It was Christmas Day, the 25th of December, one of my favorite days of the year. I nearly slid down the banister of the grand stairs as I ran to the kitchen.

Eliza wasn't there.

I wasn't worried though, because I had told her to sleep in this morning, even though she protested. After our little meatloaf fiasco, after which we resorted to balonga sanwiches, I was fully prepared to treat my beautiful girl to breakfast in bed.

Bacon, Sausage, Pancakes, Eggs, and whipped cream, the works! I slapped them onto a plate and tray, grinning widely as stalked up the wooden stairs.

Knock, knock.

"Room service!" I laughed as I knocked on her attic door.

"Come in." She spoke quietly.

I opened the door, bearing wonderful items of food. Eliza was sitting on the bed. Her hair was already fixed perfectly, she was completely dressed, and she seemed to radiate with energy.

"So, you've been awake for a while?" I asked, sitting on the bed.

Eliza smiled. "Well... I have an internal alarm clock. I tried to sleep in." She shrugged, and then her eyes drifted to the tray of food.

"Wait... is that for me?" She asked.

"Of course. Merry Christmas." I said graciously.

"Wow. I... Thank you." She smiled and took a bite. "Delicious."

I smiled as she did, and after a few more soft words, I left the room to leave her to eat in peace.

Eliza's POV

He doesn't know.

He hadn't heard.

I thought I had screamed it loud enough for the neighborhood to hear, but Edward had not heard me call Ludvig 'father'.

It was best he didn't know.

And it was best that he didn't know what they had been doing to me.

In time, I was afraid that Edward would see through my cheery demeanor, to the lost and broken soul that was within me. Secrets and sins would be my undoing, but that I could not prevent.

Edward cannot know. No matter how much I want to tell him, he can not know.

It would kill us both.

I finished my breakfast quickly as I bounced around in my own brain. The person I was without my notebook was not one I liked to be acquainted with. A lot of my annoying little tics began to come back, the way I would twist my wrists as a result of very minor Tourette syndrome, and occasionally a sniffing tic that I'd had since my younger years. Without something to occupy my mind, my thoughts were running rampant, and that description made me sound like a raving mad psychopath.

However, somehow, when I walked into the living room to see Mr. Richtofen with a daily paper in his hands, and snow beginning to pile up on the windowsills... all of those demons began to wash away.

"I hope you enjoyed breakfast, Eliza." He spoke, looking up at me from the couch.

I smiled, and it wasn't a fake one.

"I did. Thank you." I praised.

He smiled back.

I took a seat in the chair across from him, and began to fiddle a bit awkwardly with my thumbs.

I took a glimpse at Edward, and he had a look of curiosity upon his face.

"Eliza," he spoke, "what happened to your dress? The one that you made from the curtains?"

I looked at the hardwood floor. "I don't have it anymore... I..." I searched frantically for an excuse not to bring up Maxis. "I ripped it... so I threw it out."

Edward's expression fell, and he looked sad. "I loved that dress..." He mumbled slightly as he runbed his arm.

I glanced at him but couldn't say a thing. Suddenly, his pout broke into a light smile.

"No matter." He stood up cheerfully and walked toward the door. "Wait here. I'll be back in a moment."

My heart began to pound. Where was he going? What was he planning?

All of a sudden, a child's viewpoint scurried into my conscience. I was excited, for only the second or third time since I had been here. I felt like a little girl. Were there gifts, were there presents all wrapped in polka-dotted paper and striped packaging?

But my good and innocent thoughts never lasted long. Then came the fear of me being able to give nothing in return... and then I would owe him. Forever.

A few moments later, Edward returned, and confirmed my fears. A pit formed in my stomach as he carried in a plethora of items wrapped in green and gold, red and blue.

Even so,I couldn't help but gasp.

"Edward... no." Was all I could muster.

He smiled and sat down the gifts in front of my trembling form.

"Eliza... yes." He smiled.

I rose from my seat, and tripped in the process, falling onto Mr. Richtofen.

"Edward, no!" I exclaimed, ignoring the fact that his arms were wrapped around me firmly.

To my surprise, I was silenced with a kiss, which slightly helped in soothing my fears.

"Please... please accept my gifts, liebling... I want only for you to be happy." He said, helping me back into the seat.

I sighed and looked around at all the fancy gifts. "Thank you..."

Though I was grateful, there was still a knot in my stomach.

"Don't thank me... just let me see you open them!" He gave a slight hand clap and my fave turned red.

My father never got me anything for Christmas. Mother rarely had enough money to after he was gone... so in a sense... this was a new experience for me. The only person I'd really recieved an actual gift from was Tank.

I picked up the biggest box first, and couldn't help but smile as I did so.

"Largest first? I see." Edward chuckled. "Open!"

"I-I'm going!" I giggled, preventing a snort.

Edward's eyes softened substantially as I ripped the paper and crinkled the severed sheet in my hands. From what I had already revealed, I could see inly the white, smooth surface of a tailor box. I glanced at Richtofen, almost to ask if it was okay to continue. He nodded.

I tore the rest of the paper off and opened the box slowly. I gasped when I revealed a fabric within. I cupped my mouth and unraveled the blue cotton.

It was a dress, the perfect length, the perfect material, and seemingly the perfect size.

"To be honest, I don't know much about dresses or whatnot... but I'm pretty sure you could pull of anything, so I hope I'm not too crazy with the blue. I think it suits you... it'll bring out your eyes." Edward said, as if I could hear him over the panic in my head.

"Richtofen. This is..." I cut myself off as he eagerly awaited my sentence.

And for once, I had a change in demeanor. I wasn't going to break down and freak out... at least I was going to try not to.

"This is amazing... and I love it." Both he and I lit up. I smiled and held the dress close, for I really did like it. But the issue... might come with actually wearing it.

I pushed that from my mind and tried to fill myself with happy thoughts. For the most part, that worked, as I continued to cycle through the numerous gifts I had gotten.

The next gift was another box.

I opened the box to reveal a coat, along with a pair of nice gloves, a tobbogan, and wooly earmuffs.

I looked at the contents in confusion.

"It may seem a bit strange right now... but you'll see." Edward gazed at me with his hazel eyes. His lips twisted up in the smallest mischeivious smile.

I wasn't comforted... I hadn't been outside in nearly two years, not for more than twenty seconds. What made him think I needed these things?

I moved to the last gift of many, with caution.

It was a smaller one. When I picked it up, it did not feel lenient, and was inflexible in my hands.

Edward was already smiling wide as he looked at me with anticipation.

I peered over at him nervously as I tore the paper, and pondered on what it could be.

Suddenly, I had an epiphany.

I ripped the paper from the box and revealed what I had suspected. A brand new, black leather, hardback sketchbook, along with an entire kit of drawing utensils. Erasers, pencils, pens, and rulers, protractors, and the like.

I gasped, looking over at Edward, who had gotten up to take a seat next to me in his excitement. All I could do was shake my head in disbelief. The demons inside my head previously were slowly vanishing, retreating, as I looked at him with wide and watery eyes.

He grinned. "I hope you like it... It's not enough, I know, but-"

Whatever he was saying vanished from my thoughts, my memories. His words were a blur from that point on. He didn't know... no, he had no clue what this meant to me.

Tics gone.

Twitches gone.

Demons, gone.

Worries, gone.

But then what was left? Him. Edward.

And as cheesy as it sounds? He saved me... from myself.

Whatever he was going on about went straight over my head, as emotions filled my heart and mind. Before he could continue his ranting, I threw myself forth, wrapping my arms around him in the most thankful manner. Tears began to stream down my ivory cheeks as I pressed my lips into his, with every fiber of my gratitude.

At first, his eyes were wide and surprised, and I felt him tense beneath my weight. He relaxed slightly as I combed through his hair with my nimble fingers, and I felt his hands caress my waist. I sighed and broke away from him, out of breath only slightly.

It was uncharacteristic of me to say the least.

But I didn't give a damn.

Edward looked up into my crystal blue eyes, his hair ruffled and his breaths sloppy at best. Our faces were red as cherries that topped chocolate milkshakes.

His lips twisted into a smirk of sorts.

"So... you did like the gifts..." He chuckled as he held me on his lap.

I suddenly snapped out of my trance of lust, and cleared my throat. I considered inching off of him, but with the way he was holding me? Impossible.  

"I..." I looked around, regaining my composure. "Edward... y-you surely must know that I can't repay you for all of this..." I wiped my eyes.

Edward smiled. "Nonsense... this right here.. is payment enough." Edward sat up with me connected at the hip, and red faced, he spoke again, bringing my face closer to his. "Eliza..."

The next part was a mere whisper into my ear as Edward pulled me into a tight hug, causing me to blush even harder. "You... you are my Christmas present this year."

The tiny hairs on my neck stood up and he dared to plant a light kiss on the nape of my neck, leaving me nearly trembling in place.

My bottom lip slipped between my teeth, and my pearly whites sunk into the soft pink flesh. He didn't see, I didn't dare let him.

Dear God, my composure threatened to slip away more each second that he held me in his warm embrace.

Our eyes met again. Electricity shot out of his, interconnecting with mine. My heart swelled and I could see the sweet emotions swirling in his all but darkened irises.

Stop it, Edward... before I...

Ding, Dong.

I gasped and froze in my place, my eyes widening in sheer, raw horror as I looked at the door from the couch. Edward planted to the spot and looked mortified.

"Edward, my boy!"

Oh my god. Oh my god.

Edward looked up at me, terrified for a split second before both of us jumped off of the couch and sprinted to clean up the giant mess of wrapping and gifts.

My heart was beating at ten times its speed. We were dead. It was over.

I sprinting and carried my things to the attic and threw it all around.

"Edward, are you in there, son?" Two knocks.

I heard Edward rush to the front door as I hurried down the stairs and tidied to place, trying to look unsuspicious.

"Doctor Maxis? Sir, I... I did not expect you here this morning!" Edward opened the creaky door and greeted Ludvig as best he could. I watched the scene go down.

And then, my eyes drifted up to Edward's dark brown hair.

Oh my god. It was messy. I'd messed it up. It was a dead giveaway.

My heart dropped into my stomach, and my knees felt like buckling.

"Hello, Edward! We just thought we would drop by and bring you some food for your Christmas feast." Maxis pushed himself through the doorway.

Edward gave a confused look. "We, sir?"

Suddenly, a little girl in a frilly pink dress stepped through the door, her long. black, curly hair put up into a big ponytail. In her hands, she held a teddy.

"Uncle Eddie!" Samantha jumped at Edward, seemingly very happy to see him.

I suppressed a gasp and prayed for the day to take place without horrendous failure. Heaven help me... heaven help us.

Edward's POV

"Samantha... hah, hello." I hugged Samantha lightly as she gripped onto my pants leg.

Maxis smiled and a saw him looking upwards.

Oh god. My hair.

Maxis, to my surprise, began to chuckle. "Ah, Richtofen, I see you still have your bed-hair." He laughed as he made his way to the kitchen and sat down the brown bags he had been carrying.

Curse living this close to Maxis. Leave it to him to ruin a smooth moment.

I laughed a real laugh, simply thankful that he hadn't caught on.

I breathed in. I had apprehensions that Eliza's scent had stuck on me, which normally I wouldn't have minded. However, thankfully today her sweet musk had not lingered.

Verdammt. Stop thinking so much about her... 

I had felt too much back there, things were getting out of hand. My senses were tingling and still were then. I swear, two more seconds and I would have had a-

"Edward, the house looks great. The decorations are superb." Maxis smiled.

I cleared my throat and nodded. "Thank you."

Samantha ran to the living room as I joined Maxis in the kitchen.

"Well then, Merry Christmas, Edward!" He unpacked numerous items of food, and I began to wonder about his motives. He was being... nice. And it didn't seem fake like usual. "Tell me, Richtofen, where is your little servant?"

My body tensed. Oh no.

"I believe she is in the living room, Ludvig... why, shall I get her? Is there a problem?"

He smiled. "Nein. I just want to give her a Christmas present."

I nearly choked. He wanted to what? Give a Christmas present to the woman he had relentlessly beaten into submission just months before?

He took hold of a bag, carrying it to the living room.

"Not to worry, Edward, you have one too!" He laughed, sitting on the couch. I followed him, and I looked up at Eliza, who was in the corner, watching Samantha as she played around with her teddy bear. Her eyes screamed with fear and grief.

Maxis glanced to the corner. "Come here, girl." He commanded, with a bit of force.

Eliza looked up, frightened. She complied and hurried to his side. "Yes, sir." Her eyes occupied mine as Ludvig shifted through the bag.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Here you are!" Maxis threw a package in her direction. "It would seem I have started a trend... so I thought you could use some supplies."

Eliza shakily looked at Maxis, her very knees shaking in his wake.

"Open it." He demanded lowly.

She did as he said and opened the white box beneath the initial wrapping. She looked confused slightly, as she shifted through the box of... medical supplies.

I caught on quickly. I sick joke. I should have suspected.

"Now, at least you can bandage yourself when you mess up." Maxis chuckled. "I figure that Edward is getting the hang of punishment by now."

Eliza shut the box, mortified.

"And what do you say?"

She didn't answer, and I held my breath as the tension began to build. She seemed too caught up on something.

"I said, what do you say?" He grunted angrily.

"T-Thank you, sir..." She stuttered.

Maxis chuckled and I immediately felt sick. I had caused that by spinning a lie.

:Speaking of, Edward. Why don't you show me? Show me what you can do!"

I gaped at him. "What?"

"She always needs a little discipline... show her what that means." Maxis nodded toward Eliza, who was still staring at the floor. She looked up at me.

"She hasn't done anything wrong, Ludvig. I only discipline her when she steps out of line, sir." I spoke through half-clenched teeth, venom threatening to drip into my words.

He sighed. "Very well..." He looked at her. "Go make us a meal, wench." With one wave of his hand, Eliza was gone.

Suddenly, Samantha came crawling up, as I regained my composure.

"Eddie?" She said, peering up at me.

My vision snapped down to her. "Yes, Samantha?"

"Play with me?"

"Not now, Samantha!" Ludvig scalded.

I took one glance at him, and saw the disappointment in his young daughter's eyes as he commanded her. How could a father be so mean to his own daughter?

His own daughter...

I took Sam's hands. "Yes, of course. I will play with you. Do you have any more dollies for me to use?"

I heard Maxis sigh loudly.

She ran off, smiling.

"Edward, your gift." He said, a bit tiredly.

I looked at the larger box and nodded. "Thank you, sir." I faked a smile and opened the box unenthusiastically. However, what was inside surprised me.

A lab coat, with my name sewn in to the fabric on the pocket side.

"You've made it to the inner circle, Edward." Maxis smiled. "I thought it was time for you to have your own personalized coat... and I have decided that I am going to put you in charge of your own team of scientists."

My eyes widened. This was a great honor.

"Doctor Maxis... A-Are you sure?" I asked, feeling nervous.

Maxis smiled. "Do you want to know something, Edward?"

I listened to him intently.

"I have watched you... for a very long time. In fact, I have watched you since your mother bore you nearly 24 years ago."

This was mind-blowing.

"W-What? You knew my... parents?"

Maxis nodded and I nearly fainted.

"Your father was a well-known doctor, of course. He and I were around the same age. I seem to recall having a science class or so with him."

"Are you serious?" I asked in disbelief. "That's... incredible."

Maxis turned serious. "I am so sorry... about what happened to them."

Suddenly, my world turned black. I blocked off what feelings were surfacing toward my mind at this point.

"Your mother... it was tuberculosis, yes?"

I had no choice but to nod in agreement, gritting my teeth. "Father... couldn't cure her." I growled lowly.

Maxis paused for a moment.

"And your father-"

"Please. Let's discuss this another time, Dr. Maxis." I found myself interrupting, as normally I never would. He understood, and took it down a notch. He cleared his throat and place a hand on my back as I hunkered over my knees.

"Anyway... from that time forward... I kept a close eye on your endeavors. I kept tabs on you through high school, and also tracked your progress at Heidelberg University... all of your teachers said you simply were their most talented student. Then when you chose to become a scientist, with a degree in medicinal studies as well... I just couldn't pass the chance to have you on my team. And well, here you are."

So that was it... he knew me? All this time, he was watching me... watching my schooling. No wonder the letters came in so soon after I arrived back home.

"Well... I suppose this is a wonderful honor then.." I looked at the coat, unsure of what to say.

Maxis nodded. "I told you before... I have never seen such potential in a young man, not like I see it in you."

For once of a few times, Maxis sounded serious, and I couldn't say that I didn't thoroughly enjoy the compliment. I smiled.

"Well... thank you for this, Ludvig." I nodded. So that was the story. At least I finally knew.

Samantha came running in as I folded my coat back into the box.

"Come on, Teddy!" She giggled. "Eddy plus T. Teddy." She laughed again and threw a bunch of assorted dolls on the rug.

I couldn't help but smile at her little nickname for me.

"Alright, Sam." I lowered myself onto the carpet and grabbed a figure. "Teddy is here to play."

Sam smiled a grin with her small baby teeth. "You are the bad guy! I'm the good guy who saves all the people in the city! Yipee!" She picked up a small figurine that looked like a soldier, and held him in her left hand. She put another soldier in the right, and handed me a different one.

"So, should we play a game to save the city from the giant man who would otherwise crush it?" I smiled as she burst into laugher at the scene I was acting out with sounds of bombs and explosions.

"Hah, no silly! You have to be the zombies!" She knocked the man figure out of my hand, and gave me a mangled toy, one with torn, rotten looking flesh... and glowing blue eyes.

I looked at the peculiar figure, my face twisting into confusion. "Huh? Zombies..."

She laughed. "Yeah, Eddie!" She smiled, fake shooting my character with her toy soldier.

I scratched my head, and glanced up at Maxis, who simply rolled his eyes. That was odd. A girl her age should be playing with princesses and knights... not guns. And especially not... zombies.

How peculiar.

At any rate, I played along with her game. "Alright, Sam. But don't let me bite you! You'll get infected!" I moved the zombie closer to her soldiers, taking one down imaginarily.

"Ah! Don't worry! My soldiers will always come back! Only if all of them are killed at once, will they truly die!"

I laughed at Sam making up her own silly rules. "Well then, I guess I'll just have to get more minions!" I grabbed two more zombies, and Sam grabbed two more people, one of them being a girl, I think.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Maxis pick up the paper, and Eliza leaning against the doorframe. I glanced at her, and she had the sweetest expression upon her calm features as she watched Samantha and I play. I almost invited her too, but I knew what would happen.

"Eddie! Pay attention to the game!" Sam cried momentarily, causing me to snap back down. I laughed. "Okay, Okay!" I went back to fighting off her soldiers. I noticed her infinite shooting, which was taking out all of my creatures. "Goodness, do you ever run out of bullets?" I asked, just jokingly.

However, Samantha seemed to really think about it for a moment.

"Hah! Max Ammo!" She yelled finally and resumed shooting.

I rolled my eyes and just chuckled.

A shiny figure caught my eye next. "Who's this big guy?" I picked up a bigger metal toy, that looked like some kind of space gear, and had a person inside of it.

"That's the big bad zombie, he's got a flamethrower!"

I smirked. "Huh..." I examined the armor. "Actually... its not a bad design for excavation armor..."

"Hah! Caught you off guard, Eddie!" She fake-shot down all of my remaining forces. I pouted.

"But wait, you forget, Samantha! Zombies never die!!!" I exclaimed this, and then used my zombies to wipe out all four of her soldiers.

Sam burst into a laughing fit, rolling around and coughing. I found myself actually smiling... It was like being a child with her.

"Uncle Eddie, you are the best zombies player in the world!" She jumped onto me, taking me by surprise. "Daddy never plays with me..." She mumbled.

I pat her back. "Well... I'm sure you just let me win this time," I said, ignoring the sad parts.

Sam smiled up at me, and soon after that, it was dinner time.

After dinner, Maxis and Samantha left with haste, for Ludvig said that they had to visit someone else's home. As I locked the door after seeing them into the night, I felt tired. I was just glad that Maxis was finally out of our hair.

"Oh, Edward..." Eliza came to me, and already I was blushing.

"I am so sorry..." I said, embracing her softly.

She met my eyes with hers as she looked at me tiredly. "It isn't your fault that Maxis is obsessed with you..." She yawned.

I scoffed. "It seems to be that way. But no... I meant... for telling him that I punished you.... I-I didn't mean any of it I swear, I-I,"

"I know... You have to say what you say, Edward. You're good with people thank goodness.... I-I mean if you weren't... We may not be here today." I felt warm as Eliza tippy-toed to kiss my gently on the cheek. I beamed down at her beauty.

I simply held her there, in my arms, and watched the snow fall outside the dark window, where the gramophone lay. And then, an idea popped into my mind.

"Eliza... would you care to dance?" She pulled away just enough to look up deeply into my eyes. She fluttered her lashes and smiled softly, nodding her head.

"I would so love to, Edward." She spoke gently. I broke away from her for a moment, simply to start the music... obviously her favorite one.

Then came another thought. I looked over her.

"Say, Eliza... Why don't you try on your new dress?" I asked as my face heated considerably.

Eliza's eyes widened and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, blushing.

"I-I don't know, Edward..."

"Please? For me..." I prayed that she would say yes.

She faced me and nodded nervously. "A-Alright..." She disappeared to the attic and I waited, anticipating.

My mind still drifted to this morning. Such force and compassion Eliza had used with that kiss, Verdammt it was so unlike her. So... different. Just a taste, a mere taste of her sent me into shock. I couldn't imagine anything further, what nirvana would await.

Just then, a shuffling was heard, and I wheeled to face it.

Nein.

My eyes fool me.

I have been blinded... by an angel in blue...

I felt as if the breath had been stolen from my body, my lungs would cave in any moment. She walked into the room, like a goddess, with her hands in front of her and her eyes on the floor. Her face was red and so was mine, as I tried to control the tingling happening all over my body. Her curves, her simply braided hair, her fluttering eyelashes, her perfect, fair skin, her plump pink lips, her everything. Her everything was so beautiful.

"I knew I wouldn't look good in this... should I take it off?"

I advanced toward her, and she gazed up at me as I took her in. "Breathtaking... Leave it on. Leave it on." I grinned and kissed her lovingly. She blushed and looked up at me.

I fall in love with her more each time she does that.

"Thank you." She said it simply, and smiled. I laughed and started the music.

Oddly enough, I was more nervous than ever, yet in the same sense, more relaxed that I had expected. She laughed.

"Do you remember how I taught you?"

"I could never forget that night." I said honestly, gripping her small waist, that was cinched, allowing the dress to fit each perfection. The music began and I pulled my beauty even closer to me, so that we were touching. She wrapped her arms around my neck, closer than ever before. I could see it in her eyes... trust.

I stepped to the rhythm, as did she, and we shared many little kissed along the slow ride as we talked.

"Maxis gave you a promotion." Eliza brought up.

"Yes. He did... and he told me that he knew my family." I said to her.

She seemed concerned. "He did...hmm." She said no more about the subject, and I wondered if it was alright.

Soon, the song came to an end.

It was time... time to break yet another rule.

My heart was beating uncontrollably as our bodies separated. She smiled and blushed.

"Now... put on your gloves and hat." I said to Eliza, before she could sit down.

Eliza's POV

"W-What?" I asked, as he told me to put on the gloves and hat. I was confused as to why I would do such a thing. "It's not cold in here...." I observed.

"Please, trust me." He spoke softly, smiling.

I complied and trusted him, getting my gloves and hat, along with my earmuffs. "Here I am... Edward... what are you-" I stopped my sentence when I felt him shift a big coat onto my shoulders, and I put my arms into the warm sleeves. He remained silent while he put on his scarf and coat. He walked o me then, and took my hands.

"Edward...?" I asked cautiously.

"Eliza," He stated, matter-of-factly.

"Edward please tell me, what are you doing?" I begged.

Eddie turned to face me. "I'm doing something I should have done long ago." He led me toward to back door.

"Richtofen, I can't! You know I can't-"

"You can. I am your master. I am your lover....and you are mine. I cannot stand to see you this way. I can't stand to see you trapped like this." Edward lifted my hand, and his lips kissed my warm glove.

"But if Maxis finds out-"

"He won't..." He kissed my palm, causing me to blush. "He won't know. It's dark and the yard is fenced in." He opened the door and my heart began to murmur. For the first time in years, I stepped my foot out of that wretched house... and I felt the crackle of snow under my feet.

"Hold onto me... It's slick." He spoke firmly, as he held my hands.

"E-Edward...." I trailed off, not meaning to even call his attention.

"If you want to go back inside... tell me."

We made our way out into the yard, and already I felt like bursting. I was scared and I knew that was trouble.

But I smiled. I smiled so widely that you could probably see it from space. Snowflakes fell ever-so-gently from the navy blue sky, and I opened my mouth to catch one on my tongue. Suddenly, as fast as the flakes began to fall, my emotions began to rise again.

Edward looked at me, his deep eyes holding his emotions in check. "You alright?"

The funny part was, that even though the snow and the outside was beautiful, as marvelous as it was...

I still couldn't push Richtofen from my heart, not even for one second to enjoy the world around me.

Our noses touched when I pulled him close.

"You are so beautiful..." I sniffled, as he warmed me with his internal heat.

"M-Me? Hah..." He seemed to be flustered and it was so cute to me. "You haven't looked in the mirror lately, have you?" He blushed and I closed the gap between us, comfortable with him once again, for now. Blinded by the compassion of this man whom I had grown to love so quickly. It wasn't fair for him to be stuck with me. Some psychotic girl stuck inside her own mind for ninety percent of each day... but I was sure glad that I had him in my sad little life.

Edward's POV

Happiness was beauty for Eliza. I loved seeing her finally be able to confide in me for comfort... I wanted to be this person for her. I wanted to make her feel like she deserved all of this... no one eve had.

She suddenly began to shiver, as the temperature continued to drop. I grinned and grabbed her hands.

"Come," I said, a bit shyly. "You should get warm." I led her back inside the house and fixed her a cup of hot cocoa. I had her sit on the couch. There was on last, final thing I had to do for her on this Christmas day.

Her journal.

I stalked to my bedroom, where I had held the remains of her torn notebook for over a month. Each night I had worked on it, worked to piece the ripped and scattered pages back together, and back into their original positions. Of course, it would never be the same, but I couldn't let her lose the memories.

I grabbed the book, and after settling into my nightclothes, I came back down to give Eliza her final present.

"Eliza..." I walked into the living room, but stopped and smiled when I was met with the lady's state of slumber. I lay the book down on the end table, and went over to her sleepy form.

Do it, Edward.

Nein! What if she spooks... thinks I'm some sort of creep!

Desire is a powerful thing... and finally, I gave into it.

I slid my arms gently under her body, and lifted her into my strong arms.

You can do this. She is yours, Edward...

I began to step up the stairs and down the long corridor to my bedroom. The room was dark except for the luminous light of the lit moon outside.

I carefully and gently lay my sleeping beauty into my bed, and took a moment to congratulate myself on passing my fears.

I did it. Finally.

I shut the door, blowing out all the candles and shutting down the lights. Slowly and as quietly as possible, I climbed under the covers, next to her. At last, I was able to share the bed with my one and only... to feel her warmth next to me all night, and to keep her safe from all of her nightmares. I spent the whole night simply reveling in the fact that we could spend the night here.

Together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boomsauce! Two Updates in one week, plus my other book! Too bad that's not possible always!!!

Sorry guys, it's almost 5:00 A.M where I am at right now, And I have spent all night writing this... So I KNOW there are mistakes! Please ignore them and I will proofread later! Thank you guys so much, enjoy!!! :)

~Mac