I know some of you have already read a fic by the same name by Susanne... well this was a sort of challenge between us to see what we could do with the same title. I know it's a little late for Xmas fics, but she bribed me into posting this. It's her fault. This is my first slash fic, so be kind <g>

Glistening snowflakes floated down from the heavens alighting on the already white ground, giving it a sparkling appearance, as most people were just tumbling out of bed for their morning cup of coffee. It was quiet; the air holding only a few, almost mute, sounds of first light.

On the other side of town, it was quite the opposite as thousands of last minute shoppers anxiously awaited for the doors to the Denver Shopping Mall to open. Vin had never understood these people; they waited until the last possible minute to buy their Christmas gifts when they had an entire year previously, and then they stood out in the blistering cold, waiting for a security guard to unlock two doors just so they could rush in and battle other procrastinating shoppers for the same item. Of course, now he realized what was going through these customers' minds as he too stood out in the cold.

After 3 straight months of perusing numerous stores, Vin Tanner was no closer to finding a present for his lover than he was to winning the lottery. He wanted to find the one gift that would make his beloved think, 'I have someone who cares for me, who'll go to the ends of the Earth and back by my side.' Though at this time it felt hopeless that he'd find that perfect gift; one day before Christmas.

Vin watched as the rent-a-cop unlocked the front door, and he rushed into the mall with the rest of the crazed shoppers. He didn't know why he was rushing, he had no idea on what store to hit first. Ezra Standish was not the easiest man to buy a gift for, and now it seemed to Vin that he'd have an easier time making Chris Larabee wear a pink tutu with matching stockings than buying his love a meaningful gift.

He knew why this was so important to him; it had been only 4 months ago since Ezra and Vin had hooked up. Their friends had been ok with the decision, even happy for them. Of course, it went without saying that the ATF Department knew nothing of the new relationship; not yet anyway. It was hard to keep that ever growing tightness in his trousers from revealing itself whenever he saw that tanned skin, the way he moved effortlessly, the dimples caused by hearty laughter...

A jab to his lower back caused him to break from his reverie as an elderly woman pushed her way through the mob. Vin was surprised to hear the expletives that erupted from such a tiny, frail figure, but a small smile graced his lips at her spunk.

With a sigh, Vin looked up at the names of the various stores, hoping it'd jog his gift creativity. Sears? Maybe a new couch or recliner? No, can't do that, Ezra's furniture has to match everything perfectly or he ain't happy. Hmm, Walden Books? Man loves to read, but, a gift card just ain't that special.' Why was this so damn hard?

"Alright Ez, what do you want?" he asked out loud, almost hoping an answer would form in that sexy Southern voice. Vin shut his eyes for a brief moment before reopening them; his prayer answered in what he saw. A couple was walking out of the Hallmark store holding a tree ornament shaped like a cherub topped off with a red bow. It was the perfect gift Vin could give his lover, and he knew it. Vin rushed into the store; the hunt was over.

A cool breeze washed over his naked flesh, causing the Southerner to stir from his dream. Something wasn't right. With his head face down in the pillow, his right hand groped along the soft mattress, looking for something... someone. Ezra lifted his head from its resting place and unconsciously gazed over to where his bed-partner should've been.

"Vin?" he called groggily, taking in the open window as he did. Had he left that open? Surely he wouldn't have, seeing as how it was winter. He didn't wish to catch pneumonia, especially on Christmas Day. Christmas... Vin... Where was he? He wouldn't have left on such a special occasion, not his Vin. A quick survey of the clock showed it was only 5:30am. How he did abhor the early hours. Ezra groaned softly as he sat up and threw his legs over the side of the bed. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and fit his feet into a pair of slippers stationed on the floor. Though it was snow-weather, the only clothing Ezra had on were a pair of gray sweatpants. A shirt might have kept his warmer, but it also kept his flesh from Vin's.

"Vin?" he called again, not exactly worried, but not exactly at peace with the fact his lover wasn't in the bed with him. He was always in bed with him. If Chris had allowed it, Vin would spend every moment in Ezra's bed, but of course, they all had a job to do. The Southerner shuffled his way to the bedroom door after having shut the window. A small turn of his wrist had the door opening wide and he stepped thru it into the living room.

For the most part, there was nothing out of the ordinary. It was that other part of his room that had Ezra's eyes the widest they'd been for a long time. A fire had been started in the hearth; its embers glowing bright red and giving the room a toasty warm feeling. But it was not the fireplace that took Ezra's breath away; it was what the glow revealed. The Christmas tree that Vin and Ezra had put up together held an extra gift beneath it. There, lying upon a crimson, silk throw, laid the most beautiful sight Ezra had ever seen. Vin, clad only in a strategically placed big red bow, lay under his tree with the most delightful, and at the same time, naughty, smile.

Ezra just stood there a moment, taking in the sight that was his lover. He was speechless as he took in the glistening tanned skin; the big red bow only accentuating the well toned features, the playful sky blues that were alight with mirth, the full lips that just screamed "Kiss me!", and it was his. All his.

His mouth moved up and down, though no sound escaped. Vin saw his lover's dilemma and spoke quietly, "Figured you'd want yer gift early."

"It's perfect Vin... Would you mind if we uh, open it now?"

"Hoped you'd say that," Vin grinned before standing up and taking Ezra in a bone crushing embrace. Small kisses and licks up the Southerners jaw line was a prelude of what was to come as they both shuffled into the bedroom and shut the door behind them. Vin was happy, and it would certainly prove useful; he had finally found the perfect gift for the man who has everything.

The End