A/N: This story came from another headcanon I had recently, one which the lovely KagamiPINKAgreste wholeheartedly approved of. Enjoy!

Jolly times abounded at the household of Cream the Rabbit, but her, Cheese and Vanilla weren't the only ones celebrating Christmas in their household, for Shadow the Hedgehog was also present, along with E-123 Omega, Amy Rose and her family. At the moment, they were opening gifts, and Amy opened her gift from Shadow, which turned out to be a Mina Ashido Nendoroid*. She expressed her appreciation thusly:

"OH MY DAMN CHERRY BLOSSOMS!** Shaddy, thank you SO MUCH!"

Amy gave Shadow a big hug and kiss, which he gladly returned. While he enjoyed doing this for her regardless, somehow, the magic of the holiday season made her lips feel that much more sensual and her body feel softer, warmer and more cuddly. Everyone gave out a collective "awww" when they saw this. Once they broke away from the embrace, Shadow turned to give out his next gift:

"Merry Christmas, Omega."

"THANK YOU, SHADOW."

Omega opened his gift, which turned out to be a USB drive.

"MAY I ASK WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS USB DRIVE IS?"

"That drive contains every book ever uploaded to Project Gutenberg. Rouge told me you could use some more classic literature in your diet."

"I DO ENJOY A GOOD BOOK. I SHALL PUT THIS TO GOOD USE."

"Very good. Anyways, Merry Christmas, Vanilla."

"Why thank you, Shadow!"

Shadow handed Vanilla a small wrapped box along with a note. Vanilla opened the note first:

"Dear Vanilla:

In all the time I've interacted with you, I've known you to be the kindest, most considerate woman I've ever had the fortune to know. In fact, the way you treat me, you're like the mother I never had, and I'm extremely grateful for everything you've ever done for me. I hope you, Cream and Cheese have a blessed life together.

-With love,
Shadow the Hedgehog"

Vanilla smiled when she read the note.

"Shadow, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me! I'd be honored to have you as my adopted son! Now then, I wonder what this is…"

Vanilla opened her gift, which turned out to be a dark blue jewelry box. She opened it up, and inside was a gold, heart-shaped, diamond-encrusted locket with the word "MOM" engraved on it. She let out a happy gasp when she saw it.

"Shadow, this is so beautiful! Thank you so much!"

Vanilla gave Shadow a big hug, which he gladly returned. While receiving affection from Amy was something, to get affection from the woman he considered his adopted mom made this one of the best Christmases that the Ultimate Life Form had ever had. Feeling her arms wrapped around him made him feel so warm and fuzzy in a way that he had never felt since Maria died. Best of all, Vanilla was so soft and cuddly, and he could tell she was quite well-endowed. If nothing else had erased all the bad memories that had plagued him since Maria's death, then this definitely did it. He would never forget this moment as long as he lived, and judging by the way that everyone else was giving out a collective "awww", it was clear they wouldn't, either. Eventually, Vanilla backed away, but kept her hands on Shadow's shoulders as she looked him in the eyes.

"I love you, Mom," said Shadow.

"I love you too, Shadow."

Cream in particular was excited about this development:

"YAY! I have a new older brother!"

"Chao!" said Cheese.

Shadow broke away from the hug and smiled. "Never thought about that, but I'd be happy to have you as an adopted sister."

Amy smiled. "Shaddy, you're such a sweetheart!"

"Mommy, may I please have a picture with you and Mr. Shadow?"

Vanilla nodded. "Yes, you may."

"Vanilla, mind letting me be in the picture as well?" asked Amy.

"Of course not! Go right ahead!"

"Thank you!" said Amy and Cream.

Shadow, Amy, Vanilla, Cream and Cheese all got together for the picture, with Shadow being sandwiched between Amy and Cream, and Vanilla standing directly behind him.

"Daddy, mind taking the picture?" asked Amy.

"All right, then!"

Douglas – Amy's father – took out his smartphone.

"Say 'cheese'!"

"Cheese!"

Douglas took the picture. Overall, it was a very Merry Christmas for Shadow, and he could tell it was going to be a very Happy New Year.

*While there is a Mina Ashido Funko Pop, there has yet to be a Mina Ashido Nendoroid. Hopefully, Good Smile will rectify this. Hell, they should also release Shadow and Amy Nendoroids while they're at it.

**The phrase "OH MY DAMN CHERRY BLOSSOMS" is a registered trademark of KagamiPINKAgreste, used with permission.

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