Entry tags:

axl, christmas, x, zero

All I Want For Christmas
The only other finished short fic I had done (to date, that is, that I consider fit for print,)was a Christmas one I had done last year and posted (I think) in both LJ Comm's rockman_yaoi and sky_room This was my first attempt at writing a three way between X, Zero and Axl. It took me a bit to get used to the idea of pairing Axl with either X or Zero and when the idea finally took hold, it really did. And was made all the more prominent when my full-blown rabidity as being an Axl fangirl set in and refused to leave.

Disclaimer: I don't own them, just writing this because I felt like it.

Christmas shonen-ai/yaoi (it borders on both) short fic. Read at your own risk. Definitely this is going to be AU (well, depending on how you feel about the characters actual relationships . . . ) Inspired by the song "All I want for Christmas."

Read and enjoy.

All I Want for Christmas

(C) 12-24-2004 to 12-25-2004 All Rights Reserved

By Goldenmane

"How are you supposed to buy a gift for someone like him?" a deep voice asked as breath fogged before the speaker.

"He's the only one we have left to buy for," his companion said, "it wouldn't be right to go back empty handed."

"But this is a human holiday," Zero said as he glanced over to X, "it has nothing to do with Reploids. And besides, who else would want a gift?" The fact was, neither of them had really planned on getting anyone else a gift until X decided at the last minute to buy something for one other.

"I know," X said, voice soft, "but I wanted to get something to give Axl. I mean, we might not celebrate Christmas like most humans would, but still . . . I thought it would be nice to buy him something."

Zero sighed but fell still. Arguing with X was always a losing battle. Once the sapphire Hunter had gotten his mind set on something it was next to impossible to change it. And that included X wanting to put up a tree, decorating it and putting gifts under it. Reploids didn't need gifts. But, when he had found out that X had bought him something he knew he had to reciprocate.

He turned his deep sapphire gaze back out to the street, filled with humans apparently last minute shopping as well. When he felt X rest his head against the taller Hunter's shoulder, Zero couldn't help but smile. He gave X a gentle hug against him, keeping a firm grip on his lover.

"Oh," X suddenly said, pulling away and hurrying over to a store window, "what about this?"

Zero followed at a more sedate pace, content to simply follow X. He had no idea what to get Axl. The kid didn't seem interested in much except his job of becoming a Hunter. He followed X's point, noting the sleek and shimmering green pendant, a shade of green that just happened to perfectly matched Axl's eyes. And X's as well, incidentally. If Zero had seen that pendant before X had, he would have snagged it in a minute for his love. "I don't think he wears jewelry," Zero said instead.

"He might not wear it, but at least it's something."

"I bet he hates it,"

"I'm going to get it and give it to him from us," X said as he stepped inside the shop.

Zero stayed outside, looking around the place. A light snow had begun to fall as the wind picked up a bit. This was another reason why the crimson Hunter had not wanted to go out to shop. Radar indicated a storm headed their way and X was determined to take one of the ride chasers out to go to the city.

When X emerged, gift in hand, Zero shrugged a bit deeper into his oversized coat, made to fit over his armor. No respected Hunter left base without their armor, never knowing when the next attack was going to hit. Not that the cold would bother his circuits anyway. He had been in a lot colder climates than this was.

"I guess the storms are moving in a bit faster than they thought," X said with a small shiver, "let's get back to base before the roads become impassable."

"We can just as easily teleport," Zero said, "and abandon the chaser."

"Not if we can help it," X said, "besides, I think he's going to like this and I want to give it to him tonight."

Zero said nothing as he walked beside of X. He could see how the smaller Hunter seemed to glow in joy at the gift he had bought. All he could do was hope that X hadn't set himself up for a fall. Axl was very unpredictable when it came to guessing about him.

X was the first to the ride chaser, brushing the snow off the seat, waiting for Zero to mount first before slipping on behind him, keeping the taller Hunter's hair pinned between them.

Zero felt X wrap his arms around his waist and he had to smile as he kicked the chaser into gear and sped off down the road. He felt X rest his head against his back and his smile grew a bit wider. He was forced to switch to radar rather quickly as the snow became too blinding for him to see through. And, his worst fears came true. Soon the road was too snowbound for the ride chaser to get through. If there had been any of the more heavy duty chasers that had enough room for two Reploids, they would have taken it in a heartbeat.

With a soft sigh Zero stopped and turned back to look at X. "This is the end of the road, we can't go any further without completely burning the engine out."

X nodded and dismounted, standing there in almost knee-deep snow.

Zero waded over to where X stood and held him close. "I'll send someone to come pick this up after the storm breaks. Signas isn't going to get mad, don't worry."

"But I've never lost a chaser before," X said with a soft sigh.

"There's always a first," Zero said with a soft chuckle as he gave X a quick kiss before snagging X's signal and teleporting the two of them back to their room. Once they had materialized, the crimson Hunter let go of X and literally shook the snow from his helmet and hair, much to X's chagrin. Zero only grinned back before slipping out of his coat and hanging it up to dry.

X, likewise, removed his coat, hanging it up next to Zero's before shifting to scrape away some of the snow that had stuck to his armor.

Zero only stomped his feet to loosen any snow that might have stuck to him. "I'm going to go get out of this," he said before heading off to the bedroom.

"I want to give this to Axl tonight," X said, the sound of his metallic boots on the floor growing closer.

"Well, want to give it to him before we get out of this cold armor?" Zero asked, "and get a chance to warm up?"

A soft blush from X was Zero's only answer. He knew the smaller Hunter would catch his drift and he knew it would send X into a blush. And though he had never come out and said it, X was too cute and irresistible when he blushed.

Zero chuckled softly. "Let's go then. I can wait a bit longer."

X nodded and without warning, teleported.

Shaking his head, Zero followed the teleport, right outside Axl's room. He watched as X rapped on the door, calling out softly. "Axl?"

"Yeah? What is it?" came a semi-muted response.

"Can we talk to you for a moment?" X asked.

Zero crossed his arms as he waited.

After a moment the door slid back and a pair of large, green eyes peered up at them, blinking once. A light sheen of sweat covered Axl's face and his cheeks were flushed, his breathing rapid. "What'd'ya want?"

"Can we come in?" X asked, glancing back to Zero.

"X has something he wants to say to you in private," the crimson Hunter said since X seemed now shy about this.

"Yeah, yeah, come in," Axl said, somewhat abstractedly, "I just got back from a workout on the training grounds."

Zero followed X in, closing the door behind him. This was the first time he had ever been in the boy's room and he was surprised and not surprised at the sparseness of it. Nothing hung on the walls, no other items of luxury could be found. All that resided here was one simple desk and chair, what all rooms came with.

"So, what is it you wanted?" Axl asked, breaking Zero out of his musings.

"I know this isn't something that Reploids normally do," X said, "but it's something I like to do and I wanted to share it with you."

Zero watched as X hauled out the small box, beautifully wrapped, and held it out to Axl.

Axl furrowed his brows, a confused look on his face before glancing between X and Zero.

"It's something the humans call Christmas," Zero informed the boy, "and X likes to celebrate part of it by getting a gift."

"I decided this year to get you a gift as well," X said, "I know it can't be easy making the transition from Red Alert to here."

Slowly Axl reached out, carefully taking the box, almost seeming as if was afraid he'd crush the fragile package. He removed the ribbon and lifted the lid. What happened next couldn't be easily put into words. His eyes grew wider as he glanced from X to the gift and back again, sometimes glancing over to Zero as well. The flush on his cheeks darkened and Zero could have sworn he saw tears start to form in the corners of the boy's eyes.

"I hope you like it," X said softly, "I saw it and had to get it."

Axl only nodded, not saying anything, his gaze now on the pendant.

Zero moved closer to X, wrapping one arm around his waist, placing a soft kiss to his helmet. "I wasn't sure if you'd like it or not."

"I . . . I don't know what to say," Axl said, his voice starting to break some, the words soft and filled with emotion.

"You don't have to say anything," X said, "Merry Christmas, Axl."

"Yeah," Zero said, a soft smile starting to form on his own, normally cold, features, "Merry Christmas."

Axl looked up and blinked once, a tear falling down the curve of his cheek.

X reached out and snagged the falling jewel on a fingertip, wiping it away.

Without warning, the boy launched himself at both Hunters, holding them close and crying softly against their armors. Zero was a bit taken aback by the sudden display of emotions and he was slow to wrap his other arm around the boy's waist as his slender body shook.

Zero said nothing as did X, both Hunters just standing there, comforting the boy. He noted X shift out of the corner of his eye and he glanced over, watching as X placed a soft kiss to Axl's helmet, letting his lips rest there, eyes closed. With a soft smile, Zero rested his head against X's, a strange feeling washing over him, almost caressing his soul, touching him deeply. Something about the way they were on this Christmas Eve brought even a tear to his own eye.

Eventually, however, Axl pulled back, cheeks still wet with tears, the pendant clutched gently in his hand, held against his chest. "No one's ever given me a gift before."

Zero reached out to wipe away a few tears with his gloved hand. He smiled when Axl seemed to lean into the touch, his sad gaze shifting to the crimson Hunter.

"Come have Christmas with us," X said softly, "that is, if you don't mind, Zero?"

"I don't mind," he said softly, gently caressing Axl's cheek, "here, let me see that."

Axl blinked then held out his hand, letting Zero take the pendant from him.

Zero wished he could have seen Axl's expression, but judging by the soft smile and barely perceptible nod from X, he was doing right. Gently Zero placed the chain around Axl's neck, fastening it. X had gotten it just right, he mused as he stepped back. The chain was just large enough that it fit with his armor on, the pendant resting at a comfortable angle around his throat.

Axl reached up, fingers gently touching the pendant, a soft smile on his face.

"Come on," X said, "let's get going."

Axl nodded and without a word, teleported.

Zero chuckled as he teleported as well, arriving inside the living room, moving over and keying the pad, letting Axl and X in. He closed and locked the door behind them for privacy.

"Maybe I should have showered first," Axl said, blushing some.

X chuckled. "Don't worry," he said, "trust me, Zero smells worse after we're done sparring."

Zero tried to level a glare at X but failed miserably, especially when he noticed where X was standing. He had almost forgotten the sapphire Hunter had placed a small sprig of mistletoe just inside the doorway and, though Axl had moved away, X hadn't. Moving over quickly, Zero snagged X around the waist, held him close and placed a firm kiss against his lips. It was well known throughout the base that X and he were lovers and they never bothered to try and hide the fact. "Gotcha," he said low against X's lips.

"Always," X murmured back, "but should we really be doing this in front of Axl?"

"I've never known you to be so shy about our relationship," Zero said as he pulled back, reluctantly letting go of X and walking away.

He heard nothing from behind him and he bowed his head, fingering the latch on the back of his helmet and sliding it off, letting the wide band that held his hair back slide through the bottom slit. He ran a gloved hand through his hair before turning and setting it on its stand.

"If you want, you can use our shower," X said, "I might have something you can wear of mine that'll fit."

"Are you sure?" Axl asked, "I mean, I don't want to be a bother . . . "

"You won't, so don't worry," X said, "if you want, you can just set your armor over in a corner and we'll take care of it for you."

"Ok," Axl said, "thanks."

"Don't mention it," Zero said as he began unlatching his arm guards.

"Everything you need is right in the bathroom," X said, "and don't worry about what is who's. But you probably can tell easily enough."

Axl nodded and, with what seemed a deep shyness, began to remove his armor, setting it neatly against the wall next to Zero and X's armor stands.

Zero watched X remove his helmet, shaking his hair free of its confines before setting it aside, starting, as Zero had, with his arm guards.

The crimson Hunter then shifted his gaze to Axl, watching without really trying to be that obvious, as he removed his armor. For all the kid portrayed an air of not caring about anything except fighting, he seemed to have a lot of grace as he quickly shimmied out of his armor, first his helmet, then his arm guards, breast and back plate before slipping his legs and feet out of his lower armor. He hesitated, glancing between X and Zero.

"It won't bother us if you strip naked," Zero said, now slipping one leg out of its guard, "but if you're uncomfortable with that, you can take it off in the bathroom."

"I don't mind," Axl said, though there was a soft blush to his cheeks as he reached down and undid one sid
e, "I just didn't want to . . . you know . . . "

"I understand," X said, "and no, you won't embarrass us."

Axl only nodded before removing his lower body armor, setting it aside, leaving him only in his grey and red body suit.

Zero couldn't help but let his gaze travel down the boy's body before tearing his gaze away before it could go any further. He had X and that was all he needed.

"Once we're out of these, I want to give you my gift," X said.

"Oh, can I watch?" Axl asked, a grin on his face.

"If you want," X said, "I don't think that Zero would have gotten any embarrassing gifts for me."

Zero chuckled at the thought of that. "If only I had thought of that before . . . " he said, voice trailing off. He laughed softly when X reached over and smacked his arm playfully.

"Come on over to the tree, then," X said, padding over, wearing only his pale blue body suit.

Once he was done, Zero followed them over, likewise in his black and grey suit. He went over and picked a small box off the tree and sat in a chair. The crimson Hunter watched as X removed a small card-like envelope from the tree and sat in Zero's lap.

Axl moved closer and Zero patted the arm of the arm of the recliner, sitting with an almost shyness that left Zero musing how cute he looked as well when he blushed . . .

"Ok, you go first," X said, holding the card out to Zero.

He took the card and opened it, his deep sapphire gaze scanning the words. "X," he said softly as he looked up, dragging the sapphire Hunter into a firm embrace, kissing him deeply, only reluctantly pulling back, "you really shouldn't have."

"I just wished it had gotten here on time," X said, "but I knew how much you liked that antique we saw a while ago."

"But that's almost a years worth of pay . . . " Zero said, a hand coming up to tenderly touch X's cheek. He was moved beyond words that his lover would have done something like that for him.

"It's worth every zenny of it," X said, "especially for someone I love."

Zero nodded and held out his box. It paled in comparison to what X had gotten for him, but it had come from the heart.

X opened the box, his eyes growing wide, much as Axl's had before he threw his arms around Zero's neck, burying his face into Zero's hair. "I love it," he whispered.

"I knew you would," Zero said, "you kept eyeing that ever time we went to town. I figured you would have bought it, but now I know why you didn't. You couldn't afford to."

"What is it?" Axl asked, voice soft.

Zero smiled, tenderly caressing X's cheek as the smaller Hunter held the box out for Axl to see. A beautiful diamond and sapphire bracelet.

"That's beautiful," Axl said, voice awed before he looked back up to X and Zero.

The crimson Hunter paused when he thought he saw something pass through Axl's emerald gaze. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but one thing was for sure, something had changed in Axl.

"I'm going to shower now," the kid said rather quickly before hopping off of the chair arm and padding off toward the bathroom.

X leaned against Zero, one hand softly caressing the black and grey fabric at the shoulder of his lover's body suit. "I think this turned out to be a nice Christmas after all."

"I agree," Zero said, "but . . . did you notice that change in Axl when he saw what I gave you?"

"No," X said, "I didn't."

"It was almost like he didn't know what to think about it," Zero began, trying to put feelings into words, "almost like he was . . . I don't know . . . jealous that we are in love?"

X only half shrugged. "He idolizes us," he said, "and it was a shock to him when he found out his idols were lovers too. He's probably just uncomfortable with it."

"I don't know," Zero said, giving X's hair a soft kiss.

"Do you mind if I ask if he wants to spend the night here?" X asked, voice soft as he shifted to look at Zero.

"I have no problem with that," Zero said, "and I know what we normally would have done, but that can wait."

X blushed softly.

"Since you were so set on giving gifts, I figured you'd want to end the night with a little . . . fun," Zero said, placing a soft kiss to one heated cheek on his lover.

"I had thought of that," X said, "but seeing Axl so happy is worth the wait."

"I have to admit," Zero said, "I never thought he'd be that happy with his gift."

X nodded. "You know, I should have realized how lonely he was here. I know I've heard talk from the other Hunters of how they hate the fact that a former member of Red Alert was at the base. And I know I've been a bit too hard on him at times, but you know why. You know I don't want him ending up like us."

"Like you, you mean," Zero said softly, "you know I love to fight, that it's a driving force behind who I am, just as it is Axl's. But I also know you don't want him to go though the same pains we did as we learned our lessons in life. But, what if he has to go through those pains? What if that's a part of his life that can't be changed?"

X was silent and Zero leaned ahead and placed a soft kiss to X's cheek.

"I love you," Zero whispered.

A small smile tugged at the corner of X's lip. "I love you too," he said back, voice just as soft.

"Come on, let's get going," Zero said, "I want to get out of this and into something more comfortable."

"You mean out of something so noticeable and into something Axl won't realize just how hard a time you're having by not touching me."

"What can I say?" Zero asked with a half shrug, "you're so irresistible that I want you every minute of the day."

"Flirt," X said as he slid off of the crimson Hunter's lap.

Zero chuckled as he rose. "You know I mean every word of it."

X said nothing only chuckling softly and shaking his head. However, as they passed the open bathroom door, he held up a hand to stop Zero.

The taller Hunter paused. It took a moment before he heard it over the sound of running water. Axl was crying again.

X moved past him and into the bathroom. Trust X to be more worried over someone who was upset than with the fact that the kid was probably naked by now.

Zero followed, however, against reason and logic, stopping again when X held up a hand. Around his sobs Zero could hear Axl speaking low, just loud enough that he could still be heard over the water from that distance. He had his back to the shower door, or so Zero supposed, seeing a small piece of red hair sticking from over the top edge. The words, however, cut deep into Zero's core.

"Why does it have to hurt so much to love someone . . . no . . .two someones and not be able to get their love back?"

X looked up to Zero. "He's talking about us, isn't he?" he whispered into Zero's ear.

Zero only nodded and moved closer, softly speaking, just loud enough for the boy to hear him but not loud enough to startle him, hopefully. "Axl," he said as he slid the door back some.

Axl shifted a bit, looking at Zero with wide eyes, sad eyes. "What . . . you heard," he added, gaze dropping as he turned away.

"We did," Zero said, "and don't be ashamed of it."

"We don't hate you for it," X said softly as he moved over, reaching out, gently tilting Axl's chin so he could look at his face.

"I . . . I shouldn't have fallen in love you two," Axl said, voice soft, "I knew what you two shared . . . "

"Don't worry," X said softly, "there's no stopping love."

Zero reached out as well, gently caressing Axl's damp shoulder. "I can't speak for X, but I won't turn you away."

"I never could," X said, voice still soft, "I'm just sorry I treated you the way I did. I never realized . . . "

Axl said nothing as a tear fell down his cheek.

"Come here," Zero said softly, leaning in, not caring how soaked his body suit got. He drew the boy into a tender embrace and held him close, gently stroking his back.

X moved over as well and wrapped his arms around Axl, nuzzling the boy's shoulder. "Please, stay the night with us."

"I don't know what to say," Axl said, a break in his voice.

"If you want our love, you've got it," Zero said, "or we wouldn't be standing here getting wet if we didn't love you."

"He's right," X said softly, "what we share with each other we're willing to share with you, if you want it."

Axl said nothing for a moment, just standing there. Then he nodded slowly, a faint smile replacing the tears.

"Then let us get out of these things and we can shower together," Zero said, "don't worry, it's large enough for us all to fit."

Axl blushed at that and Zero had to inwardly chuckle, especially when he saw X's soft blush too.

But soon they were all naked and Zero reached up behind and removed the band in his hair, setting it aside, shaking it loose before stepping in, placing his back against the warm tiles to let X in. Once they were all in he handed X one of the two bars of soap. "Now," he said, "just stand there and let us do the work for you."

Axl blushed deeper, staying silent, his emerald gaze locked onto Zero's deep sapphire ones.

Zero soaped a cloth and gently began to wash Axl's face off, slowly moving down his neck, smiling when he saw the boy still had the pendant on. His touch was soft, slow and loving, the same way he had washed X down time and time again. And as his hands moved ever lower, the blush on Axl's cheeks spread like wildfire.

Taking a small chance, Zero leaned in and placed a quick peck to the tip of Axl's nose, one part of his face that was clear of soap. He never once looked down as he worked, always keeping his gaze on the kids face. Once he reached low enough he paused, almost silently asking permission to wash lower.

The blush deepened considerably but Axl nodded.

Zero knelt and very slowly, very lovingly, began to wash Axl off, his touch always gentle, always soft, even when he moved down slender legs before rising and setting the cloth aside, noting how X had already snagged the hose and was rinsing Axl's back and hair off. He softly and slowly caressed Axl's cheek with his hand, his expression always soft, always loving for the boy. And though X had a reserve about Axl being a Hunter, Zero had seen his prospect first hand, having gone out with him on so many missions against the boy's former employ, Red Alert. And it was shortly after Sigma's defeat yet again that he had realized he did, in his own way, love the boy as much as he admired him.

When X was done Zero took the hose from his lover and began to rinse the boy off, running a hand over soap-slicked skin, feeling Axl shiver some. He glanced around he redhead to see X placing soft kisses along Axl's shoulder and he had to chuckle inwardly at that.

Zero reached over, running the fingers of one hand through X's hair before he resumed running those fingers over Axl's smooth flesh as he continued to rise the boy off.

Once done he replaced the hose and shut the water off. Neither he nor X really needed a bath. And while X was placing soft kisses along Axl's shoulders and back, Zero began to nip and lick at the boy's jaw and neck, his hands resting on the Axl's hip. He smiled, twining his fingers with X's when he felt his lover place a slender hand over his.

A soft, breathy moan escaped Axl and Zero had to smirk. If there was one thing both veteran Hunters knew, it was how to please each other.

Finally, Zero pulled back. "If we keep this up, we'll never get to bed."

"Who says we'll make it to the bed?" X asked, his voice a shade deeper than normal, more husky sounding.

"Ok, the living room then," Zero said, "we'll go dry off then sleep there."

"Sounds nice," X said as he pulled back and left.

Zero had to guide a semi-dazed Axl out of the shower, helping, as X was, to dry the boy off. Finished they led him back to the living room, X leaving their side long enough to lay down a few blankets and comforters, dimming the lights. Zero then maneuvered Axl over to the blankets, helping the boy down.

X soon joined them, snuggling up to both Axl and Zero.

The crimson Hunter smiled as he nestled Axl against him, placing soft kisses to his cheek and neck. He watched as X did the same to the boy's neck and shoulder, the light from the trees casting almost a glow around his two lovers, reflected off the simple gift X had found for Axl.

"I love you," came a soft voice, deep and husky, "both of you."

Zero smiled and reached out, softly touching X's cheek and hair. "And I love you too, both of you."

Axl was silent for a moment. "And I love the two of you too," he finally said, voice soft.

"Merry Christmas, Zero, Axl," X said voice soft.

"Merry Christmas X, Axl," Zero replied.

"Merry Christmas, Zero, X," Axl said, a soft grin on his face.

Zero returned the grin. "Now is this how you expected this Christmas to turn out?"

"We don't have a nice, warm fireplace to snuggle up to," X said softly, glancing over to Zero even as he placed a soft kiss to Axl's shoulder.

"You really want a lot for Christmas, don't you?" Zero asked with a soft chuckle, reaching out to caress X's cheek.

The slender, sapphire Hunter shook his head. "All I want for Christmas . . . is the both of you."

Zero smiled softly. "Then wish granted."

As the night slipped away the three Hunters enjoyed themselves, finding a solace in their hearts they never knew could be there, resting in each others arms.