Closing the holiday vibes, I’m bringing you a story I was asked to write as a special favor.I honestly had a lot of fun working on it, and I think it turned into something really sweet. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
As a little extra update: I’m currently working on a project that I plan to share with you as a surprise as soon as I can.On top of that, the next fusion story is already on the way, and I’m also preparing a cosplay one I’m really excited about (For all of those fans of Gachiakuta out there).
Thank you all so much for the constant support—it truly means a lot to me.
Happy new year to everyone!
Art by Access
I will post the story here this time:
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The night after Christmas, Port Solei was still wrapped in that gentle glow that lingers when the holidays haven’t fully faded. Lights were still hanging from balconies, some windows kept their decorations, and the air carried that mix of rest and expectation that only appears when the calendar allows itself a small pause.
Will checked the clock for the third time and took a deep breath. The table was set, the food was almost ready, and for the first time in a long while, he felt that pleasant nervousness that comes before an important visit.
The doorbell rang.
“I’m coming.”
When he opened the door, the sight before him stole his breath for a second.
Antonella stood at the front of the group, wearing a fitted, elegant red Christmas dress that followed her body naturally. A pair of reindeer antlers rested on her main head, while a Christmas hat sat on her tail’s head. Her six arms carried different things: a bottle of champagne, a bag of desserts, and a small wrapped package of snacks. Her tail moved slowly, observing the inside of the house with quiet curiosity.
Behind her, Sophie and Lucy shared a long, dark, well-tailored coat. Beneath it, layers of comfortable but carefully chosen clothing were visible. Their four arms moved naturally, and both heads scanned the space with almost professional interest.
Jessica appeared to the side, a wide smile on both faces and an open jacket revealing a relaxed yet eye-catching outfit. “Wow,” she said. “This looks cozy.”
Maeve followed behind them, her long body contrasting with her gentle presence. She wore a loose, flowing dress and a long shawl draped over her back. In her arms, she carefully held a small puppy with light fur and alert eyes, peeking out with curiosity.
“Hello, Will,” Maeve greeted softly. “Thank you for inviting us over.””
Will blinked, reacting a beat late.
“H-hi. Please, come in. Welcome.”
The puppy lifted his head at the sound of a new voice and tilted his ears.
“This is Lumen,” Maeve added, lowering her voice slightly, as if the name itself were delicate. “I wanted you to meet him.”
She crouched carefully, loosened the leash, and gently gestured toward Will with a small smile as she looked at the puppy.
“This is Will,” she said. “He’s a good friend of ours. Say hello, Lumen.”
Lumen stayed still for a few seconds, ears slightly back, tail unmoving, watching the stranger with complete focus. He didn’t seem afraid—just thoughtful, as if evaluating something important.
Aware of the moment, Will slowly crouched down and rested one knee on the floor.
“Hey there, buddy,” he said in a low, calm voice.
The puppy tilted his head, took a small step forward, sniffed the air, and cautiously approached the outstretched hand. After a few seconds of hesitation, he gently pressed his nose against Will’s fingers.
The tail began to move—slowly at first, then with growing confidence.
“I think he likes you,” Maeve said, visibly relieved.
Will smiled, keeping his hand still.
“I’m glad,” he replied. “Nice to meet you, Lumen.”
The house soon filled with voices and movement. Antonella helped in the kitchen without being asked. Sophie and Lucy walked through the space with curious eyes, quietly commenting on layout and lighting. Jessica settled onto a stool as if she had always belonged there.
Maeve placed Lumen on a blanket near the living room. The puppy took a few uncertain steps, sniffing everything, until he stopped in front of Will.
“Looks like he wants some attention now,” Antonella remarked.
Will knelt again and gently picked Lumen up. The puppy’s tail wagged happily as Maeve watched the scene with a calm smile.
“Thank you for having us,” she said. “I’ve been wanting to introduce him for a while. I knew you’d get along.”
Will could only laugh as Lumen licked his face playfully.
During dinner, conversation flowed naturally. Sophie and Lucy talked about future cosplay projects, inviting everyone to participate in something together. Jessica shared an exaggerated anecdote that sparked laughter. Maeve listened attentively, occasionally stroking Lumen whenever the puppy sought contact.
After a while, Lumen—now much more comfortable—settled beside Antonella, resting his head against her leg.
After dinner, Will led them into another room.
“I wanted to show you something.”
Shelves filled with consoles, computers, and collector’s editions came into view.
Jessica whistled. “Wow.”
Sophie and Lucy immediately stepped closer, observing with genuine interest.
“It’s very well taken care of,” Sophie said.
“And very organized,” Lucy added. “You can tell every piece has a story.”
Antonella stayed a little behind, watching Will as he explained—enthusiastically—how he had acquired some of the items. There was something different in his expression: more open, more alive.
Maeve stepped closer to Antonella. “He likes talking about this,” she whispered.
“I don’t blame him,” Antonella replied. “I’d be proud of a collection like this too.”
Lumen sat between them, calm, as if he already felt part of the group.
“Where did he get all those models?” Maeve asked. “Can you even buy them online?”
“Maybe?” Antonella replied with a knowing smile. “Why? Thinking of getting one?”
Maeve smiled, a little embarrassed. Her tail swayed gently from side to side before she answered. “That wouldn’t be bad.”
Later, back in the dining area, with warm drinks and a relaxed atmosphere, the night slowed into a gentler rhythm.
“This was a good idea,” Jessica said, stretching before fixing her hair. “We should do this again.”
“Any time,” Will replied sincerely.
Antonella looked at him with a soft smile on both faces. “It makes me happy that all my friends like you.”
Will held her gaze for a second longer than necessary before nodding. “I’m happy you all accepted me too”
As the conversation softened and became more scattered, Antonella leaned her hip against the central island of the kitchen. On the countertop rested a tray of homemade Christmas cookies—irregularly shaped, their sweet aroma mixing with the warmth of the room.
She picked one up with one of her six hands, and her tail took a small, unhurried bite, savoring the moment before something brushed gently against her leg.
Lumen approached slowly, placed one paw, then the other, carefully touching her leg, and lifted his muzzle toward her with his tongue slightly out. His clear eyes were fixed on the cookie—attentive, hopeful, making a silent request.
Antonella looked down and smiled immediately.
“Is that a formal request?” she whispered, tilting her main head.
Lumen responded by wagging his tail with contained enthusiasm and pressing his paws a little more firmly against her leg, as if reinforcing his plea.
“Anto…” Jessica murmured from the kitchen doorway, smiling. “Don’t move.”
Before Antonella could react, Jessica captured the moment with her phone.
Sophie and Lucy stepped closer to look at the phone screen.
“That’s a great photo,” Lucy said.
“Absolutely,” her sister agreed. “You couldn’t have planned it better.”
“All right…” Antonella said at last, breaking off a small corner of the cookie. “But just a little.”
Lumen accepted the treat happily and sat down right there, satisfied, never taking his eyes off her.
Maeve and Will watched the scene from the dining area with quiet smiles.
“This is really fun,” Maeve said, glancing at Will.
He smiled and nodded, shifting in his seat. “I want more parties like this.”
Maeve couldn’t help but giggle, agreeing. “By the way, could you help me find a collector’s IBM someday?”
Will’s eyes lit up at the mention of his hobby. “Of course!”