Chapter Text
The air outside was chilly and quiet, saved by the sounds of footsteps entering the cabin. It was Christmas time! The Spectre for once allowed the survivors to decorate and enjoy this, spawning in a Christmas tree with a star and some other decorations, along with... A Santa Claus costume...?
When the survivors came back from a round, they were all left speechless by the random decorations and tree. But, they might as well take this opportunity to enjoy themselves for once in this hell.
Sure, all of the survivors were happy about this. A moment to relax, a moment to celebrate this with friends.
And of course, a certain someone was over the top excited.
--
"I... didn't... Expect for whatever was out there to actually let us have peace for a little." Elliot said, his jaw dropped slightly as he stared at all the items spawned on the cabin floor.
"True..." Chance muttered, walking over to the decorations, touching them as if testing if they were real.
"Let's not waste time. We gotta start setting it all up before it's over." Guest chimed in, and everyone nodded and started helping to set up the tree and decorate.
After everything was set up, the survivors sat down near the fireplace, allowing themselves to relax as they laughed and chatted.
Taph, however, noticed a calendar nearby that wasn't there before. He immediately hopped out of the couch, almost slipping on his robe before he ran over to check the calendar. Day… Day…
December 24th.
Taph squealed silently in excitement, his wings flapping in happiness. The other survivors looked over at Taph, noticing his excited demeanor. Chance cleared his throat, raising a brow with his usual smug grin. “What’s got you all riled up?” He asked, looking at Taph.
Taph jumped, before looking over at the other survivors, signing frantically and fast. ”IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE ALREADY! SANTA CLAUS IS COMING!!” He jumped up and down signing about Santa Clause over and over again, his happiness almost contagious.
Almost.
The survivors looked at each other, raising a brow. His parents never told him, did they?
“Should we tell him?” Shedletsky looked at the others, waiting for their approval. Guest sighed, standing up and standing in front of Taph. “Taph… You know Santa isn’t real, right?”
…
What?
”No, he’s real. I swear!” Taph signed defensively, not believing a second of what Guest was saying. “No, Taph. He’s not real. He’s made up.” Guest added, putting a hand on Taph’s shoulder.
Taph froze, his mind processing the words. Santa Claus isn’t real? But- he… He swore he always heard reindeers. This can’t be.
”Oh. Okay. Alright-” Taph placed his hands on his lap, leaving the living room and up the stairs as tears welled up in his eyes. God, Santa…
The other survivors watched as Taph walked up the stairs with his shoulders slumped, realizing that it wasn’t that good of an idea to tell him.
“I-i-i don’t think w-we should’ve done that...” Noob stuttered, fidgeting with his fingers. Builderman and Dusekkar nodded, seeming a little hesitant.
“The Spawn can help h-” Two Time got cut off by a small pinch on their side. “Ouch- just saying.” They said, their manic smile widening.
Dusekkar sighed, seeming a little guilty. “It is far too late to change our track— we've told him, and there's no way back.”
Just as Builderman was about to say something, 007n7 walked in, closing the door of the cabin behind him.
Everyone’s head turned to the sound, and some of their faces dropped in annoyance. Especially Elliot.
“Sorry, don’t want to be a bother. What are you guys doing? …And where’s Taph?” 007n7 asked hesitantly, walking over to an edge on the couch.
“We may or may have not accidentally ruined his Christmas.” Chance said, shrugging. Though, his smile seemed a little forced.
“...What happened?” 007n7 asked, his tone more worried now.
“...Well… Taph was all giddy and happy and excited because “Santa Claus” was coming… And then we told him Santa wasn’t real, and now he’s all upset and in his room.”
007n7 raised a brow, confusion bubbling up in his head. “He still believes- or, better said- believed in Santa Claus?” He asked, his hands on his lap.
“I guess so. And we kinda just ruined everything for him. Whoopsie?” Chance chuckled, trying to get a laugh out of everyone, but everyone just stared at him as if to say “Don’t say anything else.”
“...Oh dear…” 007n7 mumbled to himself, before noticing a costume thrown on the floor near. He stood up, walking over to it and picking it up.
…A Santa Claus costume…?
007n7 stared at it in confusion, before a bright idea popped up in his head.
–
“Do I really have to do this?” Guest groaned, putting on the costume. “I’d rather act like I was proven wrong than have Taph rethinking his life choices, Guest. So yes.” Elliot said, sighing. Gooood.
–
Taph sat on the edge of his bed, sighing. He has to be for real. He’s a full blown adult, this isn’t like him at all. He needs to get over it. It’s not the end of the world.
Taph pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around his knees as the wings on his head drooped. Guess this really is hell, hm?
Knock. Knock.
Taph looked up and over to the door, seeing 007n7 peeking in.
“Taph, I heard about earlier. S-sorry. But, you shouldn’t stay in your room all night. C’mon, why don’t ya say we go out to the kitchen with the others?” 007n7 said. His voice was gentle and soft, his dad side coming out.
Taph’s face turned into one of confusion and annoyance. Why was 007n7 here? He hated him. But… He was right. Might as well do something fun on Christmas eve.
As they walked out, they walked over to the kitchen, sitting down with the others. Everyone was just casually chatting, and it was all normal. Taph talked with them too, his mind slowly drifting off Santa, until–
BAM!!
Taph froze, wondering what the sound was. Everyone else acted shocked, following along. Taph stood up, peeking to see what was going on in the living room.
Taph eyes widened, despite the hood covering him. His wings fluttered, happiness over taking him. There he was!! Santa!
He turned around to the others, signing. ”I told you guys! Nobody believed me but there he is now!” He said, jumping up and down.
Shedletsky chuckled, nodding and shrugging. “Guess you really did prove us wrong, huh?”
Taph looked at Santa more clearly, noticing the blue hair peeking out from the hat… And some scars?
”...Why does he-”
“No reason! Guess Santa decided to change his style! Haha-” Builderman chuckled, reassuring Taph everything was fine.