It was the next day. Lyman was packing his things, getting ready to leave on Monday. He and Alex had planned to go Lyman's Aunt's house. Lyman was personally excited because he'd be seeing his Aunt, as well as his parents and sister. He hummed as he packed, and looked up when he heard a knock on his door. He walked up and opened it, and Lucien was there.

"Oh, Good Morning Lucien. What's up?"

The Lucario walked in and plopped himself in his desk chair again.

"Nothing, just seeing what's up. I don't have any plans today, so I wanted to see if you did!"

Lyman went back to his drawer and continued packing his stuff. Lucien looked at him, full of curiosity.

"You're packing? Are you going somewhere?"

Lyman smiled and nodded.

"Yup! For Winter Break I'm going to my Aunt's house to see my family with Alex. We're gonna be there all week and come back Saturday night."

Lucien's normal smile died down a little.

"Ah. You're gonna be gone for all of Winter Break then? Is this normal?"

Lyman nodded once more.

"Yup! All students are free to go home or stay on campus for any breaks. Lucy goes with Cyrus and his friends to Undella Bay to escape the cold. I normally go with Alex to see my family in Lacunosa Town. He almost didn't make it this year 'cause Monty was urging him to stay to help take care of some frat stuff. Apparently he won't be around either, but didn't give any details. He eventually let him go."

Lucien looked gloomy. Lyman hadn't thought about it, but the Lucario hadn't mentioned any plans, and seemed unaware that anyone was going away for the break. He decided to ask:

"So you're not going home? I know you don't have the best relationship with your dad, but what about your brother and sister?"

Lucien shook his head 'no'.

"They stay with my grandparents in Kalos during Winter Break, because their usual caretaker, or nanny, is away during that time, and obviously my dad won't be home to do anything for them."

Lyman nodded in affirmation. He realized that Lucien would be alone for all of Winter Break. He didn't have to imagine how much that would suck. Then suddenly, an idea popped into his head.

"Hey, Lucien. Why don't you come with us?"

Lucien perked up at this.

"Really? It wouldn't be any trouble?"

Lyman waved away his worry.

"Nah. My parents are really cool, and my Aunt always told me I could bring another friend if I wanted, so it shouldn't be a big deal."

Lucien smiled happily.

"Alrighty! I guess I'll start packing then!"

The Lucario hopped out of the chair and walked across the hall to his room. Lyman yelled across the hall to his roommate.

"Don't forget the Winter clothing! It gets really really cold in that part of Unova!"

He smiled as the Lucario nodded in affirmation, and went back to packing. As Lucien distracted himself with getting ready for their trip, Lyman looked over to see if the Lucario was giving him any attention. He sneakily put a red gift wrapped box in his suitcase.

...

The next day the trio met at the train station early in the morning. Lyman was still half asleep as he ordered their tickets, and Alex was telling Lucien about the events Lacunosa Town holds every Winter around this time.

"It's gonna be soooo much fun! Every year they host all kinds of events, and I have a blast each time! Since the town is so wealthy, and is located at the base of a mountain, they can get away with a lot of things! There's snowboarding and skiing, there's a traditional natural hot spring, which I'm sure our friend Lyman will get a kick out of-"

He shoots the red Lycan a smirk, earning him a glare as he sits down. Lucien giggles at their usual antics, then sits down next to them.

"And not to mention the Winter Festival!"

Lucien gives him a confused look, and his ears perk up when he hears an announcement telling them to begin boarding.

"Winter Festival?"

Alex nods.

"Mmhm! The Winter Festival lasts 3 days. The first 2 days will have plenty of food and game stalls, but on Christmas Eve, they hold a show called the Icy Sky Winter Performance. I'm not gonna spoil it, since it's best if you see for yourself, but it's awesome! And not to mention, when it's over, everyone gathers in the center of town so they can showcase the tree lighting, where they turn on the lights for a giant Christmas Tree!"

Lucien listened excitedly as the orange Lycan described all kinds of shops and stands that'll be open on Christmas Eve as they board the train. Lyman nods off quickly, and Lucien sits next to him, and Alex takes his place across from the 2 of them.

Lucien's eyes sparkle, and he looks up, imagining what it'd be like.

"I've never done something so extravagant for the holidays. I can't wait to see it!"

The trio eventually settle into their seats, and they relax as the ride begins.

...

5 hours went by rather quickly, and the train pulled up to the last stop in Lacunosa Town. The trio exited the train, and Lucien gleamed at the sight. The town was surrounded by a vast mountain area, with a wall surrounding the town in its entirety. Outside of the wall was a dense forest as they could see. There was a skiing and snowboarding area on the side of one the surrounding mountains. It was sectioned off from the rest of the mountain, and had a cable car system running up the side of it. He could also see a beautiful town, with a residential area, as well as a town square. In the town square, was an ice rink, with several Pokemon skating in it. Behind the rink, was a large stage, with a giant decorated tree, with the lights off. And finally, there was a large building to the left of the town, which resembled traditional Johto buildings that he'd studied while in Kalos. Lyman noticed his inquisitive look and explained.

"That's where the hot springs are. The owners moved to town from Johto, and inherited that land from their ancestors, who found the spring a long time ago. It used to be all forest like the surrounding area, until a Slowking bought the area and found the hot spring there. Now it's a popular tourist spot."

Lucien smiled and kept looking around, following Lyman and Alex down a set of stairs that led to another cable car. They got in the car, which dropped them right off in the center of town.

They made their way through town, and there were Pokemon all over setting up stands and hanging up all kinds of decorations. They finally stopped at the corner before crossing the street, and Lucien noticed a bus stop.

"Are we taking the bus to your Aunt's house?"

Lyman nodded.

"Yeah. Sorry if you wanted to look around a bit more, but we usually get settled before going to do anything. Besides, wouldn't it be better to look around without dragging around our suitcases?"

Lucien looked up.

"Yeah it does. I don't mind. If anything I'm excited to meet your parents."

Alex butted in, giving Lyman another smirk.

"I'm sure his parents would be excited to meet you too hehe."

Lyman elbowed him while blushing.

"He just means they're super nice, and they don't expect me to bring home any friends."

Lucien giggled a bit. He always enjoyed how Alex teased Lyman. He thought it was adorable, seeing the Lycan get so flustered, but he could tell how close the two were.

Eventually they were dropped off in the residential area, and they made their way to a steel blue house, with a massive yard. Outside, there was a little Luxio with a pink winter coat on, building a snow Shinx. She looked really focused on her work, but brightened up when she noticed the trio at the edge of the yard. She smiled wide and sprinted toward the trio.

"LYYYYYYYYYYYYYMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!"

Lyman smiled wide too, and crouched down to catch her in a hug, and she glomped him. He picked her up and hugged her tight, and she wrapped her arms around him while nuzzling her brother's cheek.

"Hey Susie! Wow you're all grown up now!"

She gleamed before jumping off of him and grabbing his arm.

"Yup! But Daddy says I have to grow more before I look like him! But we can talk about that later! Come inside, Mommy and Daddy are waiting!"

Lyman didn't get to say anything before she dragged him inside, with Lucien and Alex following them. Lucien giggled as Lyman let her pull him, and with her being a third of his size, he had to crouch down to humor her.

When they got inside they were met with a well furnished house, which almost matched the lavish town. They wiped their feet on the doormat as Susie went ahead of them. The Luxio ran inside after taking off her shoes, and jumped up and down in front of the three Pokemon relaxing in front of a fireplace. They were a Luxray, a Dusk Lycanroc, and a Jolteon. The Luxray looked tired, but smiled at his daughter. He picked her up while smiling, and she smiled wide, pointing to the trio of Pokemon in the doorway.

The older Pokemon walked over and the Luxray let Susie go. She grabbed one of Alex's paws, who immediately panicked, and tried to run away, but huffed in defeat she dragged him upstairs. Lucien laughed, still standing behind Lyman, and flinched as the red Lycan was immediately glomped by the older Dusk Lycanroc, who was smiling wide. Lucien immediately noticed how Susie's personality mirrored hers.

"Lyman! It's good to see you! I must be shrinking from old age because you definitely got bigger!"

Lyman smiled sheepishly and hugged his mom back.

"Hi Mom. And stop saying that! You're not that old."

She feigned sheepishness and giggled at his comment.

"Aww *giggle* you always flatter me."

The Luxray walked up to Lyman and pat his shoulder.

"Glad you finally made it. I hope the trip wasn't bad."

He reached up and ruffled Lyman's hair, which looked odd, because the Lycan was almost a foot taller than his parents.

"Hey Dad. It wasn't bad no, I was asleep for most if though heh."

Lucien noticed how awkward Lyman was around his parents. He knew the Lycan wasn't the most sociable, but he didn't think that extended to his family too. It seemed like he got along with his sister, but every big brother has their big brother voice, that effects how they talk and act around their younger siblings. He didn't know how old Susie was, but she looked like she couldn't be more than eight or nine years old.

Lucien stood there, watching the exchange between Lyman and his parents, as well as the Jolteon, who was apparently his Aunt. He felt a little awkward, since he'd never been in someone else's house before, and didn't know what to do. He didn't want to overstep any boundaries by wandering around, and didn't want to interrupt their conversation.

Eventually Lyman's mom noticed him, and gasped.

"Oh! Hi! I'm sorry we didn't notice you, you were so quiet!"

Lucien smiled sheepishly, looking down.

"I-it's fine..."

She walked over to him, and looked him up and down, then over at Lyman.

"Why didn't you introduce us to your friend Lyman? He must've felt so out of place just standing here."

Lyman chuckled nervously.

"Right. Sorry."

The Luxray pat his shoulder, then approached them.

"Roxie, cut the boy some slack. This is the first time he's brought a friend home to meet us."

The Dusk Lycanroc, or rather, Roxie, smiled upon realizing this.

"You're right! I'll introduce myself in that case!"

She turned to Lucien, and smiled.

"Hellooooooo. I'm Lyman's mom, but you can call me Roxie, or Ms. Gibbs. It's nice to meet you!"

The Luxray nodded.

"I'm Lyman's father, Dimitri. You can call me that or Mr. Gibbs, but I'd rather you call me Dimitri."

The Jolteon finally spoke up, smiling him wholeheartedly.

"I'm Lyman's Aunt Olivia. This is my house. It's always nice to meet a friend of Lyman's."

Lucien waved nervously.

"I'm Lyman's housemate, Lucien. It's a pleasure to meet you all. Thanks for welcoming me into this beautiful home."

Roxie gushed, rubbing her cheeks.

"Ahh! He's so cute and polite! Lyman could learn a thing or two from you!"

Lyman blushed and looked at her, shocked.

"Mom!"

She laughed and Dimitri chuckled.

"I'm only kidding Lyman, you should loosen up a little."

He huffed, his face still red, and Dimitri pat his shoulder.

"Regardless. It's good to know you've made a friend. It shows you're growing."

Lyman looked down, smiling a small bit.

"T-thanks dad."

Olivia smiled at the exchange.

"Alrighty! I've think we've been standing in the doorway for long enough. Roxie and I are gonna start dinner. Lyman, could you show your guest around the house? And you don't mind sharing your room right?"

Lyman grabbed his suitcase, and nodded.

"Nah, I don't mind. Come on Lucien."

Lucien perked up, and grabbed his bag too. He smiled inwardly, thinking about sharing a room with Lyman for a week.

He followed the Lycan to the second floor of the house, and admired the house. The house itself looked vintage, with wood floors in the hallway, and carpeted rooms. The furniture, however, looked expensive and well cared for. On the walls, there were pictures of Lyman, a few of Olivia and Dimitri, as well as one with all of them together. There were also several of Olivia with a Ninetales. They were hugging and smiling in most of them and were kissing in one. Lucien put together that it was most likely her husband. Him being absent completely made him assume the worst, and small amount of pity washed over him. He quickly got over it when Lyman reached the end of the hall. He opened the door, and walked in.

"This is my room. I'm sure my Aunt has a sleeping bag or something somewhere. You can take the bed, I'll use whatever she has, and if worse comes to worse I'll just sleep on the floor. The carpet is actually kinda comfortable."

Lyman put his bag in front of the closet, and Lucien did the same. He watched as Lyman sat on his bed and sighed. Lucien went and sat next to him.

"Is everything okay? You seem a little out of it."

Lyman nodded.

"Yeah I'm fine. The train ride just took a lot out of me. I don't really do well with long trips, but I'll be better after I get settled. That's kinda why I wanted to come straight here."

He smiled sheepishly and Lucien waved away his worry.

"Oh don't worry, I understand! I'm glad I was able to meet your family, they seem really nice!"

Lyman smiled and chuckled.

"They're honestly a bit of a mess. But I think it makes them more fun. You should see my Dad when he gets excited, he's worse than Alex."

Lucien giggled at the mention of the other dusk Lycan, who seemed so at home here. He imagined Alex was around a lot, since he acted a lot like Roxie. Then, as if on cue, Alex came running down the hall and into the room, slamming the door behind him. He was hyperventilating, and slammed the door shut. Lucien gave him a questioning look, then noticed his fur was roughed up in some places, and he was covered in glitter. His mane was tied back to mimic ponytails, and there were several pink bows tied around them. Lyman snickered, while Lucien was still clueless. Lyman smirked at him, making Alex growl.

"What happened to you?"

Alex glared at him, not amused by his question.

"Your sister happened! It was cute when she would play with my hair as a Shinx but now she's stronger, so it's gone from cute to painful!"

Lucien snickered at the thought of Susie tying those bows into Alex's hair. Alex noticed this, and glared at him as well.

"Don't you laugh! She does this all the time, and everyone thinks it's the funniest shit they've ever seen!"

Alex exclaimed loudly as his hair fell over his face, and he shook it out of the way. This caused a large amount of glitter to sprinkle onto the floor. This made Lyman laugh loudly, falling over onto the bed while holding his stomach. Lucien giggled at the sight, glad to see Lyman go from dreary to happy because of the people around him. Alex growled at the laughing Lycan, and sprinkled some of the glitter on him. Lyman tried to push him away, but could barely muster the strength, weak from laughter. He wiped the tears that formed in his eyes.

"Stop stop! You're gonna get glitter all over the bed!"

During all this, Susie walked in, holding a hairbrush that had some white fur on it. As if someone flipped a Switch, Alex knelt down and greeted her with a smile.

"Hey Susie! Sorry I took so long, on my way to the bathroom I stopped to make sure Lyman and Lucien were finally getting settled. You know your big brother doesn't do well after train rides!"

Susie smiled at him, then grabbed his paw.

"Okay! Well now that we know brother is okay, can I finish doing your hair Lexi?"

Alex flinched, but kept his smile.

"Of course! You're gonna make me all pretty right?"

Susie nodded and smiled, pulling him out of the room. Alex whimpered silently, giving them a look for help, to which Lyman only laughed and waved, before they exited the room, closing the door behind them. Lucien giggled, and punched Lyman's arm softly.

"You're evil, you know that?"

Lyman rubbed his arm and chuckled.

"Ah it's fine. He actually likes spending time with her. He sees her as a second little sister, and she looks up to him. He was around most of the time when I was working, before we both came here. Now she spends as much time as she can when he's around."

Lucien smiled cutely, making Lyman blush a little, then stood up.

"Well that's cute. At least they manage to get along. Now, weren't you supposed to show me around the house?"

Lyman nodded, and stood up.

They spent the next twenty minutes or so exploring the house. Lucien had to admit that for a house that wasn't the largest compared to what he'd seen, it was really nice and and being here with his close friend made him feel comfortable. He hadn't felt comfortable around someone other than his siblings for a long time, and his heart throbbed while being shown around by the object of his affections.

There were about four rooms, each one fairly large. Olivia had a room to herself, Lyman's parents were in one room, that they shared with Susie, Lyman had his own room, and the fourth room belonged to Olivia's late husband, which only she and Dimitri were allowed in. After they made their rounds, they met up with everyone else downstairs. As they walked down the stairs, they were met by Roxie.

"Hey guys, dinner will be ready in another hour or so. Lyman, do you think you could help out? We just need you to chop some vegetables."

Lucien gleamed, hearing they were cooking.

"Mind if I help? I actually really love to cook."

Roxie smiled.

"Of course! The more the merrier right? Follow me."

They followed Roxie, and Lucien's heart stopped seeing Olivia's old style kitchen. She had an actual wood burning oven, a massive prep station, and an amazing layout. He looked around in awe, making Olivia smile. Roxie told her that'd she'd asked them to help, and Olivia happily accepted.

The group ended up preparing dinner together, with Roxie commenting on how Lyman struggled a lot less when cutting vegetables, and how well Lucien was with handling cooking utensils. Lyman admitted that he'd learned a lot about cooking and prepping from Lucien, making his mom gush once more, much to the embarrassment of the two boys.

When they finished cooking, everyone sat down for a catch up dinner, with Lyman's parents inquiring about his school life, and asking Lucien if he's a good roommate. Roxie occasionally asked Lucien a probing question, earning her a warning growl from Lyman, whose face could only get much redder. Lucien would laugh at their interactions, and enjoyed it when he was included. The moment made him happy, because despite not knowing the people for long, he felt like he belonged. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was apart of a real family.

...

Once dinner was over, everyone was left to their own devices. Lucien didn't know what to do, so he opted into watching television with Lyman and his father. There he learned that Lyman and his father shared an interest in an action television series. He was happy that Lyman got along with his father, and smiled as they sat their and talked endlessly about their thoughts on the show, the characters, and speculated what happened next. He didn't have much to say, but occasionally Dimitri would ask him what he thought about one thing or another.

After a while, Alex and Susie walked in, and Alex collapsed from exhaustion. Susie yawned and curled up on the couch next to her father. Dimitri smiled down at her, and picked her up, saying he was gonna get her ready for bed, saying that he'll see them tomorrow. Lyman stood up, and put Alex on the couch, then turned off the light before going upstairs.

Lucien followed, as they made their way to Lyman's room. Lyman stopped in a closet in the hall and pulled out a bunch of blankets, then walked into the room before spreading them on the floor.

"You can take the bed, I'm fine here."

Lucien gave him a worried look, but then blushed and turned around when Lyman began to undress.

"Y-You sure? I'll be fine sleeping on those blankets. Besides, I don't wanna take your bed. You can have it."

Lyman tossed his pants and jacket in a hamper near the door, leaving him in only a t shirt and his boxers.

"You're not gonna let this go are you? Fine. I'll take the bed."

Lucien smiled and grabbed his sleepwear, which was just a t shirt and pajama bottoms, then headed to the bathroom. Lyman turned the light off before he left, and as he walked away, spread out on the bed groaning. He pulled the blanket over him, falling asleep in an instant.

He awoke suddenly a few hours later, then noticed Lucien on the floor shivering. He sighed, then carefully picked the Lucario up, and placed him on his bed. He pushed him against the wall, then laid down next to him in the opposite direction, so they were laying with their heads near each others' feet. He yawned and covered the 2 of them up, and Lucien finally stopped shivering. He smiled at how cute he looked while he was sleeping, then laid down, falling asleep soundly.

Sorry this took longer than usual. I recently got into Smash, and then the Pokemon DLC lol. I'm motivated to finish this story, and I promised I will. So to those invested, no worries! See you all next time!