When Tristan had walked through the door earlier, she'd felt a euphoria she hadn't expected in the least. Christmas had suddenly felt magical for the first time in years, and for one shining moment she'd known real peace and happiness.

Then it was gone, melted like the delicate snowflakes that had dusted Tristan's coat and hair.

Serge: "Uh oh, Tristan-"
Tristan: "Uh oh?"
Serge: "Mistletoe!"

Tristan looked up hesitantly. When nothing jumped from the ceiling at him, he let out a nervous laugh.

Tristan: "Indeed it is, Serge. Does this mean we have to kiss? I'm not sure Markus would really go for that."
Markus: "As much as that would amuse me, you're supposed to kiss whoever you're standing next to under the mistletoe."

Tristan looked at James, who was grinning from ear to ear like a madman. A similar smile quickly blossomed on his own face.

Tristan: "Oh James, how I've longed for this moment lo these many years!"
James: "You only had to speak-"
Tristan: "I wasn't sure you'd want to hear the words!"
James: "Enough talk- kiss me, you fool!"

Deanna: "Tristan, I know we aren't meant to be together- your heart clearly belongs to another!"

James & Tristan pulled apart, laughing riotously. Tristan gathered Deanna in his arms and gave her a lingering kiss.

Andy felt Emily tense next to him and had to suppress a huge smile. He couldn't have planned events any better himself- Tristan coming back to town had been completely unexpected, and he'd thought for a flickering moment that there might be an off chance that he could lose this game. Then, Deanna had walked through the door. Judging from Emily's reaction, she was the best gift he could have hoped for this year.

Emily: "I'm going to get the cookies- I'll be right back."
Andy: "Ok, angel. Hurry back."