Life is Strange
A Very Strange Christmas
"You totally peeked!" Chloe exclaimed, catching Max off-guard. The blue-haired young woman was dressed in her usual cut-offs and jeans with her signature beanie resting atop her head and her ammunition necklace in place.
"What?" Max replied, nearly breaking into laughter. Like every Christmas season, the brunette was wearing her John Denver Christmas Special-style sweaters and sweatpants. More so than ever, Max was dressed for comfort and a family-friendly vibe.
"You totally used your powers to look at what I got you, then go back in time so I wouldn't find out," the young rebel declared, crossing her arms over her chest. "But I did, Miss Caulfield."
"Yes, Chloe, I used my Rewind for the sole purpose of looking at my Christmas presents a few days early like a seven-year-old," the brunette sarcastically replied, her usual charm glistening. "You're a true detective. Besides, I've known you long enough to realize that you probably haven't done any Christmas shopping yet."
"Whatever," Chloe pretended to bitterly scoff, sinking onto the floor. Leaning over, Max gave her best friend a playful kiss on the cheek just in time for Kate, Victoria, and Brooke to walk in. Brooke and Victoria placed their gifts under the girls' dorm tree as Kate ran up to Max and warmly hugged her with the joy and excitement of a child.
"Merry Almost-Christmas, Max," the blond young woman happily exclaimed, most of her shyness fading away as her best friend warmly embraced her.
"Merry Almost-Christmas to you too, Katey," Max replied, her heart warming over anew. "Hey, girls."
"Max, Chloe," Brooke and Victoria accidentally greeted in unison. Victoria snarled quietly, turning away from Brooke and folding her arms in disgust. "So, Blue," she coldly said, walking towards Chloe. "Hanging around for the holidays this year?"
"Only if you don't want me to," Chloe teased, her voice cool and snarky. "Good to see you too, Tori." The wealthy young woman caught herself before an entire smile could form across her face.
Settling into the upstairs lounge, gazing at the Christmas tree Blackwell provided, Max, Chloe, Kate, Victoria, and Brooke sipped hot chocolate and talked with one another. All the pain and problems of the past were melting away, and peace filled the air once again.
Sharing her blanket with Max on the couch, Kate let out a happy sigh. "I love Christmas," she proclaimed, setting down her steaming drink. "It's even better when we can spend it together." Kate then leaned to her side and rested her head atop Max's shoulder. Smiling at her friend's innocent gesture, the brunette leaned her head over Kate's, getting a quick smell of her soft hair. Brooke smiled at the two, then turned away to avoid an awkward moment.
"Careful, Maxine," Victoria teased. "I think Chloe's getting jelly." The blue-haired young woman gave Victoria a gentle smack on the shoulder.
"Hey," Brooke cut in, raising her cup. "Here's to family, friends, and a Merry Christmas." The entire group joined in a toast. That night, the five fell asleep on the same couch, under the same blanket in front of the fire as snow began to fall over Arcadia Bay.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and whatever your faith or choice, Happy Holidays from Arcadia Bay and the Strangers.