Right off I need to thank Antoinette for all her help and beta skills. This is just a little Christmas story that wormed it's way into my head and then wouldn't leave. It's my first attempt at a B/E fic so I'm really interested in what you all think of it.
The songs in this fic are used without permission. "Santa Baby" words and music by J. Javits and P. Springer. "The First Noel", an English carol, 17th century, by unknown. "White Christmas" words and music by Irving Berlin. "Merry Christmas Darling" words and music by Frank Pooler and Richard Carpenter.
The ATF AU was created by Mog.

The snow could be seen falling softly through the window on the left side of the handsome man. He was sitting quietly in the overstuffed chair and watching the flames dance in the large fireplace. It was nearing midnight. The only light that could be seen came from the burning logs and the strands of light decorating the almost 7-foot tall Christmas tree. The only sounds came from the crackling fire and the radio playing Christmas music.

"Hello there Merry Christmas, Jennifer. What song can we play for you tonight?"

"Hi, I'd like you to play "Santa Baby" for my mom. I know she's up right now getting things ready for Christmas morning. She always said that this song reminded her of me and my over the top Christmas lists. I just wanted her to know that I love her. I'm thinking of her and I can't wait to see her and the rest of my family tomorrow."

"No problem, Jennifer. Have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow. I'm sure your mother is thinking of you as well."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Here's your request "Santa Baby" by Madonna."

Buck sighed softly and let his head fall back to rest on the top of the chair. Light and shadow from the fire flickered across his face highlighting the sadness and melancholy resting there. Buck closed his eyes and listened to the Christmas music being played on the radio trying to keep his emotions from spiraling too far downward despite the lively tune being played.

Sitting alone with a drink in his hand was not the way to spend Christmas Eve. No, what he had wanted was a private night with Ezra celebrating a special time. Their first Christmas together. Instead he was by himself in Denver while his Ezra was stuck at a hotel near the airport in Chicago. All planes had been grounded due to the arrival of an unexpected snowstorm. Ezra was in Chicago for a layover trying to return home after spending a few days visiting Maude for the holidays.

Buck shifted into a more comfortable position in his chair attempting halfheartedly to beat back the disappointment welling up in him. He had really been looking forward to this night. To some special time together sharing Christmas before meeting up with the rest of the guys the next day. Now because of the weather he wouldn't even be able to spend Christmas Day with Ezra.

Buck chuckled a little as he listened to the song. The expensive items being listed sounded like the kind of things most people would expect Ezra to want but that wasn't true. In fact, Buck knew that the ones who were going to receive some expensive gifts were himself and the rest of the guys. Ezra finally had a family to spend his money on and he had done it. The pile of gifts under his tree was evidence of that.

"Happy Holidays to everyone. We have Joel on the line. Merry Christmas, Joel."

"Merry Christmas. I'd like to send out a message to my fiancee, Amy, in Wisconsin."

"What would you like to say to Amy, Joel?"

"I just wanted to wish her a Merry Christmas. I want her to know that I love her and that I'll see her when she gets back in a few days."

"Why are the two of you apart this Christmas, Joel?"

"She's visiting her family for the holidays and I wasn't able to go with her because I have to work. So I've been missing her and I wanted her to know that I am thinking of her tonight. I'll be spending tomorrow with my parents and brothers and sisters but it still won't be the same without her."

"And is there a special song you'd like us to play for Amy?"

"Yeah. Could you play "The First Noel"? It's her favorite."

"You got it, Joel. Here's "The First Noel" by Kenny Rogers."

Buck sympathized with Joel. It was hard not being able to be with the person you loved on a special day. But at least they both had family to share it with. Ezra was stuck alone in a hotel room until the weather cleared up. Maude's plane had taken off in the morning. Ezra's plane had been scheduled to leave later that afternoon but the storm arrived before it could. He wanted to be angry with Maude but he couldn't begrudge her wanting to spend some time with her son during the holidays. Especially since, according to Ezra, it was the nicest visit he had shared with his mother in years. Buck would head out to Chris' place tomorrow morning and spend the day with the guys. It wouldn't be as good as it should have been though. They'd all be missing Ezra.

He stood up and went to refill his drink. One last drink he thought and then he'd head up to bed. At least he'd get to be with Ezra in his dreams. Ezra had become a permanent fixture in his dreams a long time ago. The time had only gotten better since the two of them had gotten together. Buck went to stand in front of the fire as he thought about that moment when Ezra had told him about his feelings for him. It had been the greatest shock of Buck's life and a dream come true.

"That was "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby. Casey sent that out to JD."

Buck smiled and shook his head imagining the look on the kid's face back at their place when he heard that. Buck had decided to spend the night at Ezra's condo. He felt closer to Ezra where he was able to feel his presence.

"Now we have an e-mail request and dedication. This is for Buck in Denver."

Buck sat down in his chair, drink in hand and mouth hanging open.

"My dearest Buck. I know that we are unable to be together this Christmas but I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you at this very moment. Your love has been the most precious gift that I have ever received and I thank God every day that you allow me to share my love with you. You were the first to extend to me a hand in friendship. I know that without you I would not have gained the special family I now have. I know that you miss me as much as I miss you but we will be together soon and we will have many more Christmases in our future. So enjoy tomorrow and until that moment when we can be together again I will see you in my dreams. I love you. Ezra."

Tears filled Buck's eyes as he listened to Ezra's message. This was the most public display of affection that Ezra had ever given him. Ezra had said everything that Buck had been feeling. He missed him even more now but at the same time his heart filled with warmth and love.

"Well, Buck, you obviously have a special man there. Hopefully the two of you will be together soon. Here is the song Ezra has requested for you; it's the Carpenters' and "Merry Christmas Darling".

Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through
But I still have one wish to make
A special one for you

Merry Christmas darling
We're apart that's true
But I can dream and in my dreams,
I'm Christmas-ing with you.

Holidays are joyful
There's always something new
But every day's a holiday
When I'm near to you

The lights on my tree I wish you could see
I wish it every day
The logs on the fire fill me with desire
To see you and to say

That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish on this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you

Buck lowered his head as the words and the music washed over him. It was the perfect song. It said exactly what they were both feeling. He smiled; his Ezra always knew exactly what to say.

The logs on the fire fill me with desire
To see you and to say

That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish on this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
I wish I were with you.

Buck looked out the window at the falling snow and raised his glass. He smiled and whispered, "Merry Christmas, Darlin'."

The End