A nice little holiday intermission that will give you all a break from the intense stuff (and hopefully warm your hearts...) with 3 different POVS and a whole lotta fluff!

**READ-All of these moments are set in the past of my story in different periods of time, but have no connection to the main plot. See it as you will!**

Enjoy!

─── ∘°❉°∘ ───

[Arc]

"Daddy! Wake up! Wake up!"

Arc grumbled as he was shaken awake, eyes opening slowly as he took in the morning sunlight. A glance at his bedside clock revealed that it was way too early to be awake.

"Hunter...what are you doing up this early?" Usually his son wouldn't wake up anytime before 10, which was a blessing. The 9-year-old was a little menace when he wanted to be, and once he woke he was bolting around the house. It was endearing, but also exhausting. For how could he keep up with his boy that had endless energy?

"It's Christmas, Daddy! And it's time to wake up."

"It's 6 in the morning, Hunter. I'm pretty sure the presents can wait."

"It's not about the presents, Daddy! Remember? You always say that!" His son smiled as he pulled himself up on the bed, "It's all about the chocolate pancakes!"

Arc chuckled tiredly, wrapping an arm around the boy that kept jumping up and down next to him in excitement. "C'mon! The sooner we eat the sooner we open presents!"

"Yeah? Let your old man wake up first. I'm the one making pancakes, after all."

"But Daaaaaaaad!"

"No buts. You run on my schedule, bud."

His son whined again, impatient as always. He tried his best to persuade him with puppy eyes, and Arc almost felt bad for the boy, but ignored him nonetheless....

He was up until 3 in the morning wrapping a few gifts since he got home late from work. That, and Hunter refused to sleep before seeing his father home.

Good thing Hunter was out like a light 10 minutes after he got home...

Either way, it seemed like his 9 AM alarm was irrelevant now. He reached over to his phone, hearing his boy cheer in excitement as he jumped off the bed, racing down the stairs. Arc smiled to himself, finally getting off the bed and following his son downstairs. The boy seemed more hyper than usual today, and he could only imagine what it would be like after having a sugar-filled breakfast....

He hoped-

Wait a second...

Why did it already smell like pancakes?

He made it downstairs, quickly walking into the kitchen. "What is going on in-"

"Surprise!"

He jumped back, startled as his son spread his arms out, gesturing to the whole kitchen. Two plates of pancakes doused in syrup and a glass of orange juice next to each plate was laid out on the table. A pan and other utensils thrown in the sink haphazardly, and some of the decorations in the kitchen were lit up. He looked down at his son, who stared up at him happily, smiling brightly. "Merry Christmas, Daddy!"

Arc continued to stare at him in surprise, "You...did this all by yourself?"

"Yep! I watched you do it, so now I did!"

"Are you sure?"

"Who else would, Daddy? You're being silly!" Hunter giggled

Arc smiled, "You didn't burn yourself, did you?"

At that, Hunter's ears lowered, "Noooo....?" it was an obvious lie...

"Well, as long as it wasn't too bad. But besides that-" he bent down, bringing the boy close, "I'm proud of you, bud. Looks like you did a great job!"

"Yeah! I tried my best!"

Hunter pulled back, grabbing his father's hand when the man stood up, "Let's eat!"

And Arc didn't have the heart to tell Hunter that he wasn't hungry yet. Or the fact that he drank coffee and hated orange juice, but the smile on the boy's face as he sat down was enough to make up for it.

The pancakes were surprisingly good, despite the minuscule pieces of eggshells that he rarely found in his bites.

His son's smile was infectious as he ate, and Arc remembered how much he loved being a father. Everything was worth it. All the headaches, all the tantrums Hunter had, all the years of being a single father were worth it. All of it was worth it for this moment, and the countless others he experienced together with his son.

He wouldn't trade this for anyone or anything.

••●••

Hunter's presents to him were all in one big box. Things he made from school and things he made with his babysitter. He was currently looking at a picture that Hunter tried to draw of them together, the word 'Daddy' being scrawled underneath Hunter's depiction of him.

He would definitely hang this one on the fridge.

"Daddy, Daddy! This is the best one! Look at it!"

Arc took what was shoved into his hands and turned it around.

It was a handmade picture frame that Hunter had help making (possibly with the babysitter), no doubt. The sides were made of popsicle sticks (put together neatly, which was a surprise).

There were also small doodles of hearts and some snowflakes on it. The middle of the frame was vacant, waiting for a picture to fill it. Arc smiled warmly as his son waited for his reaction.

Arc reached over to pull his son into a tight side-hug, "Thank you, Hunter. I love everything you gave me."

"You do!?" Hunter asked hopefully, "I worked hard on all of it."

"And I'm proud of you." Arc clarified, "I would love anything you'd give me, buddy." Hunter practically jumped up and down in happiness, seemingly distracted as Arc reached down to pick up one of his gifts for his son. He held it out to the boy, who took it.

It was flat, but it went along with one of his other gifts that Arc knew for sure that Hunter would love.

The boy opened it, looking up at his father in confusion, "How...to play...keyboard? But Daddy, I don't have a keyboard to play...."

"Well-" Arc stood up, sneakily sliding the big box from behind the Christmas tree, "-You've been asking for a keyboard or piano to play for ages and...well, open it!"

Hunter stood up and quickly ripped the side of the box, eyes alight with wonder as he stared at the box inside. "Really Dad!? A keyboard!? Now I can play!"

"Yes, you can! You like it?"

"No...I don't like it. I love it!

Arc watched as the boy ripped off the rest of the wrapping paper, happily jumping up and down as more and more of it was revealed. He looked up to his father, before launching forward and wrapping his arms tightly around his father's waist. Arc staggered back at the force, but wrapped his arms around Hunter just as tightly.

"I love you, Daddy!"

"I love you too, Hunter." He replied, smiling when the boy pulled back and stared at him, smile beaming, "Next Christmas I'll play you a song!" His father chuckled, patting the boy's head, "I'm looking forward to it." And it was the truth.

He then bent down to pick up the wrapping paper on the floor, in the process of throwing it out as his son looked through the lesson book excitedly. "Are you ready to open more?" He asked. Hunter looked up at him in surprise. "There's...more?"

"Yes. Of course there is!"

"But...Daddy?"

Arc paused, looking down at the boy as he played with his hands nervously, the lesson book forgotten on the couch. "Yes, Hunter?"

"I don't need any more presents..." the boy mumbled out. Arc raised a brow, "Oh? Why do you say that?"

"Well, I already have enough!" The boy exclaimed, "I have you...and the keyboard! But...you're more important, right?" Arc was taken aback by the boy's words. "I told you this morning! You always say that Christmas isn't about the presents...or the pancakes I guess...but it's family! And you're my family, Daddy! Always!"

Arc smiled fondly, willing away the overwhelming feelings that bubbled up inside.

He could remember his wife saying almost those exact words the Christmas before Hunter was born. And while the thought of her still hurt, he reminded himself that a part of her was still around, and that was in their son. His eyes and fur were the same as his wife's, and his cheery personality mirrored her own. He loved her. He missed her. But he also had something else that he cherished, and that was his son.

While the hole she left in his heart was still there, his son made up the rest.

"Of course, Hunter. Always." He bent down to bring his son close, kissing the top of Hunter's head as he giggled.

"Always."

─── ∘°❉°∘ ───

[Arthur]

He mentally cursed himself.

It was exactly 7 p.m. and he hasn't been home this whole week. School has been driving him crazy and The Council has been up his back.

But he wasn't upset about that, he regrets not being there for his little brother...

He promised. He promised.

And Oliver was serious about promises. There was no doubt that the boy would be angry at him for going against his promise, but it's not like he can do anything now. He was late. That's it...

He wiped his boots off on the mat, unlocking the front door with his key and pushing it open and shaking the snow off his coat. The tantalizing smell of both steak and ham made him eager to sit down and eat as soon as possible.

"Oh! Welcome home, Artie!" His mother came rushing over, hugging him close once she got close enough. He hugged back just as tight. His mother laughed, "You should have called when you were on your way home! I would've left a plate of food out for you!"

"It's okay, Mom." He reassured her. "Maybe later. Where are Dad and Ollie?"

"Oh! They're in the backyard building a snowman if you want to see them! They should be coming in soon though..."

Arthur smiled, "I'll tell them to come in then..." he mumbled out, stepping past his mother and heading to the back door. He looked outside the window, watching as Oliver pulled his arm back and promptly threw a snowball at his father's back. The man laughed loudly as he returned one of his own.

He turned the knob and stepped outside into the cold, shivering a bit as the air nipped at his nose.

His father was the first one to see him as he stopped dead in his tracks. The man smiled, abandoning the mini-snowball fight and walking over to his oldest, "Arthur! Welcome home, bud!" He wrapped his warm arms around him, and in the back of his mind, Arthur remembered how much he missed this. He held his father back, "I'm glad to be back, Dad!" He replied.

They both stayed in their embrace for a few more seconds before his father pulled back, arms on his shoulders. He looked down at his son, "Every time I see you it's like you've gotten just a bit taller..." he mumbled. Arthur shrugged his shoulders, scoffing, but he had a small smile on his face anyways, "Ugh, stop being so sappy, old man."

His father glared at him playfully, but was gently shoved aside as Oliver came over, immediately going to hug Arthur around the waist. Arthur held his brother to him, Oliver's excitement infectious to him.

"Hi, Arthur!" Oliver looked up at him, "I missed you!" He said, hugging him tighter. Arthur sighed, patting his little brother's back, "I know you did, Ollie...I missed you too...so much."

And it wasn't a lie. Arthur loved his little brother to bits. He would go to great lengths and back just to spend time with Oliver and watch him grow just a little bit every single day. He wanted to be there for everything, and these trips just kept getting longer and longer....

He didn't want to leave anymore. The distance hurt him and his family...

But...he was here now. Might as well soak up all the time he could get.

Oliver pulled back then, tugging on his big brother's jacket. "Come, Artie! Come inside! I got to show you something!" And before Arthur could protest...he was being pulled along by his arm back into the house. He faintly heard his father chuckle behind them, but he could care less because his joyful little brother kept looking back at him with a blinding white smile.

Oliver pulled him by the tree, picking up a small, rectangular-shaped gift. Arthur looked down at it in surprise, "Awe, you didn't have to get me anything, Ollie."

"But I wanted to! Open it! Open it!"

Arthur chuckled, "Okay, okay, I will!"

He tore the wrapping paper gently, revealing a basic, evergreen-colored notebook. His little brother smiled, "You said that you need something to write on during your school trips, right? I saw that and I thought that you'd like it."

"I do, Ollie. I really do!" He smiled warmly. He didn't have it in him to tell Oliver that he already had something to write on, but it really didn't matter. That ratty old holo-board he was given would be replaced by something much more important, and this was it.

Oliver smiled at him, "And there's more! Open it!"

Arthur did as he was told, unclipping the side of the notebook to open it, flipping it open as-

"Oh...what's this?" He asked Oliver, who just gestured for him to open it. So he continued to unfold the paper to reveal a handmade picture of himself and Oliver together and holding hands. There were many imperfections and the Lombaxes on the paper were basic at best, but Arthur loved it. So much.

"Oh, Ollie...thank you!" He went to hug his little brother.

But then he came to a startling realization, pulling back in panic.

"O-Oh shi- Oh I...Ollie I'm sorry. I didn't have time to get you anything..."

His little brother looked at him, tilting his head in confusion "What do you mean? You're home, Arthur!"

Arthur raised a brow, "Uh...yeah! I am! But what does that have to do with your gift?"

Oliver giggled, "Well you haven't been home a lot...and I really, really, really missed you, Arthur! And you came home for all of us! I'm so happy to have you home, Artie! That's what I wished for this Christmas!" He cheered, face alight with joy, "And now you're here!"

Arthur was shocked, feeling tears start to floor his eyes. He quickly wiped one away. "I-I...I don't know what to say..." he said shakily, sniffling as he did so, "I wished to come home too...looks like we both got what he wanted." He admitted, opening his arms for his brother to come and hug him close, which he did.

"I-I'm happy you're here, Artie!" His brother sniffled, "Don't be gone so long next time, okay? I don't wanna miss you again!"

"I'll try not to be, Ollie." Arthur pulled back to look into his little brother's watery eyes, "And if I am, just know I'll be just a phone call away, okay? I'll always be there for you if you need me...or if you're feeling lonely, got it?"

Oliver sniffled, but smiled at him nonetheless, "Got it, Arthur!" He went in to hug him again, "I love you, big bro!"

"I love you too, Ollie!"

And the two stayed happily in their embrace.

On the other side of the room, Lucas and May stood close together. The man had an arm wrapped around his wife's shoulders as she took a picture of the scene, eyes fond.

It has been quite some time since they have all been together like this, but that didn't matter. The night was still young and they had many more conversations and hugs to share. That was enough for all of them to enjoy to their heart's content.

They were happy, they were together, and that was all that mattered in this little moment.

And if their hugs became just a little too suffocating today, none of them were complaining. For they all had each other, and that was the best gift of all.

And from then on, Arthur kept the drawing secured in his new notebook wherever he went, looking back at it from time to time when he felt lonely, and reminding himself of one of the best things he had waiting for him back at home.

─── °∘❉∘° ───

[Clank]

It was Christmas, and for once, Clank didn't know what to do.

His friend always got depressed this time of year, but this year was different from usual. Ratchet has been working himself to the bone trying to both help and save people, completely forgetting about his personal life. In time, Clank would come to understand another reason why Ratchet would become so down.

Going around the city to see the festive décor was nice, but for Ratchet it seemed to be somewhat of a painful endeavor. He always tried to keep a smile on his face and be happy-go-lucky, but Clank knew him long enough to see past this façade.

While the lights were blinding and beautiful, the environment never failed to make Ratchet...upset. and it was all because of one thing.

Seeing the group of families laughing and hugging. Seeing couples kiss under gaudy mistletoes. Seeing friends and family gather at both homes and apartments with beautiful decor and endless amounts of cheer.

Ratchet...didn't really have a family. Clank supposed that this was understandable.

He wished he could give Ratchet what he was missing his whole life, even if Ratchet didn't want to admit it.

Would Clank change things? No. Because if Ratchet was never in the picture, the universe would be in constant danger. Maybe gone entirely at this point. But does he wish he could change things? Yes. Absolutely.

He wanted to go back and give Ratchet a proper home... But he could never do that. The universe has limitations, after all, and Clank is the last person that would have the power to change things.

But for once, just once, he wanted Ratchet to have something for himself.

Yet it seemed that wouldn't happen anytime soon, and with Christmas coming up, he had to give Ratchet a gift that he could actually create.

It had to be something that would make him smile, which he hasn't been doing a lot of lately. But what could you get someone that wanted the unobtainable?

Sure, he has gotten Ratchet video games before or new clothes or even advanced gadgets, but how many times could he do the same thing? He needed to think of something new....

He needed to figure that out eventually...

For now, he could only hope he found something before the big holiday. He wanted to make his friend smile at least, and one less gift under the tree wouldn't help anything...

Maybe he could make a few calls...

••●••

"Why don't you give him something from the heart?" Talwyn suggested to the worried bot. "Like, something personal."

"Personal?" Clank asked, perplexed. The woman sighed, "Yeah. Maybe you can make something! Ever thought of that?"

"Despite my advanced software, I do not think it would be possible for me to make anything too complex in a short period of time."

"Well, I don't think Ratchet would need anything big in order to be happy, Clank. He would love anything you give him."

"I...suppose you are right." He somewhat agreed. Ratchet was certainly not a picky person, especially not now. Back when they met all those years ago, Ratchet was still a kid, and was quite bratty and outspoken. Don't get him wrong, Ratchet was still as brash at times, but he has mellowed down during the years.

Something from...the heart?

How does one go about that?

....

Oh! He knew just the thing!

"I believe that I have just figured it out. Thank you for leading me in the right direction, Mrs. Apogee."

The woman smiled brightly, "No problem, Clank! I'm always here to help!"

And with the promise to wish Ratchet a Happy Holidays for her, they both finally bid their goodbyes.

Time to put together the (hopefully) perfect gift.

••●••

Thankfully, he had it done by Christmas day.

There were only a few gifts under the tree this year. There was no need for extravagance between them. Christmas wasn't about the gifts anyway.

And come the next morning, Ratchet was up early enough (for once) to make a small breakfast for himself while Clank was looking back on his own decision.

Would the gift be enough? Would Ratchet hate it? Would-

"Hey, pal? Is something wrong?"

Clank snapped out of his stupor, looking up at his friend who was currently in the middle of chewing an omelet. He took a while to formulate his response, "No need to worry, Ratchet. I am just thinking about how the New Year is so close."

Great save, Clank. Not suspicious at all! He mentally scolded himself...

Ratchet, however, wasn't fazed. Instead, he swallowed his omelet, "Yeah...I can't believe it either. To think my life could change like this during these past years...It's crazy!"

Clank hummed, looking at his friend fondly. He too, was happy about how things turned out so far. He hoped things could be like this for many years to come.

But enough about that. He wanted to see Ratchet's reaction to his gift!

So, once the Lombax was done with his meal, Clank decided to speed things up a bit, "Ratchet." The Lombax looked over to him, "I would like to show you what I got you this year, if you don't mind."

Ratchet raised a brow, a slight smile on his face, "Well, if you insist, Pal." He walked around the kitchen, helping Clank down the stool he previously stood upon and they both walked towards the tree. Clank bent down, smiling as he held up the small box to Ratchet, who took it carefully in his hands. "Y'know, you didn't have to get me anything. I'm-"

"Nonsense. I saw the presents you wrapped underneath the tree, all for me. Why wouldn't I return the favor?"

Ratchet huffed good-naturedly, "Whatever, pal. Let's see what's in here, yeah?"

Clank nodded silently as he saw Ratchet carefully until the ribbon, pulling it loose once he did so. Clank watched in anticipation as Ratchet lifted the lid, moving around some bunches of confetti before he...froze in place.....

A couple of agonizing seconds went by, and Clank thought that Ratchet was expecting more than this...

Ratchet lifted a piece of his gift up, a photo of both him and Clank, seemingly taken years prior while they were just getting to know each other...

He looked down to the other countless photos in the box, reaching down to pull out another...and another....and another.

Clank watched in silence, frowning to the best of his abilities.

"Ratchet, I-" his optics widened, "You're...crying? I am sorry that my gift caused such distress! I should have-"

"Clank just...just be quiet." Ratchet sniffled, wiping at his left cheek, "I love it." He sniffled some more, taking out another photo, "Where'd you get these?"

"Most of them were from my memory banks. For others, I had our friends send them to me." He watched and Ratchet's sniffles turned into small, barely contained sobs, "Do you...like it?"

"I already told you, I-I love it! I mean-" he picked one up again, "Our first mission together-" picked up another, "-With Quark-" another, "-Oh! That time you congratulated me on winning my first hoverboard race...." a smiled, "It's all here."

Clank practically sighed in relief, "I am glad. I thought you would've wanted something more grandiose..."

Ratchet looked at him questionably, wiping his nose with the back of his wrist, "Why would I want that?"

"Well, giving presents is one of the main features of Christmas. A great gift-"

"Pal, I would've been fine with anything. Hell, even if you gave me nothing!"

Clank looked thoughtful, "I just..." he looked at Ratchet's patient (but also slightly impatient...) expression. "I must admit something to you, Ratchet."

"What is it, pal?"

"I have been...observing you. During this time of year, you seem to become "blue", as people say. I have found out why." Ratchet listened intently, "While we enjoy viewing the festive lights of the city, your mood declines when you see those with their families and loved ones. So-" he gestured to the box, "-I have tried to give you something "from the heart". I...hope it is enough."

Ratchet was silent for a few moments, staring down at him. He had a small, endearing smile on his face,

"Awe...Pal, of course this is enough!" He told Clank, "And yeah...it does make me a bit sad, but I do have a family, Clank."

The robot's optics widened, "Really? Who?"

Ratchet looked taken aback, "It's you. Who else do you think, you idiot?"

Ratchet just chuckled as Clank came to the realization, "But...we are not-"

"Clank, blood or not, you're my family. Fuck...you're like a brother to me." He cringed, "Look, I don't like being sappy, Clank. Just accept it."

This time, Clank was stunned beyond words. Nonetheless, he smiled, "I...never thought of it that way." He said, "For what it's worth, I am proud to be your family, Ratchet."

"Same here, Pal." Ratchet said, "And just because I'm down doesn't mean I'm happy. You're here, after all, and I'm not alone anymore...like I used to be, y'know?"

"I know, Ratchet. I know." He smiled at his friend, "I am happy that you love it."

"Of course, Pal! Heck, I think I'll put them up on my wall!"

"If you can find space, that is." Clank quipped. Ratchet's face turned sour, "Fuck you. I'll have you know that there is important stuff on my walls!"

"Really? May I remind you that you have an old poster of Quark on your wall that is so poorly hidden?"

"Hey, out of sight out of mind. It ruins the walls if I just pull it off!"

"He he he...if you insist, Ratchet."

Ratchet glared at him playfully, placing the photos back into the box carefully before going forward to hug his friend quickly. Because he hated being so sappy and open with emotions. But Clank made him feel comfortable enough to do these things...

"Thanks, Pal. For everything."

And Clank didn't really know what Ratchet meant by "everything" at that moment, but he could guess. And if he was correct, he certainly had to thank Ratchet for everything as well,

"I would have to say the same to you, Ratchet."

The Lombax pulled back, both of them smiling as he did so. He handed Clank a small box, which the robot took.

"Well, how about you start opening my gifts? I wanna see what you think of my-"

"Please, I already know that tone of voice. There better not be glitter like last time. I had trouble-"

*Pop!*

"-cleaning it off...." He glared at the Lombax who was holding his stomach due to his boisterous laughter.

"HA! Ha ha! You should see your face r-right n-now! Hahah-" he cut himself off as his words were replaced with relentless laughter.

Clank glared, but he wasn't really angry. Yes, the glitter would be hard to get out of his sockets and possibly his air filter. And yes, he would find some persistent pieces on himself in the coming weeks. However, even if it was annoying and Ratchet's laughter was becoming too much...

But no matter what...he was positive that he wouldn't trade this for the universe.

••●••

To Ratchet's surprise, he did find space on the wall for the photos Clank gifted him. In his bedroom, right in front of his bed so he can see it. Everything behind and around the area was torn down and thrown away to make room.

And Ratchet was happy. Clank was his family after all.

So there he stood in front of the wall, pictures taped carefully to it, satisfied with the outcome as he took every little detail in. He smiled in contentment,

He would never trade this for the universe.

┌─── ∘°❉°∘ ───┐

Happy Holidays Everyone!

❤

└─── °∘❉∘° ───┘

**Sorry for any errors, currently have the "holiday brain". But anyways, have a Happy Holiday everyone! I wish you all the very best! Stay happy, healthy, and awesome! Also, take some time to sit back and take care of yourselves as we approach the next year! See you all next update!**

Sending virtual hugs to all! Have an amazing day/night!