Before Note: Hey guys! It's Tsuki this time! I been working on this (late) Christmas sepcial fic for days now, I finally got it done! This had nothing to do with the other chapters, just a little drabble of its own. Hope you like it! Expect the OOC-ness!

-Tsuki-shining09

Disclaimer: Any Sonic the Hedgehog characters used all rightfully belong to SEGA and/or Sonic Team.


Charmy had never celebrated Christmas, heck, he didn't even know what it was. Being an orphan for as long as he could remember, there was never anyone there for him to even care in showing the kid how to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. It was only when he was about to get beaten to a pulp after being caught stealing some bread that his short life had made a drastic turn. He remembered perfectly how the baker's arm had suddenly stopped in midair as he had flinched, waiting for the pain. A purple chameleon revealed itself to have stopped the hit and a green crocodile had come up behind the man and grabbed him by the collar, giving him a harsh push into a cart of fresh bread.

"What were you thinking, harming a child? You're such a sorry excuse for a man." The reptile had said coolly.

After the baker had said nothing and gone back to work, both reptiles looked at the bee with eyes of concern. Once they figured out that he had no place to go, they decided to take him home with them, not finding it right to leave him alone on the streets. Being such a young child, he got attached to his new friends quickly, and his friends getting attached to the honey bee quickly as well.

Charmy loved it.

It was in late November when he had seen it. He was clumsily flying along in a thick winter coat due to the cold, windy weather with Espio and Vector along the sidewalk after doing some very much needed grocery shopping. He tried to help with the luggage by carrying a bag full of bread, his tiny arms barely making its way around the thick mass. As he tried to look over the bag to see where he was going, he couldn't help but notice the bright colors that radiated from one of the shop's windows. The honey bee had halted in front of the window and stared in curious wonder.

A tree. But not just a tree, it was some sort of pine tree that had a triangle shape to it, which was oddly decorated with numerous varied, colored lights and small objects, such as round ornaments and tiny bells. A radiant yellow star stood at the upmost point of the tall plant, giving even more light to the whole structure. There were also many stars, candy shapes, and some strange red socks hung up on the wall behind it. Toys of all kinds were placed at the bottom, along with boxes wrapped up in bright colored paper and bows.

"Come on, Charmy. Don't stay behind, it's getting even colder and we should get home as soon as possible." Vector had called back as soon as he noticed the absence of the buzzing bee.

The five year-old looked over at his green companion with little intention of moving. He wouldn't leave until he knew exactly what that tree was meant for. "What is this, Vector?" He questioned while directing his gaze in the direction of the window. The detective raised a brow.

"A Christmas tree."

A pondering gaze from the child.

"Christmas…tree? What's it for?"

The sudden realization washed over the green one in large waves.

Of course.

They had only taken him in a few months prior, and so he had probably never had the chance to even know what surprises this time of year held. This was the first time the kid would be able to celebrate the holiday season.

He couldn't help but feel bad.

Not knowing how to respond to that question at the moment, he instead called back, "We really need to head back now, and I'll tell you all about it when we're home."

The answer seemed convincing enough. "Ok!" And as if nothing had happened, Charmy buzzed forward without hesitation. Vector chuckled at how easily the bee had made his decision.

Once home –and once all the groceries were put away nice and neat in the kitchen at Espio's command (he was always one to keep order in everything) – the hyped up child impatiently waited for the explanation his friend had promised him. He buzzed up and sat on the crocodile's nose as said reptile came into the room.

"So are you gonna tell me now? Are ya, are ya?"

As the young detective nodded a 'yes' and sat down on one of the soft cushions they kept in the living room when they had a movie night, he so suddenly became aware that he yet had no idea how to explain such a holiday as Christmas to such a young child.

"Well…" he played with the gold chain around his neck with his thumb and shook his head a bit to indicate the passenger on his nose to take seat somewhere else, "Christmas is a holiday that many people celebrate by the end of the year, on the 25th of December to be exact."

Charmy looked at him expectantly, having pushed and sat on a cushion in front of Vector so he could hear everything he would say.

"Um," the green one really hoped Espio was there, he always figured out how to solve matters in a short amount of time. Where was he anyways? Meditating again? "On Christmas, there is this man in a red suit and hat, he has a white beard and seems pretty fat, who brings presents to all the kids in the world, including you, that have been nice and good throughout the year." Charmy's honey colored eyes sparkled.

"Oh cool! Really?"

He grinned, finally getting the hang of how to explain the topic. "Yes really. No one has seen him, but it's true. He will usually land his flying sleigh, pulled by reindeers, on the roofs of houses and bring a big bag filled with toys down the chimney with him and leave some under the Christmas tree."

"That thing I saw in the window outside?" The child put a finger on his lip, recalling the bright decoration.

"That's right, and I also want to let you know another thing. Christmas is a special time of year where you also appreciate what you have and are free to express how much you care for the people you love. Don't take it all for granted, Charmy, many people and kids can't celebrate for unfortunate reasons." Vector would admit he was a bit materialistic sometimes. He had begged Espio to get him a new pair of headphones, after his beloved ones had broken by getting sucked up by their hungry vacuum, the previous holiday season. His wish hadn't been fulfilled, but he was still equally happy when he received the newly released book he had been waiting for. Yes, there was times where all he wanted was, well, to get all the things he wanted, but he knew his limits. So, he couldn't help but get annoyed whenever he saw a spoiled brat on the street producing a tantrum because their parents wouldn't buy them what they wanted. It was so pathetic to see a selfish act like that. He and Espio both tried their best to get their new friend what he wanted, but it was hard, since they were always having some trouble paying the rent, yet he was glad the bee wasn't one to make scary tantrums. Charmy was always happy with what he had, all he really needed was someone to play with him, no material things. The kid was so sweet.

Vector wanted to keep it like that.

The child nodded timidly, understanding part of the concept his friend directed at him for the most part.

"There are a lot of other fun things that are done, too, but how about you learn all about them once we do them?"

A face of pure happiness.

"Oh boy, oh boy! We're celebrating Christmas!" The honey bee flew up in excitement and buzzed circles around the crocodile. The green one smiled too, proud to have made the child's day.

"Not bad, considering you never were able to explain something to a kid without giving up in frustration."

Vector almost jumped out of his seat, immediately looking for the source of the voice. Hints of purple could faintly be seen at his side, and the figure soon took back its original color, having been leaning on the same cushion the reptile had the whole time.

No matter how long he had been living with the chameleon…

Espio really needed to quit taking him by surprise like that.

Just as he was about to exclaim his annoyance at his purple friend, said friend looked at a certain direction and gave a genuine smile. Following his gaze, he spotted the little one, who was flying in circles and doing midair flips, extremely excited for his first holiday.

Yeah.

He had to smile too.

Not wanting to waste too much money on a Christmas tree each year, the purple one had gotten his hands on a nice artificial one a while back. It was in good shape and just as usable as a real tree. They took it out of the attic along with all the other decorations they had been using for years. Once the tree was up with its white lights spun around it, Charmy was handed a box of ornaments, and all three of them hung up the decorations with pleasure. Having the ability to fly, he was able to reach the higher parts of the synthetic plant with ease, and got to stack the gleaming star at the very peak of it. His eyes gleamed just as bright as the artificial lights did, proudly looking up at the job well done. They also decorated their window with lights and window stickers. For other people to see and enjoy, as Vector had put it.

Not only that, but they had made cookies to share with the neighbors. Well, Espio made them, since he wouldn't trust Vector in the kitchen even if his life depended on it. Oh! And they had a few carolers come by, and Charmy was tempted to sing along with ever song they sang. So many things they did, the bee enjoying every single one of them.

It was finally Christmas Eve, the day the child had been anxiously waiting for. But it didn't seem so fun now.

Vector had been called in suddenly for a quick job assignment.

"I promise to be back by midnight, I wouldn't dare miss our first Christmas together, ok?"

It was 11:15. Where was he! He promised!

The bee sat, bored, on an armchair. The fire place was burning strongly, warming up the cold room. How would Santa go down the chimney if the fire was going? Wouldn't he get burned? He shrugged absentmindedly.

Espio came in the room with a plate full of cookies and a few cups of milk, setting them down on the coffee table.

"He'll be here, don't worry about it," sensing the kid's distress, he tried his best to comfort him. Charmy didn't say anything, and kept on playing with his Santa hat which was found in the attic along with all the other Christmas things, his name written on the white part in golden glitter. The chameleon sighed and watched his little companion, sitting on the recliner, a black and yellow spot on the large red cushion.

Vector better make it on time.

He remembered how enthusiastic the honey bee had been the previous weeks, as they prepared for this night. If Vector wasn't there, it would all go downhill.

Truth was, the kid had gotten really attached to the green detective. Not that he didn't like Espio (he always came to the ninja when he wanted to play a game), it was simply that, well, Charmy idolized Vector. It was natural. Vector always made him laugh, played with him, comforted him when he was hurt in any way. Vector was the first person Charmy went to. He was the first person there for him when nobody else was. He was completely attached like any kid his age would. So, if Vector didn't make it by midnight…

It would completely crush him.

That being said, the purple reptile looked at the clock.

11:40.

A shaky sigh.

The chameleon offered his friend some cookies, which were taken without so much enthusiasm.

"What if he doesn't make it, Espio?" He whispered, keeping his gaze down on the soft fabric of the couch. Yet, he then raised his gaze, antennae bouncing up as he did this, to meet that of the ninja's. The honey colored orbs soon watered, letting a few tears slip by.

Oh dear.

The purple one put two hands on the small shoulders.

"If I promise you one thing, I promise you this: Vector would never let you down. You got me?" The tears stopped. That was good, at least.

11:50.

"You got that right!"

Both figures jumped and looked toward the door.

"Vector!" Charmy immediately buzzed into the air and shot into the direction of his friend, who was finishing putting his coat and scarf into the closet, but who received the little one with open arms.

Espio, from his spot, watched the scene unravel. He sighed in relief and joined them moments afterwards.

Thank god.

The next morning, both of the young adults groaned in exhaustion. They had never set any rules around the house for the honey bee, but they would have to now.

"Quit flying around the house! You're gonna break something!" Espio called out as the hyper kid shot through the air, a new, polished black helmet on the bee's head.

With that helmet, Charmy wasn't afraid of speed anymore.