Title: HSU-After Christmas Blues
Author: Ellie
Archive: On its way, Nurse
Timeline: After the Christmas fics
Rating: TWMS-Totally Whiney Mary Sue
Disclaimer: It's all George's.
Summary: Christmas is gone, but did all the gifts get given?
Note: Okay, I know this gets cheesy, but hey, it's Christmas... 'All I want for Christmas' by Vince Vance and the Valiants. And the present thing resembles Laure's but I came up with it a while back and couldn't come up with anything else.

~Take back the holly and mistletoe
Silver bells on string~

Ellie sat self-sequestered in her suite, the door closed, but the window cracked. She blew another puff of smoke from her lungs, then took a clean breath. She made no effort to blow the smoke out the crack in the window, just sat on the window seat, back against the wall, and chain smoked. She knew Kendra would have a fit when she got back from work, but she just couldn't bring herself to care.

She crushed the butt out in the overflowing ashtray and pulled her knees to her chest. She glanced out the window down at the pool and the 15-foot slide that she'd just had installed for Kendra's Christmas present.

"Man, putting in three hours of work in a row is tough!" Kendra scoffed as she burst through her roomie's bedroom door. "Eww, Ellie what did I say about letting Logan smoke in here," she began, then took a look at the ashtray beside Ellie. She started to moan about the smell again, took another look at the quantity of cigarettes and instantly put on her concerned face. "El, what's wrong?"

Ellie shrugged and reached for her pack of Marlboro's.

"The pool's all heated, and I was just about to put my suit on and try out the slide. I can't believe you ordered me a waterslide. You're the best, El. Why don't you come?" Kendra said as she bounced over to her friend, determined to cheer her up.

"Nah, I'm not in the mood. You go have fun."

"But the General's coming, and he's gonna wear those cut off jean shorts you like. You know, the ones that cling in all the right places. And when they get soaked with water they hang real low on his hips and you can see his happy trail disappear into the denim and...." Kendra trailed off, lost in thoughts of Wet General.

Ellie sighed.

"You sure?" Kendra said as she snapped back to reality.

"Yeah," Ellie mumbled as she lit a cigarette.

Kendra bit her lip, wanting to say something about the incessant smoking, but didn't when she realized her friend was troubled.

"Wait!" Kendra exclaimed suddenly and ran from the room. She returned dragging the large air purifier they kept in the living room. (You try living with a large German gladiator and a hairy animal and see how it smells.) "At least turn this on, you know, clear the air for ya." Kendra beamed a smile at her friend then bounded from the room, thoughts of riding double down the slide with the General on her mind.

~If I write a letter to Santa Claus
I would ask for just one thing~

Kendra long gone, the apartment was once again shrouded in quiet. Ellie finally gave in and got up to empty the ashtray. Once in the kitchen she heard a small scratching sound at the door, so she plodded over in fuzzy slippered feet.

"McCoy. Hey, girl, have fun scampering around campus?" Ellie patted the tiger half-heartedly and the large cub mewed roughly.

Then she noticed the box at her feet and a note taped to the top. 'Ellie, sorry this is late, but Dor had a crisis with her Maker's Mark. Enjoy and Merry Christmas, Judy.' Ellie almost grinned as she looked down at the case of Woodchuck Amber. Judy had gotten her a little something.

After putting the beer in the fridge and opening herself one (hey, it's after noon), she flopped down on the couch and tried to engross herself in a bad soap. But a bad soap in surround sound on a big screen wasn't entertaining. McCoy curled up beside her on the couch and fell asleep. Apparently, it wasn't amusing for a tiger either.

She just thumbed the darn thing off as Haken burst in from the hall. "Freuline Kendra in da bleu watah. Freuline Ellie come play wid us in da blu watah wid da big slide?"

"No, Hak, you go on." Ellie grumbled as he trudged to his room to change. "And remember which ones I showed you were the swim trunks. Not the other ones," Ellie yelled after him and grimaced at a mental image of the last time Haken went swimming in his white Hanes. "And no throwing Ho's in the water, least not with your full strength. That freshmen had to wear that cast for 6 weeks," she added as he headed out the door.

And silence again. Ellie just sat there and sulked. Was sulking wenchy she wondered? Or princessy? Or was that pouting? How close were sulking and pouting? Oh, hell she didn't care. It wasn't like anyone else had a clue. She huffed again. How many huffs and sighs was it that day? She decided she needed some fresh air. She pulled a big hockey sweater over her tank top and jeans, but left the fuzzy leopard slippers on her socked feet. She shuffled downstairs, her frown growing deeper as she stepped out into the icy air. She wished she had Logan's tolerance for the cold. He was off gallivanting in the woods somewhere. And Indy was preparing a guest lecture for when that erotica exhibit arrived. Neither of them was here with her. And where was the General?

Ellie lit another cigarette (damn her throat was getting raw) and took a swig from her beer, then leered as a horse drawn sleigh pulled up with a giggling Mediator and General snuggled up in the back, bottle of Merlot being passed back and forth. How many sleigh rides had they been on since he'd given it to her?

~I don't need sleigh rides in the snow
Don't want a Christmas that's blue~

The General kissed the wine-warmed blonde and sent her skipping up the steps. Ellie just blew out another drag of smoke.

"You really should quit, you know," Laure said cheerily as she passed by.

"And you should get back on the wagon," Ellie said nastily. Laure turned, her draw dropped, and then she prepared herself for a retort. The General stepped closer and gave her a 'I'll handle this' look. Laure snorted, flipped her curls and walked inside.

"Kind of cold to be sitting out here." Obi-Wan said as he sat down next to his Ho. Ellie flicked her butt into Shana's old, dead rosebushes and shrugged. She was waiting for her no smoking lecture the General tended to give time to time. "Mind if I have one?"

"Suit yourself," Ellie replied and pushed the pack across the cold pavement. Only thing is the General didn't smoke.

She watched him light it and inhale the first drag, then he hacked so hard, she thought his eyes might pop out.

"How do you enjoy these horrid things!" Obi-Wan exclaimed and threw the offending stick to the ground, then unceremoniously pounded it out with his boot.

The corners of Ellie's mouth began to curl up, and she fought with all her might not to show her amusement. She failed miserably and exploded into a fit of laughter. The General just dabbed at his watering eyes.

"See, I knew I'd find it."

"Find what?" She managed between giggles.

"Your smile."

Ellie's eyes welled up with tears and she turned away so she didn't have to look at his perfect face. He hadn't shaved that morning, much to the dismay of most of the other Ho's, but Ellie loved scruffy and staring at his scruffy and grinning face was unbearable.

"Stop."

"Stop what?"

"Cheering me up."

"Why?"

"I'd rather be depressed," Ellie said as she sniffled and wiped her eyes, then her nose on her sweater sleeve. She took another look at the number nine on the sleeve and mildly realized she'd grabbed Kendra's hockey sweater by mistake.

"Come with me," the General said suddenly and jumped to his feet, then immediately pulled Ellie to hers.

"No, it's snowing and it's cold and I'm not going anywhere with you," Ellie said as she struggled to free herself from his grip.

"You're angry with me?"

Yes, no, well, I don't know. I'm just in a bad mood and it's not PMS."

"Ah, after Christmas blues."

"Huh?"

"Come on, I'll show you." Obi-Wan said with a wink and Ellie finally allowed him to lead her off into the snow.

~~*~~

"How much farther, the snow is getting in my slippers and getting my socks wet. I could lose a toe or multiple toes," Ellie said and stopped to put her hands on her hips for emphasis.

"Almost there, here hop on," Obi-Wan said and turned his back to her. Ellie grinned for the second time that day at the thought of a piggyback ride from the General.

They been trekking through the trees behind Dande's cottage for ten minutes, and frankly Ellie was cold.

Then the General stopped. He let her slide off his back, then he turned and through a hand over her eyes.

"Hey-" Ellie began to protest.

"Just wait, two more steps, okay there." He removed his hand and Ellie blinked for a minute to focus, one contact settling back into place after the General's hand dislodged it.

Then she gasped. Before her was a quaint little building of brick and log design. And printed largely above the doors it said:

HSU Zoological Research Center
Ellie Lelaney, Ph.D.

Hanging on the glass door was smaller sign that said, 'The Doctor is IN.'

"Oh, Obi-Wan, I can't believe it. I mean, I never really got board certified or anything."

"But you got the degree. And you take care of most of the animals around here anyway. The Nurse is too busy to keep having you in the Clinic with them, besides it's probably unsanitary anyway. You deserve this. Inside are exam rooms and a complete stock of veterinary supplies. There is also a large lab area, full of all the latest technology. I know you'd been fiddling with some genetic research so I got you a top of the line gas chromatograph." Ellie inhaled sharply when he mentioned the expensive machine. She didn't think he even knew half the things she did in the school's science lab. "Out back are the dog, or tiger runs. Facilities for large animal care and boarding, since we have horses now. Kennels inside and out, and your office has a large window that looks out on the back kennel area and the trees."

"Oh, Obi!" Ellie exclaimed and threw her arms around his neck, then crushed her lips to his. They were searing hot compared to the cold outside, and still tasted faintly like the cigarette he'd attempted earlier. "You didn't have to get me anything," she finally managed through tears. "All I wanted was for you to say Merry Christmas. And maybe a kiss or two would have been nice, but this..." she said and moved her arms out to indicate the building.

~Take back the tinsel, stockings and bows
'Cuz all I want for Christmas is you~

"I'm glad you like it. And I'm sorry it's late, things were just..."

"I know, you don't have to explain. I guess I got a little wound up for nothing." Ellie leaned over and kissed him again, then pulled him into a tight hug.

"Oh, and your present. I really had no idea what to give you, then it hit me the other day." She reached up to her neck and pull at the long gold chain that hid there. Pulling it over her head, the General's eyes widened as he saw the charm dangling there.

"Your Star of David? I don't understand."

"It was my father's. And it was his father's. Jewish was always our lineage, even though I didn't grow up that way like the Nurse did. He gave it to me right before he died. It's all I have left of him. He said I should give it to the man who fills my heart where he would leave it empty. I never thought I would actually find that person, or give this to him. But I found it in you, Obi-Wan. You're everything. You're father, friend, confidante, lover and soul mate. And you made my heart whole again. You don't have to wear it, just keep it." It was more sentimental or emotional things than she'd ever said to anyone in her whole life. It was hard and it hurt. Tears spilled down her cold reddened cheeks.

Obi-Wan took the necklace and gripped it tightly into his hand, then brushed a kiss to Ellie's forehead before using a callused thumb to wipe away the teardrops on her face. "Thank you, you have no idea what this means to me. But I want to give you one more present, too. Wear this for me, as a gift from me." Ellie began to shake her head in refusal, but he slipped the chain over her head nevertheless. "Hear me out. Hearing you say the words you've just spoken is all the gift I need. Wear this charm and your father's memory close to your heart, knowing that he and I are both in there and love you." He cupped her face into his hands and spoke in a whisper. "Oh, my little wild, Ellie. I wasn't sure I'd ever gain your trust, but I see it's always been there, hidden behind your love."

Obi-Wan pulled the Ho into a tight embrace, then into a sweet kiss, pouring all his love and adoration for her out through the bond they shared. Suddenly it didn't seem quite so cold outside anymore.

"So, going to take a peek inside?" He asked as he pulled away.

"Mmm, hmm!" She nodded enthusiastically.

"Regretfully, I have to go. I'll be late for Emmy's appointment and..."

"...you know how she gets," Ellie finished for him. "Go, I'll head back before it gets dark." She kissed him again then watched him jog off. She slid the necklace back under her sweater and tank top, shivering as the cold metal hit her skin, but smiled when it settled back to it's place on her chest above her heart. She clutched at it through her clothes and felt warm all over again.

"Hey," Logan growled as he emerged from the trees. Ellie jumped a bit, then relaxed.

"You spying on me?"

"No, I smelled you in the woods, I tracked you here. I've got something for you."

"Hmm," Ellie murmured as she headed to the entrance of the new building. She was still unhappy with her EA's.

"Ellie." That was a new voice. She turned to see Indy appear just behind Logan.

"You ambushing me here?"

"Just let us talk." The rogue Professor pleaded.

"I'm mad at you."

"Well, let us make it up to you," Logan snarled.

"Sex isn't gonna cut it." They both looked at they're Ho and grinned.

"No it's much better. Please?"

Ellie looked at Indy's face, then to Logan and melted.

"All right," Ellie finally relented and headed off back to campus with the two leather clad men.

~~*~~

"Two surprises in one day!" Ellie squealed as she ripped open the paper on the small box her EA's had given her. She pulled open the velour lid and her eyes widen at what she saw. A beautiful ruby and diamond ring. A large emerald cut ruby sat between two slightly smaller emerald cut diamonds, all set in a wide band of platinum. "Oh, boys, it's beautiful." She pulled it out and slid it onto the ring finger of her right hand. It was a perfect fit.

Logan nudged Indy, who grunted, then spoke. "The ruby is you, and the diamonds on either side are Logan and I, 'cause we'll always be here with you, by your side." Ellie wasn't sure she could take any more emotional symbolism, but she warmed at the thought the two men had put into the gift.

"Thank you so much," she beamed and pulled each of them into a kiss.

"We're sorry it's late, but we are men after all," Logan snorted. Ellie had to admit he was right.

"Well, I'm sorry I got all loopy about the whole thing. I didn't expect any presents. Just wanted holiday cheer spread around you know?"

~I don't need expensive things
They don't matter to me
All that I want, can't be found, underneath the Christmas tree~

"But I love the Research Center and the ring."

~~*~~

Out in the courtyard a satisfied Diva was heading out to her SUV to go do some after Christmas shopping.

She didn't know Kendra and Tara were trying out their water balloons and home made launcher.

"Fire!" Kendra yelled from her secret hiding place.

"Woohoo," Tara squealed from hers.

They didn't know anyone was heading across campus.

The Dean didn't see the makeshift bulls-eye made of stones on the ground.

*SPLASH*

"AAAGGGHHH!"

*SQUISH* *SQUISH*

"Uh, Tara, you ever see a water balloon launch go bad?"

"No."

"Well, who needs to...come on, let's get out of here!!" Kendra and Tara headed off in a sprint.

Emmy never saw her perpetrators, but she was sure it was Dor. Or maybe Darry. Perhaps, Laure...or that other Wench, Dande or....

~You are the Angel that tops my tree
You are my dream come true
Santa can't bring me, what I need
'Cuz all I want for Christmas is you~