Merry Christmas, everyone! Sorry I wasn't very active recently; I was probably going through Writer's Block. Anyway, for the holiday season, here is your special chapter for Team in Reality, Family at Heart!

This is a story by me.

It involves everyone.

Bygone Island, December 24th

When you hear of that tropical place you imagine a hot, sandy, and exotic area; it's always proven true. But when it's the holiday season it snows on the highest points, covering the trees and grass in a white blanket. It was Christmas Eve, and the gang had gathered together at Tails's house to be together and celebrate.

Everyone was watching "A Christmas Carol" as they sat in the living room, eyes on the TV screen. "Christmas? Bah, Humbug," said Scrooge on the TV.

Sonic smirked, and commented, "Sounds a lot like someone we know, huh?" Everyone else glanced at the hedgehog, realizing what he meant wearing smirks on their faces as well.

"What's a Humbug?" Sticks asked. Since told recently what Christmas is about, she was trying to figure out as much as she could. "Is it a bug that hums your favourite song?"

Amy giggled at the thought. "I wish it were true, Sticks, but that's not quite it." Everyone continued to enjoy the rest of the film, before turning the TV off after the movie was over.

Like every Christmas Eve, there stood a tree decorated with lights and ornaments; what stood in the spotlight the most was the golden star at the top of the tree. Knuckles couldn't help but stare at the green nature all fancy and fit for dancing if it could.

"Knuckles?"

The tree's appearance sort of makes it seem almost alive.

"Knuckles."

As a matter of fact…it sounded alive too.

"Knuckles!"

The echidna jumped at the voice and turned to see Sonic giving him a look. He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, Big Blue, I guess it was my eyes doing the thinking."

Sonic gave a smug look. "Since when did you ever talk about thinking?"

That didn't sound too pleasing to the muscle of the group. Knuckles' sheepish grin turned into a scowl, glaring at the teasing speedster.

"Sonic, I don't want to ruin the holidays, so I would suggest you keep your big mouth zipped up before you push my short temper too far." All Knuckles got was an "okay" from his blue friend before he saw him walk over to the stockings for a while.

It was getting late, and everyone was about to turn in, when Sticks asked something.

"Guys, you never told me…who's this Santa Claus?"

Everyone eyed the badger's direction, mentally kicking themselves for their forgetfulness. It was then Sonic mentioned everyone to gather around the living room.

"Thanks for reminding us, Sticks." Sonic thankfully said. "Amy…" the pink hedgehog looked at him with a smile, knowing what he was requesting. Amy brought out a book, which was an old but classic tale of the man Sticks wanted to know about. Amy opened the book, everyone listening.

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house; not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…"

As Amy read the story, the other female slowly went from curiosity to fascination; she thought about how kind this St. Nick was, bringing presents to the people of the world, and how he is able to do it in one night.

The story was now coming to a close, and Amy narrated, "But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, 'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.'" Everyone complimented on Amy's reading skills, something Knuckles admits he can't do very well.

As they were heading to their makeshift beds, Knuckles suddenly asked, "Is that mistletoe I see up there?" That made everyone look up, and much to Sonic and Amy's embarrassment, they were both under it.

Sonic was beginning to get nervous. "H-hey, c'mon guys. I know it's tradition but do we really have to…uh…you know, ki-", Sonic couldn't finish his sentence as Amy bravely kissed him right on this lips, much to Tails' slight disgust, Sticks' enjoyment, and Knuckles confusion.

When they broke away, the two hedgehogs smiled at each other, though secretly hoping a little bit that they didn't have to do that again for a long time.

"Okay," Sonic announced, "now it's time for bed, lights out everyone!"

Everyone got into their beds, pulling the blankets over themselves. Knuckles lay alone, Sticks and Amy were together, and the same can be said for Sonic and Tails.

As everyone was drifting to slumber, Sonic whispered in Tails' ear, "Sorry you had to see that. I myself didn't feel comfortable…at first."

Tails snickered. "Yeah, keep on talking and you'll end up on the tunnel of love, Sonic."

That made the blue blur blush, his cheek red as roses, though he hid it from his companion. The dynamic duo snuggled close to each other, getting comfortable as they were heading for dreamland.

"G'night, Sonic, Merry Christmas," Tails whispered, and he got the same response back to him. It wasn't long before Christmas Day, and this team, this family, couldn't wait to see the sunrise gleam over the horizon.

Again, Merry Christmas everyone, and have a Happy New Year!