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olnfsecretelf · 8 months ago

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YYAAYY I LOVE WRITERS!!!

OLNF SECRET SANTA FIC

@olnfsecretsanta2024 @olnfsecretelf

HEYY @smileylord ! I'm your secret santa this year!!

So Merry Christmas! i had a really fun time writing this especially cause it was a fun challenge with someone else's OC.

it takes place in step one on christmas day.

it doesnt have a title and i'm sorry if its super descriptive.

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Golden Grove had its usual chilliness to it, except now it was wintertime. Snow layered every roof and branch, and all the warm tones of leaves had been buried under the snow by now. Edwin Porter walked slowly into his yard, heading towards the street exiting their little cul de sac, his shoes crunching rhythmically against the freshly fallen snow.

It was nice and quiet. After a full day of Christmas with his mom—presents, eating at the diner table, and a movie marathon in their living room—it felt good to stretch his legs. The cold air nipped at his cheeks, but Edwin didn’t mind. He was meeting his best friends, Qiu Lin and Tamarack Baumann, in the center of town, a cozy spot at the heart of Golden Grove.

The town was always decorated to perfection. Golden Grove seemed to thrive in winter, the small-town charm heightened by the festive season. Twinkling lights lined every storefront and home, and Edwin could already see the glow of the giant Christmas tree lights reflecting off the snow. He fiddled with the zipper of his coat as he walked, tugging it up and down absentmindedly, the sound blending with the soft crunch of snow beneath his boots.

The center of town was alive with quiet activity. People shuffled from shop to shop, snow sticking to their boots, their chatter blending into the hum of distant holiday music playing from hidden speakers. Families passed him with wide grins and bright scarves, pulling sleds or holding cups of steaming cocoa. It all felt peaceful in a way Edwin found comforting.

The town was hosting a little gathering today for Christmas, and Qiu, Tamarack, and Edwin all agreed to meet each other there. It didn't take much convincing from Qiu and Tamarack for Edwin's mom to let him go. It's a safe town after all, and it's not the first time they've done this.

As Edwin got closer to the spot they were planning to meet, he could see everything closer. There were tables set out with little snacks and pastries provided by local businesses, and familiar faces from town all around the decorated streets. Now he just needed to find his friends.

“Winnie!” Tamarack’s voice rang out, clear and cheerful, from across the street.

She was easy to spot, bundled up in her usual outfit, only it was now winterized with a pair of leggings underneath her overalls and a fuzzy hat that made her look a little like an overenthusiastic elf. She waved at him, her arm flailing like she was signaling an airplane.

Beside her stood Qiu, definitely calmer but no less warm. He was sporting his usual green coat, with little snowflakes resting on the fluff of his hood. “Hey!” He nodded at Edwin, his small smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.

Edwin raised a hand in greeting, his heart lifting a little as he approached them. He didn’t say anything—he didn’t have to. His friends understood him.

Tamarack wasted no time, closing the distance and pulling him into a quick, squishy hug. Her sweater made it feel like being hugged by a marshmallow.

“You made it!” she said, her breath puffing out in white clouds. “I was starting to think you might get snowed in or something.”

“It’s like, barely snowing,” Qiu said, gesturing to the light flurries drifting lazily around them. His voice was soft, a grounding presence compared to Tamarack’s exuberance.

“Okay, Mr. Weatherman,” Tamarack shot back, giggling a little.

“Anyway,” Qiu said, stepping closer to Edwin, “we saved you a spot by the fire. Come on!”

Tamarack grabbed Edwin’s sleeve and tugged him toward a little bonfire at the edge of the street. The warmth grew stronger with every step, and Edwin felt the heat on his cheeks even before they reached the circle of glowing fire. Families gathered around, their quiet laughter blending with the occasional crackle of burning logs. Tamarack plopped down on one of the wooden benches surrounding the bonfire, patting the seat next to her.

“Front row!,” she said with a wide grin.

Qiu sat on Edwin’s other side, his hands tucked into his coat pockets. He nodded toward the fire. “Perfect spot, huh?”

Edwin gave a small nod, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His friends always made things easy, even on days when words felt impossible.

“Look at what my omi gave me!”

Tamarack was already digging into her bag, producing a slightly squished chocolate bar. “Okay, marshmallows or no marshmallows?”

“Marshmallows,” Qiu said immediately, his tone so serious it made Edwin silently chuckle softly.

“Good answer,” Tamarack said, passing out skewers and marshmallows.

The three of them roasted their marshmallows over the fire, the sticky treats bubbling and turning golden brown. Qiu started to talk about his family’s Christmas morning, things ranging from what he did, who he hung out with and what he got, “My parents got me some new pens for my notebook,” he said, his voice full of contentment.

“Maybe it’ll make you keep track of your litter more now,” Tamarack said.

“Hey, I don’t lose them that much!” Qiu exclaimed, waving his marshmallow like it was a sword. “They always come back to me anyways.”

“Because you lose them so much!” Tamarack groaned, but Edwin caught the way her lips twitched like she was trying not to laugh. He smiled faintly, his eyes crinkling. Tamarack always brought this kind of lively energy to their group, and Qiu always managed to lead the conversation with his affability. It was a balance Edwin liked.

Edwin mostly listened, his skewer turning slowly in his hands. He didn’t feel the need to contribute; he didn’t have to. The rhythm of their voices, the crackle of the fire, and the occasional burst of laughter filled the air around him, wrapping him in warmth.

When their marshmallows were perfectly roasted, they carefully assembled their s’mores. Tamarack, somehow, ended up with sticky marshmallow on her hands and the tip of her nose. She didn't look particularly upset about it though.

“how did that happen?” Qiu questioned with a shake of his head, handing her a napkin.

“I don't know, it just did,” she said cheerfully, wiping her face.

Edwin handed her another napkin without a word, his smile hidden behind his scarf. Tamarack noticed and smiled at him.

After the s’mores, Qiu pulled out a thermos. “Hot cocoa. My mom made it this morning.”

The cocoa was rich and warm, with just a hint of cinnamon. Edwin held his cup close, letting the steam warm his face. Tamarack let out a satisfied sigh after her first sip, and Qiu smiled quietly, clearly pleased with their reactions.

As they drank, Tamarack started humming what was probably a Christmas carol. It was soft at first, barely audible over the crackle of the fire, but soon Qiu joined in. Edwin didn’t hum along, but he didn’t mind. He simply leaned back, watching the snowflakes drift lazily through the firelight.

After a while, there was an interruption in the silence. “Oh wait!” Qiu nudged Edwin gently. “We got you something.”

Tamarack reached into her bag and pulled out a small box wrapped in shiny red paper. “Merry Christmas!”

Edwin hesitated, his hands brushing the wrapping paper. He unwrapped it carefully, revealing a set of metallic gel pens in a rainbow of colors. Tiny stars and planets glittered on each pen, catching the firelight, each in their respective colors.

“I saw them at the store and thought of you,” Qiu said. “You like space and stuff, right? Plus, they’re perfect for school.”

“They’re perfect,” Tamarack added. “Way cooler than boring black pens.”

Edwin nodded quickly, his way of saying Thank you.

Edwin’s eyes lit up as he turned the pens over in his hands, his smile growing. He glanced at Tamarack and Qiu, his gratitude shining through even without words.

“See? Were the best friends ever,” Tamarack said, leaning back with a triumphant grin.

Qiu chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright then”

Edwin let out a chuckle, not loud enough for most people to hear, but Qiu and Tamarack did. They always did.

They sat there for a long time, sipping cocoa, roasting another round of marshmallows, and sharing quiet laughter. The world outside was cold and vast, but here, with his friends, Edwin felt safe.

And for the first time all day, he realized he wasn’t just happy—he was content. And that was the best thing he could have gotten this Christmas.

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Anyway that's it I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKE IT SO SORRY IF YOU DON'T. MERRY CHRISTMAS.