4th Floor Common Room, Sunday Evening

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

Isabel flipped on the TV and sat back on the couch waiting for the opening credits of The Amazing Race to begin. She really hoped Team Goth would be able to get through whatever the Speed Bump turned out to be.

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[girlzippo.livejournal.com]

Charlie had gotten back late the night before, and spent a lot of time thinking, but was now looking for diversion. "What's on? And hi, merry Christmas!"

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"You're either a little late or pretty damn early," Isabel teased. "But same to you."

[girlzippo.livejournal.com]

"Deadlines, bah," Charlie said, settling in next to Isabel. "Oh, hey, I have a present for you back in my room? Don't let me leave without giving it to you."

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"I've got one as well." Isabel glanced at the TV and frowned. "And since it looks like there's a football delay, let me go get it for you."

She returned down the hall to her room and returned two minutes later with a small box (https://shop.thehungersite.com/store/item.do?itemId=30367&siteId=220&sourceId=17&sourceClass=Category&index=3). "Here. Merry Christmas!"

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

Rodney, having just dumped his stuff in his room, wandered through the dorm to see who else was around. Seeing Charlie, he entered the Common Room. "Hi!" He grinned. "How was your break?"

[girlzippo.livejournal.com]

"Rodney! Hi! It was good, actually," Charlie said, maybe just a shade too cheerfully. "I have a present for you back at my room. You should stop by later."

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"That's great," he said as he failed to notice any false cheer. "I'll bring your gift when I come down later," Rodney nodded.

"My break was okay. Well, aside from my parents being there, of course. But it was good to spend some time with Jeanie. She's almost as smart as I was when I was a few years younger than her," he added proudly.

[itsjustlanguage.livejournal.com]

Hoshi was happy to be back in the familiar common room after the week she had. "Hi! Is there anything good on?"

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"The Amazing Race should be on in a few minutes," Isabel told her. "That's always fun."

[itsjustlanguage.livejournal.com]

"I don't think I've seen that one. What kind of race is it?" asked Hoshi.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"A race around the world by teams of two," Isabel explained. "They have legs to complete and tasks to do along the way. It's fun to watch how crazed people get as they get more and more tired."

[girlzippo.livejournal.com]

"Hey, Hoshi. How was your break?" Charlie called out, studying her new necklace in the light.

[itsjustlanguage.livejournal.com]

Hoshi couldn't help wincing just a little bit. "I've determined that my family has all gone insane, except for my father," she replied. "How was yours?"

[goodgirlmeg.livejournal.com]

So the fourth floor was pretty much Meg's home now. She spent most of her time there anyways.

"Hey!" she said when she came in.

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"Hey!" Isabel waved. "How was your holiday?"

[goodgirlmeg.livejournal.com]

"Good. I spent it with Dean's family," she said. "Aside from some green guy stealing the presents for a while it was fun. How about you?"

[girlzippo.livejournal.com]

"Hey," Charlie waved to Meg, smiling as she put the necklace from Isabel on. "How was your break? Have you seen Dean around?"

[goodgirlmeg.livejournal.com]

"Oh, he's around. Not sure where exactly at the moment but he's around," she said. "Break was good. Better than I thought it would be since this was the first Christmas I didn't spend at home. How about you?"

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

Dean wandered out, thinking he'd see if there was anyone to watch The Amazing Race with for a change. And it looked like there was. "Hey, Isabel," he greeted her with a smile. "Have a good Christmas?"

[izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com]

"Hey Dean!" she grinned. "I did. It was nice to be home. But it's even nicer to be back."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, this place kinda grows on you," Dean agreed. "I got your present. It's so cool. Thanks."

[girlzippo.livejournal.com]

"Dean! Dean! Dean." Charlie grinned and bounced up from the couch to give him a hug. "Happy early New Year!"

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Hey Charlie," Dean greeted her, hugging her back. "Happy New Year to you too. Have a good Christmas?"

[goodgirlmeg.livejournal.com]

Meg smiled and gave Dean a wave when she saw him come in. "I knew the call of the Amazing Race would have you in here."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

Dean smiled back. "Guilty as charge. Though having the room full of my favourite blondes is a pretty good draw too."