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In the French quarter of New Orleans, there was an unusual home unlike any other. Its strangeness was not solely due to its appearance - two houses connected through an upstairs hallway, with gorgeous trees and flowers that seemed to be perpetually in bloom, regardless of the season. And it wasn’t necessarily either due to the extensive magical warding on the property, designed to let the mage of this land know [i]exactly[/i] who had come to visit and their intentions, and protect his family from harm. It wasn’t even due to the people who lived there, odd as they were - three omega level mutants, a part-time ghost, a former ghost, a sentient water cannon, a master of the mystic arts, and of course their pets, a baby dragon and a baby dinosaur.

No, the unusualness of the Kingston-Gray residence was that everyone who lived there genuinely loved each other. 

Inside the home, enchanted candles gently hovered in the air, as artificial snow fell from the ceilings and dusted the mantlepiece. Pictures covered the walls of loved ones past and present, the shimmering lights casting them in a warm glow. The living room itself was almost dominated by a gigantic tree, nearly twelve feet tall, under which a mountain of presents lay freshly wrapped - and only a few of them had the telltale teeth marks of a teething creature. 

Ben Gray, the husband of the mutant mage Max Gray, and father to Dorian, Danni, and April, was currently busying himself in the kitchen. He had gotten up early that morning, in order to go visit some of his foster siblings who still lived in the area. The visit hadn’t been long and when he arrived back home, he had set out to make a sweet breakfast treat for the rest of the family - cinnamon rolls. They were just about done, steaming hot as he layered the icing on top, stepping back to admire his work and clad in an apron. [color=silver]“Kiddos!”[/color] Ben called out. [color=silver]“Cinnamon rolls!”[/color]

Casper Kingston, husband to James Kingston, foster sibling of Ben Gray, and father of three (the lines in their household were incredibly blurred), was still sprawled out in bed. He’d been up late the night before - not necessarily doing anything special, he just had poor impulse control and scrolling through Snikt! was just [i]way[/i] too easy. [color=DBA1DE]“Ben, it’s too early,”[/color] Casper grumbled, rolling over as Ben’s voice carried. [color=DBA1DE]“Five more minutes…”[/color]

Unbeknownst to the adults, however, two of the children had already been up for a while. April was still preening over her new haircut, using the mirrors in Danni’s room to admire it from each and every angle. She’d changed from her PJs into some clothes for the day - a pair of acid washed jeans with holes in the knees and doodles up and down the sides in sharpies, and a blue holiday sweater with jellyfish and snowflakes. On her feet she had pink Jeff the Land Shark slippers. [color=42A9FF]“Okay, okay, okay, they’re awake!!”[/color] April squealed. [color=42A9FF]“How do I look? Should I use sparkle spray to make myself glitter? Or is that too much? Do you think it takes away from the haircut? Ooo - what about a really dramatic eyeshadow?”[/color]

Normally, Danni would be grumbling much like his Papa downstairs and would be more than happy to rally against his Appa's crazy morning schedule, but [i]someone[/i] had rolled him out of bed before that. So he'd cut Rillie's hair to perfection, showered all the hair off him after they'd finished cleaning up, and now was debating. Yes, it was Christmas and that should mean soft and flower and fluffy but… he'd just gotten this lovely leather jacket and pants and he kind of wanted to wear them… 

[color=E948FC]“If ya wanna do any makeup, keep it chill. Your ‘air is t'e star, not'in’ else silly.”[/color] Danni said from the closet, towel still wrapped around his waist as he considered his options. He's put them on hangers to consider. [color=E948FC] “Riiiiillie. Which should I pick? T'is one gives t'at classic, homey Christmas vibe but t'is one matches you a little better, bit idk what Dee is wearing?!”[/color] Danni held the two options out. 

Downstairs, James returned from his morning run and paused to take a deep breath. Cinnamon rolls, cold morning air, and the smell of Christmas trees made it difficult to resist the holiday spirit. James toed off his running shoes and put them on the shoe rack before jogging into the kitchen. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Morning, Ben. Those smell amazing. Just us up so far? Let me get coffee started. That usually gets the stragglers moving.”[/color] James chuckled, pulling Ben in for a side hug. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Merry Christmas, by the way.”[/color]

Dorian was up before Danni. He was [i]always[/i] up before Danni was. He had already showered and gotten dressed into his Christmas outfit, a deep wine red long-sleeved shirt, forest green pants, and a pair of olive green converse along with black Rayban fake glasses. He had a red Santa hat on with white fluffy trim and a ball at the end, the works. He'd managed to wrangle a small santa coat onto Amour so that she could join in on the festivities. He snapped a photo of himself with Amour worthy of a Christmas Card and sent it to Percy after adding a few snowflakes on with an editor. [Color=CC99FF]”You're probably still asleep but I can't wait to see what Santa brought you. Merry Christmas Babe. Xoxo”[/color] The scent of cinnamon rolls wafted up into his room and Dorian couldn't resist it. He'd have one now and one when coffee was done brewing. [Color=CC99FF]”Already awake! Last one down is Flatscan!”[/color] Dorian yelled back as he phased through the floors and went straight into the kitchen.

[Color=aba400]”Oi, what did we say about using Astral Powers during Christmas? I don't want to see you peeking inside of the gifts Santa gave you.”[/color] 

[Color=CC99FF]”I won't Promiiiisssseee”[/color]

Max was busy adding the finishing touches around the household. Having made the kids decorate it by hand without the aid of magic this year. Now he just wanted to give it a little sparkle. He snagged the first cinnamon roll off the tray, using his magic to cool it down instantly before taking a bite. [Color=aba400]”James if you want I can handle the coffee, Casper getting up is a full time job. Besides, we are apparently getting a surprise today so we need to make sure everyone's up and ready.”[/color] He said before conjuring up the day's newspaper in hand.

[color=silver]“Mm, merry Christmas, James,”[/color] Ben said, wrapping one hand around James’ waist to return the hug, smiling softly. He was one of the quietest members of his family, but he didn’t adore them any less. Doing little things for this was one of the ways that he could show them how much he cared - in a way that he often struggled to do with words. He’d made a lot of progress since his resurrection, grown a lot and been through at least five different therapists before he’d found one he liked, but this was still how he expressed himself best to the people who mattered. [color=silver]“Good luck,”[/color] he then added, not wishing having to wake Casper up on anyone - he had decades of experience with it and didn’t miss a single moment. 

Upstairs, April was studying the two outfits Danni presented very seriously. One of them was giving old wealth, fortune, and grace - the other was a little more punk rock, featuring a leather jacket. She scrunched up her face, going back and forth between the two of them, before finally deciding on the one he held up on the left. [color=42A9FF]“It stands out more from what you normally wear,”[/color] April explained. [color=42A9FF]“More of a statement, y’know? Like you could wear the leather jacket any day and rock it, ‘cause you always dress like a badass, Danni. But this almost academic, home for the fancy Christmas party look? That’s niche.”[/color]

James laughed quietly to himself. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Yeah, it is. But I'd hate it if I didn't get to do it. Thanks Max. And merry Christmas, old man.”[/color] James ruffled Max's hair before pulling Dorian into a quick hug. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Merry Christmas to you too, Dorian. Don't forget to text Percy.”[/color]  James reminded, disappearing past his doorway and into his bedroom to get Casper out of bed, into the shower, and tied properly. 

Danni nodded along with April. [color=E948FC] “Makes sense, makes sense. Pops and Appa and Pa are all probs gunna be nice and proper too, ‘u’? It's make t'e photos nicer.”[/color] Danni muttered after Rillie's input. He shrugged, put the punk rock back and hung the various pieces of his chosen outfit. He'd have to adjust his make up plan, a little more rose and sparkle, so he'd need a bit more time. He stripped off his towel, tossed it to the side, and then realized he hadn't considered underwear. Since it was Christmas, he pulled on a cute pair of red briefs with Christmas trees and candy canes and then popped himself into each part of his [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019b90e9-87fc-760f-8692-939da1adf481.webp]outfit[/url]. He did a little twirl in the mirror and beamed at himself. 

[color=E948FC]“Okay, I gotta go do my hair rq!!!![/color] Danni bolted to the bathroom and did some quick work on his hair and just a dusting across the cheeks, gave himself a little wink, and held his arm out for his sister to take. [color=E948FC]“Ready ta show t'e world?”[/color]

For a second, April was gripped by the fear that she was underdressed. But most of her Christmas-y things were dresses and skirts, and the idea of wearing one right now made her nauseous. So instead, she went to take Danni’s arm, only to scream. [color=42A9FF]“Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait - it needs to be a reveal!!”[/color] April ran back to her room, tearing through her closet until she found what she was looking for - and then she sprinted back to Danni’s, showing him. It was a Christmas tree hat. [color=42A9FF]“Then when everyone is downstairs, we can remove the hat and - tada! New hair!!”[/color] She then took Danni’s arm, putting the hat onto her head. [color=42A9FF]“Now I’m ready! Let’s go before Dori eats all the cinnamon rolls,”[/color] she whined. 

[Color=aba400]”Old?! I'm the youngest one out of all of us.”[/color] 

Dorian gave James a hug back before snagging his own roll, a plate, and another roll. [Color=CC99FF]”Already did! We're gonna see if Santa visited ‘im last night! T'ough I'm not sure ‘ow well it'll work since ‘e needs to believe for it to work. Pa! Where's coffee?”[/color] 

Max returned the hug. Standing back up as he went to go take over James’ job on coffee. He flicked his wrist, snapping the newspaper with a crisp sound before it vanished from his hand and appeared at an armchair in the living room for later. Max began to make his way through the kitchen, stepping over the Amour as he tried not to get in their way before starting on the coffee. [Color=aba400]”It's coming, be patient. So, when can we expect the young Novikov? And when are you heading over to his place for a night of Chanukah?”[/color] 

[Color=CC99FF]”He's comin over before dinner for a little while. And we are goin’ to Eriks t'e 29th for ‘is annual one. Figured it'd be nice to spend it wit’ Andy too since it'll be ‘er first year.”[/color]

Ben nodded slightly, going to undo the knot on his apron to take it off - only to find it stuck, as if by magic. He shot his husband a glance from across the counter. [color=silver]“You want to keep your present wrapped, then?”[/color] he murmured, as he crossed the space and kissed his husband’s ear. [color=silver]“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”[/color] He then went over to Dorian, giving him a hug - and shooting a tentacle out to wrap around Max’s wrist gently. [color=silver]“Merry Christmas, kiddo. Did he send the daily Chaucer yet?”[/color] he asked Dorian. 

James made his way to the bedroom, pausing in the doorway to admire his husband still sleeping despite the ruckus outside. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Come on babes, time to wake up.”[/color] James made his way over, shifting the blankets to press a kiss behind his husband's ear. [color=mediumspringgreen] “And if you get up quick enough, we can shower together. Missed you on my run this morning.”[/color]

Slowly, Casper opened one eye, mentally weighing the pros and cons of staying in bed longer against having fun doing certain [i]activities[/i] with his husband. Pros - the bed was soft, warm, and filled with his favorite blankets. Cons - he liked doing those activities with his husband, and he might not get another chance until later that evening, with how busy things were for Christmas. 

Like a cat, Casper stretched out his arms and legs, yawning dramatically as he sat up in bed. [color=DBA1DE]“Fiiiiiine,”[/color] he pouted, dramatically flopping against James. [color=DBA1DE]“Carry me?”[/color] he then asked, with pleading eyes. 

James chuckled, sliding his arms under Casper and lifting. [color=E948FC] “Anything for you, love.”[/color] James promised, pressing a slow kiss to Casper, and maneuvered around the bed to the bathroom. [color=E948FC]“And I picked out an outfit for you; I want to get you suited up myself after we're done.”[/color] James stepped into the bathroom and kicked the door shut, the sound of running water a second later.

Danni grimaced at the hat. [color=E948FC]“I mean, I guess but t'at is deeef a piece t'at we should repurpose. Full time.”[/color] Danni guided April down the stairs and towards the aroma of cinnamon rolls and coffee. Danni shook with the effort but it wasn't enough; Danni bolted forward, holiday excitement buzzing through him and burst into the kitchen screaming [color=E948FC] “MERRY CHRISTMAS!”[/color] He hugged everyone in the kitchen, telling them he loved them and then snatched up a cinnamon roll with his bare hands and shoved over half of it in his mouth, groaning with satisfaction as he settled in to wait for coffee.

[color=E948FC]“Where is Pops and Papa?”[/color] Danni asked around a mouthful of cinnamon roll. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Ones sleepin’ as always and t'e ot'er's tryin’ to change t'at.”[/color] Dorian said with a laugh. [Color=CC99FF]”Merry Christmas! Not yet, no Mornin’ poem or anyt'in’.”[/color] He was so excited for the surprise they had come up with for the rents. [Color=CC99FF]”’ey save some for April!”[/color] Dorian used his powers to pull the tray away from Danni's unending maw. 

[Color=aba400]”Oh just one thing.”[/color] Max said as he moved away from the coffee, the pot having been enchanted now to finish the job as he made his way towards his husband Ben. Wrapping his arms around him and giving him a kiss in between each word. [Color=aba400]”Merry. Christmas.”[/color] He began to make his way back over as he flicked his wrist and a bit of magic smacked Ben's ass.

[Color=CC99FF]”eugh grooossss. Not while I'm tryin’ eat guys. Get a room.”[/color] Dorian said before running over and giving Danni a huge hug, practically squeezing the air out of him.
[Color=CC99FF]”April! ‘urry up! Danni's eatin’ all t'e buns!”[/color]

Ben rolled his eyes at his son’s antics. [color=silver]“Consider this payback for when you and your boyfriend reappeared from the astral,”[/color] he teased. He and his husband didn’t do a lot of public displays of affection, not nearly as much as James and Casper did. His son could handle his dads sharing the occasional kiss - it was Christmas, after all. [color=silver]“Where is your sister?”[/color] he then added with a frown. She was usually up well before Danni. 

[color=42A9FF]“I’m coooooming!!”[/color] April called out. She had been about to rush off after Danni, when an incredible idea occurred to her. Not only was she going to make a grand reveal with her hair, but she was going to make a grand entrance! She darted into the nearest bathroom and turned on the tap, pulling out enough water to work with, wrapping it around her hands like gloves. She rushed back to the hallway, and shot the water outwards, coating the ground and freezing it, turning it into ice. This was going to be incredible! 

She sprinted forward, and for a moment, she felt like she was flying - she let out a joyous screech - [color=42A9FF]“Here I come!!!!”[/color] - but it soon turned to terror. She was going faster and faster, she didn’t know how to stop, and her Jeff the Land Shark slippers didn’t have any traction! She screamed as she ran out of ice, and the momentum carried her legs forward, but not the rest of her, as she crashed spectacularly, about to land on her back when four tentacles suddenly shot out, grabbing her. 

[color=42A9FF]“... Hi Appa!”[/color]

Ben stared at her. [color=silver]“Hi, April.”[/color]

[color=E948FC]“‘ey! What are ya doin’?!”[/color] Danni grabbed the tray when he noticed it wiggling away, getting into a tug of war with Dorian's telekinetics. However, the fact that coffee suddenly became available made Danni lose interest in the buns and he snatched up his mug and poured eagerly. [color=E948FC]“I can't ‘ave anyt'in’ nice. I ‘it my ‘ead t'is mornin’, Dee won't let me ‘ave cinnamon rolls, I ‘ad ta wait for coffee - oh, woe is me. My life is so ‘ard.”[/color] Danni sighed dramatically, tipping over and slumping against Ben with a hand to his forehead. 

Dorian busted out laughing as April came barreling down the stairs. [Color=CC99FF]”T'e fabled Ice Princess makes t'eir appearances down a very slip n slide.”[/color] He looked towards Danni and rolled his eyes.

Max however quirked up an eyebrow. He was up early? He hit his head? Clearly if he had gotten himself awake without some form of warfare. [Color=aba400]”How did you hit your head?”[/color]color]

April didn’t think through what she did next, giving her brother the middle finger. However, hearing Dorian use [i]they[/i] made her heart twitch for a moment. But she was too deep into the holiday and the big reveal she’d planned with Danni that she didn’t examine the feeling, letting it pass with the moment. [color=42A9FF]“My own brother, being so mean to me, on [i]Christmas[/i]?!”[/color] she gasped. 

[color=silver]“April…”[/color] Ben warned, less than thrilled with her choice of hand sign. [color=silver]“We don’t flip each other off, sweetheart. Apologize to Dorian.”[/color]

[color=42A9FF]“But–”[/color]

[color=silver]“But you feel really sorry, I agree, so tell him that,”[/color] Ben folded his arms. 

[color=42A9FF]“... Sorry Dori,”[/color] April mumbled, before going to go grab her mug from the cabinet. She opened it up, and went to jump up a bit to be able to reach it, only for Ben’s tentacles to beat her to it, offering the cup to her. [color=42A9FF]“Thanks Appa.”[/color]

[color=silver]“Mhmm.”[/color]

Dorian stuck his tongue out at April when Ben wasn't looking. Snagging another roll as he finally got himself a cup of coffee and sat down on one of the kitchen counters. Dropping a bit of Cinnamon Rolls on the floor for Amour to enjoy. She perked up, sniffing the air before she made a mad dash towards the fallen roll and began hacking away at it with her teeth. Excited chirps in between each tear. 

[Color=aba400]”I do not think that sugar treats are a balanced food for a prehistoric pet Dorian.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Sugar is energy, and energy is fuel, and she need ‘er fuel!”[/color]

Danni pouted at being ignored. [color=E948FC] “Appa!!! I was bein’ dramatic and ya didn't even say anyt'in’.”[/color] Danni grumbled. He couldn't stay upset for long, not with it being Christmas, and he popped open the cooler where Amour and Amélie's food was stored. [color=E948FC] “T'at's a secret for soon, Pa! I'll tell ya all ‘bout it, but everyone has gotta be ‘ere!”[/color] A loud [i]bang[/i], thud, and nails on the ground could be heard as Danni giggled. Amour finished the bits Dorian offered but quickly scampered to Danni, making cute little tips at the prospect of meat. Danni pulled out two bags, already portioned for ease of feeding, and dropped the chunks into the two bowls neatly named for each pet. 

A surprised yip, nails on ice, and a screeching dragon made a whizzing appearance through the door, wings flapping in distress as she slipped and slid on the ice left behind by April's entrance. [color=E948FC]“Rillie! T'e ice!!!!”[/color] Danni screeched, lunging to grab Amélie but he he didn't put any fire behind it and instead hit the floor as his baby flew over him. 

April screamed, having completely forgotten she’d left an icy trail in her wake. [color=42A9FF]“Amelie!!!”[/color] She flung her hands out, the ice shooting up from the floor to form a half sphere, almost like a baseball bat - but the dragon smashed on through it. 

[color=silver]“That’s because I was saving my reaction so I could— “[/color] Ben had been about to wrap his tentacles around Danni and playfully throw him around, but instead he sent them out to try to grab onto the dragon - and while his reflexes were fast, they weren’t quite fast enough, as his tentacles just grazed the dragon, barely slowing her down. 

A small portal opened before Amélie as she came crashing down, opening back up to send her ricocheting into Danni's arms. [Color=aba400]”Do pick up your toys April. I don't need James to be healing any broken bones on Christmas.”[/color] 

April’s face turned bright red, as the rest of the ice melted and flew itself into the sink. 

Danni let out a heavy [i]oof[/i] as Amélie crash landed into his chest as he was sitting up, hitting the ground and groaning. Amélie took a moment to recover, trembling and cuddling into Danni's neck. He cooed softly at her, whispering reassurances into her ear, until she finally hopped off and galloped off to her bowl and tore into the pile of meat left for her before Amour could steal any. Danni sighed. 

[color=E948FC]“Ya know, I've never looked at t'e ceilin’ t'is many times. ‘ow lon’ ‘ave we ‘ad webs up t'ere?”[/color] Danni wondered aloud and then shoved himself to his feet. [color=E948FC] “Ooookay, I def need waaaaay more coffee. What a wild mornin’. Uuugh, I wanna show you your present!!!!! It's gunna be t'e best Christmas present ever! Dee, did we figure out ‘ow ta show t'em, btw? Idr, tbh.”[/color] 

Dorian grinned triumphantly as he fetched out a sling ring from his pocket. [Color=CC99FF]”Sure did.”[/color] He spun the sling ring around his finger, showing it off a bit before catching it in his palm and putting it back into his pocket.

Max looked unamused at his sons antics. [Color=aba400]”Where did you get that? And what do you plan on doing with it? You know you're can just as me to take us where you want to go, I do it every year.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Oooook but t'is is a surprise so I cant tell you where. Obvi”[/color]

Ben’s eyes narrowed slightly. Had Dorian stolen Max’s sling ring? He knew the children had gotten a little more rebellious lately, but he thought they’d have the sense not to mess with magical artifacts they didn’t understand. [color=silver]“I also would like to know where you got that,”[/color] he prompted, crossing his arms. [color=silver]“Do you know how to use that? It’s not a toy.”[/color] He had half a mind to snatch it with his tentacles, but he also knew Dorian’s reflexes were faster than ever - and as loath as he was to admit it, he didn’t know if he’d be able to take it from him. 

[color=42A9FF]“Yeah we have a surprise!”[/color] April preened, before tilting her head in confusion. Dorian didn’t know about the surprise. [color=42A9FF]“Wait, what surprise do you have? ‘Cause Danni and I have a surprise, and there’s no way you know about it…”[/color] She frowned. Were they keeping secrets from her? She wanted to be mad about it, but she and Danni were also keeping a secret from Dorian, so she supposed it made them even. [color=42A9FF]“Unless you told him? Danni, did you text Dori already about the you-know-what?”[/color] she whined slightly. 

Dorian shot a look towards April, equal parts confusion and anger. Did Danni ruin the surprise already by telling April?! He crossed his arms and huffed in annoyance. 

[color=E948FC]“Wha… Oh. OH! No, no I ‘ave a surprise wit bot’ of you. Muwhahahaha, my secret plan is coming toget'er! I ‘ave all t'e secrets ‘ere!”[/color] Danni cackled as he picked up his mug and went to refill it. [color=E948FC] “Rillie and I ‘ave a reveal t'at we gotta do before Dee and I'd reveal ot'erwise, Rillie and I's surprise will be suuuuupeer overshaded!!! And Pa, Appa truuuust us pleaaaaase? We pwomise t'at not'in’ bad is ‘appenin’; if ya know where we are goin’ it ruins t'e suprise! And Dee knows ‘ow ta use it! ‘e studied wit’ Strange!”[/color] Danni looked out of the kitchen as he heard footsteps on the stairs. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Who studied with Strange? Should I be concerned why this is relevant? I feel like spells start flying anytime that comes up.”[/color] James asked, carrying a freshly showered Casper with him to the kitchen table.[color=mediumspringgreen] “Babes, I'm putting you down so you can eat, okay? Do you want coffee?”[/color]

[color=DBA1DE]“Your mom studied with Strange!”[/color] Casper shouted gleefully, before immediately pouting at the prospect of being put down. He wanted to be carried at all times, except for when he was trying on clothes or dancing or lounging in bed. And it was Christmas morning! He tucked his head underneath James’ neck, whimpering. [color=DBA1DE]“Nuuuuuuuuuuu,”[/color] and then he paused in his whining. [color=DBA1DE]“Yes pleeeeease.”[/color] He did want coffee. 

[Color=CC99FF]”It's a [i]loan[/i] ok? And I do know ‘ow to use it. I've ‘ad more trainin’ ‘ere t'an anyone besides Pa in t'e mystics arts.”[/color] Dorian whined. [Color=CC99FF]”I'll give it back after Christmas is over.”[/color]

Max raised an eyebrow at all the antics being brought out at once. [Color=aba400]”Two surprises already? It must be Christmas morning then.”[/color] 

James tilted Casper's head back and pressed a kiss to his mouth before fetching his husband his breakfast. His Christmas mug was filled three quarters with milk and sugar, a splash of coffee, and whip cream, chocolate syrup, and rainbow sprinkles finished it off. James plated up a cinnamon roll and slid the combo in front of his husband, before settling in next to him and sliding his hand to Casper's thigh to run his thumb along the inside seam. [color=mediumspringgreen]“These surprises didn't damage anything, right? I would rather Christmas not have any surprises that take longer than 5 minutes to fix, please.”[/color] 

[color=E948FC]“Okay, everyone is ‘ere!!! Let's get rollin’!!!!”[/color] Danni announced, sticking his tongue out at his Pops and then spinning around. [color=E948FC]“Ladies, gentlemen, and all our nonbinary friends, get ready for t'e show off t'e year! T'e show of t'e season! Be prepared ta lose your socks and… I don't know what us but ‘old on ta everyt'in’! Be prepared ta be blown away by… Drum roll please!”[/color]

Casper leaned over, doing a drum roll on his husband’s thighs. He didn’t know what was happening but he was so excited, cinnamon roll held between his teeth! 

Ben looked like a vein was about to burst in his forehead from stress and anticipation. 

Danni beamed at his Papa and gestured dramatically at April. 

[color=42A9FF]“Tadaaaaaa!!!”[/color] April threw the Christmas Tree hat off of her head, revealing her new haircut. It was short, vaguely resembling a mohawk. But the more one looked at it, the more horrendous it became. It was drastically uneven and choppy, there weren’t any bald spots but there were areas of varying thickness. If someone were to shut off all the lights and hit their head, it would look to them like a world class haircut; but to anyone else, it was a dumpster fire not even worthy of Great Clips. [color=42A9FF]“What do you think?”[/color]

Casper immediately choked on his cinnamon roll, as he gasped and the sweet, sugary goodness shot into the back of his throat. His hands went immediately to his throat, his legs flailing.

Ben shot a worried look at Max and James, before smiling politely at April. [color=silver]“Oh, I love it, sweetheart,”[/color] he lied through his teeth. [color=42A9FF]“But do you love it?”[/color]

Max shot a glare to Dorian. [Color=aba400]”And you say there are…[i]two[/i] surprises? I dare say I don't know if I can handle a second at the moment. April sweetie, what style is this? Is it new? It's very Avante Garde.”[/color]

Dorian tried to keep it in, he really did, but every cabinet flew open at the same time as the food for Amour flew into the air and around the kitchen, causing the little raptor to sprint from one place to another nipping at each piece before Amélie could get to any. He didn’t say anything, but his chest was in so much pain as he held back laughter.

James swore and immediately got his husband out of the chair, working to keep him standing while he flailed. James couldn’t get Casper to cooperate so instead, James kept two fingers jammed into his jaw and reached in with the other to grab the cinnamon roll and yank it out. Thankfully, it hadn’t been chewed much so it was one solid piece. James tossed it in the trash and pulled Casper to him. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Okay, you take a second to catch your breath, babes.”[/color] James hadn’t had an opportunity to look at April’s hair for longer than a second and now that he viewed it in its full glory…

[color=mediumspringgreen]“I definitely remember you having more hair yesterday. Who did you go to? They certainly have [i]talent[/i] - we want to make sure we can get notes from them for the future.”[/color] James sent a hopeful look at Max. 

Danni beamed at that. [color=E948FC]“It was me! Rillie woke me up at 6, I came down ta get coffee wit’ Amélie, got knocked on my butt and ‘it my ‘ead, drank a little cold brew, and t’en went up ta cut Rillie’s ‘air! Doesn’t it look great?”[/color]

[color=mediumspringgreen]“You hit your head?! Come here.”[/color] Danni scooted over and James gently ran his hand across the back of Danni’s head. A little bump was there and James sighed, healing it away. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Next time, you wake us up. Head injuries are no joke, kiddo.”[/color]

Max spoke into his mug, low enough so no one else could hear. [Color=aba400]”Hit your head? That explains the cut.”[/color]

Casper didn’t give himself a moment to recover and catch his breath, as his beautiful, talented, amazing husband saved his life - not for the first time, and not for the last time. He tucked himself back into his favorite position, flush up against James - and his eyes widened. [color=DBA1DE]“Danni, baby boi, love of my life, the sweetest kiddo there ever was - if you hit your head too many times, you’re going to end up like your Papa!”[/color] he fussed, before pulling his son into a tight hug. [color=DBA1DE]“We gotta protect those brain cells, okay?”[/color] 

And then, without thinking, he looked at Max. [color=DBA1DE]“Can we get her a beanie? Pleeeease?”[/color]

Ben immediately glared at Casper, his tentacles thrashing a bit as they threatened to force their way on out. [color=silver]“Because this hair cut would look even cuter with a beanie, right? [i]Right?[/i]”[/color] he practically hissed. It was a terrible haircut, yes. But he didn’t want to see their kid have a meltdown, especially not on Christmas morning. And it wouldn’t be just April having a tantrum, it would be Danni, too. 

He then shot an intense glance at Dorian, a very clear dad gaze that translated to: [i]be nice to your siblings and I will make it worth your while.[/i] 

[color=42A9FF]“Right, Danni is so good at this!!! We should all just start having Danni cut out hair, tbh, like he’s a natural!!”[/color] April gushed. She was too swept up in the moment to notice the truth behind her family’s reactions. Dorian was so in love with the haircut he couldn’t control his powers, he was shaking with love and adoration! The cut was so good that her Papa had almost choked to death! Her Pa thought it was Avante Garde - and he was a model, so he knew what he was talking about! Even Pops and Appa both really liked it, talking about how much they loved it and how they wanted to compliment the lucky stylist on it!! It was the best Christmas ever and she couldn’t keep herself from fidgeting, almost overwhelmed with joy. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Non, J'aime ma coiffeuse en France. Merci beaucoup.”[/color] He took another bite of his meal before he continued. [Color=CC99FF]”But you did really good! I didn't even know you couldn't get up at 6 am.”[/color] Dorian joked with a smile.

[Color=aba400]”A beanie would help to accent the haircut very well. Make certain pieces pop, if you wanted one April. We use hats and toppers like that a lot in modeling to help frame and showcase styles and hair all the time.”[/color]

Danni basked in the attention, joining Casper and James in the cuddle fest.  [color=E948FC] “But Papa, everyone wants ta be like you! T’at make me lucky!’[/color] Danni giggled and turned to frame April with his fingers as people made suggestions.  [color=E948FC] “Ooooh, I love t’at. A beanie would tots make t’at look perf! Maybe one t’at matches ‘er eyes t’ough. Yeah, def t’e eyes!”[/color] Danni stuck his tongue out at Dorian’s tease. [color=E948FC]“Truuuust me t’at  was not willin’. Amélie was a spicy burrito, but ‘ow could I pass up an opportunity for t’is masterpiece.”[/color] Danni sighed dramatically, bending down shortly after to pick up his baby dragon. Amélie, hearing her name after eating, had scampered over immediately upon realizing Amour was willing to fight for the food and settled contently into his arms. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“What have I said about talking poorly about yourself, baby?”[/color] James murmured firmly. He didn’t like it when Casper did it to himself, all the jokes he used to make, and he wouldn’t tolerate that on Christmas of all times. He smiled at his son reassuring his Papa and James smiled softly at the little family in the kitchen. Even when it was chaos and things weren’t perfect, he always thought about the times in the MU or in the rubble of Genoshia and couldn’t be more thankful for these people here. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Well, why don’t we get April her accessory and we can figure out who is Santa’s helper this year so our kiddos can get to open their presents. Unless you want to show us the other surprise next?”[/color]

[color=DBA1DE]“Oh! I’m sorry, bae,”[/color] Casper apologized, a little sheepish. [color=DBA1DE]“I can choose to be kind to myself. I am worthy of love and respect, especially from myself. I am proud of who I am becoming,”[/color] he repeated. It was part of their morning routine, something they’d say into the mirror together before getting ready for the day. He turned and brushed a kiss to James’ jaw as a further apology, before placing one on Danni’s head, too. [color=DBA1DE]“I want to see the other surprise!!”[/color] He somehow stopped himself from adding - [i]it can’t be worse than this one!![/i]

There were stars in April’s eyes for a moment. Pa [i]really[/i] liked her hair! She squealed excitedly, kicking her feet a little from where she was sitting. [color=42A9FF]“Do you think I could model with this hair, Pa? That’s so cool!! Danni, you could be my stylist - do my hair and I can wear clothes you design and stuff!! And Dori - ooo Dori you could model too!! We’d be a power trio!!! So yeah, Pa, I’d love a cool hat!! Can you pick one out?”[/color] she asked. The Christmas tree hat had been mostly a silly joke - she wanted a cool one, like what her Pa was talking about. 

[color=silver]“If there is a secret third surprise…”[/color] Ben muttered under his breath. He had almost forgotten his concerns about Dorian with the sling ring, but given how the hair had already been a disaster, he was expecting that the next surprise was a trip to the center of the sun.  

Max gladly created a hat to help cover up Aprils hair. Allowing a tuft of the psuedo mohawk shave to pop out from beneath it. He also (with a lot of magic) styled it in a way that the unevenness was hidden amongst curls and volume anywhere the hat didn't touch. 

Dorian jumped out of his seat, sling ring at hand and ready. [Color=CC99FF]”OK ok my turn!”[/color] He held his hand out, making circular patterns like how his Pa did every time he'd opened a portal. Sparks began to fly, but nothing formed just yet. Dorian kept at it though, now sticking his tongue out to help with the concentration, and then finally, a portal opened to what for some was a familiar land, to others brand new and a place of myths and legends. [Color=CC99FF]”I can't ‘old it open for long.”[/color]

It had been over a decade since anyone had been to Genosha. 

The bloodbath of the Hellfire Gala had been stopped, lives saved and lives taken by those who had sworn to protect their mutant brethren. But even averted, Selene’s magics came with a heavy cost. She had not paid it - and would never pay it, sealed within Max Gray’s acheron. So the island and its inhabitants paid for her. It consumed its victims, bleaching their skin to a chalky white, their eyes milky and unseeing, as their bones cracked and reshaped into horrific blasphemies, compelled to bring their fate upon others - to feed and to multiply. There was no logic, no justice as to who was taken - as to who was lost to them. No reasoning with them, no reversing their fate, their very essence consumed. 

A fate that spread to the island itself - the skies occluded with a white haze, the fauna devolving and the flora dried to a brittle crisp. The mutants of Genosha had no choice but to flee, to abandon their home and search for a place elsewhere, congregating in the grounds of the Massachusetts Academy, of the French Quarter of New Orleans, of a station in the stars. But the tragedy of Genosha did not end there - did not end after human opportunists raided the island, stealing its memories and its wealth, taking the bones of the dead all to turn a profit. No, the sickness of Genosha spread, the white haze pushing ever outwards, turning the surface of its waters to an icy glass, until its mages were forced to act, until Max and Pixie and so many more cast a spell, isolating the island until the day that it was safe again - until the day that Selene’s price had been paid in full, and its curse lifted. 

As the Kingston-Grays stepped through the portal, they found themselves in a place all too familiar - at the site of the last stand they had made against the lunar goddess. It had been a gala, and the wreckage of those final moments remained - dresses, gowns, and other attire littered the ground, bloodied and torn. Glasses still sat on tables, where the survivors of the Mutant Underground had once gathered and laughed - where Casper had curled around James, where Max and Ben had first kissed, where Sunshine and Marrow had bickered, Harry had begged his sister Val to relax, Andy and her girlfriend had sampled drinks and food from around the world - where Selene had compelled James to kill Casper, where the infection had spread to Max and warped his mind, where Val had spilled the blood of innocents - where Casper had risen from the grave, where Ben had stood against a goddess with just four tentacles, where Harry had broken her trance with a song, where Andy had traded spell for spell. It was nearly silent, but the screams could still be heard, ringing in their minds - where images of joyous dancing and celebration were interpenetrated with gross tragedy. 

But through it all, the signs were true - the heaviness in the air had begun to lift - the trees and the plants were a little more vibrant, a little more lush - and almost imperceptibly, the cries of animals could be heard, chattering in the brush. 

When Dorian had opened the portal, James had no idea where they could be going. There wasn’t anywhere in the world off limits to the family and he couldn’t imagine the kids had been asking Max or Stephen to ferry them around without hearing about. So when Danni danced through first, chattering a mile a minute with some sort of introduction, and James caught sight of a moment frozen in time, he nearly threw up. 

He could see Casper’s gown from that night, caught up in a lazy dance. He could remember the moment Selene sat with them, the concern he’d felt but ultimately waving it away. The music as he’d pulled Casper into his lap, chatting without a care with the rest of the MU, the teasing and grumbling they’d always got when James had shown his affection for his then boyfriend. He’d remembered planning the rest of the night, taking Casper somewhere alone, a ring tucked away in his pocket, and expecting to beg Max to fix Casper’s gown when James decided it was in the way. 

He could hear the screams when the music changed, the chaos that erupted in the aftermath. James could remember the rag, the all consuming need to hurt and kill and tear the people he cared so much for into pieces. He remembered he got his hands on Casper and… his eyes were drawn to the spot all those years ago. His feet carried him, stumbling, to the spot and the strength left his legs. James hit his knees silently and reverently touched the ground. He could remember when his heart shattered and his world ended when he’d shaken free; he’d been in a haze back at the Mutant Underground where everyone was safe and sound and Casper was just sleeping and he’d come out of it with his husband’s blood on his hands. James let out a broken sob and tears poured down his face, hand over his mouth to stay silent, but his whole body shook as his other formed a fist and he pounded it against the ground once. 

Casper had been so incredibly excited, thrilled for the surprise. As much as Ben hated surprises, Casper adored them. He moved through the portal with an open mind, unable to comprehend what their kids wanted to show them. Was it a secret land in the arctic (or the antarctic? He always got them mixed up) where dinosaurs still roamed? Was it a fantastical castle, where brooms moved by themselves and the corridors always shifted, complete with a spooky dragon for the family to befriend (he did not realize, of course, that he was just picturing their house)? Or maybe they were leaving Earth behind entirely, going on a holiday in space! Was the photoshoot going to be done in zero gravity this year? He was about to turn back to grab a wig - there was one that would look [i]amazing[/i] with the hair billowing about - when their destination came into view. 

His heart dropped into his stomach. 

His memories of that night were patchwork, little flashes of scenes out of order, out of context. Jumbo Carnation designing a dress for him - Casper wearing it for James for the first time - Casper taking it off for James for the first time - Casper putting it back on again for James - curling into his boyfriend’s lap at the table, feeling like the luckiest man alive - sampling exotic foods and drinks, but knowing there was only one thing he wanted to taste - dropping Danni off with his mother before the gala, as his son needed his rest - taking a photograph of their tiny family, Danni’s fist curled around the fabric of his dress - a cold, all consuming darkness, a void - waking up on the ground, covered in blood, in his own blood - merging with his fellow mutants - scrambling back to where his mother lived on the island, clutching Danni protectively to his chest as he clung to James for hours - screams and tears, whose, he didn’t know, he didn’t know. 

[color=DBA1DE]“What… did…”[/color] Casper’s question died before it could be asked. He wanted to let himself collapse, to let himself be weak. 

But James had always been strong - had always been strong [i]for him[/i]. His body felt numb as he made his way over to his husband, quiet for perhaps the first time in his life as he knelt down next to James, and put his arms securely around him, pulling his husband into himself. [color=DBA1DE]“It’s okay, baby, let it out,”[/color] he murmured. [color=DBA1DE]“I’ve got you.”[/color]

Ben hated surprises. He hated this one, too - hated it for the way that it broke him, the punishing cocktail of trauma and hope. Hated the way his tentacles started to trash and strain, the apron ripping as they violently shot out of him, desperately searching for something to latch onto, something to grab and to break. A scream tore its way from his throat as he had the faculties to get away from his family as his monstrous self writhed, ensnaring long since abandoned tables, snapping them into two and compacting them down, adding to the destruction and the debris. He didn’t face them as this happened, turning away. He didn’t want his kids to see him like this - didn’t want his partners too, either. 

He’d been born here, on Genosha - reborn, really. His partners had defied Death herself to bring him back. It was a question that had always haunted him, one that he never voiced - one that he lived with, day after day. Had this been their punishment for stealing fire from the gods? If James, Casper, and Max had never brought him back, would this have happened? Would Genosha still be alive if he were still six feet under? Had it been hubris that condemned them? The tentacles continued to reach out, crushing anything within reach - anything that dared to stray too close. 

[color=silver]“Kids, stay away from me for a moment,”[/color] he managed to get out through gritted teeth. 

Max strode through the portal slowly, tentatively, unable to believe the sights set before him. The sounds, the scenery, the way it all perfectly encapsulated the moments before, during, and after the storm that was Selene. His hand gently grazing the top of the table as he walked past, dust from the years rubbing against his fingers as he did so. He could hear the band, the music, how The Blob greeted guests at his bar and the taste of food from a culture born within this very island. He could see the ghosts of the people they were, of his friends and family at a time they truly believed nothing more could happen. Even after the attacks from The Vault, the pure sense of safety at the gala that was meant to usher in a new era of mutant kind. 

As all these feelings came rushing in, Max was unable to control it. A single tear dropped from his eye, imbued with magic he could not hold in. It dropped against the island's ground and a wave of illusions came rippling out from it. The band music began to play once more as the MU stood around their table with their drinks and food placed atop it. The Blob could be seen several feet away tending to people with no faces, a young Ben in Max's arms as he had finally discovered the way to bring back mutants. Every good memory he had of this island, every person he met, soul he touched, each one of them locked in a memory that now replayed for all to see. [Color=aba400]”This…shouldn't be possible…”[/color] Max's words barely a whisper.

While James lowered his head into his husband’s lap, tears staining his pants as he clung to him and cried, Danni shifted from one foot to another awkwardly before sidling up to Dorian and April. [color=E948FC]“Uhm, I really t’ought t’ey’d be a little ‘appier.”[/color] Danni muttered nervously, poking the tips of his fingers together and on the verge of crying. [color=E948FC]“Do ya t’ink we did… bad? Maybe we shouldn’ta done it. Oh gosh, we ruined Christmas, we are t’e worst!”[/color] Danni started breathing faster, tears in his eyes, and wringing his hands as he watched his parents all break down and the fascinating display of magic in front of them. 

April was still processing everything she was seeing. This was Genosha? This was their family’s home? Dorian and Danni’s surprise was an entire island? And all of their dads seemed to be on the edge of a panic attack, if not fully in one?? Pops was broken, clinging onto Papa like a lifeline?? Appa was destroying anything he could grab?? Pa was projecting his memories out?? None of their training had ever told them what to do here. And then Danni looked like he was freaking out, claiming that [i]we ruined Christmas[/i] even though April hadn’t been involved - and the intrusive thought to go [i]no, you two ruined Christmas[/i] crossed her mind. 

[color=42A9FF]“Uh, guys… what did you do??”[/color] she shook her head, hoping they’d catch her up to speed. [color=42A9FF]“This is Genosha - [i]the[/i] Genosha? How…”[/color] Her eyes fell on their dads, all of them in varying degrees of distress. [color=42A9FF]“Should we call Auntie S? Like… I think you broke our dads??? I don’t… do we give them lithium??”[/color]

Dorian blindly reached out and grabbed Danni's hand, squeezing it tight. [Color=CC99FF]”No we did…good, right? Bringin’ back t'e island was a good t'in’...i t'ought…”[/color] His throat hurt as he felt a lump forming in it. Trying hard not to cry. [Color=CC99FF]”We are t'e worst aren't we…”[/color] Dorian's eyes began to wet, unsure of what to do in this situation before them. He expected jumping and hugs and glee and merriment. Laughter and Joy, all things that encompassed a good Christmas present not…this.

Casper took a deep breath. He wasn’t usually the adult on call. In fact, he was [i]never[/i] the adult in the room. He lived in a house with three capable, type-A gays. He was the last line of defense. His children were on the verge of a meltdown, Max and Ben were struggling to control their powers, and his husband was crumbling into his thighs, sobbing. [color=DBA1DE]“Kids, stop,”[/color] he said sternly, rising up slightly from his crouched position so he could make eye contact with all three of them. [color=DBA1DE]“You did not ruin Christmas. You are not the worst. Your dads just need a minute. You’re going to go sit at that table,”[/color] he pointed to one out of Ben’s warpath, [color=DBA1DE]“And you are going to repeat the same words your Pops had me say earlier. Five times each, slowly, and you are going to mean each and every one of them. No arguments.”[/color] He held eye contact with each one of them, a serious, stern expression on his face that they’d never seen before. 

It was shocking enough that Danni’s blubbering stopped. His Papa wasn’t really a parent. Danni loved him to death, but Papa was much, much closer to his best friend than his parent. But now, as Casper took a stern voice and took control of the situation, Danni blinked at his Papa and mechanically followed the instructions. He felt a little numb and floaty, like he wasn’t really there and things seemed so far away and so close all at the same time, and he sat hard into the chair and stared at the table top.  [color=E948FC]I can choose to be kind to myself.[/color] A sniffle.  [color=E948FC]“I am worthy of love and respect, especially from myself.[/color] His voice broke.  [color=E948FC]“I am proud of who I am becoming.”[/color] Danni finished the first one in a whisper, taking a moment before continuing.

April hunched her shoulders slightly, almost defensively as [i]Papa[/i] of all people decided to step up and be a parent. She couldn’t remember him ever disciplining any of them - if anything, he was usually an ally in their shenanigans, helping to distract Pops or talk him down from a punishment. He didn’t show up to the grueling training sessions, but would sneak them candy afterwards, even if they weren’t supposed to have more sugar that day. She shuffled on over to the table, sitting down next to Danni, as her eyes kept on darting over towards their dads. Her hands were cold and clammy, as she sat on them to try to warm them up a bit - and the anxiety in her body was continuing to build and build. [color=42A9FF]“I can choose to be kind to myself,”[/color] she mumbled. It was a mantra they had her repeat since she’d been adopted, when she was struggling and scared, jumping at her own shadow. [color=42A9FF]“I am worthy of love and respect, especially from myself.”[/color] She swallowed. That one was always hard. [color=42A9FF]“I am proud of who I am becoming.”[/color] 

She looked over at Danni, and reached her hand out to take his, before going onto her next repetition. 

Dorian was shocked. Shocked that Casper had been so stern, shocked that he even could be stern, and most importantly shocked that anyone had listened to him during his morning ramblings. Danni and April seemed to know exactly what he was talking about as the three of them made their way over towards the table, but Dorian only muttered along mumbling words in time with April and Danni but having no idea what he was meant to be saying. 

The tone. That's what pulled James out of the pit he'd been drowning in. Casper's voice was never… stern. James took a steadying breath, the familiar smell of his husband reassuring, and blinked through red puffy eyes at whoever Casper was speaking to. He must have been hallucinating because he could have swore that he'd seen the kids, at [i]Casper's[/i] direction, settling in at a table to repeat mantras and calm down. James chuckled, a little watery and a little broken, but a smile still played at the edges of his mouth. He pulled himself back onto his feet, dusting himself off, and pressed a kiss under Casper's ear. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Thanks for taking care of them, babes. I appreciate you stepping up like that. Sorry I didn't give you a heads up.”[/color] 

[color=DBA1DE]“Mm, I’m taking care of you, too,”[/color] Casper murmured, before effortlessly scooping up his husband bridal style, and holding him close to his chest. It was his favorite position when he was upset, and he had a feeling James needed this sort of comfort right now. He then captured James’ lips in a kiss, before returning his attention to the others. James was back with them, so that left Ben and Max. Previously, his strategy when Ben was upset had been to avoid him at all costs, take enough drugs that he couldn’t manifest, and by the time he’d come down from the high, Ben was usually fine. Maybe working it out of his system was enough here. If it escalated, however, he would restrain him. And Max, too, if needed. So he turned his attention to Max. 

[color=DBA1DE]“Max, are you in control?”[/color] he asked. [color=DBA1DE]“Do you need me to handle you?”[/color]

The thought alone of [i]Casper[/i] handling him was enough to bring Max away from his past and into the present. He didn't need the immortal twig of a twinkle carrying him Bridal style. Max waved his hand as if to dismiss a foul odor, washing away the illusory memories as they each turned into a fine mist and rolled away. [Color=aba400]”I am fine. Thank you.”[/color] He looked over towards where the kids sat, reciting lines, and gave a sigh. [Color=aba400]”I owe you a new outfit for stepping in. I…should've been –”[/color] Max cut himself off, afraid that if he continued that line of thought that Casper and James would force him with the children somehow. [Color=aba400]”Regardless, Thank you Casper.”[/color] 

Max conjured up a Happy Meal Box, full with chicken nuggets, dipping sauce, apple slices, fries, and a toy. He made his way over towards Ben, maneuvering around the tentacles with caution as he went to hold his husband's hand. [Color=aba400]”Care for a bite?”[/color] He said with an awkward smile as he squeezed Ben's hand, offering him the first meal they shared together back when he was dead.

Slowly, the tentacles began to still, as the debris and wreckage they had ensnared fell to the ground unencumbered. Ben took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment and focusing on the sensation of his husband’s hand in his - on the palpable reminder that they were alive, all of them - and that even Selene’s destruction, as devastating as it had been, was only temporary. They were mutants. Death was not the end. He opened his eyes again, as the tentacles retracted into him, his body trembling from the effort. His clothes had been ruined, torn so that way his midriff was exposed. He rested his forehead against Max’s for a moment, murmuring. [color=silver]“Can we talk about this later, when the kids have gone to bed?”[/color] 

And then he pulled away slightly, holding his husband’s gaze as he reached into the familiar Happy Meal Box, grabbed a nugget, and bit into it. [color=silver]“You know very well I always care for a bite,”[/color] he then added, keeping his voice low. That would have to wait for later, too. 

He then looked at the kids, sitting at a table and reciting lines, somehow managed by Casper. He blinked a bit. [color=silver]“Since when could Casper parent?”[/color] he whispered, stunned, before raising his voice. [color=silver]“Kids - did you do this? Did you… did you fix our home?”[/color] There was still a bit of strain to his voice, as he struggled to keep his tone even and calm. 

Danni finished up his lines, eyes shut and hands grasping April and Dorian's like a strange prayer circle. He peeked one eye open as their Appa spoke to them, eyes red and cheeks stained from the tears that had managed to come out. He shrunk into himself, making himself look smaller than he was as he looked at the four parents. It was certainly strange that Papa was carrying Pops, normally it was the other way around, but Danni didn't wanna point that pit and get yelled at more than they already were. [color=E948FC] “Ye- yes?”[/color] Danni said quietly, not certain how to navigate the mine field they'd found themselves in. 

[color=E948FC] “Well, um you see- um, well, ya know- t'e whole um, Entity t'in'y? Well, we realized everyt'in’ it could do and t'en we were like [i]gasp[/i] Genosha, so… tadda?”[/color] Danni offered awkward jazz hands, one stiff breeze away from having a complete breakdown. [color=E948FC] “We just wanted ta get ya a good Christmas present? We didn't mean- we didn't- we… I'm sorry!”[/color] Danni blurted out. 

James was still equally shocked and impressed with his husband. He… he'd never been picked up like this, but he felt safe in Casper's arms and breathed in his husband's scent as he brushed the soft skin of his neck with his nose. It was so close and so tempting… James resisted the urge to bite it before settling a kiss in the crook. He tapped Casper twice, unfurling himself. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Yeah, you are. Thanks, baby.”[/color] James murmured in his ear, catching him in one more kiss, and turning to the kids. [color=mediumspringgreen]“This is amazing, kids. I'm sorry we scared you. We just… there was a lot we left and clearly, we have more hang ups than we thought. We just… I never thought we'd see this place again.”[/color] James made his way to them, placing a kiss on each of their heads. 

Max laughed at Ben’s remark towards Casper. He raised an eyebrow at Ben’s forwardness with the food before the children but decided not to remark on either of them as he noticed Danni appeared ready to cry. [color=aba400]”I am with James on this one. I am both in awe and in wonder at how you actually had achieved this, or what I was even seeing. I, me and the other Mystic’s ensured this place was locked up, ensured the plague couldn’t spread out more to the rest of the world, it claimed so much and yet…you have somehow managed to make it in such a way as if it never even existed. An island frozen in time, a home long lost behind the white fog of war now found and brought back to us…”[/color] Max had a hard time finding any of the words for how he felt. He made his way over to his kids, wrapping his arms around all three into a group hug. [color=aba400]”You’ve made this old sorcerer very proud, and very happy. Merry Christmas kids.”[/color] 

Dorian squirmed within the hug. Glad they didn’t have to recite whatever it was that the other two were saying, but also in an emotional whiplash from how their parents were behaving. [Color=CC99FF]”We’d been ‘olin’ on to t’is gift since t’e contest…we t’ought…we t’ought we could…I don’t know…”[/color] 

April felt incredibly awkward being wrapped up into the hug - she hadn’t done anything for this, she hadn’t known that Danni and Dorian had brought the island back. The kisses and the hugs and the praise, they were unearned. 

[color=DBA1DE]“Group hug? Without meeeeeeee???”[/color] Casper whined, before dashing over to Max and the kids, and throwing his arms around them to add them into the cuddle pile. He then gasped, as an idea occurred to him. [color=DBA1DE]“Wait! Babes! Do you think my dress is still here somewhere??”[/color] He’d process the trauma of this all later. For now, he was just so happy to have his family together and his home back - even Ben was struggling to be grumpy. 

[color=silver]“Danni, kiddo, you gave us the [i]best[/i] Christmas gift of all time,”[/color] Ben reassured, as he ruffled the hair of each kid. [color=silver]“I knew you kids were powerful but… I never imagined you were capable of all this.”[/color] 

Danni did break into tears as Casper and James joined the hug pile, relief that they hadn't ruined Christmas making him sag against his parents. [color=E948FC]“W-we-we wanted ta te-tell you s-s-so ma-man-y times.”[/color] Danni sobbed out, still feeling a little small in the embrace. [color=E948FC]“It w-wa-was ju-just t'ere, wit’ t-t'e spa-pacey power. I just…”[/color] Danni took a few seconds to breath and collect himself, rubbing the tears off his own face and onto Max's shirt. 

[color=E948FC] “T'e demicolon… No t'e whatever Wiccie is, we ‘ad all t'e power and just wanted ta get a big gift for Christmas and t'is was t'e biggest one we could t'ink of.”[/color] 

James laughed and pressed a kiss to each of the kid's heads. [color=mediumspringgreen] “Well, it's an amazing gift and I think maybe it's time we get back home so we can give you yours. None of them are as big as an island, though.”[/color] James admitted sheepishly before pulling his husband into a kiss, Danni gagging. [color=mediumspringgreen]“Maybe it is. We can come back tomorrow and look for it.”[/color] 

Dorian squeezed into the hug even tighter. Tears threatening to spill out from how happy he was that his parents did actually like their gift as relief washed over them that they did not in fact ruin Christmas. [Color=CC99FF]”Oh! I'd almost forgotten we ‘adn't gotten ours yet! I can't wait to see what Santa brought!”[/color] He went to go open a portal as Max placed a hand over Dorian's to stop him.

Max laughed. [Color=aba400]”I can take it from here.”[/color] He opened a portal back into their living room where enchanted snow fell, a Christmas tree was perfectly framed, and wrapped ups boxes were delicately placed around it. 

For the next hour, the Kingston-Grays exchanged presents, as the fireplace roared, hot chocolate was shared, cookies consumed, photographs taken, and stories and squeals swapped. They drew lots for which one of the kids was Santa’s Helper this year - and St. Nick picked his strongest defender to be the one to distribute gifts (Casper, to his regret, had been deemed ineligible once the kids were old enough to participate). Dorian passed out the gifts one at a time, allowing the drama of the reveal, the ooo’s and ahh’s of admiration, and the conversation to continue to flow. And with the size of the family, this was by no means a short ordeal. 

From Dorian, Danni received something he had always wanted and failed to find in the libraries of Margaret Carter - a book on dragon rearing, one that Amelie eyed with a look that clearly said [i]chew toy?[/i] April gifted him a new stocking, intricately crocheted with his favorite colors, and [i]HS[/i] embroidered on for HotShot. Santa left him instructions for the hot cocoa recipe from the [i]Santa Clause[/i] movie. Pops surprised him with a new set of lenses for his Polaroid camera and film, as well as dragon themed slippers - which Amelie [i]definitely[/i] was already drooling at the sight of, ready to gnaw on. Appa gave him tickets to see one of his favorite musicals on Broadway, [i]Kinky Boots[/i]. And then from his Papa, a floor length mirror that allowed him to preview different outfits and styles. Lastly, his Pa gave him a gift that made Danni nearly burst into flames - a [i]Vogue[/i] spread all about him - [i]HotShot: The Boy on Fire[/i]. 

As for Santa’s Helper, he also came away with a more than decent haul. April had made him a stocking as well, crocheted with purple yarn and embroidered with ghosts, designed to glow in the dark. A [i]P[/i] for Poltergeist was stitched in as well. Danni gifted him a K-Pop themed horror board game, where you played as a stalked K-Pop idol, as well as a two sided locket - one frame featuring the family, the other with a thirst trap from Percy’s social media account. Papa gave him a vintage gaming console - a PlayStation 5 - complete with games that were almost impossible to find for it anymore. From Appa, Dorian received limited edition merchandise from one of his favorite K-Pop groups, as well as a signed poster. Pops gave him an antique silver pocket watch, Astral resistance training weights that made it more difficult to go ghost, as well as a new sharpening kit for his sword. And perhaps the most shocking gift of all, possibly as it technically involved kidnapping… A trip to the Himalayas to ski, unsupervised, for two nights, for Dorian and his boyfriend. There was also an odd note addressed to Dorian, sitting on top of a gift bizarrely addressed to Percy from Santa Claus. The note read simply: [i]To my truest believer - you are welcome.[/i]

Dorian gifted April a punk rock patchwork jacket, where all of the patches were punk edits of Shark Girl - she squealed, immediately putting it on over her sweater, even though it was far too warm for it. Danni gave her Oceans, an oceanic survival board game, and a tiara - she removed the beanie and put the tiara on, squealing as she looked in her phone’s camera at how it looked, especially with the shorter hair. From Pops, she got a pair of heavy tread steel toe combat boots, a new wetsuit, and a quartz diving watch - the slippers were similarly shucked and replaced with the shoes. Appa gave her a new surfboard, with the Excelsior logo painted onto it, and her Pa got her a comb, enchanted to dye hair any color she could imagine. From Papa, a mirror like the one he gave to Danni, allowing her to try on new styles and aesthetics with ease. The last gift she opened was from Santa Claus - a pair of ice skates, with blue wave details and [i]Cascade[/i] stitched onto the side. 

The parents received gifts too, of course. April had made Appa a stocking with a soft pastel color-changing yarn, looking almost like water colors, with an [i]R[/i] for Revenant stitched on. Danni gifted Ben a smart watch, preloaded with photos of Ben with each of the family members, and an alarm tone set with a prerecorded message of the family saying [i]We love you, Appa![/i] He immediately wept upon receiving it, mumbling something about allergies or dust in his eyes. Dorian hadn’t realized Danni was giving the parents presents beyond resurrecting the mutant nation of Genosha. Casper had gifted his foster sibling a series of books Ben had been wanting to read, while James continued to pull on the heartstrings, giving him a jigsaw puzzle. When assembled, this puzzle revealed a picture of the family all hugging Ben. He ugly cried into the silly socks James had thrown in as well, and sniffled through his thanks for the aftershave that matched his favorite cologne. Max, ever the romantic, gifted him a year long vacation for just the two of them. 

As for Max, he received a set of five green books, embellished with gold, that detailed the myths and folklore of Ireland from Danni. April crocheted him a stocking with topaz yarn, with little arcane sigils meant for luck and protection embroidered into the work, and a [i]W[/i] for Warlock to complete the project. Ben gifted his husband a collection of handwritten letters done in calligraphy and sealed in wax that he had written each week of the year for Max, detailing his love. Casper gave him a set of tickets for a viewing of a private collection of clothing from witches and other practitioners of the arcane to be held later in Salem that year. And from James, he received a shrunken head, a gold painite ring, and a definitely not stolen Macallan Fine & Rare 1926. 

For James, Danni gave him a Guns & Roses record, signed by Izzy Stradlin. April crocheted him a green and soft yellow stocking, with tiny flowers embroidered along the sides, and a [i]C[/i] for Caduceus. Max gave him coffee beans from an exclusive pre-release, whereas Ben gifted him a series of Lego kits, each larger and more complex than the ones before. As for Casper, his gift to his husband was a decoy, the true one too inappropriate to be opened in front of the children, so for now James received a custom calendar, each month a sexy photo of Casper, wearing the outfits he knew James loved the most (February was him as a nurse), chocolates, and a bouquet of fresh roses. 

The last member of the Kingston-Grays, Casper, screamed with each gift he opened, loving them all more than he could have ever imagined, and being genuinely surprised. His darling son Danni custom bedazzled a pink 4 slice Smart waffle maker for him. April crocheted him an impossibly fuzzy soft pink stocking, with [i]CC[/i] for [i]Cassie Caskets[/i] in hot pink thread. Max gave him a jumbo snap hand, enchanted to never get dirty, lose its stickiness, or break - not to prevent Casper from breaking it, but from one of the family members “accidentally” destroying it. Ben gave him a year’s supply of makeup from his favorite line. And his loving husband, James, gave him a thigh length dress (he [i]immediately[/i] wanted to go try it on), tickets to the Las Vegas EDM festival for the two of them, and a simple silver key. He gasped, holding up the key.

[color=DBA1DE]“What’s it for? Jaaaames you gotta tell me!!! Wait no, I wanna figure it out - ooo it’s like an escape room, right? I need to go find what this key is to and then I get another present?”[/color] he gasped, pulling James into a quick frenzy of kisses, before jumping out of his lap. [color=DBA1DE]“This is so cool!!!”[/color] he squealed, as he rushed off to try the key in every door he could think of. 

[color=mediumspringgreen]“Wait, babes, no come ba- And he's gone.”[/color] James sighed, fondly shaking his head as Casper went wild with the key.