Yay! I got another update ready before Christmas! Kept this chapter short otherwise I'd be rambling on for no reason. It was hard enough finding something to put into it.

In response to Wanderer's Cynefin, the man's identity will be revealed possibly in the next chapter. Hoping to get back to it soon but writer's block is keeping a firm grasp on me. I know how I want to proceed but putting it into words is a struggle.

Anywho, on with the show!

Eight

Before anyone knew it, Christmas was right around the corner. There had been no trace of the person who tried to snatch Alkanet away and the police gave up trying to find them. Spencer and co toiled through the first half of December preparing for their biggest Christmas yet, buying gifts and stocking up on food. To make it easier for the gentle giant, Kai decided he and Mariam would spend Christmas with the boys this year. About a week before Christmas, a courier arrived at the Blitzkrieg house with parcels from overseas. It surprised the former child soldiers to find other teams had sent gifts over for the girls…well the ones who cared enough. Amongst the suave of possible baby clothes and toys were presents for the guys. Bryan had scoffed jokingly that they were too old to be getting presents, earning him a restrained clout from Spencer.

Deep down, they were actually glad that people had remembered them. The only gifts given at the Abbey were beatings and death. Kai at the very least had enjoyed the pleasant side of the festive season once or twice. But for Spencer, Tala, Bryan and Ian it was a new experience. Up until now all they'd ever done is have a nicer than normal meal and drowned themselves in alcohol. This year would be different. Mr. Dickenson had sent the team something as well.

All day Christmas Eve the Blitzkrieg Boys received calls from the teams who cared enough to pay the ungodly charges. Tala wouldn't have been surprised if Spencer smashed every phone in the building he was that annoyed with answering them every hour of the day. Ian had taken one or two of the calls as had Tala but Bryan actively avoided interacting with the well wishers. Of course there were people the boys were all unsure of how to talk to but they managed.

By the time night fell, Alkanet and Yasha were way too excited to go to sleep. No amount of warm milk and gentle rocking helped to send them off to dream land. With Spencer's patience already worn thin, Tala sent him off to bed while he tried getting their daughters to sleep. Making sure he was truly alone with the girls, Tala settled them down in their beds and sang a soft lullaby quietly.

It was about 8am when Spencer woke up, finding Tala dead to the world beside him, waking the redhead with a loving embrace and kiss to the cheek. To Spencer's surprise, Alkanet and Yasha were both already dressed and sat in their bouncy chairs. The stereo was on low playing an arrangement of Christmas songs, probably prepared by Ian. Said midget was located in the kitchen with Bryan seemingly making breakfast. Neither of them appeared to have heard Spencer walking in so he took the opportunity to scare the pants off his brothers, simply clearing his throat. Ian would have launched into space if not for the ceiling while Bryan flinched much to Spencer's disappointment.

Ian recovered from the initial fright to throw himself into Spencer's arms. Out of all the boys, Ian was still the most childish at festive times and became very cuddly. The look on Bryan's face told Spencer the short bluenette had pounced on him earlier. Spencer was more tolerant of Ian's snuggling, rubbing his back gently. Poor Tala had barely set foot in the kitchen before being sent flying. Seeing their dad being tackled to the ground made Alkanet and Yasha cackle sweetly. Despite Bryan's reluctance he was hugged as well, meekly patting his brothers on the back.

After breakfast Spencer prepared dinner uninterrupted, plucking Alkanet from her chair as he sat down beside Tala. Looking around the room it could hardly be recognised with all the decorations. The tree sat proudly in a corner, laden with crackers, candy canes and an assortment of other treats. Colourful tinsel criss-crossed over and under the branches, lights blinking in an entrancing pattern. At the top of the tree rested a white and gold angel. Overall the boys hadn't done too badly considering this was their first time going all out. Out of everything, the tree had been the hardest part.

A smile pulled at Spencer's lips as he remembered Bryan attempting to strangle Ian with the tinsel for being an annoying little sod. Alkanet had almost pulled the tree down several times so a barrier was placed around it to stop her from trying again. Yasha was entranced by the lights as they flashed in a synchronised pattern.

It was about an hour before lunch time when Kai and Mariam arrived with bags in hand. Spencer returned from the kitchen carrying a tray of drinks to find Bryan standing impossibly still, gaze trailing to the ceiling. There above the front door hung a sprig of mistletoe that hadn't been up last night. And unfortunately for Bryan, it dangled right above him and an equally displeased Kai. No doubt Ian had gone around the house placing mistletoe while everyone slept. Two pairs of eyes delivered the deadliest glares known to man at the sniggering bluenette. Mariam gave Kai an encouraging pat on the shoulder as she slipped by.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop…or a certain little girl plodding over to the front door. Alkanet somehow went unheard, allowing her to cause mischief. Chunky little legs gave way, sending their owner crashing into the back of Bryan's legs, thus pushing him just enough to make his and Kai's lips touch. Bryan falling to the floor in agony didn't come as a surprise. Ian bolted from his seat faster than anybody could blink, Kai hot on his heels. Spencer shook his head in amusement, locating a small step ladder to remove the mistletoe for everyone's sake. With that done he relieved Mariam of the bags she carried and took her coat. Just as she sat down Kai returned with Ian hung over his shoulder, probably unconscious. With everything now calm again, Alkanet and Yasha were given more presents.

It took some nagging but Spencer managed to get a photo of Kai and Mariam with the girls in some of their new clothes. Dinner time soon rolled around so Mariam gave Spencer a hand in the kitchen to get it served up. He'd certainly gone the extra mile this year with a large goose, roasted vegetables, several sauces and numerous deserts including a traditional Christmas pudding and Yule log. Various drinks lined the counter ranging from alcohol to fruit water. Tala and co piled into the kitchen once the plates were all set out. Alkanet and Yasha had their own little bowls so they didn't miss out. As expected there were plenty of leftovers afterward. Rather than make two trips, Spencer carved a slice of every dessert for everyone then took what they wouldn't be using to a homeless shelter and the local orphanage. Both places were thankful for the food. When asked if he could stay a little longer to help feed the children, Spencer agreed without hesitation.

It broke Spencer's heart when he saw the sad faces gathered in a large room. A cold chill circling told him the heating was probably broken. The person in charge confirmed his thoughts as they prepared plates to pass around. When asked if the children had opened their presents yet, Spencer was told that gift giving was done after dinner. An idea hit Spencer's head, asking the owner if they had a Saint Nick suit, receiving a nod of confirmation. The staff all agreed to the plan, a few going off and returning dressed as elves. Eyes widened and the overall mood brightened. When told, all the children sat at the arranged tables, waiting eagerly to receive their food.

While he was handing out meals, Spencer came across the boy who'd given Charlotte the flower just under a month ago. Once every child present had their dinner, Spencer took the time to properly meet the little blue haired boy. He was very shy and didn't appear to be the talkative type. A member of staff informed Spencer the boy was non-verbal. That alone would reduce his chances of being adopted. Lenin was his name. Despite his inability to talk, Lenin was a sweet boy once he got used to Spencer's presence.

Making sure it was fine to do so; Spencer got a picture of him with Lenin to send to Max. He sent it with the caption; "I found Charlotte's boyfriend." No doubt Charlotte would have a hilarious reaction to the caption. Lenin was reluctant to leave Spencer's side, only letting go of his large hand when told he'd be back soon. Ten minutes later the children were all taken to another room occupied by a throne-like chair decorated with red and gold tinsel, an Elf stood on either side wearing bright smiles and colourful clothes. There weren't that many children at the orphanage, no more than thirty and they were all eager to find out what was going on.

The silence was almost too much for them to take as the kids all sat still in two groups, shortest at the front and tallest in the rear. Heavy footsteps set little hearts pounding, a door thrust open, and a booming jolly sounding laugh echoing loudly. "Ho-Ho-Ho! Merry Christmas!" Heads whipped around, eyes lighting up at the sight of Saint Nicholas in the doorway.

Gasps of awe and delight were like music to the staff's ears, all eyes watching the man in red trundling up the aisle, a large sack hung over his broad shoulder. Once seated, one of the elves handed him a list of names to read from. Despite their excitement the kids were all very well behaved, waiting to be called forward to sit on "Santa's" knee. Seeing each face light up as he gave out gifts made Spencer's day, praying to whatever god was out there that the media didn't find out about this. He'd never hear the end of it otherwise.

Soon a young girl in a wheelchair was called forward. She was missing the lower half of both legs and had to be lifted onto Spencer's knee. Bright eyes glistened with glee as their owner was offered to hold "Santa's" hand. Out of all the children, Spencer pitied this one the most, trying to keep his voice steady as he spoke softly to her.

"Now then. What can I get you for Christmas little one?"

The girl twiddled her fingers nervously. Spencer could already guess what this poor child wanted above all else in the world. He didn't pressure her to answer, giving dainty little hands a supportive squeeze.

"Well Santa…" She mumbled. "I know what I have to ask is too much. But what I would really like more than anything is to have a new set of legs so I can play with the other children. If that's too much…I just want a mama and papa who will care for me."

The little girl broke down after speaking her two wishes, grasping almost desperately at a faded red jacket for comfort. Being unable to grant them right away caused guilt to surface in Spencer's heart. Once the girl calmed down, he spoke.

"Well Katja. If you can hold out just a little longer I'll bring you some legs next year and find you parents to call your own. Santa will put his elves to work straight away when he gets home. Until then, is there anything else I can do for you to keep your spirits bright?"

Katja's eyes lit up, her arms looping around Spencer's neck crying tears of joy. Even the staff had been brought to tears! With the help of a warm hug Katja was able to speak again, her voice trembling a little.

"Thank you Santa. But really, if getting me new legs is too much and means the other children go without then I'd rather not have them."

"You have my word, Katja. I'll get you those legs."

"Then…my last wish is for all of us. It's one we share. We would all like to go horse riding just once."

This wish was one Spencer could grant and fairly soon, Katja watching curiously as he pulled out his phone. He could only hope the receiver of the call wasn't too drunk. After about four to five rings there appeared to be an answer.

("What do you want Sasquatch?")

Spencer rolled his eyes. Of course Kai had already gotten hammered. Katja was eased back into her chair to give Spencer's knee a rest.

"Twinkle, that's no way to speak to your boss."

("Twinkle? Who the hell d'you think you're talking to?")

"I don't have time to argue, Twinkle. I need you to arrange an outing to the stables for me to be done tomorrow."

("And why would I do that?")

Spencer was having a hard time keeping his cool, eye twitching in rising annoyance. So not to scare the children he took the call outside. Once the coast was clear, Spencer dropped the charade.

"Look Kai. I'm at the orphanage right now. The kids all want to go horseback riding and you're the only person I know in the area who owns horses. It's just for one day."

A heavy sigh told Spencer that although drunk, Kai had understood every word.

("Fine. But you'll owe me buster. I'll even go the extra mile and have the stretch carriage trussed up all fancy to take them there. Now piss off.")

A click of finality ended the call, allowing Spencer to deliver the good news. As expected the kids were all thrilled and couldn't wait to go. Everyone else pretty much got what they asked for. Looking at his watch, Spencer saw that nearly three hours had gone by. The children understood that Santa had other places to go, happy to hear he'd see them again tomorrow.

With his normal clothes back on, Spencer spent a final ten minutes with the children before he really had to get home before his brothers destroyed the house. He'd speak with Kai about Katja's primary wish once the billionaire was sober. No use doing so when he was up to his eyeballs in vodka. As he drove home, Spencer deeply wished he could house at least two of the children but they had nowhere to put them currently. Maybe in a year or two they could get a bigger house?

Returning home, Spencer found the house surprisingly in one piece on the outside. Inside was a different story entirely. Tala looked to be unconscious on a sofa while Bryan could be heard rampaging after Ian. No surprises there. Mariam gave Spencer a look that said she'd tried and failed to maintain order with Kai also out for the count. Spencer had an idea but it required Bryan and Ian to be present. Said duo came speeding down the stairs, smacking face first into Spencer who stood unamused.

For Ian's sake, Bryan was knocked out and thrown into a seat. While Spencer located a camera, Mariam hauled her drunken husband into the seat beside Bryan and kept a close watch on Ian as he shifted Tala into a sitting position. Spencer returned with not only a camera and tripod, but with some face paint and brushes, an evil grin plastered on his face. Mariam rolled her eyes knowing exactly what was in store for at least two of the unconscious idiots. Spencer roused Tala after he'd decorated Bryan and Kai with vibrant paint, tinsel and a paper crown. Tala didn't understand much of what was said to him, catching the words family and photo. Since not everyone could fit on the sofa, laps would need to be sat on. Ian was sober enough to man the camera so Spencer lifted Tala out of his seat with gentle hands.

Mariam settled Alkanet and Yasha in the arm of their respective papa once they were comfortable, sitting herself on Kai's lap with care not to rouse him. With the timer set, Ian squeezed onto the sofa on Bryan's other side, holding two fingers up behind his head for what he thought was a comedic effect. A click and a flash later the photo was taken. Kai and Bryan showed no signs of waking up soon so Spencer managed to get a picture of both of them with the twins. Ian willingly had one taken of him cradling his nieces while Tala was too drunk to accept or refuse further pictures being snapped.

A butler from Kai's mansion came to collect him and Mariam as night began to fall, his face alight with shock at seeing what had happened to Kai while out. Spencer saw them off at the door, waiting until the black car vanished from sight to close the door quietly. Since it was getting late, Alkanet and Yasha were tucked into bed, both of them quickly drifting into a peaceful slumber. Ian retired early, leaving Spencer, Tala and Bryan to follow at close to midnight.

Early the next morning all was quiet, giving Spencer the peace to patch up the Saint Nick suit from the orphanage. At around 7am he woke the others, not surprised that they all had hangovers. Alkanet and Yasha were both dressed in cute Elf outfits to match the one Spencer bought Tala for Christmas as a joke. Said redhead wasn't too pleased with his clothes for the day, moping in the sitting room after breakfast dressed in bright green, white and red.

Spencer left everyone at Kai's stables to go pick up the children, a butler dressed as an Elf sent with him. The staff were all told what would be happening for the day, brought to tears at hearing they wouldn't have to pay for anything. Excited children piled into the carriage, helping to get Katja inside so her chair could be folded and safely stored. By the time they all arrived, Kai had also been forced into an Elf costume against his will while Ian happily dressed as a toy maker. Bryan flat down refused to look the part but at least wore a pointy hat. Mariam looked pretty a red Elf suit, no doubt gifted to her for a naughtier purpose.

Throughout the day all the kids had fun, Ian snapping pictures to look back on in the future for them and the orphanage. Alkanet and Yasha had a fantastic time having assisted rides with Tala and Spencer. By late afternoon the orphaned children were smiling from ear to ear. One of them even said Spencer was nicer that their old Santa making him go bright red. Another child had the cheek to tell Twinkle he should smile more and luckily left with their life. Spencer made a silent vow to visit the orphanage often after returning the children and staff to the decaying building. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home enjoying a strong drink.

In the dark of night Spencer laid in bed, chest heaving as he watched Tala slumber away beside him, red hair splayed out across the blue pillows. He wondered what the future held for them both near and far. Regardless, the life of misery and pain that they once lived was nothing but a bad memory left to fade away in the darkness. Weary green eyes closed groggily, bidding the world farewell until morning.

And there you have it folks. I'm not really sure how many more chapters are to follow as I have so much planned. Hopefully the next "plot section" only takes one chapter so it'll probably be quite long.

With that said, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas/Holiday and if I don't see you before hand, a wonder New Year! Now…where's that rum and Irish cream liqueur?