Chapter Text
Christmas Eve.
It’s a day of Celebration. It’s a day of Joy.
But it’s also a day of Reflection. A day to look back at the Advent Season and look at all the wonderful memories that have been made over the month. Because Christmas isn’t a day, but a period. And each day of the Advent Period is just as important as the last, right?
So let’s count down the days one by one. At the same time, let’s look through the windows and see how everyone is holding up during the last remaining hours of the festive period.
Let’s do this.
24.
“I have to say, that old bell looks fantastic up there,” Shiver exclaimed, marveling at their handiwork. The old bell from the pair’s hometown had been strapped up onto Splatsville’s tower, shining in the mid-afternoon light.
“Ay!” Big Man responded.
“Yes yes, you were a fantastic help, Big Man.” Shiver affirmed, the young Stingray smirking in pride. “Frye, dear. Are you ready to ring it tonight?”
“Shell yeah!” The other Cephalopod replied from across the room, bringing through three mugs of steaming hot chocolate. “Dead on Midnight, I’ll be darting up there with the eels to get that thing going.” I can’t wait!
And so the trio kept their eyes on the clock, joking and laughing together until the sun came down.
23.
“Nyahaha! Our carole sounds absolutely divine on the radio, Kaede!”
“It’s… wow… we all did fantastically! And your voice… oh my goodness, it’s wonderful.”
“I couldn’t have done it without ya though, sweetheart! Your piano just ties everything together so beautifully…” Angie said. “Sure, I mayyyy be biassed, but it really is the most glorious sound I’ve ever heard.”
“Awww Angie… well, I definitely wouldn’t mind doing something like that again.”
“Well in that case…” Angie’s eyes shot to the piano at the back of the room. “Since today’s the big day, you wanna do another rendition of ‘Christmas Eve?’”
With a giggle, Kaede took Angie’s wrist and dragged her to the other corner of the room, buzzing with excitement.
22.
“RUI?! HOW IS THIS TREE HOLDING TOGETHER?”
“I will admit it’s not the most functional bit of decor I own, but you have to admit it at least has some character.” Rui responded. “Ah, and take a closer look at the star if you get the chance.”
“What- the star that’s hanging on by a THREAD?”
And as if it had heard every word, the star came tumbling down from its former position, landing on Tsukasa’s head with a satisfying ‘bonk.’
“OW! God, I swear this room is out to ge- huh?”
Upon closer inspection, stuck dead in the center of the metal object was a photo of Tsukasa’s face. The golden-haired boy’s actual face instantly went red. Dammit… Rui always knew how to get him.
“Happy now, my star?” Rui muttered sweetly, a sly grin on his face. Tsukasa simply responded by charging at Rui, tackling him into a hug.
21.
“Pearlie? What exactly are you…”
“Oh. I fancied giving you another Snow Day. But I’m no weather expert, so I settled on running a nice Bubble Bath instead. I may have used half the bottle, but that’s there for when you want it.
“Aww Pearlie- bless you,” Marina responded, giving the shorter Cephalopod by her side a small peck on the cheek. I’ll just finish the last-minute wrapping, and then I’ll be right with you.”
“In that case, wanna watch that one corny Christmas movie while I help you wrap?” Pearl suggested, laughing at how Marina’s eyes lit up at the mere suggestion.
“Let’s do it! I’ll get the wrapping paper while you find the movie.” Marina told her partner, dashing off. Laughing at their girlfriend’s enthusiasm, Pearl trailed behind her.
20.
“Amber, do you reckon that the lake has frozen back over yet?” Eula asked as the pair sat in front of the roaring fire of the Favonious Library.
“Eula- you’ve been skating every day since we first went. You’re gonna pull something if you’re not careful.”
“Alright. I’ll take it easy tonight. But, we better find a way to fit it into our plans tomorrow, or mark my words-“
“Vengeance will be yours. I know, sweetheart.” The Outrider replied. “And it will be mine if you don’t take care of yourself, okay?”
“Got it, dear.” Eula affirmed, snuggling further into her girlfriend’s arms.
19.
“Chihiro, are you sure they’re going to welcome me back so readily?”
Celeste stared over the balcony of her and Chihiro’s shared apartment, taking in the last remaining hours of her day. In response to the question, Chihiro simply came over to the Gambler, placing an arm around her shoulder.
“I’m sure. There’s a lot of people who missed you.” The program responded. “Kirigiri-San and Ikusaba-San in particular.”
“…Ikusaba?” Celeste replied, cocking her head in confusion.
“Ah. I’ll need to explain that later.” Chihiro mumbled before turning to the scenery behind them. “Isn’t the view from here beautiful?”
“It truly is, isn’t it?” The gambler responded. “So many wonderful lights.”
Celeste rotated herself slightly to make eye contact with the person by her side.
“It doesn’t outshine what’s next to me, though.”
18.
Vampire Cookie felt a tap on his shoulder. Hoisting himself up onto his elbows and tilting his head up, he came face-to-face with Sparkling Cookie. What’s more, he had a singular piece of mistletoe dangling from his hand. Vampire attempted to pinch himself- was he dreaming?
“Wake up, sleepyhead.” Sparkling cooed from where he stood. “I’ve got a small present for you.”
“Ah. Um. Uh…” Vampire responded, the concept of the English Language appearing to have escaped him. Sparkling simply laughed before ducking his head down to allow him to connect lips with the redhead beside him.
“Finally.” Mint Choco Cookie muttered from behind a nearby door. “Took Sparkling long enough to figure out he’s being serious.”
“You could say that again.” Herb Cookie replied with a laugh. “They’re perfect for each other, though.”
“Indeed they are, my friend.” Mint Choco responded. “Indeed they are.”
17.
"Want me to get another log for the fire, Saki?” Shiho shouted from the next room over. “I don’t want you getting cold again.”
“Thank you, Shi!” Saki shouted back. “Hona, you’ve got a piece of ribbon tangled in your hair again.”
As the blonde kneeled up to remove the foreign object from her girlfriend’s hair, Honami leaned forward to trap Saki in a kiss.
“My god, that was smooth,” Ichika exclaimed from beside her- clapping her hands. “But c’mon, I want to join in too.”
Before either Saki or Honami could react, Ichika dived forward to embrace both girls tightly. After Shiho returned with the logs, she joined in, embracing her girlfriends from the opposite side of Ichika.
They decided to stay like this a little longer before returning to wrapping.
16.
“By archons, I’ve had so many requests for Paper Cranes since we made those ones for the city!” Yoimiya told the pale-haired girl, flopping onto one of the sofas.
“I’m not surprised- they looked ever-so professional. All of your hand-made decorations do. I’d request several each day if I could.” Ayaka responded with a smile.
“And you know I’d be more than happy to do so, right?”
“Of course. You really are the kindest soul on earth, Yoimiya.”
Suddenly, Ayaka’s eyes hit the open door. Her gaze narrowed once she noticed her brother talking and laughing alongside their housekeeping, an uncharacteristic smirk appearing on her face.
“So, when are we planning on setting those two up?” Yoimiya asked, meeting Ayaka’s smirk with one of her own.
“Oh don’t worry, dear. It’ll happen soon enough.” Ayaka replied with a chuckle.
15.
The bell jingled once again as Cocoa Cookie was preparing to pack up for the day. However, the sight of a certain sharply dressed Cookie with striped hair stopped her plans in their tracks.
“Merry Christmas, Mint Choco Cookie.” Cocoa greeted, her face instantly warming up. “Could I get you anything?”
“Oh, all I’m after is a little bit of time with my girlfriend.” Mint Choco replied smoothly, making Cocoa go red in an instant. “Would you care to join me!”
“Oh, of course!” Cocoa affirmed. “Let me just make us some flasks of Cocoa to take with us, and we’ll be all set.”
As the Cocoa machine gently hissed to life, Cocoa stared at the Cookie in front of her, thanking the Heroes up above for allowing her to be so, so lucky.
14.
“Captain 3! Agent 3! We’ve come to see you one last time before the holidays!”
The heads of the Alterna Inkling Duo shot up, eyes widening at the sight of Agents 4 and 8 running up to them, waving their hands frantically.
“Pleased to be meeting you again.” Agent 8 greeted, smiling wildly. “We have bought the gifts that are from Pearl and Marina for you.”
Captain 3 looked at their fellow Agent, pointing to a nearby box.
“Ah, of course! We have your gifts here from Callie and Marie. They’ve gone with Cuttlefish for a separate family celebration, so they’ve trusted us to share them with you.”
“Awww! Well, make sure to thank ‘em for us!” Agent 4 responded. “And remember- don’t be a stranger! You’re welcome back over in Inkopolis any time. We’re family after all!”
Agent 3 couldn’t help but smile as 4 and 8 walked off. They always loved hearing that word.
Family.
13.
“Ah, Doctor! My dear friend!”
Dr. Harvey was busy staring off into the frozen land in front of him, suddenly being called back to attention by a familiar hand gracing his shoulder.
“Elliot! It’s been a couple of weeks. How have you been?”
“Ah, writing has kept me captive at my desk for quite a while,” Elliot replied with his usual dramatic flair. “But I have been meaning to thank you for your kind gift... I’ve been using the quill daily- it’s truly a spectacular item.”
“Well, I’m just glad that you liked it,” Harvey told the other, smiling sheepishly. “I… thought you’d find it weird.”
“On the contrary, dear Doctor!! It’s fantastic!” Elliot responded. Suddenly though, his gaze appeared to soften.
“Say, you wouldn’t be interested in a drink or two at the saloon later? My treat. Think of it as a… outing.”
Harvey felt himself go red as a beetroot. This… this wasn’t a…
“SURE! SURE! SEEYOUTHEN!” He spluttered, running in the other direction.
12.
“Alright, Big Guy?”
Kaito sat down beside his boyfriend on the sofa, squeezing his hand tightly. “Feeling a little warmer now?”
“Mhm, Gonta thankful that Kaito had all this ready for Gonta,” Gonta murmured.
“I’ll put another log on the fire and get you another blanket, honey.” The Astronaut told The Entomologist, planting a kiss on his forehead. “I’m sorry you got caught in the rain while running those errands.”
“It alright. Gonta just glad he could help Kaito. And now, Gonta just want Kaito to stay with Gonta by the fireplace.”
“How could I refuse such a polite request by such a polite Gentleman?” Kaito replied, beaming. And so he got another blanket from behind the sofa, draped it over him and Gonta, and put his arms tightly around the other man.
11.
“Right. Bad news. The Sleds have finally broke.”
“Ken, you act like those sleds weren’t already broken, to begin with,” Akito replied, sipping his hot cocoa.
“Welp, look on the bright side.” An told the ginger-hued opposite her. “At least you can no longer embarrass yourself out on the hill.” Kohane tried to stifle a laugh- failing miserably. Akito shot a harsh glance her way.
"Alright, lay off An. It’s Christmas.” Ken muttered, trying to hide the smirk growing on his face.
“It’s alright, Akito,” Toya said. “Horrific sledder or not, I still love you.”
And with that, the bluenette took his boyfriend in a hug. An, Kohane, and Ken went through their usual “Awwwww!” routine. Akito sighed. Despite all this, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
10.
“Thank you for taking the time to visit little-old me so soon after your last visit, Layla.” Miko greeted as the academic came through the door.
“No problem…” Layla replied, rubbing her eyes. “I… was allowed some more time off for the holidays.”
“Well, that’s fantastic. Because I have someone I want you to meet. She’s been wishing to see you for a while now, actually.”
Miko walked towards the nearby doorway, dipping her head around it.
“Ei? She’s here.”
“Wait… Ei? As in…”
The Raiden Shogun entered the room, a small smile on her face. She approached the young scholar, hand outstretched.
“Welcome, Miss Layla.”
“Am I… dreaming?” Layla exclaimed, causing Miko to burst into laughter. Maybe this trip wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
9.
“Hello? Who is-“
Annie’s jaw dropped at the sight of the long-haired Anemone at the door. In her right hand was a handful of Candy Canes.
“Hello, stranger.” Harmony greeted, grinning. “Thank you for the Candy Canes! I… only thought it’d be fair if I returned the favor.”
Silence. Annie was grasping at straws, desperately trying to fish up some sort of reply.
“I… um… thank you so much! You didn’t have to…”
“But… I did! And uh… I wanna do something with you later on today…”
Harmony pressed a couple of tickets into the other Anemone’s hand.
“Would you um… like to see “Wet Floor” with me later?”
From what Spyke could see from his position slumped on the couch, Annie looked like she could explode any second.
8.
Peko heard a small ping coming from her phone. Another message from Mahiru, begging to get on a video call with the others.
Since that day when she decided to reach out once again and bake hand-in-hand with her friends, her life had become a lot more social. That wasn’t anything to complain about- not in the slightest. It was just a surprise.
Peko was sitting cross-legged in her bedroom, one of the gingerbread cookies in her hand. Her laptop was in front of her, and she began to fiddle around with the screen before starting the call, eyes lighting up as everyone's faces came into view. As she bit into one of the gumdrop buttons, she began smiling to herself. Her entire life seemed to have turned upside down.
And she loved it. So, so much.
7.
Penny was standing at the door to her trailer, mouth agape.
Well, actually, it wasn’t a trailer anymore. Instead, it was a full-blown house, truly something to call home. And standing beside the door, handmade wreath in hand, was her beloved Maru.
“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” Maru began. “This was put together using funds from both me and The Farmer. You’d always said how much you’d love to own your own house… so… um…”
Maru was cut off by Penny holding them in the tightest embrace known to mankind. Tears began to stream down her face as she smiled sweetly at the scientist in front of her.
“I… don’t know what to say…” Penny replied. “This is… beyond anything I could have ever hoped for…”
“It’s alright, Penny. Just seeing you react like this says more than any sentence could. Wanna hang the wreath on the door together?”
“Yes… yes please, dear.”
6.
“Wow. You REALLY do love that sweater, huh, Kanade? Have you even taken it off since I gave it to you?”
Kanade simply shrugged, instead opting to flop into the animator’s arms, snuggling into them.
“Hey- I ain’t complaining. You look stunning in it.” Mizuki continued.
“Mhm… I’m finally able to look just as stunning as you do on a daily basis…” Kanade murmured, practically melting into her partner. Mizuki felt themself go as pink as her hair at the Songwriter’s words.
“Hey. Only *I* get to be the one who teases in this relationship.” They scolded.
“Oh, really? Then how come you have the dumbest grin on your face right now?”
Silence.
“Alright… you win.” The animator murmured, their smile only growing wider.
5.
“Did you know that it’s tradition in Poland to” leave an extra serving of Christmas dinner on the table should someone turn up uninvited?”
Rantaro and Korekiyo had returned to their balcony once more, this time equipped with enough scarves to stock the average accessories store. They were eating their evening meal, talking about the various traditions they had researched that morning to share with each other.
“You and that mind of yours never fail to disappoint, Rantaro,” Korekiyo said, scribbling down every word uttered. “Allow me to return your fact with one of my own.”
Rantaro nodded before his eyes suddenly widened as Korekiyo tilted his head up so the two met eye-to-eye.
“Did you know it’s tradition for me to marvel at just how beautiful you are, Rantaro?”
“Wow. Christ almighty, Kiyo.”
“Shhh… we cannot utter that expression at this time of year, sweetheart.”
And with that, the two broke into a brief laughing fit before sitting down to enjoy the wonderful evening ahead of them.
4.
Crusty Sean was back on the road again, his heart filled with joy. Not just from the festive period, but other events as well.
He knew that he’d never get over the feeling of loneliness out on the road. He knew that it would always be hard to cope without a friend beside him.
But he at least had something special beside him. A scrapbook- a representation of just how much everyone around him cared, every image acting as an extra boost of serotonin.
And now, as he sat at the table in his van, he was adding a new image. One of him and his friends all together, surrounded by Evergreen.
It was that belief that his friends placed in him, the love they expressed, even all those miles away…
It was that feeling that caused Sean to push on. No matter what.
3.
“Emu? It’s almost 10 pm, how are you even here?”
“I have a Pre-Christmas gift for you, my darling Nene-Chan!” Emu replied, shoving a small pink box into the other girl’s hands. “Cmon! Open it! Open it!
Confused, Nene began to unwrap the present in their hands. Opening the box would reveal a small female wooden nutcracker doll- dressed head to toe in pink.
“Ena-Chan helped me make it!” Emu explained, grinning. “Now Nene-Chan always has something to help remember that special night!”
Nene looked at the tiny doll, feeling like she could burst into tears at any moment. That whole night still felt like a fever dream to her. But every time they thought about it, it would cause their heart to glow.
She guessed that Emu just had that effect on her.
2.
“Another game of chess?” Hollyberry Cookie uttered in shock. “Are you two EVER going to stop challenging one another?”
“I’m… determined… to beat him.” Clotted Cream Cookie muttered. “He… won’t… win… forever.”
“Dream on, kid.” Hollyberry laughed. “Eh, at least it’s better than the two of ya hating each other’s guts, right P.V?”
“She’s right. I’m happy the two of you are finally learning to get along.” Pure Vanilla responded, his face beaming. “And hey, we can always try and do another 2v2 if you’d like?”
“That sounds like a splendid idea!” Clotted Cream Cookie replied. “Let me just grab Sir Cacao now.”
As the Young Council left the room, Pure Vanilla felt himself get enveloped in cheer once more. He smiled, looking at the window, staring out into the distance. As he did, he whispered something, hoping it’d reach the person he wanted to find.
“White Lily Cookie… are you proud of us?”
1.
Twas the Night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring.
Okay, that may be a slight lie. One creature was.
A young kid sat at their desk, typing to their heart's content, filling pages upon pages with festive tales, hoping that their words were able to make someone smile.
They’ve been at this for 24 days now. And it appears the curtain is finally beginning to close. Every door has been opened, every prompt has been explored.
There’s just one last thing that this writer would like you to hear.
And it’s that they wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New year.
0.
ADVENT CALENDAR 2022- COMPLETE