Can't Smile Without You...

Chapter Twelve: Mistletoe?

***Nuada's POV***

I was at Christine's desk on the second floor of her room that we shared. I was figuring out how to use this damned thing called "laptop!" I don't even understand the title! It's on a desk, not my lap!

I growled, about to destroy it when my rolling chair was pulled back a bit. I looked over to see Christine crawling under the desk, looking for something.

"What on earth are you up to?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Helping you. So you don't break my stuff." She chuckled and stood up, holding a cord of some kind. She plugged one end into the wall, the other into the unholy searching device.

With the press of one button, it turned on. I had been fiddling with it, trying to learn its secrets for over an hour. "Thank you, Chris." I said with a small smile. "You're truly far more intelligent than I." I bowed my head to her.

"Well, you're welcome. You could've just asked for help, Nuada." She giggled and walked down the stairs.

I was a bit surprised. Then...I started thinking...

***Christine's POV***

I was halfway down the stairs when I remembered something. "There's a Christmas party coming up, and Liz says that I can't just let you brood in here anymore." I said, slowly walking back up.

"What is a Christmas?" He asked with a sudden look of concern to my direction. "Is it about you?" He asked, it was funny to see him confused over such little things.

I giggled again. "No, it's a day for family, gift giving, gingerbread cookies, singing...mistletoe." I emphasized the importance of mistletoe.

Nuada looked more confused than ever. "I...remember killing someone once with mistletoe...what is the importance to humans?" He asked curiously.

I walked over to my book shelf. "You know...two people walk under mistletoe that's hung in a doorway, then...they kiss. It's a silly little tradition, Nuada." I chuckled, pulling a classic from my book case.

"Here, this might help explain...or you'll just find it funny." I handed him the book. Hopefully he can relate to Ebenezer Scrooge.

"Why would I find a...paigan holiday entertaining?" He asked.

"Ugh, just read it. There's a human men being tortured by spirits, so you'll like it. For now though, I have to go...Nuala wants to make a dress for me. One of her flowly elf dresses." I giggled and Nuada's eyes widened a bit.

"Alright...until later, Christine." He sounded almost disappointed that I was leaving.

I took a chance, I quickly bent down and kissed his cheek before going down the stairs, leaving his features to turn an interesting shade of gold.

"Christine! I-" He was going to scold me, but I was halfway out the door.

"Nuada, shut up! I love you." I smiled proudly at him, a bit of pink ghosting over my own features as I said it.

He looked absolutely flustered...I love it!

***

I was standing with my arms held out, Nuala was taking my measurements, Liz was lounging on Nuala's bed, her hands on her belly, her feet hanging over the edge.

"So, he won't even touch you?" Liz asked, staring up at the ceiling.

"Yup. He won't even hold my hand...I managed to sneak a kiss on his cheek earlier though. And I touched him. So he can't be mad about it." I said proudly.

"My brother cares deeply for you...I can see that much. Perhaps if you used your human tradition of kissing under herbs nailed to a door frame, he will have no choice in the matter." Nuala suggested as she began draping fabric, pinning it.

"Do you really think that would work?" I asked, wincing when she accidentally pricked me.

"I would suggest getting him drunk first...oddly enough with his temper, he is quite amusing when intoxicated." Nuala giggled.

"I...don't know...is it me? Is there another reason that he doesn't want to-" Nuala cut me off.

"I see the way he looks at you...He never looked at anyone else that way. I would not be surprised if he proposed." Nuala teased.

I blushed darkly. "I-...uh, I-I, duh, uh...wow. Seriously...?! Why-...did he say something to you?!" I felt my heart pound against my ribs.

Was she serious...?