Octonauts Oneshots

Secret Santa

It was Christmastime aboard the Octopod. Dashi had insisted that decorations would go up on the first of November, but the Octonauts had then forbidden her from partaking in any more festivities until the first of December, at least.

But today was the day when Dashi could recommence her Christmas preparations. And she decided to kick it off with some secret Santa.

"So," Dashi announced as the Octonauts congregated in the HQ. "I've organised a secret Santa for all of us."

"Kwazii?" the Captain asked. "Would you mind getting some paper-"

"No need," interrupted Dashi. "I've set up the computer to randomise the gifts and givers. No one else will know, because it will send a private message to your personal Octowatch."

"Understood," the Captain nodded. "And thanks. This will be the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit."

Dashi and Shellington shared a glance. Phase 1 of the plan, done.

***

Captain Barnacles checked his Octocompass. There was a collective beep from the Octo-devices in the room. A swipe took him to his notifications, where the name 'Vegimals' greeted him. The Vegimals? What was he supposed to get them? He decided to seek out Shellington. He was sure the Vegimals' surrogate father would know what they would want for Christmas.

Shellington was in his room, absentmindedly staring at the lab's fish tank, which currently held a small school of colourful fish.

"Shellington," said Captain Barnacles as he stood at the door to the lab. A few seconds passed, until Barnacles realised that the sea otter hadn't even heard him. "Um, Shellington?"

Startled, the marine biologist looked up.

"Sorry. Uh, yes Captain?"

"I have to get a gift for the Vegimals. Given that you're sort of their adopted father, I was wondering if you could give me a hand?"

"Oh, yes of course Captain." Shellington then began rapidly leafing through the various papers that littered his desk. "I'm sure it's here somewhere..." he muttered under his breath, discarding a series of articles on the floor.

"What are you looking for Shellington?" Captain Barnacles asked, walking over to the desk and helping Shellington sift through the paper.

"The Vegimals gave me a list for Santa the other day..."

The Captain wondered how Shellington could lose a list since 'the other day' but nonetheless helped the clumsy sea otter search 

"Aha!" Shellington exclaimed, pulling the list out of a sea shell, of all things. The 'list' was a scrawl of symbols and images, drawn in coloured pencil. "Here it is. Let's see... New gardening tools, a watering can, by the looks of this one. Some new stuff for the kitchen and... Aww, that's sweet. They've drawn me and written 'happy da' next to it."

The Captain smiled.

"Well, I can certainly try to deliver that last one... And I've got an idea for one of the others.... Thank you Shellington."

"Anytime, Captain."

***

Tweak looked at her Octowatch. It read a single name. Kwazii. She was sure that Dashi had had a hand in this. After all, Tweak had confided in the photographer about her feelings for the lieutenant, and this was surely no coincidence. The reason why Dashi had insisted on using a digital program, and not the classic pull-it-out-of-a-hat technique, was abundantly clear. It wasn't like Tweak was complaining, though. In fact, she was rather grateful. After all, she'd been searching for a way to confess her feelings for a long time.