Damaged Goods - 2017 Christmas Special -~-~-~-~-~-(4 years prior to the events of Damaged Goods)-~-~-~-~-~- Christmas Eve Night >THREE >TWO >ONE >The plaza suddenly filled with dazzling lights; gasps escaping the awestruck onlookers as the massive evergreen lit up >Shades of red, green, blue and white reflecting off every surface of the outdoor mall and the >A cheer erupts from the audience, signaling the official beginning of the tree lighting festival >With the whole plaza lit up, you only now realized just how many people were here >Hundreds, if not thousands of people gathered to watch the tree lighting ceremony and take in some sickeningly sweet holiday treats >”It’s beautiful...” >And next to you as always is Annabelle, the Geist of your 1903A3 “It is.” >As common as Geists are these days, taking one with you out on a date is still seen as… odd, by most >Those who are very knowledgeable of firearms usually have no problem spotting one in public, as they tend to look virtually identical to those of similar models; most commonly wearing the same clothing >This is one of the main reasons you had Anna buy something more festive to wear for the night; in hopes of disguising her true nature from others >That, and Christmas was her favorite holiday after all >She was wearing a white turtleneck sweater with a high cut green circle skirt which stopped midway between her waist and knees >Black tights, ankle height heeled boots and a red scarf helping to keep her warm >Not to mention the mittens and knitted cap with a black and white snowflake pattern ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >”Think we can put one up in the house for next year, Anon?” she said, giving you big puppy dog eyes >It was hard to tell whether she was doing this on purpose or not anymore >Regardless, it always seems to work… “Heh… ah, I don’t see why not.” >She didn’t say a word, only grabbing your arm and pulling herself tight against you, still staring at the tree >You were trying to relax, but really being out in public together for the first time was still a bit nerve racking for you >You couldn’t let her see that though >Besides, who is going to notice? Why should you even care? >Scanning the crowd, you see plenty of couples together, looking on at the tree >Whole families; moms and dads trying to wrangle their children >You’re just being parano- “...” >Some woman is staring right at you… >She was maybe 20, 30 feet away from you; close enough to see her hazelnut colored eyes >Raven hair contrasting against her skin, which was nearly as white as the snow falling down around you >She wasn’t alone either >A man wearing a balaclava was standing just behind, his arms wrapped around her; head resting on top of hers as he stared at the tree >You may have felt a bit intimidated if it wasn’t for the fact that they were both wearing red Santa hats >He stood a whole head height above her too, and this woman was almost as tall as Anna! >...just how tall is this dude…? >”Hmm? What are you looking at, Anon?” Anna said, following your gaze ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >The woman seemed to have noticed Anna staring as well >She nudged her partner in the ribs, whispering something into his ear before pointing slightly in our direction >He glared over to us for a moment before quickly looking away and whispering something back to her >Whatever he said, it only made her giggle >This is just weird >”I think she’s…” >The woman gave a little wave to us before grabbing her partner by the hand, leading him away >Anna half heartedly returned the wave “Think she’s what...?” >”Hehe… nothing.” a mischievous smile forming on her face. “Come on, let's go see what that cinnamon smell is.” >Anna starts pulling you towards the vendors, snuggling up closer to you as you get closer and closer to the heavenly smells >As weird as that encounter was, you decided to shrug it off, instead concentrating on enjoying the rest of the night with Anna ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >After consuming a considerable amount of baked goods and coffee, you and Anna decide to call it a night and make your way back to the car >With the festival closing, everyone else seemed to have the same idea >The temperature was dropping quickly as well >”Thank you for the lovely night, Anon. It was nice getting to spend the whole night with you.” she said, planting a light kiss on your cheek >You heard giggling coming from behind you as you walked >”See?! I vas right! Zhey are like us! Hehehe.” >It was that woman from before, her laughter was loud, but contagious >Still, you sure weren’t expecting that accent… “Sorry, what?” >”Sorry about that, man.” her partner said, letting out a slight, maybe embarrassed chuckle. “Come on, Judith.” >He held her by the hand, practically dragging her away as she continued giggling >”Auf Wiedersehen!” >”Goodbye!” Anna called out “Another Geist?” >Anna only giggled again, wrapping her arms tightly around the back of your neck >”You need to worry less, Anon… you know that?” “Yeah, I guess so…” you said, returning the embrace >You both stood there quietly; enjoying the moment >”Merry Christmas, Anon.” “Merry Christmas, Anna.”