"Wake up! Wake up, it's Christmas!"

My eyelids fluttered open, meeting the sight of Drake standing over my bed with a big grin over his face.

The realization slowly sank in over a few moments and I sat up, the black T-shirt I had on hanging loosely on me.

My black hair mussed, I glanced over to see Corey spread out beside me on the bed.

"Come on guys," Drake whined, drawing my eyes back to him. "Presents!"

I breathed a laugh. "We're coming, Drake."

"Well hurry," He asserted, heading out of the room.

I gazed back over at Corey, the back of his hair sticking up in messy curls.

His hair was no longer black but his apparent natural hair color which was a very rich dark brown with a reddish undertone.

It looked gorgeous against his porcelain skin tone and I wondered why he ever changed it to begin with.

"Corey? Sweetheart, wake up." I rubbed his back lightly, a small smile on my lips as I gazed down at him.

His head turned from the pillow his arms were wrapped about, his eyes cracking open.

"Mmm?" He mumbled.

"Time to get up, Drake wants to open presents."

"Presents?" He moved a hand, rubbing his face briefly and opening his eyes almost fully.

"It's Christmas." I stated.

"I don't celebrate Christmas." He put his head back down.

I pursed my lips in a smile. "Come on, you can go back to sleep later." I ran my fingers over his curls.

"No." He said into the pillow.

"I bet there's coffee."

He peeked over at me. "Seriously?"

I nodded.

"Fine," He sighed, getting up.

I smiled faintly, getting out of bed and tugging on a pair of faded off-red skinny jeans laying by my bed as Corey pulled on his black jeans, ruffling his hair as he stretched.

I swept the hair back from my face, giving him a light kiss as he strolled over to me.

"You don't like Christmas?" I questioned.

He scratched his chin, making a cynical face. "No, not really."

"It's fun." I said lightly.

"Not really,"

I took his hand, leading him from the room.

Reaver was off in his...world? I guess, whatever, I just was happy he wasn't in this...dimension.

He said he had "deals" to take care of.

I had no clue.

Corey and I entered the kitchen where Drake was eating a cinnamon roll.

Corey went for the coffee maker and I hugged Drake lightly, stealing his roll.

"Hey," He whined as I took a bite of the sweet and flaky food.

I smiled around a mouth full.

I finished it off and gave him a kiss on the cheek as he pouted.

"Where's mom and dad?" I questioned.

"In the living room." Drake replied, picking up his Santa Claus mug.

I nodded.

"Are you guys ready?"

"Yeah," I replied, glancing over to Corey as he came up beside me, sipping from the coffee mug in his hands.

"Well, let's go then." Drake urged, heading to the living room.

Corey and mine's fingers intertwined and we followed after Drake, taking a seat on the couch.

Mom and dad sat in the two chairs, still dressed in their pajamas and silk robes and we exchanged smiles.

"Alright," Drake said, setting his mug on the coffee table. "I'll pass the presents."

Corey exhaled lightly, balancing the mug on his knee.

Drake circled the tree, picking out wrapped gifts to give.

He handed mom and dad theirs first then gave one each to Corey and I, going to sit on the floor and tear open his own.

Corey looked down questionably at the gift in his hands as if he hadn't been expecting to get something.

He should've known better.

Utilizing my fingers to claw off the pretty paper, I got to the box underneath the wrapping.

Opening it up, I looked in to see a designer, Bess NYC vintage T-shirt that was black and had a skull design with the brand name on it.

I smiled delightfully, turning my eyes to Corey.

"Open it," I urged, a light hand on his thigh.

"Mm..." He pursed his lips, looking down at the present in his hands.

"Come on," I smiled.

He inhaled deeply, using his index finger to neatly open the edge and take off the red paper.

Drake slid on a new coat, it was dark brown and suited him well.

Corey opened a box to reveal a necklace inside; it was a small square, deep red jewel outlined in gold, engraved on the back gold surface with both his and mine initials.

We both glanced to Drake and he grinned, giving us a wink.

I laughed under my breath.

He was good at giving gifts.

Corey's perfect pink lips held an adorable little smile as he gazed down at the chain in his hand, rubbing a thumb lightly over it.

"Do you like it?" Drake asked, smoothing his coat.

Corey nodded. "Yeah," He said softly. "I do. Thanks."

"No problem. I'm glad you like it."

Corey slid it on and it rested nicely against his bare upper chest.

He gripped my hand, linking together our fingers.

According to Drake the best part of Christmas was opening presents, he was like a little kid.

I was surprised there weren't toys under the tree for him.

There were video games though.

My parents mostly got Corey and I clothes, which was nice considering we didn't buy them very often and my parents were very good at picking out clothes for other people.

Though my parents didn't know about the situation with Reaver and that Corey and I were still very much in love, they still treated him as an equal and that made me extremely happy.

Drake of course knew everything, it was impossible for me not to tell him things.

He was pissed at Reaver and was helping Corey with research on demons.

By the time we were done the living room was trashed in ripped paper, open boxes and scattered gifts.

The Christmas tree glowed brightly, now bare underneath.

My parents drank their coffee, talking quietly to one another and smiling.

Drake was looking at all his stuff, getting a refill of coffee in the kitchen where Corey and I wandered into.

"Bells," Drake said. "This game is supposed to be the hardest RPG ever."

He held up the case an inch from my face.

"Uh," I leaned back. "I'm guessing you're going to be testing that out, huh?"

"Damn straight," He took the game away from my face. "I doubt it's that hard."

"Where's Hazel?" I asked curiously, not seeing her once this morning.

"Cleaning my room. I need it spotless for when I haul my new stuff in there. And you know how messy I am."

I grimaced.

I did.

He made a pig look neat.

Drake ambled out of the room, his eyes on the game.

I picked up a cinnamon roll from the decretive plate, peeling a layer off and eating it.

Corey leaned against the counter, his elbow resting on the top.

I held up the roll, offering him a bite.

Smirking a little, he leaned forward slightly and bit into the cinnamon roll.

"Good?" I questioned.

He nodded. "Good."

I picked at the sweet pastry, smiling to myself faintly.

"I got you something for Christmas." I said.

"You did?" His eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Mmhm. You wanna see it?"

"Yeah,"

I finished the rest of my food, licking my fingers clean as I headed to the front room.

I idly wiped my hands on my shirt, opening the closet and reaching into grab the neck of the guitar I stashed in there.

I came back out and handed it to him, a smile on my face.

He reached out, clasping his fingers around the neck and gazing at it.

It was a cherry red sunburst acoustic.

A grin lit up his features. "It's gorgeous,"

His bright green eyes went to me. "Thanks."

"Do you really like it?" I asked hopefully.

"Of course." He leaned forward and gave me a kiss.

I smiled. "I'm glad."

We all ate breakfast in the dining room, something uncommon for us.

Drake still had his new coat on, along with his new slippers.

He loved slippers and wore them everywhere in place of shoes most of the time.

After we ate I sauntered off to my room for a shower while Drake and Corey went to fool with guitars and video games.

The hot water cascaded over me and filled the bathroom with steam, wafting in the damp air.

I lingered in the shower even after I was done, not quite ready to get out.

There was a knock at the door, catching my attention.

"Hold on," I called out the shower door, switching the water off and grabbing a towel.

I half dried off, wringing my hair out and slipping on a black silk robe.

I tied it loosely, sweeping my damp hair from my face as I went to the door.

Opening it up, I was shocked to see Reaver standing on the other side, his dark hair was tousled and swept back from his pale face.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, affronted.

He straightened his black bow tie. "To visit my fiancée on Christmas."

I was ready to protest against the fiancée title but stopped, remembering that I was.

"Do you mind? I'm a little busy right now." I said.

"Mm, I can see that." He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me tight against him.

"I have a little something for you."

"I don't want it." I tried to get away from him but he didn't let go.

Demon's were stronger than I had expected.

"Sure you do," He cajoled, slipping a hand into my robe to find my chest.

I irately pulled his hand away, glaring.

He chuckled lightly. "You'll come around."

"I highly doubt it." I replied, my irritation clear.

He reached behind him, bringing back a small black bag.

"Open it," He smiled.

Frowning, I took the bag and took the tissue paper away, tossing it on the counter and pulling out the item inside.

It was fancy lace lingerie, a black sheer teddy with matching bra and panties, both semi-sheer.

"Uh, you're high if you think I'm wearing this for you."

He laughed delightedly. "Oh, darling, you don't have to wear it for me." He grinned, his dark eyes twinkling.

"Wear it for your little vampire."

I blanked at that. "Are you serious?"

He gave me a light, provocative kiss.

"Have fun," He stepped back, letting go of me.

He strolled out, humming Joy To The World.

I glanced back to the lingerie, still highly surprised.

He's definitely a little off his rocker.

Fingering the lace, I went ahead and put on the bra and panties, leaving the teddy in the bag for now.

I blow-dried my hair and did my makeup; mascara and eyeliner with a light peach blush.

Styling my hair to sweep back from my face in messy waves, I exited the bathroom finally and grabbed some clothes.

I pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a dark red vintage tee.

Deciding I wanted to go out for some coffee, I slipped on some black, high-heeled boots that laced up and had two buckles strapping across, I headed to Drake's room.

When I walked in, they were sitting on his bed, playing a Buddy Holly song, 'That'll Be The Day'.

Corey was strumming on his new acoustic and Drake was using a black one of his own, both singing.

I smiled, leaning against the doorframe to watch.

They didn't notice I was there until they were done and I clapped in appreciation.

Corey smiled coyly, setting the guitar down.

"You guys should start a band." I stated, walking in.

Drake grinned. "If we do, will you join?"

"I can't play any instruments." I crossed my arms, stopping at the bed.

"You can sing. You don't even have to be good. You can just be the hot lead singer with no talent, we'll sell millions."

I nodded. "Right," I agreed sarcastically.

I glanced over, seeing Corey looking at me admiringly.

"I'm gonna go out and get some coffee. Do you guys wanna come?" I inquired.

"I'd love to but I have a game that's awaiting me." Drake stated.

"I'll go." Corey added.

I smiled at him. "Good, I was hoping Drake would say no anyway."

"Hey," Drake whined. "At least wait till you leave the room instead of hurting my feelings. God, don't ask then."

I laughed lightly. "I was kidding, Drake."

"Sure you were." He sulked.

I mussed his hair. "You have a game to play anyway."

"Damn right, so get outta here." He pointed, taking on an Italian accent.

I laughed, striding from the room with Corey.

"Hey, did you see Reaver?" He questioned as we headed down the hall.

"Yeah, why?" I responded as we stopped at Corey's room so he could slip on a shirt.

"Just wondering 'cause he gave me and Drake a gift then said he had to head back to his house in the underworld."

"Does he literally live under the world?" I asked skeptically, watching him put on a dark blue and dark green plaid shirt.

Arms crossed, I stood in the doorway.

"For the hundredth time," He sighed and I smiled with amusement. "-Yes, he lives in a dimension located under the world."

"It just seems so...I don't know, unreal?"

"Sadly it is." He stated, buttoning up the shirt until he was at the first few by his neckline, leaving a generous amount uncovered.

My lips tilted up lightly, my eyes roaming over him in appreciation.

"What'd he get you guys?"

He rolled the sleeves up to near below his elbows, stashing a pack of cigarettes in one of the rolled up sleeves.

He shrugged, lighting up a cigarette he left out before putting the pack in his sleeve.

"Got me a ring, said it was charmed, if I wear it I'm immune to any harm from holy objects."

My eyebrows rose. "Wow, can it seriously do that?"

"I'm not finding out." He stated, popping up his collar.

I pursed my lips. "It might be cool to just find out if it works."

"I don't trust him."

He pulled on a pair of black boots.

"Well, neither do I. What'd he get Drake?"

"Sunglasses."

I nodded.

How thoughtful of him to get gifts for us.

What was he playing at?

"What'd he get you?" Corey asked as we started downstairs.

"Nothing really." I responded.

He stopped on the staircase, his vivid eyes fixing on me.

"What did he get you?"

"Uh, lingerie?" I answered hesitantly.

His hand gripped the railing tightly.

"But," I hastened to add. "He said it was to wear for you."

His eyebrows pulled together, an upset but confused look on his handsome face.

"Me?" He uttered.

"Yeah, I don't know what it's about. Seems oddly...nice, I guess?"

"I don't think nice fits it but it is odd."

We continued on our way out of the house, getting settled into my Ford Sunliner with Corey at the wheel.

He drove with his black wayfarer sunglasses on, The Beatles playing.

He was a fan and able to admit it now.

I was very proud of him.

We reached the little cafe, getting a small table near the back.

I grazed over the menu, seeing my choices.

"You're hungry already?" Corey asked disbelievingly.

I glanced up. "Yeah, so?"

"You sure do eat alot." He commented, stretching his legs out.

"If we were having sex I'd suggest maybe I'm pregnant just to see you freak out but in this case you can shove it." I looked back to the menu.

He breathed a laugh. "Hey, now I'm glad I'm not getting any."

I flipped him the bird, eyes on the menu.

"Keep talking like that and you're not ever going to."

I put the folder down, my choice made.

Corey tilted his head, giving me a sarcastic grin.

I gave it right back.

"Well, we make a lovely couple don't we?" He said, with a little smile remaining.

"Yep, but I love you."

"I love you too." His smile softened.

The waitress came to take our orders;

I went first, "I'll have the house burger, extra tomato, medium-rare. And an ice coffee, vanilla."

"Would you like a side of salad?" She questioned kindly.

"No. Could I just get extra fries on the side?"

She nodded. "Okay,"

She turned to Corey, "And for you?"

"I'll just have a coffee, black."

She scribbled that down. "I'll be right out with that."

Starting back to the kitchen, she left us alone again.

"You better keep your figure eating all that."

He said, leaning back in his chair.

"I eat like this all the time. I'm not going to suddenly gain twenty pounds. I have a fast metabolism, you need to shut up." I responded casually.

"I was kidding." He smiled.

"Uh-huh, sure," My eyes scanned over the restaurant.

Our odd, little loving back-and-forth aside, it was nice to go out with just us.

It was like a date.

"Love you," He said sweetly.

"Love you too." My gaze landed on a familiar figure, ordering up at the counter.

"Hey," I leaned forward, legs crossed. "Is that William?"

Corey glanced over, his arm slung over the back of the chair. "The vampire slayer? Please Arabelle, let's not."

"But I haven't seen him in awhile." I argued.

"And that's a bad thing because?" He drawled.

I made a face, getting up from my chair.

"Aw, no," Corey whined, grabbing the bottom of my shirt as I tried to pass.

"If you go over there I'll never say I love you again." He warned.

I looked back at him, pushing his hand away.

"You will so."

"You wanna bet?"

I frowned at him and turned away, ambling towards William.

He turned around just as I came up to him, a to-go coffee cup in hand.

His bleach-blonde hair was unkempt, wavy strands falling in his face, near his deep-set blue eyes.

He looked surprised when he turned to see me.

"Arabelle?" He uttered, his eyebrows high.

"William," I acknowledged. "What are you doing here? It's daylight."

"Ah," He held up his hand, showing off a jewel ring.

"Christmas present from that demon-your new fiancé." He said.

"Reaver?"

He nodded. "Yeah, that one."

"Well gee, he's like freaking Santa Claus." I crossed my arms, standing tall in my boot-heels.

"He got you a ring that allows you to go in the sun without any damage?"

He inclined his head, taking a sip from the coffee.

"Good guess,"

"I feel like I'm in a video game." I muttered, mostly to myself.

He gave me a questioning look.

I shook my head, dropping the subject.

"I heard you were almost killed by an undercover vampire." He said, seeming amused.

"I wouldn't say almost..." I paused. "Well, yeah, I guess."

"Do you know why?"

I shrugged stiffly. "They hate me?"

"Well-that too, don't you remember me telling you about the vampires starting a rebellion? It's starting for sure, and you're the first target. I'd be careful at your upcoming wedding, that'd be a good public place to take out both you and Reaver."

"Oh, great." I smiled cynically. "Second wedding of mine ruined."

"How long have you two been together?"

"Me and Reaver?" I questioned, eyebrows high.

"Yeah,"

Keep up the appearances, I reminded myself.

"Uh, a few months?" I offered.