𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑, COLBY MADDEN

2x18: A Very Villian Christmas.

The day before Christmas had arrived, and the house was buzzing with energy. Y/N practically bounced from room to room, unable to contain her excitement. Hartley was just as animated, practically vibrating with anticipation as she dusted off ornaments for the tree.

"Wow," Y/N said, inhaling deeply, "that is a lot of excitement for a fat guy coming down a chimney."

Jake rolled his eyes from where he was trying to untangle a mess of lights. "Yeah, yeah. And here it is—our first family Christmas tree!"

"We cut it down ourselves," Hartley added proudly, brushing pine needles off her sleeves.

"We? I cut it down!" Y/N interjected, hands on her hips. "And I told you to do it—that's teamwork, Jake."

Jake grinned sheepishly. "Teamwork, got it. But isn't this great? The smell of the pine, the cookies in the oven, the little buzz of everyone being nicer than usual?"

Eva leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, smirking. "Yeah, if you ignore Vic trying to hang the lights like a tornado just hit the living room."

Vic waved his hands defensively, holding a tangled strand of garland. "Hey! Chaos is part of the holiday spirit. Also, don't touch the star—it's delicate!"

Amy sighed from the couch, scrolling on her phone. "You all are so... festive. I'm only really here for the presents, in case anyone's keeping track."

"Really, Amy?" Hartley said, raising an eyebrow. "Not even a little excited for the lights, the smell, the cookies?"

Amy shrugged. "The cookies are fine. I mean, who am I kidding—I'll eat them. But the rest? Meh."

Just then, Y/N turned to Vic with mock horror. "Did you just chop down my tree?"

Vic froze, eyes wide. "Never mind the halls. I'm about to deck you in the—"

"Ah-ah, Grandma!" Hartley's voice cut through the tension as Celia stepped into the doorway, hands on her hips, wearing a festive sweater that could have blinded someone in direct sunlight.

"It's the holidays, Vic," Celia said sternly. "Remember what your anger management coach said. Show some compassion. Try to keep it together until your next appointment."

Vic rolled his eyes but muttered, "Fine..."

Y/N seized the opportunity. "Since I gave you a tree, you're about to help me finish my Christmas to-do list: the shopping, the wrapping, the decorating."

Vic groaned. "You haven't done any of it?"

Hartley clapped a hand to her forehead dramatically. "From Thanksgiving on, he just sits in a chair waiting for the cold in the air to match the cold in his heart."

Colby, who had been quietly helping Eva with stringing lights, perked up. "Well... I'll help. Someone has to."

"Me? Why me?" Vic asked, narrowing his eyes at him.

"Because you seemed like you'd be the least happy to help," Hartley said with a smirk. "Come on, elf boy. Time to clock you into Celia's workshop."

Vic's jaw dropped. "Green tights? Seriously?"

Celia laughed. "I'm kidding about the tights. It's the pointy shoes you should worry about."

Y/N jumped in, excitement lighting up her face. "So... did you get the number one thing on both of our Christmas lists?"

Hartley leaned over her shoulder. "I mean, it's the first time we're exchanging gifts on the biggest holiday of the year. But no pressure."

"We asked for Bumps," Y/N said in unison with Hartley. "You know, those cool headphones that sound amazing and double as a weapon when you throw them like a boomerang?"