That's the Spirit

by Blu and Gin

A very light dusting of snow had settled on the town of Port Charles by sundown. A thousand twinkling lights glared harshly off of it, but somehow added to the romance of the scene.

A tall young man walked down the sidewalk through the dusk. His companion was close to his side, tucked under his arm. White puffs of vapor slipped from their mouths and noses as they walked and talked.

"I can't believe Ruby made you work today!" Lucky Spencer exclaimed, casually looking down at the precious package beside him.

"Yeah, well, I'm used to working bad hours," Elizabeth Webber replied softly. "I just don't like the part where I can't spend time with you."

Her right arm was wrapped around Lucky's waist, his left arm was lightly resting over her shoulders.

"I don't think I'll ever be used to being away from you," he offered with a slight tilt of his lips in her direction.

"Oooh, going for the super sized Christmas present this year, are we?" Elizabeth teased, squeezing her hold on him for a brief moment. He held his breath.

"Elizabeth, your presence is enough of a gift to last a lifetime."

Her tinkling laugh turned the night to day for him.

They were passing the halfway mark to Lucky's apartment, when they passed a group of carolers singing to a family in front of their house.

"Aww!" Elizabeth sighed, leaning closer to Lucky to get a better look.

He looked down on her, watching her reaction instead of the carolers. Her eyes were lit up, her smile widening by the second.

"Maybe we should stop and you can sing with them," she suggested slyly.

"I think not," Lucky murmured, flushing a slight tint of pink. "But was that a hint?"

Elizabeth grinned sweetly. A shiver shuddered through her body a moment later. Lucky glanced over at her.

"Cold?"

She nodded, and he immediately started shucking his coat.

"No!" Elizabeth protested quickly. "That wasn't a hint! Leave it on; you'll freeze!"

"Better me than you!"

"Lucky Spencer, if you take that coat off, I'll-"

"You'll what?"

"I'll tell Santa you've been a bad boy and maybe he'll take back your present!"

Lucky laughed and continued taking off his long black leather number.

"I'm serious, Lucky. Leave it on. It'll make me feel better if you do."

"It'll make me feel better if you'll just wear it!"

"I don't want to wear it!"

Lucky sighed in defeat and shrugged the jacket back on. His eyes sparked with an idea and he motioned Elizabeth closer with his chin.

"What?" she asked suspiciously.

"C'mere."

He tugged her closer and pulled her to his side, wrapping his coat around her, after he'd conveniently left it hanging open.

"Oooh, tricky," Elizabeth muttered lazily. Her breath tickled Lucky's neck. He smiled to himself and they kept walking.

*****

When they finally reached the door to Lucky's small apartment, Lucky was reluctant to let Elizabeth loose. He loved the feel of her bundled up at his side. And he adored the fact that she was finally comfortable enough to be that close to him without tensing up. He would have been totally satisfied to hold her against him all night, but there was one little problem....he couldn't get the keys out of his pocket with her right up against his hip. And they couldn't exactly stand out in the hall all evening.

Lucky reluctantly pulled his coat from around Elizabeth. "You, uh, you should be warm enough now."

Elizabeth looked up at him and smiled. "I am. Thanks to you."

"It was nothing," he said, smiling back.

Elizabeth stepped about a foot away from him, and Lucky reached into his pocket for his keys.

Less than a minute later, he opened the door...and froze. Elizabeth giggled at the expression on his face.

"Where did this come from?" Lucky asked, moving forward towards the small artificial tree that sat in the middle of his table.

"Gram's attic," Elizabeth answered, shutting the door behind her. "I found it when we were bringing down the Christmas decorations this morning," she explained. "I thought it would fit perfectly in your apartment....since you don't have very much room."

Lucky smiled.

"Do you like it?" she asked, biting her lip.

Lucky nodded his head as he stepped towards her. "I love it," he said, wrapping his arms lightly around her waist. "Thank you."

Elizabeth slid her arms around his neck and met him halfway for a soft lingering kiss. "You're welcome," she whispered when their lips parted.

"When did you sneak it in here? I mean, you've been working all afternoon."

"Well, I knew you were going to be at your mom's today--opening presents with Lulu early so you could spend tonight with me," Elizabeth said, playing with the collar on his shirt. "So I asked Bobbie to make the delivery for me. I gave her my key to your place, and it looks like she pulled off the favor nicely."

Lucky mindlessly twirled a lock of Elizabeth's silky hair around his finger and gazed down at her with pure love in his eyes.

Elizabeth became shy under the intensity of his gaze. She looked away from him and focused on the cheery tree on the table. "Everybody needs a Christmas tree," she said.

Lucky put his hand to her face and gently turned her to face him again. "You're amazing, do you know that?" he said softly.

The tone of his voice made Elizabeth feel warm and tingly all over. "You're pretty amazing yourself." With that, she stood on her toes and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

Lucky smiled. "This is going to be the best Christmas of my life," he said decidedly.

Elizabeth smiled back from the security of the circle of his arms.

"Well, I'm glad I have the privilege of being a part of it."

"Now who's sucking up?"

Elizabeth giggled. "That would be me. Can't I even have a hint?"

"Not on your life!" Lucky motioned to the cardboard box resting slightly behind the tree, almost out of sight. "What's that?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Fine. Change the subject. Those are some ornaments that went with the tree, some I made myself, and something special."

"'Something special'? Sounds intriguing... let's just open the box up then, shall we?"

Lucky moved around the table and began to lift the lid from the box. Elizabeth followed him, curious as to what his reaction would be.

"Well, well, well."

Lucky lifted an item from the top of the box and held it in Elizabeth's view. She immediately flushed scarlet. He dangled the item in front of her face for a few long seconds before she snatched it from his grasp and dropped it on the table.

Mistletoe.

"Planning something?" he asked, *almost* off-handedly.

"I forgot I put that in there," she muttered, still flushed.

His grin widened. He reached out and tipped up her chin, bringing her gaze to meet his in the process.

"I was only teasing, Elizabeth, I didn't mean anything-"

Her nod was brisk; her lips were forced upward. "Right."

"What else is in here?" he asked, breaking eye contact and working to alleviate Elizabeth's discomfort. He lifted a Polaroid camera from the midst of the ornaments.

"Is this the special thing?"

Elizabeth nodded, swallowing her nervousness and turning to pick something out of the box.

"I - we have a ton of pictures on our tree, dressed up in ornaments, of course. I thought we could do a few for yours." She brought a delicate frame ornament out of the box and held it into the air. "To put the pictures in."

Lucky took the frame from her and weighed it in one hand against the camera in his other hand. "That's a great idea," he said with a smile.

"You think so?"

"Yeah, I do," he said, nodding. "I...I always wanted a picture of you," he admitted nervously.

Elizabeth smiled shyly as Lucky stepped towards her and placed the items he was holding on the table.

"Well, you'll have to settle for a not-so-great one," she said, brushing her bangs out of her eyes. "The wind loves to make my hair a mess."

Lucky tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Elizabeth, why are you always complaining about your hair? Don't you know how beautiful you are?"

She shook her head, keeping her eyes on his. "No one ever thought I was beautiful...until you," she said softly. "No one ever looked at me the way you do."

"And I never looked at anyone else the way I look at you," Lucky said. His heartbeat sped up as he realized, not for the first time, why that was true. He was in love with her.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said, pulling him to her and hugging him tightly.

Lucky laughed quietly at her sudden move. "For what?"

Elizabeth pulled away slightly, but remained close to his chest. "For making me feel special. For making me feel like the best, instead of second best. You have no idea how much that means to me."

Lucky melted her with his loving eyes. "You're my girl."

Elizabeth smiled.

"And you *are* the best, Elizabeth. I think I told you that once before."

"I remember. It was right before our first...." her voice trailed off.

"Kiss," Lucky supplied. "Are you too shy to say it?" he asked with an amused grin.

"Of course not," she said valiantly. "I can say it just fine."

"You can do it just fine too." Lucky immediately clamped his mouth shut. 'Why did I say that?' his mind screamed.

Elizabeth could tell that he regretted saying that. 'He's so sweet,' she thought. 'Always concerned about my reaction.' She was determined to put Lucky at ease. "I'm glad you think so," she said calmly.

Lucky smiled and let out a soft sigh of relief.

Elizabeth stepped back from him and took his hands in hers. "You know, Christmas Eve doesn't last forever," she said, suddenly eager to get back to the task of decorating.

"Why can't it?" Lucky asked, trying to pull her back into his arms.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and kept her distance. "It just can't. And we're wasting valuable time."

"I didn't think so." He lunged forward and planted a quick kiss on her forehead.

Elizabeth giggled and grabbed the Polaroid camera. "Say cheese."

*****

Elizabeth took several pictures of Lucky until he finally had enough of being her model. When she aimed the camera at him again, Lucky ducked his head and scooted away from the camera.

"That's *more* than enough of me, thank you very much!" he insisted, holding out his hand for the camera.

"But Lucky!" Elizabeth whined sweetly. "I only got a few pictures of you!"

"A few? You call that a few? There are at least a dozen and a half in that pile!"

Elizabeth grinned. "Can I help it if I can't get enough of you?"

Lucky flushed bashfully. "Will you just give me the camera already?"

She reluctantly handed it over and Lucky raised it in front of his face. "Ok, now do something cute!"

She stuck her tongue out for a microsecond and then smiled widely.

**

The snow was coming down hard. It swirled from dark skies until it made Elizabeth dizzy. She was staring absently out the window with a strand of forgotten garland clasped in her hand.

"Elizabeth?" Lucky asked curiously, from across the room.

She jumped and shook herself. Lucky walked over and stopped a few feet behind her before she turned to face him.

"Sorry!" She offered an apologetic smile. "I was going to hang this, but I saw the snow and I just went off into my own little world."

Lucky smiled affectionately.

"You don't have to explain. I was just wondering why you were so quiet all of a sudden."

"Just depressed that its already over, I guess."

Lucky stepped closer as Elizabeth went on.

"I mean, it's almost midnight. Your tree is finished, and your room is looking MUCH better. Christmas Eve is close to being over...again. It's just depressing, is all."

Lucky watched her face closely.

"Think of it this way:" he began softly. "This was the best Christmas Eve in the history of Christmases. I got to spend it with my girlfriend, doing Christmas things. I loved every second of being with you."

Elizabeth blushed a light pink. "Make me feel like a complainer, why don't you?"

He grinned.

"I loved every second with you too," Elizabeth said, dropping the garland on the bed and wrapping her arms around his neck. "I've never had a boyfriend to share Christmas with before."

"It's a first for me too," Lucky stated.

"Lucky?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you miss your family?" she asked cautiously. "I mean, I know you've gotten pretty used to life without them, but on a day like today, do you miss having them around?"

"I saw Lulu this afternoon."

"You know that's not what I meant."

Lucky stared over her head at the snow falling past the window. "I don't know. Maybe a little," he said slowly. "But there's no going back, Elizabeth."

"Says who?"

"Says me," Lucky said firmly. "Anyway, I don't want to talk about that. I'd rather concentrate on us."

Elizabeth nodded. "Got it."

He put his arms around her waist, and she felt something tickle her back.

"What have you got in your hand, Spencer?" Elizabeth asked, a smile creeping up on her face.

Lucky's eyes were twinkling at her as he smiled flirtatiously. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Elizabeth reached behind her back to try to snatch the mystery item, but Lucky was too quick for her. He whipped his arm upwards, over her head, and Elizabeth giggled.

"Lizabeth, look up," Lucky said.

Elizabeth tilted her head back and looked upwards at what Lucky was holding above their heads.

Mistletoe.

She slowly lowered her head until her eyes met Lucky's. "I'd almost forgotten about that," Elizabeth said softly. She replaced her arms around his neck and stepped a little closer to him.

Lucky felt his heart pound in his chest the way it did right before every kiss he and Elizabeth shared. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity," he said softly.

Elizabeth smiled.

Lucky couldn't help noticing how calm and happy she looked. She wasn't afraid of this.

He gently pulled her to him with the arm still wrapped around her waist, and their lips met just as their bodies did. Lucky kissed her with the utmost tenderness for several moments, just lightly pressing his lips against hers, and then without warning, Elizabeth threaded her fingers in his hair and gave the back of his head gentle pressure, causing their mouths to press together fully. Lucky moaned at the pleasant surprise.

Elizabeth heard Lucky moan, and she instantly felt a sense of confidence and pride that he liked what she was doing. She kissed him without hesitation or thought. She just enjoyed the sensation of their mouths moving together and the warmth of his body next to hers. Nothing had ever felt so perfect.

Lucky never wanted to stop kissing her, but Elizabeth finally pulled away.

All the air seemed to be sucked out of the apartment. Lucky closed his eyes briefly, a surge of thankfulness seeping through his soul. When he reopened them, Elizabeth was staring curiously up at him.

"You okay?" she asked sweetly.

"Yeah," was the reply, given with a half grin.

Her glance was drawn to the clock on the far wall.

"Lucky?"

"Mmm?"

"It's officially Christmas."

"Huh?"

She lightly tapped his cheek with her forefinger and then once she had his attention, pointed to the clock.

"It's after midnight. It's Christmas."

He mock-frowned. "So what you're saying is you want your present now?"

Elizabeth laughed a lighthearted laugh. She reached up and kissed his cheek softly.

"*No*, that's not what I'm saying. But if you're insisting..."

Lucky released her with a chuckle and sauntered over to the bed.

"Turn around and close your eyes," he called over to Elizabeth, after he had looked up to find her watching him.

"What?"

"You have to turn around, or I'm not getting your present out!"

Elizabeth stuck her lower lip out in an exaggerated pout and whirled to face the wall.

Lucky leaned over and reached under his mattress. When he righted himself he held a package in his hand.

"Oh, Elizabeth..."

Lucky saw that she had turned around before he gave the okay. "Patience never was one of your virtues, was it?" he teased.

Elizabeth's eyes were gazing down at the gift in his hand.

"I didn't have a chance to wrap it," he said sheepishly.

"Lucky...." Elizabeth stepped towards him slowly, her eyes transfixed on her Christmas present. "Is that....?"

He glanced down at the cassette in his hand. "Yeah. I, uh, I wrote another song for you."

Elizabeth held out her hand, and Lucky gave it to her.

"I probably should have bought you something, but you know how I am about malls, and I didn't know what you wanted and--"

"Lucky, this is the best present you could have possibly given me," she said emphatically, cutting him off.

"You haven't heard it yet," he pointed out.

"I don't have to. I already know it's beautiful and perfect," Elizabeth said, smiling up into his blue eyes. She could tell that he was touched.

"Well, thanks for the vote of confidence."

"No, thank you, Lucky. You have no idea how much this means to me. I mean, it blew me away when you wrote the first one, but a second one....wow."

"What can I say? You inspire me," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist.

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Okay, now, step aside. I have to listen to this," she said excitedly.

"No, Elizabeth," Lucky groaned, tightening his arms around her waist. "You know I hate listening to my voice. Later, okay?"

She sighed. "Okay," she relented. "IF you promise to give me a live performance tomorrow."

"Elizabeth..."

"It's my Christmas wish, Lucky," she said persuasively.

"Okay. Deal," he said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "I guess I better be taking you home soon," he said regretfully.

"Not yet," Elizabeth said, wiggling out of his arms.

Lucky watched her walk over to the box of decorations and dig something out of the bottom.

"Now how did I miss that?" Lucky asked, smiling at the rectangular package in her hands.

She smiled back. "I don't know. I was holding my breath that you wouldn't notice it before I had a chance to give it to you." Elizabeth handed the package to Lucky, and he examined it and shook it near his ear. "Just open it," she giggled, punching his arm lightly.

"You don't have to tell me twice," he said, ripping the red shiny paper off the box.

Elizabeth watched him carefully as he opened the box, and a smile immediately appeared on his face as he looked inside. Lucky pulled out a framed sketching that Elizabeth had done.

"It's us at the boxcar," he said softly, admiring her artwork.

Elizabeth bit her lip. "I know it's a pretty lame present but--"

"No way! It's great, Elizabeth. I love it," he assured her. He stepped towards her and gave her a soft kiss. "Thank you."

She smiled. "You're welcome."

Lucky looked around at his walls, which would soon be completely covered in murals by the girl he loved. "Where should I hang this?" he asked.

Elizabeth shrugged. "Worry about that later. You haven't finished opening your present."

"What do you mean? There's more?" he asked, surprised.

"Look inside the box," she said with a nervous smile.

Lucky went back to the box that had held his sketch and pulled out a piece of tissue paper. Underneath was a sheet of notebook paper that immediately peeked his interest. He picked it up and looked at the giant heart drawn on the page and smiled. "Lizzie plus Lucky?"

Elizabeth blushed. "I, uh, I thought you might want to see that," she said bashfully.

His smile broadened. "When did you do this?"

"The night that I met you," she answered.

His eyebrows shot up. "You're kidding."

Elizabeth shook her head.

"I'm impressed."

She laughed. "Oh yeah. That's some of my finest artwork to date," she said sarcastically about the haphazardly drawn heart.

"No," he said, setting the paper down and taking her in his arms. "I'm impressed that you knew that long ago that we were meant to be."

Elizabeth gazed up into his eyes and saw something there that was so gentle and comforting, it had to be love.

"We were meant to be," she said with conviction.

"You better believe it."

"I do."

Lucky leaned in and gave her a slow tender kiss. "Merry Christmas, Elizabeth."

"Merry Christmas, Lucky."

The End