Behind the closed dark veils I saw a faint yellow glow coming in and out like a signal. Slowly opening my eyes, I blinked a few times to adjust my sight to the sudden burning light blinding me for a second. It took some additional blinks till the blur faded.

The scent of burnt coil and cedar wood tickled my nostrils and a familiar heat caressed my face.

A fireplace! How nostalgic!

A warm cozy hearth burnt enchantingly. Heated flames licked the woods with great hunger as they danced gracefully here and there, almost hypnotizing me with their slow rhythm to another wave of sleepiness. The sudden cackles breaking the silence were the only distraction which kept me awake.

This year's winter had gotten quite cold, taking everyone in the neighborhood by surprise. Regardless of the howling winds and frostbites, Christmas went warmly fun with the families gathered around. Fortunately, nothing hindered the holy ceremonies and table prayers. The children's gifts were also wrapped in sparkling and colorful packages.

My eyes fell languidly on the lonely Christmas tree on the left side of the fireplace with a few shimmering boxes nestled beneath its shadow.

It must be good to still be a kid!

Yeah! I used to be a child as well. Now, grown into a young woman filled with responsibilities and work that sometimes go beyond my own shoulders' strength.

I am not complaining, but when you are doing almost everything on your own, braving the word by yourself, your mind sometimes unconsciously wishes for a partner or a companion to help you - least lend you their shoulder to rest for a while. Or your heart would wish for time to go back, make you shrink into that five-year-old carefree kid you once were. Free of obligations to explore the world with great bravado to your heart's content.

Such fruitless thoughts now!

The angry howls of the wind outside grew vehement, resembling vengeful ghosts haunting for a feeble prey. Their hisses broke my train of thoughts and made me draw closer the satin blue blanket around me involuntarily.

Pulling my head to the side, I felt it rest upon something strong and warm... and beating!

Beating!... is this... a heart?!

The whole time since I woke up, my mind was in such weak and hazy state that I hardly managed to survey my surrounding. Attempting to move the stiff muscles of my neck, I raised my head to the source of the coming heartbeat.

My eyes fell upon the most handsome face, which under the burning yellowish light, held a divine glow.

Sensual lips as the color of frost berries found in winter, a sharp aristocratic nose, and high chiseled cheekbones which long seductive lashes cast shadows upon them welcomed me.

Skin smooth and flawless like virgin alabaster, and eyes as the color of Topaz gems gazed attentively at the flames.

Satin soft hair glowed with two contradicting colors; from behind, where the moonlight shone, it appeared like silver strings of a divine harp, while the front reflected a golden hue where he faced the hearth.

Those warm blue orbs turned to me gently. Lips parted and a reverberating voice graced my ears.

"I see you've awakened. I hope my reading did not disturb you."

My lips parted to speak, but no words escaped me as I remained in a trance.

"The frost had gotten too much under your skin… you could barely move your fingers."

A warm battle worn hand, resting on my numb shoulder, pulled me closer into his embrace, making me let out the breath I did not know I had held.

Is this... a dream?

"You always complain to me for wearing too light. It surprised me to see you in such informal clothing in the middle of this cold winter while playing in the snow with our son." His warm chuckles felt music to my ears.

Am I really here... with him, in HIS embrace?!

"What happened to the long blue trench coat I brought you as souvenir?"

Souvenir?!... You brought me a gift?... When?

"Please promise me that you'll be more careful next time. I do not wish you to catch pneumonia!" Eyes regarded me with concern.

Please if this is a dream, don't wake me up. If it's real, don't let it end soon.

His hand grasped my chin in between his index finger and thumb, inclining my head till I looked straight into the eyes of the man I never thought I see again.

Frosty blue orbs as brisk as the blizzard striking outside gazed at me with ardent care. Despite their cold color, warmth danced in them, rivaling the heat of the hearth burning before us.

I was panting hard, my chest hurt with immense pain, and the aching lump in my throat clogged my voice. My lips trembled uncontrollably. Having him by my side was too good to be true.

His heated breath caressed my skin. I closed my eyes and inhaled in pure bliss.

Smells like rain!

Soft as petal lips touched my forehead in a chaste kiss, sending all the butterflies in my stomach to flap violently.

There is no denying it... He is actually here with me.

I was home and I was safe in the shelter of his embrace.

"I promised you, remember? I won't leave you alone ever again. I swore upon my honor, and I intend to keep that promise." His whisper was soothing against my skin and for my heart.

Raindrops trickled down my cheeks. My chest warmed with joy, feeling the corners of my lips turn upwards in delight.

"You do not need to worry about me, Vergil. I am fine now." Noticing my hoarse voice, his silver brows knitted.

He sighed heatedly. "You mean fine but I will not tolerate you imprisoning yourself in your own isolation?"

He wiped a tear away, and kissed another.

"Mother used to tell me that sometimes, the person who tries to keep everyone happy is always the loneliest person. So, never leave them on their own, for they shall never say how much they need a companion."

I felt taken aback hearing his words. The Dark Slayer's free hand came to grasp my own, the one resting on my lap, and I watched him pulling it to rest on his heart instead. Strong, even beats welcomed me.

"I hardly understood her words, but when I saw you, their meaning became clear."

"V-Vergil?" I stuttered.

A beautiful smile adorned his handsome visage. "In return of all things you did, this is the least I can give you. I hope I managed to make you believe... to have hope."

Hope?! Yes, something I had long forgotten, acknowledged it as something akin to chance or luck.

Overwhelmed, I pressed my cheek against his chest and drowned in the feeling of bliss and happiness surround me.

Thank you, Vergil! Thank you for becoming my Christmas bliss.

As the telltale signs of sleep began to consume me, I heard Vergil whisper against my head in between sweet kisses.

"Somewhere there is someone who dreams of your smile,

And finds in your presence that life is worthwhile.

So, when you are lonely, remember it's true,

Somebody somewhere is thinking of you."


AN: Merry Christmas everyone and Happy Holidays! I hope this coming year would be filled with joy, happiness, health, success, and everything good for you and your loved ones. I hope you enjoyed my little story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay safe and stay healthy!