_____________= separates Anti and Dark

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"I mean, you don't have to get him anything, Dark"

Dark growled, "Yes. I do."

"No. You don't." 

Currently Dark and Mark were out Christmas shopping. Dark had asked him to go with him to try and help him pick out a gift for Anti. He had already picked out and wrapped gifts for the other Iplier egos over a week ago but he HAD to think of something to give to Anti. 

"Yes, I do, Mark! And it has to be better than a knife or another sweater like the last gift I got him years ago. It needs to be special. Something that tells him that I'm fucking sorry"

"Why don't you just tell him that? Have you even talked to him yet since?"

Dark blushed, "Uh . . .. no"

"Daaaark" Mark whined, "He's gonna think you're ignoring him again!"

"I can't just randomly call him, though, Mark. It'd feel weird! It'll be better when I see him face to face"

"Will it, though? What if he's angry at you for ignoring him again?"

"Uuuuuugh! Mark, just help me find him a fucking present!"

"I don't even know what he likes! You do!"

Dark huffed, "It's two days away from Christmas and I'm still nowhere. I have no idea what to do" he felt like pulling out his hair.

Mark pat his back and silently led him out of the store, "I think you need to take a break." when they got to the van, Dark crossed his arms in thought but nothing came to his head.

Mark snorted.

"What?" Dark snarled.

"Nothing. You just look like a little kid who didn't get to see Santa is all"

"I will hurt you, Mark. Don't think I won't."

"Yeah, yeah. Buckle up, buddy."

They decided it would be best to go back to Raspy Hill and on the way there, Mark started up a conversation again.

"So what did you end up getting the others? Perhaps an idea will bounce off from talking about that?"

Dark hummed, "Sure. Fine, whatever. I got Wilford a new gun holster, Google and Bing new virus protection software. Yandere got a new outfit. I got Eric a big stuffed animal. Host got a Calligraphy set, and King got binoculars to look at squirrels easier. Dr. Iplier got a new stethoscope. I got Bim a new microphone and the Jims both got some video games. Those two need some different hobbies"

"You're one to talk."

Ignoring him, Dark continued, "Also I got Amy a cactus, Ethan some dog clothes for Spencer, Kathryn that new camera lens she wanted and Tyler some new workout clothes."

"What'd you get me?"

"You really think that old trick will work on me? I'm not telling you" he snorted.

"I know. Those sound like good gifts for everyone. Why get Eric a stuffed animal, though?"

"Because he's always afraid he'd accidentally hurt a real animal. It'll be good for him."

"Ah" Mark smiled, "I got ya. It's sweet. I'm stumped on Anti, though. Have you tried getting a hold of the Septics like Marvin, for instance? Maybe you could talk to him through that mirror thing him and Host use?"

Dark thought for a moment before gasping and punching Mark in the arm, "That's it!!"

"Ow! What the fuck, Dark!? What's it!?" Mark cradled his arm, whining as he tried driving more safely.

Dark just rolled his eyes, "I know what to do for Anti!"

________________________________________________________

Anti had just finished wrapping the presents he had gotten his brothers in his room. He was so proud of himself, he couldn't wait to see the look on all of their faces! It was a little hard at first thinking of what to get everyone, but once he thought closer about it, he felt more at ease.

The kids were the easiest. They had no problem blurting out what they wanted for Christmas and Anti practically had to beg Chase to let him get the toys they had been wanting for them. He knew Chase wanted to buy all the presents they wanted but the others wanted to give the kids stuff, too!

So Anti ended up getting a new mirror for Marvin(since he destroyed all of his from the void), Jackie got some night vision goggles, and Jameson got a small dry erase board. Anti also got Schneep a new mug, Sean a Minecraft figurine of himself and last but not least, he got Chase a new nerf gun and a picture of all the egos and his kids framed so he could put it up in his room.

Now he just had to think of what to get Dark. The Septic and Iplier egos agreed they didn't have to get each other presents but then again, they hadn't seen each other in so long besides Marvin and Host. 

'Should I even get anything for him? But what if he gets me something and I look like an ass? But what can I get him? I haven't seen him in years! Does he still like cookies? Board games? Does he still wear that ridiculous suit all the damn time?'

Anti got up and did what he usually did when thinking too hard about something. He left the room and paced the hallway, deep in thought, 'Maybe I should talk to Marvin and see if he has any intel with talking to Host so much?' 

Anti couldn't help but chuckle. He remembered one time he teased Dark about his suit having a wrinkle in it and he had gone practically mad trying to find it, cussing Anti out when there had been no wrinkle.

"Uncle Anti! What you laughing about?"

Anti halted only to see little Kallie grinning at him, "Well hey there, little lass!" he smiled, "Oh nothing. Just a memory"

"A memory?" she came closer, practically skipping each step, "What were ya thinking about?"

Anti took her hand and swung her arm back and forth between them playfully as he led her with him, "Oh nothing much! Just an old friend of mine. He lives very far away and Uncle Anti hasn't seen him in a while. I get to see him though in a few days and I'm just a bit nervous is all"

"Why you nervous? If he's yer friend, you shouldn't feel nervous! You should be happy!"

Anti laughed at her simple response, "I guess. Where's your brother at, Kallie? I don't usually see you two apart."

"He's with uncle Jackie! He's showing him how to punch stuff! He tried teaching me but I wanted to come see you, Uncle Anti!"

"Aw" his heart melted, "That's so sweet of ya! How about we go find your uncle Marvin? Anti needs to ask him some questions about Christmas in America in a few days"

"Why don't Sammy and I get to go with you? I want to go with daddy to America!"

Anti sighed, "Sorry, lass, but I promised yer mom we'd have you kids back to her the day after Christmas. Don't you miss your mom, too?"

"I guess. But I don't get to see daddy much and who KNOWS when we'll get to see him again after Christmas" she frowned sadly but Anti leaned down and perked her chin up.

"Hey there now, Kallie. It'll be alright. I'll kidnap you kids again if I have to. Uncle Anti don't mess around." he poked her nose and gave her a tiny glitch shock that tickled her.

She giggled, feeling better at his response and they went to Marvin's door. Anti knocked on it and after a few moments, Marvin opened the door, his hair a mess and his mask crooked.

"Oh hey there, you two!" he smiled, "What can I do for you?"

"Uncle Anti has questions for you!" Kallie blurted and Marvin laughed.

"Alright, alright. Come on in." as they walked in, Marvin took his wand, cleaning up the mess he made that day and made a lollipop appear out of nowhere, "Don't tell your dad I gave you this"

The two brought their fingers to their mouths in a shared code.

Anti rolled his eyes with a smile, "Marvin, I wanted to ask ya. .."

"Yes?"

"Well it's about Christmas with the Ipliers. I haven't decided really on what to get Dark. I know I probably need to get him something but I'm kind of at a loss as to what."

"Why you asking me? I'm not a mind-reader, Anti"

"No, but you do have a connection to Host."

Marvin smiled. He already knew what Anti was coming in to ask about and with talking to Host earlier about Dark, he knew what he had to do.

"I have an idea"

___________________________________________________

It was finally Christmas at Raspy Hill but Dark was everything except excited. He never really appreciated Christmas and this year was no different. Even if he did get the others presents, he didn't expect to get anything himself. He never had so why start now? It was seven in the morning and Dark, having insomnia, was awake as per usual but preferred to just lay in bed anyways. If he could, he'd just stay there and let the day waste away.

Suddenly there was a knock on his door, "Darky! Dark, you emo scamp you! Get up! It's Christmas!"

Dark groaned in his head, 'Of course Wil would be the one to force me out' he felt it funny in a way but still refused.

"Go away, Wil" he called out, "Let me sleep longer!"

"You never sleep! Get your whiny ass up, you prune!" he suddenly teleported in his room and jumped on Dark's bed, taking him completely by surprise.

"Wil!" he fell off the bed from Wil's jump and the pink-mustached man just laughed.

"It's Christmas! Now come on, ya dingus! Everyone else is getting up as well! Join the fun, friend!"

"Already?" Dark shook himself off and stood stretching, "It's too early, though. Besides, no one needs me down there "

"What do you mean by that, chap!? Everyone needs to be together for Chirstmas! You're joining in and that's that! Now let's get you dressed, eh!?" with no warning, Wil poofed out of existence only to poof back in his room with a sweater in hand, "I got it for you myself! Try it on!"

Dark wanted to refuse but the look in Wil's eyes gave no room for 'no'. Giving up, Dark took the sweater and put it on. It was black with red, white and green patterns on it. It actually wasn't that bad, "Thanks Wil. You didn't have to"

"Of course I did! It's Christmas! And. . . . you're my friend"

There was a moment of silence before Dark finally gave in and hugged Wil. He had never been the one to initiate a hug between them so Dark nearly bust out in laughter at Wil's gasp and silence, clearly not prepared at ALL for it. Silenty, though, Wil wrapped his arms around Dark, too and the two shared a nice moment. Dark pulled away after a bit and smiled at him, "Thanks, Wil. For everything."

Wilford looked about ready to cry but held it in, "Now let's get going downstairs, buddy! The others are waiting!"

After quickly putting on appropriate pants, Dark followed him downstairs, fully aware that the picture of him being dragged behind Wilford looked pretty silly.

"Dark!" King shouted, "You came down!"

"Of course he did!" Wilford grinned, "And miss the surprise?!"

'Surprise?', Dark was at a loss but didn't say anything.

"Wilford!" Dr. Iplier scolded him, "He wasn't supposed to know!"

"Know what?"

Once they were in the living room, Dark realized that everyone was all there. All the other egos and even Mark and Amy. Of course Tyler, Ethan and Kathryn weren't there because they were celebrating Christmas with their own families. But Dark was still happy to see Mark and Amy. He had figured they had to go to Ohio to see Mark's family.

But that wasn't what was odd to him. There seemed to be a lot more gifts under the tree than last night.

Mark spoke up before anyone else, "How about we all eat some breakfast first! I got donuts and fritters for everyone"

That seemed to have turned everyone's attention for a bit and they all crowded the kitchen to grab the pastries. Dark took a chocolate filled donut and got himself a mug of coffee, watching suspiciously as everyone looked more cheerful and anxious than usual. Even Google kept giving him nervous glances which was weird. 

"Alright, what's going on? I know something wrong, here. I feel it" Dark decided to bring it up.

Mark tried to cover, "Nothing" 

Amy closed her eyes in favor of rolling them but smiled at Dark, "Don't worry about it, bud! Everything's just fine. Why would you think anything's wrong?"

"Really?" Dark didn't believe her, "I'm not blind or stupid, Amy. Even Google looks like he's ready to combust. I feel the anxiety in the air. What is going on?"

"Ugh!" Yandere groaned, "Can we just tell him, Mark!? Please!?"

"Tell me what?"

"Alright, alright!" Mark gave up, "Let's head on in the living room and we'll explain."

As everyone regathered in the space after finishing their breakfast treats, they all took a seat on the chairs and couches. Dark was trapped in the middle on a couch between Wilford and Yandere. Mark, Amy and Google helped pass around presents but Dark was unprepared for the mountain of presents set before him with each of the egos names on them.

"Wh-what is this?"

After finishing, Mark smiled, "I've come to realize that . . . . well, you've never celebrated Christmas with us, really. And that's on us. We always made you feel like we feared you and didn't want you to be a part of the family. We made you feel insecure and unloved and we're all so sorry. We wanted to make it up to you. The one time we actually did was with the Septic egos and even then no one got you anything but Anti."

Dark fondly remembered when Anti had given him a lint roller for his suit.

"This is the first Christmas we finally understand each other. We've all come to realize that we treated you poorly and we wanted to make up for that. So we all decided to make up for all the Christmas' we didn't get you anything."

"We wanted to say thank you for giving us a second chance in having you in a part of our lives, Dark" Amy smiled.

The other egos nodded in agreement. 

Dark didn't know what to say, "You. . . you guys. Y-you didn't have to do that."

"Yes we did, Dark" Mark stopped him, "We HAD to do this. Because we had to show you we care. That we love you and are so proud and happy to have you a part of our lives."

Dark felt like he'd cry but was stopped by Yandere hugged him, "Open mine first!"

Dark smiled and hugged them back gingerly, "Uh . . alright. Alright. Again, you guys didn't have to do this. I love you guys still no matter what."

Bim groaned, "We know! We know!" he smiled, "Just open the presents already"

Carefully, Dark picked Yandere's first and opened it. Everyone watched as he unwrapped the gift and chuckled, "Thank you, Yandere. I love it." it was a silver watch and looked nice but it also had a neat little feature that definitely made him think of Yandere. The hands of the watch were swords.

Yandere grinned and hugged him and Dark hugged them back. 

"Open mine next!" Bim clapped.

"No, open mine!" King shouted. 

"Guys" Mark eased them, "Take it easy. He'll open all of them" 

It took a while but by the time he was done, Dark felt like his heart would burst. All of their gifts had been so thoughtful and he loved every single one of them. Google and Bing chipped in together to get him a new laptop, Bim got him a new tie, the Jims got him a board game they could all play together and Host got him a book called 'How to be Social' for Dummies.

Eric got him a small bonsai tree for his desk, King gave him a new stationary pack that had squirrels all over it, Dr. Iplier gave him a mug that said '#1 Edgelord' on it, Wilford got him his favorite box of cookies and dark chocolates and last but not least, Mark and Amy went in together to buy in a brand new suit that was maroon and with a white undershirt. He was used to black and gray but he loved his one just as much.

And then it was time for Mark to open the gift Dark got for him and to see the look on his face was absolutely priceless. It was an old picture of Damien and Celine. 

Since Dark had escaped the void almost a month ago, he had been practicing on his own going in and out and he discovered that he could bring things back with him. One thing being, a picture of Damien and Celine from the cabin. He figured Celine wouldn't miss it being that she's supposed to be asleep and all. Everyone was emotion in that moment and Mark didn't say anything as he took down the mirror in the foyer and hung up the picture instead. When he came back in the living room, he practically bear-hugged Dark but he expected that.

Dark chuckled and hugged back, barely able to hear Mark's muffled words, "Thank you"

After all the hugging and thanks, Dark had a permanent smile on his face the rest of the day, especially after the others had opened their presents from him. It was a touching day for everyone. Wil had a lost look on his face here and there when he'd look over at Damien and Celine's picture, but Dark seemed to think it helped him stay more planted with the reality around him. Hell, Wilford, even seemed a little saner than usual.

After they all finished opening their gifts, they played games together, ate treats and snacks, watched Christmas movie together. And after the Christmas dinner, they all napped in the living room comfortably as it snowed outside. Afterwards, of course they all had to go outside for a while and mess around in the snow. Bing even got Google to join him in a snowball fight.

Overall, it was a great day and Dark didn't want to trade it for anything. Now he just had to get through the next Christmas with the Septic egos.

_________________________________________

Anti was sprawled out on the couch in the living room. It wasn't too comfortable but he wouldn't tell Chase that. The glitch slowly decided to get up even though it was only five in the morning. Everyone would still be asleep until at least six thirty. Even the kids wouldn't want to be up so soon. Dragging himself along, Anti went to the kitchen and decided to start making breakfast for everyone. When making potions with Marvin and cooking with Jackie, he learned fairly quickly on how to bake so for breakfast, he decided to make some Monkey Bread with apples and caramel sauce.

Having smelt the bread and being driven by food, Chase was the first one up and met him in the kitchen, "Hey Anti! What's all this, man?"

Anti had recently taken out the pull-apart break waiting on it to cool, "It's breakfast!"

Chase grinned and went to grab a piece only for Anti to smack his hand, "Wait, you dork! It literally just came out of the oven! You'll get burned."

Chase placed his hands out defensively, "Alright, alright" he laughed, "Why'd you make this? It looks good by the way"

"Thanks. It's Christmas. I wanted to make breakfast"

Chase smiled, "The kids will devour this. Too early to wake them up yet though. I'll let them sleep as long as they want until the others wake up."

"Might not be too long then"

"You excited to unwrap presents?"

Anti furrowed his brow at him, "I suppose. I don't know" he shrugged.

Chase frowned, "Why you so glum? It's Christmas! You know Jackie wasn't lying when he said we were making up for all the other Christmas' not spent with ya, right? You have gifts under the tree for you, too"

Anti smiled and nodded, "I know. I'm happy. I appreciate it a lot. It's just. . .I guess. I don't know. I don't know what to feel today. I remember just last year's Christmas when you were at the bar and the other egos left for Sean's to celebrate Christmas there without me. I stayed in the living room alone and watched Home Alone by myself. Then when everyone got back, I ran up to my room so I wouldn't have to be glared at or anything."

Chase took his shoulder, "I know. I'm sorry. We've all done things we're not proud of, Anti. Maybe if I had stopped drinking then, I would have seen your situation sooner. I'm sorry we weren't there for you when you needed it but you don't have to worry about that anymore. Nothing will be how it was before ever again, I promise. I'll always be here for you until the very end, bro"

Anti hugged him, "I know. Thanks Chase."

"Do I smell bread!?" Jackie ran in and practically salivated at the sight of Anti's treat he made them, "Aw yum! Can I have some yet?"

Anti chuckled, "yeah sure. Knock yourself out."

Jackie pulled apart a piece and popped it in his mouth, "Mmmmm!"

Chase swat Anti lightly, "Hey! You told me I couldn't!"

"Well it's cool enough NOW" Anti argued.

Jackie smiled at the two. He had heard of their conversation before running in and now he was for certain Anti was going to love his gift from him. . . .. hopefully.

Soon, everyone else joined in the kitchen and around eight in the morning, Sean arrived with his girlfriend, Evelien. She knew of the egos but had never really officially met them all but she was happy to meet them.

She especially had a soft spot for Jameson and Anti, thinking them absolutely adorable.

Finally it was time to open presents and Marvin passed them around to the appropriate person. Just like Dark, Anti was surprised to see that he had so many gifts but Jackie hadn't been lying.

Sean saw on one side of him while Chase sat on the other, "Go ahead and open one, Anti. You go first."

Anti didn't really know what to do. He had never unwrapped a present before and was sort of at a lose. Sam and Kallie seemed to have picked up on it and Sam asked him, "Do you want some help, Uncle Anti?"

Anti smiled and nodded, "Sure, little lad. Show me how it's done!"

Kallie joined in as well and helped Anti unwrap the first gift that was from them and Chase. Anti teared up a little at the sight of it. It was a box filled with several different things like colors and various coloring books from the kids, a fidget cube and neon green and black nerf gun.

Chase explained, "The kids and I figured you'd like coloring and I got you a nerf gun of your own so we could play together sometime. And the fidget cube is for when you get anxious so you don't scratch at your scar instea- oof!"

Anti hugged him tight and forced the kids in the hug as well, "I love it." the kids giggled and hugged him back and after a few moments, they parted.

Anti bounced in his seat, "Open your gift, Chase!"

Chase chuckled at his sudden enthusiasm but unwrapped his gift. As he unwrapped his, though, he couldn't stop the tears and cried happily at the gift Anti gave him.

"Oh don't cry, Chase!" Anti hugged his side, "You like it?"

Chase nodded, wiping his tears, "Looks like we had the same idea with the nerfs, yeah?" he laughed, "And I love the picture. I know just where to put it later" he side hugged his brother and kissed his cheek sweetly, "Thanks bro."

Anti, having felt the Christmas cheer, finally, grinned excitedly throughout the rest of the gift-giving. He was happy everyone loved their gifts and he loved his as well. Jameson got him a Rubik's cube and a sign language book to mess with and learn, Marvin gave him some prank toys and Henrik got him a journal and a nice soft and squishy stress ball.

The kids gave him pictures they drew of him, Evelien chipped in with Sean to get him some noise cancelling headphone and an iTunes giftcard to buy some music. Lord knows he'll need on the plane ride. The last one to give him his gift was Jackie which almost worried Anti but once he unwrapped it, he smiled. Jackie had gotten him a cookbook and a customized black hoodie with green lettering that read the words, 'Glitch' on it in a font that looked like lightening. Anti stared at it in awe.

Jackie looked nervous as hell, though, "Do you like it? I know you don't like being called 'glitch' but from what you did that day with your abilities and all that just. . .Uhm"

Anti grinned ear to ear, "I love it, Jackie!" immediately, he pulled it on and snuggled into it, "It's so cool and so freaking soft!"

Jackie gave a sigh of relief and smiled as well, "I'm glad you like it"

The others loved their gifts as well, thanking Anti for what they received even though they told him he didn't need to get them anything. This year was supposed to be more so for him but he wouldn't hear any of it. The kids were by far, the most excited and demanded the egos to play with them and their new toys.

It was later on in the day that Schneep's kids, Leo and Heidi got to visit and joined in on the fun as well. The rest of the day, Anti couldn't stop smiling and laughing with everyone. They played games, messed with their presents and Jameson even helped Anti start on some basic sign language. Even though Jameson had been using his board with most everyone, it was quite nice to have a quicker conversation once and a while.

That night, Chase smiled down at Anti and his kids. They were all cuddled up together on the couch, one kid on each side of Anti, snuggled into his hoodie that he refused to take off.

'Thank you so much Anti.' he thought, 'Without you, I probably wouldn't have seen my kids in months. You've helped me so much in such little time. I'm so sorry that I never saw your suffering earlier. It would have saved you so much less grief and misery.'

As quietly as he could, Chase took a blanket and cover the three of them in it before turning off the TV. He was going to go to bed in his own bed tonight but something stopped him.

"Ah, fuck it"

With a sigh, he lifted up the blanket and snuggled in with them, leaning his head against Anti's, sandwiching Sammy in between them. He felt like he could hear Anti almost purr.

"Night Chase. Love you" he barely breathed out. 

The father smiled and wrapped his arm around him, "Goodnight little brother. I love you too. So much."