Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

" It's a Christmas day in the Garden view lounge. Where toon's cheer and cookies are downed. "
" Where Holiday cheer is never the rest, new toons in town for the holiday fest! "

Every toon gathered to celebrate a beautiful holiday. They wore their soft fluffy gloves and muffs to keep them warm. Teagan made some hot cocoa just for the fest! How delightful. They all talked happily while eating a big feast. Smelling the warmth and nostalgia. It felt like such a dream come true. As every toon was feasting on some great dishes, Finn was alone drinking hot cocoa on the balcony. He sighed as the hot cocoa mixed with his breath. Looking up to the moon, he felt the water in his bowl freeze. He always hates it because every toon gets to play on the snow except him. 

"It isn't fair.." 
Finn placed his hot cocoa on top of the balcony railings. Envying every toon enjoying Christmas. They're all playing in the snow, making snowman's and snow angels. But he can't do all of that. He can't just pour all his water out, leaving Barnaby Willikers. Won't he shatter by accident? He thought of every idea to keep his water from freezing but nothing works. He looked down at his feet as he kicked the snow on the floor. He took his hot cocoa and went back in. Acting normal as usual. Teagan approaches Finn

"Hello deary, would you like to join us? I've made some tea's for your comfort."
Teagan smiled gently as she stretched her arm to the tables. She was always nice and considerate, but she always seem so busy with all the other toons. Finn shook his head gently and awkwardly smiled back.

"Haha.. Thanks Teagan! But I'll ink about it!"
Finn laughed as Teagan giggled a little as well. 

"Very well, Finn. I'll see you later alright?"
Teagan waved away as she walked to Scraps and Tisha at the table. Finn looked around as he watch all the toons talk to each other. Every toon has their own person, but Finn doesn't seem to have one. Even his best friend Shrimpo has Looey. Despite how Shrimpo seems to hate everyone equally, you could tell that he has a slight soft spot for Looey. But continuing on..

Finn walked through the halls, finding his room to go back to rotting on his bed. Putting the cork on and taking off his coat. His orange vest on the floor. He lied on the bed, looking up at his dimly lit light bulb. His room full of fishing rods on display with posters at the top of his bed. They didn't feel so motivating to him anymore. He thought to himself for hours. Was he just a burden? Do toons avoid him because he's annoying? Was his fish puns getting overused? His mind wandered and wandered else where.

Until he heard a little knock on the door, He got a little hope. He walked to the door and opened with a smile on his face. He looked down to see Pebble nibbling on to a piece of paper.

"Arf!"
Pebble jumped as Finn took the paper from him. Finn petted him before Pebble scurried off to Dandy. He took a good look at the paper. To his surprise, there were gonna be new toons in town. He was ecstatic to know about this. Maybe he can get a new friend! They were coming tomorrow? He was in such amazement! He tried representing himself better. He went to the bathroom and practice a few Christmas jokes to have a better image of himself.

As the hours passed, it was midnight. Finn was exhausted from practicing in the mirror. He thought to himself of what the toon would look like. A lolipop? A bear? Or maybe a cute little elf? So many picks and exciting new possibilities. But no matter what they looked liked, he just wants a friend after all. He doesn't discriminate by looks. He paced around his room to think of some other ways on how the new toons will be like. Would they be grumpy like Shrimpo? Are they gonna be sophisticated like Teagan? Or are they gonna be a jokester like Finn himself? He couldn't contain himself. He was too excited! But as Finn stops thinking about it. It was 2AM. He's panics, quickly washing up and wearing his Purple fish Onesie. 

"Goodnight Barnaby Willikers!"
Finn shut off the lights as he slowly closes his eyes, He wanders off in his dreams...

Chapter Text

" A tweet here, A tweet there. Would the new toons be over there? "
" What a sight to see new friends! I hope the fun never ends. "

Finn woke up from his loudly sounding alarm, 8AM. He yawned as he turned it off. Looking around his room, he didn't know where to start. The first thought, he needs to clean his room. It looks like a old man fisher's dump. It took him a few minutes but it was worth it anyways. After that, he goes to the bathroom to take a nice warm bath. He filled himself with the water in the shower as he cleaned the inside of his bowl. Placing Barnaby in a different bowl. He then gets ready and puts Barnaby back in his bowl. Opening the door to cheers and talking from his fellow toon friends.

"Wow Barnaby! It swirl is crowded! Haha!"
He walks happily with a big smile on his face, noticing everyone is waiting for the new Christmas Toons. Finn waved to everyone, walking up to Teagan.

"Good morning Finn. You look happy today I see."
Teagan notices the his sudden enthusiasm. Finn awkwardly giggled.

"Oh! Haha.. You noticed! That's so croc-ward! Hahaha!"
Finn laughed as his eyes shine. It felt like ages even though it's only been a few weeks since it was Christmas. He finally felt like he was free and happy. Finn sits down with Teagan and talked to him. 

The train starts creaking from the metal. Everyone watches the train stop, the doors opening as the hot steam breezed through the wind. 4 new toons came out of the Train, closing the doors back as the toons walked out. The Christmas toons waved and smiled. One was a reindeer, another was a gingerbread, yet another was a bauble. Lastly, the other was a big chunk of Coal. Every toon greeted each other. They welcomed the Christmas toons with warm smiles. 

As everyone talked and cheered for the Christmas toons, it seemed like no one wanted to talk to the reindeer. Finn noticed that, walking up to the reindeer. He stretched out his arm and gave him a big smile.

"Heya! My name is Finn! I would like you to let minnow more about you! Haha!"
Finn smiled as the reindeer giggled. The reindeer stretched out his arm too, shaking hoove-to-hand.

"Hi there! My name is Rudie! I just love the idea of Christmas!"
Rudie chuckled with Finn has his red nose glowed bright red. 

"Ahaha.. Don't mind my nose! It does that when I'm too excited.."
He looked away in embarrassment as the nose starts shining brighter. Finn giggled a little before walking up to Rudie at the side he was staring at.

"Hey I think that makes you even more unique! You're fintastic just the way you are!"
Finn held both of his arms as Rudie froze for a few seconds before giggling.

"Wow.. Thanks alot. I appreciate it.. Finn."
Rudie smiled, he felt the warmth with Finn.. What was this feeling? 

Shrimpo saw this in disgust, watching them from a distance. Laughing to himself.
"HEHE.. NOW THIS IS GONNA BE FUN!"

Chapter Text

" The new toons in town are having a treat, one of them really wants a little greet. "
" With everyone busy being together, but it looks like someone want's to pull a feather. "

As Rudie and Finn talked, their voices echoed in the hallway as they walked. It seemed like everyone was busy in the Garden view lounge. 

"Hey Finn, I'll put my stuff in the room first. Is that alright?"
Rudie looked over to Finn telling him, he smiled, raising his eyebrows.

"Oh that'll be oak-kay! Haha!"
Finn giggled, Rudie chuckled a little as well. He closes the door behind him. Finn squealed in excitement. His mouth was wording the words "YES! YES! YES! I FINALLY HAVE A FRIEND!" He looked up to cool himself down from jumping up and down. His eyes wandered around the area. His heart was beating like crazy. He thought that it was because he could finally make a friend. But it just felt like something else to him. Though the more he thought about it, Rudie came back outside like he said he would.

"Sup! Did I keep you waiting?"
Rudie opened the door, his head peeking out.

"Aha! Ahh.. Nope! Not at all!"
Finn flinched at Rudie suddenly coming out from the door, though he laughed it off as Rudie smiled at Finn.

Rudie got out the door, locking the door behind him. Finn was hesitant at first, he was opening his mouth but he doesn't know what to say. Rudie noticed, putting his hoove on Finn's chest. Finn was taken aback, staring at Rudie's hoove on his chest then looking back at Rudie.

"Take your time. I just thought you were choking so I had to check!"
Rudie giggled as he lifted his hoove away from Finn. He was confused for a second before clearing his throat and trying to spit out what he was trying to say.

"Uh-uh-uhm.. So.. W-will you.. go eat.. with me.. a-at.. AT THE KITCHEN!"
Finn felt himself getting embarrassed over this. He doesn't know why but he's starting to get nervous around Rudie like this. He couldn't even crack his usual fish jokes! His heart thumps every second around Rudie. What was he feeling? He didn't understand what he was going through.

"Oh of course! Who wouldn't want to eat in the holiday's?"
Rudie wrapped his arm around Finn's hand, dashing to the Kitchen as the wind echoes from Rudie's antlers.

As the hallway was empty, until footsteps were heard from the other way of the hallway. It was Shrimpo, he wanted to prank the Christmas toons to make them run away like wet cats. He found out Rudie's fear through the conversations he heard with Finn. Shrimpo tries to unlock the door using a lockpick. Took him a few tries before he could finally get in. He scanned the area as he giggled mischievously. He knew what to do. Walking up to the window, he opened it and left a letter on the desk. Leaving the room and left the door open. He went back to trying to unlock Bobette's room until he heard someone walking in the hallway. Fleeing from the scene.

Shrimpo fled into Brightney's room by accident, coincidentally it was Brightney trying to get something from her room. He quickly hid under the bed to avoid getting caught. As Brightney went in the room, she mumbled random things about her putting the Book club on hold to go skiing. Until she went out the room. Shrimpo got out under the bed, opening the door to realize he was locked in Brightney's room. Thinking of a way to get out, he saw the idea and immediately knew what he wanted to do with no thought out of it. Jumping out from the window.

He finds himself outside the building. Something he has never done before. He circled the building to try and get back in but it seemed like it was too late at night to even get back in. He tried finding a place to sleep just to let the day pass by, but everywhere he went felt so uncomfortable for him to rest on! He raged and threw a fit in the middle of the forest. He took clawed the nearest rock he saw, opening half of the rock. Seeing a bunch of trees, he took the advantage to punch one down and make an axe out of the 2 materials he found. He starts to rampage all over the forest. Killing squirrels, cats, etc. Putting his skin on him, he then cooks the meat he got from the animals, putting them on a campfire.

Meanwhile back in Garden view, Everyone was going back to sleep but Brightney saw how Shrimpo's room was open. She was too tired to go investigate. Going to her room, she finds her window wide open. She was confused, closing the window back. 

"Did Shrimpo jump off..?"
Brightney tried connecting the dots as she stared out the window.

"What would he do that? Who am I kidding."
Brightney then takes off her light bulb and goes to sleep minutes later.

Chapter Text

" I love how your fur was ever so radiant, the look that you give me is always so pleasant. "
" My mind would always wander off to you, if I ever asked you.. Would you do it too? "

As they made their way to the kitchen, it looked like Bobette was trying to make pudding with Sprout and Cosmo. It looked like a complete mess in there. But their final product looked amazing. Bobette was pleased at what she made as well.

"Oh hello boys! Would you like to taste my newest recette du pudding?"
Bobette giggled, sliding the dish to Rudie and Finn. The 3 bakers waited for their opinion in anticipation. As they ate the pudding, drumroll was played for the final reveal..

"Uhhm.. It taste kind of watery.. Are you sure you gave her the correct recipe, Sprout?"
Finn ate slowly in disgust, gulping down to the most boringly abdominal pudding dish. Sprout stares at the both of them as his eye twitches so slightly.

"Me and Cosmo stayed up from 2AM because we were trying to learn holiday cookies."
Sprout giggles out of nowhere, it felt concerning to see the main baker's with eyebags. Considering they're always the 1st toons to sleep other than Astro. Rudie and Finn looked at each other then back at them.

"Yea! Uh.. We'll just.. leave everything to you anndd.. We're gonna celebrate Christmas..! Merry Christmas guys!"
Rudie backed away while wrapping his arm around Finn's hand. Waving awkwardly as Cosmo and Sprout terrifyingly wave goodbye.

As the day passed by, Rudie and Finn walked around the the entire lobby. Talking about their favorite Christmas things. Like foods, presents, decorations. etc. It wasn't an all that exciting date. Nothing interesting in particular. But then, it was time for everyone to drink some hot cocoa.

A time to cool down and relax with some cocoa, everyone gathered around the diner to get a cup for their own. As Toodles was running around with Pebble, she bumped into Finn, spilling the fresh hot cocoa on Rudie by accident. Toodles was shocked and ran back to Finn.

"I-I'M SO SORRY FINN! Is your friend ok..?"
Toodles cried, her snot running down to her chin while tugging on Finn's pants. Pebble whimpered as he turned around to face the wall.

"Ahaha.. I-It's fine! I'm sure Rudie is too-"
Finn placed the hot cocoa on the table and turned around. He screamed and fell on the ground. Rudie's fur on his chest was burnt, his chest was full of red burns and blisters. Rudie's face was filled with fear. He looked around, shaking as everyone looked at him in concern. He quickly ran away out the hallway. Finn was shocked following Rudie as he ran as well.

"RUDIE WAIT!"
Finn screamed out Rudie's name. Tears fell from his face as he chased him. Until Rudie suddenly stopped at a nearby table, hiding behind it. His hooves were shaking, vision was blurry, headache constantly. Rudie felt like he was about to pass out. By then Finn found him, he slowly approached Rudie. Sitting down next to him. Finn quietly watched Rudie slowly start to calm down when Finn came. It felt like Rudie's worries were all gone in a second. 

As Rudie starts to calmed down slowly, he slowly turned his head to Finn. They stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds. It was awkward but it felt like they were feeling something for each other. Rudie smiled before placing his hoove on Finn's hand.

"Thanks. I.. I calmed down.. Thanks to you.."
Finn blushed slightly, awkwardly smiling back at Rudie. Finn eyes shined as he held Rudie's hoove with both his hands.

"You don't need to thank me! I just wanna know if you're ok! Does it hurt?"
Finn looked at Rudie's chest, Slowly placing his hand on Rudie's chest, before flinching away.

"I'll go get you to the infirmary room. Let's go Rudie."
Finn grabbed his hoove and walked away to the infirmary room. Rudie stared at Finn as he focused on getting Rudie healed again. He stared at his hoove holding onto Finn's hand. His heart skipped a beat. He thought it was kind of cute to think about. He tried to distract himself with the Christmas decorations but it just felt like Finn was the only one that he wanted to keep looking at. Finn was already his new favorite decoration.

Chapter Text

" Take care of him was like a cute dream, Never thinking about what it means. "
" Their life was better being together, but will it really last forever? "

In the infirmary, Finn was taking care of Rudie's burnt chest with medicine. Rudie tried to resist from running away and ramming Finn into the wall because that's always his immediate response. If it was all for Finn to not worry about Rudie, then he'd do it for him. Rudie felt water being gently dapped on his blisters and burns. The silence was filled, it was awkward because they didn't what to talk about next. They talked about everything, they both thought it was normal to not talk about anything during a moment like this. Wouldn't this how best friend's act with each other? Not awkward? Why does it feel so awkward to them? They both questioned themselves.

"Does it still hurt?"
As Finn wraps his chest with bandages, touching it gently. Rudie flinched before slowly resting his hoove on Finn's hand. Smiling warmly at him.

"Not anymore. I'm glad to have you around to make it all better."
Rudie teased Finn to get a reaction out of him, of course Finn flushed in embarrassment. They both stared into each other's eyes. Feeling the warmth between them, their faces were about to inch closer to each other. Their lips slowly brushing against each other.

"Hey Bobette!-"
Dandy was at the door, slowly opening his eyes to Rudie and Finn very VERY close to each other. He awkwardly stared at the both of them before running away. Looks like someone wants to talk to the Christmas toons too.

But as Dandy left, Finn got off the metal bed. Still smiling.

"We should go somewhere private.. Don't you think?"
Rudie flushed a little before nodding. They left the infirmary room, walking their way to the hallway of rooms. The hallway was empty since everyone is at the lounge celebrating Christmas as usual. 

"Are you sure no one would find us here? This looks pretty obvious.."
They were both in Finn's room. Finn nodded as he looked around the room to think of something to talk about. Until he finally thought of something.

"Wanna see my collections of sea life?"
Finn looked up at his celling, it was a bunch of different Shells and Conch shell's pasted on the celling. It wasn't much but it was mainly on top of the bed. Finn jumped up and took one down to show an example.

Finn went on by yapping about a bunch of different Shells and how they impact the sea life. He also talked about some other things. As he continued talking about his interest for practically an hour, realizing he didn't let Rudie speak once.

"OH! R-RUDIE! I'M SO SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO MAKE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MYSELF! I-"
Finn panicked but Rudie puts his hoove on him, shutting him up.

"Just continue, I like hearing your sea facts. What did you say about the myth with the Conch shell?"
Finn's eyes lightened with hope and happiness, finally! Someone that DOES listen to his facts and interest! He continued talking about all the different forms of each shells and many other mythical sea creatures that he'd love to meet. Rudie admired him in a way that he doesn't know how to explain. It just felt like listening to Finn yap was.. comforting of sorts.

"Maybe I am in love."

Chapter Text

" The time's we spent together meant so much, but I've been holding a grudge. "
" I don't despise anything about you, it's quite the opposite. But I wish my friends don't think much of it. "

After the night of talking with Finn, Rudie was tired out. But it was worth it to him. While Rudie was laying on his bed, thinking about Finn. A notification of a bell popped up. It was from his phone. Rudie holds a apple pen to tap on the app. The pinned chat was his best friend, Warren the Wreath. Warren and Rudie have been best friends since kindergarten. They did practically everything together. Warren would always tell Rudie bible verses to show how much he loved Jesus. As a child, growing up with those stuff was normal to Rudie. But sometimes, it felt uncomfortable to him since he doesn't always talk about Christianity that much. He thinks for a second, before replying.

Warren 🎄
Hey Rudie!

1 NEW MESSAGE

The message flashed before him. He felt hesitant for a second. Before texting back.

Rudie 🫎
haiya
wsp?

Warren 🎄
So how's the stay at THE Gardenview?!

Rudie 🫎
it's nice here
i feel welcomed

Warren 🎄
That's great! Did you make any friends?

Rudie 🫎
uhh..
i do have a crush on someone right now

Warren 🎄
HAH! I knew my bestest friend has some love for girls!
Wanna tell me about her?

Rudie 🫎
uhm..
i think i like a boy..

Warren 🎄
A boy? You can't like a boy. You're not supposed to. You're just joking with me right?

Rudie knew this would happen. He knew that when he tell a friend he hang out with for years wouldn't accept him. Rudie had to play along and laughed it off as a 
"Joke" knowing that he can never tell him.

Rudie 🫎
oh hahah
im js joking!
ill see u later ok?
i need to go help out some toons

Rudie closed his phone as his breath felt heavy. The breathing was aggressive. He was uncomfortable about all this. If He confronted Warren about this he wouldn't have any friends left. He starts to overthink about his stay or maybe going back home. Is he able to survive without the cold snowy place? Can he just avoid all his problems? Can't he just tell Warren he's gay? Nothing wrong with being gay right? Rudie panicked once again. His breathing non-stop and his head gotten dizzy.

"Hey? Are you ok Rudie?"
Finn was worried of him. As he emerged from the doorway. Closing it behind him before sitting next to him. Rudie looked back at him in tears. His phone dropping to the floor. Rudie hugged him tightly, Finn was stunned. This happened before but it felt so worrying for him again. Finn pushed him slightly back. Holding onto his shoulders.

"I.. I just need comfort."
Rudie told him with his shaky voice. Looking into Finn's eyes, as they stared at each other. They just can't help themselves. But as they inched their faces closer. Their lips were slowly brushing against each other. This isn't weird right? They kissed.

Chapter Text

" With a tingle of your lips, I don't feel alarmed."
"My heart beats for you with your beautiful charm."

As Rudie and Finn kissed for the first time, As they both let go. Finn looked away in embarrassment. Rudie was flushed by the sudden kiss and gave a light-hearted smile to Finn.

"That makes you feel better right..? SORRY IF I MADE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE! IM NOT USED TO THIS!"
Finn's water bowl turned red, hot steamy bubbles slowly flow out of his bowl. Rudie giggled and poured ice water into his bowl. 

"I'm not uncomfortable or anything, it was just sudden.. Don't think much about it ok?"
Rudie kissed his cheek and got up from the bed. 

"I'm gonna go and wait for you outside. We're gonna open presents today!"
Finn walked out of the room, telling him with his head out the door. After closing the door, Rudie decides to finally start to day by showering. Showering in silence with the water hitting the floor, he thinks about what to do. Is being attracted to guys wrong? He looked down at his private part. Feeling uneasy by his own desires. It's hard but he won't do it. Quickly washing up his fur and tucking his part away into his fur. Getting out of the shower feeling leftover cold drops of water flowing through his fur. Grooming his fur gently as he looked at himself in the mirror. He keeps thinking back at texts with him and Warren. Is it really wrong to think about boys in a romantic manner? Jesus loves everyone equally. Surely he doesn't hate gays.

As Rudie walked out his room, he was greeted with a big hug by Finn. They were then interrupted by Brightney, Cheering by the toons from a far as they were surrounding the presents given to them. 

"Aww! A bunny plushie by Shrimpo! Haha! Actually- Where is Shrimpo?"
Looey looked around while the others opened their presents. Rudie walked over to his present by Finn. Kneeling down to take off the wrapping. The present revealed matching rings for the both of them. Finn kneeled down next to Rudie.

"Don't they look cute? It's ok If you don't like them though..!"
Finn put on the ring and looked at Rudie as he reluctantly put on the ring aswell.

"Why would I not like anything you make? With those hands, anything you would make is perfect."
Rudie places his hoove under Finn's chin, lifting it up. Smiling lightly.

Every toon around them cheered as they clapped in unison, it was a memorable moment for all and for Finn mostly. Everything for them was already so perfect. Nothing could be changed.

"Goddamit.. Why didn't I think about that."
Sprout disappointingly claps.

"What was that?"
Cosmo looks at Sprout curiously.

"OH! Nothing Cosmo! Ahaha!"
He said as he sweats looking around the room.

While everyone was having a great time, Tomorrow is going to be the day when all the Christmas toon's go back home. So everyone had fun while it lasted. It wasn't going to be too hard for the other toons. But maybe Finn wouldn't have a great time about it.

Chapter Text

" I can't hide that I like you, my mind is swirling from the truth "
" Do I like you? Or do I not? Maybe it's the best that I would not. "

It's the final day for all the Christmas toons to pack up and say their goodbyes. Rudie was left isolated to think about everything. He doesn't want to disappoint his god. He still love's Finn but he tries to let go. How did he get so attached in only 1 week? That's so stupid of him. His mind goes back and forth. "Loving the same gender isn't a sin! It's just a preference!" Is it a sin? "Nonsense! Love is only limited to the opposite sex!" Does it matter anymore?

Rudie continues to pack his stuff, the voices haunting him about his identity and sexuality. He slowly lifted his hooves and stared at it. Feeling the trembling as his tears fell down. 

"I do love him. But I have to let go. If I keep texting him when we're far away.. I'll eventually lose feelings."
He decided. It was the best to let go.

All the toons hugged and cried over the Christmas toons going back home. Finn eagerly waited for Rudie. He finally got the courage to take a big step with Rudie. As Rudie awkwardly walks over to the train station with his luggage. Finn jumps on him, hugging him tightly. 

"Rudie! I need to ask you something.."
Finn held both Rudie's hooves, looking him in the eyes. Rudie's heart was already breaking to pieces. He can't do this to Finn but he want's to listen to what he says.

"Will you be my boyfriend?"
Finn asked Rudie with a big smile on him. Rudie's eyes widened. Slightly smiling. He wanted this from Finn. But being distant from your own boyfriend, texting the only thing that makes the relationship going makes Rudie go insane.

"I..I'm sorry.. I can't be your boyfriend Finn."
Rudie pushed him away, feeling guilty. Finn was confused and heart broken.

"Huh..? But why? I thought you do love me.."
Finn felt tears run down his cheeks.

"I would love to be your boyfriend Finn. I'd love admiring you everyday. But being in a long distance relationship won't work out with me at all. I wish I could just stay here and everything but.. My fur won't handle it."
Rudie held his cheeks, caressing them gently.

"BUT I CAN MAKE IT WORK! I PROMISE YOU!"
Finn held onto his hooves tightly, crying and shouting as he said that.

"I know you can. But you can't be the only one that can make it work. If we want to make it work, we have to do it together. But since I don't want to.. I'm sorry then.."
Rudie felt his eyelids get heavy, getting tired. As they both had a heart-breaking conversation, The train arrived.

"I'm sorry Finn. Just remember.. I'll always love you. In my heart. I won't forget any of the memories we shared. Merry Christmas."
He smiled lightly at Finn as he walks into the train with his luggage. Everyone looked at the both of them in pain and guilt. Finn rushed to Rudie but the doors closed.

"PLEASE!"
Finn yelled out as his tears rolled down one by one. Rudie smiled, shaking his head. He breathed onto the window and made a heart shape. Waving Finn goodbye for the last time. Finn doesn't understand, but smiles at Rudie for the last time. He let's go of the door as the train drives along slowly.

Shrimpo jumps out the train tracks, wearing nothing but a leaf covering his crotch. He's holding a spear that's sharp enough to cut open fabric.
"IS CHRISTMAS FNALLY OVER?!?!??!?!"