A Christmas for Two

A/N: The last chapter was actually fun to write, and it turned out to be longer then I originally thought, but I'm sure that you guys don't mind, right? You got a nice long chapter! Now, here it is; the second part of this story.

Oh, and by the way... I actually posted this story here on AFF early; I actually wasn't going to publish it until December; but the temptation to do so was just too great...

Disclaimer: Don't own Tales of Symphonia or its characters; only own Xylia Eckheart and a few other characters that may appear.

Day One: Introductions

A loud banging at the door jerked both men awake the next morning. Zelos groaned and curled closer to Kratos, his arms tightening around him as he continued to sleep. His glasses lying on the table, having been placed there last night by Kratos after he'd fallen asleep.



Carefully disengaging himself from his love, Kratos got off the couch to answer the door; intending to turn the person away so that he could get some more sleep. Opening the door, a mousy-haired girl nearly tackled him to the floor in her hug.



Seeming to realize something, she immediately released him; a light pink blush in her cheeks, “Oh! I'm so sorry! I thought – wait! Who are you?! What are you doing here?! Where's Zelly?!” She said everything in a hurried rush.



“Please keep your voice down,” Kratos told her softly, but sternly. “Zelos is still asleep.”



“Whaaaat?!” her voice was a little stunned. “Well, never mind that. I'm Xylia Eckheart, and you are?” she extended her mitten-clad hand.



“Kratos Aurion.” He took her hand, shaking it.



Xylia let go of his hand with a bright smile and hurriedly put away her outer gear, “So... Kratos, I can call you Kratos, right?” He nodded, she put her hands on hips and gave him a stern look; managing to look rather intimidating. “What exactly are you doing here?”



Wondering how much he could tell her; he didn't exactly know her relationship with Zelos. She seemed to sense his hesitation and reassured him with, “Oh, if you're wondering about me; I'm Zelly's best friend. Well, I'm sure he has other friends, but he just doesn't tell me about any of them.” She shrugged, “In fact, he doesn't tell me much about his past.”



Somehow they'd made their way into the kitchen, where Xylia immediately began to make coffee. Kratos watched her do so as she continued to speak, “Doesn't say much about his friends; but there were those two very nice people. What were their names again? Oh right, Lloyd and Colette. Very nice people, cute too. I mean, Lloyd wasn't my type; but I think he and Colette looked adorable together.”



Her eyes darkened as she handed him a mug, “But before them it was this Sheena person. I didn't like her all that much; she seemed... I'm not sure... a little too possessive. Said she loved him, but in my experience, love is not something you can force someone into. You can't force someone to return your feelings. Unfortunately, it seems that it is not so in Meltokio,” she frowned. “I mean, everyone there, the nobles mostly, are only interested in power and rank. There is to be no love for anyone in that society.”



Kratos agreed as he took a sip of his coffee, “Meltokio is terrible example of the sacrifices and meanings of love. One cannot base their notions of it on what that city shows.”



“I've wanted to travel; but it's almost impossible to travel, especially if one a single female. I was thinking of asking Zelly if he'd go with me, you know, on a holiday or something,” she told him, pouring herself a cup of tea. “But that's enough about me. How about you Kratos? Are you a friend of Zelly's? Or are you something more?”



She smirked as Kratos choked on his coffee, “Xylia... I am not sure that-” At this moment Zelos chose to come into the kitchen, still mostly asleep. He leaned up and placed a peck on Kratos' cheek before anyone could say anything.



“Morning love,” he murmured softly, his head resting on Kratos' shoulder; who was now sporting a blush red enough to challenge Zelos' hair.



Xylia giggled, “That is such a cute sight!”



“X-Xylia?!” Zelos squeaked, his arms tightening around Kratos' waist, trying to hide behind him. “What are you doing here?!”



“I promised I'd come over, remember silly?” Xylia smiled. Kratos was oddly reminded of two siblings. She cast an appraising eye on Kratos, “I always thought you had good taste.”



“So... you're not mad at me?”



“No! Why would I be mad at you?!” Xylia asked in a scandalized tone. She crossed her arms, “I am completely accepting of anything you do; unless it is detrimental to your health or others. But I see nothing wrong with the two of you, in fact, I would like to say that I have never seen any two people who look like they belong together as much as you two.”



“You really mean that?”



“Of course! And Kratos seems to be a decent person,” she continued, waving her hand absently. “Quite unlike that Sheena,” she scowled, “I swear, if she comes around again...”



Zelos hugged her, “Thanks Xylia.” She returned the hug.



“It's no problem Zelos!” she told him as they stepped away from each other. She giggled, “I think K-chan over there is feeling a little left out...”



Accepting the coffee that Xylia pressed into his hands, Zelos went over to Kratos, snuggling himself against the other's side as a protective arm wrapped around his hips. Xylia grinned, “Does this mean I have to knock whenever I wake you up in the morning? Or should I just be careful overall?”



The new couple blushed as Xylia began laughing.



~*~

“So, K-chan, how did you two meet?” Xylia asked as she struggled to untangle the tree lights from the wad of intertwined wires.



“About six years ago. I was his sword instructor.”



“Oh, really?” she smiled up at him even as she continued her fight with the wires. “That's cool, but umm... when did this whole thing start? I mean, when did you first reveal that you loved him?” She blushed, “Forgive the questioning, I'm just being a total girl over all of this! Gotta know the details!” Then, in a more serious tone, “Just know that I do like you Kratos, and that I believe Zelos could not have found a better person then you.”



“Just last night, actually.” Kratos reached over to help her with the lights. “But, I have had feelings for him for much longer. I always believed that he had feelings for Sheena; but he proved me wrong last night. And I'm glad that he did.”



She nodded, “Well, Sheena isn't just his type. She does have a truly beautiful body, but her nature isn't what Zelos needs... someone more mature and able to be there for him.” She smiled, “Which is what I see in you. One last question, how old are you?”



“Xylia! Quit interrogating him!” Zelos reprimanded. “And for the record, he's twenty-eight.”



“Oh, come on! I just wanna get to know him better!” she played back. “After all, if he's gonna be around a lot then I'd like to be able to have a conversation with him without stepping into awkward territory.”



“Well... alright.”



She grinned, “Does this mean I get to ask about your sex life?”



“Hell no!”



~*~

It was late in the evening when the trio finished decorating, but they were pleased with the result. Kratos insisted on making dinner, going so far as to threaten to strap both of them down if they didn't stop sticking their fingers into everything. Xylia would grin guiltily, while Zelos would pull out the puppy eyes.



Eventually, he finished, and placed three plates on the table. Taking his own seat between Xylia and Zelos, they began to eat.



He liked Xylia; the young woman had led a rather plain, ordinary life, but had suffered under the pope's extreme half-elven legislature. Once, Exire had been her home, but her mother and her had left there when she was little. Apparently, she had more elven blood in her then many other half-elves, as her father was a half-elf and her mother an elf. Xylia talked about them; but she did seem to miss them quite a bit.



“Life's been easier now,” she continued. “With the pope out of power; but there are whispers that he's escaped again and is biding his time; awaiting a chance to seize power once again.”



“The pope escaped?” Zelos asked, surprised.



“Well, I wouldn't say the rumors are completely true; but the increased presence of the imperial soldiers here seems to point to that,” Xylia elaborated. “You have to present identification, or have someone with decent standing vouch for you to even get into town.”



Kratos nodded, “And liars are suitably punished.”



“Liars? Why haven't I heard any of this?” Zelos looked between the two. “Have you guys been hiding this from me?”



“It only started happening a while ago,” Xylia murmured, clearly ashamed of herself. “I thought you'd know; most people in town do...”



“I didn't think that it was anything of consequence.”



A heavy sigh, “Well, I suppose it was bound to happen anyway... bastard probably does still have people loyal to him and others willing to join his cause.”



“He won't seize power though, will he?!” Xylia asked hurriedly. “It was terrible when he was in power before! There was always the possibility that I would be shipped off to Sybak and never see my home again...”



Zelos gave her a reassuring smile, “You've endeared yourself to the people of this city; they would never let that happen. Besides Xy, we wouldn't let them anyways.” He winked at Kratos.



“Thanks...” she murmured.



“The time of such a system has passed,” Kratos told her. “Only now may we try and mend what has been damaged.”



She gave him a crooked smile, “Sometimes Kratos... you sound much older then you are.” She giggled, “But then, I suppose, you have seen much more of life then I have.”



'Much more then you will ever know,' was in Kratos' thoughts. He gave her a small smile, “I guess I have.”



“Words of wisdom come easily when one believes,” she added. “But age helps as well.”



Zelos raised an eyebrow as he raised his fork to his mouth, “Been reading again Xy?”



“Very funny Zelly!” she retorted. “And if you haven't noticed, I'm not the one whose house is practically filled up with books of every variety.”



“There isn't that much to do here...”



“I did offer you work at my cafe.”



“I don't think that would be-”



“I would not mind,” Kratos interjected. “That is, if you need any help.”



“So K-chan wants to work?” Xylia asked cutely. “I suppose since you are going to be here for a while you'd need something to do; can't be like Zelly all the time. Holed up inside reading, writing, and composing,” she smiled at her friend's glare, “But he's good at it. Some of his work is beautiful; have you heard him play Kratos?”



Shaking his head, Kratos explained, “I know he plays; but he has never offered to play for me. However, I would be very interested in hearing him play.”



Turning her attention back to Zelos, who looked rather embarrassed, “Zelly! There's no need to be so modest, you can show something you're good at! As long as you don't boast or show off too much. I know! Why don't we see if we can find a piano for the cafe? Then you can come and play sometimes there for the customers!”



“Oh, well I...” he blushed. “I'll think about it Xy.”



They finished up dinner in rather friendly banter, and washed the dishes, forming a little line. Kratos scrubbed the dishes in soapy water; sleeves rolled up past his elbows. Zelos rinsed the clean dishes in lukewarm water, a content smile on his face. Xylia dried them and put them away; smiling happily and humming as she did so.



Eventually the trio settled into the now decorated sitting room; Xylia having made a specialty tea of hers. An old elven recipe that she'd learned from her mother.



“It's not that far from here! But then, I'm not one who'd like to run some tourist cafe,” she waved her hand as she spoke the last bit. “I see a few tourists now and then; not as many as those gaudy places near the entrance and the inn. My place mostly see those who actually call this place home. The few tourists I do see either come upon the cafe by accident, or have heard about it from someone.”



Xylia had settled herself into a comfy armchair near the fire, while Kratos and Zelos took the couch. Kratos had pulled his legs up, and Zelos had settled against him, his back against Kratos' butt, curled up and his hair flipped over his shoulder.



“I like your place Xy... it's quiet and small,” Zelos murmured, taking another sip of his tea. “But I'll see about the piano... does that make you happy?”



“Definitely! I'm really hoping that you do it! It would be such a treat!” Xylia was giving him a warm smile; Kratos liked her. “But I don't think we'll plan anything until Christmas is over; and maybe K-chan can start working there around then.”



“That sounds reasonable.”



“Great! I can't wait to get some help around there.”



The clock chimed, indicating it was ten. Xylia jumped, “Oh no! It's late, I should probably be getting home. I hope that I'm not intruding too much.” She stood up, leaving her mug on the table. “Well it was nice meeting you Kratos. And I'll see you two tomorrow then? Drop by and help me get the place looking festive!”



“Xy that-”



“That sounds good,” Kratos told her, cutting off Zelos. He wiggled out from beside him to see her off. “I think it would good for Zelos to get out of the house for a while.”



She called back from the entrance hall, voice muffled slightly, “Well, good night you two. Get some sleep; I want to see you there at a decent hour.”



“With Kratos as an alarm clock, who wouldn't?” Zelos called back. The door shut on her laughter, Kratos returning soon after to find Zelos stretched out across the couch; leaving Kratos no space at all to sit. “Heh, looks like there's no room for you.”



“You think?” Kratos raised an eyebrow before climbing on top of him. “I think that there's plenty of room.” He leaned down to press a light kiss against the other's lips, “How about you play something for me?”



“Well, what would you like to hear?”



“Anything; as long as you play it.”



“Alright; you're going to have to let me up first.”



Kratos smirked as he did so, whispering, “I'll have you back there later.”



Zelos blushed as he headed over to the piano.



~*~

Ha! Next chapter be a lemon! I hope that satisfies all you smut loving readers out there! So, leave me a review, and tell me what you thought of this chapter. I know it wasn't as long as the first; but I can't always turn out such long pieces, or I'd cramp my fingers up. Believe me, one day I will get carpal tunnel; it's a fact of life.



Leave me some reviews!



Kat.