Work Text:
Snow drifted outside of Gardenview, delicately melting on the glass dome above the lobby. The Christmas tree was beautiful, shiny tinsel, and bright lights for miles. Usually, this was a time of reunion and joy.
So why wasn't it for Bassie? Well, naturally, Bassie was used to the feeling of being alone and empty after Easter, strolling along the same giant room over and over again. Polishing up the flowers, making sure the electricity was working. Bassie kept herself entertained. It was no surprise she wasn't feeling jolly. She didn't know how to.
Slipping out of her special floor for once, Bassie felt the elevator floor hum underneath her feet, raising her up. It was a familiar sight of her many runs, often standing near the back alone. She was timid. She knew that— but she loved talking to the other mains. It made her feel like she belonged.
A part of her wished she didn't feel so… different. Why couldn't she be like the other mains? Full of life and pride, all in their unique ways. She felt destroyed after her season, like nothing was right for her to stay. It was like no matter what, she had to leave.
Bassie wasn't sure what convinced her to come outside tonight, but she's kind of glad. She missed the feeling of hearing the other toons. She enjoyed the scent of the elevator, her head dipped as a slow, quiet melody played through.
Suddenly, the elevator stopped, letting out a cacophony of noises. Bassie tried to ignore it, and this was the one thing she didn't miss. At last, the elevator shuddered open, revealing the new lobby. Bassie didn't know what had struck her, but she felt a sense of joy.
Once her feet met the soft carpet, the basket couldn't help but run around, noticing how the ornaments gleamed and the presents were wrapped. None of her, of course. Holding her flowers in her head, Bassie reorganized them, making sure they weren't wilted. The air was filled with the scent of pine, something Bassie felt connected to.
Dandy and Dyle weren't at their shops. It was late. Maybe a few toons were still on some runs, but it seemed unlikely. Oh, how Bassie wished she had done this sooner. It felt freeing as much as it felt imprisoning. Even as wonder was rushing through her veins, Bassie felt indifferent. And slowly, that deathly, dull feeling was seeping in.
But she couldn't leave just yet, could she? Pushing it back, Bassie continued her exploration. Isolation doesn't matter now. Not when she's alone in a Christmas wonderland. Reaching her hand out near the tree, Bassie pretended that she was outside, catching the snowflakes. The snow melted on the window, making Bassie sigh.
Her flowers would never survive such cruel weather. Twirling one of her precious leaves, Bassie sat on a nearby bench. In the distance was a TV playing Vee's game show, and the Easter toon couldn't help but watch.
The audience seemed so captivated by her. The way she questioned Scraps, annoyed by how the craft sister won every time. Nonetheless, the cheering rang through the set, and Vee struck that pose she always did. The tape flickered to Shelly's show, going through the motions of finding new fossils.
Did Bassie show that kind of confidence like all mains should? Did she stand upright? Was she popular? Bassie could feel her flowers starting to droop, and she shook her head. She was getting off topic. She couldn't help it, as after all, maybe this is why she was replaceable.
Stuck in thought, Bassie heard the elevator ding, and she whipped her head over. Petals floating around her, it mixed with the fake snow in the lobby. Hearing footsteps emerge from the other side of the tree, Bassie snuck around to take a peek. It was one lone toon, but ever the most prideful in her season. Bobette had strolled out, bells jingling as she tried to hold herself high. Nonetheless, she seemed exhausted. Ichor was smeared on her iconic green sweater, and she grumbled under her breath about it.
At last, the two met eyes, and Bassie jumped, scared to even be seen. Bobette cleared her throat, forcing on a cheerful persona. “Heeeey! Bassie!”
“Ah, hey, Bobette.” Bassie quickly spat out. Was she being distasteful? She didn't mean to be! “Are you okay?”
“Oh?” Bobette responded, twirling to notice the ichor stains. “This? Yeah, it's just a bit of a capsule accident!” She cringed, covering up the black splotches with her hands. Bassie could hear the nervousness in her voice, begging to be validated.
All too similar. Bassie didn't know what, but it was almost as if an invisible force was moving her closer. She was worried for the other toon. Sure, they weren't close ‘cause they had different holidays— but that doesn't matter. Mains help others! And this wasn't just for herself.
Moving Bobette's hand, Bassie noticed the way her sweater was torn. The beautiful stitches of knitting and yarn were ripped at the seams, like a violent attack. Hold on a minute! Bassie gasped in realization, and Bobette awkwardly stepped back, forcing out a chuckle.
“Don't get worried!” Bobette reassured, though she looked off, unsure herself. “Just had some complications last run.”
“You were by yourself?!” Bassie exclaimed, knowing the answer. Bobette forced another small laugh as she nodded. “You're lucky it didn't end bad… I mean, I'm just glad you're okay.”
“I'm fine! Nothing a bit of stitches won't fix.” Bobette winked. Was she worried more about her sweater? Bassie groaned— but it wasn't full of anger. Instead, it was full of concern as she took Bobette’s hand. Bobette was always so damn selfless!
“I'm more worried about you if anything!” Bassie huffed, leading Bobette through the long hall. Christmas lights flashed as the radio nearby played the Christmas classics of the 90’s. The ornament continued reassuring her to Bassie, but it didn't work. Finally, the two wound up in the secluded holiday room.
Standing on the tips of her feet, Bassie reached for the shelves as she realized they were all reorganized with Christmas decorations. Gingerbread houses, candy canes, and snow globes she could adore later. For now, she needed to find her first-aid kit. Pushing past some jingle bells, Bassie found her medical kit and opened it with a pop. Sitting down next to Bobette, she wrapped a bandaid over her ribs.
“Who attacked you?” Bassie asked, pursing her lips shut as soon as she said it. Regret flushed in, and she wondered if that was too sensitive. Nonetheless, Bobette seemed unbothered. Eyes lidded partially, the Christmas toon let out a sigh.
“I was extracting as always, but Pebble had spotted me. I tried to run away, but the floor was covered in ice!” She explained, watching as Bassie ran her hand over the wound, trying to make sure it wasn't as bad as it looked. It was something about the way Bassie's fingers touched her skin that made Bobette pause. It wasn't an uncomfortable feeling, just unheard of. She could miss it, even. “It doesn't hurt that bad.”
Lies. It must've!
“Surely,” Bassie replied, her skeptical tone seeping through. “How far down were you?”
“Like thirty floors deep,” Bobette answered, “It gets really odd down there, you know.”
Bassie knew what she meant. The bowels of Gardenview were something that nobody wanted to see. The ichor, the blood of all toons, ran through the pipes and machines. Nobody exactly knew the purpose of the ichor, but it was always there. Even as Bassie cleaned Bobette’s wound. She remembered the way the Ornament’s beautiful glass skin was punctured. They were lucky she didn't shatter.
Eyes drifting off, Bassie couldn't help but notice the gifts everywhere. It seemed impossible to have this many gifts out there for everyone, but Bobette managed to pull it off. That facade she always put on, it'd break one day. Bassie knew what that was like. Maybe the two were more alike than what Bassie had originally thought.
“I wish I could see you more often.”
Oh. Bassie just couldn't stop. Could she? She hadn't known what had gotten into her!
“Me too,” an agreement. “If I had known you were coming out, I would've put gifts out for you.”
The thought of receiving presents made Bassie blush in a way, and she waved it off. “Really? No…”
“I mean, I do have a present for you.” Bobette smirked, getting up. This time, she was the one pulling Bassie around. A newfound wave of excitement hit Bassie, and her sheepish smile cracked into a full-on grin. The two toons giggled like children, embracing the joy of the holiday season. It was warm, but it felt warmer inside. That feeling in Bassie’s gut grew, and she welcomed it with open arms.
Bobette wore a genuine smile, and it fit her. Seeing Bassie now, Bobette felt her heart ache in a devastatingly sweet way. Pulling Bassie into the elevator, the two stood together in the middle, hands clamped onto each other. Bobette spun to hit the button down, and the elevator shift vibrated around them. Going down to Bobette's special floor, the scent of sugar cookies and holiday whimsy hit them both as the doors steadily creaked open.
Skating across the ice floor, Bassie shuddered at the unfamiliar cold. Her flowers wilted slightly, but she couldn't bring herself to care. Bobette grabbed Bassie's wrists, and they elegantly slid across the floor. Passing by the table with milk and cookies, Bobette couldn't help but snag one. Baked by Ginger, the cookies looked extravagant, yet their taste was lacking. Nonetheless, she was always proud of Ginger for what she could do. The toon was always improving.
Ending up in Bobette's busy workshop, Bassie hesitantly sat down on a nearby stool. The ornament toon jumped up onto her personal stool, reaching for the wooden shelves above. Covered in ichor (was it her own?) Bobette pulled down a perfectly wrapped present. Placing it in Bassie’s hands, she encouraged the other to open it.
Poking a finger at the wrapping, Bassie was astonished by the way the paper was seamlessly taped. It was Bobette, after all. She went above and beyond with this. Tearing the wrapping paper, Bassie gasped as she saw the pot Bobette had created. The ceramic pot was a beautiful beige, one that could match Bassie. The pot was full of rich soil, and Bassie could feel the plant life in her basket flourishing at the sight. Oh, how it was perfect.
Placing the pot to the side, Bassie wrapped Bobette in a tight hug.
“Oh, you know me too well!”
Bobette joyously smiled, “Ah, I figured you'd like it.”
“I love it.”
After hanging out with the Christmas toon for various hours, Bassie found herself standing at the elevator, holding the pot close.
“Thank you for coming over!” Bobette chuckled, reaching a hand out to rest on Bassie's shoulder. “I'll come to you next time I go on a solo run, okay?”
“I've got your back.” Bassie reassured, waving goodbye as the elevator door shuddered and slowly slid shut. Decreasing further down to her own floor, she was met with that familiar floral scent. Bassie went to her garden, placing the pot down. Looking through her available options on what to plant, she decided to dig into the soil and drop a pine tree seed so she could remember Bobette when she was away.
Behind her, Eggson was exploring the floor with his cane as per usual, looking around in awe. He sees the same setting every day, Bassie wasn't sure if the man was demented or just coping.
“Where did you go, missy?” He asked, trying to cross his arms to look intimidating.
“Easy there, gramps.” Bassie playfully retorted, “Just went to see the Christmas decor.”
“Easter is better!” He suddenly groaned, walking off. “You kids and your Christmas… but I must admit, Bobette does a nice job decorating the place, doesn't she? And she's a lovely woman!”
“Mhm…” Bassie hummed, covering the seed up with rich soil. “I hope she visits for Easter.”