Well, it may be a little early for christmas specs, but since a few other people are beginning, i thought i might as well start mine.
This is for KC for beta-reading for me (thanks!) and to everyone who replied on my last story! :)
Spoilers: Up to and including QOTD (might change later..)
No infrigment meant, please dont sue me, i'm just borrowing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{Louis}
"LOUIS!!!" Lestat cried as he came running into Rue Royale. I cringed. He was in one his moods. "I have a great idea!" I flinched again, this couldn't be good...and it was just starting to settle down. I sighed, shaking my head.

I looked up at him as he came bounding into the room, "What is it Lestat?"
He grinned at me, "A secret santa gift exchange for christmas!"
I raised my eyebrows in confusion, "Secret Santa?"

He nodded, "Oui, we could include me, you, armand, daniel," he babbled on excitedly. I nodded. This might be something good to keep him occupied, and gather a few friends, too.

"Ok, lestat, how would we set this up then? We would also have to gather them both together.."
He nodded excitedly, "Exactly! That's why its such a great idea!"
I rolled my eyes, "So do you propose just to call the two? What if they don't want to do it?"
He shrugged, "You call Armand and Daniel at the night island, I'll start getting everything together. If they don't want to participate, it'll just be you and me."
I nodded slightly, this might be fun getting together with everyone.
Standing up, and setting my book aside, I went to find the phone number for the night island.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{Lestat}
I was so happy Louis hadn't complained about my idea! He had walked from the room with a slight bounce to his step, definitely a good sign for me. In the mean time, I had to go get a tree for Christmas!

I knew how much Louis disliked the tacky Christmas decorations I always put up, but this year, I decided I would cut back. I grabbed my coat and walked out of the flat, closing the door behind me. I walked up to the Porsche and hopped in. I wondered if I'd even be able to find someplace to get a tree and all the decorations I would require. But, I had time, so I headed to find everything. Mayhap even a little gift for Louis.
I wondered who I would pick out of the hat, and what I would get them. Maybe for Louis I could give him a romantic night at home..some books, and a fire in the fireplace. For armand....well, for him maybe a night out on the town. Something fun for me, perhaps fun for him as well. Daniel, I'll give him a movie. Perhaps, Time Bandits, just to see some reaction. OoOOoOo, this will be such fun!

I read the minds of mortals around new orleans, and found a mortal looking at some beautiful trees. Yes, there, that was where I had to go. I followed the link of her mind, to find the most beautiful tree, for my beautiful one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I walked into lestat's study, books strung everywhere and even a few shirts hung about. It was a complete mess! I shook me head, I'd probably have to help him clean this up a little later, but now I needed the blasted address book. I couldn't quite remember the number, I thought it was 426-555-6722 but I wasn't sure. Wrong numbers are terribly embarrassing.

When I finally found the little black book amongst the rubble, I leafed through it quickly to find the number.

I had been wrong, it was 426-555-6721 Oh well...I had been fairly close.

Leaving the office, I went to find the switch to bring the phone back into open view. Lestat had been sure to hide everything modern from view in our little flat.

I walked past the kitchen door, and pushed a button.

A blender sounded from inside the kitchen...not the right button. I pushed it again and the noise stopped.

I continued walking down to hall, looking for more little niches and buttons to look in. I found another, and I glanced around for any stray blenders, and finding none, I pushed the button. Something popped out beside my leg, looking down, I saw it was the phone! Sweet Victory!!

I picked up the phone and dialed the number. I started to fidget when no one answered, but decided they may be out hunting or some such thing.

*RING*

*RING*

*RING*

*RI..*

"Hello?" A young male sounding voice answered finally, sounding slightly out-of-breath.

"Armand?" I guessed.

"Louis??? What're you doing calling unsuspecting vampires in the middle of the night?" He asked me, teasing lightly.

I shrugged, "Lestat wanted me to invite you over for a Christmas party of sorts.." Armand groaned loudly, "shh..hold on, I'll be right back, caro."

"Is that Danny?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied, "Well, when is this 'party' Louis? I really think I have to get back to Daniel."

"HEY LOUIS!" Daniel yelled in the background.

"Oh, yes! the party, Well, its a gift exchange. Lestat only explained it briefly to me. He called it..secret santa,I believe.."

"Okay, then, I'll call you tomorrow night, or you can call later when I'm not quite so busy. Good Night Louis. Don't let Lestat Bite," saying this, he hung up.

I smiled, I wandered back into the parlour to wait for lestat to come back. He hadn't told me where he was going.

I picked up my book, and settled into an armchair, to relax and wait.

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

{Lestat}

I finally found the tree lot, and just as the mortal's mind showed, the trees were all magnificent! Perfect for Louis.

I browsed through all the trees, looking for the best one. I knew I must find the one, and get it, no matter what cost. Money was no object (never was really..)

I came up to a tree, it stood a little taller than me, and looked perfectly straight. It seemed fairly healthy. Leaning over, to look under the tree to look at the stump. It was perfectly straight. Excellent. I stood up, to find the salesperson.

I turned, and came face to face with a rather plump lady. She jumped back, startled that I had seen her. I read her mind, to see if she was the saleslady. I picked up a dozen other things. One of the many was a picture of me, bending over just a moment ago, and the recurring thought, 'Nice ass'. But, she was the saleslady, so I flashed her my most charming smile, and inquired as to how much the tree was.

She looked me over, then tore her stare away, and looked at the tree. "Well, sir, this one is 29.99"

I nodded, I could pay that. I reached into my back pocket of my jeans for my wallet. Pulling it out, I took out a bill, not checking to see what one, and handed it to her. I heard a gasp, and looked up, again. "Sir, I cant take this...this is 100 dollars!"

"Of course you can, Cherie. Consider it tip." I replied, smoothly.

She shook her head, and mumbled about how large it was, than asked if I would need any help getting the tree to my car.

I shook my head, "No, I don't require any help. Merci."

She continued shaking her head, than turned and wandered away to find another customer.

I examined the tree once more, than picked it up gently, to take it to the car.

Once I reached the car, I opened the door, and set the 6'5 tree into the passenger seat. It was a tight fit, but would work for the ride home.

It took me quite a while to actually drive all the way home, which was good timing considering that every few minutes a piece of the tree would come over and tickle my ear, or my neck. Just sends shivers up my spine!

When I got home, I decided I would try to surprise Louis with the tree, first, set it up then go out with him to get all decorations. I'd end up with a lot of 'tacky' things that Louis wouldn't appreciate at all.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ************************************

{Lestat}

I silently made my way up the stairs, to the door. Opening it, I slipped into the parlour entry way.

There Louis sat, in the parlour, unsuspecting of me in the room. He was curled into a little ball, and looking intently at his little book. I shook my head, not truly wanting to disturb him, he looked so content at the moment.

I decided it would be best to warn him of my presence, so I deliberately made some creaking noises as I walked over to him.

He didn't even look up.

I kneeled beside him, and touched his shoulder lightly to get his attention.

"Lestat!" he looked up, shaken out of his little world, "When did you come in?"

"A few minutes ago," I replied, a satisfied smile on my face. He sighed, and marked his place in his book.

"What did you go out to get?" he asked me, looking over my shoulder to the doorway.

"Its in the car, "I said, and lead the way out the door. "I wanted to wait to set it up, than go buy the rest of the things with you." I added, on the way down.

When we got to the car, I opened the passenger side door and wiggled the tree out.

As it stood in its full magnificence, Louis stood there and stared. His jaw dropping to the ground. "Louis, close your mouth, cher," I smiled.

"It's taller than you, Lestat!" he said. I couldn't tell if it was in excitement or if he was worried.

"Yes, its beautiful, no?"

"Its so big.." he breathed.

I nodded, this was the best reaction I could have hoped for, he was speechless.

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

{Louis}

The tree was titanic! I looked around the tree, into the car, and saw there was nothing else in it. Turning to lestat, I inquired," Where's the lights, and ornaments for it?"

"That's what I want to go get with you. Now, help me get this up into the flat, then we'll go and get the lights, and the star, and the ornaments, and everything else." He was almost jumping up and down with his excitement.

I smiled broadly, this was perfect. I was surprised that he would allow me to pick out the lights, he always enjoyed the biggest, tackiest things money could buy...perhaps this year we'd have a traditional tree.

I looked the tree over, and then looked at lestat. "Do you actually need my help? It doesn't look too heavy for you..."

He shrugged," I just want to do this together. is that so hard to believe?" I almost nodded, but stopped myself, or he might lose his good mood and have one of his famous temper tantrums. I looked up at him, slightly dumfounded that he would want my help...I was still one of the weakest in the coven, he, of course, was still one of the strongest. Plus his ego...

"Are you going to help, or not Louis?" his tone slightly agitated.

I blinked, and picked up the trunk of the tree, leaving the more awkward part for him.

We proceeded to carry the tree into the flat, from there we couldn't decide where to put it. The parlour, in the front hall, or into our room that we now share.

"We should probably put it in the parlour, so the maids can see it." I suggested.

Lestat looked at me, then the front hall, and then the parlour. He nodded, "Sounds good."

We took it into the parlour, and leaned it on the sofa. "Ok," I said, "Where can we go to get everything now?"

He looked down at his watch, "Its only 9:30, Louis, we can just go to the Christmas 'superstore' in Frankenmuth Michigan."

"How will we get there? Fly?" I winced at the thought, flying with lestat's flips and twirls were not something I enjoyed.

He grinned mischievously, "Of course."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

{Lestat}

the horrified look that was donned upon his pale face showed the loathing he felt toward flying. I loved horrifying him! But still, there wasn't much other choice, we had limited time, and had to get the decorations soon. "Louis," I tried to explain it," there's not much time, and that's the best place to get everything we need! They'll even have stores open to buy some things we need at!" He started to shake his head frantically.

"Then you can go yourself...I don't want to fly, Lestat." He started to back away from me.

"Merde, Louis, we don't the casualty of having time! Frankenmuth is in Michigan, and that's a bit far away from Louisiana."

"I'm not going, lestat. No, I'm just not going!" He was holding his ground; he always was stubborn as a mule.

I threw my hands up in exasperation, "FINE! You want to stay here and rot?! Fine by me!" I stomped out of the flat, slamming the door behind me. I'll just go alone then.

Shooting up into the air, I visualized Frankenmuth, and the general area of it. Then, my body started to move Northwest.

Flying is a fairly boring task, even for the flyer, so i like to amuse myself by doing barrel rolls and dives on the way to places. I began to do my aerial acrobats, to get my mind off flying. And Louis, a little voice in my head hollered, but I shushed it before it could say anything else.

As I neared Frankenmuth, i started to think of louis. I began to question my reasons for having rushed out, considering that I had wanted to come here with him to pick out everything. Well, he hadnt wanted to come, god knows why, to the christmas superstore. I guess I'd just have to pick out ornaments and lights I liked..darn.

I landed close to the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, the best and most expensive hotel in frankenmuth. Only the best for the vampire Lestat. It was only about 11:30 here, so, I could still probably get a room at the hotel with a little mental "razzle-dazzle" if required.

Walking through the doors of the hotel, I walked up to the front desk, the man there, who was half asleep, sat up and looked me square in the eye, "Good evening sir. How may I help you?" he asked me in a well trained voice.

"I need a suite for seven days," I figured one week would be more than enough to buy everything.

He checked his computer, "We happen to have a suite available. What's your name please?"

I thought for a moment, remembering what credit cards I had brought with me, "Lester Wilde."

He tapped some keys on the keyboard, then looked up at me, "How will you be paying for your room?"

"Credit card," I took out my wallet from my back pocket and gave him my American excess, subtly checking for the correct name on it. He took the card, and put it on a little machine, and handed it back to me a few minutes later. He took a little plastic card and put it into another little machine. Turning it on, than off, he handed me the card.

"I take it you know how to use the keys, sir?" I nodded.

"I don't want to be disturbed at all, during the day." I handed him a few bills out of my wallet, "Yes?"

He nodded, "Of course, Mr. Wilde." With everything taken care of here, I went to find suite T.

********************************************

{Louis}

I watched Lestat stomp out of the flat, knowing it was my fault. He had just wanted to get decorations, besides, I've always kept it a secret from him that I get the pants scared off me when he does his flips in midair. So, he just didn't know.

I decided that he'd probably stay in the town for a few days, giving my enough time to fly up there. Luckily, I've been to Frankenmuth before, so I had some idea of where he'd probably be staying. The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, he's fairly predictable in some matters. His ego is one of the few things on that list.

I went to where the phone button was (remembering it wasn't the button by the kitchen..) and pushed it gently. Out popped the phone.

Picking it up, I dialed the number of the New Orleans airport, to see if they had a night flight to the Saginaw airport. They didn't. Hanging up, I tried to think of what I could do, perhaps call Lestat and talk it out, or just "stay here and rot". Neither truly appealed to me, but I decided the first one would be most beneficial.

I lifted the receiver to my ear again, and dialed the operator.

"Hello. This is an ameritack operator, how may I help you?" a high-pitched, feminine voice answered.

"Hello, can you get me the number for the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn hotel? Its in Frankenmuth Michigan if that helps."

"One moment please." My preternatural hearing picked up the tapping of computer keys in the background, "The number is 877 734 9320. Will that be all?"

"Yes, thank you. Have a nice.." She hung up, "Night." I finished. Well, at least I got the information.

I hung up the phone, repeating the number to myself. What would I say to him? Would I be able to find him? All sorts of questions ran through my mind. What if he didn't go to Frankenmuth?

I forced my fears aside, and picked up the phone once again. I dialed the number of the hotel.

"Bavarian Inn Hotel, How may I help you?" A groggy male voice answered.

"Has there been anyone checking in in the last hour or so?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid I can't disclose any information about our guest."

"Very well, may I book a suite? I'll be arriving tomorrow evening, after 9 PM."

There was a pause, "Yes, sir. We have suite P open at the moment. How long will you be staying?"

"6 days."

"How will you be paying for your room?"

"Credit card sounds good. I'll pay when I check in."

"Very well, sir. So we'll see you tomorrow night. Have a nice night."

"Good-bye," I replied, and I hung up.

Now what? I wondered. I could probably call Armand to borrow his jet....and maybe have him contact Lestat. Yes, I'd do that. I wonder what I interupted earlier.

Oh well.

I walked to Lestat's and my room, and brought out a suitcase. Might as well pack now, I decided.

Going into my small piece of the closet, I pulled out a pair of black slacks, that I had bought recently, and a black wool sweater.

I put it all into the small carryon case, and set the case in the front hall. There, that was done.

I went back to where the phone was, and picked it up. Dialing the night island again, I waited.

"Hello?" Daniel's voice answered right away.

"Danny?"

"Louis? Hey!" was his enthusiastic reply.

"Hey, I gotta ask you a favor. Do you think I could borrow the jet tonight?"

"Sure, but why? I thought the party was going to be in the townhouse."

"Yea, it will be, i think. But, Lestat got a little upset with me, and stormed out of the house. I made reservations for a suite in Frankenmuth. I think he's there right now."

"I gotta come with you, Louis. I haven't been to Frankenmuth in years!"

I thought for a moment. I really wanted to get to know Danny again, Haven't talked to him since before Memnoch. Plus, he might be able to help me plan some of this.

"Ok, danny. How can we get the jet to New Orleans, tonight if possible.."

"Oh yea! Well, it'll take about an hour or so to get it to New Orleans, so, it'll have plenty of time to make it. Might have to sleep on the jet on the way up to Michigan though."

I figured it in my head, about an 1 and a half from Miami to New Orleans, then about 3-3 and a half hours. It was about 10:45 now, so we'd get there before dawn than sleep on the plane. "Yea, we'd get there about 4-5 AM, I think."

"Kay, I just have to tell Armand, get some clothes and then call the pilot. Seeya in a few hours, Lou."

"Bye, Daniel." I replied, hanging up.

Ok, well, what to do until he came. Perhaps I'd go finish that book I was reading before the tree arrived with Lestat...

************************************************

I hung up the phone, well, now to tell Armie. What could he do while I was gone? I think he might need to visit his bra..children, Sybelle and Benjamin. Something, I would NOT do. I do not associate with those brats, but, that's another story for another day.

I went in search for my demon familiar, to tell him the news.

"Armand?? Where are you?" I walked quickly through the villa, calling his name.

"Right here, beloved." Came a voice behind me.

"Shit! Don't do that, Armand! Scared the crap out of me!" I turned to face him, in time to watch a small smile creep across the mask, he calls a face.

"You were calling, love?"

I frowned, "Yea... I'm going to Michigan with Louis. Need to get some stuff for this party of his. Ok?"

He nodded, "Yes, I believe I need to visit with Sybelle and Benji anyway. I'm long overdue for a housecall." I rolled my eyes, surprise surprise!

"Great. Will you call the pilot for me and have the jet ready to go to New Orleans in about half an hour?"

He considered for a moment, than nodded, "Very well."

I nodded, than turned around and jogged lazily to my room.

I grabbed a little case to put some clothes in and dropped 'em in. A pair of clean jeans, my KoRn t-shirt and my Guns & Roses t-shirt. That outta last me.

I picked up the case and went in search of Armand, again.

"Armie-poo!" He hates it when I call him that. "Armie-poo? Where aaaaare you?"

"Don't call me that, Danielle." Oo, I hit a nerve, he was using the name I hate.

"Sowwy, Armie. Where are you?" I called out, again.

"In my room, Danielle." His voice was dripping with annoyance.

I groaned, perfect time for another fight. Right before I leave, of course!

I nearly threw my hands up in exasperation. Oh well, now is as good a time as any.

"Did you call the pilot?"

"Yes." I waited for him to continue. Ok...maybe he wouldn't.

"When will it be ready?" I called.

"Should be ready by the time you get to the airport." I walked into his room, to see him sitting cross-legged on his bed. Cd's, Posters, and other memorablia strown everywhere on his bed. He looked exactly like a teenager at that moment. This reminded me of why I stuck with him, why I loved him dispite all the fights.

"Can I have a hug before I go?" I asked him, doing my best puppy eyes.

He looked up, and his face softened. He was always a sucker for my puppy eyes.

"Daniel..." he began.

"Yes!?! YAHOO!" and I scooped him into my arms, swinging him around in circles with me.

He laughed, "Ok, Danny, put me down," He face was open now, I loved him even more when he was like this. I set him down, and looked into his eyes.

"I'll see you in less than a week, yes?" I asked.

He nodded, "Goodbye Daniel." I waved, and literally bounced out the door, so high on life was I.

I meandered to the Lamborgini, and unlocked the door with a mental command. I got in and went to the airport. Only a few hours before I'd see Lou again!

~~~~~~~~!~~~~~~~~~~~!~~~~~~~~~~~!~~~~~~~~~~~!~~~~~~~~~~!

Dear Mom...

No..that wouldn't work. I ripped the paper off the conveniant little pad of paper the hotel gave me.

Dear Gabrielle,

Yes, I have finally found your whereabouts. Amazing, non?

feeling the need to communicate with my favorite mother in the whole preternatural world. Will you write me and tell me of some of your safaries?

I loved that word. Safaries, soounds so exotic...back to the letter.

I would love to hear from you, and I'm sure you have the address for the Rue Royale in New Orleans. If you do not, I'll have it at the bottom of this letter. Well, I'm afraid I haven't much else to tell you, S.W.A.K.

Lestat.

I crossed my T's expertly, enjoying how it felt to use my real name in a signature.

Now what could I do. I still had a while before dawn. I looked around, and got my leather jacket. I'd take a walk around town, look at the ornaments set around the christmas store, things of that nature.

Walking out of the hotel, past the now-sleeping desk clerk, I wandered over to Bronner's, to look at the various light displays they had. They were thankfully still turned on.

The reindeer leading santa's sleigh, and the Snowmen set up around the store were all very cute. As I wandered, I remembered Claudia, and how she had always liked the candles that would light the wreath's we had hung up around the flat. Perhaps I would get some faux candles to put on the tree this year. Yes, I decided, A 19th Century motiff would be perfect for the gathering at Rue Royale.

**********************************************************

{Daniel}

I drove to the airport, and was there in a few minutes. I climbed up the narrow staircase into the jet, and sat down in one of the many chairs Armand had designed for the jet. All very luxorious, I sat down in the la-z-boy. My favorite. I would have one at the villa, but armand won't allow it. 'It will throw off my entire design, Daniel.' Or, 'Those things are hideous, Daniel.' Everytime I'd just roll my eyes and buy one anyway, only to have it thrown out a few days later.

"We'll be in New Orleans in about an hour and a half, Mr Molloy."

"Ok, Connie." The engines started, I buckled the special seatbelt I had installed onto the recliner.

Looking out the large window at the night sky. All the stars, only beautiful to some. Beautiful to me when I look at it in the right light. I gave up the endless blue sky to stay with my love, Armand, forever. The night is always beautiful when I remember that one true fact.

I must have dozed off while I was watching the stars, because suddenly I felt someone shaking me, and I heard Connie's voice saying, "Mr. Molloy, wake up, we've arrived in New Orleans. Mr. Molloy..."

I opened my eyes and was met with Connie's vibrant green eyes. Not quite as glittering as Louis's, but they were a close second. "I'm up! I'm up, Connie." I grinned sleepily at her.

She rolled her eyes, "I'll call a cab if you like.."

I thought about that for a moment, take a cab and squirm around impatiently waiting to see Lou again, or try to walk it, and get hit by a Semi. Second one was oh so very tempting, but, not tonight, I had a buddy to meet. "Yea, call a cab."

She nodded, and scurried back up to the cockpit to use the phone there. I grabbed my coat that I keep on the jet, and walked up to the cockpit to see where I was meeting the cab.

Connie stuck her head out of the cockpit and looked at me, "It'll be around the front of the airport any minute." I nodded, and headed out the door, and down the already set up staircase.

"I'll be back later," I yelled up to her. She nodded and made a shooing motion with her hands. I grinned and set off to find the front of the airport. Their so confusing these days.

When I finally made it through all the airport, I saw the little cab company I always use. I walked up to the blue cab and looked in at the driver, "Was this cab called by my pilot for me, Danny Molloy?" The guy looked at me and nodded his head.

I opened the back door and closed it, "Take me to the Cafe du Monde, please." He started up the engine, and took off to the cafe. I didn't know the exact address for Louis's apartment, but I knew the way from the Cafe du Munde.

I watched the scenery outside the cab go by quickly. Then the cab stopped, and I was thrown forward into the seat. OUCH!

I sat back up and glared at the driver, he looked right back through the rear-view mirror with a smug look on his face. I'll fly back to the airport before I drive with this guy again, I decided.

I handed him a twenty dollar bill, and got out of the car. I started walking with preternatural speed towards the Rue Royale.

***************************************** {Daniel}

I arrived at Rue Royale after a small jaunt through the french quarter, and saw Louis's unmistakable townhouse. It was one of the few in the quarter which are in almost perfect condition. Those two spend so much money keeping that house in close to perfect condition, because of the New Orlean's humidity and the swamp land it was built on. Walking up the stairs to the main door, I knocked.

The door opened a crack, and an emerald orb peeked through the crack. "DANNY!" He screeched, opening the door and giving me a bear hug.

"Hey Lou!" I said, returning the hug and holding him tight. When he pulled back, I let go immediatly, not wanting to piss him off.

"Ready to go?" I asked.

He nodded, and ducked back inside momentarily. When he reappeared, he had a small suitcase. "How are we getting back to the airport?" He inquired.

Daniel smacked his forehead, "Of course!" He groaned, he hated flying. He had just found out he COULD after he had met back up with Armand. "We'll have to fly the short distance." Louis's muscles all went taunt as soon as I uttered these words.

"Uh...fly, as in off the ground? above the city?" He said, nervously.

I nodded grimly, "It won't be a long flight, Louis..."

He looked over my head for a moment, he looked like he was about to faint. Finally, he nodded weakly.

I looked at him once more, and then turned and walked back down the stairs so we could take off outside.

I offered my arm to Louis, when we got outside, and he took it. Wrapping my other arm around his waist while he gripped my arm, we made the short flight to my jet.

Landing close enough for convieniance, but far enough to not arouse suspicion, we walked up to the jet.

"I'm back Connie!" I yelled over the sound of engines. She poked her head out from the door, and beckoned me up. Her gaze lingered on Louis. Almost always the same reaction with him. They always fell in love with his looks, haven't met one yet who hasn't.

He had to pull Louis onto the jet, and had to buckle him in. He looked into Louis's vacant eyes with concern, "Lou? You there?" He blinked, and his eyes came back into focus.

"Yes, I'm fine, Daniel. Thanks."

I glanced at him, and turning to the chair across from him, I sat down. He was looking out the window at the night sky. "Are you and your guest ready?" Connie's speaker voice asked.

"Yes, Connie. Ready, Louis?"

He looked over at me slowly, and nodded. The engines started up again, and very soon we were heading off into the Northeast.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

{Louis}

I couldn't believed I had flown with Daniel, but not Lestat. True, it was a very short flight, but still.

I think Daniel was worried about me, because he kept glancing over at me. "Got an playing cards?" I asked finally, tired of the tense silence.

He nodded, and stood up to get them. I looked around, wondering where we could play a game of poker, a game I enjoyed with Lestat.

He came back with the cards and started looking around as well. "How about the floor?" He suggested. I let my self out of the seat and settled onto the floor between the chairs we had formally seated ourselves in. He sat in front of me and started to shuffle the deck of cards.

"No mind reading," I murmured to him. He looked up innocently from his shuffling.

"You wouldn't think that I'd try to cheat, would you Lou?" I just smiled.

After he had passed out the cards, we decided it would be a game with only draw.

My hand, a queen of hearts, a queen of clubs, a queen of diamonds, a two of clubs, and a five of diamonds was good, but I decided I could try for the fourth queen. Putting the two and the five down, I felt the touch of Daniel's mind on the edge of my. I looked up, "You wouldn't be trying to cheat, would you?" I asked him with a smug look on my face. He looked surprised that I had felt his attempt to see my cards. "I'm not quite that weak, Daniel." I said, pushing him lightly.

He grinned, "Sorry, Lou. But, I had to try it.." I shook my head, and drew my two cards.

"What have you got?" He asked, after drawing his cards.

I layed down my three queens, and the two extra cards. He frowned, and laid down a three of clubs, a three of hearts, the other queen, an ace of diamonds, and a king of spades.

The rest of the flight was spent in a similar fashion, until I felt the dawn start to creep up on me.

"I'm afraid I must retire soon, Daniel." I said after what must have been our fiftieth game of cards.

He looked at his watch and nodded in agreement. Standing up, I wandered over to the bedroom door and went inside. The two beds in the room were neatly done, and I went to the one in the far corner.

I removed my shoes, and slipped under the covers, and, closing my eyes, I waited for the death sleep to take me.

As I waited, I thought of the previous christmas's with Lestat, how we hadn't really gotten "into the spirit" as they say today. I thought of the christmases with Claudia, how she had delighted in decorating the wreaths around the townhouse. All things in the past now, I'm afraid.

(((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))

{Next Night. Danny}

I awoke a while before Louis, amazing how long he will sleep even though he's over 200 years older than me.

Oh well, I went back into the main part of the jet, and was pleased to find Connie had landed us safely and had even cleaned up our card game. She's such a good pilot for me. One of my favorites, actually.

I went back into the bedroom, to wait for Louis to rise. I changed into the KoRn shirt I brought and sat down on the other bed to wait for Lou. Soon, he started to move a little, and slowly he woke up from the mortal slumber. Opening his eyes, he smiled over at me.

"Bon soir, Daniel. Are we near Frankenmuth?"

I nodded. "Just outside of it actually. We'll have to fly again, I'm afraid."

He paled (if that's possible for his ivory skin) and sighed. "Do you know where we're staying?" I shook my head, "We're at the Bavarion Inn Hotel. I have to check in tho," he finished.

I knew where that place was. I had stayed there once on my little trek through the world running from Armand. Those were the days....wake up at noon, have a brewsky, and then get on another plane. Constant fear, keeps the andreneline flowing, ya know?

Anyway, We exited off the plane, and I lifted Louis to fly the the hotel.

When we landed, a few minutes later, and Lou went in to check in. I stayed outside and looked at the Bronner's superstore, at all the things they had set up outside.

Then, I felt a strong vampire's presence behind me. Turning, I was confronted with a very hostile looking Lestat.

"What are you doing here, Daniel?" He asked.

I stared at him, flagergausted. What had I done to earn this hostility towards me? I hadn't threatened him in anyway, and I was hardly a threat anyway.

"Lestat!" Lestat turned in a flash at the sound of his voice.

Louis stood in the doorway of the hotel, looking radiant against the light of the hotel lobby.

_What are you doing here with MY Louis?_ Lestat demanded silently. The force behind the question almost brought me to my knees.

_We came to find you._ I replied weakly.

_I don't believe you._ He said again, into my head.

_Ask Louis._

He glared at me sideways, then turned back to fully face Louis. He didn't ask though, which totally confused me.

"What are you doing here?" He asked Louis, finally. "Or, more importantly, How did you find me?"

Louis looked slightly up at Lestat. "You're ego is very predictable, Stat. Where else would you have stayed? A two bit, cheap hotel?"

I thought Lestat would blow a fuse, but he just shook his head slowly. "I suppose not.." he said, slowly.

Louis smiled, yes, he actually smiled!

_Who is this, and what have you done with my Louis?_ he asked, and from what seemed a sudden mood swing, there was a hint of amusement in his mind-voice.

I realized now how much of an impact Louis actually has over Lestat. He went from nearly ripping my head off my body, to joking around with me. It had nevered accured to me it was that much power.

"There's still time to shop," Lestat started, glancing from me to Louis and back, "why don't we browse for a little while?"

Louis nodded in agreement. "I'd enjoy that very much, Lestat."

I nodded as well, I had never had the pleasure of shopping with Lestat or Louis.

This could be very interesting, indeed.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( {Lestat}

My angel, what was he doing here? I had stormed out the the flat in a rage, and he followed me? I would have thought he would go seek Armand for comfort.

He wasn't always the predictable type, unfortunetly...

But, that's one of his many charms.

I'm afraid I scared the shit out of Danny-boy when I first saw him, I came on rather strong and very hostile. Although, now to think of it, I have no clue as to why I was. Perhaps it was because I saw Louis in his mind, that will serve to make me angry at anytime.

Taking Louis's hand, I (literally) dragged him over to Bronner's.

Taking him inside, with Daniel in tow, I took him straight to the area with all the old-fashioned christmas tree ornaments and other various decorations. "Would you like a 19th century look, for the flat, Louis?" I asked, not really caring for the answer as I would do it either way.

"I believe that would be very lovely, Lestat." Louis replied.

I glanced at him, slightly stunned. He was actually agreeing with me, how utterly amazing. Perhaps he should associate with Daniel more often.

That was of no importance now, because I had to show Louis the style I wished to decorate the flat in.

"Hey, guys, I have to grab something. Kinda a surprise for you, I'll meet you back at the hotel. Oh yea, Lou, what room are we in?"

"Suite S."

"Where is that?" Daniel asked.

"Right by my suite!" I exclaimed joyously.

Louis looked at me in surprise, "It seems fate works in mysterious ways," He murmured, more to himself it seemed than me or Daniel. "Its just past the elevator, on floor 2." He handed Daniel one of the two keys he recieved.

Watching Daniel walk over to another part of the store, I tugged Louis (gently) all the way into the section I was looking for.

"Aren't they beautiful?" I asked, gesturing to some artificial ivory ornaments. He nodded, and pulled himself from my grasp to look at the imitation candles.

"Do you think we could buy some of these and light the tree and wreaths with them?" He asked me.

Could he be thinking of Claudia, too, I wondered inwardly. Outwardly, I answered, "Of course, mon Louis. We must return tomorrow night earlier in the evening than this." He nodded, and moved into the next aisle.

"Lestat!" He gasped, while I was still examining the tree decore. "You have to come see this!"

I looked into the next aisle. Anything that can get Louis excited was worth a look.

"What is it, Louis?" I asked, coming up beside him.

He held up an angel dressed in a white robe with blond hair and perfectly feathered wings. The angel seemed about to take flight.

"Its very nice, Louis. Shall we buy it and put it atop the tree?" He nodded, with an unusual excitement.

Doesn't take much...I thought.

"Its all we can get tonight, though." He said. "We'll came back tomorrow."

I nodded, "Of course."

He graced me with a smile, though not showing his fangs, it was beautiful still. Walking upto the cash register, we paid for our angel and started back for the hotel.

I wonder if he'll want to switch rooms. Daniel stay alone, and him and me stay together. It will happen either way, but its more fun if he's not pouting tomorrow night.

!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!

{Daniel}

As much as I wanted to shop with those two lovebirds, I wanted to get them a surprise. You see, my dears, when I was on my run through the world away from Armand, I was in Germany for christmas. A family was kind enough to take me in for that one night, as they couldn't bare to see a lonely soul celebrate christmas alone. So, I learned about the german tradition of pickles and christmas time.

When they brought me into their home, they were about to have dinner, and the little children, twins I believe named Alaric and Allaryce, were going to bed soon. After dinner, the parents brought out a glass pickle and proceded to put it on the tree.

"What is that?" I asked in halted german, gesturing to the pickle.

"It is the glass pickle, a symbol of good luck." Alphonsine, the mother, answered.

Hamlin, the father, then told me what the children would do in the morning. They then showed him the gift they would give the winning child.

I always loved that tradition. Very cool. Anyway, I decided I would try to pass it onto the some other people. Armand never knew about that christmas, at least not to my knowledge.

Picking up the beautifully shaped pickle, I read the tag on it,

According to German tradition, the pickle is a symbol of good luck. The pickle is the last ornament placed on the tree on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, the first child to find the gherkin is rewarded an extra little gift left by St. Nicholas. Now you can share this tradition with your family with an authentic glass pickle made by European artisans.

Yes, I decided, this would be perfect to set on the tree.

And I knew the perfect gift to give whoever found it. Unfortunetly, I had left it at the Night Island, so I'd have to call Armand to bring it when he comes to New Orleans.

This would be a very nice christmas, and one remembered for many years to come.

________________________

{Louis}

The angel was perfect, it looked like it was about to take off and speak

to God about something. It would be perfect for the scene I believed Lestat

wished to set up in our flat.

He seemed to agree with me in that aspect, because after he had looked at

it, we had went off to buy it. Amazing that it was the one thing he bought

tonight. Only one thing.

Heading back to the hotel, Lestat asked me why I had come up here.

"To be with you, 'Stat. I didn't want to spend another Christmas alone

when I knew where you were."

He looked over at me, surprised. "Louis, making the first move to

approach me? Who are you and what have you done with my Louis?" There was

only a light mockery in his voice, but it wasn't meant to be hurtful so I

smiled.

"My name is Dean and your Louis is stuck back in New Orleans weeping over

you." I said playfully, pinching his side. He jumped, then turned on me. A

wide grin on his face.

"Is that so?"

I nodded, quickly. "Is this the face of a person who would lie?" I asked

innocently, framing my face with my hands.

He laughed, and put his arm around my shoulder. "You, Monsieur Dean, are

forgetting that that face has written an absurd memoir that was all lies."

I grinned, "I believe most of those lies were simply misinterpreted on

your part."

He raised an eyebrow at me. I was awed at how he could keep a straight

face.

"What's brought about this playfulness, Dean?"

I shrugged. "Multiple personalities?" I suggested playfully. He turned

and looked at me skeptically. I tried another. "Christmas spirit?" He

chuckled deep in his throat.

"Seems a lot comes with Christmas this year, Dean."

"Call me Lou," I said, smiling still.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

{Lestat}

Sometimes, Louis really surprises me. Like now, he went from being the

melancholic shadow to a playful young man.

"Well, Lou," I emphasized his name, "What shall we do? Go back to

the room and sleep?"

He looked at his watch, "I'm afraid so, Lestat, not much time left for

me."

I sighed, first one asleep and last one awake, that's my Louis.

Taking the angel out of the bag, I held it up. "This is a truly beautiful

find, Louis."

He smiled at me, "I hope it will look right with all the other

decorations."

"We'll go tomorrow night and get the rest. Then, we can fly..." I paused,

remembering he didn't like to fly with me, "...in Daniel's jet, perhaps,

back home."

"Do you think tomorrow night we could make use of the miniature golf

course? I've never done it before."

I laughed, such an innocent request. "Of course! I continue to forget you

don't get out of the flat much." I looked at his now slightly hurt face.

"It's okay, Louis. Its a charm of yours."

He shook his head, then changed the subject, "Where's Daniel?"

I scanned for him, and found him not too far ahead of us. "He's almost

back at the hotel." Louis nodded, and I asked before he could bring up

something else, "What are we going to do about bedrooms?"

He looked at me in bewilderment, "What do you mean?"

"Are you sleeping with me or Daniel?" A simple question, but it looked

like it offended Louis' delicate rules of manners.

He looked at me innocently. "Actually, I thought I'd sleep on the couch in my suite."

"You came all this way, to sleep on the couch?" He nodded. "Is it sun-proof?" I inquired.

He shrugged, "If it isn't, I'll find something to make it safe."

"You won't have time."

"Then I'll sleep in the bathroom on the floor. That's sun-proof."

I snorted, "Fine."

He glanced at me, and took a small step away from me putting distance between us.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Louis." He glanced up from his suddenly interesting shoes.

"I know, Lestat."

Well, another night ended with my temper and his stubborn ways.