Virgil looked up from his phone as a knocking rang through the room. Despite it being mid afternoon, it was an odd time for anyone to be seeking his attention. Unless they were filming a video, he tended to work mostly at night, meaning the others usually preferred him to rest during daylight hours. The thoughts caused worry to pierce at him as he called out to the guest, "come in."

The hinges creaked as the door swung inwards, revealing a smiling Patton, "hey kiddo, we're getting ready to put up the Christmas decorations, do you wanna join?"

The Anxiety was conflicted by the emotions and memories the question brought. During the same event a year prior, he had tried to go into the situation acting tough, as if he hadn't wanted to be there. His initial cynical outlook had denied him of what could have been an overall pleasant experience, but as the lights and garland we strung, the tree put up, and the soft sound of carols filling the air, the ice around his heart had begun to melt. He actually smiled as he recalled finally giving in and enjoying himself, being around his family as they all talked and laughed, transforming their home into a winter wonderland. Their joy was infectious as he too was soon laughing alongside them, hanging ornaments and tinsel alike.

Morality's knowing giggle pulled him from the memories, "from your smile, I'm guessing you do want to join."

Anxiety placed his phone in his pocket, swiftly getting to his feet, he wasn't going to let his pride hold him back this year, "yeah, I'll help."

Patton bounced up onto his toes with a squeal, "then let's go join the others!"

Already feeling more cheerful from Morality's excitement, he stepped into the corridor, pulling the door closed behind him. Following his friend to the first-floor, it wasn't until they reached the bottom of the stairs that Logan and Roman came into view, both struggling to carry boxes of decorations into the common-room. Noticing that one of the precariously placed containers of ornaments was beginning to slip from Princey's grasp, Virgil darted forward, catching it only inches above the floor.

The one who had dropped the box came to a halt as if only just realizing what had happened, "thanks for that Virge, I didn't even notice it was falling."

He merely shrugged, as the two of them placed the objects on the coffee table, "no worries, do you guys need any help getting the rest of the boxes from the attic?"

Logic's voice caused him to turn on his heel, "I would appreciate your assistance in retrieving the tree."

"Sure thing buddy," despite his laid back tone, he was actually glad someone had taken up his offer so he wouldn't be standing around needlessly.

Together the two of them made their way to the attic, which even in the winter months, was still rather warm from the tepid heat of Florida. Soon enough he was being poked and prodded by the fake pine branches, and being steadier on his feet, he had elected to be the one going backwards down the steps to hopefully avoid injury. He couldn't help but laugh when they were forced to pause as one of the prickly arms had managed to snatch Logan's glasses.

After a few seconds, it became clear that there was no safe way for them to continue until his spectacles were returned, and he couldn't drop his end of the tree, as that would result in Anxiety being pushed down the stairs. Knowing that the other would be to proud to ask for help, he took matters into his own hands, "hey Pat, could you come help us?"

The one in question appeared within moments, gazing up at them, "whatcha need son?"

He couldn't keep the good-humor from his voice as he spoke, "the tree stole Logan's glasses, and we can't do anything until he can see again."

Morality giggled, making his way up towards the attic, "the same thing happened to me last year." Virgil pressed himself against the wall allowing for his colleague to squeeze past, and though he couldn't see through the mass of plastic evergreen, he could hear Logic huff as his spectacles were returned. He must have given some form of a thank you because Patton piped up once more on his way back to the commons, "you're welcome kiddo!"

Now that they both had their vision, they were free to continue hauling the seven foot tall tree to its place near the couch. They let out a breath of relief as they were able to finally set it down, and he did his best to repress a smile as Logic straightened the frames on the bridge of his nose, "thank you for your patience with that delay Virgil."

"No problem," he brushed away some of the fake pine needles before turning his attention to Princey, "I'm amazed you haven't put on any Christmas music yet Sir Sing-a-Lot."

He glanced up from a box of garland with wide eyes momentarily frozen until he darted to the stereo, plugging in his phone it wasn't long before Greensleeves filtered though the room, which would soon glow with the colors of lights galore. The two of them shared a contented grin before Roman gestured to a different box, "now that the music situation has been dealt with, do you want to help me string lights around the stair-rail?"

Nodding, he took the contained filled with fairy-lights, and with a sigh he turned back to his friend, "it looks like we're going to have to untangle them first." Playfully rolling his eyes the Prince stepped over a box of ornaments to help Anxiety. Surprisingly the strands weren't in too bad a shape, but it still took them twenty minutes to get everything unraveled, and to find the particular strings they wanted.

Starting at the top of the stairs, they were far enough away from the others not to be heard if they kept their voices low, "you seem to be in a particularly good mood today Hot Topic…what has you so happy?"

He smiled as he looped the lights between two of the wooden posts, catching a glance of Logic and Morality hanging garland over the entryway, "trying to finally let myself enjoy the festivities this year."

He watched Roman stop tugging at his stand briefly, "don't get me wrong…but are you being genuine, because you've said something similar in the past, but you were being sarcastic."

He kept his eyes trained on his work as it hit him just how much he had deprived himself of the fun he could have had by participating in the events his family created, but instead he had chosen to by cynical. Shaking off the thoughts, he glanced over to his friend who was still looking at him in confusion, but in his eyes there was a glimmer of hope, "I'm actually being genuine this time."

His words elicited a grin as the other began tugging at his lights once more, "I'm glad to hear it…and I mean that." He paused, casting his gaze down to the living-room which would soon be transformed into a holiday haven, "I had hoped, since you enjoyed yourself last year that you would be more open to the festivities this year."

Anxiety waited until they moved down a step to respond, "you know…I think I'm finally starting to get how this whole family thing works." The creative side gave him a bewildered look, "until recently…okay, Halloween," he fidgeted uncomfortably with the wire, "I honestly thought my only role was to protect you all. Now, I'm realizing that outside of those life-or-death moments, and the debates…if I'm trying to act all gloomy and not enjoying the time I spend with you all, then I'm just playing the role of a guardian, and that's not fair to any of you, or myself."

He didn't miss the pleasant surprise that laced the expression of his enemy-turned-ally, "it's good you're finally coming to terms with that. You've done so much for us over the last few years…it didn't really seem fair for you not to get as much out of these celebrations as we do."

Anxiety smirked as the concerned statement brought an idea to his mind but he waited until his colleague turned away to act on it. Waving his hand over his torso, Virgil's attire changed, "what are you talking about; I've gotten plenty out of the last few Christmases."

"You know what I mea-" Moving to face him, Roman's defiance quickly changed as he caught sight of the darker side, "y-you kept the sweater?"

Virgil looked down at the purple, black, and white, Starry Night themed jumper, which had been made specifically for and gifted to him. "Of course I did…" he rubbed the back of his neck, betraying his embarrassment, "it's actually really warm and comfortable."

The other beamed from the praise, but Roman must have noted how out of place he felt, because his next words held a light-hearted tone as he switched to his own red, white, and gold sweater. "I never thought I would see the day when you would choose not to wear your jacket."

"I could say the same for you and your sash," their harmless banter continued as they strung the lights, moving step by step until the entire rail was covered.

It wasn't until they had reached the bottom and plugged the lights in that Patton drew their attention, "aww! I didn't even think about the sweaters!" A moment later both the moral and logical sides were wearing their own knitted garments. The latter seemed momentarily stunned by his change in attire, but quickly shook it off and continued stringing garland over the backdoor.

Some time passed, and the room was finally starting to look more like a winter wonderland when Morality squealed, "oh! This is my favorite Christmas song!" He paused, listening briefly, and he had to admit that he should have guessed his favorite would be, It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.

Princey chuckled as he poked his head out from behind the tree where he was stringing lights, "this is a good one, but I would have to say that my favorite is All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey! She is a goddess!" Once again, Anxiety wasn't surprised, he had always enjoyed listening to female singers, and with a song as romantic as that one, it fit his character perfectly. Suddenly his voice rang from behind the tree again, "Virgil, can I try and guess yours?"

He actually laughed; there was no way anyone could guess his, "good luck!"

"Hmm…" The Prince paused as he stepped back out into the open, "What's This from Nightmare Before Christmas?"

"Good guess, but no."

He turned to face Patton next, "is it Carol of the Bells?"

Virgil had to admit, that was on his list, but not his favorite, "close, but no again."

"Pray tell, what is it then?"

As Logan spoke another idea popped into his head, one he was uncertain about at first, but eventually decided to go through with, "I'll show you." Snapping his fingers, a keyboard and stand appeared in front of the sofa, leaving the others stunned. He slowly moved over to it, and sitting down he positioned his fingers over the keys, and began to play the soft melody.

It wasn't until after he had finished the first verse that they seemed to be able to break their trances, but it was Roman who spoke in a hushed tone, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas from Meet Me In St. Louis?" He blinked at the piano, "I would not have guessed that one…why is it your favorite, if you don't mind my asking."

Anxiety waited until he could use the lyrics as his response,

"'Faithful friends who are dear to us,

Gather near to us once more.'"

"'Through the years we all will be together,

If the fates allow,

So hang a shining star upon the highest bough,

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.'"

The others stood in silence as he guided his fingers effortlessly over the black and white keys to play the outro, and then glanced up taking in their amazed expressions. Patton had his hand over his mouth and appeared close to tears, Logan looked as if he was trying to understand the meaning of life, and Roman seemed unable to draw his gaze away from the piano. Before they could speak however, Virgil began playing again, but this time it was the introduction to All I Want For Christmas Is You. That seemed to shake the Prince from his trance, seeing as he would never pass up a chance to sing one of his favorite songs.

Virgil had no idea how long the four of them remained in the half decorated common room singing carols and having a good hearted laugh when someone forgot their lyrics. Patton had even convinced Logan to sing Silent Night with him, and Anxiety had agreed to a duet of White Christmas with Roman. All of them had partaken in songs which required more voices such as Carol of the Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

Then, just for fun Patton and Roman had sung Baby It's Cold Outside, but neither the two singing nor Virgil on the piano could keep going after the second verse because they had all become so riddled with laughter. Even still, they continued with one song after another, Anxiety even agreeing to sing Roman's weird version of the Twelve Days of Christmas with all the little interjections they had made during the video. This time around however, he could actually see the humor in his line "a truckload of bubba gump shrimp."

Finally they ended their singing when Virgil's hands became too sore to continue playing the piano, but the carols had lifted all of their spirits, even Logan appeared to be stifling a smile. They turned the stereo back on quietly to fill the air with soft music as they returned to putting the decorations up, but something still seemed to be bothering Roman. He turned to look at Anxiety after a moment, a genuine look of joy and curiosity in his gaze, "since when do you play piano?"

He chuckled lightly, wondering how long it would take for someone to ask that question, "I've played for years…I just never felt comfortable telling anyone until now."

Roman nodded slowly, "I can understand why, but it's a shame you haven't shared that with us until now, you're actually quite good."

Patton lifted his head for one of the boxes he was digging through, "Roman's right, you are good at playing the piano…and I'm glad you've finally reached a point where you are comfortable telling us."

"It was a little nerve-wracking playing for you all at first, but after a while…I guess I just got as wrapped up in the fun as the rest of you."

Virgil woke to the sound of excited voices from the corridor, it had been a few days since the Sides had decorated the mind-palace, but now it was the day they had all been looking forward to…Christmas. Getting out of bed, Anxiety put on his iconic eye-shadow and reached for his jacket, but halted before placing it around his shoulders. Giving it one final glance, he folded it neatly and placed it on the bed, choosing instead to wear the sweater Roman had given him all those years ago.

Satisfied with his appearance, he was almost knocked to the ground by the hug he received when he stepped into the hall. Morality's voice sounded even more cheerful than usual as he said three words, "Merry Christmas Virgil!"

Smiling softly he returned the gesture, "Merry Christmas to you too Pat."

The morning was filled with music and joyful banter as the four ate breakfast but soon came the time they were all looking forward to, opening presents. In the past they had chosen a name and gotten a present only for the person whose name they had, but this year they had decided to go all out getting presents for everyone. Excited to see what the other's reactions would be, Patton was the first to hand out his gifts. For Logan he had gotten a blue necktie patterned with snowflakes, which somehow managed to read as professional yet festive. For Roman he had gotten tickets to see Beetlejuice on Broadway, something the Prince was overjoyed by. Finally Virgil tore away the paper on his own gift to reveal something he would have expected more from Logan than Patton, a book. Carefully flipping the cover open, Anxiety couldn't stop the smile which laced his features, it wasn't just any book, it was a photo album. The first picture was of the card Morality had given him after he'd revealed his name, the next a picture of all of them squished together on the couch. Page after page of happy memories nearly brought tears to Virgil's eyes, but the last photo was one he hadn't expected, all of them sitting around a half decorated Christmas Tree singing while Virgil sat smiling behind a piano.

Clearing his throat to ensure his voice wouldn't crack from the lump which had formed there, he spoke softly, "thanks Pat…this means a lot."

Clapping joyously at the reactions Patton turned to Logic, "you're turn!"

Logan nodded pulling three poorly wrapped boxes from beneath the tree and distributing them to the others. "I must admit, wrapping gifts is more difficult than I expected."

"It's okay kiddo! It's the thought that counts!"

This time Virgil was the first to open his gift, a book of Rogers and Hammerstein sheet music for the piano. He blinked at it in surprise, but Logan spoke before he had a chance, "I was at a loss for what to get you Virgil until you were playing the piano the other day. It is my understanding that you appreciate musicals almost as much as Roman does, so I thought this would be an adequate gift for you."

He finally tore his eyes away from the book's cover, "thanks Specks, I'll start working on these as soon as I can." He turned to face Princey, "once I learn them I have no doubt that you will be up for singing along to what I play?"

"Of course! I would never pass up a chance like that!" Smiling, Roman turned to his own gift from Logic and rather than a book, he had received a 2 disk movie set. "The Great American Songbook!"

"The Great American- what now?"

Roman turned to face Anxiety, "it's a documentary movie about the history of music and musicals! I've been wanting this for years!" He turned back to face Logic, "thanks Lo!"

The one in question simply dipped his head before looking over to Morality, "yours took me a rather long time to procure." Opening the box Patton pulled out a rather large book that looked similar in nature to Virgil's own photo album. A squeal of joy prompted Logan to speak once more, "I managed to compile every piece of fan art that has been submitted to Thomas portraying the four of us as family and put them all into one book."

Both Princey and Anxiety leaned over to look at the book as Morality thumbed through it, tears welling up in his eyes. "Thank you Logan!"

After a moment Roman stood, "my turn!" Retrieving the gifts from beneath the tree, he handed them out to their appropriate owners.

Princey got them each DVDs of their favorite movies or TV shows with a heartfelt message written on the inside cover. Logan had been given both Cosmos series hosted by Carl Sagan and Neil DeGrasse Tyson while Patton had received the full series of Tailspin and DuckTales. Finally it was Virgil's turn, opening his gift he blinked in shock at what sat before him a complete box set of The Sound of Music including books about the making of the film and post cards from Salzburg Austria. "Thank you Roman…"

"I know a movie can help me with my fears, so I thought this might help you."

Anxiety forced his mind back to what they were doing, it was his turn now. Setting the gifts he'd received aside he spoke up softly, "I actually have two gifts for all of you…" He hoped he had done well by what he had gotten each of them and that they would appreciate their gifts as much as he appreciated the ones he'd been given. Taking a deep breath, he handed each of them an identical square package, "you can all open them at the same time."

Following his instructions the others ripped off the paper staring in shock at what it had revealed. Eventually it was Roman who found his voice, "when did you have time to record this?"

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "well…I don't sleep much, and most nights are pretty boring, so I had quite a bit of time." He cast a quick glance to the other two, "oh, I should add this, all three are different."

They immediately leaned over to look at the CDs he had given the others, each filled with the soft piano covers of the different Christmas songs they had said they liked when they were all putting up the decorations.

Patton's tone was the next to rise into the air, "you paid attention…I love all these songs."

The other two nodded in agreement causing a wave of relief to crash over Anxiety, but the day wasn't over yet, the CDs had only been the first gifts. He paused, trying to think of what to do next, "m-most of the other gifts kinda wouldn't work under the tree so Patton's is the only one wrapped."

He looked to the one in question, who took the final package from beneath the tree, tearing away the paper he smiled at the blue plushie it revealed. "It's Stitch!"

As the words were said both Roman and Logan looked over at him with a sudden realization, but Virgil simply placed a finger over his lips to ensure they remained quiet. He turned back to Morality, "there's something in his arm…"

Not hesitating Patton pressed the sound recorder in the arm of the stuffed animal and Roman's voice filled the room. "Ohana," followed by Logan's, "means," and finally Virgil's own voice, "Family."

He looked around at the three of them, "you were all in on this?"

Logan shook his head, "as a matter of fact, no. I vaguely remember Virgil talking to me one day, he told me not to ask questions as he pulled a recording device out of his pocket and had me say the whole phrase."

Roman laughed softly, "he did the same with me. I didn't really question it at the time…and come to think of it, I'm glad I didn't."

A moment later Anxiety was enveloped in another crushing hug, "thank you Virge!"

"It's you we should be thanking…we wouldn't be a family without you."

Morality wiped the tears from his eyes before giving the others a hug as well which allowed Virgil to plan his next move. As Patton played the recording again, he gestured for Logan to join him, "after that, I'm not sure what to expect of my gift."

He chuckled, "well I'll put it this way…there was no way I was going to be able to wrap yours."

They started for the stairs when Roman called after them, "is this a secret or can we see too?"

"You can all see." As Virgil said the words they scrambled to their feet and followed him up the stairs. When they reached the top he turned back to Logic, "you wait here with your eyes closed." He glanced at the other two, "make sure he doesn't peek."

Logan closed his eyes while Roman and Patton stood in front of him like a shield, allowing Anxiety to head into his room to retrieve the gift. Setting it up had been a challenge, but thankfully he had an easy way of moving it. Placing a hand on the present, he closed his eyes and focused on materializing with it in the corridor. Gasps from the two who still had their eyes open told him he had succeeded even before his own sight returned.

Stepping aside he gestured for Roman and Patton to do the same, "okay Logan, you can open your eyes now."

A moment later his gaze was locked on what stood before him, "wait-wha- How?!"

Virgil laughed; it wasn't often that one of them managed to shock Logic so much he was speechless. "A while back I gave you my Celestron 60EQ PowerSeeker, but I think you've done all you can with a telescope that small." He glanced back to the scope he had just brought into the corridor, "this is a Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ, and far surpasses even my current telescope since it is a reflector rather than a refractor."

"I-I don't know what to say," Logan seemed unable to tear his eyes away from the telescope, "th-thank you Virgil."

"No worries Specks," he glanced back in the direction of his room, "I have the case and all the scope's accessories in my room; I'll get them for you after I give Roman his gift."

While Logic continued to stare dumbfounded at scientific instrument, Anxiety turned to Princey who appeared nearly as shocked as the teacher. "If that's what you got Logan…what did you get me?!"

He spoke, giving his friend and knowing smirk, "we'll have to pay a visit to Thomas for that one."

By this point none of the others dared question Virgil as they all synced into the real world where Thomas, Joan, and Talyn sat waiting for them. He looked over to his host, "Operation Christmas is go."

Thomas looked like he was barely able to contain himself as he took a flat package from under the tree, "I don't know how Virgil set all this up…but he did."

Tentatively Princey took the gift and pulled away the wrapping, but appeared merely confused by what it revealed, "it's a script…" He looked over to Virgil, "I-I don't understand."

He smiled, "the script is just the physical gift." Now he was barely able to contain his own excitement, knowing just how much his next statement would mean to Princey. "After everything that happened, I made a few phone calls as Thomas." He flipped the first page of the script in Roman's hands so he could see the title, "I managed to get the callback for the Alfred Hichcopalucas movie rescheduled, and not only that but…"

He nodded to Thomas who was grinning ear to ear, "I got the part!"

Both Patton and Logan looked on in complete shock while Roman stared teary-eyed at the script in his hands, "bu-but the callback date was inflexible."

"Not entirely." Virgil took a deep breath, "I noticed this at first audition…Thomas had an incomplete reference book. There was no mention of his work on Heathers in Orlando, his original Ultimate Storytime Musical, or his part in Bizarrdvark for Disney. Once the panel heard about all of that…they were more than willing to change the date. After that it was in Thomas's hands."

Thomas looked like he wanted to jump up and down with excitement, "obviously I wanted the part as much as you did, so with that second chance I gave it everything I had. They called me back a few days later and told me I got the part!"

Words of congratulations rang out from the sides and Thomas's friends, but Roman still looked awestruck as he turned to face Virgil, "I still don't know how you managed all of this, but I can't thank you enough Virgil!"

"Honestly, I didn't know if it was going to work at first, but I'm glad it did." He smiled around at everyone, "I just have one last thing to say." Everyone blinked at him in expectation, "Merry Christmas!"