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"All I Have to Give"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

A Christmas Story about Zenith, Halo, Nadir, and Grace Bertier.

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   "Christmas?  Why should we care about Christmas?  It's a time of year for people to give each other gifts, and celebrate everything they live for.  I don't know about you Zenith, but I have no faith to praise, and I refuse to be grateful for a life on the streets.  I'll celebrate when there's something worth celebrating."

   Opening his eyes, Zenith could hear the words his twin brother spoke all those years ago, floating around in his head.  They were spoken during a time when they lived alone, long before they had met Halo, and even further still from when Zenith and Halo fell in love.  So many years had passed since then.  Nadir now had someone who loved him, his girlfriend Grace, and it was their love that saved them from a continued life on the street.

   Grace invited Nadir, Zenith, and Halo to share her apartment with her.  They had all gotten jobs since then, Grace continuing her work as a bouncer at a local bar.  Halo became a waitress for that same bar, and Zenith and Nadir took on the only jobs they felt they could handle, one they shared with Grace.  They became part of the security team for another local bar, one that needed the jobs, and so all of them worked the same hours every night.

   The afternoon was spent living as best they could.  Only Grace fared well at first, never knowing the harsh life her new family had grown up in.  She encouraged them all to find some sort of a hobby, instead of watching television all day.  She got Zenith and Nadir jogging every morning, and began to teach Halo how to cook.

   It was a slow process, but the three of them were getting used to living life like everyone else.  They had wanted life to be easier, and thought having a home would be what did it, but they quickly discovered it only made life more complicated.

   Zenith and Nadir especially were more comfortable with their old lifestyle, but for the sake of their girls, they were willing to change.  Halo loved the change, even if it was only for the hope that she and Zenith could have children and not have to worry about how they grew up.  He shared the same desire, but still struggled with this change.

   The very people Zenith, Nadir, and Halo used to victimize, now demanded their services.  Every night, Halo had to deal with drunken men, and even women, sneering and taunting her as she filled her orders, and she could not defend herself.  As a waitress, she was supposed to make them feel comfortable; Halo felt powerless and could only count on Grace to stop the rowdy patrons.

   Across town, Zenith and Nadir dealt with a much more dangerous bunch.  Often times the twins would reminisce about how easy these drunkards would be to steal from, only to have to push the thoughts away long enough to be paid so they could go home for the night, exhausted in both body and mind.

   The days became more monotonous, and simply finding a reason to keep going was difficult.  Nadir thought of running away; Zenith thought of going to sleep and never getting out of bed again; Halo wanted nothing more than to beat the daylight out of those drunks at the bar, even if it meant losing her job; Grace tried her best simply to keep them moving forward, as well as herself.

   After months passed, something came to offer a reprieve.

   December rolled around at last.  This time of year was nothing unfamiliar for any of them, but just as Zenith remembered in his brother's words, it was something the three of them had never given any interest to in the past.  December was just another month for them…another thirty-one days to be spent shivering as they slept in an icy back alley, alone, and wondering why no one loved them.

   As she did with everything, Grace tried to introduce the three of them to the time of year, and show them why it was special.  Halo hated it immediately because of the Christmas cocktail dress she had to wear at the bar.  Never fond of dresses, she only begrudgingly did it after her boss promised to try and cut down on the rudeness from the customers.

   Zenith and Nadir were a different story.  Nadir clung to hating the holiday; Zenith remained unable to understand why it was so special.  Only his love for Grace allowed for Nadir to take interest in it after all of her pleading.  Zenith needed more than that; both of them needed more of an explanation.

   "What can I say guys?" Grace explained the last time, "On the surface, all you see are people exchanging gifts, going to parties where they eat and sometimes grossly over-indulge.  There are decorations everywhere, and it seems even those without a prayer find some level of joy.  Those who have all they need reach out to those who have nothing.  It's a time of year for us to grow closer and reach out to each other, extending love to everyone we meet."

   "Humph, please.  If you only care for the homeless, sick, and unloved one month out of the year, you might as well never care at all," Nadir snorted, leaning back in his seat, his arms folded behind his head.  "I suffered all year around with my twin brother, and even in December; do you think I had any reason to be happy?"

   "…You were both alive weren't you?" Grace asked.

   Nadir raised an eyebrow; "Yeah?  So what?"

   "You were both alive, and so you had reason to be happy," she explained.

   "Humph, I don't call sleeping in an icy alleyway every night a reason to be happy," Nadir growled, looking away.

   Zenith, who was quiet for most of the conversation, looked up and said, "She's right Nadir.  Even if you can't be grateful for your past, or present, you can be grateful that you're alive, because that means you still have the chance for better days.  That's certainly what happened to us."

   "This isn't Thanksgiving Zenith you idiot," Nadir grumbled.

   "Whatever," Zenith snapped back.

   "Alright that's enough!" Grace exclaimed.  Both twins immediately looked to the grey and purple furred squirrel.  Rising to her feet she continued, "I know you three suffered terribly as you grew up.  People suffer every day, and there are so many of them that they all can't be helped at once.  The point is to save those you can, and always give whatever you have in order to pass on the blessings.  You three were rescued, and all you can celebrate now is what you have right here with you, and everything you hope to be blessed with in the years to come.  Sometimes you have to search hard for something to hang on to, but everyone has something to celebrate.  Christmas is about bringing joy to those having trouble finding it, and when you do that, you will find joy, especially you three, for you know someone else won't have to suffer like you did."

   "Humph…well, maybe," Nadir muttered.

   "…Everything I hope to be blessed with?" Zenith murmured to himself.  He closed his eyes, and besides his twin brother, Zenith could only find one thing he could always be thankful for; only one other person besides Grace and Nadir that he wanted to make sure was always happy and blessed, just as she had blessed him.

   "Halo."

   He opened his eyes again.  He was still in that room.  Trying to remember why he was there, he saw the Christmas tree, fully decorated, and twinkling next to him.  A smile curled his lips, though he didn't know why.  For some reason, he loved how beautiful the tree looked; the multi-colored lights brought such life and warmth to it; the golden and silver bands of garland made it glisten like a treasure chest of gold; the colored balls and ornaments made it look so enchanting, like something out of a childhood dream; the icicles coating it from top to bottom gave it the look of being covered with new-fallen snow.  The beautiful star on top was enough to fill even the loneliest heart with hope and a reason to smile again.

   Christmas was about that feeling of hope and love wasn't it?  Zenith began to wonder if he was wrapping his mind too tightly around something that wasn't so hard to understand to begin with.

   His smile waivered as he glanced at the snow covered city streets outside the window.  "Maybe that's why this is a holiday for children; they see it with their hearts, and not wounded and broken minds.  Maybe, since Nadir, Halo, and me never experienced it as children, we'll never know the true joy of it all like everyone else does.  What am I supposed to be doing that I'm not already?  Is there something I'm just not getting?  Is finding joy in that beautiful tree and the blessing of my family not enough?"

   He paused.  Lowering his eyes he whispered, "I wonder why it wasn't enough for my parents…it's their fault we're in this trouble anyway.  Maybe that's why Nadir and I never cared…because they didn't."

   His eyes closed again.  He had promised himself he wouldn't let his bad memories from his childhood get in his way of moving forward, or enjoying this time of year.  Opening his eyes again, he looked around, trying to find something to distract him from them.  Looking at the mantle, his eyes were drawn to pictures kept there, now pushed aside and placed on either side of a nativity scene.

   As he walked up to the hearth, he looked at the stockings for a moment, four of them, each bearing a different name.  The tradition of the stocking still caused Zenith to chuckle, almost more than the idea of an elderly fat man sliding down chimneys to put presents in them was.

   "Your fireplace is a fake one," Nadir pointed out to Grace.

   She giggled; "Santa doesn't need a real fireplace to get in.  He has magic."

   Nadir's eyes widened; "You'd think if some fat guy with a sack broke into your house that you'd kick his ass.  How would you know that he wasn't trying to rob you blind?  And then there's the idea of Santa spying on children to see if they're bad or good…is that even legal?"

   Zenith could only laugh.  Grace rolled her eyes and groaned, "Oh Nadir, darn you, you try to make everything sound stupid."

   "Can you blame me?" Nadir asked.

   "No Nadir, I don't blame you," Zenith said to himself, laughing softly.  As he relaxed, Zenith looked at the photos on the mantle.  One of them was the first picture he had ever had taken of himself with Halo.  He smiled again, even warmer inside than the tree could make him feel.  Somehow all of the pain of the past was worth it as long as he still had her.

   Maybe he did have something to celebrate after all.

   "I'm stuck with Nadir.  I have to be thankful for him.  Halo, she was a gift.  Somebody brought her to me, and I just…I want her to have the world," he whispered to himself.

   Suddenly Zenith thought of something.  He looked to the tree again, and saw all of the presents underneath of them.  Something was nagging at him about them, but something else came to mind when he saw them.

   "Tell me again why we have to wrap these things?  I already know what you got for me.  Why not just keep them hidden under the bed and give them to whoever they go to when the day comes?" Nadir asked as Grace and Halo wrapped presents.

   Grace sighed but smiled.  "Oh Nadir, you take the fun out of everything.  Don't try to overanalyze Christmas.  It's a holiday, not a game of chess."

   "You didn't answer my question," Nadir persisted.

   Grace hung her head, shaking it as she sighed again.  "Shut up Nadir," Halo snapped at him, "It's part of the spirit of the holiday.  The least you could do is try to enjoy it."

   Taking a bite out of a cookie, Nadir sat down and said, "I'm just trying to understand the more idiotic aspects of it…that's all."

   "You're certainly enjoying your fill of those Christmas cookies," Zenith teased.

   "Oh shut up Zenith.  Besides, I enjoy biting off Santa's head," Nadir scowled.

   "Knock it off Nadir, seriously, I've had enough of your mess," Halo groaned as she put a present under the tree.

   "Look, I'm sorry, it's just…whoever came up with Santa Claus must have died a penniless drunk.  Too bad, he'd be a freaking millionaire if he had lived.  Just another stupid idea that idiots eat up, using as an excuse to indulge and slack off," Nadir muttered.

   Sitting down next to him, Zenith nudged him and said, "Yeah, they should knock off all of this Santa Claus business and be lazy like you are all year around."

   Nadir glared at him.  "I hate you Zenith."

   "Glad to hear it!" Zenith said with a grin.

   Halo sat down beside Zenith and said, "Okay, both of you, knock it off."  Looking to Nadir she said, "Maybe you don't get the idea of Santa Claus because only children can understand it."

   As Grace cleaned up the wrapping supplies, she shook her head and said, "Anyone can understand Santa Claus.  He represents what Christmas is all about, giving of yourself to others.  The story is whimsical and yes, pretty much made for children, but Christmas is about giving.  Everything we receive, and the celebrating, is just what you reap from all of the giving."

   Nadir crossed his arms, but a sigh caused the frown to melt away.  "Okay, I'm sorry.  I know I'm being difficult here," he said at last.  Pausing, he looked between Zenith and Halo and said, "It's just, we've never had a reason to really be happy this time of year, any happier than we were at any other time.  I guess I'm starting to understand it all, I just wish it all made sense to me."

   Grace sat down beside Nadir.  Kissing him on the cheek, she replied, "It'll make sense to you, but remember not to wrap your mind around it so tightly.  Enjoy these days as they come to you…and remember you haven't seen everything that I've gotten for you."

   "Oh really?" Nadir asked, feeling happier.

   Giggling, Grace replied, "Of course!  There has to be some surprise left right?"

   "Whatever," Nadir teased, "The real surprise will be if this Santa guy makes it home without getting a citation."

   Everyone laughed, but at the same time Grace cried out, "Oh for the love of Pete, Nadir…"

   "Just kidding," he teased.

   By now, Christmas Eve, Nadir was finally getting into the spirit of the holiday.  Zenith looked down and noticed a newly wrapped present under the tree.  Nadir apparently had finally found the perfect gift for Grace.  It was then that Zenith realized what was bothering him.

   "Holy crap…," Zenith muttered to himself, "Halo's gift…I haven't even thought about what to get her!"

   Panic set in for the moment.  It was quickly getting dark, and Zenith knew the stores would be packed.  He had absolutely no idea what to do, and things were about to go from bad to worse.

   The front door opened and Nadir walked in, quickly kicking the loose snow clear from his boots before he entered the apartment.  "Hey Zenith!  Are you ready to go to the Christmas party?" he asked.

   "Not exactly," Zenith replied, hanging his head as his twin approached him.

   "What's wrong?" Nadir asked.

   Heaving a heavy sigh, Zenith ran into his bedroom without answering his twin.  "Hey Zenith?  Seriously man, what's bothering you?"

   Almost as quickly as he had left, Zenith ran back into the living room.  His green scarf hung loosely around his neck as he desperately tried to pull on his green shoes.  "I have to go Nadir, you'll just have to go to the party without me," Zenith replied.

   "What?!" Nadir exclaimed, "But what will I say to Halo and Grace?"

   Zenith looked to Nadir as he finally tied his scarf.  "I don't know Nadir.  Tell them I'll be there in a little bit."

   As Zenith ran for the door, Nadir asked, "But why?  Where are you going?"

   "I'll see you later!" Zenith called as he ran out of the door and down the hall, not answering Nadir's question.

   Hanging his head, Nadir sighed and said, "Dammit Zenith, what's gotten into you?  Whatever happened to that punch-drunk holiday spirit?"  Still, the hybrid smiled as he shook his head, "Maybe it rubbed off on me.  I know I don't say it enough bro, but I love you, just like I love Halo and Grace.  Somehow, I think I finally understand why I should be so happy."  Turning off the overhead light, Nadir locked the apartment door.  As he left, he added, "Just make sure you're on time you pathetic wimp," with a chuckle and a small, but warm smile.

   It got dark outside very quickly.  Nadir made his way through the snow-covered and busy streets, heading for the bar that Halo and Grace worked at, which was where the party was being held.  When he arrived, he told the girls that Zenith ran off, but promised to be there later.

   Trusting Zenith's words, the three of them were quickly immersed in the festivities of the party.  There was an impressive smorgasbord of food and beverage, dancing, karaoke, and a gift exchange.  Everything was going so wonderfully, and everyone was having such a great time.  Zenith's presence wasn't missed, but when it was finally looked for, it was still nowhere to be found.

   Halo felt lonely when she watched everyone start to dance to the slower Christmas songs.  She glanced at the doorway, wondering what had become of her husband.  She looked down at her wedding ring, slipped over a green arm glove that she had to wear as part of her holiday uniform.  She had slowly gotten used to the dress, and even kind of liked the red ballet-style strapped shoes that she had to wear, but would never had agreed to it if Zenith hadn't encouraged her.

   "I think you should wear dresses more often Halo.  If we ever have our vows renewed, I'd love it if you wore a white gown," Zenith said.

   "You know Zenith, sometimes I don't know if you're being honest with me," Halo answered.

   He grinned; "I'm not lying.  You'll simply have to trust me.  You're beautiful."

   Her smile was small.  "Well, I might wear a stupid bridal gown if you wear a tuxedo.  Then we can look stupid together."

   "Oh no, not one of those horrid suits," Zenith answered playfully, feigning horror.

   Halo laughed, sitting beside him.  "Well, do you promise?"

   He laughed warmly.  "Promise Halo, I promise," he whispered.  He kissed her gently and added, I may not fully understand Christmas, but you, me…us, I understand love, and somehow, it feels even better now that we're here."

   "You don't have to get all philosophical on me genius," Halo teased.

   "Whatever cupcake," Zenith jeered with a grin.

   They both laughed.  Halo leaned into him and whispered, "I love you too Zenith."

   "Halo?  Are you okay?"

   Opening her eyes, Halo could see Nadir and Grace standing beside her.  Shaking her head, she answered, "Something's wrong.  Zenith should have been here by now.  He was supposed to be here hours ago."

   Nadir laughed and said, "He probably wanted to get you another present or something.  Maybe what he got when he went with Grace wasn't good enough."

   Grace looked at Nadir.  "What do you mean?  He didn't get anything for her when he came with me.  He got me a gift; he wanted me there because he didn't know what to get.  He also got your gift then.  He was supposed to get her gift when he went with you."

   "Well, he didn't," Nadir replied slowly, "I thought it was because he got it with you."

   "I can't believe it!" Halo cried, standing up.

   "Don't feel bad Halo!  I'm sure he already had something…," Nadir explained.

   "No.  I can't believe he thought he had to go out in all of that chaos just to get me a stupid gift," Halo replied.  Looking to them, she added, "Doesn't he know all I need is him?  He needs to be here, not in that craziness at the mall."

   Grabbing her black jacket, Halo ran for the door and cried out, "I'm going to find him.  Something is wrong.  He should have been here by now!"

   "Halo, wait!" Grace cried out.

   "Let her go Grace, she's a big girl," Nadir said, holding Grace back, "She won't be happy until she finds Zenith, and when she does, they'll both come right back here."

   Grace sighed.  "I guess so," she whispered.

   Nadir grinned, and as he put an arm around her he asked, "Why don't you and I go find some mistletoe?"

   She quickly smiled.  "Aww Nadir, you big sweetheart."

   "You know it," he teased.

   Outside raged a cold Christmas Eve night.  The streets were crowded and covered with snow and ice.  Cars honked filling the air with shrill noise and exhaust.  Halo dashed in between the thousands of people in the crowds.  The cold air, well below freezing, bit and stung her painfully.  Though her jacket protected her arms, it wasn't enough to keep her warm, and her fur was the only thing keeping her from freezing completely.

   Still, she ran forward.  She had a sick feeling gnawing at her stomach, upsetting all of the food she had eaten. She had a strong bond with Zenith, and couldn't imagine him spending this long looking for a present for her.

   "Zenith, you idiot, when have we ever valued anything besides our love and each other?" she asked herself as the air froze her breath, "Sure I love the Embala Ruby you gave me, and our wedding rings, but, never has anything material meant anything to us.  I know you're not out there looking for a gift.  Something…something happened.  I feel it in the pit of my stomach.  Please, Zenith, tell me where you are."

   Suddenly, Halo stopped running.  She was in familiar territory, back alleys and streets that she, Zenith, and Nadir used to call home.  The crowds of people remained confined to downtown and the business district where all the malls and shops were, the place where Zenith should be, but somewhere she knew he wasn't.

   She closed her eyes.  Listening to her heart as it pounded in her chest.

   He was here.

   "Zenith!" Halo cried out.  She looked around helplessly, not getting an answer.  She ran into the darkness before her, right into a maze of alleyways filled with ice, snow, trash, and danger.

   "Zenith!" she cried out as she ran.  She didn't know how, but she knew he was here.  She felt it in her heart.  She knew he was nearby.  She wouldn't quit until she found him.

   "Please!  Zenith!  Answer me!" she cried.  She had to stop running.  The bitter cold continued to try and break her down.  She fell to her knees, shivering and out of breath, but unwilling to give up.  "Please Zenith, I know you're here," she murmured, "Where are you?"

   She felt her eyes burn up with steaming tears.  Before she could cry, her ears twitched as sound hit them.

   "Did you hear that voice?"

   "Do you think someone is looking for him?"

   "No, shut up, just make sure you took everything he has."

   Halo jumped to her feet.  The voices came from just around the corner.  She abandoned the subtle approach, and flew around it, crying out in order to startle whoever was there.

   A miserable flickering street light cleared out the darkness.  She could see three human thugs, three she recognized as some of the drunkards who harassed her at the bar, standing over someone.  Beyond them, she could see it was Zenith that they had cornered and beaten, just so they could rob him.

   Halo hated these three before.  Now, she couldn't stand the sight of them breathing anymore.

   "Well fellas, looks like the sweet miss from the bar!" one of them said.

   The second one laughed and said, "What, is this your boyfriend lass?  Come to save him?"

   "Nah, she came to wish us a Merry Christmas and keep us company tonight!" the third one cried.

   All of them continued to laugh.  Though she was freezing, Halo felt her body burn up from within.  Her boss had told her to make the customers happy; she could never curse at them, or slap them, or punish them like they needed to be for harassing her.  Now, she could finally teach them a lesson, a cold, hard lesson that living on the streets had taught her how to exact.

   Without saying a word, Halo thrust a high kick forward and straight into the jaw of the third man, the one who spoke of her keeping them company.  As he fell, a second kick drove him down onto the ground hard, causing him to cry out in agony as he curled up in a ball.

   "The freaking rats can keep you company you son of a bitch!  I don't know how you managed to beat Zenith, but I won't let you hurt him, or me, anymore!  I don't have to please anyone anymore, so now you'll get what's coming to you!"

   Before the other two could retaliate, Halo gave them kicks to knock them back.  As they stumbled to try and fight back, she reached into one of her coat pockets and pulled out her grandfather's knife.  Pulling the sheath off it, she brandished it and said, "You guys have messed with the wrong bitch tonight.  You give back what you took from my husband and get the hell out of here!"

   The first one she had attacked had by now recovered and looked ready to charge her, and only held back out of fear of the knife.  He chuckled and held something in the air.  "You mean this?" he asked with a hearty laugh.

   Halo gasped.  A black cord dangled from the man's fist, and from that cord, hung Zenith's wedding ring.

   "You bastard!" she cried out.  She tried to grab it from him.

   Quickly pulling it away, he laughed and said, "No, I think this belongs to me.  You can have whatever else we took, but I'm keeping this.  I see it gets underneath your skin, and that'll be enough to give me pleasure tonight."

   "I said no!!" Halo cried, "Give that back to me!  You can have whatever else, but that ring belongs to us!"

   By this time, the other two had recovered and were standing behind their friend, the only one left who could really put up a fight.  He laughed, putting the necklace and ring in his pants pocket and said, "I don't think so missy.  What I want from you I doubt you could give me this freezing weather."

   Halo growled softly, her brown eyes blazing with fury.  Lowering her eyes, she let her knife fall to the ground as she turned to Zenith, who was lying in a heap on the ground after being battered in a fight.  Picking him up in her arms, she felt tears pierce her eyes.  "Oh Zenith, I'm so sorry.  I'm sorry you felt you had to go out in all of this just to get me a present.  All I wanted was to be with you.  Your heart is all you've ever been able to give me.  We grew up with nothing, no family, no home, and only Nadir to help us through the days.  We had to steal in order to get by, hurting people who didn't deserve it just so we wouldn't die.  Every winter we had to huddle together to keep warm, and so many times we thought we wouldn't make it through the night.  Christmas was never special for us, but that was because the kind of love people give each other at Christmas, we gave each other all year long.  We didn't need any special holiday to feel that love.  We're supposed to be giving and love one another…even if we have nothing material to give, at least we can give each other love.  I got you a present, yes, I did, but only because I never want you to forget how much I love you.  Even if we have nothing else, I hope we always have each other.  All I have to give you is my heart, and my love, and Zenith…you have it."

   As she said all of this, she almost forgot about the three men behind her.  Her words had touched even their hardened hearts, something that disgusted them, but moved them to pity her nonetheless.

   The first thug let out a sigh, unable to believe what he was about to do.  He took the black cord and Zenith's wedding ring out of his pocket, as well as the wallet and house key that they had taken from him, and knelt down beside Halo.

   She let out a gasp as she noticed he was there, but didn't say anything.  He would not make eye contact with her, and instead let the items he held fall to the ground.  She watched him as he stood up and turned to leave.

   "Both of you get out of here and the cold before you freeze," he muttered.  He paused and added, "We knew he was your husband; that was why we attacked him.  After hearing all you had to say, I don't feel good about it anymore.  Just…get out of here before you freeze to death, and don't let what we did ruin your Christmas."

   Without another word, the three men ran off.  Halo was stunned by what had just happened.  Somehow, the words of love she spoke to Zenith had touched their hearts, enough to where they not only returned what they stole and surrendered the fight, but hinted to stirring in their hearts real sympathy and remorse.

   Whatever it was, she had Zenith's stuff back, including the wedding ring, and though he was hurt, he was alive.

   "Oh Zenith…," Halo whimpered.  Her heart hurt her as it pounded in her chest.  Halo didn't cry a lot, but when it came to Zenith, she was never in control of her heart or her emotions.  Reaching down, he picked up his necklace, relieved to find the clasp wasn't broken.  As he rested in her lap, she put the necklace back around his neck.  She cringed as she saw a streak of blood leaking from the corner of his mouth and his right eye swelling up black.  Though she was freezing, she took the jacket off her shoulders and draped it over him to keep him warm.

   "I-I can't l-leave you here…," she stammered as she shivered.  She looked around, wondering what to do.  As she picked up her grandfather's knife and put it back in the sheath, she whimpered, "It's Christmas Eve…the first time we get to celebrate it for real, and we're no better off than we have been in the past.  What-What do I do?"

   She curled up in the corner of the alley, holding Zenith in her lap, unsure of what to do.  She knew she couldn't leave him there, but couldn't carry him to help.  As she closed her eyes, somehow she felt comfort.  Things hadn't changed.  Once again, only their body heat would get them through the night.

   The first rays of sunlight on Christmas Day lit up the back alleys of the city.  The streets were quiet and covered with a fresh blanket of snow.  Everything was peaceful, but not all was at peace.

   Zenith felt his body waking up, even as his eyes remained closed.   His body was racked with pain, but though he felt cold, he was surprisingly warm.  He was motivated to open his eyes, unsure of what he would find.  The last thing he remembered was three swarthy men attacking him.

   He looked up and saw what was keeping him warm.  Halo was sleeping, her head hanging as she rested against the wall behind her.

   "Ha-Halo?" Zenith murmured, his voice weak.

   The small movements he made were enough to rouse Halo.  Once she opened her eyes, she immediately felt tears enter them.  She saw Zenith looking up at her, his purple eyes tired but vibrant.  "Oh Zenith," she whimpered; it was all she could manage.

   "Those guys…," Zenith muttered, his voice soft, "I was on my way to the bar, and they jumped me all at once.  I didn't stand a chance."

   "It's okay," Halo answered, trying to comfort him.  With her help, Zenith started to sit up, cringing whenever a hurt muscle had to move.  She helped steady him.  "I found them about to run off with your ring and house key.  I kicked their asses for a little while, because they're the same guys that hit on me every time they come to the bar.  I was finally able to shut them up.  Still, they were about to take your ring, so I just gave up and well…I went into this speech about how much I love you, and the idiots gave everything back and left, trying to say they were sorry."

   "Wonder what made them do that?" Zenith asked, looking at her.

   Halo shook her head and smiled.  "I don't know.  We could have easily died last night if it weren't for this dry corner, my jacket, and our body heat keeping each other warm.  I couldn't leave you here, but I couldn't carry you to help.  Nadir and Grace must be worried sick."

   "I bet," Zenith replied, cringing a bit.  "I'm okay now.  I hurt, but I can make it home.  We should go before they call the police.  Help me up," Zenith added.

   Halo nodded, helping Zenith rise to his feet.  Once he was standing, he took the jacket and put it back on her shoulders.  As he did this, she asked, "Zenith, were you really going to buy me a present last night?"

   Zenith blushed red as she looked at him.  "Yeah…I was.  Somehow I had forgotten it.  I had no idea what to get you anyway.  I decided I would just go ahead to the party, then figure out some way to surprise you this morning.  I figured you wouldn't be too sore with me, at least I hoped you wouldn't be," he said with a small laugh.

   As they started to leave the alleyway, walking slowly to ease Zenith's pain, Halo giggled for a moment, then sighed.  "Oh Zenith, of course I wouldn't have been sore.  That's part of what I said last night.  I told you all I wanted was to be with you, just as I always have.  I know I bought you a gift, but that's only because I've already given you my heart, all that I am, and all that I have."

   "Heh, once you give someone your heart it's kinda hard to think of something else, right?" Zenith asked.  He laughed softly and said, "Maybe that was my problem.  Giving you my life is something impossible to top."

   Halo smiled sweetly.  "Maybe not impossible to top Zenith…you just need to plan ahead a little bit better," she whispered.

   He looked at her, his cheeks flushing red again as his neck burned him.  "I get it Halo, really," he stammered, causing her to laugh.

   "It's okay Zenith," she giggled.  Calming down, she sighed and said, "We've got plenty of time for that, and that's a gift welcomed at any time of year."

   "And it'll last much longer than whatever you bought me I'm sure," Zenith added.

   "And we'll both love it more, however many there are," Halo whispered.

   They stopped, having reached the end of the corridors of alleys.  The morning light glistened off the undisturbed blanket of snow.  The scene was beautiful.

   "I love you Zenith.  I don't understand how me loving you was enough to make those guys give up without a fight, and I never will, but what I do understand, is that love is all I need," Halo said at last.

   "At least for now right?" Zenith said with a grin.

   Halo looked away shyly.  "Yeah, that's about right," she whispered.

   Zenith laughed.  Taking her in his arms as best he could he shook his head and said, "And I love you Halo.  All I have to give you is my heart, and whatever comes with my heart and this love, is yours to have forever."

   He pulled her into a kiss.  Standing there under the Christmas morning sunlight, surrounded by beautiful snow and a peace this bustling city only saw one day out of the year, everything was perfect.  No matter how crazy everything leading up to it was, this Christmas, their first real one, was perfect.

   As they pulled back, Halo whispered and said, "I love you too Zenith.  The best gifts there are to give, I think, we can only ever give each other."

   Zenith chuckled.  "I hope it's the same for Nadir and Grace.  Lord knows we can't help him in that case."

   Halo laughed, "Poor Nadir.  …We better go Zenith.  I don't want to worry them anymore."

   With a sigh, Zenith said, "Fine by me, but let's take it slow."

   "Are you hurting?" Halo asked as they started to walk home.

   "Nah," he answered with a smile, "I just want to enjoy the walk."

   And so they walked together, smiling as the morning sun guided them home.

   "I'll celebrate when there's something worth celebrating."

   "This Christmas, I learned that as long as I give all that I have, I will have every reason to celebrate, sharing the love, so that everyone is happy just to be alive."

Description
"All I Have to Give"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

A Christmas Story about Zenith, Halo, Nadir, and Grace Bertier.

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   "Christmas?  Why should we care about Christmas?  It's a time of year for people to give each other gifts, and celebrate everything they live for.  I don't know about you Zenith, but I have no faith to praise, and I refuse to be grateful for a life on the streets.  I'll celebrate when there's something worth celebrating."

   Opening his eyes, Zenith could hear the words his twin brother spoke all those years ago, floating around in his head.  They were spoken during a time when they lived alone, long before they had met Halo, and even further still from when Zenith and Halo fell in love.  So many years had passed since then.  Nadir now had someone who loved him, his girlfriend Grace, and it was their love that saved them from a continued life on the street.

   Grace invited Nadir, Zenith, and Halo to share her apartment with her.  They had all gotten jobs since then, Grace continuing her work as a bouncer at a local bar.  Halo became a waitress for that same bar, and Zenith and Nadir took on the only jobs they felt they could handle, one they shared with Grace.  They became part of the security team for another local bar, one that needed the jobs, and so all of them worked the same hours every night.

   The afternoon was spent living as best they could.  Only Grace fared well at first, never knowing the harsh life her new family had grown up in.  She encouraged them all to find some sort of a hobby, instead of watching television all day.  She got Zenith and Nadir jogging every morning, and began to teach Halo how to cook.

   It was a slow process, but the three of them were getting used to living life like everyone else.  They had wanted life to be easier, and thought having a home would be what did it, but they quickly discovered it only made life more complicated.

   Zenith and Nadir especially were more comfortable with their old lifestyle, but for the sake of their girls, they were willing to change.  Halo loved the change, even if it was only for the hope that she and Zenith could have children and not have to worry about how they grew up.  He shared the same desire, but still struggled with this change.

   The very people Zenith, Nadir, and Halo used to victimize, now demanded their services.  Every night, Halo had to deal with drunken men, and even women, sneering and taunting her as she filled her orders, and she could not defend herself.  As a waitress, she was supposed to make them feel comfortable; Halo felt powerless and could only count on Grace to stop the rowdy patrons.

   Across town, Zenith and Nadir dealt with a much more dangerous bunch.  Often times the twins would reminisce about how easy these drunkards would be to steal from, only to have to push the thoughts away long enough to be paid so they could go home for the night, exhausted in both body and mind.

   The days became more monotonous, and simply finding a reason to keep going was difficult.  Nadir thought of running away; Zenith thought of going to sleep and never getting out of bed again; Halo wanted nothing more than to beat the daylight out of those drunks at the bar, even if it meant losing her job; Grace tried her best simply to keep them moving forward, as well as herself.

   After months passed, something came to offer a reprieve.

   December rolled around at last.  This time of year was nothing unfamiliar for any of them, but just as Zenith remembered in his brother's words, it was something the three of them had never given any interest to in the past.  December was just another month for them…another thirty-one days to be spent shivering as they slept in an icy back alley, alone, and wondering why no one loved them.

   As she did with everything, Grace tried to introduce the three of them to the time of year, and show them why it was special.  Halo hated it immediately because of the Christmas cocktail dress she had to wear at the bar.  Never fond of dresses, she only begrudgingly did it after her boss promised to try and cut down on the rudeness from the customers.

   Zenith and Nadir were a different story.  Nadir clung to hating the holiday; Zenith remained unable to understand why it was so special.  Only his love for Grace allowed for Nadir to take interest in it after all of her pleading.  Zenith needed more than that; both of them needed more of an explanation.

   "What can I say guys?" Grace explained the last time, "On the surface, all you see are people exchanging gifts, going to parties where they eat and sometimes grossly over-indulge.  There are decorations everywhere, and it seems even those without a prayer find some level of joy.  Those who have all they need reach out to those who have nothing.  It's a time of year for us to grow closer and reach out to each other, extending love to everyone we meet."

   "Humph, please.  If you only care for the homeless, sick, and unloved one month out of the year, you might as well never care at all," Nadir snorted, leaning back in his seat, his arms folded behind his head.  "I suffered all year around with my twin brother, and even in December; do you think I had any reason to be happy?"

   "…You were both alive weren't you?" Grace asked.

   Nadir raised an eyebrow; "Yeah?  So what?"

   "You were both alive, and so you had reason to be happy," she explained.

   "Humph, I don't call sleeping in an icy alleyway every night a reason to be happy," Nadir growled, looking away.

   Zenith, who was quiet for most of the conversation, looked up and said, "She's right Nadir.  Even if you can't be grateful for your past, or present, you can be grateful that you're alive, because that means you still have the chance for better days.  That's certainly what happened to us."

   "This isn't Thanksgiving Zenith you idiot," Nadir grumbled.

   "Whatever," Zenith snapped back.

   "Alright that's enough!" Grace exclaimed.  Both twins immediately looked to the grey and purple furred squirrel.  Rising to her feet she continued, "I know you three suffered terribly as you grew up.  People suffer every day, and there are so many of them that they all can't be helped at once.  The point is to save those you can, and always give whatever you have in order to pass on the blessings.  You three were rescued, and all you can celebrate now is what you have right here with you, and everything you hope to be blessed with in the years to come.  Sometimes you have to search hard for something to hang on to, but everyone has something to celebrate.  Christmas is about bringing joy to those having trouble finding it, and when you do that, you will find joy, especially you three, for you know someone else won't have to suffer like you did."

   "Humph…well, maybe," Nadir muttered.

   "…Everything I hope to be blessed with?" Zenith murmured to himself.  He closed his eyes, and besides his twin brother, Zenith could only find one thing he could always be thankful for; only one other person besides Grace and Nadir that he wanted to make sure was always happy and blessed, just as she had blessed him.

   "Halo."

   He opened his eyes again.  He was still in that room.  Trying to remember why he was there, he saw the Christmas tree, fully decorated, and twinkling next to him.  A smile curled his lips, though he didn't know why.  For some reason, he loved how beautiful the tree looked; the multi-colored lights brought such life and warmth to it; the golden and silver bands of garland made it glisten like a treasure chest of gold; the colored balls and ornaments made it look so enchanting, like something out of a childhood dream; the icicles coating it from top to bottom gave it the look of being covered with new-fallen snow.  The beautiful star on top was enough to fill even the loneliest heart with hope and a reason to smile again.

   Christmas was about that feeling of hope and love wasn't it?  Zenith began to wonder if he was wrapping his mind too tightly around something that wasn't so hard to understand to begin with.

   His smile waivered as he glanced at the snow covered city streets outside the window.  "Maybe that's why this is a holiday for children; they see it with their hearts, and not wounded and broken minds.  Maybe, since Nadir, Halo, and me never experienced it as children, we'll never know the true joy of it all like everyone else does.  What am I supposed to be doing that I'm not already?  Is there something I'm just not getting?  Is finding joy in that beautiful tree and the blessing of my family not enough?"

   He paused.  Lowering his eyes he whispered, "I wonder why it wasn't enough for my parents…it's their fault we're in this trouble anyway.  Maybe that's why Nadir and I never cared…because they didn't."

   His eyes closed again.  He had promised himself he wouldn't let his bad memories from his childhood get in his way of moving forward, or enjoying this time of year.  Opening his eyes again, he looked around, trying to find something to distract him from them.  Looking at the mantle, his eyes were drawn to pictures kept there, now pushed aside and placed on either side of a nativity scene.

   As he walked up to the hearth, he looked at the stockings for a moment, four of them, each bearing a different name.  The tradition of the stocking still caused Zenith to chuckle, almost more than the idea of an elderly fat man sliding down chimneys to put presents in them was.

   "Your fireplace is a fake one," Nadir pointed out to Grace.

   She giggled; "Santa doesn't need a real fireplace to get in.  He has magic."

   Nadir's eyes widened; "You'd think if some fat guy with a sack broke into your house that you'd kick his ass.  How would you know that he wasn't trying to rob you blind?  And then there's the idea of Santa spying on children to see if they're bad or good…is that even legal?"

   Zenith could only laugh.  Grace rolled her eyes and groaned, "Oh Nadir, darn you, you try to make everything sound stupid."

   "Can you blame me?" Nadir asked.

   "No Nadir, I don't blame you," Zenith said to himself, laughing softly.  As he relaxed, Zenith looked at the photos on the mantle.  One of them was the first picture he had ever had taken of himself with Halo.  He smiled again, even warmer inside than the tree could make him feel.  Somehow all of the pain of the past was worth it as long as he still had her.

   Maybe he did have something to celebrate after all.

   "I'm stuck with Nadir.  I have to be thankful for him.  Halo, she was a gift.  Somebody brought her to me, and I just…I want her to have the world," he whispered to himself.

   Suddenly Zenith thought of something.  He looked to the tree again, and saw all of the presents underneath of them.  Something was nagging at him about them, but something else came to mind when he saw them.

   "Tell me again why we have to wrap these things?  I already know what you got for me.  Why not just keep them hidden under the bed and give them to whoever they go to when the day comes?" Nadir asked as Grace and Halo wrapped presents.

   Grace sighed but smiled.  "Oh Nadir, you take the fun out of everything.  Don't try to overanalyze Christmas.  It's a holiday, not a game of chess."

   "You didn't answer my question," Nadir persisted.

   Grace hung her head, shaking it as she sighed again.  "Shut up Nadir," Halo snapped at him, "It's part of the spirit of the holiday.  The least you could do is try to enjoy it."

   Taking a bite out of a cookie, Nadir sat down and said, "I'm just trying to understand the more idiotic aspects of it…that's all."

   "You're certainly enjoying your fill of those Christmas cookies," Zenith teased.

   "Oh shut up Zenith.  Besides, I enjoy biting off Santa's head," Nadir scowled.

   "Knock it off Nadir, seriously, I've had enough of your mess," Halo groaned as she put a present under the tree.

   "Look, I'm sorry, it's just…whoever came up with Santa Claus must have died a penniless drunk.  Too bad, he'd be a freaking millionaire if he had lived.  Just another stupid idea that idiots eat up, using as an excuse to indulge and slack off," Nadir muttered.

   Sitting down next to him, Zenith nudged him and said, "Yeah, they should knock off all of this Santa Claus business and be lazy like you are all year around."

   Nadir glared at him.  "I hate you Zenith."

   "Glad to hear it!" Zenith said with a grin.

   Halo sat down beside Zenith and said, "Okay, both of you, knock it off."  Looking to Nadir she said, "Maybe you don't get the idea of Santa Claus because only children can understand it."

   As Grace cleaned up the wrapping supplies, she shook her head and said, "Anyone can understand Santa Claus.  He represents what Christmas is all about, giving of yourself to others.  The story is whimsical and yes, pretty much made for children, but Christmas is about giving.  Everything we receive, and the celebrating, is just what you reap from all of the giving."

   Nadir crossed his arms, but a sigh caused the frown to melt away.  "Okay, I'm sorry.  I know I'm being difficult here," he said at last.  Pausing, he looked between Zenith and Halo and said, "It's just, we've never had a reason to really be happy this time of year, any happier than we were at any other time.  I guess I'm starting to understand it all, I just wish it all made sense to me."

   Grace sat down beside Nadir.  Kissing him on the cheek, she replied, "It'll make sense to you, but remember not to wrap your mind around it so tightly.  Enjoy these days as they come to you…and remember you haven't seen everything that I've gotten for you."

   "Oh really?" Nadir asked, feeling happier.

   Giggling, Grace replied, "Of course!  There has to be some surprise left right?"

   "Whatever," Nadir teased, "The real surprise will be if this Santa guy makes it home without getting a citation."

   Everyone laughed, but at the same time Grace cried out, "Oh for the love of Pete, Nadir…"

   "Just kidding," he teased.

   By now, Christmas Eve, Nadir was finally getting into the spirit of the holiday.  Zenith looked down and noticed a newly wrapped present under the tree.  Nadir apparently had finally found the perfect gift for Grace.  It was then that Zenith realized what was bothering him.

   "Holy crap…," Zenith muttered to himself, "Halo's gift…I haven't even thought about what to get her!"

   Panic set in for the moment.  It was quickly getting dark, and Zenith knew the stores would be packed.  He had absolutely no idea what to do, and things were about to go from bad to worse.

   The front door opened and Nadir walked in, quickly kicking the loose snow clear from his boots before he entered the apartment.  "Hey Zenith!  Are you ready to go to the Christmas party?" he asked.

   "Not exactly," Zenith replied, hanging his head as his twin approached him.

   "What's wrong?" Nadir asked.

   Heaving a heavy sigh, Zenith ran into his bedroom without answering his twin.  "Hey Zenith?  Seriously man, what's bothering you?"

   Almost as quickly as he had left, Zenith ran back into the living room.  His green scarf hung loosely around his neck as he desperately tried to pull on his green shoes.  "I have to go Nadir, you'll just have to go to the party without me," Zenith replied.

   "What?!" Nadir exclaimed, "But what will I say to Halo and Grace?"

   Zenith looked to Nadir as he finally tied his scarf.  "I don't know Nadir.  Tell them I'll be there in a little bit."

   As Zenith ran for the door, Nadir asked, "But why?  Where are you going?"

   "I'll see you later!" Zenith called as he ran out of the door and down the hall, not answering Nadir's question.

   Hanging his head, Nadir sighed and said, "Dammit Zenith, what's gotten into you?  Whatever happened to that punch-drunk holiday spirit?"  Still, the hybrid smiled as he shook his head, "Maybe it rubbed off on me.  I know I don't say it enough bro, but I love you, just like I love Halo and Grace.  Somehow, I think I finally understand why I should be so happy."  Turning off the overhead light, Nadir locked the apartment door.  As he left, he added, "Just make sure you're on time you pathetic wimp," with a chuckle and a small, but warm smile.

   It got dark outside very quickly.  Nadir made his way through the snow-covered and busy streets, heading for the bar that Halo and Grace worked at, which was where the party was being held.  When he arrived, he told the girls that Zenith ran off, but promised to be there later.

   Trusting Zenith's words, the three of them were quickly immersed in the festivities of the party.  There was an impressive smorgasbord of food and beverage, dancing, karaoke, and a gift exchange.  Everything was going so wonderfully, and everyone was having such a great time.  Zenith's presence wasn't missed, but when it was finally looked for, it was still nowhere to be found.

   Halo felt lonely when she watched everyone start to dance to the slower Christmas songs.  She glanced at the doorway, wondering what had become of her husband.  She looked down at her wedding ring, slipped over a green arm glove that she had to wear as part of her holiday uniform.  She had slowly gotten used to the dress, and even kind of liked the red ballet-style strapped shoes that she had to wear, but would never had agreed to it if Zenith hadn't encouraged her.

   "I think you should wear dresses more often Halo.  If we ever have our vows renewed, I'd love it if you wore a white gown," Zenith said.

   "You know Zenith, sometimes I don't know if you're being honest with me," Halo answered.

   He grinned; "I'm not lying.  You'll simply have to trust me.  You're beautiful."

   Her smile was small.  "Well, I might wear a stupid bridal gown if you wear a tuxedo.  Then we can look stupid together."

   "Oh no, not one of those horrid suits," Zenith answered playfully, feigning horror.

   Halo laughed, sitting beside him.  "Well, do you promise?"

   He laughed warmly.  "Promise Halo, I promise," he whispered.  He kissed her gently and added, I may not fully understand Christmas, but you, me…us, I understand love, and somehow, it feels even better now that we're here."

   "You don't have to get all philosophical on me genius," Halo teased.

   "Whatever cupcake," Zenith jeered with a grin.

   They both laughed.  Halo leaned into him and whispered, "I love you too Zenith."

   "Halo?  Are you okay?"

   Opening her eyes, Halo could see Nadir and Grace standing beside her.  Shaking her head, she answered, "Something's wrong.  Zenith should have been here by now.  He was supposed to be here hours ago."

   Nadir laughed and said, "He probably wanted to get you another present or something.  Maybe what he got when he went with Grace wasn't good enough."

   Grace looked at Nadir.  "What do you mean?  He didn't get anything for her when he came with me.  He got me a gift; he wanted me there because he didn't know what to get.  He also got your gift then.  He was supposed to get her gift when he went with you."

   "Well, he didn't," Nadir replied slowly, "I thought it was because he got it with you."

   "I can't believe it!" Halo cried, standing up.

   "Don't feel bad Halo!  I'm sure he already had something…," Nadir explained.

   "No.  I can't believe he thought he had to go out in all of that chaos just to get me a stupid gift," Halo replied.  Looking to them, she added, "Doesn't he know all I need is him?  He needs to be here, not in that craziness at the mall."

   Grabbing her black jacket, Halo ran for the door and cried out, "I'm going to find him.  Something is wrong.  He should have been here by now!"

   "Halo, wait!" Grace cried out.

   "Let her go Grace, she's a big girl," Nadir said, holding Grace back, "She won't be happy until she finds Zenith, and when she does, they'll both come right back here."

   Grace sighed.  "I guess so," she whispered.

   Nadir grinned, and as he put an arm around her he asked, "Why don't you and I go find some mistletoe?"

   She quickly smiled.  "Aww Nadir, you big sweetheart."

   "You know it," he teased.

   Outside raged a cold Christmas Eve night.  The streets were crowded and covered with snow and ice.  Cars honked filling the air with shrill noise and exhaust.  Halo dashed in between the thousands of people in the crowds.  The cold air, well below freezing, bit and stung her painfully.  Though her jacket protected her arms, it wasn't enough to keep her warm, and her fur was the only thing keeping her from freezing completely.

   Still, she ran forward.  She had a sick feeling gnawing at her stomach, upsetting all of the food she had eaten. She had a strong bond with Zenith, and couldn't imagine him spending this long looking for a present for her.

   "Zenith, you idiot, when have we ever valued anything besides our love and each other?" she asked herself as the air froze her breath, "Sure I love the Embala Ruby you gave me, and our wedding rings, but, never has anything material meant anything to us.  I know you're not out there looking for a gift.  Something…something happened.  I feel it in the pit of my stomach.  Please, Zenith, tell me where you are."

   Suddenly, Halo stopped running.  She was in familiar territory, back alleys and streets that she, Zenith, and Nadir used to call home.  The crowds of people remained confined to downtown and the business district where all the malls and shops were, the place where Zenith should be, but somewhere she knew he wasn't.

   She closed her eyes.  Listening to her heart as it pounded in her chest.

   He was here.

   "Zenith!" Halo cried out.  She looked around helplessly, not getting an answer.  She ran into the darkness before her, right into a maze of alleyways filled with ice, snow, trash, and danger.

   "Zenith!" she cried out as she ran.  She didn't know how, but she knew he was here.  She felt it in her heart.  She knew he was nearby.  She wouldn't quit until she found him.

   "Please!  Zenith!  Answer me!" she cried.  She had to stop running.  The bitter cold continued to try and break her down.  She fell to her knees, shivering and out of breath, but unwilling to give up.  "Please Zenith, I know you're here," she murmured, "Where are you?"

   She felt her eyes burn up with steaming tears.  Before she could cry, her ears twitched as sound hit them.

   "Did you hear that voice?"

   "Do you think someone is looking for him?"

   "No, shut up, just make sure you took everything he has."

   Halo jumped to her feet.  The voices came from just around the corner.  She abandoned the subtle approach, and flew around it, crying out in order to startle whoever was there.

   A miserable flickering street light cleared out the darkness.  She could see three human thugs, three she recognized as some of the drunkards who harassed her at the bar, standing over someone.  Beyond them, she could see it was Zenith that they had cornered and beaten, just so they could rob him.

   Halo hated these three before.  Now, she couldn't stand the sight of them breathing anymore.

   "Well fellas, looks like the sweet miss from the bar!" one of them said.

   The second one laughed and said, "What, is this your boyfriend lass?  Come to save him?"

   "Nah, she came to wish us a Merry Christmas and keep us company tonight!" the third one cried.

   All of them continued to laugh.  Though she was freezing, Halo felt her body burn up from within.  Her boss had told her to make the customers happy; she could never curse at them, or slap them, or punish them like they needed to be for harassing her.  Now, she could finally teach them a lesson, a cold, hard lesson that living on the streets had taught her how to exact.

   Without saying a word, Halo thrust a high kick forward and straight into the jaw of the third man, the one who spoke of her keeping them company.  As he fell, a second kick drove him down onto the ground hard, causing him to cry out in agony as he curled up in a ball.

   "The freaking rats can keep you company you son of a bitch!  I don't know how you managed to beat Zenith, but I won't let you hurt him, or me, anymore!  I don't have to please anyone anymore, so now you'll get what's coming to you!"

   Before the other two could retaliate, Halo gave them kicks to knock them back.  As they stumbled to try and fight back, she reached into one of her coat pockets and pulled out her grandfather's knife.  Pulling the sheath off it, she brandished it and said, "You guys have messed with the wrong bitch tonight.  You give back what you took from my husband and get the hell out of here!"

   The first one she had attacked had by now recovered and looked ready to charge her, and only held back out of fear of the knife.  He chuckled and held something in the air.  "You mean this?" he asked with a hearty laugh.

   Halo gasped.  A black cord dangled from the man's fist, and from that cord, hung Zenith's wedding ring.

   "You bastard!" she cried out.  She tried to grab it from him.

   Quickly pulling it away, he laughed and said, "No, I think this belongs to me.  You can have whatever else we took, but I'm keeping this.  I see it gets underneath your skin, and that'll be enough to give me pleasure tonight."

   "I said no!!" Halo cried, "Give that back to me!  You can have whatever else, but that ring belongs to us!"

   By this time, the other two had recovered and were standing behind their friend, the only one left who could really put up a fight.  He laughed, putting the necklace and ring in his pants pocket and said, "I don't think so missy.  What I want from you I doubt you could give me this freezing weather."

   Halo growled softly, her brown eyes blazing with fury.  Lowering her eyes, she let her knife fall to the ground as she turned to Zenith, who was lying in a heap on the ground after being battered in a fight.  Picking him up in her arms, she felt tears pierce her eyes.  "Oh Zenith, I'm so sorry.  I'm sorry you felt you had to go out in all of this just to get me a present.  All I wanted was to be with you.  Your heart is all you've ever been able to give me.  We grew up with nothing, no family, no home, and only Nadir to help us through the days.  We had to steal in order to get by, hurting people who didn't deserve it just so we wouldn't die.  Every winter we had to huddle together to keep warm, and so many times we thought we wouldn't make it through the night.  Christmas was never special for us, but that was because the kind of love people give each other at Christmas, we gave each other all year long.  We didn't need any special holiday to feel that love.  We're supposed to be giving and love one another…even if we have nothing material to give, at least we can give each other love.  I got you a present, yes, I did, but only because I never want you to forget how much I love you.  Even if we have nothing else, I hope we always have each other.  All I have to give you is my heart, and my love, and Zenith…you have it."

   As she said all of this, she almost forgot about the three men behind her.  Her words had touched even their hardened hearts, something that disgusted them, but moved them to pity her nonetheless.

   The first thug let out a sigh, unable to believe what he was about to do.  He took the black cord and Zenith's wedding ring out of his pocket, as well as the wallet and house key that they had taken from him, and knelt down beside Halo.

   She let out a gasp as she noticed he was there, but didn't say anything.  He would not make eye contact with her, and instead let the items he held fall to the ground.  She watched him as he stood up and turned to leave.

   "Both of you get out of here and the cold before you freeze," he muttered.  He paused and added, "We knew he was your husband; that was why we attacked him.  After hearing all you had to say, I don't feel good about it anymore.  Just…get out of here before you freeze to death, and don't let what we did ruin your Christmas."

   Without another word, the three men ran off.  Halo was stunned by what had just happened.  Somehow, the words of love she spoke to Zenith had touched their hearts, enough to where they not only returned what they stole and surrendered the fight, but hinted to stirring in their hearts real sympathy and remorse.

   Whatever it was, she had Zenith's stuff back, including the wedding ring, and though he was hurt, he was alive.

   "Oh Zenith…," Halo whimpered.  Her heart hurt her as it pounded in her chest.  Halo didn't cry a lot, but when it came to Zenith, she was never in control of her heart or her emotions.  Reaching down, he picked up his necklace, relieved to find the clasp wasn't broken.  As he rested in her lap, she put the necklace back around his neck.  She cringed as she saw a streak of blood leaking from the corner of his mouth and his right eye swelling up black.  Though she was freezing, she took the jacket off her shoulders and draped it over him to keep him warm.

   "I-I can't l-leave you here…," she stammered as she shivered.  She looked around, wondering what to do.  As she picked up her grandfather's knife and put it back in the sheath, she whimpered, "It's Christmas Eve…the first time we get to celebrate it for real, and we're no better off than we have been in the past.  What-What do I do?"

   She curled up in the corner of the alley, holding Zenith in her lap, unsure of what to do.  She knew she couldn't leave him there, but couldn't carry him to help.  As she closed her eyes, somehow she felt comfort.  Things hadn't changed.  Once again, only their body heat would get them through the night.

   The first rays of sunlight on Christmas Day lit up the back alleys of the city.  The streets were quiet and covered with a fresh blanket of snow.  Everything was peaceful, but not all was at peace.

   Zenith felt his body waking up, even as his eyes remained closed.   His body was racked with pain, but though he felt cold, he was surprisingly warm.  He was motivated to open his eyes, unsure of what he would find.  The last thing he remembered was three swarthy men attacking him.

   He looked up and saw what was keeping him warm.  Halo was sleeping, her head hanging as she rested against the wall behind her.

   "Ha-Halo?" Zenith murmured, his voice weak.

   The small movements he made were enough to rouse Halo.  Once she opened her eyes, she immediately felt tears enter them.  She saw Zenith looking up at her, his purple eyes tired but vibrant.  "Oh Zenith," she whimpered; it was all she could manage.

   "Those guys…," Zenith muttered, his voice soft, "I was on my way to the bar, and they jumped me all at once.  I didn't stand a chance."

   "It's okay," Halo answered, trying to comfort him.  With her help, Zenith started to sit up, cringing whenever a hurt muscle had to move.  She helped steady him.  "I found them about to run off with your ring and house key.  I kicked their asses for a little while, because they're the same guys that hit on me every time they come to the bar.  I was finally able to shut them up.  Still, they were about to take your ring, so I just gave up and well…I went into this speech about how much I love you, and the idiots gave everything back and left, trying to say they were sorry."

   "Wonder what made them do that?" Zenith asked, looking at her.

   Halo shook her head and smiled.  "I don't know.  We could have easily died last night if it weren't for this dry corner, my jacket, and our body heat keeping each other warm.  I couldn't leave you here, but I couldn't carry you to help.  Nadir and Grace must be worried sick."

   "I bet," Zenith replied, cringing a bit.  "I'm okay now.  I hurt, but I can make it home.  We should go before they call the police.  Help me up," Zenith added.

   Halo nodded, helping Zenith rise to his feet.  Once he was standing, he took the jacket and put it back on her shoulders.  As he did this, she asked, "Zenith, were you really going to buy me a present last night?"

   Zenith blushed red as she looked at him.  "Yeah…I was.  Somehow I had forgotten it.  I had no idea what to get you anyway.  I decided I would just go ahead to the party, then figure out some way to surprise you this morning.  I figured you wouldn't be too sore with me, at least I hoped you wouldn't be," he said with a small laugh.

   As they started to leave the alleyway, walking slowly to ease Zenith's pain, Halo giggled for a moment, then sighed.  "Oh Zenith, of course I wouldn't have been sore.  That's part of what I said last night.  I told you all I wanted was to be with you, just as I always have.  I know I bought you a gift, but that's only because I've already given you my heart, all that I am, and all that I have."

   "Heh, once you give someone your heart it's kinda hard to think of something else, right?" Zenith asked.  He laughed softly and said, "Maybe that was my problem.  Giving you my life is something impossible to top."

   Halo smiled sweetly.  "Maybe not impossible to top Zenith…you just need to plan ahead a little bit better," she whispered.

   He looked at her, his cheeks flushing red again as his neck burned him.  "I get it Halo, really," he stammered, causing her to laugh.

   "It's okay Zenith," she giggled.  Calming down, she sighed and said, "We've got plenty of time for that, and that's a gift welcomed at any time of year."

   "And it'll last much longer than whatever you bought me I'm sure," Zenith added.

   "And we'll both love it more, however many there are," Halo whispered.

   They stopped, having reached the end of the corridors of alleys.  The morning light glistened off the undisturbed blanket of snow.  The scene was beautiful.

   "I love you Zenith.  I don't understand how me loving you was enough to make those guys give up without a fight, and I never will, but what I do understand, is that love is all I need," Halo said at last.

   "At least for now right?" Zenith said with a grin.

   Halo looked away shyly.  "Yeah, that's about right," she whispered.

   Zenith laughed.  Taking her in his arms as best he could he shook his head and said, "And I love you Halo.  All I have to give you is my heart, and whatever comes with my heart and this love, is yours to have forever."

   He pulled her into a kiss.  Standing there under the Christmas morning sunlight, surrounded by beautiful snow and a peace this bustling city only saw one day out of the year, everything was perfect.  No matter how crazy everything leading up to it was, this Christmas, their first real one, was perfect.

   As they pulled back, Halo whispered and said, "I love you too Zenith.  The best gifts there are to give, I think, we can only ever give each other."

   Zenith chuckled.  "I hope it's the same for Nadir and Grace.  Lord knows we can't help him in that case."

   Halo laughed, "Poor Nadir.  …We better go Zenith.  I don't want to worry them anymore."

   With a sigh, Zenith said, "Fine by me, but let's take it slow."

   "Are you hurting?" Halo asked as they started to walk home.

   "Nah," he answered with a smile, "I just want to enjoy the walk."

   And so they walked together, smiling as the morning sun guided them home.

   "I'll celebrate when there's something worth celebrating."

   "This Christmas, I learned that as long as I give all that I have, I will have every reason to celebrate, sharing the love, so that everyone is happy just to be alive."