Note: This story is a sequel of  sorts to "A Special FX-Mas Story". I've taken liberties with the FX timeline by inserting an additional Christmas between the episodes, "Requiem For A Cop" and "Red Storm". I hope you'll still enjoy the tale! Happy Holidays!

Rollie Tyler yawned deeply as he snuggled under his doona, a wool filled blanket somewhat like a comforter. This was his four blanket doona and with the cold wind whistling outside, it felt especially good and warm.

Angie smiled gently and stroked his soft brown hair back. "Sweet dreams, Rol. Merry Christmas."

"Hmm... You too, Ange. Happy Christmas." The Australian mumbled, already slipping toward sleep.

Angie tiptoed to the door and turned off the light. She paused for a moment and looked at Rollie, seeing him by the blinking glow of the Christmas lights in the loft. "Sweet dreams," she whispered again as she shut the door. The blonde stretched and headed downstairs, intending to find her own bed. As she changed into flannel pajamas, she thought about the past year and the last couple of weeks. Last year, Christmas hadn't been. Not for her and not for Rollie. Last year, Victor Loubar had mucked up their lives royally. Christmas was forgotten in the aftermath. At least she had forgotten it... until over two months later. Her apartment had been a complete disaster and she'd decided to take advantage of a break between movies to do a major spring cleaning just a bit early. That was when she found the present Rollie had left in her apartment, sitting patiently on the mantle, waiting for her to discover it. She was pretty sure it had been there since right before Christmas, judging by the amount of dust that covered it. At least, Angie thought so, but she couldn't prove it one way or the other and she'd been too embarrassed to actually ask Rollie. And I never got him anything.

Angie had wanted to make it up to him this year by getting something extra special. Actually to make up for not getting him a present last year and because he'd been so patient and understanding with her. She'd been in almost as big a mess as her home. Almost, she thought wryly, remembering that marathon cleaning session. With her emotions swinging hot and cold toward everyone, but mostly toward Rollie Tyler. Some days she'd felt strong enough to take on the world, others she'd felt so brittle a gentle breeze would shatter her. Through out it all, Rollie had waited, patient and accepting - the yelling, the screams, the tears, the glares, the fury, the declarations that she could take care of herself, that she didn't need him and accepting the one time she'd hit him - hard! He'd sported a black eye for over a week from her fist. But did Rollie Tyler complain? Nope, not him. He accepted it all as if it was his due, as acts of honor and love.

Hitting Rollie was what finally got her to listen to Mira and go into counseling. She never wanted to hit Rollie, ever again. And, naturally, Rollie had gone with her. The blonde smiled as she snuggled under her blankets in the loft's new guest room. It had helped not just her, but Rollie as well. Who would have guessed that Rollie Tyler would finally find peace over his mother's death by going into counseling for his partner's rape. He'd found acceptance of his father's shortcomings as well. And all the other broken pieces of his life and hers as well. It had done them both a world of good and Rollie finally started to get a more acceptable amount of sleep. Angie grinned at that thought. Rollie had complained about that, about the time he'd lost to sleep, time he'd formally spent working. They were both actually doing so much better, Angie considered the possibility of actually thanking Loubar. The beautiful blonde giggled at that thought. What better revenge on Victor Loubar than to thank him politely for helping her and Rollie? He'd drop dead from a heart attack - and without laying a finger on him!

A little over two weeks ago, Rollie caught the flu, in spite of having gotten his flu shot over a month before. And being Rollie, he didn't just catch the flu. He'd been working his way toward bronchitis and maybe even pnemonia. They'd all been afraid he'd have to be hospitalized. Doctor Russell finally found some antibiotics that worked and the Australian slowly began to get better. And he was better, Angie thought with relief. He still tired easily and felt the cold even more than normal, but his health was improving rapidly now. If only she'd gotten a chance to get him a special Christmas present though. Too late now, what she had would have to do. Angie sighed sadly as she drifted asleep.

Rollie lay snug and warm in his bed, his thoughts drifting wherever they wanted to go. He yawned again and smiled as he remembered the evening. It'd taken quite a bit of doing, but he'd finally convinced Angie that he was well enough to entertain the kids in the children's ward at the hospital. This year, Mira Sanchez and Tony Rizzo had joined Francis, Angie and him. He grinned sleepily as he remembered the looks on other drivers' faces as they spotted Angie and him in their furry costumes. They'd dressed at the loft and driven that way to the hospital. The looks were priceless as they were spotted in their special guises, Angie in her cat costume and him in his kangaroo/elf/something not quite recognizble costume. Both of them had been in high spirits by the time Angie pulled the huge black FX van into the hospital's parking deck. The look on Tony's face when Mira dragged him over to the van and he'd seen them had been icing on the cake. He'd asked Tony, if the cat had got his tongue and then sternly told Angie to give it back. They'd all had fun with the kids, Santa and Mrs. Simms. It had been a blast. Everybody, except Rollie, sang carols with the kids. He didn't sing because his voice was still hoarse. But they all played games and passed out the presents.

Rollie's smile faded slightly as he remembered what had happened next.  Someone had hung mistletoe over near the Christmas tree. None of them had been paying any attention. Then one of the girls had gotten Angie's attention and the next thing he knew, she was kissing him. It was a gentle, chaste kiss really, but none the less a kiss. A real kiss on the mouth! His lips had tingled as she pulled away and coyly glanced up at the culprit mistletoe. Rollie might be Australian, but he knew what mistletoe was for, so he'd returned her kiss with a small one of his own. All of the kids had groaned and laughed at the kisses and he'd tried to shrug it off. But he still remembered it, still felt her lips, so soft on his. It had been... wonderful! But did that mean that they...? Oh, he was so confused again! Angie had held his hand as they left and got on the elevator. The others had been teasing and he could feel the blush rising up again. The blonde had smiled warmly up at him, mysterious and beautiful in her furry cat costume and he'd blushed so deeply, he was positive everyone else noticed it, despite his own fur. Then she'd spoiled it by reaching up and checking to see if he had a fever. Rollie sighed as he turned over and blinked sleepily at the dark ceiling. Like a mother hen. Guess she'd had good reason though. It was the first time, he'd been out of the loft since he'd gotten sick, except for quick trips to see the doctor. She'd worried about him. That was good... Wasn't it?

Oh well, Rollie thought, at least Frankie got to slip me Angie's Christmas presents. They weren't what he'd wanted to get, not really. But they'd been all he'd managed to get. Between work and the flu, he hadn't had a chance to go Christmas shopping. Thank goodness for home shopping channels! He'd managed to order a couple of things on the quiet and get them shipped to the Gattis. Even if they weren't the special something he'd wanted for Angie, he had something for her now. If he hadn't managed that, he would felt like such a heel for not getting her a present. Even if it wasn't his fault and she wouldn't have minded that much. At least, he didn't think Angie would have minded. She might have been disappointed, but she also would have been willing to wait. So tired. Rollie's eyes closed as he thought about going to the Gattis' for Christmas dinner tomorrow.

256 Brewery Lane was silent. It's inhabitants deep in slumber. Dreams of the coming day filled their heads and of Christmases past with friends and family now gone. Peace reigned the night, as fresh snow began to fall, softening the harsh edges of the big city. Nothing stirred, not even Blue, who was keeping a quiet watch.

The loud clatter from the lane in front of the workshop woke it's inhabitants. Bluey barked loudly at the odd noises. Angie sat up in her bed and looked around, startled and confused. Where was she? She blinked and tried to think around the sleep still befuddling her mind.

Rollie stumbled to the top of the steps and looked down. With a shiver, he moved to get something on his feet and hastened downstairs. "Window one, Blue!"

Blue barked as he obediently turned the monitor on and showed the scene from the camera outside of the main doors. The little robot dog growled softly, bewildered by the clatter of tiny hoofs. Hoofs? Rollie stared, gaping, at the sight of a large red sleigh in the softly falling snow and nine tiny reindeer!?! Reindeer? Santa Claus? Who'd done this? Why would they do this?!? He shook his head and regretted the movement for an instant. Santa Claus? Maybe he was still asleep... Maybe this was all a dream. A special, extra vivid dream? As if in a trance, Rollie walked to the doors and opened them, peeking outside.

"Ho, ho, ho. G'd evening, Rollie! I hope you don't mind me dropping in like this." Santa laughed and smiled at the Australian special effects expert. He looked beyond the lanky man to the blonde woman peering out from behind him. "Good evening, Angie!"

"S..San...Santa?!?" Rollie stammered. The voice was the same as their friend from the hospital. He was an odd man. They didn't know his real name and he'd given Rollie a special present that helped him recover from Leo's death the first time they met. Now here he was, outside of the loft, with a real sleigh full of real presents and pulled by real reindeer! The stunned man abruptly noticed a soft red glow from the nose of the lead reindeer and shook his head in total bewilderment. Rudolf? This had to be a dream! It just had to be!!!

"Yes, well," Santa humphed a bit, suddenly embarrassed. He gazed intently at the two special effects experts. "I was hoping you could help me. I seem to be having a problem with the latest upgrades to my sleigh." He smiled at the pair hopefully.

"Uh, problems?" Rollie asked, befuddled and confused.

"Yes," Santa confirmed with a firm nod, "problems. We didn't get a chance to test them properly this year, I'm afraid. Could you take a look?"

Rollie blinked at Santa, then at the sleigh. He noticed intriguing lights blinking and some even more intriguing sounds. He started to step outside to look when he felt a small hand grip his arm firmly. Startled, he looked down into Angie's concerned blue eyes.

"Inside, Rollie. If you're looking at that thing, you're doing it inside. I don't want to nurse you through a relapse." Angie spoke sharply, unsure of what was happening. If it was a dream, which she suspected, it wouldn't matter. But if by some great miracle, this was real! Well, she wasn't going to risk Rollie's health on the tiny chance. No, he would work inside where it was warm and dry or he wouldn't go near that sleigh.

Rollie looked at Angie, slightly hurt. He was just going to take one little look. That wouldn't hurt him. Why did she have to treat him like he was a small child without any sense? He sighed silently as Santa nodded agreement. As the pair stepped away from the doors, opening them wide, Santa expertly guided the reindeer into backing the ornate sleigh into the brewery. The reindeer tossed their heads and stamped their hoofs as they came into the warmth and the doors closed. They looked around with soft brown eyes, wistfully thinking about food.

Rollie and Angie looked wide eyed as they got a good look inside the lighted workshop. The Aussie stepped shyly forward and gently touched a nose. The reindeer snorted softly, then nuzzled his palm. Rollie grinned widely at the velvety touch. Angie chuckled and went to the kitchen. She returned with a bowl of apples and a bag of carrots. Glancing at Santa for permission, she passed some of the fruit and vegetables to her tall boss and they carefully fed a bit to each of their four-legged guests. Angie smiled softly as Rollie went to each one, whispering something in their ear. Whatever he said, the reindeer seemed to understand and they all nuzzled him gently, some even giving him a lick on an ear or his chin. Rollie looked like a child with wide brown eyes and a huge smile of delight. Life sparkled in his eyes and she realized just how much she'd missed this side of him in the past year.

Finished, Rollie turned to their two-legged guest and frowned slightly. "You said something about a problem?"

Santa nodded solemnly and led the tall, thin man to the sleigh. He showed Rollie how to get inside to the controls and quietly explained the difficulty he'd been having during his journey. Angie looked on, bemused, from beside the reindeer she was scratching behind one ear. A plate on his harness said Dancer in fancy script.

Rollie nodded his understanding and gathered up some tools. He slid under the sleigh, wriggling around until he could access the suspect controls. Angie's attention returned to the reindeer she was petting and she started when she felt a hand on her arm.

"Angie, I was wondering if you'd take a look at the guidance software. I'm sure you could improve on what my elves have done."

Angie nodded and followed Santa to the front of the sleigh. She climbed in and was soon immersed in the software of the guidance system. Things were quiet once more in the special effects workshop as the partners worked diligently on Santa's sleigh.

Two hours passed, before Rollie finally slipped out from under the sleigh. Angie popped to his side when he staggered slightly. "Rollie, are you all right?" Her anxious eyes took in his tired look and she chivied him over to a couch.

"I think that did it, Santa." Rollie called over his shoulder, even as he sank down, exhausted.

"I'm sure it did, Rollie." Santa responded, looking at the tired man with concerned eyes. He felt a bit guilty about asking Rollie to work when he'd been so ill recently, but who better to fix his sleigh? Who else would believe so easily and accept so readily? Rollie Tyler had been his only choice beside returning home. Tonight of all nights, Santa Claus didn't have time to do that!

"I'm done as well," Angie answered as she bent over her shivering partner. The floor was hard and cold. She should have thought of that and gotten him to dress more warmly. Perhaps spred a blanket to take the edge off of the cold. Thinking to get a blanket now, she stepped away.

"Here Angie." Santa held out a soft bundle to the blonde woman.

She touched the soft material and smiled at the man offering it to her. It was red and green, covered with Santa, his sleigh and reindeer. Just the thing for a man who remained a young child at heart. Angie carefully tucked it around Rollie and watched as he started to nod off. He was sound asleep as Angie sank on the couch beside him, gently touching his forehead, checking for fever. Finding none, she softly stroked the soft hair from his eyes. She sighed and her eyes slid closed as well. It had been a long night and...

Santa smiled softly as he wrapped another blanket around the dozing woman. Raising a finger to his lips to silence Blue, he tiptoed over to his sleigh. The lights in the old brewery turned off. As if by magic, the double doors of the workshop opened and the reindeer pulled the sleigh quietly out into the white night. Silently, the doors closed behind them, untouched by human hands. With a tinkle of bells, the reindeer began to pull Santa's sleigh swiftly through the new-fallen snow.

Angie woke slowly and smiled softly to herself, feeling the slow rise and fall of her pillow breathing. Her eyes popped open as she realized her pillow shouldn't be breathing and she looked around bewildered, to see Rollie curled beside her in one corner of the couch. What? Angie's mind tried to work out what had happened. How did they both get down here on the couch? She distinctly remembered them going to bed and she'd dreamt... It was so vivid! She'd dreamt that Santa had come and asked Rollie (and her!) to work on his sleigh. She shook her head and looked around in the dim light. "Lights, Blue." She spoke softly, not wanting to disturb Rollie, but wanting to be able to see better. The blonde stood and stretched, then turned around to get a good look at her partner. She gasped silently as she spotted the blanket from her dream. It couldn't be real! Santa Claus was a myth, nothing more. Surely it couldn't be real. She gently touched the blanket and almost laughed as she realized the blanket was a doona. Except this one, instead of being a plain natural like Rollie's, was patterned with red and green, with Santa and sleighs and reindeer. It must be new and had woven its way into her dream. She wondered where Rollie had gotten it, even as she glanced down at her own blanket. And gasped aloud. Her blanket was a soft blue threaded with gold. It was covered with angels blowing trumpets in honor of the day of Christ's birth. She gently touched the soft wool which wasn't the least bit scratchy. It was beautiful! Where had it come from? Where? Surely, it must be from Rollie... Who else would give her such a beautiful gift? It couldn't be from Santa. It couldn't!

By the time, Rollie woke up to the wonderful smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls, Angie had convinced herself it was all a dream. Rollie had gotten the blankets and she'd pulled their wonderful looks into her dream. They must of dozed off on the couch after he pulled them out and presented them to her. That was it. And then, she'd had that dream bringing in Santa from the hospital. Just a dream, she thought with a soft smile. Still, it was a good dream for Christmas. She smiled up at Rollie as he stumbled slightly over to the table, his doona still wrapped around his shoulders. His hair stuck out every which of way and he was knuckling the sleep from his eyes like a little boy. He looked so cute like that! "Merry Christmas, Rollie!"

Rollie yawned, then responded. "Merry Christmas, Angie." He sniffed appreciatively as he sat in a chair and she passed a plate of warm rolls and a cup of hot tea to him. He devoted himself to enjoying the sticky treat, his eyes slitted in pleasure. He looked, for the moment, a lot like Chiops with a special goody.

Thinking of her pet, Angie prepared bowls of food and fresh water, then chirruped softly, calling him to come eat. Chiops bounced out of wherever he'd been and came over, eagerly digging into his food. Angie gave him one stroke along his back and running up his long tail, before sitting at the table and breaking her own fast. She slid her chair over so she was sitting closer to Rollie and he opened his eyes and smiled at her. The blonde smiled warmly back as she bit into a goey roll. Together, they polished off the rolls, licking icing from their fingers.

Rollie sat back with a sigh as he drank his tea. That was good. Oh yes! That was good! He looked around the loft, feeling a deep sense of peace. He snugged the blanket that had slipped a bit while he was eating closer, then looked at it. Well! Where had this come from? Doonas weren't made like this, the Aussie thought as he examined the pattern, so it couldn't be from Angie. Then last night slipped back into memory. Santa had come! He remembered it and the little boy that was deep inside the Australian's heart smiled in belief. Only Santa could come up with such a special doona. They'd helped him fix his sleigh. He sighed softly as he remembered the velvety muzzles of the reindeer, then sadly as he remembered the presents he'd gotten for Angie. Why, oh why, couldn't he have gotten what he wanted for her? Oh well, too late now. "So do we open our presents now or wait until we visit the Gattis?"

Angie sighed as she remembered what she gotten Rollie wasn't all she wanted for him. Oh well, too late now. "Let's do it now." She smiled warmly as her boss jumped to his feet to head for the tree they'd put up together, right before he'd gotten sick. They'd gone out and bought a real live tree. It seemed appropriate. The large pot was a bit dry and Rollie picked up the watering can beside it and watered it. They would take it and plant it somewhere. Perhaps in a forest or maybe in Frank's new backyard. That had been one of the big changes this year. Francis had bought a house. The yard was a bit smaller than he wanted, but it was big enough for his family to enjoy.

Smiling shyly, Rollie curled up on the floor in front of the tree and passed one of the presents to Angie. He watched with anxious eyes as she carefully opened the gift and gasped. The gold pin with small emeralds and rubies was reminiscent of a wreath. While it wasn't what he'd wanted, it was part of what he'd gotten.

"Oh, it's beautiful, Rollie!" Angie reached over and hugged her best friend, pleased by the gift. She pinned it to her flannel top. She reached down and pulled out a box for Rollie. She passed the box over to him and waited with her fingers crossed as he ripped the paper off.

Rollie removed the lid from the big box and smiled warmly. He pulled out the soft white teddy bear complete with wings and a halo. Gently stroking the fur, he hugged it close than looked up at Angie, a tear in his eye. "An angel from an angel. Thank you, sweetie. She'll always remind me of you." One of Rollie's biggest fears was that Angie Ramirez would leave him behind. Somehow, he saw the bear as a promise that even if she left Tyler FX, she would always be there for him. He hugged the angel bear close and rubbed his face against it.

Angie noticed the unshed tears and scooted closer to Rollie, pulling him into a tight hug. Wistfully, she rubbed her own face against his soft hair and sighed as she felt his arms reach around her, holding her tightly. This was where she wanted to be, here with Rollie and beside him. She pushed away the memory of some of her friends' comments about it being time for her to get out on her on, to go after the so-called big-time and big cash rewards. Rollie Tyler and special effects were what she wanted. Not high paid computer jobs for huge companies that would never really know her and could never care about her. If that was what her friends sought in life, they don't know what they're missing, Angie thought as she snuggled closer to Rollie. Besides, she mentally giggled, her friends hadn't seen her bank account. Rollie and SPFX paid very nicely. They just saw the small apartment and no car. Not the bottomline of her account and the best rewards of working closely with her very best friend.

The friends separated with a laugh as Chiops chirred at them and tried to push his way into the hug. The cat mewed and rubbed his head, purring, first against Rollie, then Angie. He wove between the two humans, rubbing and purring softly, wanting some of the attention. Rollie chuckled as he gently grasped the cat's long tail and felt the soft fur as it was pulled away from his hand. "Rascal. Scamp." The Aussie teased, then reached under the tree and pulled out a box that said Chiops. He passed it to Angie, waiting for her to open it for her pet.

"Rollie, you didn't have to."

"I wanted to. After all, he's part of the family too." The tall man smiled as the calico cat with one white paw rubbed his head against his chin, feeling him tickle his bristles with his whiskers.

Angie smiled and pulled the paper off the small box. She opened it and pulled out the wind-up mouse. With a grin, Angie wound it up and sent it across the floor. Chiops yowled and pounced after it, twisting in mid-air as it changed direction.

Rollie and Angie laughed heartily as Chiops chased after the toy mouse, going this way and that, trying to catch it. A well timed swat of his paw sent it spinning under a workbench and Chiops stuck his head under it, reaching out with his white paw, trying to pull it back out. With a beep, it bounced away from the wall and came out on the other side from the cat.

"There it goes, cat! Get it!" Rollie called, urging the cat on in his hunt. He scrambled after them as they disappeared behind the couch.

Angie rolled on the floor with laughter as Rollie tried to tell her cat how to catch the toy mouse. She wiped the tears from her eyes as she tried to draw a deep breath. "Stop! Stop! I can't take it anymore!" She laughed as she gasped the words.

Rollie's head peeked over the couch to look at her, his face comicly surprised. "What?" He grinned at her and then stalked her, the way her cat was still stalking his mouse. "What?" He asked softly, right before he pounced and started tickling her. Angie howled and tried to twist away, then with a huge grin, began to tickle back. Now it was Rollie's turn to struggle, to try and get away from the teasing fingers. He roared with laughter, even as he tried to pull back. Angie pinned Rollie in place, kneeling over him. She laughed as Rollie squirmed and begged breathlessly for mercy. Noticing the Aussie was visibly tiring, she gave once last tickle, then pulled back. She laid down and rested her head on his chest, listening to the chuckles and gasps as he pulled in oxygen.

They lay together, relaxing and enjoying the day, drawing deep breaths to replace the air lost in their laughter. Angie sat up and smiled with delight at Rollie. Oh this was a good day! It had been too long since they'd just enjoyed themselves, just the two of them. And Chiops, she thought at a yowl. Then added Blue as he gave a startled yip.

"What's your cat doing to my Bluey?" Rollie asked, trying to peer past the couch.

"My cat?" Angie chuckled. "A minute ago, you were encouraging Chiops to catch that mouse toy."

Rollie grinned a little sheepishly, then settled back once he verified that Blue was all right. Chiops and the mouse had already gone past the spider-like robot and were in the kitchen area. "Merry Christmas, sweetie!"

"Merry Christmas, Rol!" Angie smiled down at him and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Rollie looked up at her, puzzled. "For what? I haven't done anything special."

"No? You've made this a special day, Rollie Tyler. In fact, you make every day special." Angie told him, her eyes wide and serious. "You're the one who helped me get past Loubar." She gently touched his face when he flinched at the name. "You are. I never would have made it through this past year without you."

Rollie flushed and looked away, but not before Angie saw the hurt and shame in his eyes. "You wouldn't have needed help, if it wasn't for me," he whispered softly, feeling tears burn his eyes once more. "I'm the one who brought him into our lives."

Angie shook her head and pulled him into her arms. "No, Rollie. Loubar did that all by himself. You didn't do anything, except be you and I wouldn't want you any other way!" With that fierce declaration, she brushed Rollie's hair back and kissed his forehead.

With a deep sigh, Rollie touched his head to Angie's and looked into her eyes. Seeing the truth there, he gave her a sad smile. Giving himself a shake, he pulled back and his smile widened, touching his eyes. This was a happy day, not a sad one. "I've got another present for you." He offered it, tentatively and uncertain.

Angie smiled at him and accepted the small box. She shook it, making a game of this one, trying to cheer Rollie back up. Seeing the anxiety in his expressive brown eyes, she gave up the pretense and opened the gift. Angela Ramirez paused for a moment, admiring the angel perched on the gold ring. With a sigh, she lifted the ring from it's spot in the black velvet box. Engraving inside the gold band caught her eye and she held it up to the light, trying to read it. All my love, for my lovely Angel. Friends forever! R. She marveled at the delicate work that had been done to etch the words in the small band. Angie recognized Rollie's work in the engraving and smiled warmly at him. She kissed him again, gently on the cheek, "Thank you, Rollie. I don't have the words to say it except, thank you." She wrapped one hand around the back of his neck and touched her head to his. "Thank you, my forever friend. I love you too."

Rollie smiled shyly, blushing deeply, pleased by Angie's response to his offering. It made up for the sleep he'd lost last night to get the words on the ring. "Thank you for being my friend, Angie. You make life worth living." He let the truth burn in his eyes as he looked at her. They were friends forever with all the love that entailed. It was enough for now. Maybe it would grow to something else one day, but they would find out together in their own sweet time.

Angie sighed and closed her eyes. Then slipping the ring on her right ring finger, she reached under the tree. "I have another gift for you, too." Now it was her turn to be uncertain and nervous. Oh why couldn't she have had the time to get him what she wanted! She felt silly and breathless now, giving it to him, like a little girl who couldn't find the words or the right gift.

Rollie accepted the long, thin box, his eyes bright with curiousity. They were warm as he carefully removed the delicate wrapping paper. Gently, he smoothed the paper out and set it aside. Holding his breath, he opened the necklace box and smiled as he looked at the gold chain and noted the charm hanging from it - a small koala. He lifted it up and noted the engraving on the back - To Rollie, love Angie. His smile widened as he noted the place she'd left for him to put his protective rune. Now, it was Rollie's turn to lean forward and kiss Angie gently on the cheek. "Thank you, Angie. Thank you, my luv!" His whispered words touched her skin and was followed by another soft kiss. With a sigh, Angie, remembering their stolen kisses the previous evening, daringly turned slightly and touched her lips to his. Rollie sighed as they kissed each other, gently, sweetly. His eyes were closed when Angie pulled back and gently stroked his cheek. They remained closed as his fingers touched his lips in amazement. Then he blushed deeply and looked down at his hands, then shyly back up at Angie. With a warm smile full of love, she took the necklace from his hands and slipped around to fasten it on him. She watched the charm nestle into the hollow of his neck, just above the rune he almost always wore. With another smile, she kissed the pulse point above the necklace and pulled back.

Rollie found he wasn't breathing and with a gasp drew in first one breath, then another. He felt light and ... The Aussie gulped as his warm brown eyes locked with her deep blue ones. "We... we need t... t... to get... get dre... dressed if we're going to the Gat... Gattis for ..."

"For Christmas dinner." Angie smiled softly at Rollie's stunned look. "Well, then I guess we best get ready. You do have the presents ready, right?"

Still stunned, Rollie nodded his head and watched as Angie gracefully rose to her feet.

"Come on, boss! Let's get going!" Angie laughed lightly as she pulled the dazed Australian to his feet and with a gentle push, started him toward the stairs. "Go on! Christmas dinner waits for no man!" She giggled as she danced on light feet to the guest room. Who would have guessed she, Angela Ramirez, could have such an effect on Rollie Tyler? Angie paused before dressing, wondering if her father had guessed what power his daughter could hold over his apprentice. Well, she'd have to be careful, she thought. Rollie needed to eat and she didn't want her friends to guess at her new found ability. Though, perhaps she'd share it with Sarah - later.

Angie hummed a carol as they stepped outside, heading for the pickup. She carefully placed the bags of presents in the covered storage area, then popped the locks and hopped into the driver's seat, pleased to find it toasty inside the truck.

Rollie paused and picked up a plastic wrapped newspaper that was leaning against the other door. He climbed into the passenger's seat.

"What's that?" Angie asked, mildly curious as she slowly left Brewery Lane and turned for the way to the Gattis. Rollie didn't bother to get the paper delivered. They were gone too frequently for it to be worth while. If he wanted one, he usually bought a copy at one of the neighboring shops.

"A paper," Rollie answered with the obvious, "it must be a holiday promotion or something."

"Oh," Angie turned on the radio, tuning to a station playing Christmas carols. The paper was forgotten as she drove carefully. The streets had been cleaned of snow earlier, but there might still be a few slippery patches. Rollie sat back and listened to the carols. He watched the snowy streets go by, wistfully thinking about home in the Outback.

Half an hour later, Angie pulled to a stop in front of the Gattis. She glanced over at Rollie as he unsnapped his seatbelt. They both slid out. She grabbed the bags of gifts and he, absently, grabbed the paper, stuffing it in his coat pocket. The special effects experts hadn't even reached the little porch when the front door opened and they were greeted with loud cheers and open arms. They gladly entered the warmth and cheer of their friends' home. The girls immediately pounced on the bags Angie was carrying and presents were rapidly sorted out. A short time later, all three were quietly playing with their new toys from Rollie and Angie. The men settled on the long sofa and watched with smiles.

Sarah grinned. "Dinner will be ready shortly. I just have a few more things to finish."

"Need any help, Sarah?" Angie asked, even as she thought this was so typical of a family holiday. The men sitting down and the women cooking and preparing things. Still, she didn't feel like complaining. It all felt so good and... normal.

"Thanks, Angie."

The pair headed for the kitchen unnoticed. Frank turned on the television and started looking for something good to watch. Rollie leaned back on his coat and was reminded of the paper he'd found. Deciding to put it to use, he opened it up and started to look for the television section. The Aussie froze, staring at the newspaper with wide eyes.

Frank looked over puzzled. "What's wrong, Rollie? Is the news that bad?"

"N... n... no," Rollie stammered. "It's The Australian."

"Oh, you decided to see what was happening at home?"

Rollie shook his head and stood up. He headed for the kitchen. "Angie, did you get me The Australian?"

"Huh? What do you mean, boss?"

"This paper, it's The Australian." Rollie showed Angie the headlines of the national paper.

"Nope, not me, Rol. Maybe one of your friend's left it as a Christmas present?"

"There wasn't any note or anything." Rollie scratched his head at the puzzle.

"Maybe it was Santa." Sarah spoke up. "Why don't you just enjoy it, Rollie?"

Rollie gave her a strange look, then shrugged and decided to sit at the kitchen table, as out of the way as he could get and still be with Angie and Sarah. Frank and Sarah exchanged looks and he went back to the television. Angie went back to finish setting the table and Sarah turned her attention to the turkey she had just removed from the oven. Sarah occasionally glanced over at Rollie as he chuckled at something or clucked his tongue in disgust. The Aussie was deep into the paper when she noticed he'd paled, then started laughing out loud.

"What's so funny, Rollie?" Sarah asked, curious. "Or is it something only Aussies can appreciate?"

"Nope, almost everybody should enjoy this," Rollie chuckled. "I think it's the best Christmas present, Angie or I could hope for. Frank will enjoy it too." He tipped his head to one side, considering. "Actually, law enforcement agents worldwide should find it cause for celebration."

"What?" Sarah demanded, intrigued by Rollie's declaration.

"Get Frankie, Sarah. I'll get Angie."

Wondering, Sarah went to fetch her husband. As soon as everyone was in the kitchen except for the kids, Rollie tried to look serious. Unable to contain himself for long, he broke into a grin from ear to ear. "All right, this is the Christmas edition, so it's yesterday's paper." He told them, then cleared his throat and started reading. "Canberra, ACT - Last night, hotel staff reported discovered a man with a broken leg. He appears to have fallen down the firestairs at the Canberra Towers. A staffer notified police and emergency services. Authorities became suspicious when they found the makings of a detonator and pieces of high-tech equipment, later identified as observation devices. Police have identified the man as Victor Loubar..." Rollie stopped reading as everyone else started talking.

"Loubar!" Frank exclaimed. "That's great."

Sarah chuckled, "Sounds like poetic justice. I wonder why he fell."

Angie stared at Rollie with wide eyes. "Are they sure it's Loubar?"

Rollie reached for Angie's hand and pulled her over. "Looks like it. They even have a snap." He showed her the picture and accompanying article.

Angie examined the paper carefully, "Well, it certainly looks like Loubar," then started to read the report. "Hey, listen to this. Loubar, allegedly a wanted criminal with international renown, was believed to be targeting one of the occupants of the Towers' penthouse, when he had his accident. Law enforcement agencies around the world are expected to make bids on extraditing him. Then it starts listing some of the things, Loubar's been accused of commiting - homicide, assasination, grand theft, espionage, industrial espionage, illegal arms dealing, bombings." She chuckled. "I think they've even got jaywalking listed."

"Perfect!" Frank answered with a twinkle in his eyes. "Here, can I see it?" Angie passed the paper over to the detective. He read a bit of it for himself. "Well, looks like you guys won't be worrying about him any time soon. Says here that his leg is fractured in four places and he's expected to require extended therapy." He showed the article to Sarah. "May always walk with a limp too." He looked over at Rollie. "Well, I guess you better be more careful, Rol."

Rollie looked over at his friend, puzzled. "Huh?"

"Well, Angie will always know it's Loubar, if he limps." He shook his finger mockingly at the tall, lanky man. "But only if you don't get one of your own. Better stop breaking your leg, Rollie!"

"I don't know, Frankie. That's asking a lot of Rol." Angie leaned against the Aussie's shoulder and grinned down at him, cheekily.

Rollie blushed slightly, then protested. "I'm not that bad!"

"Yes you are!" The others chorused, then laughed.

Sarah turned to her turkey again. "Well, while this is good news, dinner's ready. It's time to eat!" She glanced over at her husband. "If you would be so kind as to round up the girls?"

"My pleasure, my lady." Frank bowed to his wife and went to collect them.

Rollie stood up and followed Angie to the dinning room. "I wonder what made Loubar fall."

"I wonder who delivered that paper to you." Angie shot back. "Whoever it was, certainly brought us a good Christmas present."

"Maybe it was Santa." Rollie answered. "Only good? I'd thought you'd be ecstatic over the best Christmas and present ever."

"Nope." Angie answered with a mysterious smile as they stood under the doorway to the hall. "Don't get me wrong, Rollie. I'm happy Loubar's caught and as Sarah said it's poetic, but it's not what makes today the best Christmas ever or the best present." She ran one finger down Rollie's arm as he looked down at her.

"It's not?" Rollie's brow puckered in bewilderment.

"Not even close," Angie answered as she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his head down. "Not even close," she whispered. She gave him another kiss, this time lingering and warm. As Rollie pulled back, his eyes wide and breathing heavily, she glanced up at the mistletoe hanging over their head.

Rollie followed her gaze and laughed. "Well then." He pulled Angie close and gave her another kiss, picking her up as it grew with increasing passion.

That was how the Gatti family found them. "About time." Sarah declared softly to her daughters' quiet giggles.

Frank wrapped his arm around Sarah and pulled her close. "I don't know who left the mistletoe, but it was a good idea." He kissed his wife.