"I'm not gonna be late posting this!" 
- A-kun.

===========

December 24, 21XX... 8:29 AM.

Brooks's P. O. V

I was sitting on the dining table eating Cross's breakfast, pancakes. Which was rare. But as I eating, it was silent as hell. So I decided to speak up. 

Brooks: This is the time of the year again. *while eating his pancakes*

I talk to Cross who was sitting on the couch in the living room on my right side. 

Cross: I know right? A lot happened since last Christmas. 

Brooks: It's snowing outside for the first time in history man! 

Cross: I've seen snow before. 

Brooks: Yeah, before the flood. *stands up from the chair*

Cross: Don't make the topic dark. It's supposed to be festive. *facepalms*

Brooks: Yeah, sorry. *puts the plate on the sink*

After that exchange of words, Glen came out of her room wearing some of our gifts from last year. One of which is the "Party Time!" A T-shirt that I gave her last year. 

Glen: How do I look, guys?

Brooks: Have you wore that at all this year Glen? This is the first time I saw you in that t-shirt.

Glen: I've worn it in all of my gatherings with Nikki?

Brooks: L-like a cult?

Glen: *pinches Brooks on the hip* Not that kind of "gathering".

Brooks: That hurt! Owww! Uncool man.

Glen: Sorry...

Brooks: Nah, nah, it's all good.

Then Nikki suddenly came out of her room dressed up all festive. Unlike last year they looked like maids serving their master. This time, more casual, chill, low-key, basically every synonym you can think of. 

Brooks: That looks nice Coffee Girl! 

Nikki: Please don't call me that. It's been a year but you're still calling me that.

Brooks: If something happens next year, I might think of another nickname for you.

Nikki: *facepalms* ...

Brooks: Where's Andrew?

Nikki: He's still in his room. 

Brooks: Okay. I see. And go on eat breakfast! There's a lot of pancakes that Cross made. 

Cross: Come here, Brooks! *screams*

Brooks: No need to scream. *goes to the living room*

Cross: Luna just told me something. 

Brooks: What is it? 

Cross: The agency has some gifts to give us. And she's waiting on the Plaza to give them.

Brooks: Then I'll get it.

Cross: Let's go together. I have business with her. 

Brooks: I'm slightly concerned. 

Cross: It's nothing big. 

Brooks: I'll just get my mask and jacket. Wait a second. 

Cross: Me too. 

~~~

Brooks: Are we ready to go Cross?

Cross: Yep. 

Brooks: We'll be back! Are you guys buying gifts?

Nikki: Yeah! Me, Glen and Andrew will buy our gifts separately.

Brooks: So you'll be leaving the apartment empty?

Nikki: Do you have the duplicate key for the apartment?

Brooks: There's a duplicate key?

Nikki: Yeah. I have it. You have the original.

Brooks: Okay. We'll be leaving now. I'll buy so much stuff to cook again. And it's freezing outside. So get some jackets.

Nikki: Yeah. Be safe Brooks! 

Brooks: No sweat. *nods*

And after that, we went on our merry way to the Plaza. And we were encountering snow on the entrance of the abandoned subway. I've never experienced snow before so this is a cool thing to be experiencing with my friends.

At Inkopolis Plaza...

Brooks: So where in the hell is Luna?

Cross: She said she's at the bus station.

Then we started to walk to the bus station and we finally met up with her. 

At the bus station.

Cross: Are you joining us this Christmas?

Luna: Yeah. I decided on it. It's cool for the snowy weather, isn't it?

Brooks: Yeah. It's freezing. *picks up some snow to make snowballs*

Cross: What are you doing? *looks at Brooks*

Brooks: I've been wanting to do this since I was a child. *throws a snowball at Cross's face*

Cross: *fuming* You... *grabs some more snow for snowballs* *throws the snowball very hard on Brooks*

Brooks: That packed some force into it too. Owwwww!! *holding his a waist* You just can't have fun aren't you even in Christmas huh?

Cross: Screw you. Just don't fool around. 

Brooks: Whatever man. You just have no sense of fun in you. 

Cross: Anyway Luna, I heard you already called my car. 

Luna: Yeah. It's a walk away from here. Here are the keys. *gives the keys to the car to Cross*

Cross: I'll just go to it. Just stay here you two. You have a... Chat or whatever you guys wanna do.

Then he walked away. It seems he's not happy not only with me but this day too. It's making me concerned. 

Luna: Come on sit down Brooks. *sits on the bench* 

 I sat down on the bench and started to ruminate on myself this year. This year was all over the place. But the year felt like it wasn't wasted. I had fun this year. Nikki and the others definitely brighten me up. And going back to the Squidbeak has given me another reason to keep fighting. My dad would have wanted me to do this. And he would definitely be proud. Well, I'm not him so what do I know? 

Luna: You have been awfully silent. Something again troubles you. 

Brooks: I'm troubled cause how in the hell do you always know what people are thinking about?

Luna: You were clearly feeling down.

Brooks: Nah, this is just me when I don't feel like being playful.

Luna: I can't be sure of that. You're definitely thinking about Cross. I must say, I have to agree with you, he just doesn't that have much fun in him. 

Brooks: It's getting scary now. I think you're a psychic pretending to be an Agent.

Luna: Well, I'm at my best in interrogation. I'm pretty good at detecting superficial social behaviors. And I can tell who's a lier and who's not. *smiles at Brooks*

Brooks: Never knew that about you. 

Luna: So does Cross. So you can't hide things from me. Well, you're gonna try really hard to hide it.

Brooks: Why will I hide things from you?

And before Luna can even respond, Cross's car went up to us and Cross gestured me to get in the car. And which we did.

Cross: Where are we going this time? The same place as last Christmas?

Brooks: Some new markets are open. We might need to check them out. 

Cross: How about you Luna? What are you gonna do? Don't say that you're just here for a free ride. 

Luna: I'm exactly doing what you said.

Cross: *groans* Okay. You're lucky. 

Luna: I'm gonna give the gifts before Christmas Eve.

Brooks: From the agency?

Luna: Some from me too. 

Cross: I and Brooks will buy the ingredients for the food later. I already stock up on potatoes and carrots. And I got lots of stock ready for some ramen. 

Meanwhile at the apartment...

Nikki's P. O. V

Nikki: Do we uh... Keep this thing on simmer? This looks like stock boiling. 

Andrew: How do you know it's stock? 

Nikki: There's a lot of fish bones in here. And it was here since I woke up. 

Andrew: Just turn it off for safety. We don't wanna destroy the apartment. 

Nikki: Okay. *turns off the stove*

Glen: I'm ready now! Let's go! *goes out of Nikki's bedroom*

Andrew: *opens the door* Catch up Nikki.

Nikki: Wait! *walks to the door* *turns off all the lights*

I'm worried about what should I get for each person. I'm worried that I won't find that much good and creative gifts. I'm way too late buying gifts.

Andrew: *closes the door* ... 

Nikki: *locks the door* And done! Let's go!

Back to the other 3...

Brooks's P. O. V

Brooks: *phone's vibrating* Hm? Someone is texting me. *checks phone*

Brooks: Welp, that's one more responsibility that I'm gonna do. 

Cross: Who texted you? 

Brooks: Marie. 

Cross: Oh, of course.

Luna: *surprised* Really!? 

Brooks: *shows the conversation to Luna* ...

Luna: You have connections with them?

Brooks: Eh. Somewhat... 

Luna: You're really lucky to know them. And having them asking favors to you.

Brooks: I'm human, so I don't really give a hell on who they are. But I'm grateful that I have somewhat of a friendship with one of them.

Cross: *shakes head slightly* We're close to the market. Any ideas for food later?

Brooks: I have one. Let's have...

Nikki's P. O. V

At the bus station... 16 minutes after Brooks and the others left...

Nikki: Where are we going tho? We still haven't decided on where are we gonna buy the gifts.

Andrew: I think a mall is a good place to start. We had little time last year and we bought our gifts at a gift shop. Let's not make the same mistake this time. *then slurps on his shake*

Glen: *just finished checking her phone* There's actually a mall not far from here. We live in a modernized area after all. 

Nikki: Really? Where is it? 

Glen: Let's just take a bus ride. It's better if you just see it for yourself guys. 

After a bus ride later...

Glen: *goes off the bus and Nikki and Andrew follow suit* Here it is. 

Nikki: Palacio de Ink? What a weird name?

A-kun: Bear with me with the name okay? 

Andrew: Let's stop talking about the name. Let's just go in. *as he goes out of the bus*

Nikki: Alright. *walks towards the mall* But it's cool looking though. 

Back to the other 3...

Brooks's P. O. V

Brooks: This is a lot more things we bought than last year. Are we sure we're not cooking a feast?

Cross: If Luna's gonna help us cook, why not make it a feast? I'm also thinking about the Squid Sisters.

Brooks: So the feast will not be on our apartment then?

Cross: Yeah. It will be at your Commander's cabin. I mean, it will be a fun experience don't you think?

Brooks: *surprised by Cross* Okay. 

Luna: Wait. Are you? *looks at Brooks*

Brooks: *looks at Cross with disappointment* Your goddamn mouth.

Cross: Why did I say- Oh...

You really messed up now Cross. I'm gonna get torched by the agency if I'm not careful.

Luna: Huh?

Brooks: It's nothing. It's just my nickname for my former higher up. He trained me before I left and gone to the F. A. O.

A-kun: Dat save. 

Luna: Alright. *skeptical*

Brooks: *mentally sigh of relief* ... (I'm pretty sure she's still suspicious. I need to tell the guys at Squidbeak that she might be on to me.)

Cross: Let's just load up the stuff in the back of the car. Let's not waste any time. We're gonna have to cook so much stuff. *opens the car's trunk* *and puts the bags inside the trunk*

Brooks: Here you go, bro. *gives the bags to Cross*

Cross: Away from that topic, are you gonna help us cook Luna? I know you can cook.

Luna: I'll make my best dumplings for you guys! It's my signature dish! 

Brooks: That sounds good. Can't wait to try it!

Cross: I might actually try that. I've never had dumplings before. *showing a bit of excitement*

Luna: *giggles* I'll do my best.

Cross: We're going to a mall next. To get gifts. *closes the trunk*

Brooks: I might actually buy some of the guys some expensive stuff. The bonus and the Christmas bonus was a lot. *goes in the car*

Luna: I know right? *goes in the car also*

Cross: So are we going to an expensive mall for that then?

Brooks: Yeah. 

Luna: I'll just help you guys decide on a gift. 

Cross: Well okay. What mall do we go to?

Brooks: I have one. I think it's named... 

Glen's P. O. V

At a game store...

Glen: Are you thinking about what you're gonna give Brooks? *teases Nikki*

Nikki: *blushes* N-no!

Glen: He's been in your mind wayyy too much. *teases her more*

Nikki: I'm not thinking about him, Glen! *gets even more flustered*

Glen: What are you gonna get for Cross?

Nikki: I think I might give him some new kitchen appliances.  

Glen: Then why we're here in a game store?

Nikki: I'll give him also some video games for his console. 

Glen: Then what are you gonna give to Brooks?

Nikki:  I really don't know. I'm stumped.

Glen: I already bought mine. *shows the gifts to Nikki*

Nikki: Are those for the two?

Glen: Yep!

Nikki: Is Andrew still not here?

Glen: Yeah. He's still unsure what to buy. We could just continue our shopping. He'll come to us anyway.

Nikki: I think I got a great gift for Brooks. Follow me. *walks towards to another store*

Glen: Wait! *follows Nikki*

Callie's P. O. V

We were in the snow walking with our jackets on because of this freezing weather. But it's fine because it's actually snowing for the first time in the Plaza's history.

Agent 3: Where is Marie? She's not been in the cabin for a good 2 hours now.

Callie: We're going to the stargazing spot. I'm pretty sure she's there.

Agent 3: She told me that Brooks and his friends are coming here.

Callie: Do we even have to cook for Christmas Eve?

Agent 3: We can't cook in the snow. And we haven't bought anything to cook.

Callie: Here she is. Hey Marie! *calls Marie from a distance*

Marie: What!? *setting up the campfire*

Callie: What are you doing there?

Marie: Can you help me here? 

Agent 3: Okay, Marie! *runs to Marie*

Callie: *sigh* ... *looks up in the snowy sky*

It really gives me Calamari County vibes here. It's so nostalgic. 

Callie: *walks to Marie also* ... *while humming a song*

Back to Brooks, Cross, and Luna...

Brooks's P. O. V

Cross: Is this it? 

Brooks: Yeah, man. Carolina Mall.

Luna: It really looks expensive. Have you gone here before?

Brooks: *remembers the "accident" * U-uhm. Not really. But I heard cool things with this mall. 

Luna: I've read in the news that the Squid Sisters were shopping here.

Brooks: Really? *remembers Trevor Wattner* *mentally groans*

Cross: I'll just drop you two here. Just wait for me. *stops the car*

Brooks: M'kay. *goes out of the car*

Luna: *goes out of the car* ...

I remembered this stupid misunderstanding that happened here. But it was kinda my fault anyway. Since I was stupid enough to join them. 

Luna: You were lying weren't you?

Brooks: Jesus. Yep, you got me. 

Luna: What happened here? Did it involve the Squid Sisters?

Brooks: I'll tell you about it when we get home. I'm too stressed to talk about it. It's too painful for me to talk about it.

Luna: If you say so...

To save time, we waited for Cross to arrive with us so we can get in the expensive mall that is Carolina Mall. After we were inside, we took a look around Cross told us that he saw a good shop to buy some gifts for the guys. So we separated. However, Luna is still with me. And I finally saw a great spot to buy gifts that we just passed by when I was with the Squid Sisters shopping. The jewelry store. Named "San Marino's Jewels". I'm not kidding when it comes to expensive okay?

Inside the Jewelry Store...

Cashier: Good afternoon! Are you checking out some of our necklaces?

Brooks: *checks through the glass casing* Yes, and I plan to buy some of them.

Luna: *whispers to Brooks* You're definitely acting the part.

Brooks: Shut up, Luna I'm trying to sound cool here. *whispers back to her*

The cashier looked at me and Luna kinda weirdly. But I looked on some of the gold jewelry and weigh in with my choices.

After 20 minutes of choosing and buying jewelry...

Brooks & Luna: *goes out of the store* ...

Luna: You bought really expensive stuff. How much money did you save?

We were walking to Cross's location since he texted me while in the store that he's in a plushie shop. Which was somewhat funny because of his demeanor but that besides the point.

Brooks: Couple thousands. And I have a lot more to spare.

Luna: You seem like a businessman. With all that money.

Brooks: I've learned at a young age that money is spent way too fast. So I bank some of my money.

Luna: That was well over almost 20000 that you've spent on those 4 alone.

Brooks: Gotta get them something to treasure.

Luna: You ain't buying one for me?

Brooks: You're pretty rich yourself with all of that agency money.

Luna: Awww... *pout*

And we got to the Plushie Shop where Cross is struggling to choose what plush he will get.

Cross: *looking at the plushie while having a thinking face* ...

Damn. He is sure struggling.

Brooks: Sup? Can't choose yet?

Luna: *runs at Cross* Pick one for me!!! *holding Cross on the waist*

Cross: Okay.

Then Cross did the unexpected. He brought 20 plushies onto the counter. The whole store was looking at him. But he kept his cool and bought all of that 20 plushies. He's really sometimes a mad lad. And he came out of the store holding two bags.

A-kun: r/madlads Moment right here...

Brooks: That's a lot more stuff that you're gonna put in the trunk.

Cross: I'm gonna be a charitable guy this Christmas. So this ain't gonna go to waste.

Brooks: Glad to hear that.

Cross: Want some bro?

Brooks: I'll take three thank you.

Cross: *nods* ...

Meanwhile at another mall...

Nikki's P. O. V

Hmmm... I'm gonna get really stumped by this one. But I think I have a great gift for Brooks. And we went to different to different stores. So this better be worth it.

Glen: You're going all-out... I have never seen you use so much of your money.

Nikki: I mean, I'm gonna get that money back like in two weeks of daily Turf War games. No biggie.

So I have a duffle bag. Inside that bag is a lot of stuff. And I mean A LOT. He's been my lifesaver all this year that I needed so it's only right I give him back because I owe him so much. Not that I like him or anything...

Glen: We need to catch up to Andrew. He said he's on the first floor.

Nikki: He's still not finished choosing his gifts?

Glen: Apparently so... So let's get to him. *walks towards the stairs*

Nikki: *follow Glen* ...

After 30 minutes of finding Andrew. And getting lost in the process...

Nikki: Andrew! *calls Andrew from a distance*

Andrew: Hm? *turns around to see who called him*

Nikki: *walking towards him* We've been looking all over for you! We got lost in the process too! *catches up to him*

Glen: You better treat us with food if you don't mind.

Andrew: I've bought all my gifts anyway. We're gonna eat next. And there's a fast-food chain around the corner.

Back to the other three going home...

Cross's P. O. V

It's gonna be interesting what am I gonna cook. I better use that stock I've boiling in the apartment for some great, great ramen. And Brooks is gonna take care of the other hard stuff. And apparently, Luna is not only gonna make dumplings, but she's also gonna make cookies and cupcakes. The kitchen is gonna be crowded soon. And thank god we recently bought an oven for the pastries she's gonna cook. It also comes with some extra stovetops for multi-tasking.

Cross: We have a lot of time to cook all of this. *continues driving*

Brooks: Yeah, no wonder you're MPH is at almost 60. You're being a speed demon. *while looking on the gauge*

Luna: *scared* ... *holding Brooks's arm*

Brooks: C'mon now bro, even Luna's scared now.

Cross: It's fine. I'm only driving fast because the roads are very clear. I'll slow down when it's crowded with traffic.

This is one of the first times that this particular road is clear. Better take advantage of no cars. We will be at Inkopolis at no time.

Cross: *turns on the radio* ... *and changes it into music*

Ahh... There we go. Soothing music. It makes me wanna sleep. But clearly, I can't do that at all costs. But relaxing nonetheless. I see that the other two are pretty relaxed now from the music.

At Inkopolis Plaza...

Cross: We're here. Get out now you two. *calls the Agent that keeps his car*

Brooks: We're here already? That was blazing quick. *goes out of the car*

Luna: *goes out as well*

Brooks: Lots of carrying to do. *opens the trunk* *grabs the bags*

Luna: Here, I'll help you. *grabs some bags as well*

Seems they're being helpful. And there's the agent that keeps my car.

F. A. O. Agent: I'm here... *panting from running*

Cross: *gives the guy 3000* Here. Merry Christmas. *and gives the guy his car keys*

F. A. O. Agent: Oh my god, thank you! *goes in the car*

Cross: More than welcome.

F. A. O Agent: I'll never forget this! *drives away*

Cross: *grabs all the bags from Luna* ...

Luna: Oh, thank you...

Cross: You're not supposed to carry this many bags. Anyway, let's go home. *starts walking to the apartment*

At the apartment...

Brooks: *unlocks the door* *and opens the door* ...

Finally, we're home. The non-ingredient bags were put in the living room. And all the bags for cooking went to the kitchen. Where I immediately started to cook. I'm not gonna bother changing my clothes. I'll just wear my apron.

Brooks: You're cooking immediately? *takes off his jacket*

Cross: The kitchen is gonna get crowded soon. So I'll get started on the ramen and the salad. *takes off his jacket, mask and also wears an apron*

Luna: *looking around the apartment* ... *jealous* (Such a big apartment. And it's even better for them because of the discreet location.)

Brooks: I'll just get changed quickly. I'll be back. *goes in his room*

Brooks's P. O. V

Brooks: There we go. *starts changing clothes* *puts down his phone* *removes his mask*

I changed back to my home attire and went immediately to the kitchen. Unlike last year, the kitchen was small and we did not have a lot to work with. But this year, however, we got so many new knives for every situation, toaster, blender, a big fridge and a mini one. And a recently bought oven with 4 stovetops. This kitchen is slowly becoming a chef's kitchen over time. And it will be Cross's place. He's definitely a bonafide home cook.

Brooks: I'll take on the Carbonara and the Deep-dish pizza. *wears his apron*

Luna: That sounds really good! I better get started on my dumplings. (The first time I've seen them two without their masks. They look so cool.)

Meanwhile at the Palacio de Ink...

Nikki's P. O. V

Nikki: That was very good.

Andrew: Yeah. What should we do next? Go home now?

Glen: Yeah, sure.

And we finally went home. We have a lot of time. And Andrew actually bought some wrapping paper. Which I don't think is necessary for Brooks's gift but Cross's gift, however, needs some wrapping to make it look good.

One bus ride later to Inkopolis Plaza...

Nikki, Andrew & Glen: *steps off the bus one by one* ...

Nikki: That was a great trip. *starts walking back to the apartment*

Glen: We have to wrap the presents though.

Andrew: I have a feeling... That Brooks and Cross are already at the apartment.

Nikki: We'll find out.

At the apartment...

Nikki: *tries to open the door* ... *then opens it*

It's not locked! They're actually home!

Nikki: Hello! *sees Brooks and the others*

Brooks: Hello, Nikki!

I saw Brooks, Cross and her friend from the concert Luna all cooking in the kitchen. They really look like profreshionals so I'm not gonna intrude. And I went to my room to get changed and Glen followed suit.

After a lot of stuff later... 4 hours later to be exact...

Brooks's P. O. V

A lot has happened in the last few hours. All of our dishes are done except for Cross's ramen. The broth is still not done, and his salad is almost done also. Luna's desserts and dumplings are done. Me and Cross took a bite on one of the dumplings and they were so good! If I only had the cooking ability like that.

Cross: My ramen is done. We need some containers for us to bring to the party.

Brooks: Oh yeah... Damn it. I've already talked to Marie about the bowls and the other utensils. So we don't need to bring utensils anymore.

Long story short, we started to put all of our foods in our containers and we were ready to bring it to the cabin.

And the other 3 are also ready as well. So we leave the house one more time and we went to the manhole. Then I called Agent 3 to help us deliver the food from inside the manhole to the outpost. And don't worry we all of us brought our gifts with us. So no rushing back to the apartment.

Agent 3: This is a bother, Brooks! *grabs a container* *and puts it outside the manhole*

Brooks: You don't want food then?

But through hard work and unnecessary sweat in the cold, he got all the food through the manhole and we all gone in.

C. Cuttlefish: You brought all this delicious food?

Brooks: Yeah, commander. Merry Christmas to you!

C. Cuttlefish: You've really grown as a person this year kiddo. I'm proud. *pats me on the back*

Then Callie came to us and helped us to bring the food to the spot where she's doing her stargazing. I guess she was right with the "not too far as you think" remark.

Nikki: We get to spend Christmas with the Squid Sisters?! *whispers to Glen*

Glen: Yeah, I know right?

Luna: Hello. *waves hi to the two*

Nikki: Hello, Luna. By the way, I haven't heard your last name when you introduced yourself.

Luna: Oh, yeah... Sorry. My full name is Luna Skyler.

Glen: Are you a fan of the Squid Sisters?

Luna: A big fangirl. *giggles*

Nikki: It's a dream come true today!

Luna: I know right?

Seems like those three are really getting along. That's typical fangirling and girl's talk there.

Cross: I see a campfire in the distance. Is that the spot?

Brooks: Think so.

Then as I look at the campfire more, I saw Marie there just sitting and looking at the sky. Because the stars are so beautiful tonight.

At the stargazing spot...

Brooks: Merry Christmas Marie.

Marie: Likewise, Brooks.

Brooks: You don't seem like yourself. Something bothering you? *puts down the food containers*

Agent 3: *puts down the bowls and utensils* Here you go.

Marie: *gets up* Nothing much. I'm still kinda mad at you.

Brooks: I'm so sorry. I swear my gift will be good.

Marie: You have a gift for me? *surprised*

Brooks: Of course.

Cross: *finishes putting a tent and some lights onto it* Here we go. We can eat in peace.

The tent was perfectly set up and left us a lot of room to stargaze. And after the tent set up, we all ate. Happily. One of the best days if my life. This life isn't so bad at all... I spent so many years sulking because my parents were gone but I've moved on with very caring friends. I'm so lucky to be in their care.

Brooks: Woo! That was good!

Marie: The pizza was the best and the dumplings. Who made those?

Brooks: I made the pizza and the dumplings are from my co-worker Luna. Say hello Luna.

Luna: Hello! *waves hi at Marie*

Callie: Dumplings were the best by the way.

Luna: *flustered* Thanks...

Then after we ate, we finally got to the exchanging gifts part.

Brooks: I'll be first. *gives the gifts to the people*

Brooks's gifts:

Cross: A coffee mug and Jacket.

Glen:

Andrew:

Marie:

And lastly, Nikki:

Marie: Wow. Thank you very much. *wears the necklace* You're very thoughtful.

Callie: No fair!

Brooks: I'm sorry Callie. Think of something. I'll do anything to make it up to you.

Callie: Anything? Hmm... *starts thinking*

Andrew: This ring size kinda wrong but it's real gold. Thank you very much, Brooks! *bro-hugs Brooks*

A-kun: No homo.

Brooks: No problem dude. *hugs back*

Glen: The bracelet looks so expensive. Thank you very much! I'll cherish this for the rest of my life! *hugs Brooks too*

Brooks: Pleasure's all mine. *hugs back*

Nikki: *still can't believe the gift* ... *wears the necklace*

Brooks: I'm sorry that it was silver. I'm so sor- *gets interrupted*

Nikki: *runs to hug Brooks* ...

I was surprised by the sudden act, but I embraced her back which made everyone tease us two.

Marie's P. O. V

Callie: You jealous? *looks at Marie* *smirks*

Marie: N-no. I'm still grateful for this gift though. *looks away from Brooks*

You demon, Callie...

Brooks's P. O. V

Nikki: Thank you... *whispers to me* *still hugging Brooks*

Brooks: You're welcome.

Then we both let go of the hug.

Nikki: Here's your gift. *gives the duffle bag to Brooks* 

Brooks: Thanks! I needed a bag like this for a while now. *checks what's inside*

Holy crap. So many goodies here. She packed it. She took effort just for me.

Brooks: I-i... I'm in shock. T-thank you Nikki.  I'm gonna use all of this.

Nikki: Glad that you like it.

Then she gave the other gift to Cross. which was in wrapping.

Cross: Oh, man! New video games?! Thanks, Nikki! *happy AF*

Then Cross gave everyone 2 plushies each and gave me 3.

Brooks: Thanks, man.

Cross: Not going to be wasted. Right?

Brooks: Guess so.

Then Luna gave us the gifts. And she lied. They were not from the agency. The gifts are from her. But a gift's a gift nonetheless.

She gave me a galaxy-themed jacket and mask.

Brooks: You're really going with your theme huh.

Luna: *giggles* That's fine. Do you like it?

Brooks: Of course.

Then Cross got cool sunglasses and a letter for some reason. I didn't get that but Cross did. I'm feeling a ship is sailing... Heh heh.

Glen's gifts:

Brooks: New shoes. Colored bright Yellow and some Gold.

Cross: New red and black wireless headphones.

Brooks: New kicks! That's hella expensive. Thanks for the gift, Glen!

Glen: You had a better gift.

Cross: I'll be using this when I'm cooking. Wireless too. Thanks, Glen.

Glen: No problem! *smiles*

Andrew's Gifts:

Brooks: A military-styled watch.

Cross: A watch and also a fidget spinner?

Brooks: Hella cool bro.

Cross: Nice watch. I have way too much clothing now. But a fidget spinner?

Andrew: It's fine.

Meanwhile at a distance...

Cuttlefish's P. O. V

C. Cuttlefish: Look at them... You don't wanna join 3?

Agent 3: It's fine. I ate some of their food. It was good.

C. Cuttlefish: That's good to hear...

Brooks's P. O. V

Then after all the exchange gifts were done, we went on stargazing. Everyone is on the floor. Watching the snowfall on our faces, and watching the stars. And there was a meteor shower. So it was even cooler. What a day to remember. I can't stress it enough.

Brooks: *starts to tear up a little* ...

Mom... Dad... I really wish you were still here to join me. I truly miss you two.

Nikki: *faces towards Brooks* ...

Brooks: *wipes his tears then looks at Nikki* ...

Nikki: *concerned but flustered* ... *inching closer to Brooks's face*

Brooks: *face also inching close to Nikki's face* ...

Cross: Hey Brooks. *stands up*

Brooks: *snaps from his trance* Huh?

Nikki: *really flustered* ... *steaming from blushing* (What the hell am I thinking?! His face was so close!!!)

Brooks: Okay, I'll help you with that. *stands up*

Then the night went on as everyone slept on the snow...

A-kun: I'm kinda late. But the chapter was super spicy and long. But ANYWAY, MERRY CHRISTMAS! The next chapter is gonna be released in January 2020. Because I'm not gonna be here on New Year since I'm going to my cousin's 18th birthday. So this is the last chapter of 2018. It's really been an up-and-down for me writing-wise but in life in general, I got lots and lots of experience that I'm ready to use for the next year. Thank you all readers and followers... I'm not in my position without you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. Anyway. See you in 2020! See ya! Bye-bye!

Word Count: 5487 Words...

12/25/19
11:43 PM