Family

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this story.

Character(s): Um . . . everyone?

They were all here, gathered together among the closeness and unity of the season. Beyond the gifts, the food, the games, there was something more; there were ties none had ever dreamed of forming, now ties they would never dream of giving up. Ties that they could only truly appreciate in times like these, during which all bonds feel tighter, more secure, regardless of how the relationship's nurturers were linked.

By blood, by fate, by pure coincidence . . . these practicalities didn't matter. All that did matter, now, was that these bonds existed, and thrived, and flourished throughout the year, each encounter leading up to this moment – this meeting that strengthened them tenfold. One might think such a close-knit group could only be possible through your blood relations, but some connections are more important. Special moments, shared smiles, and a comfortable silence that fit perfectly between the gaps and turned a conversation into more than what it could be . . . these little moments could completely capture a person's heart.

On the contrary, possessing the knowledge of just simply the sharing of the same blood might bind two individuals, but it wouldn't make them feel close, one and the same. It's the phenomenon that makes close friends feel closer than brothers, and actual brothers feel more distant than enemies. It's the phenomenon that breeds relationships otherwise impossible, and formed connections that just made sense.

Actually, no; this was about more than just making sense. This was about it feeling right. And sometimes, it just does.

Especially when fate threw the two individuals together so nicely, as if the two had been made for this relationship to blossom from the leaf-green buds of destiny. From the flowers of which the two would find their rightful place, and the true sense of belonging that would accompany it.

And there was no other time in which they could say they felt they belonged more than they did right now. Just like the pieces of jigsaw puzzle, they all fit in their proper place; and – of course – it wasn't because of any blood-relations.

Sonic had been all alone until he had met Tails, a kit much like him, the two brought together due to their shared loss of family.

Knuckles had been the last echidna on the planet, his guardian status deeming him incapable of close relationships, until he was begged down from his island to spend a little time on the surface for the holidays.

After meeting them, Amy had been quick to spend her Christmas with them – rather than her birth family – as well as the little rabbit family that had welcomed her.

Cream and Vanilla had had no complaints when taking them all in, their small family finally feeling more whole than it had in previous years.

Shadow had lost the only friend he had known, until Rouge – through her backwards methods – showed him a compassion and understanding he would never had expected.

Rouge had been independent, free to do as she pleased and preferred to do everything on her own, until Shadow had shown himself to be a companion she wanted to travel with.

Then they met Omega, who had been welcomed by the other two with open arms, in which their dup had transformed into a trio, this connection just as strong as before.

Team Chaotix had all been wandering, struggling to find their place, until they met each other and everything just clicked.

They had all been brought together by more than just blood, but it didn't make the slightest difference to them. Regardless of how they came to be, they were each other's true family, through thick and thin, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

Smokestep: I hope you all had as much a blast reading as I did while writing! If you have anything to say, you know where to click! I'll see you all for the last chapter.

Responses To Review:

Twin-books: The mistakes have been edited; thanks for pointing them out. I will try to post the chapter before the day is over, but we'll have to see if the pendulum swings in my favor or not. Anyhow, thank you; I'm honored that this story is the highlight of your day, and I hope that these last few chapters don't disappoint.