow, it's me leaning against the desk. The sharp edge is pressing into my back. Sebastien cups my chin, dropping the mistletoe on the desk, leaning closer. I can feel the warmth of his breathing on my face.

What...

The first touch of his lips...It's so much softer and warmer than I ever imagined. My hands hang uselessly at my sides, and I'm so stunned, I don't even respond to the kiss. He's undeterred; his lips are gentle, moving on mine. He steps in, closing the distance between us. His body heat engulfs me; I feel like I'm overheating, from the kiss and his proximity to me... his body is much harder than I'd ever bargained on. How does a genius even have such a well-defined body?

Slowly, I lift my hand to his, the one that is cupping my chin. I lean into the kiss, but he pulls back. My cheeks flush even more than they are already.

"Open your mouth."

"H-huh?"

Sebastien takes advantage of my parted lips, lowering his mouth to mine again. This time, the kiss is much deeper; and his other hand has curled around my waist. Oh my God, am I dreaming? Or is Sebastien Oshiro really kissing me? His fingers trail along my back and I can't help myself, curling my fingers in his hair. Murmuring in approval, Sebastien slants his mouth on mine, tucking my body into his; I can feel every inch of him against me. His knee is wedged between my legs, and when his grip on my waist tightens, I gasp. What he does next has me boneless in his arms. His tongue slips between my open lips and caresses the sensitive tissue on the roof of my mouth. I can feel his smirk. He knows exactly how much this is affecting me.

The kiss is so intimate, for a first. I lose track of how long we stand there, in each other's arms. His tongue explores my mouth entirely; it felt so hot, the way he was able to elicit so much pleasure in me. I've totally submitted to him. Each movement of his mouth, his hands, his entire body goes unmissed by me. The littlest thing, I feel. When he finally breaks the kiss, my lips feel swollen. I bring my fingers to my mouth. Damn, they are swollen.

"S-Sebastien," I murmur. I can still feel the heat on my cheeks, and I'm still incapable of moving.

"Bas. I think it's time you called me 'Bas', don't you think?"

"B-Bas..."

"That's your Christmas present."

A/N: Well this is stepping outside the anime! This is about the last bit I had saved on my Word Document I have this saved on that I always intended to put up on Wattpad but I never did... So yes, Sebastien is acting a bit... odd to say the least, but it'll be explained (I promise) in chapters to come. I will try my utmost to keep up with writing this... as I said, I didn't actually think anyone read this, so I didn't think my prolonged absence (getting longer with each passing day) would be noticed, but I was wrong... I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter! Please, comment and tell me what you think <3 I hope you all have an amazing day.   - Amaris