Happy 12-12-12! This is for shadOx118's prompt of holidays for Banshee. I haven't had a story for them since last November(?!!) so I'm glad I got this prompt! Hope it's okay!

Banshee Drabble 1

I stepped out of the tech office and blinked. The atrium in the middle of the Compound was always an impressive sight, but tonight there was a new added element. Twinkling lights in a rainbow of colors were everywhere- in tree branches, hanging off balconies, or simply floating in the air. Some of the younger dragons were even playing games with them, batting them around in the air and swooping to catch them. It was a dazzling sight, the magical lights casting their glow on the already beautiful dragons... for a moment I had to stop and catch my breath.

Damn, I was so lucky to be here... and it had been such a close thing.

"Want a lift home?" Duo's head poked over the edge of the balcony and he grinned at my surprise. I reached up to slide myself onto his dark pebbled back, admiring the way the lights gave his hide a subtle shine.

"Thanks. I was running a little over time." Duo snorted as we lifted into the air, winging towards my apartment.

"I think you always run a little over time, but I know Chang is pleased. He hasn't looked quite so grumpy lately."

I laughed, knowing the true reason for Chang's recent cheerfulness, but since I'd been sworn to secrecy I changed the subject, knowing how easily Duo could get me to confess to him. "What is the deal with all the lights? They're lovely."

Duo gave me a puzzled look. "Heero, it's nearly Midwinter. Haven't you celebrated it before? I know the Grove does..."

"Well, not with lights. My clan was into the whole evergreen decorating thing with candles- and in the Grove I was a little preoccupied..."

"No surprise there," Duo growled as we landed on my balcony. He shifted forms, pulling me into a quick warm embrace. "Any news on that front?"

I shook my head. "Nothing I've heard. You'd know more, working with Trowa..."

"Just the usual. We got four more refugees..."

"Four?" The refugees were the elves who fled the grove and came to the Compound, begging for Sanctuary or at least for a fast trip out of town. They never spoke to anyone but the Matriarch and maybe Quatre about what they had experienced, so no one knew for sure just what was happening in the Grove.

"Yep. I keep thinking that Zechs is going to do something about it, but nothing has happened yet..."

I did too. I couldn't imagine Zechs wanting his people to be appealing to the dragons for help. After Duo and Trowa had pulled Quatre out of there, I had been waiting for a confrontation of some kind. Another attack on Duo, something...

But nothing had happened.

Duo shook himself and tugged me towards the door. "Let's not think about it now. It's the holidays- and we have some planning to do."

"We do?" I followed him obediently into my apartment and let him push me down onto the couch.

He followed me down, making himself comfortable on my chest. "I have something serious to ask you."

"All right," I answered and then felt a faint quaver in my chest. He did look serious. Was he going to try and give back the earring? Was he tired of me?

He reached up and touched the earring in his ear. "You gave me this- and I didn't give anything to you-"

"I wasn't looking for a return- it doesn't work that way-"

He pressed his fingers against my lips. "I know that. But- you made me your mate- and I'd like to return the favor. The turn of the year is when dragons enter into life contracts. Will you agree to enter one with me?"

I blinked at him. Why did he look nervous? Did he think I'd say no? "Of course I will."

He laughed, a joyous sound. "I know you already consider me your mate- but I'd like the dragons to feel that way too- and it's sort of a traditional thing- and maybe you could move in with me? Or vice versa- I mean, I'm over here all the time anyway. Whatever you want- and it's traditional to have a small gathering of family and friends- I was thinking..."

He was babbling. I cut him off with a kiss, relieved and happy at this sign of progress- of acceptance. There were still a few weeks to Midwinter- and the year turning was after that. We had time to plan things- and right now I wanted to do something other than talk. This was our holiday now after all. I felt him smile against my mouth.

"Heero..." I didn't let up and soon he was relaxing against me. "I guess we can plan later..."

"We have time," I agreed and hoped I was right.

OWARI

 

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