Adventures of the Chestnut Clan
Chapter 7: Christmas Duty
Thick snowflakes poured down onto Satan City as if the sky itself had opened its floodgate, painting the dirty gray setting a beautiful shade of pure white that shinned in the darkness long after the sun had set. Aside from the blanket of ice crystals covering the landscape, fancy decorations ranging from large artificial pine trees to strings of blinking lights had also sprung up alongside many storefronts, further giving the place an otherworldly appearance.
Naturally, this attractive scenery didn't go unnoticed by the many pedestrians leisurely strolling about the streets, as couples and families all wearing merry smiles could be seem checking out the fancy ornaments and discussing amongst themselves which activities to indulge in. Even those few lonesome souls were clearly having a blast, no doubt immersing themselves in the jolly atmosphere.
Blinded by the dazzling environment, few paid any attention to the unassuming patrol car parked inside an alleyway right by a major intersection.
Krillin sipped on the cheap coffee he had bought from a nearby vending machine while watching over the crowd like a concerned caretaker. The sight of worry-free citizens unaffected by extraterrestrial crisis brought a smile to his face and provided the otherwise shivering officer a source of warmth, a feeling of companionship that was strangely absent seeing even his partner had taken the night off on Christmas Eve, leaving the seat beside him vacant.
"Mama papa! Look at that dress! Can I have it for my Christmas present?"
The voice came from a black-haired girl gawking through a store window. Despite not sharing the same hair color, Krillin still couldn't help but to picture his daughter standing there jumping up and down excitedly, begging her parents to let her have the dress. It was a scenario every purse holder feared but for the family man turned police, he could only dreamed of accompanying his two lovely girls on a holiday shopping spree at this very moment. Based on his own experience as a father, he knew the look of someone about to give in to a child's pleas and true to his prediction; the parents shared a defeated glance then nodded yes.
Well I don't blame you two for caving in! It's not like me and Eighteen could resist our little Marron asking for a new dress either...
The little girl yelled in joy then sprinted toward the entrance but before she could reach for the door, she let out a terrified yelp as she had slipped on the frozen ice.
Krillin watched in horror at the girl sliding toward the road where the busy traffics were. The many vehicles started frantically dodging left and right with their headlights dancing all over the place but the officer could tell there was no way for them to keep it up forever nor could the parents reach their kid in time and so he sprang into action. In the time it took for an eye to blink, the former martial artist had made his way across the street and scooped the frightened child into his arms just as an incoming truck was about to collide with her small frame.
"T-thank you officer!" the mother reached for her daughter and held the child in her arms protectively.
"Hey no sweat, it's what I'm here for!" Krillin said swiping off cold sweats from his forehead.
"No really thank you officer, you are too modest!" the father chimed in and shook his hand.
"Yeah thank you mister!" the girl who had been crying stopped and waved at her savior.
"Okay kiddo, be more careful next time okay?"
"Okay!"
Giving the grateful family one final wave, Krillin made his way back across the street amidst cheers from onlookers.
Oh, the things I'd do just to keep these people happy...
Perhaps affected the family tragedy he had just prevented, Krillin turned his glance to the photo resting on the dashboard bearing two of the most important people in his life. The proud father and husband's expression gradually changed from that of longing to glee as he recalled that very scene which had occurred shortly after they had moved into Satan City.
"Wait a minute Marron, you can't go out now!"
Krillin heard an uncharacteristic scream coming from his wife and turned around just in time to see her dashing out of their new apartment. Intrigued and concerned, he made his way outside and immediately knew why. Little Marron was running around their snowy backyard in nothing but a thin t-shirt, pants, and sandals, completely disregarding the freezing temperature as she was too excited seeing snow for the first time.
"Marron, come back here!" Eighteen yelled again as she leapt toward her daughter but missed as the little girl had evaded her mother's lunge at the last second.
"Yay!" Catch me if you can mama!" Marron squealed gleefully.
"I'm not playing games young lady! Come here and put on your jacket before you catch cold!"
"But I like the cold mama! And I'll catch it and show it to you!"
"No that's not what I meant Marron!"
Krillin watched the adorable scene of his wife chasing after his insufficiently dressed daughter. While the father feared for his offspring's health, he also found his usually stoic wife showing that much emotion to be rather priceless so he took out a camera and aimed it at the two lovable blondes.
His timing was rather impeccable too as Marron, who was previously running circles leaving tiny footprints on the snow, had climbed up the fences of their yard. Krillin felt his heart almost stopped wondering what the little girl could be planning. Looking at Eighteen, the mother appeared as if she was about to suffer from a heart attack too, especially when their daughter gave her a mischievous look before diving toward the frozen ground, clearly intending on making good of her words of catching cold.
Eighteen's face became deathly serious and in a burst of speed that caused the piles of snow behind her to fly everywhere, the cyborg woman had positioned herself between her daughter and the ground. Holding the little girl in her arms, the mother covered in frozen particles checked her squealing offspring to make sure she wasn't hurt then put the small jacket onto Marron's body.
"Mama?" Marron wondered studying her mother's worry-sick face.
"Don't do that again Marron! You can end up very sick you hear?" Eighteen admonished staring at her daughter intensely.
The little girl seemed to have noticed her mother's worries and nodded. "Okay mama! Sorry but I want to feel what it's like to bury myself in snow!"
"Trust me Marron, you don't want to do that! It's too cold for you." The older blonde gave her daughter a kiss on her cheeks, not knowing her husband had snapped a picture of her covered in winter's elements embracing their little girl in her arms.
Do you have any idea how often I think of you saving our daughter when I help out others Eighteen...?
Krillin's rich hazel eyes were still glued onto the photo when a loud static rang through the patrol vehicle, shaking him from his brief reminiscing.
"Officers be advised there's a report of a possible break-in at the still renovating Satan Mall and that a suspicious black van was spotted parked at its entrance."
And just when I was beginning to wonder if any criminal would be so bold to disturb this peaceful night...
"Copy that! I'll be heading over to check it out!" Krillin responded before steering his patrol vehicle toward the crime scene.
Eighteen gripped tightly onto a ladder currently in use by an overly energetic Marron. The little imp, as the mother sometimes loved to call her, was putting all sorts of decorations onto their Christmas tree by the living room and would make small dances that caused the ladder to swing side to side. As much as the mother loved seeing the look of joy on her daughter's face, there was also no denying sometimes it could be rather nerve wrecking accompanying the younger blonde on the journey of discovering many aspects of her young life.
"Yay! I'm done here mama!" Marron announced loudly after putting a shiny golden star on top of the tree. She then turned around and gave her parent an excited look. "Catch me mama!"
Eighteen's eyes opened wide but still extended her arms dutifully. She watched with anticipation as Marron swung her arms back and forth as if imitating competitive divers about to jump off diving platforms.
The mother and daughter's equally ocean colored eyes briefly met, giving the girl the confidence needed to leap into the pair of waiting arms that took her in for a tight embrace.
"You really need to be more careful Marron! Why can't you just use the ladder like an ordinary girl?" Eighteen asked holding onto her little girl tightly. Although there was literally no chance of a super human such as herself not catching her daughter, the mere thought of an accident still scared her.
Marron merely gave her a radiant smile. "Cause I know I have you mama!"
The cyborg mother shook her head. "Yes young one, but one day I may not be here and you need to learn how to look after yourself, and that includes avoiding unnecessary risks."
Marron paused to ponder her mom's statement for a few seconds then gave her grin much like the one sported by her father. "I know, that's why I'm practicing how to jump from high places!"
Eighteen's only response was to ruffle her daughter's blonde strands.
"Aww mama!"
"That's what you get for being cheeky in front of your mother Marron! Now what do you say we do something less risky like playing some board games?"
Just say yes Marron, I would like to spend a few moments not worrying about your safety...
"Actually mommy," Marron began somewhat hesitant.
"Yes little one?" Eighteen feared what she might say next but kept her patience up.
"Can I go outside and play in the snow? It looks so nice outside!" The little girl looked at her mother with hopeful eyes.
Eighteen stared at the adorable aquamarine orbs that made saying no to near impossible, so instead she walked toward the windows carrying her daughter and thankfully was greeted with the sight of a rather spectacular snowfall.
"I don't think you want to go outside Marron, it might be too cold." She stated while stroking her daughter's soft corn-silk hair.
"Really mama? Then why is it that daddy's still outside?"
The cyborg woman could only let out a deep sigh at the unexpected yet perfectly logical question. Part of her wondered why Krillin would agree to take a Christmas Eve shift but her husband simply told her someone had to be on duty just to keep everyone safe. Although her daughter might be too young to understand concepts such as duty, Eighteen still thought hard trying to come up with a good explanation.
"Mommy?" Marron asked looking puzzled.
"Sorry Marron, but your father's different. He's not out there playing in the snow; it's his job to be out working tonight." Eighteen said.
The blonde girl furrowed her eyebrows. "But wouldn't daddy catch cold this way mommy? Is daddy's job worth him getting sick?"
"Yes Marron he might get cold and no, no job is worth your father sacrificing his health," Eighteen admitted, her mouth thinned into a displeased single line. "But he just has to do it Marron, not all people have the luxury of staying at home during Christmas and your father's one of them," she paused not sure what to say next in front of her increasingly discontent child.
Marron pouted her lips. "Well in that case I want to be out with daddy!"
The cyborg woman shook her head resolutely. "I'm afraid you can't do that young lady. It's your job to stay at home, grow up properly, and not get sick. You don't want to worry your father at work do you?"
Marron stared at her mother's no-nonsense glare and lowered her head. "Yes mommy. Sorry to get you angry mommy. I just want to help out daddy."
"It's okay Marron, I know how you feel, mother also want to be out with your father too."
The little girl nodded in agreement.
Eighteen sat Marron on the living room couch and brought a thick blanket over their bodies. The two Chestnut girls peered out into the frozen suburban scenery and felt their bodies shiver just by looking at the pure white landscape.
"Mama, when will daddy's job end? Does he have to work tomorrow?" Little Marron moved closer against her mother's body basking in her warmth.
"Around six in the morning sweetie and no, daddy doesn't have to work for the remainder of the holiday."
Marron frowned again. "That's still very long mama."
"I know..." Eighteen answered quietly trying to mask the swaying in her voice. Little did her young daughter knew the older blonde was seriously contemplating on discarding her own advice and head out to see her father.
Is there anything I can do for my Kril right now other than just sitting here? I can't arrest criminals since I'm no cop nor can I issue tickets for that matter...
Marron seemed to have picked up on her mother's mood and stared at her expectedly. The two agitated females shared a look and both broke into smiles and giggles.
"Tell you what Marron? Why don't we bring some food to your father? We can stay in his office tonight until six tomorrow and then we'll come home together. How does that sound?" Eighteen finally said after no longer about to hide her emotions.
Her little girl could only giggle louder at her mom's changing heart. "But didn't you say it's our job to stay at home and wait for him mama?"
The cyborg mother shot her offspring a knowing glance. "Yes, but it's also my job as your father's wife to look after his health don't you agree?"
"YES!" Marron shouted gleefully and shot up from the couch, already bolting for door even whilst her voice was still resonating throughout the house.
She didn't even made it halfway through the living room before a firm hand clasped around her shoulder.
"Mama?"
"Before we go, I need to make sure you are dressed properly young lady. Now hold still so we can leave for the police station soon."
Taking out a fur coat, the concerned mother put the heavy clothing on her daughter's small frame then followed it up by wrapping a scarf around her neck. It wasn't until almost every inch of little Marron's body was covered by thick garment did Eighteen stood back to admire her handy work.
"Mama...I'm feeling very hot here!" The blonde girl complained with semi-muffled voice and tried to take off her fur hat but was stopped by her mom.
"You won't be feeling so hot once we head outside Marron, now wait for me as I pack up some food okay dear?"
"Okay mama!"
Several minutes later and the two heavily dressed blondes existed their comfortable suburban home for the busy downtown area, their near identical jewel-like eyes shinned in the darkness, ready to bring some nutritious supply to the abscent member of their family.
Krillin parked his car a few blocks from the pitch-dark Satan Mall and surveyed his surroundings. Despite the night being Christmas Eve, the festive atmosphere evidently hadn't extended to this side of town, which looked more like a haunted construction site and suited for another season.
"This is Officer Krillin. I have arrived at Satan Mall, proceeding to investigate the crime scene. There's no need for reinforcement at the moment." Krillin announced through the radio and existed the warm confines of his patrol vehicle. Almost immediately, he felt goosebumps stood up on his skin and quickly put up a thin layer of ki to ward off the freezing elements.
Well, there's no turning back from your job regardless of the weather Krillin. Just think of all the troubles you can prevent in the future by stopping these criminals now. Yeah you can do it!
The warrior turned officer stealthily made his way toward the pitch-dark mall, his keen life energy sensor on full alert. In no time, the experienced fighter had pin pointed three weak energy signals with two inside the structure and one outside.
Krillin approached the lookout's energy signal and found him sitting inside the black van scanning around nervously. The guy was obviously not enjoying his task, as his arms were clasped tightly around his shivering body and white misty fogs kept on escaping his mouth.
Poor guy, why would you pick today to rob the mall if it's so cold? Ah well I'll make it quick...
Without making a sound, he reached for the door handle and with a hard pull; he had opened the door and proceeded to knock out the criminal before the thug realized what had happened. As a final precaution, the officer cuffed the out-cold man against the steering wheel, not forgetting to give the unconscious robber a dosage of ki to keep him warm.
Tracking down the remaining criminals would prove to be far more difficult as the small statured policeman had to navigate through the unlit mall interior that felt like a maze even after his sharp eyes had adjusted to the darkness. Through painstakingly treading across the labyrinth of shops though, Krillin was eventually able to find visible traces of the criminals as flashlights danced inside a broken into shop not far ahead of him. The two robbers seemed to be too preoccupied with stuffing their bags with loots and to the officer; they resembled two clumsy Santa Clauses doing the exact opposite of handing out gifts.
Gingerly, Krillin began making his way toward the thieves trying not to startle them but while he had his attention trained on the his target, the former warrior monk failed to account for the shards of broken glass on the ground and accidentally stepped on one of them, resulting in a quiet but audible snap that travelled across the quiet space like an alarm.
"Hey you hear that? I think someone's here with us!" One of the robbers shouted.
Oh well, so much for trying to knock them out silently. Guess I have to announce my presence...
"Freeze! This is Officer Krillin from Satan Police Department. Surrender peacefully and no one will get hurt!" Krillin shouted, his voice imbued with decades of combat experience and came out akin to a general ordering his man to stand down.
"O-officer Krillin? That Krillin? By kami why does it have to be him?"
"No shit man! Let's get the hell outta here!"
The two criminals began making a mad dash toward a nearby stairs with bags of loot slung across their shoulder. As they retreated, the duo knocked over countless merchandises and created a chaotic scheme that forced Krillin to slow down his pace. In their panicked state, instead of going down, they headed up the mall and before long were standing at the balcony.
"Stop you two, it's not too late to come with me peacefully! I'll even drop the resist arrest charge so just make it easy for all of us!" Krillin ordered trying to come across as a guardian lecturing disobedient kids.
Looking at the pair of robbers, he could tell they were about to pass out from exhaustion, their breath labored and large beads of sweats were visible on their exposed skin. In comparison, the seasoned fighter was surprised to find his own body feeling somewhat rejuvenated from the small exercise.
Wow, I've been comparing myself to Goku and Vegeta for so long I forgot just how fit I am compared to the average human, and I'm not even near my physical peak now...
"Very funny officer, but there's no way we are going to jail during Christmas!"
The two slowly backed away from their pursuer, not realizing they were approaching the railing. Krillin saw the impending danger too and tried to warn them but the pair was too worked up to listen. Suddenly, a scream of terror filled the balcony as one of the robbers had accidentally fell off the building. In his panic, the free fall man grabbed hold of his partner and ended up dragging him over the edge.
Luck for them, Krillin was there and managed to grasp their shirt before the two criminals had fallen more than one story.
"I-I don't believe it! You can actually fly! And I thought those were just rumors people spread to intimidate us." One of the criminals said.
"Whatever, I don't believe I'm spending this holiday behind bars." His partner spat.
"Hey, at least you guys are alive right? I guess that's your Christmas gift. Merry Christmas by the way!" Krillin admonished sternly.
Back at the police headquarter, Krillin had the trio of robbers locked up in temporary jails at the basement then carried the bags of stolen goods toward his office. The entire station was eerily quiet, with only him and an officer sitting at the front desk present and Krillin could only sigh at the lack of company now that the adrenaline from apprehending criminals began to die down.
"Well, guess this is going to be a long night then, in any case I'd better get to work. Got plenty of reports to write and stolen goods to file before my shift ends next morning." Krillin muttered to himself as he reached for the handle to his office and to his surprise, the door creaked opened without him having to insert the key.
Well that's odd. Just who could be inside my office? I sure hope it's not one of my angry superiors...
His fears quickly evaporated; however, as greeting him were the two most precious women in his life sitting on his desk.
"Daddy! You are finally here! I missed you so much!" Marron exclaimed and leapt at her father's midsection, almost knocking down the officer burdened with stolen merchandises.
"Marron? Shouldn't you be at home?" Krillin patted his little girl's head with his free hand.
"I know papa, but mommy and I want to keep you company!" The blonde girl chirped happily burying her face in her father's torso.
The father and daughter bonding reflected off the cyborg woman's tropical ocean orbs and she smiled, mentally applauding herself for reuniting these two cuties. The mother and wife knew just the right ingredient to make their reunion even better though, as she took out a paper bag filled with homemade cookies.
"Anyone hungry?" She announced gently and was greeted with two loud stomach growling that made her chuckle at their similarities.
The small family made themselves comfortable inside the even smaller office. Krillin was chewing on the cookies with Marron sitting on his laps also indulging on the sweets. Eighteen meanwhile had made herself comfortable sitting on the edge of the desk. Despite the record high snowfall right outside the window, the tiny space they shared felt much cozier and even a tad festive.
"W-wow, thanks sweetie! These are good!" Krillin complimented with his mouth full, his lips stained with melted chocolate.
"Glad you liked it Kril, me and Marron baked them this afternoon." Eighteen responded with a cookie in her hand, even if she hadn't eaten much and preferred to leave the food for her pure human family.
The father peered down at his daughter who in turn looked back at him with those adorable sapphire eyes. "Wow Marron, did you really helped mama baked these?"
The blonde girl nodded her head but didn't say a word, choosing instead to flash her father a radiant smile that made her puffed cheeks stuffed with food rounder than usual.
"Now aren't you a bright little kid? Soon you'll know how to take care of the entire family!" Krillin joked good-naturedly.
"By the way papa, are those Christmas presents?" Marron wondered after finishing her cookie, her innocent eyes studying the many weird shapes protruding from the bag as she tried picturing what kind of toys were there.
Krillin scratched his head but the corners of his lips were arched up as if proud of his accomplishment. "No little one, these are stolen goods daddy confiscated tonight. Sorry but these aren't for you."
Marron merely nodded at her father's words while Eighteen's cat-like glance lingered on the loot slightly longer but eventually decided to let whatever was on her mind drop.
Krillin spent the next several hours doing paper work accompanied by his two ladies. Although under normal circumstances, he'd be afraid of having them stay for so long, the law bidding officer decided to forget the rules this once seeing the station was more or less vacant, not to mention he was much more motivated with his pride and joy around.
Little Marron was trying to play her papa's personal secretary, handing him the required documents and even trying to feed her father food when his hands were too busy. The cyborg woman, never content to stay on the sideline, decided to make her family hot cocoa and soon delicious aroma filled the air. Amidst merry laughter, jokes, and chuckles, the little Chestnut gang felt as if their life had reverted back to the intimate simplicity of Kame island years.
At around midnight, Marron finally exhausted the last remains of her energy and Eighteen scooped her daughter off Krillin's laps. Before the blonde woman could pull away though, her husband managed to steal a kiss from her lip, earning him a vibrant blush and playful look from his spouse.
"Sorry for having to work during Christmas Eve babe, I'll try making it up to you later!" Krillin mouthed those words quietly trying not to waken their daughter.
Eighteen nodded and leaned against the frosted window with her darling girl in her arms. There, the cyborg woman got to keep both her beloved in her field of vision and for her, that much was enough for the time being.
Hours ticked by faster than the trio could've imagined and in no time it was six in the morning.
Getting off his chair, Krillin stretched his rigid limbs then turned to look at still wide-awake wife.
"I'm almost done here sweetie, I just need to wait for someone to come and claim his belongings then we are free to head home."
Eighteen raised an eyebrow at the news. "Oh? Should me and Marron wait for you by the car?"
Her spouse was just about to answer when there came a gentle knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Krillin asked.
"It's me, the owner of Satan Mall. I've came here to claim my stolen goods." The voice of an elderly man replied.
"Oh...uh..." Krillin sounded not sure what to do as he and Eighteen exchanged glances but their visitor had already opened the door.
Three pairs of eyes met and the intruder quickly realized he had stumbled upon something private bowed his head. "Pardon me, I didn't know you have visitors Officer Krillin."
"Hey it's okay, we are just about done here and yeah, there's your stolen goods." Krillin pointed at the bag.
Seeing his merchandise recovered, the elderly man let out a sigh of relief and began thanking the short statured officer profusely, a sight that brought a tired grin to Eighteen's stoic expression.
That's my Krillin, although I do wish he could get more rewards other than just verbal thanks...Sixteen high up in heaven knew we could use some furniture at home...
A loud yawn interrupted the conversation and all turned their attention to the little girl held in her mother's embrace.
"Oh my, what a cute little angel you are. Is she your daughter Officer Krillin?"
"Err yes. Her name's Marron and by the way this is my wife Eighteen." not feeling like lying and perhaps due to social curtesy, Krillin couldn't help but to introduce his family.
"I see, well Merry Christmas little girl, would you like to pick something from this bag?" The mall owner asked tilting the entrance to the large bag toward sleepy Marron.
Krillin took a sharp inhale not believing what he had just heard. "I-it's okay mister, I didn't help you recover the goods with the intention of winning any favors."
Eighteen couldn't help but arching an eyebrow at her husband's modesty. "Common Krillin. Why don't we let Marron decide if she wants anything?"
The former warrior monk gave his wife a sour look but the cyborg merely shot him a freezing glare refusing to back down. The parents turned their attention back to their daughter who was now gawking at the many presents.
"C-can I pick anything I want mister?" Marron asked timidly still unsure of what to do.
The elderly man nodded. "Yes little one, feel free to pick anything you'd like. It's my token of thanks for keeping you ladies here."
Marron tilted her head and pondered a bit during which Krillin prayed to kami his daughter wouldn't pick anything too expensive while Eighteen's eyes flashed with satisfaction.
"Thanks, but I just want to head home with mommy and daddy. I'm tired." Marron finally said letting out another yawn before falling back to sleep.
Brief silence filled the room before the two males erupted into heartfelt laughter. Unable to hide his triumphant grin from his wife, Krillin instead flashed Eighteen a victory sign and winked at her playfully.
"Hey, I'm just respecting my daughter's wish that's all!" The cyborg woman protested.
"Well ma'am, if you'd like you can choose something too." The mall owner offered sincerely.
Looking at the small mountain of merchandises, Eighteen's brain began conjuring up all sorts of mental images of her family with the newly acquired wealth but at the same time, her heart ached.
Krillin didn't become an officer to get rich...how would he think of me if I took one of the stolen goods?
And Marron, why should I take something when my little girl didn't want any...
Common Eighteen, you can always earn some quick cash elsewhere...
"No thanks, if Marron doesn't want any then neither do I!" she proclaimed proudly.
The ride back home was rather quiet save for Krillin happily humming while manning the steering wheel and Marron snoring on her mother's laps. Eighteen apparently still wasn't perfectly content with her decision and stared out the window with a frown, that was until she felt a warm hand clasping around her thigh and began gently massaging her tense muscle.
"What is it Kril?" The blonde cyborg spat.
"I'm just very proud of you Sweeteen! You are a model mama!"
"Whatever!"
"Hey I mean it sweetie and you know what?" Krillin asked purposefully trying to involve his wife.
Eighteen let out a sigh. "What?"
"While I was at work, I couldn't stop thinking of how you took care of our little girl. You gave me strength babe!"
The cyborg woman felt her internal temperature rapidly increasing to critical level and had to cut off visual contact from her husband to cool herself.
Krillin studied his wife's ever changing facial complexion and was tempted to remark on her colorful cheeks but didn't utter a word.
By the time they reached their humble suburban home, the sidewalks were covered with several inches of thick snow. Trudging through the freezing elements, the Chestnut family made their way inside and upon entering, Krillin's mouth hung agape at the well-decorated living room.
"Wow! You two girls really worked quite hard while I was gone!"
"That we did Kril, but why don't you repay us by getting in bed? You owe me and Marron some major cuddling with your insistence on being such a good cop!" Eighteen retorted.
"Right, that I do, sorry sweeties! One cuddly Krillin coming up!"
That morning with the sun barely up on the winter horizon line, the three chestnuts fell into a peaceful slumber in each other's embrace. Marron was sandwiched in between her parents, her expression one resembling that of an angel as she snuggled closer to the two adults. Krillin was wrapping his arms around his two girls trying to draw them as close as possible but Eighteen was even greedier as she planted a deep kiss on each of her beloved's cheeks and pressed her forehead against her Kril's.
A/N: This one shot is dedicated to all who has to work during Christmas season. I know I'm a bit late but hopefully not by too much. Also thanks for such a great 2021. I've had a blast. See you all in 2022!