Disclaimer - I own nothing that you recognize.

This is part of series I am doing in various fandoms, one-shots based on Christmas songs. I hope that you enjoy this one, and that you check out my other fics on my profile page.

This story takes place shortly after Geric tells Ani that he can't visit her anymore.

Stockings are hung with care

As Children sleep with one eye open

Well, now there's more than toys at stake

Cause I'm older now but not done hoping.

I sighed deeply, watching the geese as they flitted back and forth in their efforts to remain warm. I myself was stamping the ground and pulling my coat closer to my body. Conrad seemed immune to the cold, sitting with his head bowed without a single shiver that I could observe.

"If only I hadn't allowed Selia to take my place," I thought bitterly. I could have been sitting next to a roaring fire in the palace.

But of course, then I would still be betrothed to the Prince, and Geric would be nothing more than the Prince's guard to me. I wouldn't have been able to know him like I do now.

Or did.

The twinkling of the lights

As Santa carols fill the household

Old Saint Nick has taken flight

With a heart on board so please be careful.

Each year I ask for many different things

But now I know what my heart wants you to bring

Geric was one of the few people who seemed to accept me for who I really am. He didn't see me as the princess, as everyone had back home. He didn't look at me like I was just a goose girl, like all my fellow workers did. He knew me as Isi, the girl who could tame wild horses, with hopes and wishes for the future.

But now, he was out of my life. What I would give to have him come back to me, and to see him one more time.

So please just fall in love with me this Christmas

There's nothing else that I will need this Christmas

Won't be wrapped under a tree

I want something that lasts forever

So kiss me on this cold December night.

I recalled catching Selia behind a curtain with a boy once. She and him had been kissing in a manner that was much less appropriate than should occur between unmarried individuals. I had asked Selia about it later, wondering what it was like to really experience those sensations.

"Oh Ani," she said in a patronizing tone. "Don't worry, it will happen eventually."

A tree that smells of pine

A house that's filled with joy and laughter

The mistletoe says stand in line

Loneliness is what I've captured

Oh but this evening can be a holy night

Lets cozy on up the fireplace

And dim those Christmas lights

As I thought about that experience, I wondered what it would be like to kiss Geric. He seemed to be experienced; he probably had kissed a dozen scullery maids, or ladies in waiting, having lived in the palace. He would undoubtedly know exactly what to do, how to move his lips to cradle mine in the exact way that would send shivers down my spine.

I began to berate myself. It was foolish of me to imagine this when I would never be able to even see Geric again.

So please just fall in love with me this Christmas

There's nothing else that you will need this Christmas

Won't be wrapped under a tree

I want something that lasts forever

So kiss me on this cold December night.

The hours passed slowly, but eventually it was time to take the geese back to their pen. Our path was routine, uneventful, boring, and I lost myself in thought once again.

If I ever managed to regain my rightful place as Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, I would forget all about propriety and conventions. I would get a kiss from Geric, no matter what.

They call it the season of giving

I'm here, I'm yours for the taking

They call it the season of giving

I'm here, I'm yours

Merry Christmas!