TS - Winter Warmness

December 24, 1944. Ardennes, Belgium.

The Flying Hellfish Squad is resting inside the forest, singing carols around a bonfire they made. Everyone is happy, celebrating Christmas at peace for a while... well, almost.
Monty Burns is with them too, but it seems that he didn't enjoy that. He's not too fond about Xmas. So when Sergeant Simpson, Private Phelps, Wiggum and Gumble start to annoy to the "serious" Radio Operator Skinner (and the others start to laugh), Burns took advantage of that for go away.

Once totally alone in the forest, and not even knowing where he's, Monty start to get cold and feel somehow lonely. But he tried to convince himself that he really don't care about it.

Suddenly a shadow appear. Burns as about to take his rifle when realized that it's harmless. Then a familiar voice speak.

???: Mr. Burns?
Burns:.... Smithers?

Then from the shadows, appear the figure of Private Smithers (member of another squad, the team where Burns belongs before).

Smithers (very happy): Monty! Sir! So it was you! Thank Godness that I didn't shot.
Burns: Well... it's was me. Whatever... what are you doing here?
Smithers: Patrol. That it. Quite a coincidence finding you here. Why you're not with your team?
Burns: I don't need them... their carols annoyed me and... (start sneezing)
Smithers:!!! Sir! You're getting a cold... why you don't have a blanket or anything?!
Burns: That's not matter (keep sneezing, closing his eyes).

He can't lie himself. It's getting to cold for him... suddenly he feel a soft and warm texture around his neck. Open his eyes, realizing that Smithers is placing his own blanket around his head.

Burns (blushing): But... Waylon, it's your blanket!
Smithers (smiling): Don't worry about me. It's you the one who need this.

Now Monty is speachless... ever in his life someone did somethign like that with him. It's really that important for Smithers? He can feel his heart beating when he feel Smithers' scent at his blanket around his head.

Smithers: Okay, you'll feel better with that. So, I'll take you back with your squad.
Burns: Wait!
Smithers: Huh?
Burns: Not yet... I...huh... I want to... spend more... time with you (he get amazed with the words he said).

Smithers blushed, but smile.

Smithers: All right, so let's see the stars.
Burns: Ok.

For several minutes, in where the forest ended, Burns and Smithers look at the stars. So quiet, so peaceful. Monty feel so happy, specially at Smithers's side. In that very moment realized what kind of feelings he have about him since many years... he's in love with his servant. But it's not the moment for say that. Not yet...

Finally Smithers take Burns back with the Flying Hellfish.

Smithers: Ok Monty, it's time to returns to me own team. Please take care. (leaving)
Burns: Waylon!
Smithers: Yes?
Burns (smiling): Merry Christmas.
Smithers (smiling back): Thank you, Merry Christmas. Bye!

So Monty goes back with his team, and even if he's not participating with them... for the first time he can feel the xmas spirit... along with this new feeling of love.

C. Montgomery Burns and Waylon Smithers Sr. (c) Matt Groening