Hey everybody!

Yes, my unfinished stories are still on pause, BUT! I have a very late Christmas present for all a y'all! (...*facepalm*)

I understand that Leo may not have been in Central America at this time in his journey. If you know where he is at this point, then just imagine him there. I didn't put too much detail into it. He could be in Hawaii for all I know! (...Maybe... maybe not...)

Enjoy!

Leo scales one tree with ease. He stops at the last bit of the canopy that will support his weight. He stares at the stars, sighing.

He's counted the days, the weeks. He's kept a mental count of how long he's been gone.

As the stars twinkle above him, he can only guess that Mikey is singing at his loudest and in his most obnoxious voice. Raph is mad, but not finding the typical rage to pummel the orange turtle. Instead, he could be found later, singing the same carols, only to himself. April and Casey would bring treats and presents each Hamato family member were wanting all year. Master Splinter would drink eggnog with his tea, despite Donnie worrying about his cholesterol. Donnie- Leo chuckles thinking about it- would make each of them a new ornament every year to put on their scraggly tree. Donnie kept saying he'd make them an artificial one, bigger every year to add more ornaments.

Leo wonders if he finished the tree by now. He also wonders if his brothers noticed a quirk he had during the holidays.

Leo's counted the days; tomorrow is Christmas. His first Christmas away from his family.

He leans against the trunk of the tree, branches fanning out in front of him. He plucks a large fern like leaf from the branches above him. He breaks parts off, tying them together. He slowly works on the leaf, forming a picture in his mind.

"I'm dreaming tonight, of a place I love, even more than I usually…" Leo sings softly, "even though I know, it's a long road back… I promise you." He stops and looks back at what stars he can see through the canopy. "I'll be home for Christmas. You, can count on me. Please have snow, and mistletoe, and presents, by the tree…

"Christmas Eve, will find me," he continues, looking back at his project, "where the love light gleams… I'll be home for Christmas. If only… in… my dreams…" he looks at the green ornament he finished, with messy braided fronds and a loop. He hums the next lines, sliding the ornament onto the split part of a leaf above him. "I'll be home for Christmas… if only in my dreams…"

Leo leans back against the tree and stares at the artwork. He smiles to himself, then closes his eyes.

'Merry Christmas, everyone…'

Tell me what you think in a review!

And, I'd like to know two things from you as well (if you want, it's completely optional)
1. What is your favorite thing about the Holiday season (a certain tradition, weather, person, or event)
2. What is something you are excited for in this next year (don't have to be specific)

I hope your New Year is amazing!

One Resolution of mine is to get one story finished on here. It will either be Country Lass: Promise, or Astrid: Part Three.
...Most likely Country Lass: Promise.

~CtW