An Akaba Christmas
By Ulrich362
(I do not own Yugioh Arc-V or any of its characters. All rights go to their respective owners.)
It had been a few years since the birth of Zarc and Ray Akaba's second set of twins Yugo and Rin and since then their family had grown quite a bit larger. Ray was currently on the phone talking with someone as Zarc looked at a family portrait of the two of them with their eight children, the youngest twins being just three years old.
"Then you'll be able to come?" Ray inquired to the person on the phone before smiling. "That's wonderful news, they'll be so happy to see you. It wouldn't be the same if you weren't here."
Hearing that Zarc looked over to his wife only to see her nod happily. "Good news?"
Ray nodded with a smile. "Ok, we'll see you tomorrow dad. Love you."
She hung up before smiling as Zarc embraced her.
"I can hardly wait for tomorrow." he admitted with a smile. "They'll be so excited."
As he said that a little three-year-old girl with pink hair and a three-year-old boy with green and red hair ran up to them.
"Daddy." the girl said quickly. "You forgot again."
Zarc blinked before kneeling down. "I forgot? What did I forget Yuzu?"
The red and green haired boy pouted. "You said you'd read us a bedtime story daddy."
"Yuya's right, you did promise you'd read them a story before bed." Ray chuckled.
Zarc smiled. "Then I guess I owe you a story, do you have anything special you want me to read you?"
"Can you read Sleeping Beauty?" Yuzu asked. "I really like that one."
"I think I can do that." Zarc chuckled. "Did you ask your big brothers and sisters if they wanted to hear the story too?"
Yuya and Yuzu's eyes widened before they ran off together causing Zarc and Ray to chuckle.
"I guess they forgot." Ray smiled. "Do you think Yugo will tease them again?"
"Probably." Zarc chuckled. "I'll go read them their bedtime story and then we can spend some time together before tomorrow."
With that he walked off to the family room where Yuri, Serena, Yugo, Rin, a six-year-old girl with long dark purple hair and pink eyes, a six-year old boy with black and light purple hair and gray eyes, Yuya, and Yuzu.
"Aren't you a little old for bedtime stories Yuri?" the six-year-old girl asked teasingly.
"Very funny Ruri, you know we all love when dad reads stories… especially you and Yuto." Yuri mentioned causing them to blush.
"Ok, that's enough teasing." Zarc smiled. "Is everybody comfortable?"
The eight kids all nodded at that as he smiled and began reading the story.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Did they enjoy the bedtime story?" Ray asked as Zarc walked into the bedroom. "It's always been their favorite one."
He smiled before getting into the bed and wrapping an arm around her. "They loved it like always, and I think Yuri and Serena are making sure the others are tucked in for bed. We're really lucky, aren't we?"
"Definitely." Ray smiled only to blush slightly. "Zarc?"
"What's on your mind Ray?" he inquired. "Is everything ok?"
She smiled gently. "Everything's just perfect, I'm really happy."
Zarc smiled back hearing that before pausing. "Oh, is your dad bringing them with him this year?"
"I think so, she's pregnant again so they might not be able to come but I hope they can." She mentioned. "Reiji's going to be a big brother soon."
"That's true." Zarc agreed kissing his wife. "Tomorrow is going to be amazing."
"It definitely is." Ray smiled kissing him back. "Zarc… do you think we could stay up a bit longer?"
Zarc just chuckled at that and embraced her. "I think that could be arranged."
Ray giggled as the two of them cuddled in their bed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Big sister?" Yuya asked as Serena tucked him in. "Is it tomorrow?"
She looked at him before smiling. "Yeah, so make sure you get a good night's sleep so Santa can come and deliver your Christmas presents."
Hearing that Yuya smiled only to pout slightly. "I didn't get to help mommy make cookies this year."
"I wouldn't be too upset; you and Yuzu can help make cookies next year." Yuri told him with a smile.
Yuya's eyes lit up in excitement hearing that. "Really? Yay, I can't wait for next year."
Serena chuckled at that. "Oh Yuya, let's enjoy this Christmas first ok?"
"Ok big sister." Yuya giggled happily before putting his head on his pillow and closing his eyes.
Yuri smiled seeing that before turning to Serena. "The two of them are definitely happy."
"True, it's going to be an amazing Christmas this year." Serena smiled playfully. "So… do I need to put you into bed little brother?"
"Very funny Serena." Yuri frowned before chuckling as they walked to their room. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight Yuri." Serena smiled.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Rin, are you still awake?" Yugo asked hesitantly before frowning. "Actually… never mind."
"It's ok Yugo." Rin mentioned turning to look over at his bed. "What's on your mind?"
"Well it's just… do you think dad was sad reading that one again?" Yugo asked. "I know it's our favorite but… having to read about a dragon dying…"
Hearing that Rin frowned before getting up and walking over to her twin brother before hugging him. "I know what you mean Yugo, it probably is a little sad, but he still has his dragons and they love him just like we do."
Yugo nodded at that. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks Rin, I needed that."
"Anytime Yugo." she smiled kissing Yugo's cheek. "Do you feel better now?"
"I think so." Yugo nodded. "Good night Rin."
Rin smiled and walked back to her own bed. "Good night Yugo."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Ruri, can I ask you something?" Yuto requested quietly.
Ruri sat up and looked over to her twin brother. "Sure, what is it Yuto?"
He sat up at that and took a slow breath. "You… you remember what Yugo, Yuri, and I got for Yuya right? Do you think he'll like it?"
"Yuto…" Ruri started before giggling.
"I'm being serious, I'm really worried about this." Yuto admitted. "We spent so much time looking but… what if he doesn't like the present?"
Ruri frowned at that. "Yuto. Yuya will love it, his three big brothers bought it for him and that makes it even more special."
"Maybe, I'm just… I want him to have a really great Christmas this year." Yuto mentioned.
"And he will… we all will Yuto." Ruri reassured him. "Everything will be ok, and everybody will be together."
He stared at her before smiling. "Ok… you always make me feel better Ruri."
"That's what big sisters are for. Good night Yuto." Ruri smiled gently.
"Good night Ruri." Yuto smiled as they went to sleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Early the next day Zarc and Ray were in their basement putting some of the presents under the tree.
"Let's see… oh, this one's for Reiji so we should put it near the back since they won't be here right away." he mentioned with a smile before looking. "I think that's the last of them, do you want me to go get the kids?"
"Sure, I'll get started on breakfast." Ray smiled back kissing him. "Merry Christmas Zarc."
"Merry Christmas." Zarc replied before walking upstairs and opening the door to Yuri and Serena's room. "Yuri, Serena? Can you two hear me?"
The two of them shifted before slowly opening their eyes.
"Dad, good morning." Serena smiled sitting up. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Serena, and Merry Christmas to you too Yuri." Zarc smiled softly.
"Is everybody else up yet?" Yuri asked wiping his eyes.
"Not yet, do you guys want to help me get the others up?" Zarc asked them.
"Alright, I'll go get Yuya and Yuzu." Serena mentioned stretching as she got out of bed.
Yuri smiled at that. "Then I get to wake up Yugo and Rin."
The two of them walked out of the bedroom at that as Zarc chuckled before heading to Yuto and Ruri's room. "Ruri, Yuto? It's time to wake up you two."
"Five more minutes daddy." Yuto muttered in his sleep before rolling over.
"Do you really want to sleep in on Christmas?" Zarc asked him gently.
Hearing that Yuto yawned before sitting up only to smile. "Merry Christmas daddy."
"Merry Christmas Yuto." Zarc mentioned before turning to Ruri who was wiping some sleep out of her eyes. "And Merry Christmas to you too Ruri."
Ruri smiled before hugging him. "Merry Christmas daddy."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Serena smiled before opening the door to Yuya and Yuzu's room before gasping and smiling as she saw them cuddling in Yuya's bed. "So cute… Yuya, Yuzu, it's time to wake up."
The three-year-old twins stirred before opening their eyes.
"Big sister? Good mor…" Yuya started before his eyes lit up. "It's Christmas!"
Yuzu's eyes widened before she smiled. "Yay!"
Serena chuckled at that and hugged them. "You two sound excited."
"Christmas is super exciting big sister." Yuya reminded her.
"Yeah, it is." Yuzu nodded in agreement causing Serena to laugh.
"You have a good point, come on." Serena smiled. "Mom's probably downstairs making some yummy breakfast and then we can play in the snow ok?"
Yuya and Yuzu smiled excitedly before running downstairs together.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Yuri stretched before opening the door to Yugo and Rin's room and walking over to Rin's bed. "Rin, can you hear me?"
She slowly opened her eyes before blinking. "Yuri? What time is it big brother?"
He gently sat down on the edge of her bed and smiled. "Oh nothing special, it's just Christmas morning and I thought you might want to be awake to celebrate."
Hearing that Rin's eyes shot open and she sat up. "Really?"
Yuri chuckled before hugging her. "Merry Christmas Rin."
"Merry Christmas Yuri." Rin smiled happily before getting up and walking over to Yugo's bed. "Yugo wake up, it's Christmas."
Yugo rolled over in his sleep and tried to pull the covers over his head only for Rin to pull them off of him.
"Didn't you hear her Yugo, it's Christmas." Yuri mentioned as Yugo slowly opened his eyes before yawning.
"Good morning Rin, good morning big brother." Yugo yawned only to pause. "Wait, it's Christmas!"
"And you almost slept through it." Yuri teased before walking over to his younger brother. "Did you get a good night's sleep?"
Hearing that Yugo frowned before getting out of bed and running to Zarc and Ray's room causing Yuri to blink in confusion.
"He thinks reading that story upset dad." Rin explained.
"Oh… Yugo's really nice isn't he Rin?" Yuri asked softly.
"Yeah, he really is." Rin nodded taking Yuri's hand as they walked down to the kitchen.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ray was in the kitchen scrambling several eggs before chuckling as she heard footsteps running into the room.
"Merry Christmas mommy." Yuya and Yuzu said together as she turned to them before kneeling down to give her youngest twins a big hug.
"Merry Christmas." Ray smiled kissing their foreheads. "Did you have good dreams?"
"I had really good dreams." Yuya nodded with a smile before pausing. "Do you think grandma, grandpa, and uncle Reiji will come over?"
"They have to, it isn't Christmas without them." Yuzu pointed out. "Right mommy?"
"You're right Yuzu, they'll be coming over a little later so in the meantime we can all have a nice breakfast and then… maybe play in the snow with everybody?" Ray inquired causing Yuya and Yuzu to smile excitedly.
"Is there enough snow to make a big snow dragon?" Yugo asked as the rest of the family walked into the kitchen.
"if we all work together, I think we can pull it off." Serena answered only to pause. "Or should we make four small ones?"
The seven other kids exchanged a glance before they all smiled happily.
"Yeah, four small snow dragons." Yuto agreed. "That sounds perfect."
Zarc smiled hearing that as Ray chuckled.
"Well before you all make your daddy some snow dragons you should all have breakfast and then dress up nice and warm ok?" Ray asked.
"Ok mommy." Yuya giggled happily.
"Do you need any help making breakfast mom?" Rin asked.
"I'm ok, you all just sit down. The eggs are just about ready, you all like scrambled right?" Ray inquired.
"Yeah, scrambled eggs are yummy." Yuzu smiled before sitting down. "Big brother Yuri, can you sit next to me today?"
He smiled and sat down next to his youngest sister. "I think so Yuzu."
She smiled happily as the rest of the family sat down for breakfast.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Careful Yuya." Yuzu said as they worked together to make a snow dragon that looked like Odd-Eyes Dragon. "It's going to fall down."
"I'm trying, but it's heavy." Yuya panicked. "Oh no, help!"
Hearing that Zarc walked over only for the dragon to collapse causing Yuya to look down and start crying.
"It's ok Yuya." Zarc whispered hugging him. "The snow is still here, and I can help you and Yuzu make a really amazing snow dragon ok?"
Yuya looked up sniffling before nodding. "Ok… you mean it daddy?"
"Of course, now why don't you run inside and wipe your nose and then we can build a super amazing snow dragon together." Zarc smiled kissing his youngest son's forehead.
Yuya smiled before running inside with Ray as Zarc looked over to his six other kids who were working on snow versions of Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, and Starve Venom Fusion Dragon.
He smiled seeing that before noticing a car approaching as he smiled. "Kids, come over here for a minute."
Curious the seven of them walk over.
"Huh, what's going on dad?" Yugo asked curiously before blinking. "Where's Yuya?"
"Odd-Eyes fell down and he went in with mommy." Yuzu answered.
"Oh, do you two need some help?" Rin offered.
Yuzu shook her head. "No thank you big sister, Yuya and I can do it."
"Are you sure?" Rin asked as Yuzu nodded happily. "Well, ok Yuzu."
Zarc meanwhile walked over to the car and opened the door letting a pregnant woman with magenta hair in a red snow coat out. "Merry Christmas Himika."
The woman smiled softly. "Merry Christmas Zarc."
He chuckled before looking over. "Kids, we have some guests."
Hearing that they looked over before gasping and running over.
"Merry Christmas grandma." Ruri smiled happily.
Serena gently rubbed her stomach. "And merry Christmas to you too aunt Reira."
Himika smiled softly as Serena felt a gentle kick.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ray gently wiped Yuya's eyes and nose before kissing his cheek. "Do you feel a little better Yuya?"
He nodded with a smile. "Yes mommy, thank you."
She smiled at that before pausing. "Yuya, can you help mommy with something?"
"You need help mommy?" Yuya asked curiously. "I want to help."
"Then can you help me make the hot chocolate for everybody? We need a lot and it has to be super tasty." Ray smiled causing Yuya's eyes to light up in excitement.
"Yummy." Yuya smiled excitedly. "I want to help."
Ray chuckled happily at that before taking Yuya's hand as they walked into the kitchen. "Can you get the milk Yuya?"
He nodded and ran to the fridge before getting the milk and holding it with both hands. "Can I put the chocolate in mommy?"
"I think you can do that, but you have to promise to be careful." Ray told him. "It's called hot chocolate for a reason."
"I will mommy." Yuya grinned only to look out of a window and gasp. "Grandma and grandpa are here!"
Ray walked over to see Zarc helping Himika out of the car before she chuckled. "I guess that means we need more hot chocolate right Yuya?"
"Yeah." Yuya smiled excitedly causing Ray to smile herself as they got the cocoa powder.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"You guys are making dragons for your dad?" a four-year-old boy with gray hair and glasses wearing a dark blue jacket inquired to his nieces and nephews. "Where's Yuya though?"
"The snow Odd-Eyes fell over and he got sad, so he went inside with mommy uncle Reiji." Yuzu answered.
Reiji nodded at that. "The dragon didn't fall on top of him did it?"
"No uncle Reiji." Rin answered before smiling. "You're almost a big brother, right?"
"Almost." Reiji nodded looking over where Zarc, Himika, and Leo were all talking together. "Reira should be born sometime in February."
"I can't wait to see her." Yuzu smiled happily.
"None of us can." Yugo smiled excitedly only to pause. "Rin, should we go tell Yuya grandma and grandpa and uncle Reiji are here?"
"I think he knows." Serena smiled before the front door opened and Yuya ran outside only to hug Reiji.
"Hi uncle Reiji, merry Christmas!" Yuya smiled happily.
Reiji gently shook his head with a chuckle before hugging Yuya back. "Merry Christmas Yuya."
Yuya smiled before pausing. "Oh yeah, Yuzu daddy's going to help us make Odd-Eyes better."
Yuzu's eyes widened. "We can do it by ourselves Yuya. We just need to be careful."
"You really think so Yuzu?" Yuya asked nervously. "It fell over before."
"Yeah, but it won't this time." Yuzu told him with a smile. "I'm sure."
Yuya looked at Yuzu before smiling and hugging her. "Ok, let's make a super good snow Odd-Eyes Yuzu."
She nodded hugging him back before they ran to start working on the new snow Odd-Eyes.
Zarc smiled seeing that before walking inside with Himika and Leo.
"Ray, are you busy?" Leo asked curiously.
"I'm in the kitchen dad, just keeping the hot chocolate hot." Ray answered. "Yuya helped me make it really tasty for everyone."
Himika smiled softly. "Well if Yuya helped make it I'm looking forward to trying some."
"That's true." Zarc smiled. "Yuya loves helping his mommy in the kitchen, especially when you make tasty or sweet things right Ray?"
"He sure does." Ray chuckled before looking out at where Yuya and Yuzu were trying again to make the snow Odd-Eyes.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Careful Yuya, it's going to fall again." Yuzu told him nervously.
Yuya frowned at that before very carefully putting the last of the snow on to make Odd-Eyes horns and stepping back to look at it. "We did it Yuzu. It's perfect. Just like daddy's dragon."
"You sure did, all eight of you made four incredible snow dragons." Zarc smiled walking over and hugging his youngest children.
"Well, I think you all deserve a treat for making such strong looking dragons." Ray smiled. "Why don't you all come inside for some delicious hot chocolate?"
"That sounds delicious mom, thank you." Yuri smiled before Zarc and the kids all walked into the house and everyone sat together in the living room.
"Is aunt Reira being good for you grandma?" Ruri asked Himika.
Himika smiled softly at that. "Yes, she's being a perfect little angel. Do you want to feel?"
Yuzu's eyes lit up hearing that. "We can feel your tummy grandma?"
"Of course you can Yuzu." Himika nodded with a gentle smile. "You all can if you'd like."
"Yay." Yuzu smiled happily running over and gently putting her hand on Himika's stomach only to gasp. "Grandma, she kicked."
Ray and Zarc smiled gently hearing that as Yuya ran over to Himika to feel her stomach with Yuzu while Yuto and Ruri walked over together.
"Do you four not want to feel your grandma's stomach?" Zarc inquired to his four older children.
"Not right now dad." Serena answered. "We got to feel mom's stomach remember?"
"She has a point." Ray nodded. "Dad, do you mind helping me grab the hot chocolates?"
"Not at all." Leo smiled walking into the kitchen with her.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A few minutes later everyone had a nice cup of hot chocolate and they were sitting together and talking.
"The hot chocolate is delicious; you did a wonderful job helping your mother make it Yuya." Himika smiled.
"Thank you grandma." Yuya smiled happily taking a sip of his hot chocolate before Yuzu started giggling at him. "Huh, what did I do?"
"You have whipped cream on your nose Yuya." Yuri chuckled. "Do you want a napkin?"
Yuya giggled and wiped the whipped cream off his nose before eating it. "Yummy."
The rest of his family laughed seeing that before Zarc suddenly paused. "Yuri, Yugo, Yuto, Yuya?"
The four of them blinked before turning to their father only to gasp when they saw him holding four cards.
"Dad… are those…" Yugo started in disbelief.
"They are, I want you four to have them. They were my family before I met your mother and grandfather and now, I want you all to have them." Zarc said quietly.
The four boys looked shocked before they slowly nodded as they each took one of the cards and hugged him.
"We'll take super good care of them dad." Yugo whispered looking at Clear Wing Synchro Dragon.
"He's right." Yuto agreed as he looked at the Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon.
"Starve Venom is the strongest, so I'll use him to keep everybody safe." Yuri mentioned looking at Starve Venom Fusion Dragon.
Yuya looked at the Odd-Eyes Dragon before hugging it close to his heart. "Thank you so much daddy."
"You're welcome Yuya… you're all welcome." Zarc smiled hugging the four of them.
They all hugged him back.
"Why don't you all put the dragons somewhere safe and then we can head downstairs to open presents." Ray suggested. "Last time I checked we have a lot this year."
"That sounds like a good idea." Leo smiled. "We'll head down and when the dragons are safe you can come and sit with us."
Yuri, Yugo, Yuto, and Yuya all nodded before heading up to their rooms as everyone else walked downstairs to open the Christmas presents.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Well since the boys got their first presents a bit early why don't we start with this one?' Ray suggested picking out a present. "It's for Reiji from Yuya and Yuzu."
Reiji blinked before taking the present. "Thank you very much."
"You're welcome uncle Reiji." Yuzu smiled.
"We hope you like it." Yuya added as Reiji opened the present revealing a red scarf.
"This…" Reiji started before smiling and putting it on. "It's great, thank you both."
"You're welcome uncle Reiji." Yuzu smiled hugging him.
Ray smiled seeing that before pausing. "Oh, it looks like the next one is for you dad."
"For me?" Leo asked curiously taking the gift from her. "Thank you Zarc."
"You're welcome, I hope you like it." Zarc mentioned calmly.
"I'm sure I will." Leo smiled gently before opening the gift revealing a new tablet causing his eyes to widen in shock. "Zarc, this is incredible."
"You mentioned your tablet was starting to slow down and I thought a new one could help with your research." Zarc explained.
"It definitely will, thank you very much Zarc." Leo smiled.
"You got grandpa a good present daddy." Yuya giggled happily.
Zarc smiled. "I guess I did Yuya."
"Speaking of which, this next one is really special Yuya." Ray smiled. "It's from all three of your big brothers."
Yuya's eyes widened in excitement hearing that while Yuto swallowed nervously.
"I… I hope you like it Yuya." Yuto mentioned nervously.
Yuya smiled as he opened it only to reveal a box with a blue necklace in it. "Huh, what's this big brother?"
"It's called a Pendulum, and you can wear it around your neck, so you always remember that whenever something sad happens there's always going to be happy things coming too." Yuri explained. "If you feel sad you'll feel happy again."
Yuya's eyes widened before he ran over and hugged his brothers. "Thank you so much, I love it!"
The three of them smiled before embracing Yuya in a big hug.
"Merry Christmas little brother." Yuto whispered gently.
The rest of the family smiled gently seeing that.
"Did anybody get a present from Santa this year?" Leo asked with a smile.
Ray looked at the pile of gifts before smiling gently. "It looks like this one might be, it's from Santa for you Reiji."
"For me?" Reiji asked as Ray handed him the gift. "What is it?"
"You'll have to open it so we can find out Reiji." Himika mentioned rubbing her stomach.
He nodded at that before opening the gift only to take out a new Duel Disk.
"Wow." Yuya and Yuzu whispered in awe.
"This… it's incredible, thank you Santa." Reiji smiled looking at it before carefully putting it back in the box. "I'll take good care of it.'
Leo smiled at that before glancing at Ray who nodded and took out four small boxes.
"Girls?" she asked looking at Serena, Rin, Ruri, and Yuzu. "You all have to open these at the same time ok? They're from me, and grandpa."
Yuzu smiled at that before hugging Leo. "Thank you grandpa."
"You're welcome Yuzu, merry Christmas." Leo smiled hugging her back before the four girls opened their gifts revealing bracelets.
"Wow, this… it's beautiful, thank you so much." Rin whispered seeing hers.
"She's right, they're incredible." Serena nodded in agreement only for Yuzu to frown.
"Mommy it's too big." Yuzu frowned.
Ray walked over and hugged her. "It's ok, once all the presents are opened, I can help you wear it like a necklace until you get bigger ok?"
"Ok." Yuzu nodded hugging her with a smile.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After the last of the presents had been opened and everything had been put away the family went back up to the living room while Ray and Yuzu walked up to Yuzu and Yuya's room.
"Did everyone like their gifts?" Leo asked with a smile.
"Yeah!" Yuya answered excitedly. "They were really good."
"Yuya has a point, they were all great gifts this year." Rin smiled before stretching. "But there's still a lot more to do before Christmas is over this year."
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking Rin?" Yuri inquired with a playful smirk. "Boys against girls again?"
"Why not a free for all?" Yuto suggested. "Those are more fun right?"
"That's true." Himika chuckled. "When Yuzu gets back with Ray why don't you all go outside and play while we work on dinner and some more hot chocolate to warm you up."
"Ok grandma, thank you." Yuya smiled happily just as Ray and Yuzu came down with Yuzu wearing her bracelet as a necklace around her neck.
"What were you all talking about?" Ray inquired curiously.
"We were going to have a snowball fight, the nine of us having a free for all match before dinner." Serena answered only to pause. "Or… I could help you and grandma make dinner for everyone if you want."
"Don't worry about that, we can handle it Serena." Himika mentioned. "You go outside and have fun with your uncle and younger siblings."
"Well, if you're sure." Serena relented before smiling as the kids all went out to the front yard for their snowball fight.
"They look so happy." Leo smiled softly. "Do you ladies need any help with the cooking?"
"I think we can handle it dad." Ray mentioned before turning to Himika. "Right?"
"Ray's right." Himika nodded. "You can leave the cooking to us."
"Probably a good idea." Zarc chuckled. "I'm a bit of a mess in the kitchen."
Ray couldn't help but laugh at that. "True, you should probably stay out of the kitchen Zarc."
"In that case we'll leave it to you two." Leo chuckled himself. "We'll keep an eye on the kids."
"That sounds like a good idea." Himika nodded calmly.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Oh… do we have to mess up the dragons?" Yuya asked suddenly. "We used a lot of snow to build them."
"That's a good point." Rin agreed before pausing. "What if we took a picture first?"
"I think there's a camera in our room Yuri, could you grab it?' Serena asked him.
"Sure, give me a minute." Yuri smiled walking back to the house.
"Yuri, weren't you all having a snowball fight?' Leo asked curiously.
"Yeah, but Rin suggested we take a picture of the snow dragons before we start." he explained. "I was getting the camera for that."
"Oh, I can grab that for you." Zarc smiled. "It's still in your closet from our trip to the beach isn't it?"
"It should be." Yuri nodded. "Thanks dad."
Zarc nodded before walking in as Yuri walked back.
"Big brother, did you forget the camera?' Yuzu asked curiously.
"No, dad offered to get it for us." Yuri explained only to gasp as a snowball hit the back of his head. "Who did that?'
Ruri smiled mischievously. "Sorry big brother, I couldn't resist."
"You're evil big sis." Yuya giggled. "Big bro's going to get you for that."
"Maybe, but it was worth it." Ruri smiled happily as Zarc walked over to them with the camera.
"How do you guys want to take the pictures? Everybody with the dragon they built?' he asked.
The eight of them nodded before going to stand with the snow dragons so Zarc could take the four pictures.
"Do you like them daddy?" Yuzu asked once he'd taken the last picture.
"I love them Yuzu." Zarc smiled gently kissing her forehead. "Now, why don't you all have fun in the snow with your uncle Reiji?"
She giggled at that before nodding only to suddenly shiver as a snowball hit her in the back.
"I got you little sis." Yugo grinned happily only to gasp as a snowball hit him in the side of the head.
"And I got you big brother." Yuya giggled before Yuzu smiled and ran to join the fun.
Zarc gently shook his head before walking over to Leo. "This is the part of Christmas I love the most you know.'
"I feel the same way." Leo nodded. "Spending time with the family, having a lot of fun, and soon a delicious meal. It's just perfect.'
Zarc nodded at that as he watched the nine kids run around and play in the snow.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ray smiled as she put in a pie to bake before looking out a window to see her kids and half-brother playing together in the snow. "Himika?"
"I know Ray, I feel the same way. Then again maybe having it be for special occasions makes it mean more." Himika admitted only to wince and put a hand on her stomach.
"Reira's kicking?" Ray guessed with a smile.
"Yes." Himika nodded before sighing. "Can I be honest with you though; I don't fully feel like Reiji and I are part of this family."
"What?" Ray asked in shock. "Why would you feel like that, of course you're a part of the family."
"I know, and I appreciate you saying that." Himika mentioned only to smile softly. "Your kids certainly get along with Reiji… but you and Zarc already had four kids with two more on the way when I met your father."
Ray frowned hearing that before gently embracing her. "That's true, I was pregnant with Yuto and Ruri but do you remember what Yugo said when he first met you?"
"He asked if I could help him ride his bicycle." Himika recalled. "It was our first meeting and he asked me instead of you or Zarc."
"Do you know why he did that, it's because he knew you were his grandma even back then." Ray smiled. "They all loved you from the start Himika, we all do."
"Ray… thank you." Himika whispered quietly.
Ray just hugged her for a few more moments before smiling. "I should be able to handle the rest; do you want to go out and spend some time with your son and grandkids?"
"Maybe after we eat." Himika answered. "There's still a lot to do Ray."
Ray chuckled at that. "True, we do."
The two of them exchanged a smile before getting back to work.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Big brother behind you!" Yuya cried seconds before three snowballs hit Yugo in the back of the head.
"Who did that?" Yugo questioned turning around with a snowball in his hand only to see Rin, Yuzu, and Yuto all smiling at him. "Oh… you three are going to get it now."
Yuzu giggled happily running before Yugo threw a snowball at her back causing her to fall face first into the snow.
"Oh no, Yuzu are you ok?" Yugo asked running over to her only for Yuzu to get up and shake her head.
"I'm ok big brother." Yuzu smiled hugging him. "I'm having fun."
"Well, as long as you're ok." Yugo smiled hugging her back before whispering. "Want to get big bro Yuri and big sis Serena?"
Her eyes widened and Yuzu nodded excitedly. "Ok big brother."
Yugo grinned. "Ok, here's the plan. I'll run over and get their attention before bringing them back here, you have to make sure you have two snowballs ready and as soon as I dive to the ground throw them ok?"
Yuzu giggled happily and nodded before kneeling down to make the snowballs as Yugo ran over to Yuri and Serena before throwing a snowball near their heads.
"What the?" Yuri questioned as they turned. "Was that really a good idea little brother?"
"Maybe…" Yugo started before starting to run across the yard.
"Truce Yuri?" Serena asked with a smirk.
"Truce." Yuri agreed as they ran after their younger brother while Yuya threw a snowball at Reiji hitting him in the chest while Rin and Ruri hit Yuto from both sides.
'Come on Yuzu, I can't outrun them for long.' Yugo thought nervously only to notice she had two snowballs hidden behind her back. 'Perfect, this is going to be so much fun.'
"Nowhere left to run little brother." Serena smirked as she and Yuri chased Yugo towards Yuzu only for him to suddenly dive into the snow.
"Now Yuzu!" Yugo cried moments before he got hit by two snowballs and heard Yuzu giggling. "What happened to our plan?"
"Sisters stick together, right Yuzu?" Serena asked walking over and high fiving her.
"Yeah big sis, we got him." Yuzu giggled happily hugging her. "You're super smart."
Yuri chuckled at that. "You're an evil little girl Yuzu, I might have to work with you myself sometime."
"Oh, I had an idea everybody." Ruri mentioned as the others walked over. "Why don't we all make snow angels?"
"That sounds like fun." Yuya smiled. "Can they hold hands big sis?"
"Of course they can." Rin smiled back hugging him. "Do you want to make one too uncle Reiji?"
Reiji blinked at that before nodding. "Ok, it could be fun."
"Yay." Yuya giggled as the nine of them laid down in the snow to make their snow angels before they all got up. "They look really cool."
"Yeah, they… they…" Yuto started before sneezing. "It's cold."
"Yeah, it really is." Yuri agreed. "Why don't we go inside and warm up you guys?"
"If it means more delicious hot chocolate, I'm ok with doing that." Rin smiled.
Everyone nodded at that before running over to Leo and Zarc.
"Did you guys have fun playing in the snow?" Zarc asked with a smile.
"They're definitely shivering a bit." Leo chuckled. "Let's go inside and get you all warmed up."
"That sounds like aa good idea." Zarc nodded as they all went back into the house.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Cold… it's really cold." Yuzu shivered.
"I know what you mean." Yugo agreed before sneezing. "But it was fun right?"
"Yeah it was." Yuya smiled as Himika walked over with cups of hot chocolate.
"I think you all need some of this, dinner is almost ready." Himika mentioned giving the nine kids their cups of hot chocolate.
"Thank you grandma." Ruri smiled before taking a sip. "It's yummy and warm."
"Yeah, and it tastes super chocolatey too." Rin agreed.
"Just don't fill up on hot chocolate, we have a great dinner planned." Himika smiled gently.
"But grandma, it's yummy." Yuzu frowned.
"Grandma just doesn't want your tummy to get full before dinner." Yuto told her. "Can you promise to save room?"
"I promise." Yuzu smiled only to take a huge sip of her hot chocolate and lick her lips. "Yummy, hot chocolate's the best thing ever."
"Himika, could you come into the kitchen, we're just about ready to set the table for dinner." Zarc called.
"I'll be right there." Himika mentioned calmly before looking at the kids and gently shaking her head. "Oh well, it's Christmas so worst case we'll have plenty of delicious leftovers for the next few days."
"Yeah, like at Thanksgiving, right grandma?" Yugo asked with a smile.
Himika chuckled at that. "Yes, just like at Thanksgiving."
With that she walked into the kitchen to help Ray and Zarc set the table.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Wow mom, it looks amazing." Rin smiled before looking down sadly.
"Rin, what's wrong?" Zarc asked noticing that. "Are you ok?"
Rin shook her head. "I should have helped mom make dinner so she didn't have to do everything by herself."
"Oh Rin." Ray smiled before hugging her. "That's sweet of you but I was ok, and you can help next time ok?"
Rin hugged her back. "Ok… I. promise I'll help next time for sure."
"I'm looking forward to it already." Ray told her kissing Rin's forehead.
Leo smiled softly seeing that before Reiji walked over to him with an uncertain look on his face.
"Dad?" Reiji asked hesitantly. "Can… can I sit with you while we eat?"
Leo stared at his son before smiling. "Of course you can Reiji. Do you want to sit between me and your big sister?"
Reiji looked down before nodding. "Yes please."
Suddenly Ray picked him up causing Reiji's eyes to widen.
"You just had to ask little brother, of course dad and I can sit next to you." she told him.
"Thank you, but can you please put me down big sis?" Reiji requested blushing slightly.
Ray chuckled putting him down as everyone took their seats at the table.
"Big brother can I have the Rudolph plate?" Yuya asked looking at Yuri. "He's my favorite."
"I don't know, should I…" Yuri started thoughtfully before smiling and switching their plates. "Never say I'm not nice to you ok Yuya?"
Yuya giggled. "You're the nicest big brother."
"Yuri's nicer than Yuto and Yugo?" Serena asked curiously.
Yuya immediately shook his head. "No, they're all the nicest."
"Well we think you're the nicest little brother too Yuya." Yuto told him causing Yuya to smile happily.
Suddenly Yuzu giggled and put a bite of sweet potatoes in Yuya's mouth.
"I think that's the sign we should start eating." Ray chuckled.
"Agreed." Zarc smiled calmly.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Everything tasted amazing mom." Rin smiled while helping her, Himika, and Serena clean the dishes.
"Thank you Rin." Ray told her with a smile. "I'm glad you liked it."
"Your food is always wonderful Ray." Himika smiled only to chuckle. "Of course I'm already looking forward to next year when Rin gets to help cook dinner."
"That's true, if you help mom I know it'll be even better." Serena told her younger sister.
Rin blushed slightly. "I'm not that good big sis, and mom will have to do a lot even if I help."
Ray gently knelt down and hugged her. "You'll be a huge help Rin, I'm sure of it."
Rin smiled and hugged her seconds before Yuya ran into the kitchen. "Mommy, grandma, big sister!"
"Huh, what is it Yuya?" Himika asked curiously. "Is everything ok, I thought you were outside playing with the others."
"We are, but daddy says we can build a really big snowman together and I wanted to build it with you too." Yuya explained. "Can you help build it, please?"
"Well, we were in the middle of cleaning up from dinner, but I think we can take a break to build a snowman." Ray smiled to her youngest son. "Just give us a few minutes to get ready ok?"
Yuya giggled happily. "Ok mommy, I'll tell everybody you'll help. We'll make the best snowman ever!"
Ray chuckled at that as Yuya ran outside.
"We made those snow dragons, but it isn't Christmas without a big snowman." Serena smiled.
"You have a point." Himika smiled putting one more plate into the dishwasher. "I suppose we can take a short break."
Ray, Rin, and Serena all nodded in agreement at that before walking out of the kitchen.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Are they coming Yuya?" Yuto asked curiously.
"They have to, we're building the snowman as a family." Yugo pointed out. "Right Yuya?"
Yuya smiled happily at that. "Yeah, they're coming outside to help big brother."
Reiji looked down uncertainly hearing that.
"Uncle Reiji, what's wrong?" Ruri asked walking over to him. "Aren't you happy to build a snowman with everybody?"
"I am but… I'm worried about mom and Reira." Reiji admitted.
"Oh Reiji." Zarc chuckled kneeling down next to him. "Himika's a strong woman and she knows what she can and can't do right now."
"Daddy's right, and grandma can help with the bigger snowballs. That way she doesn't have to bend over a lot." Ruri mentioned.
"She's right." Yuri agreed just as Ray, Himika, Rin, and Serena walked out of the house.
"You haven't started making the snowman?" Ray asked curiously.
"We were waiting for you mommy." Yuya giggled happily.
"Oh really?" Ray asked before chuckling. "Well, I'm here now so we can get started."
"We need a big snowball for the head, and a bigger one for the body." Yugo smiled. "Yuya, Yuzu, Reiji, Rin, Yuto, Ruri and I can make the head together."
"That leaves the rest of us to make the body." Zarc mentioned. "If we all work together, we'll make a great snowman."
"Mom… are you sure you can help?" Reiji asked Himika nervously. "The doctor said you're not supposed to overdo it right?'
She smiled gently hearing that. "I'll be ok Reiji, don't worry. I can't do quite as much as you and your father, but I can help a little bit."
"Ok, but tell somebody if you don't feel good ok?" Reiji asked her.
"I promise, I'll tell you and daddy." Himika smiled gently.
Reiji nodded before walking back to help the younger children make the snowman's head while Yuri, Serena and the adults worked on the snowman's body.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Wow." Yuzu smiled staring at the snowman they built. "It's so big."
"That's true, but we're not done yet." Yuri smiled. "He still needs eyes, a mouth, a carrot nose, and a scarf and hat."
Hearing that Reiji looked at the scarf Yuya and Yuzu got him before smiling. "Can we use this one big sis?"
Ray smiled. "Of course, that's very nice of you Reiji."
He smiled and handed the scarf to Himika who put it around the snowman's neck as Zarc walked out of the house with some spare buttons and a big carrot.
"Will he have a big smile daddy?" Ruri asked seeing them.
"Of course he will, do you want to give the snowman his eyes and smile Ruri?" Zarc asked causing Ruri's eyes to light up as she smiled excitedly. "Then give the snowman a big smile."
Ruri nodded as Zarc picked her up and she put the buttons on the snowman giving him two eyes and a big smile.
"It looks really good big sis." Yuya smiled happily.
"All he needs now is this." Leo mentioned putting a hat on the snowman's head before stepping back. "He looks perfect."
"He definitely does." Ray smiled looking at the snowman. "Everyone did an amazing job."
The nine children all smiled hearing that.
"Well, it's been an amazing day but I think the three of us should be heading home." Himika mentioned. "Does everyone want one more family photo before we leave?"
"Can we mommy?" Yuzu asked.
"Of course, it'll be nice to have a family photo to remember this wonderful Christmas." Ray smiled. "Can you get the camera Zarc?"
He nodded and walked back into the house.
"Big sis?" Reiji asked her. "Can the snowman keep the scarf until New Years'?"
"Until… you mean you'll come visit us for New Year's too uncle Reiji?" Yuya asked hopefully.
"I hope so, is that ok?" Reiji asked Ray.
"Of course it is, you're always welcome to come and see us with your mom and dad." Ray smiled hugging him.
"She's right, and I was actually thinking we could all spend New Year's Eve together this year." Himika agreed as Zarc walked out with the camera.
"Alright everyone, get together." he smiled. "I'll take the picture."
"Huh, but you won't get to be in the picture daddy." Ruri frowned.
"It's ok Ruri, he can be in the picture we take on New Year's Eve." Ray smiled gently.
"Ok." Ruri nodded with a smile.
"Alright everyone, get close for the picture." Leo smiled as the family all gathered together in front of the snowman.
"Is everyone comfortable?" Serena asked.
"Yes big sis." Yuzu smiled.
"Alright, everybody say cheese." Zarc smiled.
"Cheese!" the nine kids, Leo, Himika, and Ray said together as they smiled and Zarc took the picture. "it looked great."
"Well, it's starting to get late so we should head home." Leo admitted. "Thank you again for inviting us Ray."
"Of course, you're always welcome." she smiled before kneeling down to Reiji. "I'll see you for New Year's little brother, and we'll keep your scarf safe too."
Reiji smiled hearing that and hugged her. "Thank you big sis, I love you."
"I love you too." Ray smiled hugging him back before Reiji, Himika, and Leo got into their car and drove off.
"Did you all have a nice Christmas?" Zarc asked his children.
"Yeah, it was super fun and I loved seeing grandma and grandpa and uncle Reiji." Yuya smiled excitedly.
"Yuya's right, it was an amazing Christmas." Yugo agreed with a smile.
"Well we should all go in and head to bed. Goodnight." Ray smile softly as she hugged her children.
"Good night mommy, and merry Christmas." the eight of them said together before going inside.
(Unfortunately, I've been having a fairly bad case of writer's block as of late and it has made typing my other fanfictions difficult. That being said though I don't plan on canceling any of my current fics and hopefully will be able to post more chapters and one-shots in the future. See you in the next one, and a Merry Christmas to you all.)