Morning found Illya under the shower and Napoleon reading a note that had been slipped under their door during the night.

"Drinks and eats this evening at 7, bring your own tinsel and other decorations, room 213" it read. After a more careful inspection, they decided it was probably a Christmas party that Jamie and Paul, their neighbors-across-the-hall had been talking about. Napoleon's eyes lit up with the thought of going out and chatting up a few ladies.

"I haven't been at a party in weeks!" he exclaimed.

"No, you have not. Not since we made our deal. Napoleon, I suggest we cancel our deal for now. It is four days before the Christmas holidays. Nobody is likely to try anything, after all, they think they are dealing with you as well. I will be quite safe. Besides, I heard Jesse and Mack are leaving town early to meet their parents this year. That way you will be free to party when you want. There are no more Russian tests this week, you only have to pick up your grade. " Illya pointed out.

Napoleon felt bereft at the idea of losing Illya's company, but felt he still had to show up at some social scenes this year.
"Alright, but I'd like it if you came with me this evening" he suggested.

Illya smiled shyly. "Are you sure?"

"Quite sure, now hush. I have to find my sisters number so I can call her this afternoon. Weren't you going to call yours?" Napoleon prompted Illya

"No, I don't think that would be such a good idea, after all, it was just a dream" Illya replied.

Together they made their way to their respective classes.
 

**********that afternoon*********

"Illya, you've got mail!" Napoleon exclaimed, surprised. He hadn't seen his roommate get any mail before, but usually Illya was also the one to pick up the mail, so he couldn't be certain. Illya took the parcel from him before it slipped from the stack of items Napoleon was carrying. He glanced at it and tossed it on his nightstand, after which he flung himself on his bed, a
picture of utter disgust. Napoleon was, in the meantime, juggling parcels and he carefully put the Christmas decorations on his bed. Picking up a sprig of Mistletoe from between it, he waved it in Illya's general direction "En garde!"

Illya merely raised a scorning eyebrow, then went back to counting cracks on the ceiling, or maybe he was counting the flakes of paint, Napoleon wasn't sure. With a shrug he put the greenery back on the pile, and picked up his notebook to look up his sisters number.

"Patricia? Hey, how's my favorite witch doing?" he said, in jolly tones.

"Oh, pretty good, I got my Russian grades back today. Guess what?" Illya perked up

"Oh come on, I can do better than that. An A! I got an A!"

"Yeah, I'll be heading down Thursday evening, is that ok with you and Nana?"

"He's coming too? Great! Ok, well, I'll see you on Thursday then. Bye"

"Witch, Napoleon? That is not very nice of you. " Illya commented.

"Inside joke. Patti's name is officially Joan Patricia Solo. Mother had a French thing, and two of her favorite French people where Napoleon and Joan of Arc. Patricia prefers Pat, Patricia or Patti. But she doesn't mind me teasing her, and she always asks my why I haven't been banished yet. " he shrugged.

"An A, Napoleon? I would have expected an A+" Illya told him severely.

Napoleon shrugged again, not to concerned. "Well, what's with you then. Why haven't you opened your package and why are you sitting on bed sulking?" he challenged

"I do not need to open it. I know exactly what is in it. It is the gift I sent my sister, Katya. "

"Mail screwed up?" Napoleon asked

"No, she returned it. "

"Returned it?"

"Yes, Napoleon, she returned it. She sent it back." Illya answered, exasperated.

"Why"

Illya sighed and looked out of the window, for so long Napoleon thought he was being ignored.

"My father and my sister disowned me"  Illya almost whispered

Napoleon's head shot up. "What?! Why would they do a thing like that?"

"For the same reason I have a reputation" he hesitantly admitted.

"For hanging out with gay guys?" Napoleon asked.

"Something like that" Illya admitted.

Napoleon didn't know exactly what to make of this revelation, though he was having a hard time fathoming anybody kicking Illya out of their lives, so he kept quiet as he hung up the Christmas decorations. Then a thought struck him. "Illya? what are you doing for Christmas? I'm assuming if your sister sent back her present, they also don't' want to see you?" he asked,  wincing at his tactlessness.

"No, they don't. I will spend Christmas here. I am not a Christian anyway"

"Why not come over to our place? We always have plenty of food. Besides,Nana and I are the only ones that go to church, and I only go to keep Nana company. Uncle Bruce will be there, and so will Pat, we could have some great fun! "Napoleon suggested.

"I don't know, Christmas is for families. I am not family." Illya countered.

Napoleon felt his guts twisting at the thought of *anybody* alone on Christmas eve, let alone Illya. "Come on, It'd be fun! " he commented. "please? " he then wheedled. Finally Illya gave in.

"I'll think about it. For now, we have a party to go to.