Title: Feliz Navidad
Author: Shadow/Phantomness
Pairing: Championshipping (Lance x Red)
Fandom: Pokémon
Theme: #46, Cloud Nine
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws and taking it is plagiarism. Thank you. *Phantomness bows*

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks

Warnings: AU, het, fanon

“Red…”

“What is it?” The Champion asked, peering up from his desk. Lorelei blanched at the mountains of paperwork dominating the oaken surface.

“Er… I was going to give you these papers to sign, but seeing how busy you are – perhaps that’s not such a good idea.”

Red groaned. “How does Lance put up with all of this?”

“Beats me,” She shrugged. “I think she burns most of it.”

“That is… a good idea.” Red said seriously, as he prepared to release Charizard. Lorelei laughed.

“Though if you’re going to do that, I’d suggest doing it outside where the room doesn’t catch fire. The sprinklers might go off in here.”

“Thanks!”

Red sorted through the files quickly, before he grinned. Yes, most of this was pointless legislation, so Charizard happily flamed it into embers. That done, his workload diminished considerably, so he took a short flight on the fire dragon, enough to hop over to Cerulean to visit Misty for a chat.

Misty was still working, but she finished up quickly and they went off to Cerulean Cape to get away from any prying eyes.

“Is something wrong?” She asked, between bites of chocolate fudge.

“You’re too perceptive!”

“I’m a girl. We’re supposed to be that way.” She crossed her legs on the bench nodding. “You miss Lance, don’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?” He sighed.

“Only for me,” Misty leaned over and patted him on the head. “I’m sure that wherever she is, she misses you too.”

“But why does she have to be gone for the whole month, Misty?”

“I don’t know, but it must be important, right?”

“I guess…”

Misty gave him a sympathetic smile. “I know it’s hard…”

“Oh! I didn’t mean-!”

“It’s all right. At least I can visit Rudy every month or so, and we knew what we were getting into when we started.”

“It’s not that I’m not grateful I can stay with her most of the year…! Am I spoiled, Misty?” He asked.

Misty considered the statement thoughtfully, as she took another bite of her ice cream cone. “Well, compared to me, you are, a bit.”

Red drooped.

“But I think it makes sense. You worry about her because you love her, right?”

“Y-Yes…”

“Then quit fretting. Lance is a good trainer. She’ll be fine.”

Red sighed doubtfully, but talking with Misty had helped, and afterwards, he flew back to the Plateau, wishing he didn’t have to spend Christmas alone.

On Christmas Eve, Red was having a hearty dinner with his Pokémon, since he had no other family, when a knock came at the door. Opening the door, he gasped.

“Miss me?” Lance teased, as she entered. The door slammed shut behind them as Red pushed Lance against the door and kissed her hungrily.

“Does that answer your question?”

“Shh. Here, I brought you this.”

Red accepted the package, though he didn’t stop staring at Lance even as nimble fingers un-wrapped the dark paper.

Two bangles dropped into his hand, and he gasped. They were made out of silver and not gold, but he was beyond such small details. He recognized the patterns. They were draconic symbols, so…

“You…”

“Yes,” Lance whispered. “Father and I discussed the situation, and my work is almost done. I was allowed to leave and spend two days with you. As for next year, well… we’ll go together.”

She would not leave him behind again.

The expression in Red’s eyes was enough, as he hugged her, and after a few more moments, he pulled back reluctantly.

“Is that dinner?” Lance asked, eying the table.

Red’s gathered Pokemon cheered, and there was much winking and nudging as the two of them ate, enraptured simply by the other’s presence.

Afterwards, it was a quick trip to the bedroom and then blessed ecstasy.

He had missed her so much, and evidently, she had missed him too…

Master Red seems very happy today. Eevee yawned.

Pikachu laughed. Of course he is!

Even though Master’s Mate has to leave tomorrow?

Yesterday is a very special day for some humans. Pikachu said wisely. And Master Red was worried Master Lance would not be able to come, since she’s Dragon Master. But it all worked out…

I see.

“I’m sorry.” Lance whispered.

Red shook his head, his eyes bright. “It’s all right, Lance. The fact that you could come back was the best present of all.”

She nodded, brushing a quick kiss across Red’s lips. “Only a few more days,” His wife promised. Then she spread her silversteel wings and flew off, followed by her dragons. Red sighed.

Yes, all he had to do was be patient and wait…

End Fic

Completed 8/23/06

Edited 6/16/09

Fluff, since we all need fluff once in a while…

… Am I incapable of writing drabbles? *Sigh*