Chapter Eleven

Note: Sorry for the delay. It's late for Christmas, but all the same, enjoy. Thank you to everyone! -Tea & Nicole

"Just another cut here..."

Babydoll sat up on the kitchen counter, legs kicked over one another, as she snipped away some folded paper, scattering a shower of little sprinkles to the floor. Not too bad, if she said so herself.

"Snowflakes?" Bugle's voice suddenly came from over her shoulder, startling her. "I didn't pin you for the artsy type." He inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the fresh coffee that was strong in the air.

Babydoll shoved the pile of paper snowflakes to the side, embarassed. "Hmph! I just figured I'd help brighten up this dump of a place a little," she muttered, watching him as he poured himself a cup. "And it's a special day, y'know?"

It'd been a few days since the big job at the jewelry store, and things were finally settlling down;

Babydoll glanced over to the crackling fireplace where Boom-Boom and Babyface were sitting, snuggling under a blanket.

"Hey there," she said softly, rubbing her cheek against his affectionately, and his eyes blinked open sleepily. They widened as he came to his senses and a big, shy smile spread across his face.

"G-good morning..." He touched her hand gently to confirm she was really there.

Boom-Boom giggled at the young beagle's trepidation and caressed his cheek. For the most part, while the couple usually preferred to keep their affections private, sometimes just for fun Boom-Boom would kiss Babyface on the cheek or lift him off his feet in a tight hug in front of everyone just to get him all hot and frantic, something she found positively adorable.

Gently, she tickled behind his ears and he closed his eyes in contentment, before leaning forward and kissing her gingerly on the cheek.

If the Beagle Boy had a tail, it would have been wagging like there was no tomorrow.

At first, nobody had expected the two to work out. But Babyface surprised his brothers- with Boom-Boom, he seemed like a totally different Beagle, thoughtful and selfless, hardly reminiscent of the immature little prankster they'd grown up with...he was completely devoted to her.

And Boom-Boom's sisters weren't sure their sister could handle a real relationship- she was still their darling airhead, wasn't she? But Babyface had truly won her over with his sincerity and charm. He'd grown from being like a friend, a brother, to a lover, to her world.

"Ahhh! Merry Christmas, one and all!" Bouffant's booming voice carried down the hall, and the curvy Beagle Babe strode into the kitchen, a happy smile on her face as she took Babydoll by the shoulder and kissed her with a loud smack.

"You're cheery," Babydoll smirked as her elder sister flitted about the kitchen in high spirits.

"'Tis the season," she replied, winking. At that moment, Bankjob treaded into the kitchen, a drowsy look of contentment on his face.

"And hello to you," Bouffant purred, pulling him in close by the collar.

With a dopey chuckle, he grinned, lovestruck, a put his arm around her waist.

"How you doin'?" he murmured heavily.

"Ugh, enough!" Babydoll snapped, hopping off the counter and pushing her way between them.

The couple had become so lovey-dovey it was almost disconcerting; holding hands constantly, kissing and whispering sweet-nothings to each other for the whole household to see.

Of course, they still bickered every so often- it wasn't much of a surprise when two strong, dominant personalities were butting heads. But they always kissed and made up sooner than later, with their bond being all the stronger.

"Hey, listen up!" Bugle suddenly said, his focus on the television across the room. He reached for the remote and cranked up the volume for what looked to be a breaking news report.

"This just in," announced the newscaster. "Police are currently engaged in a high-speed chase across Duckburg, after a standoff with the terrible Beagle Boys that lasted from last night and well into this morning. According to eyewitness reports, the gang of thieves hit uptown Duckburg near Scrooge McManor, dressed up in Santa suits and climbing down the chimneys of multiple houses..."

The six Beagles went silent, watching with rapt attention.

"They carried away thousands of dollars worth of valuables, from DuckStation 4s to rare, collector Queen Reginella dolls..."

Briefly, the camera showed a horde of the miserable rich children, weeping. Babydoll snickered.

"Officers are in pursuit and encourage any leads to be brought forward," concluded the reporter, shifting back to the police cam's footage of Ma's rickety jalopy, stuffed to the brim with junk, making a sharp turn on the corner and ducking out of sight. "Stay tuned for more information on this Christmas caper!"

Bankjob laughed heartily. "Ha! They're at it again!"

Babyface had a look of worry on his face. "Wait a minute, you don't think they'd come here, do ya?"

The three Beagle Babes looked at one another uncomfortably.

But Bankjob snorted and waved his hand dismissively. "Ma, runnin' from the coppers?! Never! I betcha she's just gettin' started!"

"It's true," Bugle grinned, shining the lenses on his new pair of shades. "Ma always knows how to celebrate with a BANG!"

Babydoll gave him a sideways glance and chuckled. He looked up at her questioningly.

"Y'know, you should consider ditching the glasses," she suggested, putting a hand on her hip.

Bugle smiled. "That so? You, uh, like what you see?" He raised an eyebrow.

Babydoll snorted, rolling her eyes. "You. Wish."

But she couldn't help smiling right back.