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Introductions!

The ever so lovely Coral Island Fanfic Club set up some prompts for the Winter Seasonal Stories collection and I could not resist. I'm a sucker for pain, so I'll be doing all 12 main prompts plus the 3 of the 4 alts here. In addition to the prompts, they all have to be fluffy, no trauma bushes or trees. Only sweetness with a hint of spice here. Literally. 

So this all takes place in the Kani and Karla storyline, but a fair chunk of the chapters will be about other people in the town and what they might be doing during the holidays. As each chapter goes up I'll update this with the characters and situations so you can skip to the ones you care about.

2 Hot Chocolate - Macy gets invited over to drink hot cocoa and watch a movie with Kenny, Jack, and Kira.

3 Snowed in - Macy, Eva, Raj, Suki, Alice, and Valentina all chat before the power goes out in a snowstorm.

4 Holiday Party - the Jumas invite Emily, Sam, Wataru, and Wakuu over for a holiday party.

5 Decorating - Pablo, Valentina, Scott, Kanifey, Mark, Zoe, and Karla decorate gingerbread houses after helping decorate the Inn. Also featuring Suki, Alice, Raj, Eva, and Macy.

6 Building a Snowman - Karla and Zoe get Mark to build a snowman with them. It doesn't end well.

7 Mistletoe - Pablo and Denali have deep thoughts about mistletoe. Also featuring Scott, Kanifey, Semeru, Mira, and Wakuu cameo.

8 A Quiet Night In - Rafael and Kanifey watch a movie.

9 Ice Skating - Kani makes Scott, Karla, Mark, Charles, Theo, and Leah join her for rink time.

10 Family Dinner - Karla cooks dinner for Anne, Paul, Zoe, and Mark to start a new tradition.

11 Baby it's cold outside - tiny morsel of fluff with Dinda, Joko, and Archie.

12 Movie Night - Karla makes Kani, Scott, and Mark sit through her favorite holiday movie.

13 Gift Giving - Axel gets a gift.

14 Caroling - Karla gets Mark, Kani, Scott, Pablo, Theo, and Leah together to discuss caroling songs.

15 Holiday Market - The group divides the party at a holiday market. 

16 Ugly Sweater - Karla hosts Christmas dinner at the farm, including an Ugly Sweater Contest. Drama ensues when Axel, Scott, and Kani are all in close quarters together.

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Walking up the steps, she adjusts the tray in her hands and takes a moment to make sure the wind didn't blow her hair into a mess before she knocks on the door. The door opens to reveal Kira. 

"Macy! Good afternoon, here, come in out of the cold."

Kira steps out of the way and gestures her in. Smiling, Macy steps in and Kira closes the door.

"I hope you don't mind, but I brought some vegan cookies Eva and I baked yesterday. I didn't want to come over empty handed."

"You shouldn't have, thank you. I'm sure Kenny will love them."

She says with a grin, walking through the living room to the kitchen, Macy following behind. The smell of the fire burning in the fireplace faded and was replaced by chocolate and spices entering the room. Kenny was by the table, putting out some plates and Jack stood by the stove stirring a pot. He looks over and smiles.

"Macy! Welcome! We're glad you could join us tonight. I'm almost done with the hot chocolate, then we can get some plates to put snacks on for the movie." 

"That sounds great Jack! Hi Kenny. Thank you all for inviting me over."

He's blushing slightly as she gives him a quick side hug. 

"Hi Macy. Good night to join us, with the blizzard set to come in tomorrow we reckon we should watch Jack Frost. Ever seen it?"

"No, what's it about?"

"Oh, it's a cute little musical movie with puppets, very entertainin'."

He leans over to whisper in her ear while handing her something wrapped in a napkin.

"I made some sweet bread in case you need it after tryin' dad's cocoa. He found out about Aztec Hot Chocolate, and well, you know how he is."

Macy slips the baked good in a pocket and looks at him curiously. What did he mean by that? Jack liked experimenting in the kitchen, that much Kenny had talked to her about. And didn't like people helping him, something about too many cooks, but what did Kenny mean today? So she just shrugs and accepts the mug Jack hands her with a smile. Taking a deep whiff of the drink, she sighs. Smelled like it should, slightly different than Raj's, but that's probably because of the area it's from. They were always going on about coffee from different areas smelling different, but she could never really tell. Sipping the drink, she closes her eyes as the rich and creamy chocolate flavor goes over her tongue.

"This is delicious Jack. Thank you."

Opening her eyes back up, she sees Jack grin and take two mugs out to give Kira one in the living room. Out of the corner of her eye, she catches Kenny discreetly counting down on his fingers, then holding one up to his mouth as if to say she should be quiet. What was he.......Macy slapped a hand to her mouth, slowly being set on fire. Remembering the bread, she took it out of her pocket and started eating it. It slowed down the burning sensation, but it continued to grow.

"What is this?" She whisper yelled to him, taking another piece of bread. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Yeah, dad heard about how this one group of people made their hot chocolate spicy, and had to follow suit."

He took the mug from the table and turning it to drink from the other side, downed it and placed it on the counter.

"Yowza. Seems like he used both cayenne and ground chili peppers in it instead of just one of 'em. Here, I'll get you somethin' else to drink while you get a plate of treats for the movie." 

Kenny goes over to the fridge and pours her a glass of cider. She takes a sip and smiles at him gratefully. Entering the living room, they find Kira and Jack cuddled up together on the couch, with a tray table to the right side then two of the kitchen chairs. Settling in, Jack hit play on the remote and the screen lit up with a talking groundhog.

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"So the movie was too cute. Definitely a sign of the times, made for kids but with dark themes that don't sugarcoat some of the realities of life, like unrequited love. Like this ancient, immortal trickster God of the cold falls for this girl who's slightly crushing on him, but truly loves another, but he doesn't know that. So he gives everything he's known up to be human for her, which goes well for a while, but then tragedy happens and he has to make the choice to stay human and possibly find a way out of this predicament, or return to his old self, never knowing a lovers touch." Macy sighs. "It was wonderful."

Eva stares at her, wide eyed. "That sounds beautiful."

Raj chuckles, bringing a tray over with five mugs on it. 

"You and I remember that movie very differently Macy. Maybe we should ask Kenny to let us borrow it so Eva can form her own...." They raise their eyebrows. "unique opinion of the seasonal classic."

Macy takes one of the mugs, giving it an appreciative sniff before taking a small sip and moaning slightly.

"Oh, that's the stuff. You can't believe how much I missed your hot chocolate yesterday Raj. Jack's a great guy, love him, but apparently when he finds out something can be made spicy.....hoo boy."

They chuckle again, sitting on her other side of the couch next to the bookshekves, while Eva rubs her shoulder, sitting on the side of the couch connected to the wall from the stairs.

"So tell us what happened next? After the movie."

"Well, he asked if he could walk me home and-"

The door to the Inn banged open loudly, startling the three on the couch as Alice and Suki came in from clearing a walkway in the snow. Raj grabbed the final two mugs from the tray to hand to the twins after they finished taking their winter gear off. Alice's cheeks were a bright pink from where the scarf and hat didn't cover her face.

"Thanks Raj. Just the thing to warm me up after a morning like that. The storm's getting worse, it's really coming down out there."

"I tried telling Kani and Scott they should go back home or stay here with us, but they were adamant about not leaving Charles alone in this mess." Suki rolled her shoulders, trying to stretch out the tension before taking the offered mug. "Thanks. Scott did a great job helping, those muscles are definitely not just for show. Kani.....got distracted. A lot." She gives Macy a Look. "Might there be the same problems in the future if Kenny comes to help out?"

"I'm refraining from throwing a pillow at you due to not wanting you to spill the hot chocolate. But I'm thinking about it really hard." Macy gets out, blushing. 

Suki laughed, taking the seat across from them by the table, Alice slipping into the other one. 

"I tried to let you have your privacy, but I did see Kenny walking off from my window last night. Any new updates?" Macy blushed. "Come on, you were right there with us spying on all of Mark and Karla's dates, and we even left you two alone when you had your vegan pizza cooking date last season. You honestly can't expect us to not want all the juicy gossip."

"Did someone say gossip?!" Running down the stairs Valentina comes to a halt in front of the group. "And you're all having hot cocoa without me? Unfair!"

Raj laughs. "I didn't know where you were or when you were joining us, so it's still in the slow cooker staying warm. Cold hot chocolate is dreadful unless specifically prepared to be as such. Here, I'll tell you about it."

The two go off to the kitchen to get more to drink. 

"Well, dish girl!"

Macy blushes again. "It was sweet. He just walked me back here, gave me a hug and wished me good night."

"What?! Guy sacrifices his taste buds for you and you don't even hold hands on the way home?" Suki shrieks. 

Alice tsks. "Premarital hand holding Suki? What kind of image are you trying to give to my sweet, innocent niece Val?" But she can't hold her stern glare and starts giggling.

"Believe me, my body language was advertising it for sure. But short of taking his hands out of his pockets, what could I do?"

Raj and Val returned with more cocoa for everyone and news.

"Umm, I know it hasn't been quite that long since you were out there, but your path is disappearing, and the snowdrift is up to the windowpane from the kitchen windows. So like..."

They gesture to their waist. Alice gets a mischievous look on her face.

"Would you say we're Snowed Inn then Raj?"

Suki groans. "Please stop hanging out with Kani and Scott, Alice. I'm all punned out from the two of them this morning."

Val looks happy. "If we're stuck here does that mean we get to play a game? Yes!!" She runs off to her room and comes back with a board game. "Dad brought this last visit, it's called Oligopoly."

Just then the lights went out.

"Thank the goddess." Suki muttered under her breath before speaking up. "Everyone okay?"

The group comments affirmative in various ways, faces lit only by the fireplace's glow.

"Okay, I'm going to go check the breakers and switch over to the backup generator. Luckily Raf checked it out before all the snows started this season."

"I know that we need the power on for stuff like the refrigerator, but when you come back do you think we could just sit here chatting in the dark? It's warm and cozy this way."

Eva pipes up. Suki mentally gives her a thumbs up for finding a way out of playing the friendship ending game without hurting Val's feelings.

"That sounds great. Be back shortly."

When she returns, she brings some blankets with her so they can curl up under them even cozier while they talk. A brief interlude is made for charades, with Val causing the most laughter with the word blacksmith by just leaning back, winking, and shooting the finger guns.

Outside, the snow continued to fall in the fading light, but gentler than before.

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"Welcome in dears, so glad you could make it. I see Noah already took your jackets."

Betty greets them at the top of the stairs, gesturing them over to the living area while Noah puts the jackets and scarves to a bedrom. Emily gives her a big hug.

"He's a good boy. Thank you so much for inviting us. Where should Sam put the dessert we brought?"

She gestures to the large tray in his hands. As if on cue, Aaliyah rounds the corner and takes it. 

"Here, I'll put it on the table with the others."

"That seems to be everyone. You two go relax. I've heard all about how hard you work at the Salon from Erika. And how hard you work to promote the Calloway Farm, young man."

Sam laughs. "It's been many a year since anyone's called me that, thank you for the compliment."

He sees Wataru, and placing a kiss to his wife's cheek, goes over to talk to his friend. Emily follows Betty into the kitchen, determined to be of some help, but Aaliyah and Noah give them each a glass of sparkling cider and kick them out. Wakuu is leaning on the wall just enough outside the kitchen area to not get in trouble while chatting with Noah. The two join Frank and Erika on the couch.

"I've got to say I love the decor you all have put up. The theme is very retro. So beautiful"

Erika pokes Frank.

"Told you she'd like them. Isn't that smile worth the effort of going into the deep recesses of the attic to bring out your childhood memories?"

He sighs, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"Yes dear, you were right."

The three ladies share a smile. Emily takes a sip of her drink before asking a question.

"So Charles and Scott couldn't make it?"

"Not exactly." Erika grinned wolfishly. "Ever since Scott got together with Kani, he's been invited to participate in all of their family traditions."

"Yes, I recall when that happened, you couldn't believe you won the bet with your husband over which of the two she'd end up with, Pablo or Scott."

Frank pouted. "There's still time, I haven't seen any rings yet."

"Hush you. So anyway, while they've been out of Charles' hair, he's been having a little book club with Millie."

Frank pipes up "And Mark, and Leah, and Dippa, and Kani, they all like reading dear, don't read too much into it."

He winks, and Erika playfully swats him.

"But you didn't see them walking together in the square after. I tell you somethings going on there. Anyway, he was invited...."

Betty sits back and let's the warmth of the evening was over her, filled with love. That is until they started the white elephant part of the party and word were exchanged between Noah, Frank and Wakuu. Wataru and Sam went back to the chess game they had started right after dinner, Emily and Erika were quietly talking while watching the fireworks, and Aaliyah would throw in a line here and there to egg her brothers on. 

Yes, a 'quiet' holiday party with family. Just wait until charades started, everyone would be at each other's throats.

"Sorry I'm late, what did I miss?"

"Eddy!"

Argument forgotten, they all crowd their brother for hugs. Emily smiles, relinquishing her seat to the last member of the Jumas family, and goes over to her husband, hugging him from behind. He puts a hand over hers, squeezing gently as he thinks about his next move.

"How happy does she look?"

"Ecstatic. Thank you for helping me."

Wataru just smiles, figuring out what happened and excusing himself momentarily to give Wakuu a pat on the back for always being there for him.

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Pablo held his breath, delicately sprinkling the tiny multi-colored nonpareil balls over the section he just piped with a delicate hand. He could sense the blonde getting into position.

"Do it and I'll kill you. Don't make me make Kani cry."

"It's Christmas time! No threats of violence Uncle Pablo!"

The shorter brunette wiggled her finger at him while the taller one giggled, sticking some sugared jelly dots into the icing along the fruit roll up they turned into a road. Pablo glared at the deep chuckle coming from the end of the table.

"I have no idea why this is happening. Why are you all even here anyway?"

~~~~~ three hours earlier ~~~~~

"So, deathmatch between Krampus and the Yule Lads, who would win?"

Pablo missed the ornament shaped stress relief ball he had tossed up above him, making it hit him in the face. He sat up from the bed he was laying on to look at the pair on the floor. "What kind of question is that?"

"Yeah Fey, most people start off with Krampus versus Santa."

Kani tilts her head up to look at Pablo. She was sitting on the floor, back against the bed, legs stretched out in front of her. Scott lay on the floor, his head in Kani's lap as she continued running her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp. They were all up in Pablo's room, TV playing the Yule Log channel in the background as they asked stupid Christmas themed questions.

"Everyone asks that. It's boring! And been argued to death, I want something fresh. Krampus versus Julebukk then? Or Yule Lads versus Julebukk? Pick one of the three."

"Maybe we could if we had any idea what those other things are Fey. Other than the widespread commercialized ones, I only know of La Befana and Père Fouettard. How 'bout you Pablo?"

Kani giggles. "Why am I not surprised, the Italian witch and the French whipper. Il mio ragazzo intellegente. Um.....and something in French, I only know the naughty things."

This time it's Pablo's turn to laugh. "Why am *I* not surprised at that one. To answer your question Scott, pretty much just the basics."

"I have a book at my place that goes over all the Christmas style holidays around the world and the mythical beings associated with this time of year. Some of them are super interesting."

Raf pokes his head through the door. 

"Pablo, weren't you supposed to help decorate the Inn this morning?"

"Yeah, I've still got," he looks at his phone. "Mierda! Now. Time to go guys."

The trio rush downstairs, getting their coats and scarves on. Kani pulls a hat out of her bag to give to Scott. Pablo gives him a weird look.

"You're wearing hats now?"

"Well, when you don't give me time to apply my emergency hair gel after a hangout, what else am I supposed to do until I can get to a bathroom?"

Pablo gives him a look as if to say seriously? Kani nods, pulling out a small tube and a comb in a plastic bag from her bag. "It's the only reason I'm allowed to play with his hair during the daytime."

They all head outside, Pablo muttering something about vainglorious idiots under his breath as they turn right to head to the town square, running into Karla, Mark, and Zoe.

"Wow. Slow down guys, what's the rush?"

"Pablo's late to help out at the Inn and since we were all hanging out and caused this problem, it's the least we could do to help out as well."

Scott and Pablo stared at her incredulously, while Karla gave her a shrewd look. Kani smiled widely as if to say 'hey, I caused a problem and I'm fixing it, don't yell at me.' to her sister. Karla gave a glance down at Zoe, and nodded. 

"Go on ahead, I'll catch up."

The trio, now with Mark and Zoe, continued their trek through to the town square, chatting about holiday plans. Once they got to Garden Lane, Mark and Zoe kept going toward the farm, while the trio turned to go down to the Inn.

"You guys really don't have to go with me, it is kinda my fault for not setting an alarm."

"I feel bad about making you late, and if we all help, that's more time you get to spend with Val after."

"Why are my feelings not involved in this?"

Kani steps backwards and to the right, getting on the other side of Scott and linking her arm with his, as Pablo gets closer and does the same with his left arm.

"Majority rules, you're stuck with us now pal."

"Nooooooo!" He jokingly attempts to escape, but their grips are ironclad. Suki's standing at the door, trying to look stern but failing.

"It's about time you showed up. Glad someone thought to call and warn me what was happening."

They all look at Pablo and he rubs his neck sheepishly 

"You didn't text her?"

"I thought I'd powerwalk down here and only be a tiny bit late, I didn't think you guys were actually going to join me until we were almost here. Sorry Suki."

"You're forgiven. You know where the ladder is Pablo, I have the lights in boxes just inside." 

Kani follows Suki into the Inn to grab a box, Alice joining them. Together, even with only one ladder, the five make great time getting all the lights up. As if on cue, Karla, Mark, and Zoe come walking down from the farm, each one holding a reusable bag filled with things, a box at the top of each.

"Good afternoon! I see we're right on time! Looks like everyone's here, where's Val?"

"Inside, she's so excited for this."

Going inside, they take a moment to wipe their boots off before going into the dining room where Valentina is waiting. She squeals when she sees Zoe and runs over to give her a big hug. Karla takes the bag from her and puts each of them spaced out on the table. 

"When I called Suki to make sure she knew what might be happening, it hit me with an idea. The three of us were going to make gingerbread houses together, but it's much more fun if we all do it. So who's up for a little challenge?" She pauses a moment, seeing everyone's rapt attention on her. "We all get into groups and try to make the best gingerbread house we can in one hour. The same supplies are in each bag under a box set up with a pre cut generic gingerbread house. Suki has already talked to the judges and they are all going to stay away until we're finished to judge fairly. How do you want to split up?"

They look at each other and sort of gravitate into groups, Pablo with Val, Mark with Karla and Zoe, and Scott with Kani.

"You've got three, how is that fair?" The tiny brunette asks.

"How is any of this fair? You're an artist and teamed up with your artisan uncle, those two are master craftsman based on her costumes and his dinosaur he made, and these two, I love you dearly, and don't think this is a slight against you, but neither of you are very artistic and I might give you an edge."

"It's okay Kar, pipsqueak and I have been making gingerbread houses for years now. If you just want to keep us company and supervise, that would be great."

Okay, everyone ready?" They all nod, and she sets a timer on her phone. "Go!" 

~~~~~present~~~~~

"Because you love us Pablo~!" Scott says in a sing song voice, taking a step back to where Kani was putting the finishing touches on their masterpiece. "Looking beautiful Fey."

Pablo mutters something under his breath when Karla shouts "Times up! Hands off!"

They all take a step back from their creations. Pablo and Val had carved the gingerbread into multi pointed stars in graduating sizes to make a tree, and the box of gingerbread men also in the bag to make their entire family around the tree. 

Scott and Kani....Karla sighed. "Really guys?"

"You really don't want to know what our first idea was."

"Trust us. Think of the children and just move on."

They had made a little arch reading 'Cretaceous Park' with a road leading to a triceratops they carved out of the gingerbread. Kani pointed. "It's festive! He has a little tree!" There was a tree, festooned with silver sugar balls and licorice string finger crocheted into a fancy garland around it. Karla nodded, conceding the point. Mark and Zoe had made the classic gingerbread house and had five gingerbread men in the front yard, one of them had their legs broken off so it was shorter, and the head from a sixth gingerbread man was next to the two legs, with a tongue drawn on. Karla points at it.

"Is, is that supposed to be Bonbon?"

"Yup! I'm the short one, then there's mom, dad, Uncle Mark, you, and Bonbon! All playing in the snow together."

"Oh sweetie."

Karla gives her a hug before they carefully move the houses all in a row. She goes to bring the judges in, and shortly after, Raj, Eva, Macy, Suki, and Alice are conferring in the corner. Zoe and Val are holding hands, looking nervous, each Uncle has a hand on their shoulders. Kani and Scott are sitting to the side, holding hands and talking quietly. Raj comes over.

"After much deliberation, the winner is the classic gingerbread house. While the other two are gorgeous, and I love the detail on the Suki gingerbread person, honestly how did you do that ombre with icing," Macy pokes them, and they cough into their hand. "Anyway, the challenge was for a gingerbread house, and only one followed the assignment. Congratulations to," They stopped, looking at Karla just in case, who pointed to the duo. "Zoe and Mark!"

Everyone but Scott and Kani went over to congratulate them, those two did clap and smile brightly though, Val looking sad, but smiling for her friend. Karla went over and squatted next to her sister to speak quietly.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you."

"What? Never! You should know by now I'm a creature of whimsy and when I heard what Pablo and Val were plotting we had to one up them. You know me. Head empty, no thoughts."

Her face shifted, biting her lip as Scott stroked her shoulder blade.

"Yeah Karla, why so suspicious, dinosaurs are kinda our thing, right Fey?"

She nodded, face getting red. Karla laughed and patted her knee. 

"Not in front of the children guys. But great job."

She left the two to go congratulate her future family.

Chapter Text

Hearing someone come up the steps of the porch and knock at the front door rouses Mark from his slumber. Turning over in bed, he tries to settle back down for a few more minutes of sleep, which proved hard as the voices continued talking outside his room. There was quiet then, for a few moments, and he sighed, trying to relax again, when a series of knocks came at his door.

"Uncle Mark?"

"Go away, Zoe."

Okay, bye

He heard her footsteps walking away and groaned. He knew what was coming next. Grumbling, he pushed the covers off and reached for a shirt right when another knock came at the door. 

Pulling the shirt on, he gets out of bed and opens the door to see his fiancé and niece standing just outside, mirroring each other with their hands clasped together over their chests, giving him sad, pouty faces. He sighed. He couldn't stay mad at his girls. 

"Fine, I'm awake, I'll build a da- dang snowman with you."

"Yay!"

Zoe cheers and runs off to help with breakfast. Karla walks back to the dining room table and grabs a takeout cup from Raja's to hand to him.

"I didn't come empty handed. Brought some sweetness to wake you up."

"Mmmm, you're a real sweetheart. Give me a few minutes."

Placing a kiss to her forehead, he takes a sip of his drink as he goes back to his room to get fully dressed. Coming back out, Karla and Anne are putting the platters of pancakes and eggs on the table, calling for Paul to come join them. Chatting about their day's plans, everyone digs in to the breakfast Anne made. Afterwards, Karla washes the dishes, with Zoe drying, and Mark putting away since he could reach all the shelves. Soon enough everything is clean, and they start bundling up to go outside. Paul wishes them good luck, and the trio leave to go to the lake.

Finding a good flat spot that was also shady, they each start rolling snowballs in the snow, patting them every so often to pack it together and make each of their balls more solid. Calling out to each other and checking the progress, they soon have large, medium, and small balls of snow. Zoe appoints herself the supervisor, and directs the other two into putting the medium ball on top of the large one. Then she tells them how to put the small one on top for the head. Mark and Karla are grinning, and giving each other looks over her esteemed bossiness' rules. Zoe takes a walk around the snowman and deems it acceptable. Karla laughs and chats animatedly with her as Mark looks at the two of them. They both look so happy, Karla smiling with this pure inner joy, cheeks red from the cold and exercise. It was almost enough to melt his heart. Almost.

"So I guess we just need to find some sticks for the arms, then I have some berries in a bag in my pocket to use for the face so it doesn't leave any kind of litter when spring comes. Say, where did your Uncle go? Mark?"

The two call his name, looking around.

"Over here Garden Rake!"

Karla looks over to where his voice is coming from, and gets hit in the face with a snowball. Zoe shrieks and tries running away, but he gets her dead center in the back. Karla wipes the snow out of her eyes and smirks. 

"Oh you are on grumpy grizzly!"

Ducking behind a tree, she grabs a handful of snow, packing it into a ball. She carefully tries to peek around the tree, but gets hit in the face again. Shaking her head, she takes aim and gets him square in the chest. He's laughing loudly, packing another snowball, but this time she's watching him and ducks out of the way. Zoe tries rushing at him, large snowball held above her head, to smush it into him, but he catches her and she drops it on her hat, breaking apart to shower her with snow. She's laughing and squealing as he picks her up, and holds her with her back to his chest.

"Where are you garden rake? You wouldn't hit your teammate, would you?"

"Using your niece as a shield Mark? That's low."

Hearing her voice behind him, he tries to turn, but it's too late. She's already slipped a tiny snowball down the collar of his jacket and ran off. He drops Zoe and tries to get it out, but the damage is done, her snowball wasn't packed as tightly, so it was already breaking apart and slipping down his back.

"This means war!"

Half an hour later, Karla and Zoe are trying to sneak up on where they think Mark is in a pincer formation. Zoe's panting, and Karla's trying not to make much noise to give her position away, but her heart is thundering in excitement and exertion. Karla holds fingers up, silently counting 1, 2, 3, before they both rush at him, throwing their snowballs. He sidesteps Zoe, and raises his arm to deflect Karla's, other arm snapping out to grab her wrist and pull her to him. Left hand holding her right wrist, right hand on the small of her back pressing her flush against him, he grins wolfishly down at her.

"How are you going to escape this one?"

"Why escape when I've already won?" 

She winks at him, nodding downwards. He sees her left hand pressed against his chest, snowball smushed against his jacket. He lets out a low chuckle.

"Always with that left hand. Keep going for the easy large targets and you'll get rusty. Not even going to try for a head shot?" 

He places a chaste kiss on her lips, mindful of their audience. Resting his forehead against hers, he feels how cold she is. 

"You should know me better by now. As handsome as that face is, my goal is always your heart."

"Karla....."

"Get a room you guys! Jeez." 

"What?!"

Mark stares at Zoe incredulously while Karla tries not to laugh. Zoe shrugs.

"What? It's what Val's Uncle Pablo says every time Mr. Carter and Miss Kani kiss. They usually laugh at him after so I thought it was a joke. I didn't think you'd be so shocked."

Karla laughs, separating herself from Mark, taking one of his hands in hers, and one of Zoe's in the other. 

"I think we've had enough fun for today, let's get back to the house and have some hot chocolate before my lips turn blue."

They start walking back, and Mark leans over to whisper in her ear, "I could help warm you up at home."

She squeezes his hand, muttering out of the corner of her mouth. "You know the rules, no hanky panky at Anne's house and it's a Sunday. Have patience."

"You're such a stickler for the rules. Why not be a bad girl for once and let it go."

He glares at her pointedly and the giggles bubble out of her.

"Mark, are you trying to rile me up because of how we woke you up this morning?"

"I still hate that you introduced her to that blasted movie." He grumbled.

She let go of his hand to slide an arm around his waist, his arm going over her shoulders.

"You still love me."

"I suppose I do."

Chapter Text

It was Friday night at Fishensips, and the place was busier than usual. Noah had convinced Frank to decorate for the holidays, and an open mic night was going on with a karaoke machine. Pablo and Scott sat at a table drinking a couple of beers while taking a break between games of pool. Also waiting for Wakuu, as he was late and they didn't want to start again without him. 

Wincing, Scott rubs his temple with a hand. "All I'm saying is that this song is a menace and should be erased from history."

Pablo grins, tilting his bottle toward the door when he sees the group walking in. "You wouldn't be saying that if it was Kani singing it to you. Don't deny it."

The two men raise their hands and the quartet head over to the table, taking their coats off. Kani slides into the seat next to Scott, Mira sitting next to her with Semeru on her other side, leaving Denali to sit next to Pablo. 

"Did we miss anything good?"

"No, just the tourists singing horrible holiday songs to assault our ears Fey."

"Question. Scott apparently hates the song 'Santa Baby' and thinks there's no redemption for it at all. Settle a bet and sing it tonight Kani? Please?"

She looks at the two of them, surprised, while three others at the table look genuinely confused. 

"You want me to sing? Get up there and sing a sort of weird twisted sugar baby love song implying it's to Scott. After everything you've put us through to protect your feelings? Have you gone crazy?"

Scott laughs. "I think that's a no bro. Here, I'll get the next round. I think I remember what you three like from last time, but if you could come with me Fey, I'd appreciate it."

"I can assist."

"Thanks Semeru, but we'll be fine. Sit and relax for once." 

Kani gently presses Semeru back into his chair and goes to the bar with Scott. 

"And they're gone. If you three actually wanted drinks I can go get some for you, you'll just have to tell me what you want."

"We could all go."

Pablo shakes his head. "Someone has to stay here, otherwise we won't have a table to come back to, it's busier tonight than usual." 

Denali tilts her head. "Why can't we wait for them? They said they'd be right back with drinks."

"They said they would get us all drinks." Pablo chuckled. "They've probably found the mistletoe and won't make it to the bar for another 10 minutes at least. I love my friends but they can be.... " 

He waved his hand in a manner trying to convey a lot of emotions he was unable to express. Semeru nodded. 

"I have noticed it as well. She's very bright and helpful when visiting our home, but when he's around it's like mating season. I will go get the drinks."

"I'm coming with! I want to say hi to Noah! He's interesting with his Wriddit theories."

Mira joins the larger man, leaving Denali sitting at the table with Pablo. They sit there for a few moments, listening to the latest tourist butchering 'All I Want for Christmas is You.' Denali looks conflicted about something as Pablo is just waiting for the song to end, hoping Wakuu would be there soon.

"Pablo, do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what's on your mind?"

"Why is Mistletoe so important to Kani and Scott? The book I've been reading says it's a parasitic plant that's poisonous. But for some reason people use it to decorate? I don't understand. Do people here have a death wish?" 

Pablo starts chuckling, which angers her.

"Don't laugh at me! I'm not stupid, I just don't know things and I thought you could help!"

She puts her hands on the table, preparing to storm off when he reaches over to put a hand on hers. His voice is gentle when he starts talking.

"Hey. I wasn't laughing at you, not exactly. It just caught me by surprise, when you also asked if we had a death wish and I thought it was kind of funny. I don't think you're stupid. We haven't talked much, but you seem like a smart girl, always trying to learn new things." He flashes her a brilliant smile. "So the mistletoe thing is a holiday tradition. You're supposed to kiss people under the mistletoe because...because..." He chuckles again. "I honestly don't know how the tradition started centuries ago, or why people back then decided to use a harmful and poisonous plant to promote make out sessions. And I didn't know that about the plant, it being a parasite or poisonous. Thank you for teaching me something new."

"Denali."

The two jerked away from each other at Semeru's warning tone, Pablo removing the hand that had been on hers the whole time. Mira peered around him to see what had gotten him riled up, looking back and forth between the two still sitting at the table. 

"Kanifey told me she spoke with you. Apparently that wasn't true." He puts one beer on the table, hand over it to keep Pablo from getting it yet. "No flirting."

"But he wasn't flirting. He didn't say any of the things he said the first few times we met that Kani had to explain to me." She looks at Pablo. "You say a lot of weird words she has to translate for me later." She turns back to Semeru. "We were teaching each other things. And he didn't make a comment about my face or body at all. Not flirting."

Semeru gave Pablo a Look, making the smaller man start rubbing the back of his head.

"Um, I kinda was Denali. I wasn't trying to hook up with you or anything, but it's kind of just what I do. I have a natural charm that's hard to just turn off."

"Hey, we found Wakuu! What's going on?"

Scott slides into his chair next to Pablo, oblivious to the tension around the table. Kani and Wakuu stopped a few feet away, just looking at the scene. Semeru was leaning over the table opposite Pablo, a glare on his face, right hand over the glass on the table, left hand holding his beer normally. Pablo, still sitting in the chair and looking embarrassed but also slightly hurt. Denali, in the seat next to Pablo, had her hands clasped in her lap, a look of betrayal on her face as she gazed at Pablo. And Mira, just to to the side of Semeru was looking at everyone like it was a tennis match until her eyes hit the newcomers. 

"Kani, why is your hair different? We spent like forever trying to get the bun right with the two hairsticks."

"Something came up, I'm sorry to have ruined your hard work."

She tries not to look at a now smirking Scott.

"Excuse me." 

Denali stands up and walks out of the building. 

"Should I go?" Wakuu looks confused.

"No, you can start setting up with Scott, I'll go fix this, it's sort of my fault anyway."

Pablo sighs and goes outside. He sees the petite woman leaning on the railing, staring at the ocean. Walking over, he leans on a part of the railing 5 feet away from her and just waits. After a few minutes, she starts talking.

"How can I trust you when all that comes out of your mouth are lies?" 

"I never lied to you."

"Semeru says flirting is lies used to get people into bed."

He couldn't help himself and started laughing uncontrollably.

"Is that what he thinks? He's not entirely wrong, but it's so much more than that. It's- wait. You know what. Here." 

He takes out his phone and types some things into it before holding it out to her.

"This is an online dictionary that has the meanings of all words in it. You won't really trust anything I say, so this lets you know what it is without being influenced by me or the silver fox in there."

She takes the phone and starts reading.

"He was right! You do want to mate with me!"

Pablo reached over and scrolled up. "Keep reading. Don't you know how to use a phone?"

She shook her head. "It's not something we have at home. We are rather secluded. So you do this for fun?"

"Yeah. Even when I'm not trying to get someone into bed, I find it fun to just flirt with people. Like earlier, when I was complimenting that big beautiful brain of yours." 

He winks at her, and she nervously giggles.

"You're good people Denali. Kani likes you, which makes you okay in my book. And off limits, because everything is so complicated. We cool?"

She nods.

"Okay, let's go in."

They return to the table, but before they reach it, Mira runs up to grab Denali's arm.

"Come on! She's already started!"

She pulls the other woman to the dance floor on front of the stage where Kani was now holding the microphone to the karaoke machine.

So just keep kissing me under the mistletoe
Pour out the wine, let's toast and pray for December snow

Pablo sat back in his seat, Scott still at the table looking at the stage with a look of adoration on his face, Wakuu nowhere to be found.

"There's some tourists in the middle of a game, so we have to wait. At least we're finally getting some decent entertainment."

I know there's been pain this year, but it's time to let it go
Next year, you never know
But for now, Merry Christmas

Semeru slides a beer over.

"Kanifey talked to me. I apologize. I don't quite realize how overprotective I am of those two. I'm here to keep them safe."

Pablo shrugs. 

"It's cool man. I have a reputation and it's not entirely false. I understand."

I wish you could see it through my eyes then you would know
My God, you look beautiful right now
Merry Christmas

Chapter Text

The bell jingled on the door.

"Good evening! Sorry to say but we're closed and Kani? I thought you'd be at the tavern with Scott waiting for me."

When Pablo looked up from where he was at the counter, he was surprised to see his friend. She shrugged, putting her bag down to take her jacket and boots off as it had started snowing again.

"It's Friday, and we were all there last night watching the three of you all trash talk each other and try to impress us girls with your fancy trick shots and such."

"Well maybe if you let one of us teach you how to play, you might have more fun."

She just looked at him for a moment before doubling over laughing. Clutching her side, she holds a hand up.

"Please, stop, you're killing me. I can see exactly how that's going to go. Your goal is to try to make Scott jealous somehow, if I choose for you to teach me, which isn't going to work. You know Scott would, you know, do the thing you guys do to teach girls how to play pool but really it's all a facade to get them in your bed." She pauses, and he nods. "And Wakuu...he wouldn't bother because he would remember I know how to play pool and don't like it. Too much math."

He chuckles.

"And you're too much of an airhead for colorful math." 

"Exactly. And physics, don't forget that. Anyway, Raf's forgiven me for blowing him off so many times since the summer happened, so I'm here to watch a movie with him."

"You sure you don't want to come?" 

"I'm sure. I want a quiet night in tonight. Scott understands, we had a talk this morning. I'm feeling absolutely miserable, and just want to wear pajamas and watch a scary movie with my favorite blacksmith." She said teasingly, sticking her tongue out.

Pablo clutches his heart dramatically. "You wound me Kani! I can't believe I'm not your favorite, I thought we were besties!" They both laugh and he goes in for a hug before leaving. "No explanation needed. I won't tell Scott you're using lady issues to cheat on him with my brother."

"What?!"

Rafael was coming down the stairs to start getting ready when he heard the last part of the conversation and almost fell down the rest of them.

"Pablo, I'm not.....Kani, I don't even think..."

Kani shoots a look at Pablo and tilts her head toward the door in a clear message saying she had it, don't let this ruin your fun. He nods and slips out the door. She takes one of his arms, a hand on his bicep and one on his forearm and guides him over to the purple sectional in the living area.

"We know Raf. He didn't mean for you to hear it, that's just the way we joke with each other sometimes."

"But maybe we should do this another night when more people can watch with us, I don't want to...." He trails off, face red.

"Raf. It's okay. I'm still the same person, a female Pablo, as you said earlier this year," She pauses to poke his arm and grin cheekily at him. "Just because I'm dating Scott, doesn't mean we can't still be friends. Nothing has to change. Scott and I are solid, and he doesn't mind that I'm choosing to be alone with you tonight, just like I don't care when he does stuff with Yuri. Men and women can be friends. Are you going to be okay now?"

He nods slowly.

"Good. I'm glad I don't have to go home and wallow in abject misery by myself. Now I'm going to go get changed, and you're going to get the snacks ready."

She pulls a bag out of her backpack to hand to him, going upstairs to the bathroom while he stood up and went to the kitchen to get bowls and throw the popcorn in the microwave. He was just pouring the bag into a bowl when she came back down.

"You look comfy."

"Thanks! They're an early gift from my sister."

She gives a little twirl, showing off the thick flannel pajamas covered with various types of hot chocolate, candy canes, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and snowflakes. She takes the bowl of popcorn from him and moves over to the couch. 

"So what are we watching tonight?"

"Oh! It's a good one. It's a cheesy B movie from the 90's about a serial killer who gets in an accident and finds himself trapped in the body of a snowman, but continues murdering people anyway."

"Sounds great!"

She grabs one of the two blankets he brought down from his room to get under, him taking the other one as he hit play.

~~~~~

It was around midnight when Pablo stumbled in through the door, followed by a much less drunker Scott. 

"Hey, remember we have to be quiet. He said she fell asleep like an hour ago."

Rafael rolled his eyes at the sound of his brother's normal speaking volume. He carefully gets up to head them off.

"Hey guys. Maybe you should go upstairs and get some rest, we're all pretty tired right now, yeah?"

Pablo nods, and goes up the stairs to pass out in his bed. Scott shakes his head and holds a hand up to pause Raf's next words, waiting until he was sure Pablo reached his room.

"I'm not drunk, just buzzed. Fey said she'd rather much wake up in her own bed in the morning, so I made sure to not drink as much as I usually do." He rubs the back of his head. "Actually she demanded it in words I'm not going to repeat."

The two men go through the workroom to the living room and Scott just looks at her sleeping there on the couch, curled up tightly hugging a pillow. His heart melted. 

"You guys could stay here, you've done it before. That's why I didn't make her go home when she started yawning after the movie."

"No, she made me promise. I don't want to break it."

He carefully knelt down next to the couch, gently stroking her cheek. Raf went into the kitchen to give them a bit of privacy.

"Fey, hey, it's time to wake up."

"Scott?" She murmured sleepily, slowly opening her eyes.

"Yeah, it's time to go home and sleep for real."

"You remembered."

"I couldn't disappoint my princess now." He said with a smile.

"My heart's treasure, you could never disappoint me." She smiles and pulls him down for a kiss. Before it can go anywhere though, she fully wakes up and pushes him away, sitting up and looking around.

"Don't worry, Pablo's probably out like a light, I made sure he went upstairs before waking you up." He winks. "You're so predictable."

"I'm going to remember that and retaliate when I'm feeling better, you know that right?"

A gentle cough makes them turn to see Rafael putting dishes away, ears turning red. 

"I'm trying not to pay attention but you guys aren't being very quiet."

They apologize and get their boots and coats back on to walk home. Kani gives Raf a hug before they leave.

"Thanks for tonight. This quiet night in was just what I needed."

Chapter Text

There was insistent knocking at the door.

"Are you almost done in there? We're going to miss the boat. I know you don't like Scott's normal plans to get you to socialize, but this is a Kanifey original(trademarked), and I want you with us. Also you promised."

He chuckled, taking one last look in the mirror to check his hair before opening the door. He sees the raven haired woman giving him a once over before nodding, deeming his outfit appropriate. 

"Good choice, classic slacks and a sweater, perfect for interacting with people, but not distinctive enough to remember if you fall down."

"Maybe I could sit this one out and just meet you guys in the evening for our usual plans."

"Nonsense! You said you're coming with us, and it's not like you won't be the only one falling on your ass. None of you guys have ever been skating before, so you have nothing to be ashamed of. Now let's go!"

Kani grabbed Charles' arm, and dragged him out to where Scott was waiting at the door. The blonde man nodded, and grabbing two of the bags by the door, she grabbed the third and they headed out to the docks after locking up.

"I can carry my own bag Scott. I may not work out as much as you, but I'm not a weakling."

"This isn't him showing off, this is me not trusting you to not make a break for it before getting on the boat." She gives him a shrewd look. "It's not like you haven't done it before."

They make it to the pier, meeting up with the others, Mark and Karla standing a little bit off chatting by themselves while Theo and Leah did the same. Kani goes bouncing over to give everyone, except Mark, hugs.

"Yay, almost all my favorite people could make it!"

Leah looked shocked at the hug and the statement. "Your favorite people?"

Theo nudged her. "We talked about this. It's all platonic."

"But I'm lumped in with the favorite people?" 

She had a strange look in her eyes, so Theo squeezed the hand he was holding and leaned in so only she could hear him.

"Well yeah, we're dating now, and when she heard about how you know how to skate, she demanded you come. Also, just look at how the two of you are dressed compared to Karla. I think you might get along with her better than you thought."

Leah shifted her head, conceding defeat. Karla was dressed similarly to the guys, jeans and sweaters with coats, while Leah and Kani were in different styles and colors of items, it was a similar uniform of cute oversized sweater with a short twirly skirt over leggings and leg warmers.

"Maybe we could get to know each other more at the hotel tonight." She was fidgeting with the hand not in his at the hem of her sweater. He squeezed her hand again, trying to convey all the emotions he felt into one gesture, as that was all she currently allowed in public. Smiling at him, they followed the rest of the group on board.

~~~~~

"So here are the cards for our room," Kani hands a card each to Karla and Leah. "and have you guys decided who's in the other two?" She holds up the other four cards.

"I think we're still having that discussion." Scott reaches for the cards, but Mark takes them and passes them out. 

"Scott with Theo, Doc with me. He can experience the joy of rooming with him for once."

Leah looks at the faces in confusion, a similar look on Theo's face. Scott looks crushed, Charles has a neutral look on his face but a hidden twinkle in his eye, Karla's trying not to laugh, Kani looks indignant but also like she's trying not to giggle, and Mark just looks stern like always.

"Okay, so let's all go to our rooms to ditch our things and get going! I'm ready for fun!"

Kani leads them to the elevators and they go up. While the rooms weren't all together, they were on the same floor which made it easy. The ladies split off to check out their room, Karla and Kani putting their bags on one of the beds and Leah's on the other.

"Are you guys sure it's okay I'm here? I don't want to put you out."

"It's fine, we've shared beds tons of times in the past. And it's not like she's actually going to be here all night." Kani poked her sister. "If I know Mark, he's on his way down to get a fourth room, perhaps on another floor, for the two of them. Ha! I see how red you're getting, I knew it!"

Karla swatted at her. "What about you? I have an excuse because of his sister, but you and Scott? What's your excuse for ditching Leah too? After you asked for her to be here?"

Kani tilted her head. "But I'm not. This is a bonding trip. Scott and I have all the time in the world to be..." She glanced slyly at Leah. "sexual deviants, but tonight I want to get to know my dear friend's girlfriend. Maybe get to be friends too, or at least ease her mind of any lingering jealousy."

Leah covered her face, redder than Karla's. "I can't believe she told you." 

Kani laughed. "You were drunk, and you know Nina is a gossip. True or not, Scott does have a reputation, and I fully understood how mine would change when I became his girlfriend and just leaned into it. It's easier not trying to hide when everyone thinks you're doing stuff anyway."

Still red, Leah follows them out the door and down to the lobby where the guys are waiting. Kani leads them down a few blocks until they get to a square building. Going inside, Scott shivers. 

"It's colder in here than outside. Why did you think I would like this Fey?"

"I didn't. This is one of my favorite wintertime activities and I wanted to share it all with you. Sad Pablo and Raf had a family thing, but I'm happy you all could make it." 

Leah's hand rose up to touch her chest, she was happy to have her here? They went over to the desk to get their skates and change out of their boots on a bench nearby. Leah looked over at what everyone else was doing.

"Kani, why are your skates white and sparkly while we have ugly black ones?"

"Because these are mine. I used to go skating in Pokyo a lot, and it was cheaper after a while to just buy my own. No, tighter Charles. You shouldn't be able to fully stick two fingers in there when you're done. Like this." She leans over to help him lace the skates and tie them properly. "Cross, and hook, cross, and hook. Pay attention Scott. We don't want any medical emergencies out there."

"Is this going to be like with the horses again? Where it's a lot of hard work and learning before we get to the fun part?"

She blushes, reaching over to check his work. "Not that kind of fun, but yes." She stands up, looking at the others.

"Anyone else need help? Also how do you want to do this? I'll be teaching these two, are you comfortable teaching, or ...." She trails off, gesturing.

Karla pats Mark's arm. "I'm good enough with the basics to help him out, I'm sure he'd appreciate as much privacy as he can being out on the open ice." 

Theo looks at Leah questioningly.

"Would we be able to join you? I've done this before, but I'm not quite sure I could teach Theo."

Kani smiles. "Sure! If I miss anything you can interject. Everyone have their gloves?"

They all nod. "Great, let's go!"

The group, minus Karla and Mark who were waiting until everyone was a fair distance away, got onto the ice. Kani showed them how to almost march on the ice to move forward while holding the wall.

"Great job guys! Now it's time for falling lessons."

"But we don't want to fall?" Theo looks at Leah in confusion.

She smiled and patted his hand. "I'm not participating in this one, but skating isn't like anything else you've done before. Falling is inevitable, and there's a right way to do it without hurting yourself. There's also just one way, with a few variations, to get back up after the fall and on your feet again."

Kani gives her a thumbs up. "This is also why I made everyone wear gloves, ice is cold, duh."

She falls a few times, showing what positions they should be aiming for, always focusing on the side of the butt since knees hurt and straight backwards also hurts. 

"Leah? I know it's embarrassing, but could you fall and explain how to get up one more time so I'm sure everyone gets it? Just the getting up part is important here."

Leah's curious, Kani had been explaining everything so well so far, it seemed like the guys were ready to practice falling and getting up themselves. Then she notices the hard glare she's looking at Scott with and the hint of a smile on his face. She sighs, muttering the word men as she skates to the front and squats down slightly, putting her hands on her legs just above her knees before falling to the side. Getting on her hands and knees, she describes how she's getting up, with one foot then the other, hands on the ice until both feet are planted and she stands up.

"We good?"

All three of them nod, and Kani makes them fall and get up a few times before she's satisfied. After teaching them how to stop and slow down, she nods in approval.

"You're all doing great. Let's take a lap or two around the rink and then we can split up to skate to your comfort level."

They kind of get into a weird formation, Kani skating in front, turning to skate backwards every now and then to check on everyone, Scott and Charles awkwardly skating next to each other, Theo on Charles' right side, skating smoothly, and Leah in the rear. After the first round, Kani gestures to Theo to fall back. He does, and Leah takes his hand.

"Lesson's over for you, time for the fun."

He smiles that brilliant smile of his at her and despite the cold, she melts. They speed up a bit, passing the trio to skate up ahead. He gives her hand a squeeze.

"I'm glad you came, this wouldn't have been as fun without you."

"Theo...."

~~~~~

"So I still can't believe you used to live there and never once went ice skating. Isn't that city famous for the outside rink? People flocked to it every year for the season."

Kani was skating backwards in front of the two men, Scott still seemed to be struggling, while Charles was getting better, almost as smooth as Theo.

"Yeah, people flocked to it, but no single ladies willing to teach a dashingly handsome archeologist how to skate."

He gave her a wink, and she started laughing, triggering his distraction and subsequent fall. She and Charles stopped to let him stand up again before continuing to skate.

"You're doing good Scott. Despite the 'lessons' you wanted being more in line with how you liked to teach ladies how to play pool." She started gesturing. "You have to bend your knees," her hands slid over her thighs, squatting lower as she did. "Keep your back upright," slouching, her right hand went up to her left shoulder, left on her stomach and she straightened, "and arms out for stability." Her right hand slowly traced down her left arm, moving it out away from her to the side once she reached her wrist and loosely circled it. "How close am I?"

Charles is chuckling while Scott attempts a pout.

"I'm not that bad. But yeah, pretty close."

The two start laughing, Scott joining in after. Karla and Mark skate up, Scott noticing how comfortable Mark is looking.

"Mind swapping Kani? We've created a monster and he wants to know more than I can teach."

"Sure! We've not gotten past the basics, I wanted this to be chill and fun for them."

Kani and Mark skate off ahead, Karla getting behind the two men. She watches them for a bit, before speaking up.

"Charles, you seem at ease here on the ice, any tricks or thoughts going on you might help Scott with? I've seen five year olds with better coordination than him. Seriously, I have to imagine you're doing this on purpose to get Kani's attention." 

Scott glares at her, almost falling again but staying upright.

"I'm afraid he's being honest right now. He's a bit clumsy and has run into doors and other things a time or two. I have to question Kani's sanity in wanting him on ice." He shakes his head. "I guess it's all just a lot to think about. All the parts of my body and keeping them just so, the motion of my steps to speed up or slow down, breathing, there's not much room for anything else, and it feels almost like meditation."

"Very insightful Charles. Scott, your thoughts?"

"I hate this and I want to take these skates off and be flat on the ground again."

"Charles, do you mind skating by yourself for a bit? You're honestly doing great, and you should go keep clearing your mind. We're going to take a break and chat."

He nods, and continues skating, while the other two move to one of the doors and carefully walk over to sit on a bench, looking at the skaters go by.

"What's wrong Scott? I can keep a secret."

"Charles already said. I'm clumsy and uncoordinated, and I have no idea why she thinks I can do that!"

He points to the center of the rink where Kani and Mark are spinning like tops.

"Damn, she has him doing scratch spins already? I'm toast." Karla puts a hand on his shoulder and gives it a squeeze. "Scott, she doesn't want you to do that. She's not expecting to turn you into a figure skater to do cool tricks with." Her hand goes to his chin, moving his gaze to Leah and Theo, just holding hands and skating around the edge of the rink like most everyone else, talking quietly to themselves. "That. That's what she wants from you. Just you and her together doing something she loves. She learned to dance for you, could you learn to not be so uptight on ice?"

He nods. 

"Good. Now let's practice a bit more."

She takes his hand, helping him up. Getting back on the ice, they go around a few times before breaking off from the crowd to find their significant others. Kani was clapping as Mark jumped and spun in the air before landing, a mite wobbly, but skating back to try it again. 

"Damn, Kani. Couldn't see his feet, so not sure if that was a Flip or a Lutz, but can I have my fiance back before you get into Axels? I'd like to actually have a bit of a romantic date here?"

Mark looks away sheepishly, ears starting to turn red as he reached out for her hand. They skate away, and Kani turns to Scott.

"How's everything going? We can stop if you don't like it. There's only about half an hour left before we were supposed to leave anyway to get ready for tonight." 

She was smiling brightly, and he searched her face, but she seemed sincere. He trusted Karla though. He held his hand out.

"Maybe a few more laps?"

There was a moment of surprise and confusion on her face, quickly replaced with a smile he thought could light the night sky. She took his hand and together they skated off, rejoining the crowd. 

~~~~~

"So I'm dying of curiosity, why did you hug me and not Mark?"

They were back at the hotel, Leah and Kani applying makeup in the mirror after getting changed to go out for dinner and dancing.

"You accepted it. I know I didn't verbally ask, sorry, but I stopped in front of you with my arms out and you put yours out without hesitating. I took that as consent." 

"Yeah, but you didn't even bother with Mark. He's going to be your brother in law, why not hug him. I'm just....."

Leah trails off, looking melancholic.

"An Ice Queen?" Kani giggles, nudging Leah's shoulder with her own, Leah's mouth opening in shock. Kani shrugs. 

"We both have reputations, apt or otherwise, we talked about it before. You're a person a friend of mine likes and I want to get to know you beyond the lies the town tells. You were essentially a blank slate to me when I went in for the hug. Mark and I have history already. He doesn't like anyone but three specific people to hug him unless he requests it. I'm not one of them. Anyway, enough with the sappy stuff, let's grab our jackets and wear them now so we can surprise our guys at the restaurant later." 

"Whatever you say Party Girl."

Kani holds the door open for her. "After you Pink hair."

"That's all he calls me? It makes me sound boring."

The two girls are still laughing at Mark's nicknames when they reach the lobby where the guys were waiting, having gotten changed faster than they did. They take a look at Mark's face and start giggling again.

"What's so funny?" 

Kani takes a deep breath, trying not to cry. "Maybe Goldilocks could tell you?"

Scott looked at her in confusion, she pointed to Mark, then to Karla. Eyes widening, he smiled. 

"I think Garden Rake has a better handle on what's happening here and why Pink Hair and Party Girl are giggling so much."

Mark frowned, Karla putting a hand on his arm.

"I hate to say it sweetheart, but you brought this on yourself. At least they're embracing the names you gave them to keep people at a distance and not being offended."

Theo comes in from outside. 

"The cars are here, let's go."

Chapter Text

"Anne! Good evening!"

"Karla, thank you for coming. Here, let me take that."

Anne takes the pan from the other woman's hands and goes into the kitchen. Taking her jacket and snow covered boots off at the door, Karla follows her, setting her bag on a chair to wash her hands before getting the groceries out and preheating the oven.

"So how was yesterday? Mark didn't say much this morning when he came home other than he had fun. Which could mean a lot of things." Anne gives her the side eye.

Karla laughs. "You can say what you mean, Zoe's off with Mark at the lake so there's no little ears to corrupt. Not that she's little anymore. She's almost a teenager Anne, and knows more about animals and their mating habits than anyone else her age. If you don't think she knows how humans work by now, you're in for a shock. I swear, you and Mark are so overprotective of her."

She gets the cutting board out and starts cutting up the cauliflower as Anne sighs. 

"I know, but I just want her to be my little girl for a little longer."

Karla puts the knife down and squeezes Anne's hand.

"Speaking of growing up, thank you for letting me make dinner tonight. Even though I'm sure it's only to judge whether or not you're sending your baby brother off to starve to death in my," she taps her chin. "not cave because he's usually in the caverns anyway....." slamming a fist into her palm, she grins. "Ah! Isolated tower of a farmhouse."

She gives a wink and the other woman laughs.

"I'm not that bad, but I am kind of curious. He has talked about your cooking before and all the things you've made him on your dates. I've been wanting to taste, and this new tradition we're setting up of family dinners every Sunday to stay close after you steal him away was the perfect excuse."

Checking the oven, Karla puts the pan of lasagna in she had made at home and sets a timer. Moving back to the cauliflower, she melts some butter in a bowl and starts brushing it over the sliced florets.

"Well, I don't know whether you'll be disappointed or impressed. After all the excitement and exertion of ice skating yesterday, I wanted some simple comfort food tonight." Sprinkling salt and pepper over the veggies, she sets the pan to the side and brings a loaf of Italian bread out. "Mark's a natural at the skating thing though, just like Kani. He surpassed all my skill and then some yesterday."

Anne's eyes widen. "Really?"

She nods. "Really. It was as surprising as when Scott found out last week that even though Kani hates the cold, she adores ice skating. It blew his mind." 

Taking another stick of butter, she puts it in a bowl to soften in the microwave, getting ready to chop the parsley and garlic.

"Can I help you with anything?"

"Thank you, but no, this is the last part, there's just a lot of waiting around while things cook after this." She starts mincing up the garlic. "Anyway, after skating we all went to dinner at this fancy Italian place which honestly wasn't the best. Nothing like Nonna's cooking, which is why we're having this tonight. But everyone but Kani and I enjoyed it so whatever." Brushing the parsley and garlic into the bowl, she adds some salt and starts mixing it. "We split up after that and Mark and I went out to look at the light displays set up around town while the rest of them went to a jazz club."

"You didn't join them?" Anne gets another baking pan out of the cabinet for her.

"Mark might have surprised me with the skating, but he doesn't dance. I'm not the biggest fan either. Something we'll have to discuss later."

"Or we could discuss it now. I can get my binder out and go over things."

Karla sighed. "We talked about this already Anne. Any wedding talk is saved for when the both of us are together. I just want to be married, and he wants to give you and your parents what they want. The only control I wanted over this was the dress, and that's being handled."

She starts spreading the butter mixture on the slices of bread and putting it on a tray while the older woman pouts. The timer goes off and Karla takes the tray of cauliflower to stick in the oven, setting another timer.

"I still can't see why we couldn't take a trip to the mainland, Zoe, Kani, you, and I to go try on dresses at least. It would have been fun."

"Fun? I've heard all about the 'fun' you have had with Mark and Zoe trying on clothes." She laughs. "Also would have been a waste of time and money, I have a very specific vision and Leah's helping Kani out with making it happen."

She envelops Anne in a big hug.

"You'll be invited to the final fitting though. You and Zoe, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Anne starts sniffling.

"Shh. It's okay."

"It, it's just....he's been here since he graduated high school and joined the Band."

Karla strokes Anne's hair as she cries into her shoulder.

"I know. Change is hard, but everything changes. Let it all out."

The two future sister-in-laws just stand there in the kitchen for several moments like that before the door opens. Anne bolts out of Karla's embrace, and starts splashing her face with water. Mark comes into the dining room, followed by Zoe and Paul. He sees the stain on Karla's shirt, and his sister now rubbing her face with a towel and raises an eyebrow. Karla gives a quick shake of her head and a slashing motion with her hand and he nods. The timer goes off.

"Perfect timing everyone! Roughly 10 minutes left until dinner, could someone set the table?"

Karla sticks the pan of garlic bread in the oven and flips over the cauliflower. 

"Maybe you want to go get your binder Anne? You have some time if you forgot where you put it."

She nods and wanders off to the bedroom. Zoe comes over to get the silverware after putting the plates out.

"Why's mom so weird? Her wedding book is on the table, she's been dying to talk with you all day."

"Oh Zoebear. You know I'm always frank with you right? There's stuff your mom doesn't want you to know yet, but I tell you what I can and when I'm allowed."

Zoe nods and Karla starts washing some of the dishes.

"Your mom is having some big emotions about the wedding and life she didn't want to have yet. She'll be okay, but she just needs to be sad for a bit now. Maybe you could go give her a hug? Don't try to cheer her up, just let her hug you maybe?"

Zoe nods and heads off to the bedroom. Mark comes up and starts drying and putting away the dishes.

"This one of those things you're going to have to explain to me since I'm emotionally dense?"

"Stunted sweetheart. You're more astute than Scott. You remember that conversation we had last year when you were talking about Zoe going off to college, and how that made you feel?"

"Yeah...."

"Well Anne's feeling that now but with the thoughts of you leaving her in 3 weeks and Zoe in a few years. Like everyone but Paul is going to abandon her."

"Shit. No wonder you insisted on these dinners."

"Language Mark."

The two in the kitchen laugh at Paul's comment as he gets himself a glass of water. The timer goes off, and Karla checks to see how everything looks. 

"Perfect! Someone go get the other two, dinners ready." 

Using the potholders, she moves the pan to the center of the table. The cauliflower is put in a large bowl, and the bread stacked up on a serving dish. 

"Eat up everyone. We've got Neapolitan Lasagna, garlic bread, and butter-roasted cauliflower." 

Paul sits at one end of the table, Anne to his right with Zoe on her other side, Mark to his left, Karla next to him. They pass the dishes around, filling their plates. Mark takes a bite of the bread and his eyes widen. 

"I can't believe they had the audacity to charge as much as they did last night for that garlic bread. It was terrible compared to this. How long did it take you? And why have you never made it before?"

She laughs. "I was trying to impress you before. What was it Anne, like maybe 10 minutes? Then the cooking time. This is a simple meal we had a lot growing up, fast, easy and filling, perfect for a casual family dinner."

"Can I come live with you too?"

The table laughs at Zoe's joke and continue eating.

"So our parents are coming two days before the wedding and staying at the Inn, we've already got the room booked. Nervous about meeting them Karla? I know Paul was."

"Not really. We're a lot older than the two of you were when you both got married. If they like me, they like me, if not, we'll figure something out and muddle through somehow. I've found the one and I'm not letting him go for anything."

She puts her hand on the table palm up and he puts his in it, ears turning red.

"You're so sweet! I have no idea how you put up with him sometimes, but I'm glad you do. Anyway, we settled on the food last time we talked."

"Yes. The twins, Noah, and I will be cooking most everything up at the Inn the day before, and Eva will be making the cake and cookies."

"Still don't see why you can't have it catered."

"It's a small, simple affair. You know Mark doesn't like the spotlight, and I'm not the biggest fan of it either. What we wanted was just 7 other people with us as we said our vows, but scaled it up to a party for your family. We just want to have a fun time with our family and friends, not be a circus."

"Okay, moving on to the decorations....."

~~~~~

Stepping out onto the porch, careful to stay by the door as he closed it since he hadn't put his shoes back on, he turns back to Karla. She's all bundled up for the walk home, so he pulls her scarf down a bit to stroke her cheek.

"Care telling me why you lied in there?" 

She fidgeted under his touch.

"I didn't want her to get caught up in my insecurities. They're your parents Mark! The amount of times you've vented to me about how overbearing they are in wanting you to settle down and get married, and it's me?! This shattered porcelain doll of a person? It blows my mind sometimes."

He smiled. "Well, we're both kingay-"

"Kintsugi."

"That, together. You loved me when I was broken and helped put the pieces back in place. I don't think there's a part of me that you haven't touched and made better in the past 3 years I've known you. I don't care if my parents like you, I love you and that's all that matters."

"Oh Mark." She leans up to give him a quick kiss. "Now get back inside, it's cold out and your sister is going to get suspicious that you snuck out for a sleepover on a school night."

They laugh and share another kiss before she starts walking home.

Chapter Text

Archie stood at the kitchen counter, staring at the machine in fascination. Dinda smiled, ruffling his hair when the door blew open. Joko stepped inside, knocking the snow off against the outer door jamb as he entered. Hearing the noise, she went to investigate, finding him unraveling the scarf around his neck.

"Brrr! Baby it's cold outside. The snow's really coming down good. Hopefully it doesn't get as bad as it did the other week when it was up to your knees out there."

Dinda takes his jacket from him to hang up but shrieks when he puts his hands on her neck to pull her in for a kiss.

"Your hands they're just like ice! Go warm up and listen to the fireplace roar before you touch me again!"

"Mom! It's happening!"

Joko chuckles. "Anticipation of the first kernel?"

"Don't you know it. Coming sweetie!"

Waiting for the popcorn to finish popping, they season it with butter and salt. Dinda and Archie join Joko on the couch where he's already got the hot apple cider waiting and the movie ready. Curling up under the blanket, Dinda rests her head on Joko's shoulder, he puts his arm around her and they hit play.

~~~~~

Dinda's frowning as she's washing the dishes.

"That child! I can't believe after all we went through this year with Mr. Beak, he'd want to watch that movie."

"Other than that, this evening has been so very nice."

"I didn't see you crying. Seriously? Who makes a kid's movie where the dad dies on Christmas, and comes back to life as a snowman a year later to give his family life lessons and closure?"

"My Adinda. So passionate." His hands go to her waist, kissing below her ear. "Your eyes are like starlight now. Archie's going to be out there building a snowman for a while."

She turns in his grasp, kissing him gently.

"Gosh, your lips are delicious. What did you have in mind?"

"Beautiful, please don't hurry. I'm loving just holding you like this."

She takes his hand and starts leading him to the bedroom.

"I thrill when you touch my hand my Adinda."

Smiling, she closes the door.

Chapter Text

Karla stood at the stove, stirring the cider as Kani and Scott moved around behind her, getting the snacks ready.

"So we've got the popcorn ready, pretzels, bowl of candy that has both chocolates and candy canes, various cookies you both baked, and what are these Fey?"

He holds up a bite size pastry, looking at it curiously.

"It's a pork pie appetizer type thing. Karla experimented a few years ago since it was weird having a regular meal while watching a movie, she prefers bite sized things that won't get her dirty and interrupt the show."

"Then why am I here?"

Karla groans as Kani just laughs and kisses him. 

"It's her birthday, try to be on your best behavior. Where's the whiskey Kar?"

"Mark's bringing it." There's a knock at the door. "That's him. Can you get it and give him his gift?"

"Sure." 

Scott sits at the table, looking at her in confusion. 

"Are you going to start making sense soon? Because this is all weird. Giving us gifts on your birthday, making weird food and needing whiskey to drink while watching a movie?" He puts his hands up, "not that I'm not grateful for everything, these pajamas are super comfy, but what kind of drinking game are we playing with a movie Fey said you've seen like a hundred times? And one thats called Pigdaddy? Seems more like a movie Fey and i would watch."

She laughed. "I'm only 32 now Scott! Watching this once every year since it came out does not constitute hundreds of times. And the pajamas are your holiday present, you're all getting them early so we can be comfy and cozy together. And wear them before the season's almost over. I hope you like them, I had bought Kani's first but then weeks later realized you'd be joining us so," she waggled her hand. "Hope they're not too childish for you."

"Nah, who doesn't love hot chocolate. And it's not like anyone but you three are going to see me in them anyway."

Kani comes in with the bottle. 

"Okay, so we've got the sherry," She curls the fingers of her free hand in air quotes, "and he's in your bedroom getting changed. Gave me a look when I gave him the box, maybe you want to explain?"

Karla sighed, turning the burner off. 

"Cider's done, and the hot chocolate is in the slow cooker. Can you both finish setting up while I go talk to him?" 

Kani nods vigorously. 

"Why do I not trust you."

"We wouldn't want to do anything to ruin your birthday dear sister. We know how much it means to you." Kani pokes Scott and he nods. "Now go get Mark."

Karla leaves the room and Kani grins.

"So I can't tell, are we or are we not sneaking off to remove these matching pj's she has us in? Because as adorable as we look together in them, I'd rather much see these on your floor."

"That all depends my dear Scott." 

She grabs the bowl of pretzels and plate of mini pork pies, and starts heading to the living room. Following her with the candy and popcorn, he raises an eyebrow.

"On whether or not they have more discipline and control than I think they do."

He chuckles as they go back to the kitchen to get the drinks.

~~~~~

There's a soft knock on the door. "It's me."

"Come in."

She slips in, closing the door behind her and turning around. Mark's standing there in an undershirt, pants half undone with the box open on the bed with the set of red plaid flannel pajamas that matched hers in it. She turns again, pressing her forehead to the door. 

"Kani...." She growls. 

"Karla?" 

She hears him take a step toward her and she waves her hand. "No, just stay there. I can answer any questions you have like this. I thought I explained it in my text earlier about everything tonight."

"You did, these feel real cozy."

She hears the belt go through the loops, and he sits on the bed to take his pants off. She bites her lip before talking again.

"So there's really no reason for me to be here then."

"I wouldn't say that."

She doesn't hear a thing, and suddenly he's got his hands on her arms, trying to turn her around.

"No."

"Why so shy all of a sudden?" He kisses the top of her head, breathing in deep. "You've seen me in less. Many times now."

"Mark. I love you, but I really want to share my favorite holiday movie with you, and if I look at you now, we're never going to leave this room until morning. Could you please put on the pajamas I got you so we can go out and *not* murder my sister?"

He chuckles and moves away. "Sure thing."

She keeps talking as he's getting dressed. "I'm just kind of excited in a different way, I've never celebrated my birthday with anyone but Kani and our grandparents before. The stars had always aligned for me to be single when this time of year came around. I think she's grown sick of this movie, but I don't care."

"What about your parents?" 

"They were always kind of hands off. After we grew too old for nannies, it was always one extracurricular activity and summer camp after another until our grandparents talked them into us living with them. Thars when I first saw this movie. It became a tradition that I kept on through college and my time in Pokyo. Are you decent yet?"

"Yeah, you can look."

She turns to see him standing there in the flannel. 

"Too bad Anne's not here to gush over how cute we look together and take pictures." She giggles as he groans. "Now come on, I want to see the look of disappointment on their faces when they realize we've thwarted their plans in trying to derail my plans."

She takes his hand and they go out to the living room. Kani's sitting on Scott's lap, but frowns and slides off to sit next to him on the couch, pulling a blanket over. Karla just raises an eyebrow at her as she and Mark go to the kitchen to get their drinks.

"So in addition to the drinks we normally have, I made hot chocolate and mulled cider. Whiskey is optional after the first splash. I like theming things a bit, makes it seem a bit more like a party or experience and not like a normal movie night."

He gets himself a mug of cider, and she hands him the glass with alcohol. Rejoining the couple on the couch, they settle in under the other blanket. Kani raises her glass. 

"Happy birthday Karla."

The others raise their glasses, echoing the sentiment before taking a sip. Grimacing, Kani presses play on the remote and reaches for her cider. 

"Everything starts somewhere, although many physicists disagree. There is the constant desire to find out where - where is the point where it all began."

Karla curls up into Mark and he puts his arm around her, a look of surprise on his face.

~~~~~

"Hey Scott, watch this." Kani whispers into his ear, carefully taking the remote that was by his side. The woman on the screen was asking a question.

"I mean why did you do all this?"

Kani hit mute on the remote. Karla glares at her and says in a dark voice,

"Human beings make life so interesting. Do you know that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to invent BOREDOM?"

While she's speaking, she manages to wrest control of the remote from her sister's hand and whack her with it before unmuting the movie, hers and the character's 'boredom' said at the same time and tone. Kani buries her face in Scott's shoulder to hide her giggles, fearful of getting hit again for making noise. Karla tosses the remote to the other side of Mark, hitting the floor. One last glare and she snuggles back into Mark's arms.

~~~~~

The credits roll, Kani stretching and reaching for the empty glasses. 

"So what did you guys think of it? 'Specially you Mark. You're locking in to watch this every year till she dies."

"I knew she was a movie buff, but this is your favorite holiday movie? It's not bad, certainly unique, and I think I understand you a bit better than I did before."

"There's still time to run big guy."

Mark chuckles at Scott's statement. 

"Never. I've got myself a girl as badass as the one in the movie and with a perspective on life just as unique."

"And your opinion Scott? Even though you're Kani adjacent and might not be forced to watch this again?"

"I really liked Death and the hilarity of him trying to connect with people. And the punes, you know I love 'em." He gives Kani a look. "And Fey surprisingly reminds me of Albert. But gentler. It's weird. But I wouldn't say no to seeing it again next year."

Pink tinging her cheeks, Kani spins and walks to the kitchen faster than usual with her arms full of dishes. Karla leans over and pats Scott's hand.

"First I'd like to thank you for following the rules of hands above the blanket this time. Secondly, thank you so much for joining us." Her gaze turns to Mark. "This has been one of the best birthdays ever."

Chapter Text

He stood at the entrance of the cavern, pulling his coat tighter around him, fastening it up. A rare occurrence, but the air had gotten colder while he was down in the depths and he could smell the incoming snow. Maybe an hour or two away. Would he have time to go to the bar for a hot meal before it came in? Or should he just deal with rations at the hideout alone since her contract was taking longer than expected. His musings were interrupted by the sound of someone shouting his name. He looks over to see Karla running toward him, something in her arm.

"Axel! I'm glad I was able to catch you." She pauses for a moment to catch her breath. "I wanted to wish you Happy Holidays and give you this before you left tomorrow morning."

She hands him a package wrapped in brown paper. He looks at her surprised.

"You got me something? Thank you, but there's nothing I really need, I like to travel light you know. Easier to pack up and leave for far off places for missions without things weighing you down."

He tried to give it back to her, but she stuck her hands behind her back and took a step away from him. She shakes her head, smiling widely.

"Maybe you should open it before making any decisions. After almost 3 years of working together, I like to think I know you enough to know what gifts you might like."

He laughs as he unwraps the gift, the laughter slowly dying as he took a look at what was inside. Nestled in the paper was a cobalt blue scarf. He stroked it with a hand and felt how soft it was.

"Millie started up a little crafting club and a few sessions were learning how to knit, so I made you a scarf. If you want, during the warm months you can store it at my place, but I see how you try not to let the cold bother you."

"You made this for me?"

"Yup. This was the closest yarn she had that matched your eyes." She winked at him. "So you can look dashng and woo all the ladies while still being warm."

"Karla I'm touched. I don't know what to say."

"You already said thanks. And I know you don't celebrate it, but if you're on the island or between jobs, you're more than welcome to come over for dinner for the holiday. Day of or Eve, you're invited to both."

"Karla...." He holds his arms out wordlessly and she steps forward into one of his rib crushing hugs. Letting her go, he wraps the scarf around his neck. "How do I look?"

"So dashing. All the single ladies better look out."

They laughed and hugged again.

"I'll see you next week when you come back. Safe travels Axel!"

She waves and heads back to the farm. He gently strokes the scarf and decides to get some hot food, between the warmth of the food, scarf and friendship, he could weather the storm.

Chapter Text

"Okay, I'd like to welcome you all to the planning session of what songs we're going to be singing when we go caroling on Saturday."

Karla stood at the head of the table, Theo sitting next to her on the right with his guitar a little away from the table with a music stand in front of him. She looked at the group sitting around the table, two on each side and one on each end. To her left was Mark, then Scott, Pablo, Kani and ending on her right was Leah. Except for Mark, they all had piles of paper in front of them.

"Everyone bring the songs they'd like to request in addition to the classic staples like 'We wish you a Merry Christmas' or 'Jingle Bells'?"

They all nod, but Kani points to Mark.

"He doesn't sing, why is he here?"

"He's my Emotional Support Mark." Karla puts her hand on his arm. "Here to keep me sane while dealing with some of the requests some of you may have."

She doesn't look at them, but Kani and Pablo both grin while Scott has the decency to rub the back of his neck. Karla gestures to Theo.

"We'll start with you since I trust you the most to have picked a good song."

Theo smiles and starts playing a jaunty tune on his guitar.

Once I found a stowaway
Upon my ship on Christmas Day
I was fair so I gave him a chance
"You shouldn't be here, what's your tale?
I ought to throw you to the whale"
He just smiled and said "Come here, let's dance"

He said "Borrow or steal, I'll find a way
To be with my lover upon Christmas Day
And I'll run and I'll roam, I'll cover the ground
This Christmas I'll see you, I'll be around"

The group sat and let him sing the whole song. As he finished the tune, last notes fading into the air, Karla nodded.

"Anyone have any objections to adding this one in?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Okay, moving on, who wants to go next?"

Scott raises his hand and slides his little pile over to the head of the table. Karla passes it to Theo, who puts it on the stand and starts following the notes on the paper.

It was Christmas Eve, babe
In the drunk tank
An old man said to me
"Won't see another one"
And then he sang a song
"The Rare Old Mountain Dew"
I turned my face away

"No!" Leah slams her hands down on the table, standing up. "We're not singing this one you insensitive buffoon!"

Theo is frowning and trying to tug her arm to sit back down. Karla quickly grabs the music sheets and skims through them.

"Leah's right, what kind of song has cursing and insults like this one? It's horrible."

Scott shrugged. "You asked for my favorite Christmas song I liked singing, and I sang this one all the time in the Big Apple."

Kani patted his knee. "Well I enjoyed practicing it with you."

Scott smiled at her as Karla rubbed her temple.

"Leah, what did you bring?"

"Something fun that doesn't have rampant alcohol usage or cursing in it."

She glares at Scott and passes her music sheets to Theo, who sets them up and starts playing.

Pom pom cap
Chinchilla stall and warm designer mittens
Snow bunny meets sex kitten
I'm everything you've been missing
Got my russian princess coat and icy diamonds galore
A winter dressed in glamour
I'm everything that you could wish for
Oh oh oh
I'm bundled up from head to toe
Oh oh oh
Oh holli-dazzle through the snow
Oh oh oh oh
Slay bells ring-aling ring ding ding-aling
I'm so sickening
Oh oh oh oh
Slay bells gonna slay this Christmas

Karla slashed her hand, causing Theo to stop playing and Leah stopped singing shortly after.

"I'm sorry, the song is very peppy and joyful, but way too...." She struggled, trying to find the words to not hurt her. "Not something the rest of us might feel comfortable singing." She points to Scott and Pablo, both with weird looks on their faces.

"Speak for yourself, I think it sounds like a better version of Santa Baby." Kani piped in from where she was sitting. 

"Next!"

Pablo passes his sheets down the table and Leah scoffs.

"I think we all know Feliz Navidad."

"That's not it. Karla asked for our favorite holiday songs to sing, and this one's mine."

Theo takes a look at the notes and starts playing a slow, sad melody.

Acaba de una vez de un solo golpe
¿Por qué quieres matarme poco a poco?
Si va a llegar el día que me abandones
Prefiero, corazón, que sea esta noche

"No, no, no, no!" Kani stands up from her chair fast enough it falls over and she moves over to wrap her arms around him in a tight hug. "Quien te lastimó? Nunca te abandonaría."

"Qué?"

Pablo and Scott look at her confused. 

"Fey, how do you know Spanish?"

"I've been studying the past few months, listening to lessons while doing my work. I wanted to give Pablo something for the holiday that could be just him and me since we don't really have any common interests that don't also include you."

Pablo rests his hand on her arm as Karla takes the sheets from the stand and puts it in the reject pile.

"Okay, considering her reaction and the fact most of us would have no clue what we're singing, I'm kiboshing that song. I guess it's her turn to try a song."

Kani steps away from Pablo and reaches for her pile, but Karla holds a hand up.

"First, no songs about alcohol or getting drunk." Kani moves a few sheets off the pile. "No cursing." Another set joins it. "No thinly disguised sex songs you want to sing to Scott." Most of her stack joins the reject pile, leaving a few papers left in front of her. Karla holds her hand out for the papers. "Okay. If this one is kid friendly, we'll try singing it."

She hands the papers to Theo, who puts them on the stand and starts playing.

Zim-zim-za, zim-zim-za
That's what people say
When it's Winter's Crest Festival Time in good ol' Tal'dorei
Zim-zim-za, zim-zim-za
That's what people say
When it's Winter's Crest Festival Time in good ol' Tal'dorei

"No, stop Theo."

Karla slashes her hand again and he silences his guitar.

"As interesting as this song is Kan, singing a song based on a fictional holiday in a fictional continent from a game I think only you and I on the island know about or like, is not going to be fun for the other townies."

"I don't see you submitting anything better. Are we just going to do the classics and Theo's song?"

Karla handed the papers that were in front of her to Theo, and once again he sets them up and starts playing. Karla starts singing and nobody interrupts this time. Once it's done, she looks around the table with a look as if to say 'well?' They all nod in agreement. Leah taps her finger on the table.

"This might be the best one to sing to everyone on Saturday. I'm surprised." 

"So let's vote on the songs we'll be learning this week so we don't have to be staring at the folders of sheet music I'll make copies of for Saturday."

They all start discussing song choices animatedly.

~~~~~

There's a knock on the door, and Emma opens it, Dippa right behind her as they look out at their friends bundled up for the winter weather in front of them. Theo starts strumming his guitar as the rest of them start singing.

Chapter Text

"Ooh! Let's check out this one!"

Zoe tugs on her dad's hand and drags him off to one of the stalls. 

"Should we follow?"

"Well, on one hand we can look at things together, then sneak off to secretly try to buy stuff for each other later, or we can divide and conquer, me going with Paul and Zoe to make sure they don't buy stuff for themselves disguised as gifts for Anne, while you and her go off having fun looking at things since I'm pretty sure she's done shopping."

Karla holds her hands out palms up, raising and lowering them like a scale.

"That sounds like fun! Scott, you go with them, and I'll stick with Anne and Mark! We'll meet up in about 2 hours to eat something and talk about what we've seen?"

Kani pushes the blonde man toward where Paul and Zoe went, Karla following. 

Scott frowns. "But I wanted to look at the colorful displays with her." 

Karla links her arm in his, keeping him moving forward. "You can do that after, now is separation time. Come on, before they start buying stuff."

As they walk off, Kani points the other way. "How about we take the opposite direction, yeah?"

Anne looks at her shrewdly. "Why do I think this is a set up?"

Kani shrugs. "Because it is? Kar helped set everything up yesterday, so she has kind of already seen everything and chose babysitting duty. While I get to hang out with you two and we all get to chill out and bond."

Mark snorts. She pokes his arm.

"Not joking. We're all going to be related soon, might as well get to know each other a little better. This is my version of brutal honesty big guy. No lies today."

"That sounds great Kani, let's check out what's over here."

~~~~~

It's an hour later and the trio have checked out about half the market at this point. Mark looks up from the selection of knives he was looking at to see Kani texting furiously on her phone. Anne's distracted with looking at some 'high quality' kitchen knives on the other end of the table, so he goes over.

"Couldn't make it an hour without sexting your boyfriend? Tch."

"If it's any of your business, I'm talking to Karla, and Scott and I don't do that. I need to be quick because they're 2 tents down."

Mark looks at her curiously.

"Please tell me why you're looking at me like that before I overshare again. I don't want to pick the wrong topic and make you feel weird. Well, weirder around me than you do."

The phone disappears and Mark notices Anne coming over. 

"Did you find anything you liked Mark? I thought this would be the artisan you'd buy stuff from."

"Nah, they've got okay stuff for casual use, but SlashOrg knives aren't good enough quality for what I need."

Anne leads them over to the next tent where someone is selling handmade jewelry. Kani's watching her intently, pretending to look at the jewelry, hand close to her pocket. Mark's eyes go wide. She glances over to see if he's looking at anything, and noticing his expression, she winks. He leans over to look at a silver necklace with an Amethyst set in it. 

"Kani, you think Karla would like this?"

"It matches her eyes, let me see closer."

She leans in next to him and he whispers.

"You're helping Karla with Paul's gift to Anne, aren't you?"

"Nothing gets past you big guy. Karla was going to have you help, but it would have been obvious with just the two of you." She said quietly before going back to her normal tone, "It's pretty, but my sister doesn't wear jewelry outside of the locket really. I see it languishing in a jewelry box somewhere. But! If you still needed something for her, these would be perfect."

She guides him over to another section of the table and points at an item. He looks at her curiously and she winks as if to say 'trust me,' moving her fingers in a circling motion for him to hurry up. Just as he's slipping his purchase into his pocket, the other four come into the tent. After some greetings and mentions of trying specific samples at different food stalls they've been to, the groups move slowly on their way.

~~~~~

At the appointed time they all meet up and got in one of the food stall lines for a late lunch. Zoe's going on about all the pretty things she's seen and the ice carving demonstration they watched.

"And then they took out a chainsaw and the ice went flying with the brrrr! And they were able to use it to make most of a swan before switching to chisels and blades, it was so cool!"

"That sounds like so much fun sweetheart! We're you able to get things for everyone on your list?"

"Almost. Miss Kani said she'd take me back to get something for Dad and Mi-Aunt Karla after we eat. She was a great help, especially with Val's present." She frowns slightly. "With everyone's presents really. She's like one of Santa's elves or something. Not that he exists, but I don't want to hurt Val's Uncle's feelings. He seems happy playing Santa for us every year."

Anne gets misty eyed and gives Zoe a big hug. "Oh honey."

"Maybe you guys should go snag us a table or two, find someplace big enough for the seven of us yeah? Remind us what you were going to order and I'll make sure Paul gets it."

Karla shoos them away with a grin. Mark slips a hand in hers as they move forward in line.

"So what kind of surprises am I going to wake up to Christmas morning?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about Mark. You're not seeing me until the afternoon, so no surprises in the morning." 

But the grin on her face as her sister slung her arm around her shoulders made him chuckle.

"Whatever you say dear. Isn't that my line from now on?"

The three start laughing, Paul and Scott looking on curiously.

Chapter Text

Stretching, Karla got up out of bed. Padding over to the kitchen and pouring herself a bowl of cereal, she enjoyed the peace and quiet of a lonely morning for once. Times like these where the whole house was hers with nobody to bother her were rare. No Kani waking her up singing in the shower, no Scott joining her with his off-key warbling when he was over half the time. No Mark with the sleepy kisses. They'd all be there in the afternoon, Mark first, since he only had the one family to celebrate with, then the other two later in the afternoon since they had more people to visit.

Hitting the button on the coffee maker, she puts her bowl in the sink and goes to get dressed. Time to start preparing. She goes over the checklist one more time in her head, putting her sweater aside to wear later for the party, no need getting it dirty while she was cooking. So the three that were normally there, add in Anne's family, Charles may or may not come, same with Axel and Senja, and that was it. She puts her hair up in a ponytail to keep it out of her face while dealing with the food, and washes her hands. Better make sure to make extra for 5 more people in case Kani decides to adopt some more lonely townsfolk. She chuckles to herself and gets to work.

~~~~~

Hours later there's a knock at the door.

"It's open, come in!" 

She yells from the kitchen, not wanting the potatoes to boil over. Mark comes in and whistles at the scene.

"Got enough food here Karla? Looks like every inch of the place is covered."

"There may or may not be 10-15 people passing through tonight, I don't want anyone to leave hungry."

She glances over at him and giggles at the sweater he's wearing featuring varrious ninja gingerbread men killing other gingerbread men with swords. 

"Murder and mayhem, perfect for Christmas. It is adorably cute." She picks the pot of boiled potatoes up and pours them out into the strainer in the sink. "If you wanted to have a seat, I wanted to talk to you about some things."

"Sounds deep. Should I be worried?"

"Not exactly. I know we haven't talked much about what's going to happen next year when you move in."

"When we get married?" He comes up to hug her from behind.

"Yes, but I was more thinking about the total living situation, and since we'll be partners, I wanted to run a thought by you before I talk to anyone else."

~~~~~

"The party has arrived!"

Karla's drying her hands off as she goes into the living room to greet Kani and Scott.

"Absolutely not. No. There's a more, not appropriate, but not as bad as the one you're wearing ugly sweater in her bedroom for you. Now change before Zoe shows up."

Mark just raises an eyebrow. "Dick the Halls?"

"Told you it wouldn't fly, my heart's treasure. Time for the backup plan."

Scott shrugs and pulls the sweater covered in festive dicks off to reveal another sweater with a Christmas tree on it, present under the tree. As he straightens it out, Karla sees it's an oversized sweater, so the present....She sighs and waves her hand as if to say okay.

"It was worth a shot Fey. Glad the backup is passable."

"Where's yours Kani? Was looking forward to see what outlandish and scandalous sweater you'd come up with."

"I'm abstaining from the contest since I made a dress I'd like to wear for the evening Mark. Kar, how long till you reach a stopping point?"

"About 20 minutes, why?"

"I'm going to need your help with part of it."

"I could help, I've done it before."

"Down loverboy. People could start arriving at any moment and we don't want any weird noises coming from her bedroom."

Scott glares at Mark. "I'm not that much of a horndog. I have helped her with her costumes before without getting 'overly amorous'." His hands come up in finger quotes, making Mark laugh.

"That definitely sounds like Karla scolding you."

Karla gestures to Mark and he gets up from the couch to start setting out the stations for drinks and charcuterie before people arrive, Scott helping him while Kani slips off to her bedroom to get changed.

~~~~~

"Axel, Senja! So nice seeing you here tonight!" 

Kani opened the door wider to let them in, Karla catching the momentary frown on her face before it went back to the chipper smiling version she greeted them with. She took their coats to hang on the rack, giving Senja a big hug, and sticking her hand out for Axel.

"What, no hug for me? Your favorite adventurer?"

He holds his arms out wide. Kani laughs and gives him a quick hug before backing away.

"You only have 6 more days to call yourself that before I'm legally mandated to call this one my favorite."

She jerks her thumb at Mark, leading the two over to the drink station and explaining how everything was set up and when things were happening. Karla felt Scott stepping up next to her, and looking at him, she saw his jaw clench.

"You okay Scott? Anything wrong?"

He shakes his head. "Why would anything be wrong? Just didn't think you'd invite them."

"They're coworkers and good friends to Mark and I, why wouldn't they be invited?"

He looks at her, realization slowly dawning. She didn't know, he thought. "I guess I wasn't thinking, it's your event after all. Thanks for inviting Charles. He's not into this holiday, but promised he'd show up for dinner. Excuse me."

He moves over to greet the newcomers, slipping his arm around Kani's waist.

"I've got to say that's a cute dress Kanifey. Very flapper-esque and festive."

"You think? Thanks Senja!" She removes Scott's arm to give a little twirl. She was wearing a sleeveless a-line styled dress ending at her knees, rows of fringe to act as the needles, with a garland wrapping around the dress several times and various small ornaments sewn into the front and sides. Finishing the ensemble was a headband with light up star, brown stockings, and crimson red flats, the picture of a Christmas Tree.

"What, no present under the tree?"

"Not for you anyway, Karla already gave you your gift." She swatted Axel's arm, forcing a laugh as Scott put his arm back around her waist.

"Let me get you a drink. If I recall, Kani, you liked...."

~~~~~

An hour later, the place is in full swing, Charles had shown up along with Millie and Yuri, who like Karla suspected, had been invited by her sister. Pablo and Raf had shown up and said they could only spend about a half hour before continuing on to the Inn to celebrate with their cousins. The Sanchez's, Axel, and Senja were talking over in a corner when Kani came up in between the two brothers, arms linking with each of theirs.

"I heard shop talk going on over here. I forbid Kar and Mark from talking about the caverns with these two, do I have to include you guys as well?"

Pablo laughs as Rafael rubs the back of his head sheepishly.

"You can't blame us Kani. Some of the other things we have in common aren't exactly family friendly holiday material."

Axel laughs. "We could be having conversations about strange bedfellows, you know the things I like talking about."

She feels Scott's arms sliding around her waist to hug her from behind, chin resting on her shoulder. She tenses up slightly before slowly removing his hands. 

"On second thought, keep discussing the caverns, I know all five of you have that in common. I'm needed somewhere else."

She slips behind Scott and pushes him into the space she was just occupying, trading greetings and jokes with the people she passed on her way to her bedroom. Taking off the headband, she places it on her dresser, grabbing the plushie she got earlier that morning. Her bed was full of the jacket overflow from the coat rack, so she sank into her armchair, hugging the stuffed triceratops wearing a red scarf and little Santa hat, deep in thought. About 20 minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

"Fey? Pablo and Rafael are heading out, did you want to say goodbye?"

Opening the door, she looked at him shrewdly. 

"You haven't knocked on my door since we started dating. What gives now?"

He looked down and rubbed his arm. "You seemed sad and not wanting to be bothered. I've never seen you upset before and didn't know what you wanted. So I thought maybe letting you have privacy was the best option."

She looks him up and down. "Did you already say goodbye?"

"Yes, but why-?"

She pulls him into the room, shoving the plushie in his arms. "Stay here then. We need to talk." 

Making her way back to the living room, she gives the brothers big hugs, promising to come over for movies the next night as always. After she sees them out the door, she breathes deep and heads over to Axel.

"We need to talk, can I steal him from you Senja? You could keep the duo in the kitchen entertained until I'm done with him. Thank you so much."

She grips his arm tightly and practically drags him over to her bedroom. Shoving him inside, Scott looks up from where he's sitting in the chair. Closing the door, she ignores the question in his eyes and passes Axel to grab the measuring tape hanging off her dress form in the corner.

"Okay. I've had enough of this. Both of you, pants off. Let's get this dick measuring contest over with for reals."

"What? Fey, I, what?!?"

Scott's sputtering, while Axel just raises a hand to his chin curiously. She balls up the yellow plastic and throws it at Scott.

"You haven't stopped touching me since he got here, and not in a good way. What kind of twisted jealousy got into you? And you!" She spins and points at Axel who's now trying not to smile. "You and your flirty comments, are you trying to tell the entire party we used to sleep together? Or just trying to get a rise out of my boyfriend that you had me first?"

She's staring him in the eyes until he looks away, uncomfortable with the glare she was leveling his way.

"So let us get everything out in the air. He is the only one who knows about us, I told him about our relationship and everything it entailed when we got together. I thought he was cool with it, he said he was at the time, but now I don't know if it was a lie. We're done. We had a mutually beneficial relationship where we used each other for sex, and that was it. You effectively dumped me because I wanted more than you wanted to give, and that's fine. What's not fine is you rolling up in here on Christmas of all days acting like you want me back."

She turns her glare to Scott.

"And you! You've never shown a jealous bone in your body until today. What's wrong with you?" He opens his mouth to start explaining, but she slashes her hand to cut him off. "No. I know what's wrong. You're vain, and seeing me stand next to him makes you feel insecure and that I might leave you to go back to him. Am I right? Answer me."

Shocked, he nods. 

"How surprising." She says sarcastically. "Brutal honesty time. Yeah, we used to bang on the regular, and he knows my body pretty well. But that's it. Haven't you noticed how he's been trying not to look around at my room like he's never been here before? He hasn't. He's never been inside this entire house until Karla invited him for dinner, not me. He might have satisfied me physically, but a girl wants more, more than he wanted to give. You know almost all of my secrets, you have more than my body, you also have my heart and mind. Now you've got to decide if your jealousy is worth more than my heart."

She points at the two of them. "Now you guys stay here and resolve this before I resolve it for you." 

Turning on her heel she leaves them alone in the room. Ignoring the questioning looks from the kitchen, she opens the front door just as Paul was about to knock. She quickly plasters a smile on her face.

"You guys made it! Great, Karla can take your jackets to her room" She throws a look at her sister full of meaning, and she nods in agreement. "I'm a bit heated right now, so I'm going to just take a quick step outside to cool off. Be right back!"

She gives a little giggle, waving them in before stepping out and closing the door behind her. She lets out a sigh and walks off toward the stable.

About 20 minutes later she hears the door slide open. Not lifting her head from where it's buried in Lickety Split's mane, she calls out.

"Which one of you is it." 

"Both of us."

She looks up and sees Scott leading Axel to the stall next to her where Grundle King was. Axel pulled out a carrot to offer as Scott started rubbing the horse like she had shown him he liked before.

"I'm sorry Kani. I didn't quite realize what I was doing."

"I guess we were thinking too much with our little brains and not the big ones. I'm so sorry I made you uncomfortable Fey. I," he looks at her, then turns his focus back to the horse. "I can't say I won't ever get jealous again, but I'm going to keep your words in mind and wait until we're in private to let them out. I trust you completely, even if my caveman brain doesn't."

She chuckles, giving the horse one last pet and moving out of the stall.

"Next time you two should really lean into it, beating your chests and everything."

The trio laugh, Axel leaving the barn first. Scott pulls her headband out of his pocket, putting it back on her head and adjusting her hair like she had it before. Hands cupping her cheeks, he puts his forehead against hers.

"I know I'm flawed and not the best company to be around sometimes, but please don't break up with me over this. I'm truly sorry."

"Scott, dear Scott. You're immature, klutzy, have poor impulse control, and though I call you my clever scientist since you're extremely smart, you can be astonishingly stupid sometimes." She pulls away to look into his eyes. "But you get me on a level I didn't know existed, and I've never loved anyone like you before. You really are my heart's treasure."

Her arms wrap around his neck, pulling him in for a deep kiss that's broken by her shivering.

"As much as you warm my insides, my outsides are going to turn blue soon."

"Let's get you back inside in front of the fire. It's almost time for dinner anyway."

As they make their way back inside the house, Karla gives them a look, raising an eyebrow. Kani smiles and gives her a thumbs up, she nods. 

"Alright everyone, time for dinner! I hope you've put your votes in for who has the ugliest sweater, I'll be tallying the winner over dessert."

~~~~~

Despite Millie's 'All booked for the holidays' punny sweater, and Yuri's 'Silent Night' with the bottles of medicine on it, Charles was the clear winner with his heart monitor sweater reading 'I see you when you're sleeping. I know when you're awake.' Zoe, Anne, and Paul clapped for him in their custom Bonbon, racoon, and Wooded Bighorn sweaters respectfully. All the guests had gone, and the quartet were busy packing away the leftovers and washing dishes. Once everything was put away, Karla ushered them back into the living room.

"So I maybe have one last gift for everyone tonight. This morning was one of the most peaceful times it's been in this house since you moved in Kani. It reminded me of my first year here living alone and being able to do whatever I wanted without interruption. I hated it. I know I complain about you both sometimes, but I've gotten used to the chaotic energy you, and now you too," She nods towards Scott, "bring to the house. I'd been saving since spring to possibly talk you into selling your half of the house to me so Mark and I could live here alone after we got married. But we had a talk today and thought it might be better to remodel instead. We'd get rooms on a second floor, you'd get soundproof rooms in a basement, and the main floor would be the common area, giving us more space to host parties like tonight. What do you guys think?"

"I mean, I'd be happy with that arrangement, I'm having a hard time finding alternative lodging at this time."

"I don't live here yet, I've still got my place with Charles, but thank you for inviting me into the family. Also soundproof guys? Really?"

"Really." Karla and Mark say in unison.

"So it's settled. In the spring we'll talk with the carpenters and get our new living space designed. Merry Christmas."

They all shared a group hug before splitting up for bed. As Kani closed the door to her room, she turned to Scott with a salacious smile. 

"There's one more present for you under the tree."