I'm Dreaming of a Desert Christmas

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Well, I think we got some pretty good loot." Rachel said, sipping her eggnog contentedly as she settled back onto the couch, alone (for once) with her beloveds.

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear nodded, watching the beautiful evening bloom outside.

She wore her sunstone jewelery, with no intention of taking it off.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"The day went well," Ryan sighed, leaning back against the back of the couch, "That's loot enough for me right there." He closed his eyes as he reclined, feeling his body relax after a whole day of people-pleasing and making sure to make a good impression.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"I told you that everyone would love you guys." Rachel said with a smile "And I was right. I'm just disappointed I'll have to wait until we're back in London to wear my sweater. Its really beautiful."

[Byrna Cooper]

"Everybody was so great! I'm going to miss it when we go back." Bear agreed.

"And I'm glad you like the sweater. We both are."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"And I'm glad you like your presents." Rachel replied "And there is an extra one up in my room that we can open later."

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Ah, I can't wait," Ryan chuckled a little, smiling. He raised his glass of eggnog. "Merry first Christmas, ladies," he said, before taking a drink.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"The first of many." Rachel said, with a contented smile.

[Byrna Cooper]

"Merry Christmas, Moon and Stars."

Bear smiled, sipping her own nog.

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan set his empty glass down, then leaned back again, stretching his arms around the two girls.

[Narrator]

"Are you guys coming with us to see the lights at the Mormon Temple?" Heather asked as she came out of the kitchen. Almost inspite of herself, she smiled at the sight of the people on the couch. Rachel looked more content than she had in years.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"I thought that was the plan," Ryan said, sitting up as he glanced to the girls for confirmation.

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear nodded.

"I'm looking very forward to it!"

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Sounds great to me." Rachel said "Just let me grab my jacket."

[Narrator]

"Good idea." Heather said with a laugh "Its kinda chilly tonight. Well, relatively speaking."

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan nodded gravely. "Stepped outside earlier and thought I was going to get frostbite," he said seriously.

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear smiled and playfully smacked Ryan's arm before rising to get her own pullover.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Yes, its an icy 40 degrees outside." Rachel teased.

[Ryan Gabriel]

Ryan didn't have a coat or anything, he just started scaling his temperature up as they got ready to head out.

[Narrator]

"That is a useful talent." Heather remarked with a smile as they headed for the car.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"I think it's nature's way of making up for the fact that getting a coat made so that I can wear it would cost an arm and half a wing.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"He isn't kidding about that." Rachel said with a smirk as they got into the car "Luckily there is a shop in Mutant Town that sells clothes from mutants with wings."

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear nodded, tossing a chocolate orange from one hand to another as she stepped outside and entered the car.

"He can stay warm just about anywhere- very useful when caught in a freezing cold place, like London is right now."

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Its especially useful when he does his space heater trick." Rachel said as they drove away.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Awww... thanks, it's good to be appreciated," Ryan chuckled as they headed off. Just since it was mentioned, he turned up the heat, helping warm the car faster.

[Narrator]

"Well, it stands to reason that Rachel would find someone useful." Heather teased.

[Ryan Gabriel]

"Very practical, your daughter," Ryan agreed.

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear smiled, unwrapping the orange and passing out the chocolate slices to everyone.

[Rachel O'Brien]

"Thank you, honey." Rachel said, taking care not to get chocolate on Ryan's wings, which took up most of the back seat.