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Story 18, Part 2 of the Kim Possible: The University Years series.

Disclaimers: Oh, the usual mentioned in Chapter 1. Yada, yada. Why am I boring you with these details? On with the story.

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After only a couple of chomps, the cheese nacho was devoured, and with a happy grin on his face, he gave a satisfied burp before plopping down on his back. Eyes closing, he curled into the nacho tray and fell asleep with a stomach full of cheese nachos.

From the corner of the couch, a pair of chocolate eyes appraised the little pink mole rat on the coffee table. He chuckled, for he knew his small friend could consume more food faster than the average human.

Feeling a hand stroking his chest, he turned his head slightly to his right to gaze down at a redhead beauty, whose emerald eyes were also focus on the mole rat on the coffee table. Her head was resting comfortably on his right shoulder as she snuggled into his body, while his right arm was warmly around her shoulders, returning her embrace.

Giving a small laugh, she shook her head. “Even after all these years, I’m still amaze that Rufus could eat more food than you at times.” Her hand continued stroking his chest.

Smiling, the blonde man nuzzled his nose into her hair, making her closed her eyes and smiled.  “Well, KP, I certainly can’t imagine my life of the past ten years without Rufus.” He gently kissed her head through her hair before his voice became softer. “And I certainly can’t ever imagine my life without you.”

Sighing happily, Kim Possible couldn’t help but feel her heart fluttered at her boyfriend’s words. She raised her head to look into those eyes she loved so much. “And I can’t imagine my life without you as well, Ron.” With that said she reached up to give a gentle, loving kiss to Ron Stoppable, and afterward, with love etched on their faces, they resumed their cuddling positions.

Wearing their favorite sweaters they traditionally wore on Christmas Day, Kim her purple one and Ron his blue one, the couple had opted to just snuggle together on the couch after dinner and just enjoy touching each other as they listen to holiday music being played on the CD player in the Possible’s family room. Kim’s twin 14-year-old brothers were currently watching some science-fiction movie on TV as they sat together on the other end of the couch; mindful at times to their sister’s snuggling up to her boyfriend. It pretty much was like any other typical Christmas Day in the Possible household.

Like they mostly always do, the Possibles went out of their way to show their Christmas spirits. The house was decorated almost everywhere, especially outside with the various displays that could almost blind people. They made a huge Christmas feast with enough food for nearly twice the number of people they have. Of course, Christmas wasn’t celebrated without the many gifts handed out to everyone in the family.

Yet, Christmas Day had a slight addition in the past couple of years. Ron always had joined the Possible clan for Christmas since he was a child, but since Kim and Ron had gone steady, Ron’s ‘rents had decided to join the festivals. Much like Thanksgiving, both families would get together to celebrate as one.

As of now, all four parents with Nana were still sitting at the dining table, talking and enjoying coffee and dessert. Once dinner was over Jim and Tim had been the firsts to leave, followed a few minutes later by Kim and Ron. But the older generations of the family kept talking.

For Ron, he was lucky Hanukkah came early this year between December 5th and 12th, allowing him and his parents to join the Possibles for Christmas. He had remembered the 2005 Holiday Season, and Hanukkah started the day after Christmas. He was lucky it didn’t started on Christmas Day, for that would have meant his folks wouldn’t have been able to attend Christmas with the Possibles and he would have run on a tight schedule in order to attend the Hanukkah services at the temple and be with Kim and her family.

Feeling safe in his arms, Kim sighed. Her thoughts wandered from happy thoughts of what has happened today with her and Ron’s families to a friend of hers. She wondered what she was doing now.

Seeing her expression has turned thoughtful, Ron has a feeling what her mind was pondering about. “What are you thinking, KP?”

The redhead slightly grinned. He knew her well enough to know when something important was occupying her thoughts. “Debra. We haven’t seen her since the university, and I wondered how she is doing.” Her lips frowned. “I know she has her ‘rents there to help her, but as a psychology major, I know she needs help, Ron. I hope she doesn’t close herself off, because she’ll have a hard time with her courses next semester if she does.”

Tightening his arm around her in a brief supportive hug, Ron sighed. “Well, we know through Felix that she has seen him a couple of times since the university, so I don’t think she’s totally isolating herself.”

Kim slightly shook her head. “Her parents and Felix alone are not enough, Ron.”

Ron frowned at her words. “Kim, you know as well as I that no one can force anyone, not even Debra, to do something. Debra has to seek out help on her own.”

“Oh, Ron,” she turned her face to snuggle into the base of his neck, seeking comfort. “I’m worried for her. She hasn’t called me.”

Realizing the gist of his beloved’s train of thoughts, Ron cut straight to the heart of the matter. “How about you give her a call tonight, KP?” he suggested. She raised her head to look into his eyes. “Wish her a Merry Christmas and such. Enough time has passed to give her breathing space. Ask her if she doesn’t mind you seeing her.”

Giving a small grin at his considerate proposals, Kim gave a small snort. “Ron, even if I have a psychologist license, I know I’m personally too close to Deb as a friend to help her.”

This time it was Ron’s turn to give a small, amusing snort. “Did I say you have to see Deb as a psychologist? You want to see her as her friend, nothing more. You’re concerned for her, and it will help her to know her friends are there for her.”

She blinked a few times before her lips curled up in a smile. Leaning up, she placed her forehead on his to really look into those twin loving chocolate pools she couldn’t get enough. “Ronald Stoppable,” she whispered in an adoring tone, “you still astound me every so often with that wonderful mind of yours.” She raised a teasing eyebrow. “Are you taking psychology classes behind my back?”

That recognizable goofy smile spread across his face. “Well, you know me, KP. The Ronster always wants to be on top of his game.”

Kim gave a small giggle before moving her lips closer to his as their eyes narrowed. “It’s good to know that you are always on top of your game,” she purred, “especially when it comes to me.”

“Booyah,” Ron whispered before sealing his lips to hers.

With eyes closed, the pair kissed long and languidly, savoring the softness of their connected lips and blocking out everything but each other for the moment.

That was until they heard the voices of the Tweebs.

“Aw, man!” Tim cried out.

“They’re at it again!” Jim finished.

Wearing a red sweater, Tim raised an eyebrow at his twin. “How many times does this make it today?”

Jim shrugged in his green sweater, still eying the kissing couple. “I lost track.”

Returning his eyes on his sister and her boyfriend, Tim scowled a bit. “Do you two ever…”

“Grow tired of kissing all the time?” Jim concluded

Finally breaking the kiss, Kim smirked, keeping her eyes on Ron’s. “Can it, Tweebs. You know we know you two are doing the same now with your girlfriends.”

Smirking as well, Ron joined in on the ribbing. “Maybe we should place hidden cameras at certain locations to vid them smooching lips.”

Kim’s lips turned devilish. “Not a bad idea, Ron. I could ask Wade to monitor Jim and Tim and hand me the vids to give to their girlfriends’ ‘rents.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” both brothers cried out with wide eyes.

Turning her head around to eye her younger siblings, Kim narrowed her eyes at them, still sporting that devious grin. “Try me, Tweebs.”

Slumping back on the couch’s backrest, Jim and Tim knew they were cornered yet they scowled at her sister anyway.

Feeling the sweetness of victory, Kim turned back to her man, her emerald eyes blazing as her lips came close to his again. “Now where were we?”

Grinning, Ron didn’t bother to answer, for he just reached up to connect his mouth over hers. Both melted into the kiss, once more ignoring what was going around them.

After a minute of watching the two smooch lips, Tim turned to his brother. “It was more fun teasing her before puberty hit us.”

“Yeah,” Jim agreed, turning to watch the TV. “Maybe we should find a way to eliminate hormones from our bodies.”

The twins turned to eye each other, and after a few moments, both simultaneously shook their head. “Nah,” they said before turning together to watch the television, ignoring the still kissing couple.

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The doorbell rang, and when Mr. Tsuda answered it and opened the door, on the other side was Felix Renton. The brown haired 20-year-old man, wearing a winter jacket, grinned at the elder man. “Mr. Tsuda, hello, and Merry Christmas.”

With a grin, Takai Tsuda gestured for the young man to enter his house. “Thank you, Felix-kun,” he said as Felix rolled his wheelchair passed the front door to allow the elder man to close the door, “and Merry Christmas to you.”

“Felix-kun,” a woman’s voice brought both men to look at the figure coming down the front hallway.

Felix gave a grin and nod of head in respect to his girlfriend’s mother. “Mrs. Tsuda, Merry Christmas,” he said as she finally stopped in front of him.

Akina Tsuda returned the grin and reached over to pat his shoulder. “And a Merry Christmas to you, Felix-kun.” Withdrawing her hand, she titled her head sideways, looking into the blue eyes of her daughter’s boyfriend. “I’m surprised you and Debra-chan would want to go out at this time of the night.”

“That’s because we want to spend a few hours of Christmas Day together,” another voice came from above, and all three looked up the front stairs to see Debra Tsuda descend the steps. Her long blonde/brown hair was pushed to the back by a pink, plastic headband, and her attire was simple – blue jeans, sneakers, and green, long-sleeved, button-up shirt.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, she threw her arms around Felix and hugged him with a smile. She felt him warmly returned her embrace. “Merry Christmas, Felix.”

“Merry Christmas, Debra,” he said in her ear, happy to see her. Over her shoulder, he saw Mr. & Mrs. Tsuda were grinning at approval of the display, knowing their daughter was happy.

After kissing his cheek, the 18-year-old woman parted from him before turning to face her parents. “It’s only for a few hours. Felix spent the day with his mother and some members of his family, and I spent the day here. We want to have some time for ourselves before Christmas is over.”

Mrs. Tsuda nodded her head as she placed a hand on Debra’s right shoulder. “We understand, Debra-chan.” She softly chuckled. “Although I can’t see where you and Felix-kun can go, for all the stores and theaters are closed.”

Felix grinned. “Well, we will just hang out and talk, Mrs. Tsuda. It’s what we planned.”

Parting from her mother’s hand, Debra took a few steps to a hallway closet. Opening it, she reached in to retrieve her red/pink parka and a small, wrapped package, and after closing the closet, the petite woman donned the winter jacket. “We’ll be okay, Mother,” she said as she zipped up the jacket. “We need this time together.” With that said, her hand picked up the package, which was just a little bit bigger than her hand. She turned to face Felix. “Ready?”

“I’m ready, Deb,” Felix replied. “Let’s go.”

Mr. Tsuda kindly opened the front door again for Felix to roll out with Debra walking just behind him. After closing the door, Mr. and Mrs. Tsuda watched through the door’s side windows as Felix entered his van’s side door first followed by Debra, and once the side door was closed, the van’s lights came on soon after. Only after the van backed out of the driveway and drove off did Mr. Tsuda turn off the front door lights and then the driveway and sidewalk lamps.

The Tsudas returned to the family/living room to sit on the couch to read and watch TV. A decorated Christmas tree stood next to the small piano in the room. Both opted to stay up until their daughter returned.

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“So where are we going?” Debra asked as she sat in the front passenger seat, eying Felix. Various snow-covered houses went by, some of them with their outdoor Christmas lights on.

Keeping his eyes on the road, the wheel chaired man gave a small smirk; his face glowed from the dashboard lights, which provided the only illumination inside the van. “You’ll see,” he said as he turned the van onto a main road to lead into the center of Middleton.

Her face also glowing from the dashboard lights, the freshman student slyly grinned at her boyfriend. “I don’t think we have that many places to go, Mr. Renton.” She turned her head to look out the window as they started to pass stores and businesses; all of them closed with darken windows. “It’s not like we have much of a choice,” she gestured to the passing stores.

Still giving that smirk, Felix shook his head slightly. “Ah, but you had asked two days ago that you want to spend some time alone with me, Miss Tsuda, and this gentleman will provide it. It will defeat your request if we go to a store or some other place where there are people.”

Turning back to face him, Debra gave a mock display of being really touched with a hand over her heart. “Why, Mr. Renton, I didn’t know you cared.” Both laughed at the silliness, and shortly after, they returned to normal with grins on their faces. Debra turned again to look at the passing buildings while Felix concentrated on driving.

Since they had last seen each other at the university, Debra and Felix had met together two other times before tonight’s date. The first time was just to go out for lunch and talk. The second time two days ago on Sunday was to go shopping together at Middleton Mall, which proved to be quite an experience given it was the last Sunday before Christmas Day and the shopping crowds were expectedly huge.

Felix made a left turn into Middleton Park, and after another two more minutes, he pulled into an empty parking lot. His hands turned the steering wheel to maneuver the van into a parking spot that faced a large field as well as a very large pine tree next to one of the park’s restroom buildings.

Shutting off the engines and the lights, Felix turned to his girlfriend and was delighted to see her staring with a grin at the pine tree. The huge tree was lighted and decorated from top to bottom, for this tree was the park’s Christmas tree. Every year the tree was decorated for the holidays by the park commission, and given the snow on the ground with some in the tree, the tree truly made it felt in tune with the holiday spirits.

“I take it that you haven’t seen this Christmas tree,” Felix commented, still grinning.

“No, I haven’t,” Debra admitted, still examining the tree with her delighted blue eyes. “Last year was my family’s first Christmas in America, and we pretty much spent it at home. We didn’t see much of the various holiday festivals and decorations around the city. Her head swiveled to face her beau. “It’s beautiful, Felix.”

“I’m glad you love it, Debra,” he smiled. “I figured this place would be ideal suited for us to find some privacy.” Felix rolled his chair back from the driver’s position for a few feet before turning his chair to face the right side of the van.

Swiveling the passenger chair to face the engineering student, Debra smirked and gestured outside to indicate the park. “Are you sure we’ll have privacy here, Felix?”

Chuckling as he unzipped his coat, Felix nodded his head. “Yes, I’m sure, Deb. The police patrols will not bother us. We’ll have privacy for several hours.” With that said, he pressed a couple of buttons on his chair arm, and the next thing happened was the van’s interior lights on the ceiling came on, lighting the inside in a soft glow, enough for the couple to see.

Debra giggled. “Going for a romantic atmosphere, Mr. Renton?” She raised an eyebrow, grinning as she unzipped her parka.

Cocking his head to the side, Felix gave a leering grin at her. “I aim to please, Miss Tsuda,” he replied, making her giggle some more.

Sighing, she looked at the soft glowing van’s interior - carpeted floor, a few chairs and a couch, a small fridge that was next to Felix’s wheelchair, and some other features. A thought made Debra frown a bit in worry. “Felix,” she began, “would these lights drain the van’s battery?”

He knew what she was referring. “No,” Felix answered. “The interior lights and features are running off two batteries separated from the engine’s battery, and they will able to run for hours with the lights low as this. A separated alternator charges the two batteries when the engine is running, and it will always charge the batteries fully every time.” He gave a small grin and shrugged. “As an engineer, even I know better than to drain the engine’s battery. It’ll do me no good if I drain that battery and get myself stuck, unable to start the engine.”

“Wise, Felix,” she cocked an eyebrow at him, smirking. “Quite wise.”

“Yes, I know,” he countered, grinning. Both softly chuckled.

Getting out of her seat, Debra knelt onto the floor, picked up the small, wrapped present she had brought, and shuffled on her knees a bit to be in front of Felix. With a smile and blue eyes shining, she held the gift in front of him with both hands. “Merry Christmas, Felix,” she said before placing the gift onto his lap.

Felix snorted a laugh as he reached and held up the small present. “Deb…” His face smirked as he looked into her eyes. “It’s obvious I can tell this is a video game for my game console.”

Her eyes narrowed as she slyly grinned. “Yet do you know which game?”

“Well, one way to find out,” he responded grandly before ripping off the wrapping. He read aloud the title with interest. “Terra AeroStar Fighter 1.0? This is a space combat game.”

“Hai,” Debra said before she started to explain. “Unlike Zombie Mayhem, this game is a strategic game, and the players have to use their wits, skills, and brains to win. It can be played on the game console and online through the Internet.”

He was impressed. “Sounds interesting to play.” His blue eyes went from the game to lock on his girlfriend’s own blues. “Play with me for my first match?”

Debra grinned. “Sure, why not,” she mentioned right before her lips turned devilish. “We’re both new to this game, so there is a chance you might win one over me.”

A chuckle escaped his lips. “It’ll be nice to win one over you for a change.” Felix’s smile became warm and thankful. “Thanks, Debra.”

The blonde/brown haired young woman smiled lovingly back. “You’re welcome, Felix.”

Placing the game on top of the small refrigerator, Felix activated one of his chair’s cyber robotic arms. “Now it’s time for your present.” The arm went around the refrigerator to a wall compartment near the floor, and after opening it, the arm took out a long, narrowed, rectangle wrapped package. Debra gave a gasp with wide eyes as she watched the mechanical arm placed the gift on the floor between her and Felix.

As the robotic arm retracted back into the wheelchair, Upperton U’s star athlete couldn’t help but feel her heart hammering while her eyes were starting to get moist. “Felix!” she cried out with a smile, looking up from the package to his loving face. “I’m not a fool not to see what it is!”

With that loving expression still displayed, Felix gestured to the gift. “Open it, Debra.”

Eyes returning to the gift, Debra tore away the wrapping to reveal a simple brown box, and after she lifted up the top lid to reveal the item inside, her hands shot up to cover her mouth as she gave a small sob. Inside was a brand new portable electronic musical keyboard synthesizer with leather carrying bag case underneath.

Her head shot back up to look at her boyfriend with shining eyes. “Felix!” she cried out again as her hands came away from her face to show her radiant smile while a few tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Merry Christmas, Debra,” he kept his warm smile at her. “We’ve all chipped in for this gift - Kim, Ron, Monique, Loretta, George, and I. After you left the university, knowing your favorite musical instrument was destroyed; we’ve decided to buy you a new one for Christmas. Taking the remains of your old board, Wade took out the memory chips and placed them in this new one. All your recorded songs and music are intact along with any of your program instructions. Wade also added some new features, including a holographic musical notes sheet screen.”

Feeling just too overwhelm to say anything, Debra launched up onto his lap and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his shoulder as she sobbed. Felix was startled for a moment, but he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back with a warm grin, knowing she was releasing tears of joy.

“Thank you!” Debra whispered, tightening her arms a bit in her need to feel closer to him.

“You’re very much welcome, Deb,” Felix softly replied back in her ear as he gently rock her as she released more tears.

After a few minutes, she raised her face to look at his. “I feel… I feel…” She raised a hand to her mouth as she hiccupped a bit, and she lowered it when she felt she could able again to speak. “I feel so overwhelm, Felix!” she smiled. “It’s not just your gift though.”

The young man raised an eyebrow, curious to what she meant, and seeing his expression, she clarified herself. “This morning my parents gave me a replacement for my evening dress, the one I wore at the Christmas Ball. It’s exactly the same, and I thought I had lost that dress forever.”

Felix grinned. “I’m glad. I like that dress on you.”

Still smiling, Debra raised her right hand and gently stroked his cheek. “Thank you. I like that dress too.”

She continued her explanation; her emotions making her feel like her heart would burst. “When my relatives in Japan heard what had happened to me, they were shocked and angry for me as much as Mom and Dad.” Her right hand lowered to rest on his chest. “My cousins sent me a new jewelry box to replace the one I had lost, while the rest of the family sent me various replacements of stuff. I even have a new kimono dress!”

The wheel chaired man knew what a kimono dress look like, given he had seen pictures of Japanese women in kimonos. “Would I get a chance to see you in it?” he teased.

A giggle escaped her. “Maybe one day, my handsome boyfriend.”

Her story resumed. “And Wade!” Her lips trembled as single tear rolled down her cheek. “That boy! If I ever meet him in person, I’m going to give him a big hug!” She chuckled with a smile. “He gave me a new notebook computer!” Felix smiled at this. “All my university work, files, and programs I have in my old one are in the new one. He even gave the computer the ability to contact him directly much like Kim’s Kimmunicator.”

“So that’s why he had asked for your computer,” Felix amused with a small chuckle. “We thought he was only going to save your computer files onto CD disks to give to you.”

Debra shook her head slightly, still grinning. “No, he didn’t. He took it a step further. As I said, I’m going to give him a huge hug when I meet him in person one day.”

Her right hand swung around to point to her latest gift on the floor. “And now this!” Her blue eyes released a few more tears before she buried her face in his chest. “I just feel so overwhelm to know so many people care about me!”

Felix lowered his lips to kiss the top of her head through her hair. “Of course many people care about you, Deb. You think we wouldn’t?” She raised puffy, blue eyes to look into his warm, caring ones. “We’re here for you. Lean on us and we’ll help you through this crisis.”

“Oh, Felix,” she whispered before burying her face again in his chest, and before long, she was openly sobbing again, clutching his chest, but the brown-haired man could tell this time it wasn’t tears of joy she was letting go. “It still hurts!” Her words made his heart clenched. “I know people think it should be nothing to be upset about, but they don’t know me! What has happened wasn’t the first time it has happened to me!”

Her confession sent a cold chill through him, and Felix knew there was only one possible answer. “Japan?”

Debra raised her tear-stained, sad face to gaze into his concerned one. “Hai,” she sniffled before launching into her tale of what she has endured in Japan long ago, and Felix listened from beginning to end with a heavy heart. By the time her story was completed, he once more has his arms around her petite frame as she sobbed into his chest as he rocked her. Eyes closed with his right cheek on top of her head, the young handicapped man understood his girlfriend more than before and wondered why such cruelties have to befall her.

After many minutes, Debra started to calm down and the tears eventually stopped. Knowing she has composed herself, Felix sighed and raised his face, making her do the same so they could look at each other. “Deb…” he began. “As I said, we’re here for you. You’re not alone.”

Eyes closing, she kept her left hand on his chest while her right hand wiped her eyes and cheeks. “I know, Felix,” she softly replied. After feeling her face was free from the tears, the blonde/brown haired gymnast opened her blues with a kind grin, her right hand on his chest next to her other. “As I said, receiving all these wonderful gifts was just so overwhelming to me. I’m happy to have a wonderful family and many great friends.” She leaned forward to place her forehead on his. “Especially you,” she whispered.

Feeling his lips curling up to match hers, Felix felt his heart fluttered. “I will always be here for you, Deb.”

“I know,” she softly answered before closing the remaining distance to softly kiss him.

Eyes closed, the pair gently pressed their lips together. Nothing passionate. Just a soft kiss conveying comfort, support, and love. Breaking the kiss, they slightly opened their eyes before giving a smooch and another until they finally parted to open their eyes fully and grinned warmly and lovingly at each other.

Sighing, she curled up to sit on his lap with her left cheek placed on his right shoulder and his arms around her waist. Content and at peace, Debra and Felix sat in each other’s arms, occasionally looking out the van’s front windshield at the park’s blinking Christmas tree outside.

Moving her gaze from the tree to her boyfriend’s face, the young woman couldn’t help but give a small grin at this kind, gentle man, who was here for her. Her heart very much wanted to express to him how much she appreciated him.

“Felix?” she said to get his attention.

“Yeah?” he said as he turned his head to look at her. Seeing her sly grin, he knew she was up to something. “What?”

Without a word, her right hand shot up behind his head and pulled him down to kissed him with passion and all her soul. He was momentarily caught off guard, but he immediately returned the pressure with his own and soon both were kissing together passionately with open mouths, softly moaning. Eventually, they pulled apart with a smooch, and slowly, their lips curved into small grins, their blue eyes still clouded.

Felix quirked an eyebrow with a smirk. “Miss Tsuda,” he began, “are you getting a bit frisky?”

“Maybe, Mr. Renton,” she played along, matching his expression. Her right hand came around his head to trace his chin with a finger. “We have another hour or so for ourselves, and I think we can use the time to say… cuddle some more.”

Narrowing his eyes as he lowered his head closer to hers as she narrowed her eyes, Felix knew what she meant. “Cuddle? Let’s cut to the chase, Miss Astronomer.” His voice became soft and husky. “It’s not only cuddling you want.”

“You got that right, Mr. Engineer,” she murmured as his lips were close to hers, and closer and closer their lips came to each other. Each wanted once more to feel what they had felt just a couple minutes before.

A tone ring came out of nowhere, and startled from the sound, the couple pulled apart, blinking in surprise. It took them a moment to realize the ringing was a cell phone coming from the pocket of Debra’s parka.

Felix frowned. “You brought your cell phone with you?”

Debra gave her man a ‘How dense are you?’ look. “In case of emergencies, Felix. Obviously.” She reached into her right parka’s pocket and pulled out her cell phone. Eyes on the small exterior screen, her face lit up upon reading the Caller ID. “Oh! It’s from Loretta!”

While Felix wondered why his girlfriend’s dorm roommate was calling at this time of the night, especially knowing the time differences between New York and Middleton, Debra flipped open the phone and placed it on her ear.

“Hello, Loretta!” she began with a grin. After a moment, she giggled. “Yes, Caller ID does have its advantages. So what’s up?” Her face slowly turned soft with a small grin. “Thanks, Loretta. I appreciate you calling, and to tell the truth, I’m still hurting. Not as much though compared to that day.”

Felix’s expression became sympathetic upon hearing her, and his arms gently hugged her waist to convene his support. Debra kindly gave him a thankful grin as she listened to her friend on the phone.

Letting go a small chuckle/snort, the petite gymnast shook her head. “Well, least those two sorority girls are expelled, and they will not be a bother to anyone anymore, so having their heads on a platter, as much as I like the gesture, Loretta, will not do.” After a moment, Debra released a sputter laugh. “Okay, fine. If that makes you feel better, go ahead, but I wonder how long it will be before the girls at Tai Gamma Delta will track your prank calls to you. You better prepare yourself, my friend.”

“So, how was your Christmas Day?” she inquired, feeling a need to change the subject. “If it’s shortly passed 9 here, it has to be passed 11 there.” After a moment, Debra grinned. “Well, it’s good to know you know how I felt when I have large family gatherings when I was in Japan. It’s quite chaotic all right.” Her blue eyes blinked before smiling. “Oh, I spent the day with my parents, and Felix spent the day with his family, and now we’re together to spend a few hours for ourselves.” She held out the cell phone to Felix. “Say hello, Felix.”

“Hello, Felix,” Felix spoke into the phone, smirking.

Taking the phone back to her ear, Debra, after a moment, started laughing. “Hai! He is quite a joker!” Felix chuckled, still smirking. A minute later, Debra shrugged a bit, grinning. “Well, we’re right now in his van at Middleton Park in front of the park’s Christmas Tree. A nice private place for us.” She gasped as her blue eyes went wide. “Loretta!” she shouted, her cheeks turning red.

Felix blinked in surprise. “What? What did she say?” With a blushing tweaked face, Debra leaned over a bit to whispered into his ear, and soon his cheeks were matching the color of hers. “Uh, Loretta?” he said, knowing the New Yorker could hear him. “We’re not going to be doing that.”

“We’ve only been together for a few weeks, Loretta,” Debra said into the phone, still tweaked. “We’re not going to go that far.” After a moment, her twin sapphires narrowed as she smirked. “No, we are not going to go that far, so get your mind out of the sewers. Namely your New York City sewers.”

“Yeah,” Felix agreed, his face devious. “From what I know, they’re big, smelly, and slimy.” Debra laughed, eyes closed, while Felix chuckled, enjoying her delightful expression.

Nodding, Debra opened her eyes. “Hai. He’s a real court jester, Loretta, and I will not want him any other way.” She immediately realized she has something to say. “Oh, I want to thank you for chipping in for the gift, Loretta. Felix gave it to me, and I’m deeply touched.” Her face became soft. “I know. I’m very glad you’ll be there for me, when we return to Upperton U next month. I don’t want anyone else for my roommate.” Debra smiled. “Thank you, my friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.  All my love to you.” She nodded. “Hai. I’ll keep in touch. Good-bye, Loretta.” With that said, Debra pressed a button on the cell phone to end the connection before flipping it closed.

As Felix watched her placed the phone back in her parka’s pocket, he gently squeezed her waist. “You okay?” he asked out of concern.

Eyes on his, Debra gave a slight nod. “Hai, I’m fine, Felix.” Her lips curled into a soft grin. “It was good to hear from Loretta.” Wanting to feel closer to him, she placed her left cheek on his right shoulder and snuggled her body closer. “I’m glad to have her as a friend.”

Felix softly grinned as well before leaning down to kiss her forehead. Afterward, his head raised a bit to see a crafty grin on her face, and he knew immediately what she was thinking.

“You can do better than that,” she purred.

Matching her appearance, the wheel chaired man adjusted his head to angle his lips to hers. Closer and closer their lips came.

Her cell phone ringed again.

Once again broken out of their loving trance, they placed their foreheads together and sighed mutually in frustration.

“Deb…” Felix said as the phone continued to ring. “Why do I have a feeling someone upstairs,” he pointed skyward, “doesn’t like us?”

“Oh, Kami,” Debra said while frowning. “I hope not.”

Tearing her forehead away from his, Debra again retrieved her cell phone, and her lips smirked upon reading the Caller ID. “It’s from Kim this time,” she mentioned as her eyes went from the small screen to Felix’s face.

Smirking as well, Felix shook his head. “I hope George will not be calling next.”

Debra snorted a laugh in agreement before flipping the phone open and placing it on her ear. “Hello? Hi, Kim!” she said with a grin. A chuckle bubbled from her lips a moment later. “Well, you weren’t able to get through to me because I was talking with Loretta. She called from New York to wish me a Merry Christmas and find out how I was doing.” Her face became soft. “As I told Loretta, I’ll tell you. I’m still hurting, but not as much as before. I’m glad for my family and friends being here to help me.” A hand squeezed her shoulder, and Debra grinned, knowing Felix was once again offering comfort and support through simple touching. “Well, I have no real plans for tomorrow, so if you and Ron want to come over to my house and meet me, I’m okay with it.” She sighed with a small smirk. “I’m sure my ‘rents will be okay with it. They respect you and Ron. No big, as you always say.” She giggled. “Well, get used to it, Kim, if I happen to pick up some of your traits.” After a couple of minutes, Debra eyed her suitor with a sly grin. “Well, I spent the day with my folks, and Felix spent the day with his folks, and we’re currently together in his van here at Middleton Park. Just some quiet time for the two of us.” A few seconds later, her grin dropped into a frown before she dropped her face onto Felix’s shoulder and groaned.

Felix has a strange case of deja’vu upon seeing her blushed cheeks. “What did Kim say?” he frowned.

Raising her face to look at him, her expression told it all. “The same thing as Loretta said.” Felix groaned and blushed in turn.

Debra held out the phone for both of them to speak into it. “We’re not doing that, Kim!” both cried out.

Putting the phone back to her ear, the lithe woman listened and shook her head, smirking a bit. She eyed Felix once more. “You should know, Felix, that Ron is also listening. He’s laughing and saying he’s going to tease you mercilessly the next time you meet him.”

His left hand quickly grabbed her right wrist to bring the cell phone closer to his lips. “You bring it on, Ronman! I’ll kick you butt as I did at Zombie Mayhem!” He chuckled afterward, letting go of her wrist so she could put the phone back on her ear.

After listening for a minute, Debra chuckled. “Hai, I agree, Kim. Let’s stay out of the boys’ way. They’re so childish.”

“Hey!” Felix said, perturbed a bit. In return, Debra ribbed him by sticking out her tongue at him.

After another minute of listening to Kim, Debra’s face became soft again. “Hai, Felix gave me the gift. Thank you to you and Ron for chipping in for it. I appreciate it.” Another pause later she warmly grinned with a full heart. “You’re a great friend to me as well, Kim, and Merry Christmas to you, Ron, and your families. All my love to you.” She gave a small chuckle. “Hai, I’ll see you tomorrow then. Bye, Kim.” With those final words, Debra pressed a button to severe the connection before closing the phone for the second time tonight.

Giving her right shoulder another hug, Felix grinned up at his girlfriend. “See? You’re definitely not alone.”

Nodding, Debra didn’t say anything, for her heart was so full of love for all the goodness that has happened to her today. She knew that despite the darkness that still resided in her being; she would eventually overcome it, thanks to all those who supported her – friends and family alike.

Still not saying a word, Upperton U’s star gymnastics athlete cuddled up to her beau with her face in the crook of his neck, and for many minutes, the couple simply just sat there, holding each other and just breathing in each other’s scent. A quiet and peaceful time for both.

Heart still full, the young 18-year-old lady once more felt like expressing herself, and yet this time, she came up with a simple solution to really gain the privacy she and her 20-year-old gentleman would want for their remaining time alone.

Still clutching her cell phone since Kim’s call, raising her head from his neck, Debra gave a small grin with narrowed eyes as she flipped the phone open and pressed a button. Seeing what she was doing, Felix slowly matched her facial expression. The button she pressed would make sure they have privacy alright, for it was the power button to shut the phone off.

After tossing the phone onto the floor, Debra turned to face her boyfriend with a devilish grin. “Now we’ll not be disturbed,” she purred.

“What about emergencies?” Felix teased.

Debra repositioned herself so she was straddling his lap, her arms curling around his neck. “They just have to do without us,” she softly answered, inching her face closer to his. “Merry Christmas, Felix,” she purred.

“Merry Christmas, Deb,” he whispered back.

The pair closed the remaining distance and locked their lips open mouth fully and forcefully as she clutched her arms around his neck and his arms clutched around her waist and back. They moaned into each other’s mouths, fully letting their feelings go as they kissed with passion, their minds not registering anything but each other.

So Felix and Debra continued to kiss, as the Christmas tree seen through the windshield blinked its lights, and for the next hour or so, that was what the couple pretty much has done – cuddling, kissing, cuddling, and even more kissing.

As far as they were concerned, it was the perfect way to end Christmas Day.

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After story A/Ns:

1) This is just an interlude for the TUY gang after the events of “The Finals Straw”. I’d wanted to show that Debra was on the minds of her friends, especially on Christmas Day, and it worked out pretty well. Rest assures that the next story will start the saga as we journey into Debra’s past. The saga will be a long one, so it’ll be awhile before I’ll be writing up the first story of the gang back at Upperton U.

2) Just want to let everyone know that I’m no meteorologist. I’ve seen so many weather maps during the news and on the Weather Channel to tell that sometimes those weather fronts range in speeds from fast to really slow. So knowing the distance between NYC and Delaware, I could see a cold front could be over Delaware and be cloudy while NYC would be sunny yet cold.

3) Oh, speaking of NYC, for those who truly know what the housing of the Bronx does look like, I apologize if I’m wrong that the Bronx would not have housing like I described for the Brown’s. I may have live and grown-up in New Jersey not far from NYC, but this doesn’t mean I know everything about NYC though.

4) I’d decided to give Monique siblings. The TV series didn’t mentioned whether she is a only child, and given the series already shown two only-children, Felix and Ron (whom maybe or maybe not loose his ‘only child’ status in Season 4), I think it would be good that Monique have siblings, and to match Kim, I’d gave Monique two brothers with her being the middle child.

5) Yes, Hanukkah does start on December 5th and ends on the 12th in the year 2007, and Christmas Day is on a Tuesday in the same year. It was simple to Google search for the information. I wanted to know so I will write up whether it’s possible for Ron’s ‘rents to attend the Possible’s for Christmas Day. If Hanukkah was to overlap Christmas, I would have been in conflict whether Ron’s ‘rents would have attended Christmas Day with the Possibles. Ron no doubt would attend according to “A Very Possible Christmas”. His ‘rents are a big question mark though.

6) Once more, I like to expression my deepest thanks to everyone, whom enjoyed my writing and even my digital collages over at DA. To those who placed me on your favorite author lists. To those who placed me on your author watch lists. To those who placed me on your DA watch lists. And of course, to those whom read my stories and seen my art without favoring me anywhere. I deeply appreciate the support, and I’m happy to know people like my stories and art.

And the grand adventure continues.

:) (Smile) — Description
Story 18, Part 2 of the Kim Possible: The University Years series.

Disclaimers: Oh, the usual mentioned in Chapter 1. Yada, yada. Why am I boring you with these details? On with the story.

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After only a couple of chomps, the cheese nacho was devoured, and with a happy grin on his face, he gave a satisfied burp before plopping down on his back. Eyes closing, he curled into the nacho tray and fell asleep with a stomach full of cheese nachos.

From the corner of the couch, a pair of chocolate eyes appraised the little pink mole rat on the coffee table. He chuckled, for he knew his small friend could consume more food faster than the average human.

Feeling a hand stroking his chest, he turned his head slightly to his right to gaze down at a redhead beauty, whose emerald eyes were also focus on the mole rat on the coffee table. Her head was resting comfortably on his right shoulder as she snuggled into his body, while his right arm was warmly around her shoulders, returning her embrace.

Giving a small laugh, she shook her head. “Even after all these years, I’m still amaze that Rufus could eat more food than you at times.” Her hand continued stroking his chest.

Smiling, the blonde man nuzzled his nose into her hair, making her closed her eyes and smiled.  “Well, KP, I certainly can’t imagine my life of the past ten years without Rufus.” He gently kissed her head through her hair before his voice became softer. “And I certainly can’t ever imagine my life without you.”

Sighing happily, Kim Possible couldn’t help but feel her heart fluttered at her boyfriend’s words. She raised her head to look into those eyes she loved so much. “And I can’t imagine my life without you as well, Ron.” With that said she reached up to give a gentle, loving kiss to Ron Stoppable, and afterward, with love etched on their faces, they resumed their cuddling positions.

Wearing their favorite sweaters they traditionally wore on Christmas Day, Kim her purple one and Ron his blue one, the couple had opted to just snuggle together on the couch after dinner and just enjoy touching each other as they listen to holiday music being played on the CD player in the Possible’s family room. Kim’s twin 14-year-old brothers were currently watching some science-fiction movie on TV as they sat together on the other end of the couch; mindful at times to their sister’s snuggling up to her boyfriend. It pretty much was like any other typical Christmas Day in the Possible household.

Like they mostly always do, the Possibles went out of their way to show their Christmas spirits. The house was decorated almost everywhere, especially outside with the various displays that could almost blind people. They made a huge Christmas feast with enough food for nearly twice the number of people they have. Of course, Christmas wasn’t celebrated without the many gifts handed out to everyone in the family.

Yet, Christmas Day had a slight addition in the past couple of years. Ron always had joined the Possible clan for Christmas since he was a child, but since Kim and Ron had gone steady, Ron’s ‘rents had decided to join the festivals. Much like Thanksgiving, both families would get together to celebrate as one.

As of now, all four parents with Nana were still sitting at the dining table, talking and enjoying coffee and dessert. Once dinner was over Jim and Tim had been the firsts to leave, followed a few minutes later by Kim and Ron. But the older generations of the family kept talking.

For Ron, he was lucky Hanukkah came early this year between December 5th and 12th, allowing him and his parents to join the Possibles for Christmas. He had remembered the 2005 Holiday Season, and Hanukkah started the day after Christmas. He was lucky it didn’t started on Christmas Day, for that would have meant his folks wouldn’t have been able to attend Christmas with the Possibles and he would have run on a tight schedule in order to attend the Hanukkah services at the temple and be with Kim and her family.

Feeling safe in his arms, Kim sighed. Her thoughts wandered from happy thoughts of what has happened today with her and Ron’s families to a friend of hers. She wondered what she was doing now.

Seeing her expression has turned thoughtful, Ron has a feeling what her mind was pondering about. “What are you thinking, KP?”

The redhead slightly grinned. He knew her well enough to know when something important was occupying her thoughts. “Debra. We haven’t seen her since the university, and I wondered how she is doing.” Her lips frowned. “I know she has her ‘rents there to help her, but as a psychology major, I know she needs help, Ron. I hope she doesn’t close herself off, because she’ll have a hard time with her courses next semester if she does.”

Tightening his arm around her in a brief supportive hug, Ron sighed. “Well, we know through Felix that she has seen him a couple of times since the university, so I don’t think she’s totally isolating herself.”

Kim slightly shook her head. “Her parents and Felix alone are not enough, Ron.”

Ron frowned at her words. “Kim, you know as well as I that no one can force anyone, not even Debra, to do something. Debra has to seek out help on her own.”

“Oh, Ron,” she turned her face to snuggle into the base of his neck, seeking comfort. “I’m worried for her. She hasn’t called me.”

Realizing the gist of his beloved’s train of thoughts, Ron cut straight to the heart of the matter. “How about you give her a call tonight, KP?” he suggested. She raised her head to look into his eyes. “Wish her a Merry Christmas and such. Enough time has passed to give her breathing space. Ask her if she doesn’t mind you seeing her.”

Giving a small grin at his considerate proposals, Kim gave a small snort. “Ron, even if I have a psychologist license, I know I’m personally too close to Deb as a friend to help her.”

This time it was Ron’s turn to give a small, amusing snort. “Did I say you have to see Deb as a psychologist? You want to see her as her friend, nothing more. You’re concerned for her, and it will help her to know her friends are there for her.”

She blinked a few times before her lips curled up in a smile. Leaning up, she placed her forehead on his to really look into those twin loving chocolate pools she couldn’t get enough. “Ronald Stoppable,” she whispered in an adoring tone, “you still astound me every so often with that wonderful mind of yours.” She raised a teasing eyebrow. “Are you taking psychology classes behind my back?”

That recognizable goofy smile spread across his face. “Well, you know me, KP. The Ronster always wants to be on top of his game.”

Kim gave a small giggle before moving her lips closer to his as their eyes narrowed. “It’s good to know that you are always on top of your game,” she purred, “especially when it comes to me.”

“Booyah,” Ron whispered before sealing his lips to hers.

With eyes closed, the pair kissed long and languidly, savoring the softness of their connected lips and blocking out everything but each other for the moment.

That was until they heard the voices of the Tweebs.

“Aw, man!” Tim cried out.

“They’re at it again!” Jim finished.

Wearing a red sweater, Tim raised an eyebrow at his twin. “How many times does this make it today?”

Jim shrugged in his green sweater, still eying the kissing couple. “I lost track.”

Returning his eyes on his sister and her boyfriend, Tim scowled a bit. “Do you two ever…”

“Grow tired of kissing all the time?” Jim concluded

Finally breaking the kiss, Kim smirked, keeping her eyes on Ron’s. “Can it, Tweebs. You know we know you two are doing the same now with your girlfriends.”

Smirking as well, Ron joined in on the ribbing. “Maybe we should place hidden cameras at certain locations to vid them smooching lips.”

Kim’s lips turned devilish. “Not a bad idea, Ron. I could ask Wade to monitor Jim and Tim and hand me the vids to give to their girlfriends’ ‘rents.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” both brothers cried out with wide eyes.

Turning her head around to eye her younger siblings, Kim narrowed her eyes at them, still sporting that devious grin. “Try me, Tweebs.”

Slumping back on the couch’s backrest, Jim and Tim knew they were cornered yet they scowled at her sister anyway.

Feeling the sweetness of victory, Kim turned back to her man, her emerald eyes blazing as her lips came close to his again. “Now where were we?”

Grinning, Ron didn’t bother to answer, for he just reached up to connect his mouth over hers. Both melted into the kiss, once more ignoring what was going around them.

After a minute of watching the two smooch lips, Tim turned to his brother. “It was more fun teasing her before puberty hit us.”

“Yeah,” Jim agreed, turning to watch the TV. “Maybe we should find a way to eliminate hormones from our bodies.”

The twins turned to eye each other, and after a few moments, both simultaneously shook their head. “Nah,” they said before turning together to watch the television, ignoring the still kissing couple.

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The doorbell rang, and when Mr. Tsuda answered it and opened the door, on the other side was Felix Renton. The brown haired 20-year-old man, wearing a winter jacket, grinned at the elder man. “Mr. Tsuda, hello, and Merry Christmas.”

With a grin, Takai Tsuda gestured for the young man to enter his house. “Thank you, Felix-kun,” he said as Felix rolled his wheelchair passed the front door to allow the elder man to close the door, “and Merry Christmas to you.”

“Felix-kun,” a woman’s voice brought both men to look at the figure coming down the front hallway.

Felix gave a grin and nod of head in respect to his girlfriend’s mother. “Mrs. Tsuda, Merry Christmas,” he said as she finally stopped in front of him.

Akina Tsuda returned the grin and reached over to pat his shoulder. “And a Merry Christmas to you, Felix-kun.” Withdrawing her hand, she titled her head sideways, looking into the blue eyes of her daughter’s boyfriend. “I’m surprised you and Debra-chan would want to go out at this time of the night.”

“That’s because we want to spend a few hours of Christmas Day together,” another voice came from above, and all three looked up the front stairs to see Debra Tsuda descend the steps. Her long blonde/brown hair was pushed to the back by a pink, plastic headband, and her attire was simple – blue jeans, sneakers, and green, long-sleeved, button-up shirt.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, she threw her arms around Felix and hugged him with a smile. She felt him warmly returned her embrace. “Merry Christmas, Felix.”

“Merry Christmas, Debra,” he said in her ear, happy to see her. Over her shoulder, he saw Mr. & Mrs. Tsuda were grinning at approval of the display, knowing their daughter was happy.

After kissing his cheek, the 18-year-old woman parted from him before turning to face her parents. “It’s only for a few hours. Felix spent the day with his mother and some members of his family, and I spent the day here. We want to have some time for ourselves before Christmas is over.”

Mrs. Tsuda nodded her head as she placed a hand on Debra’s right shoulder. “We understand, Debra-chan.” She softly chuckled. “Although I can’t see where you and Felix-kun can go, for all the stores and theaters are closed.”

Felix grinned. “Well, we will just hang out and talk, Mrs. Tsuda. It’s what we planned.”

Parting from her mother’s hand, Debra took a few steps to a hallway closet. Opening it, she reached in to retrieve her red/pink parka and a small, wrapped package, and after closing the closet, the petite woman donned the winter jacket. “We’ll be okay, Mother,” she said as she zipped up the jacket. “We need this time together.” With that said, her hand picked up the package, which was just a little bit bigger than her hand. She turned to face Felix. “Ready?”

“I’m ready, Deb,” Felix replied. “Let’s go.”

Mr. Tsuda kindly opened the front door again for Felix to roll out with Debra walking just behind him. After closing the door, Mr. and Mrs. Tsuda watched through the door’s side windows as Felix entered his van’s side door first followed by Debra, and once the side door was closed, the van’s lights came on soon after. Only after the van backed out of the driveway and drove off did Mr. Tsuda turn off the front door lights and then the driveway and sidewalk lamps.

The Tsudas returned to the family/living room to sit on the couch to read and watch TV. A decorated Christmas tree stood next to the small piano in the room. Both opted to stay up until their daughter returned.

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“So where are we going?” Debra asked as she sat in the front passenger seat, eying Felix. Various snow-covered houses went by, some of them with their outdoor Christmas lights on.

Keeping his eyes on the road, the wheel chaired man gave a small smirk; his face glowed from the dashboard lights, which provided the only illumination inside the van. “You’ll see,” he said as he turned the van onto a main road to lead into the center of Middleton.

Her face also glowing from the dashboard lights, the freshman student slyly grinned at her boyfriend. “I don’t think we have that many places to go, Mr. Renton.” She turned her head to look out the window as they started to pass stores and businesses; all of them closed with darken windows. “It’s not like we have much of a choice,” she gestured to the passing stores.

Still giving that smirk, Felix shook his head slightly. “Ah, but you had asked two days ago that you want to spend some time alone with me, Miss Tsuda, and this gentleman will provide it. It will defeat your request if we go to a store or some other place where there are people.”

Turning back to face him, Debra gave a mock display of being really touched with a hand over her heart. “Why, Mr. Renton, I didn’t know you cared.” Both laughed at the silliness, and shortly after, they returned to normal with grins on their faces. Debra turned again to look at the passing buildings while Felix concentrated on driving.

Since they had last seen each other at the university, Debra and Felix had met together two other times before tonight’s date. The first time was just to go out for lunch and talk. The second time two days ago on Sunday was to go shopping together at Middleton Mall, which proved to be quite an experience given it was the last Sunday before Christmas Day and the shopping crowds were expectedly huge.

Felix made a left turn into Middleton Park, and after another two more minutes, he pulled into an empty parking lot. His hands turned the steering wheel to maneuver the van into a parking spot that faced a large field as well as a very large pine tree next to one of the park’s restroom buildings.

Shutting off the engines and the lights, Felix turned to his girlfriend and was delighted to see her staring with a grin at the pine tree. The huge tree was lighted and decorated from top to bottom, for this tree was the park’s Christmas tree. Every year the tree was decorated for the holidays by the park commission, and given the snow on the ground with some in the tree, the tree truly made it felt in tune with the holiday spirits.

“I take it that you haven’t seen this Christmas tree,” Felix commented, still grinning.

“No, I haven’t,” Debra admitted, still examining the tree with her delighted blue eyes. “Last year was my family’s first Christmas in America, and we pretty much spent it at home. We didn’t see much of the various holiday festivals and decorations around the city. Her head swiveled to face her beau. “It’s beautiful, Felix.”

“I’m glad you love it, Debra,” he smiled. “I figured this place would be ideal suited for us to find some privacy.” Felix rolled his chair back from the driver’s position for a few feet before turning his chair to face the right side of the van.

Swiveling the passenger chair to face the engineering student, Debra smirked and gestured outside to indicate the park. “Are you sure we’ll have privacy here, Felix?”

Chuckling as he unzipped his coat, Felix nodded his head. “Yes, I’m sure, Deb. The police patrols will not bother us. We’ll have privacy for several hours.” With that said, he pressed a couple of buttons on his chair arm, and the next thing happened was the van’s interior lights on the ceiling came on, lighting the inside in a soft glow, enough for the couple to see.

Debra giggled. “Going for a romantic atmosphere, Mr. Renton?” She raised an eyebrow, grinning as she unzipped her parka.

Cocking his head to the side, Felix gave a leering grin at her. “I aim to please, Miss Tsuda,” he replied, making her giggle some more.

Sighing, she looked at the soft glowing van’s interior - carpeted floor, a few chairs and a couch, a small fridge that was next to Felix’s wheelchair, and some other features. A thought made Debra frown a bit in worry. “Felix,” she began, “would these lights drain the van’s battery?”

He knew what she was referring. “No,” Felix answered. “The interior lights and features are running off two batteries separated from the engine’s battery, and they will able to run for hours with the lights low as this. A separated alternator charges the two batteries when the engine is running, and it will always charge the batteries fully every time.” He gave a small grin and shrugged. “As an engineer, even I know better than to drain the engine’s battery. It’ll do me no good if I drain that battery and get myself stuck, unable to start the engine.”

“Wise, Felix,” she cocked an eyebrow at him, smirking. “Quite wise.”

“Yes, I know,” he countered, grinning. Both softly chuckled.

Getting out of her seat, Debra knelt onto the floor, picked up the small, wrapped present she had brought, and shuffled on her knees a bit to be in front of Felix. With a smile and blue eyes shining, she held the gift in front of him with both hands. “Merry Christmas, Felix,” she said before placing the gift onto his lap.

Felix snorted a laugh as he reached and held up the small present. “Deb…” His face smirked as he looked into her eyes. “It’s obvious I can tell this is a video game for my game console.”

Her eyes narrowed as she slyly grinned. “Yet do you know which game?”

“Well, one way to find out,” he responded grandly before ripping off the wrapping. He read aloud the title with interest. “Terra AeroStar Fighter 1.0? This is a space combat game.”

“Hai,” Debra said before she started to explain. “Unlike Zombie Mayhem, this game is a strategic game, and the players have to use their wits, skills, and brains to win. It can be played on the game console and online through the Internet.”

He was impressed. “Sounds interesting to play.” His blue eyes went from the game to lock on his girlfriend’s own blues. “Play with me for my first match?”

Debra grinned. “Sure, why not,” she mentioned right before her lips turned devilish. “We’re both new to this game, so there is a chance you might win one over me.”

A chuckle escaped his lips. “It’ll be nice to win one over you for a change.” Felix’s smile became warm and thankful. “Thanks, Debra.”

The blonde/brown haired young woman smiled lovingly back. “You’re welcome, Felix.”

Placing the game on top of the small refrigerator, Felix activated one of his chair’s cyber robotic arms. “Now it’s time for your present.” The arm went around the refrigerator to a wall compartment near the floor, and after opening it, the arm took out a long, narrowed, rectangle wrapped package. Debra gave a gasp with wide eyes as she watched the mechanical arm placed the gift on the floor between her and Felix.

As the robotic arm retracted back into the wheelchair, Upperton U’s star athlete couldn’t help but feel her heart hammering while her eyes were starting to get moist. “Felix!” she cried out with a smile, looking up from the package to his loving face. “I’m not a fool not to see what it is!”

With that loving expression still displayed, Felix gestured to the gift. “Open it, Debra.”

Eyes returning to the gift, Debra tore away the wrapping to reveal a simple brown box, and after she lifted up the top lid to reveal the item inside, her hands shot up to cover her mouth as she gave a small sob. Inside was a brand new portable electronic musical keyboard synthesizer with leather carrying bag case underneath.

Her head shot back up to look at her boyfriend with shining eyes. “Felix!” she cried out again as her hands came away from her face to show her radiant smile while a few tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Merry Christmas, Debra,” he kept his warm smile at her. “We’ve all chipped in for this gift - Kim, Ron, Monique, Loretta, George, and I. After you left the university, knowing your favorite musical instrument was destroyed; we’ve decided to buy you a new one for Christmas. Taking the remains of your old board, Wade took out the memory chips and placed them in this new one. All your recorded songs and music are intact along with any of your program instructions. Wade also added some new features, including a holographic musical notes sheet screen.”

Feeling just too overwhelm to say anything, Debra launched up onto his lap and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his shoulder as she sobbed. Felix was startled for a moment, but he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back with a warm grin, knowing she was releasing tears of joy.

“Thank you!” Debra whispered, tightening her arms a bit in her need to feel closer to him.

“You’re very much welcome, Deb,” Felix softly replied back in her ear as he gently rock her as she released more tears.

After a few minutes, she raised her face to look at his. “I feel… I feel…” She raised a hand to her mouth as she hiccupped a bit, and she lowered it when she felt she could able again to speak. “I feel so overwhelm, Felix!” she smiled. “It’s not just your gift though.”

The young man raised an eyebrow, curious to what she meant, and seeing his expression, she clarified herself. “This morning my parents gave me a replacement for my evening dress, the one I wore at the Christmas Ball. It’s exactly the same, and I thought I had lost that dress forever.”

Felix grinned. “I’m glad. I like that dress on you.”

Still smiling, Debra raised her right hand and gently stroked his cheek. “Thank you. I like that dress too.”

She continued her explanation; her emotions making her feel like her heart would burst. “When my relatives in Japan heard what had happened to me, they were shocked and angry for me as much as Mom and Dad.” Her right hand lowered to rest on his chest. “My cousins sent me a new jewelry box to replace the one I had lost, while the rest of the family sent me various replacements of stuff. I even have a new kimono dress!”

The wheel chaired man knew what a kimono dress look like, given he had seen pictures of Japanese women in kimonos. “Would I get a chance to see you in it?” he teased.

A giggle escaped her. “Maybe one day, my handsome boyfriend.”

Her story resumed. “And Wade!” Her lips trembled as single tear rolled down her cheek. “That boy! If I ever meet him in person, I’m going to give him a big hug!” She chuckled with a smile. “He gave me a new notebook computer!” Felix smiled at this. “All my university work, files, and programs I have in my old one are in the new one. He even gave the computer the ability to contact him directly much like Kim’s Kimmunicator.”

“So that’s why he had asked for your computer,” Felix amused with a small chuckle. “We thought he was only going to save your computer files onto CD disks to give to you.”

Debra shook her head slightly, still grinning. “No, he didn’t. He took it a step further. As I said, I’m going to give him a huge hug when I meet him in person one day.”

Her right hand swung around to point to her latest gift on the floor. “And now this!” Her blue eyes released a few more tears before she buried her face in his chest. “I just feel so overwhelm to know so many people care about me!”

Felix lowered his lips to kiss the top of her head through her hair. “Of course many people care about you, Deb. You think we wouldn’t?” She raised puffy, blue eyes to look into his warm, caring ones. “We’re here for you. Lean on us and we’ll help you through this crisis.”

“Oh, Felix,” she whispered before burying her face again in his chest, and before long, she was openly sobbing again, clutching his chest, but the brown-haired man could tell this time it wasn’t tears of joy she was letting go. “It still hurts!” Her words made his heart clenched. “I know people think it should be nothing to be upset about, but they don’t know me! What has happened wasn’t the first time it has happened to me!”

Her confession sent a cold chill through him, and Felix knew there was only one possible answer. “Japan?”

Debra raised her tear-stained, sad face to gaze into his concerned one. “Hai,” she sniffled before launching into her tale of what she has endured in Japan long ago, and Felix listened from beginning to end with a heavy heart. By the time her story was completed, he once more has his arms around her petite frame as she sobbed into his chest as he rocked her. Eyes closed with his right cheek on top of her head, the young handicapped man understood his girlfriend more than before and wondered why such cruelties have to befall her.

After many minutes, Debra started to calm down and the tears eventually stopped. Knowing she has composed herself, Felix sighed and raised his face, making her do the same so they could look at each other. “Deb…” he began. “As I said, we’re here for you. You’re not alone.”

Eyes closing, she kept her left hand on his chest while her right hand wiped her eyes and cheeks. “I know, Felix,” she softly replied. After feeling her face was free from the tears, the blonde/brown haired gymnast opened her blues with a kind grin, her right hand on his chest next to her other. “As I said, receiving all these wonderful gifts was just so overwhelming to me. I’m happy to have a wonderful family and many great friends.” She leaned forward to place her forehead on his. “Especially you,” she whispered.

Feeling his lips curling up to match hers, Felix felt his heart fluttered. “I will always be here for you, Deb.”

“I know,” she softly answered before closing the remaining distance to softly kiss him.

Eyes closed, the pair gently pressed their lips together. Nothing passionate. Just a soft kiss conveying comfort, support, and love. Breaking the kiss, they slightly opened their eyes before giving a smooch and another until they finally parted to open their eyes fully and grinned warmly and lovingly at each other.

Sighing, she curled up to sit on his lap with her left cheek placed on his right shoulder and his arms around her waist. Content and at peace, Debra and Felix sat in each other’s arms, occasionally looking out the van’s front windshield at the park’s blinking Christmas tree outside.

Moving her gaze from the tree to her boyfriend’s face, the young woman couldn’t help but give a small grin at this kind, gentle man, who was here for her. Her heart very much wanted to express to him how much she appreciated him.

“Felix?” she said to get his attention.

“Yeah?” he said as he turned his head to look at her. Seeing her sly grin, he knew she was up to something. “What?”

Without a word, her right hand shot up behind his head and pulled him down to kissed him with passion and all her soul. He was momentarily caught off guard, but he immediately returned the pressure with his own and soon both were kissing together passionately with open mouths, softly moaning. Eventually, they pulled apart with a smooch, and slowly, their lips curved into small grins, their blue eyes still clouded.

Felix quirked an eyebrow with a smirk. “Miss Tsuda,” he began, “are you getting a bit frisky?”

“Maybe, Mr. Renton,” she played along, matching his expression. Her right hand came around his head to trace his chin with a finger. “We have another hour or so for ourselves, and I think we can use the time to say… cuddle some more.”

Narrowing his eyes as he lowered his head closer to hers as she narrowed her eyes, Felix knew what she meant. “Cuddle? Let’s cut to the chase, Miss Astronomer.” His voice became soft and husky. “It’s not only cuddling you want.”

“You got that right, Mr. Engineer,” she murmured as his lips were close to hers, and closer and closer their lips came to each other. Each wanted once more to feel what they had felt just a couple minutes before.

A tone ring came out of nowhere, and startled from the sound, the couple pulled apart, blinking in surprise. It took them a moment to realize the ringing was a cell phone coming from the pocket of Debra’s parka.

Felix frowned. “You brought your cell phone with you?”

Debra gave her man a ‘How dense are you?’ look. “In case of emergencies, Felix. Obviously.” She reached into her right parka’s pocket and pulled out her cell phone. Eyes on the small exterior screen, her face lit up upon reading the Caller ID. “Oh! It’s from Loretta!”

While Felix wondered why his girlfriend’s dorm roommate was calling at this time of the night, especially knowing the time differences between New York and Middleton, Debra flipped open the phone and placed it on her ear.

“Hello, Loretta!” she began with a grin. After a moment, she giggled. “Yes, Caller ID does have its advantages. So what’s up?” Her face slowly turned soft with a small grin. “Thanks, Loretta. I appreciate you calling, and to tell the truth, I’m still hurting. Not as much though compared to that day.”

Felix’s expression became sympathetic upon hearing her, and his arms gently hugged her waist to convene his support. Debra kindly gave him a thankful grin as she listened to her friend on the phone.

Letting go a small chuckle/snort, the petite gymnast shook her head. “Well, least those two sorority girls are expelled, and they will not be a bother to anyone anymore, so having their heads on a platter, as much as I like the gesture, Loretta, will not do.” After a moment, Debra released a sputter laugh. “Okay, fine. If that makes you feel better, go ahead, but I wonder how long it will be before the girls at Tai Gamma Delta will track your prank calls to you. You better prepare yourself, my friend.”

“So, how was your Christmas Day?” she inquired, feeling a need to change the subject. “If it’s shortly passed 9 here, it has to be passed 11 there.” After a moment, Debra grinned. “Well, it’s good to know you know how I felt when I have large family gatherings when I was in Japan. It’s quite chaotic all right.” Her blue eyes blinked before smiling. “Oh, I spent the day with my parents, and Felix spent the day with his family, and now we’re together to spend a few hours for ourselves.” She held out the cell phone to Felix. “Say hello, Felix.”

“Hello, Felix,” Felix spoke into the phone, smirking.

Taking the phone back to her ear, Debra, after a moment, started laughing. “Hai! He is quite a joker!” Felix chuckled, still smirking. A minute later, Debra shrugged a bit, grinning. “Well, we’re right now in his van at Middleton Park in front of the park’s Christmas Tree. A nice private place for us.” She gasped as her blue eyes went wide. “Loretta!” she shouted, her cheeks turning red.

Felix blinked in surprise. “What? What did she say?” With a blushing tweaked face, Debra leaned over a bit to whispered into his ear, and soon his cheeks were matching the color of hers. “Uh, Loretta?” he said, knowing the New Yorker could hear him. “We’re not going to be doing that.”

“We’ve only been together for a few weeks, Loretta,” Debra said into the phone, still tweaked. “We’re not going to go that far.” After a moment, her twin sapphires narrowed as she smirked. “No, we are not going to go that far, so get your mind out of the sewers. Namely your New York City sewers.”

“Yeah,” Felix agreed, his face devious. “From what I know, they’re big, smelly, and slimy.” Debra laughed, eyes closed, while Felix chuckled, enjoying her delightful expression.

Nodding, Debra opened her eyes. “Hai. He’s a real court jester, Loretta, and I will not want him any other way.” She immediately realized she has something to say. “Oh, I want to thank you for chipping in for the gift, Loretta. Felix gave it to me, and I’m deeply touched.” Her face became soft. “I know. I’m very glad you’ll be there for me, when we return to Upperton U next month. I don’t want anyone else for my roommate.” Debra smiled. “Thank you, my friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.  All my love to you.” She nodded. “Hai. I’ll keep in touch. Good-bye, Loretta.” With that said, Debra pressed a button on the cell phone to end the connection before flipping it closed.

As Felix watched her placed the phone back in her parka’s pocket, he gently squeezed her waist. “You okay?” he asked out of concern.

Eyes on his, Debra gave a slight nod. “Hai, I’m fine, Felix.” Her lips curled into a soft grin. “It was good to hear from Loretta.” Wanting to feel closer to him, she placed her left cheek on his right shoulder and snuggled her body closer. “I’m glad to have her as a friend.”

Felix softly grinned as well before leaning down to kiss her forehead. Afterward, his head raised a bit to see a crafty grin on her face, and he knew immediately what she was thinking.

“You can do better than that,” she purred.

Matching her appearance, the wheel chaired man adjusted his head to angle his lips to hers. Closer and closer their lips came.

Her cell phone ringed again.

Once again broken out of their loving trance, they placed their foreheads together and sighed mutually in frustration.

“Deb…” Felix said as the phone continued to ring. “Why do I have a feeling someone upstairs,” he pointed skyward, “doesn’t like us?”

“Oh, Kami,” Debra said while frowning. “I hope not.”

Tearing her forehead away from his, Debra again retrieved her cell phone, and her lips smirked upon reading the Caller ID. “It’s from Kim this time,” she mentioned as her eyes went from the small screen to Felix’s face.

Smirking as well, Felix shook his head. “I hope George will not be calling next.”

Debra snorted a laugh in agreement before flipping the phone open and placing it on her ear. “Hello? Hi, Kim!” she said with a grin. A chuckle bubbled from her lips a moment later. “Well, you weren’t able to get through to me because I was talking with Loretta. She called from New York to wish me a Merry Christmas and find out how I was doing.” Her face became soft. “As I told Loretta, I’ll tell you. I’m still hurting, but not as much as before. I’m glad for my family and friends being here to help me.” A hand squeezed her shoulder, and Debra grinned, knowing Felix was once again offering comfort and support through simple touching. “Well, I have no real plans for tomorrow, so if you and Ron want to come over to my house and meet me, I’m okay with it.” She sighed with a small smirk. “I’m sure my ‘rents will be okay with it. They respect you and Ron. No big, as you always say.” She giggled. “Well, get used to it, Kim, if I happen to pick up some of your traits.” After a couple of minutes, Debra eyed her suitor with a sly grin. “Well, I spent the day with my folks, and Felix spent the day with his folks, and we’re currently together in his van here at Middleton Park. Just some quiet time for the two of us.” A few seconds later, her grin dropped into a frown before she dropped her face onto Felix’s shoulder and groaned.

Felix has a strange case of deja’vu upon seeing her blushed cheeks. “What did Kim say?” he frowned.

Raising her face to look at him, her expression told it all. “The same thing as Loretta said.” Felix groaned and blushed in turn.

Debra held out the phone for both of them to speak into it. “We’re not doing that, Kim!” both cried out.

Putting the phone back to her ear, the lithe woman listened and shook her head, smirking a bit. She eyed Felix once more. “You should know, Felix, that Ron is also listening. He’s laughing and saying he’s going to tease you mercilessly the next time you meet him.”

His left hand quickly grabbed her right wrist to bring the cell phone closer to his lips. “You bring it on, Ronman! I’ll kick you butt as I did at Zombie Mayhem!” He chuckled afterward, letting go of her wrist so she could put the phone back on her ear.

After listening for a minute, Debra chuckled. “Hai, I agree, Kim. Let’s stay out of the boys’ way. They’re so childish.”

“Hey!” Felix said, perturbed a bit. In return, Debra ribbed him by sticking out her tongue at him.

After another minute of listening to Kim, Debra’s face became soft again. “Hai, Felix gave me the gift. Thank you to you and Ron for chipping in for it. I appreciate it.” Another pause later she warmly grinned with a full heart. “You’re a great friend to me as well, Kim, and Merry Christmas to you, Ron, and your families. All my love to you.” She gave a small chuckle. “Hai, I’ll see you tomorrow then. Bye, Kim.” With those final words, Debra pressed a button to severe the connection before closing the phone for the second time tonight.

Giving her right shoulder another hug, Felix grinned up at his girlfriend. “See? You’re definitely not alone.”

Nodding, Debra didn’t say anything, for her heart was so full of love for all the goodness that has happened to her today. She knew that despite the darkness that still resided in her being; she would eventually overcome it, thanks to all those who supported her – friends and family alike.

Still not saying a word, Upperton U’s star gymnastics athlete cuddled up to her beau with her face in the crook of his neck, and for many minutes, the couple simply just sat there, holding each other and just breathing in each other’s scent. A quiet and peaceful time for both.

Heart still full, the young 18-year-old lady once more felt like expressing herself, and yet this time, she came up with a simple solution to really gain the privacy she and her 20-year-old gentleman would want for their remaining time alone.

Still clutching her cell phone since Kim’s call, raising her head from his neck, Debra gave a small grin with narrowed eyes as she flipped the phone open and pressed a button. Seeing what she was doing, Felix slowly matched her facial expression. The button she pressed would make sure they have privacy alright, for it was the power button to shut the phone off.

After tossing the phone onto the floor, Debra turned to face her boyfriend with a devilish grin. “Now we’ll not be disturbed,” she purred.

“What about emergencies?” Felix teased.

Debra repositioned herself so she was straddling his lap, her arms curling around his neck. “They just have to do without us,” she softly answered, inching her face closer to his. “Merry Christmas, Felix,” she purred.

“Merry Christmas, Deb,” he whispered back.

The pair closed the remaining distance and locked their lips open mouth fully and forcefully as she clutched her arms around his neck and his arms clutched around her waist and back. They moaned into each other’s mouths, fully letting their feelings go as they kissed with passion, their minds not registering anything but each other.

So Felix and Debra continued to kiss, as the Christmas tree seen through the windshield blinked its lights, and for the next hour or so, that was what the couple pretty much has done – cuddling, kissing, cuddling, and even more kissing.

As far as they were concerned, it was the perfect way to end Christmas Day.

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After story A/Ns:

1) This is just an interlude for the TUY gang after the events of “The Finals Straw”. I’d wanted to show that Debra was on the minds of her friends, especially on Christmas Day, and it worked out pretty well. Rest assures that the next story will start the saga as we journey into Debra’s past. The saga will be a long one, so it’ll be awhile before I’ll be writing up the first story of the gang back at Upperton U.

2) Just want to let everyone know that I’m no meteorologist. I’ve seen so many weather maps during the news and on the Weather Channel to tell that sometimes those weather fronts range in speeds from fast to really slow. So knowing the distance between NYC and Delaware, I could see a cold front could be over Delaware and be cloudy while NYC would be sunny yet cold.

3) Oh, speaking of NYC, for those who truly know what the housing of the Bronx does look like, I apologize if I’m wrong that the Bronx would not have housing like I described for the Brown’s. I may have live and grown-up in New Jersey not far from NYC, but this doesn’t mean I know everything about NYC though.

4) I’d decided to give Monique siblings. The TV series didn’t mentioned whether she is a only child, and given the series already shown two only-children, Felix and Ron (whom maybe or maybe not loose his ‘only child’ status in Season 4), I think it would be good that Monique have siblings, and to match Kim, I’d gave Monique two brothers with her being the middle child.

5) Yes, Hanukkah does start on December 5th and ends on the 12th in the year 2007, and Christmas Day is on a Tuesday in the same year. It was simple to Google search for the information. I wanted to know so I will write up whether it’s possible for Ron’s ‘rents to attend the Possible’s for Christmas Day. If Hanukkah was to overlap Christmas, I would have been in conflict whether Ron’s ‘rents would have attended Christmas Day with the Possibles. Ron no doubt would attend according to “A Very Possible Christmas”. His ‘rents are a big question mark though.

6) Once more, I like to expression my deepest thanks to everyone, whom enjoyed my writing and even my digital collages over at DA. To those who placed me on your favorite author lists. To those who placed me on your author watch lists. To those who placed me on your DA watch lists. And of course, to those whom read my stories and seen my art without favoring me anywhere. I deeply appreciate the support, and I’m happy to know people like my stories and art.

And the grand adventure continues.