A Very Mega Christmas: Troy Burrows Edition
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9927679/6/A-Very-Mega-Christmas
Troy rushed across the busy intersection coolly gliding through the people casually mingling in the crowded streets. He stopped; wrapping his scarf, tighter against his face, as he felt a sharp draft cutting through the air. He hurried along the paved street, when something caught his attention. It was Christmas music he glanced around the area trying to hoping to find the source of the fun and cheery tunes. Troy stopped, as he approached one of the pavilions across from the mall spotting a crowd.
He headed over towards the crowd of people gathered, he stood back listening to the jeering carolers. Their joyous tunes filled his ears, and soon Troy found himself swaying a bit to their jingles...
After a while, the carolers ceased their tunes and the crowd soon dispersed, he watched all the couples and families till they disappeared from his sight leaving him all alone.
Troy sighed; this was a scenario that he was all too familiar with. After-all he spent several years on his own, having to take care of himself. So being alone really didn't bother him all that much, in a sense, in fact he reveled in solitude. It bought about a sense of peace and comfort especially during this time of the year when people usually are spending it with their family and close friends. Christmas was always a difficult time for Troy to get through. He spent many times, sheltered inside of a foster home, wishing he was anywhere but there. During the rare times, when he lived with a foster family; Troy still didn't feel liked he belonged. In fact he still vividly remembered the first time he would have to spend Christmas without his parents.
It was a difficult for him to say the least and Christmas after that had never been the same, it was as if all the joy and cheer and spirit left Troy. From that time, on life seem to have lost all its meaning and the only thing that revived his spirits was martial arts. Besides the discipline, and the ability to defend himself martial arts taught Troy how to cope with the pain, misery, and anger along with the apathy he held towards life.
But, then all that changed the moment he moved to Harwood County. Troy thought this would be another typical move, and once again he would have to go through the notions of being picked on because he was the new kid in school. But, Troy had no idea how his world would be turned on his head starting with that the dreams of some great war, to becoming a Power Ranger, and leading the team, a job that he had trained for his entire life according to Master Gosei. The thing that shocked him the most was how Jake, Noah, Gia and Emma welcomed him with open arms. They graciously accepted him into their inner circle, and the more time Troy spent with them it felt like they had known each other all their lives. He felt innately drawn to their presences, and wanting to know them better, something that he often shied away from.
Troy was certainly not used to having such caring and attentive friends. It was hard for him to make friends, because every time he would make a friend, Troy found himself being shuffled around to another adoption agency or being sent to live with another foster family.
After a while, he stopped himself from becoming so emotional invested in the idea of having friends or caring about life for the matter after all what was the point?
Over time Troy enjoyed that people couldn't read his emotions or figure out what he was thinking or feelings. Being stoic and unassuming became his way of coping with losing the people in life that he cared for. It also became his survival mechanism, besides martial arts which he loved, Troy's indifferent nature towards others helped him escape all the taunting and bullying including the recent incident with some bullies at school and the biggest bully that he ever faced.
But at the same time Troy realized that holding all his emotions inside was not necessarily a good thing. All that displaced anger, apathy and frustrations that he acquired throughout his life, really needed an outlet. But, there was a part of him that did want to tell his friends about his life and what he has gone through; however at the same time by opening up that door, he would be allowing them to step inside and see his past.
The thing was that, what if they asked questions, how could he answer their questions if he were seeking the answers himself?
Troy sighed; turning his attention over to the tree in the center of one of the pavilion watching the colorful lights flickering back and forth. Although he knew for certain that he wasn't ready to tell his friends about his past, but he was happy that they were helping them break out of the protective shell he shielded himself with. Peeling away that shell, did leave him vulnerable but he was slowing learning that exposing himself to his friends was actually good thing.
He hadn't realized the consequences that came with opening himself up, because sometimes he would feel the stabs of jealousy at the closeness, and the bonds that Jake, Noah and Gia and Emma shared with each other. It was clear that Noah and Jake despite their differences were child-hood friends, and that they had gone through some tough times, together and had each other's backs through thick and thin like Gia and Emma.
Troy honestly missed that kind of bond he had with his friends. He wasn't always a loner, he too was once a very boisterous, kid that loved playing outdoors, and enjoyed the company of his friends, but all that changed the moment he lost his parents and became a foster child. Over time Troy came to realization that the past, was the past and he had come to accept that there was nothing he could do to change it, the only thing he had control over was the way he reacted towards it. That's why he tried so hard to fight the jealousy and envy that would rear its ugly head, because for the first time since his parents' passing he befriended people who were helping him to get over his fear of opening his heart and sharing his feelings.
For the first time in a very a long time, Troy was happy that he wouldn't be spending Christmas alone, or in some foster home, or even with some foster family he was getting the chance to spend Christmas with his close friends and the idea of that made him really happy.
Troy turned; stepped out his internal thoughts searching for the voice's source.
"Jake!" he cried happily spotting his friends.
He saw Jake and behind him saw Noah trailing close behind him.
"What's up dude?!" Jake said slapping his hand.
"Hey...what are you doing out here alone?" Noah asked looking around the empty pavilion.
"Oh…I was just standing here thinking…about…" Troy trailed off looking around.
"Thinking about what?" Noah inquired with curiosity.
"I know what you're thinking about?" Jake said cutting in.
Both he and Noah turned their attention over to Jake, he was anxious to hear what he had to say since Jake could supposedly read minds now.
"I bet you were standing out here thinking about something that happened during a battle…or the Vrak or something…right?" Jake guessed.
Troy chuckled; shrugging his shoulders. Silly Jake that was a plausible guess but that wasn't actually what he was thinking about but he decided to go along with his assertion.
"Yeah…something like that," Troy replied with a sly smirk.
Jake let out a long sigh, "dude…you worry too much…right now…we should be enjoying Christmas time with all of our family and close friends, and all the good food and not to mention all the presents!" he cheered wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"Of course," Troy answered with laughter.
"Guys…what are we waiting for?" Noah asked walking past them, "we need to hurry and get over to Ernie's I think the girls are waiting for us."
"Cool…let's go shall we," Jake said trotting ahead.
"C'mon slow poke!" Jake jokingly jibed turning back to him.
Troy smiled; hurrying to catch up. Shifting all his thoughts aside, determined to make this his best Christmas yet...
"Can I get you guys something? My famous eggnog perhaps?" Ernie suggested eagerly.
Troy grimaced; glancing over at both Jake and Noah. "I think I'll have my usual."
"How about you Jake?" he asked turning to him.
"Oh…I don't know…" he hesitated glancing between both him and Noah.
Troy shrugged; surprised at his hesitation, usually Jake was the first one to try something new.
"C'mon…I promise you'll love it…" Ernie urged.
"Ernie…buddy…I think I will stick with my usual…"
"Hey…I tell you what I will let you try on the house."
This seemed to have sparked Jake's interest.
"Oh…alright…I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try," Jake said giving in.
"That's the spirit!" he chirped happily swinging his way over to the counter.
"Wow…Ernie sure is into the spirit." Noah turns away chuckling.
Troy smiled nodding in agreement. Looks like all the other people were in good spirits too. Troy was also feeling the Christmas cheer. He looked around at all the colorful Christmas decorations, speckled all over the frozen yogurt shop. Troy took a sniff of the air; taking in the crisp, smells of cinnamon, and ginger, and all the other sweet smells that Christmas time offered. Seeing all the festivities made Troy's heart dance with delight. Looks like he would be fulfilling that wish he kept locked away inside. A familiar voice stirred Troy from his internal thoughts.
"Here you guys go," Ernie said.
"Enjoy!" he said with a wink handing Jake his tall glass of eggnog.
"Well…go ahead and try it…" Noah urged nudging Jake.
Jake glanced up and down at the tall glass, turning it from side to side. "I don't know it doesn't look like your typical kind of eggnog…" he said bringing the glass for closer examination.
"You won't know till you try it," Noah commented with a smirk.
Jake cut his eyes over at him jokingly throwing up a fist. Both he and Noah watched eagerly while Jake slowly dipped his spoon into his treat.
"Here goes nothing…" he cried dipping his spoon into the substance.
Jake slowly took a taste, "ugh…." he cried, "this eggnog…" he said twisting his mouth in a bitter grimace.
Troy leaned back into his chair chuckling as he took a long sip of his juice.
"Want some?" he turned offering some to Noah.
"No…no…no…." Noah said rejecting his offer, "it's all yours my friend."
Troy turned his attention away looking around wondering where Emma and Gia were, they were supposedly meeting up with them that afternoon, before the start of the Christmas party.
"Our Christmas shopping is complete!"
Troy, Noah and Jake turned to the familiar voice. He smiled watching them with their hands full with bags dangling from their arms as they made their way over to the table.
"Hey girls," Troy said brightly catching's Emma's eye.
She had a wide grin spread across her youthful face. Emma certainly seemed a bit more happy than usual. Troy shrugged; if anything he was certain that she too had caught a whim of all the holiday cheer in the air.
"Hey guys…this is on the house for my favorite ladies…" Ernie said cheerfully walking over towards them.
"My special candy cane yougurtttt!" he wailed nearly tipping over the special treats with everyone including Ernie sighing in relief, at his near accident.
"That was a close one," Noah commented.
"You can say that again," Jake replied.
"That was close," Ernie said.
Just when Troy thought the coast was clear, he watched in disbelief as their treats tumbled to the ground. Troy looked over at the scene, shaking his head. He heard Jake snickering besides him.
"So sorry…" Ernie cried sadly.
Too bad, looks like the girls wouldn't be able to enjoy their special treats after-all nonetheless, Troy was sure that neither of them were going to let that shake up their holiday cheer.
"Oh…that was so thoughtful of you," Emma said reaching down to help him.
"Yeah, you're really sweet," Gia said grabbing a napkin to wipe up some of the mess with Noah's assistants.
"C'mon…" Emma said lifting up the tray.
"I'm going to go throw this out," said Noah continuing to wipe the stain.
"I'll go get a mop," Gia said hurrying over to the back of the shop.
"Hey man I think we should go help them out," Jake said standing.
Troy stood heading over to the counter where both Emma and Ernie were. The poor guy was still seemed quite distraught over spilling their treats.
"Ernie, you don't have to keep apologizing…" Emma said.
"I know…I know…but…I really wanted you guys to try out my treats…" he whined and huffed.
Emma chuckled; "C'mon Ernie you can always make us another one," she suggested.
"I suppose I can do that…"
"Great…and while you're doing that…we will…" she said glancing over in his direction, "will finish cleaning this up…okay?!"
"Oh…alright…" Ernie sighed dragging his feet over to the yogurt machine.
Emma turned to Troy smiling brightly. "C'mon Troy…let's finish getting up that mess…we wouldn't want anyone slipping and getting hurt."
"Of course, not," he replied.
He watched her glide past him. He stood there, thinking how much he admired her compassion for others.
"Troy!" she called waving a hand.
"Coming," he said making his way over to her...
"I think that's everything," Emma said stepping over to the table.
"Yeah…I think so," Gia replied taking a seat next to her.
Troy glanced over at Jake; he had a wide grinned stained across his face. He chuckled; Troy knew besides being a ranger that Jake rejoiced anytime he was in Gia's presence. He honestly couldn't blame him, Gia was a very pretty girl, it didn't help that she was smart, witty and could handle her own. It was no wonder she always had an array of guys falling at her feet. Troy wondered if too, if she enjoyed all the constant attention that guys, including Jake gave her.
He shrugged; anyway, what did he know, love was always elusive for him, he couldn't ever really remember a time when we he cared for a girl. The only times the the idea of being alone hit him, was during the holidays mostly. Sometimes, it did bother him seeing all the couples happily embracing one another, and people talking about all the gifts they were giving to their significant others. Troy sighed; reeling in those thoughts, if there was any solace he was happy to spend Christmas time with his good friends, believing that's truly all he needed. As he looked up taking a sip of his juice, and saw Emma beaming his way. Troy smiled turning away; he felt his face growing a bit flushed.
Maybe something else other than all the holiday cheer was going on with her. She was acting a bit more cheery than usual, and what was up with all that smiling. Troy scratched his head turning his attention back over to his juice.
"Hey girls…whatcha got there?" Jake asked curiously.
Both Emma and Gia glanced slyly at one another.
"These are all of our Christmas gifts…" Emma cheered.
"Christmas gifts you say," Jake said.
"Yup, and guess what?" Gia started peering his way.
"What?" he asked leaning forward.
"This one's for…" Gia turned away pulling out a large box wrapped in sliver, "for you."
Troy looked over at Jake watching his eyes lit up with both excitement and fulfillment.
"I mean…what is it?" he asked trying to play off his delight.
"It's meant to be a surprise…so you'll have to wait and see." Gia teased placing his gift back in her bag.
Jake sighed; slumping back in his chair. Troy turned to Jake chuckling just like Gia to get him going.
"Have you guys finished your Christmas shopping yet?" Emma asked.
But, before they could answer Gia turned to Emma, "Don't be silly…I know…" she said turning her attention over to both him and Jake, "they wouldn't forget to give us presents."
Troy turned his attention over to his juice, he hadn't he hadn't gone Christmas shopping, at all and obviously Jake hadn't either from his mute tone.
"Mmmmph….so…" Jake started trying to curtail the attention away from them.
Troy sat up throwing up his hand; he couldn't think a plausible excuse to come up with.
"Hey guys!" called a familiar voice.
Troy turned spotting Noah, he wondered where he had gone off too.
"You want to see something funny?" he cracked with a smile.
"Yeah," Jake called hopping from his seat.
Troy nodded vigorously; at this point anything would suffice to distract the girls' attention away from their lack of gifts for them. They followed Noah; stepping over to the edge Ernie's he pointed over to the Christmas tree display in the courtyard.
Troy looked over at the tree chuckling at the sight before them.
"Ohhhh, that's awesome!" Jake cried excitedly.
"He wanted to observe what humans do at Christmas."
"Santa's hat is a nice touch," Troy commented.
He still was in awe of seeing their teammate out in the open like so but then again it was for a good cause, and he was hoping that everything would be okay with him being out there like so.
"Oh okay…hey look at the time…" Jake called glancing nervously back at both Gia and Emma, "I should be finishing up my Christmas shopping."
"That's a good idea," Emma said stepping between them.
"Oh…and I…" Gia started stepping besides Jake, "love expensive stuff," she said running a hand over Jake's chest.
Obviously, taken aback Gia's assertion, he plopped his head against some of Ernie's Christmas decorations.
"Ouch…" he cried starting off in the opposite direction, with Noah quickly following behind him.
"So you haven't gotten them anything?" Noah called after Jake.
Jake stopped leaning against one of the decorated beams.
"I haven't finished my Christmas shopping for the girls…" Noah admitted.
"I didn't think we were doing any gift exchanging," Jake said.
"Yeah…me neither…" Noah sighed.
"What about you Troy?" Jake asked.
He shrugged shaking his head.
Noah let out a long frustrating sigh. "Guys…like what are we going to do?" Noah inquired.
"Well, since we are here at the mall we could go and find gifts for the girls," Jake suggested.
"Yeah…I agree, we still have time to get them something before the party starts," said Noah.
"I'm down for that, how about you Troy?"
"I guess we could try this store here," Noah suggested.
Much to Troy's dismay he sucked in a long breath following them. Christmas shopping was truly something he dreaded, not only was he afraid of buying something that someone didn't like or want, but Troy never had to shop for a girl before, so this made the idea even more unnerving. He slowly stepped inside the store; completely frazzled on where to start. Spotting, both Noah and Jake Troy made a quick beeline for one of the middle aisles...
Troy leaned back into his chair, watching all the people hurrying inside of Ernie's. He looked around, wondering where both Gia and Emma were.
"Dude, where are the girls, and where is Noah?" Jake asked.
Troy shrugged; wondering the same thing. He thought Noah would have at least gotten back by now.
He hurried over to the table taking a seat next to Jake.
"Where did you leave Robo Knight's gift…at the command center?" Jake jokingly jibed.
"For your information, I left it on the rooftop of the central-plaza building."
"It seems like Robo Knight's favorite place to hang."
"Where are the girls?" Troy asked looking around.
"I don't see them anywhere," Noah answered with a shrug.
"Yeah, I thought they would have been back by now," Troy said.
"Yeah, me too," said Jake.
"Perhaps, the Santa meet and greet they were going to, went over longer than they anticipated," Noah suggested.
"Maybe…" Jake replied leaning back in his chair.
Troy sighed; hoping that Noah was right, and that they hadn't run into any trouble along their way.
"Everyone can I have your attention please?" Ernie called, "I want to thank you all for coming out for annual Christmas party!"
A collective applause echoed throughout the shop.
"Now, I want you all to sit back, relax and enjoy yourselves!" he chirped with glee.
"Please feel free to help yourselves to any of the treats, and all the drinks are on the house…including my special eggnog and candy cane yogurt," he announced.
"Yeah…now that's what I'm talking about…well expect for that eggnog," Jake cheered with laughter.
Noah stood, "I don't know about you guys but I'm going to grab some treats."
"Same, here," Jake announced.
He shook his head; "I'll stay here, and watch the table."
"Okay…have it your way…" Jake shrugged walking away with Noah.
Troy shifted in his chair clutching his fists together as much as he wanted to take part in the all the fun and festivities he was much more concerned with the whereabouts of Emma and Gia...
Troy glanced down at his watch there was still no sigh of either one of them. As more time passed, he started growing increasingly anxious; this was certainly not like either of them not to contact them. He stood to his feet walking towards the entrance it was time for him to go out and do some investigating of his own.
"Where you off too?" Noah asked walking over to him.
"Yeah, dude where you going? The party is just getting started!" Jake jeered taking a sip of some juice.
"I think I should go and find the girls…"
Both Noah and Jake exchanged glances.
"Dude you're worrying way too much."
"Seriously, Troy, Gia and Emma can certainly take care of themselves," Jake added.
"Besides if there was "trouble," Noah whispered out-loud stepping closer, "I'm sure that Master Gosei or Tensou would have alerted us by now."
"I suppose…" Troy sighed.
"Hey guys!" called a sweet airy voice.
"Did you guys miss us?" Gia jokingly inquired glancing over at Jake.
"Of course not…" Jake countered shaking his head.
"Sure whatever." Emma turns away flashing a bright smile.
They both stepped inside the shop, heading for their usual table.
"So how the Santa meet and greet go?" Noah inquired.
"It was so much fun," Emma said taking a seat across from Troy.
"Yeah, just seeing those kids faces when they got to meet Santa, was priceless," Gia cooed.
"So, sorry we're late, we ended up having more kids show up than we anticipated," Emma explained.
"It's all good, Mr. worry-wart over here," Jake started glancing over at Troy, "was the only one making a big deal out of it."
Troy scowled at him leaning back in his chair.
"Awww, Troy you were worried about us?" Gia jokingly teased.
"How very sweet of you," Emma commented reaching for his hand.
Troy smirked, turning his attention over to the table, silencing wishing he could smack Jake for putting him out there like so.
"Guys…come out and enjoy the party!" Ernie cried swinging over to their table.
"Guys...you heard Ernie let's go!" Gia said standing grabbing Emma.
"After you ladies," Jake said.
"Thanks sweetie," Gia said with a wink.
A wide silly grin spread across Jake's eager face.
"Troy you coming?" Emma asked turning to him.
He shook his head, too embarrassed to look up.
"Oh c'mon Troy…it's okay to cut loose every once in a while," Gia said grabbing his hand.
Troy reluctantly stood to his feet, with Gia dragging him over to the center of the shop.
"Everyone, party time!" Ernie crooned.
Soon, the sounds of Christmas tunes feeling the yogurt shop setting the mood for the party. Everyone started dancing and mingling while partaking in all the holiday fun and cheer.
"Here you guys go?" Jake said handing Gia and Emma each a small glass.
"What's this?" Gia asked taking a sniff.
"It's sparkling apple cider."
"Here you go Troy," Jake said handed him one of the glasses.
"Hey guys how about a toast?" Noah suggested holding up his glass.
Everyone including Troy nodded their consent.
"A toast for making it through school and saving the world," Jake called.
They clinked their glass together in a toast.
"Guys, how another toast for our 6th teammate, Robo Knight," he said peeking outside of Ernie.
"To Robo Knight," Noah said.
"To Robo Knight," everyone said in unison.
Troy took a small sip of the cinder; it felt both cool and refreshing quenching his dry throat. In that moment, Troy decided that he needed to stop worrying and just enjoy this time, he was getting to spend with his friends...
Troy stepped away from his friends, taking a seat at their table. As much as he enjoyed the jovial atmosphere he thought it best to just take a moment to sit back and relax, and besides he needed a moment to rest especially from all the dancing he was somehow talked into.
"Emma!" he called startled.
She took a seat across the table from him.
"Taking a break?" she asked.
"Yes?" he asked leaning forward.
"Would it be okay if I gave you my gift now?"
"Oh…yeah…if you want," he said with a shrug.
Emma smiled reaching over into her bag pulling a colorfully wrapped box.
Troy was honestly taken aback by her thoughtfulness.
"Go ahead…open it," she cried excitedly.
Troy slowly started ripping away the colorful wrapping, pulling open the top, anxious to see what lied inside.
Pulling away the tissue, he reached inside pulling out a red windbreaker.
"This is really nice Emma!" Troy cried excitedly.
"I know you like to run…so since it's getting cold I thought maybe…you could use something to keep you warm…"
Troy chuckled; "Of course, thanks!"
How very thoughtful of her. He supposed now was probably a good time to give Emma his gift.
"Emma…I have something for you too."
He paused noticing how her brown eyes lit with joy. He pulling out a small bag from behind his chair.
"Troy…you didn't have to do this..." she cried.
He remained quiet, hoping that she would like her gift. Emma reached inside the bag, pulling out the small wrapped gift. She looked up briefly with a big smile tearing it open.
"Oh…wow…Troy I love it!" she said holding up the book.
"Understanding Our Environment and The World around Us, by Cole Evans," Emma read.
"Gosh, Troy…" she said clutching the book to her heart, "I've wanted this book since like forever!"
Troy was so relieved that he managed to pick out something she liked. Before he realized what was going on, he saw Emma reaching out for him.
"Thanks so much Troy!" she called.
"Oh…you're welcome…" he stammered feeling Emma squeezing tightly against him.
She pulled away from him with a huge grin. Troy quickly turned away; trying to hide his overwhelming embarrassment...
"A Surprise under the Mistletoe"
Troy hobbled through the employee only door setting aside the trash bag. He stepped back inside, following her over to the front entrance. Emma leaned against the wall taking a look around.
"Looks, like we cleaned up just about everything."
Troy nodded in agreement and from the looks of it, seemed like that had managed to tidy up the shop quite nicely. Emma turned her attention over to him, flashing a pearly white smile. Troy couldn't help but return her smile with one of his own. If there was anything he admired about Emma was her presence, she always had that special aura about her herself that was so warm, friendly and inviting, and not to mention that sweet compassionate nature.
"Troy…thanks again for the book…" she said in a small voice.
"I'm really glad you liked it."
"Of course I did," she said with chuckle.
Then they stood there lingering in each other's presence. He noticed her slowly stepping closer, her fragrance started filling his senses. Troy stood there, wondering what to do, as much as he enjoyed Emma's presence, he felt that there was something else on her mind. He saw her smile widen as she stepped closer to him. Not sure of what to do Troy just stood there, wondering what she was up too. She stepped closer wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
She remained quiet, he felt her tighten her grip. Troy didn't know why, but he felt compelled to return her hug. He wrapped his arms around her feeling the comfort and warmth in her embrace, it something he hadn't felt with anyone in really long time. She pulled away, as did he, but instead of letting go, she held on to him.
He watched her leaning forward towards his face. Troy felt his heart racing inside, was Emma really about to do what he thinks?
He slowly started pulling away; knowing he wasn't ready for this moment. All that subsided, when he felt her lips pressed against his cheek. This time, she pulled away stepping out of his grasp. She winked turning away. Troy fell against the wall touched his cheek slowly running his hand over it. He swallowed hard; both speechless and stunned. Not only did he feel his face growing flush, but he couldn't slow down his fluttering his heart. As shocked as he was over her kiss, he actually liked it.
So did that mean if he liked the kiss, that he was admitting his feelings for her?
Troy wasn't sure, but he knew one thing, this Christmas was certainly turning out in his favor. Stepping out of his own tangled thoughts, trying to gather back his composure as he stepped back inside Ernie's...
Troy lingered behind looking around the empty mall trying to savor the all the cheer and that special moment one last time, before departing for Christmas.
"Let's go," Emma called holding open the door.
"Thanks," he said stepping through the door sliding his hands into the pockets of his brand new windbreaker.
Troy wrapped his scarf tightly against his face as he felt the rush of the chilly winds and their vice-like grip cut through the air.
He watched Emma step away from the door, winking as she trotted passed him.
"Emma is something else..." he said with a smirk.
"Troy… buddy let's get a move it!" Jake called out gesturing for him to hurry.
Troy stepped out his daze running to catch up with his friends...
As Troy stood mingling in the cold with his friends he it felt like he was finally started understanding meaning of acceptance and belonging. He was happy how openly they all had accepted him this perfect stranger not only into their lives, but accepted as their leader while entrusted him to lead the Megaforce team into victory. That reassurance was also helping him get over the fear of opening up his heart and that made celebrating this time of the year so much more fulfilling. This was the first time in a very long time that Troy was actually enjoying the holidays. Honestly, it felt great not having to spend Christmas alone. He looked over at his friends, feeling truly grateful for them being apart of his life.
"Are you enjoying the show?"
"That's good," Emma said with warm smile.
She turned her attention back over to the marrying carolers. He shifted his attention over to Emma. His mind started reeling over the events that transpired between them today. Troy was quite surprised by not only by her thoughtful gift, but that little kiss she gave him. Despite his initial apprehension he secretly enjoyed it, much more than he had thought he would. Relationships were never a strong point for him; in fact he had never been in one, or in love for the matter. So, while, he enjoyed that moment, he still wasn't completely sure if both the gift and her kiss meant something more.
Troy had random moments when he felt what he guessed could be a slight attraction to Emma. But, he would always pull himself back, remembering that she was friend/comrade/ally and nothing more. Then in same regard that certainly didn't stop Jake from going after Gia. Troy would never admit this out loud but there was one thing that he couldn't deny was the soft spot he had for her. Not only did he enjoy how compassionate and caring she was towards others, but he admired how openly she was with her quest to protect the environment and not to mention her kind, gentle soul.
Whether or not Emma had deeper feelings for him, Troy thought it was best for now to keep things at bay between the two of them, her friendship meant the world to him, he treasured it almost more than the others. So, he didn't want anything to ruin what they had with each other, even if that meant setting aside any attraction he had towards her. Troy shifted his attention and mind over to clear evening skies. As much as he was longing to spend Christmas with his parents, he was silently thanking the stars for making at least one of his wishes; that he yearned for come true.
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