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sophiasharp · 4 years

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Welp, it’s been a time and a half since I’ve written fan fiction but I’m very honored to try my hand at it again with the Dead By Daylight Secret Santa! This fic is for the wonderful @allexiaah and I know it’s coming in a bit last minute but I hope they enjoy! And please give mercy for any spelling mistakes, I wrote this all on mobile. I thought y’all were joking about the mobile writing program being utter hell but boy was I wrong! I tried to fix as many mistakes as I could find, but here’s just in case I missed any. Now without further adieu,

Holiday Respite

Trigger warnings: graphic language, descriptions and mentions of death, mentions of cannon-compliant major character death

Word coun: 5718

Claudette Morel had been having a very bad week.

Granted, bad weeks- never mind bad days -are a tad hard to quantify when one is trapped in a never-ending hellscape of torture and pain, but even by those standards this past week had been pretty awful. It had started with relatively small things: lending one too many teammates her supplies only to realize she’d managed to run out of med kits, a few too many rounds that ended with her lifeless body floating off a meat hook into the sky, but those “small inconveniences” soon piled up and escalated, as small inconsistencies are apt to do.

As the days dragged on, Claudette found she was being called to trials much more often than her compatriots. It took a startlingly small amount of time for her number of successful escapes to tank as well. Call it luck or the Entity choosing to mess with her in particular, but every other round she was in seemed to end with her blood spilled all across the realms, whether it be dripping from a hook or splattered everywhere from knives, machetes, bone saws, axes, and chainsaws. Try as she might to hide and stay on the objectives, she had seemingly grown the uncanny ability to attract trouble, and unfortunately, she’d never been the best in chases. When she wasn’t dying, she was escaping by the absolute skin of her teeth from bloody slaughters with every one of her companions dead and the killer breathing down her neck just a few painstaking feet away. She’d crawl out of the hatch’s opening near the campfire, adrenaline still pumping furiously, and would be able to sit down just long enough for the exhaustion that was still lingering to set in before being called to yet another game of life or death.

This last match had been a full team sweep from the Hag touting an Ebony Mori. Dying from her was always skin-crawling in a way not many deaths here were. There’s something about the absolutely feral way she tore into you like a starving animal, her gnarled claws ripping into you and dragging out parts that no one should ever have to actually look at, much less watch get devoured right in front of you as you bleed out rapidly. No one ever left a match with her in a particularly good mood, and this time had been no exception. Claudette had been second to last to die, not first or last for the first time in a while, but it did put her in the prime position to be the receiving end of Feng’s frustration, as she was the last to die and was none too pleased about it.

“What the hell were you thinking?” The gamer had exclaimed not long after her arrival back at camp. “I could have had it! All I needed was one more gen done and the hatch would have spawned! I could have found the key Ace brought and got out of that dumpster fire of a match but nooo, you just had to drag the fleshless fuck right to me like a dumbass! Were you even thinking?” It had been true that in her attempt to put as much distance between her and the cannibalistic killer that Claudette had unwittingly alerted him of Feng’s location, but it had been an honest mistake. How was she supposed to know her friend had been right there at that moment? “I’m sorry, I know, I messed up, I’m really sorry,” she had admitted in the hopes of calming Feng down. It didn’t work. “I mean really, do you have to drag down everyone else with your fuck-ups?”

It had come out so easily, such a mindless little comment that Claudette knew meant nothing in actuality, but it had been just enough to finally break her resolve. It was only a few seconds after the words had left her mouth that Feng realized just how badly she’d screwed up; everyone knew by now the stress the group’s resident botanist had been under, she’d just been so deep in the heat of the moment she hadn’t spared it a thought. Silence thick as the fog around them had fallen over the camp, eventually broken by Claudette whispering in a wavering voice, “I think I’ll go take a walk.” “Claudette, wait- “Feng had tried to call out, but by then the bespectacled girl had already slipped away from the campfire. The gamer had stood there for a moment, looking at the direction Claudette had disappeared. “Shit,” she mumbled, “I fucked up.”

———————————————————————

Claudette trudged through the forest of the Entity’s realm, struggling to keep herself composed even with no one around to judge her. It hadn’t taken long for the campfire’s glow to be lost, but that wasn’t a problem. As long as you know where you want to go, it’s nigh impossible to be truly lost, no matter how thick the trees grow or how dark the night gets. And so she walked, and walked, and walked, to the destination she knew was ahead of her even if the path to it never looked the same. After a while, she broke through the tree line to her private hideaway. In a small clearing was a shallow, crystal clear pond. Reeds and bushes surrounded the sides, and in the back hanging over the water was a willow tree, low branches and bows offering a sense of privacy in the otherwise open area. Circling the pond were different kinds of flowers native to the quasi-reality of the realm; those had actually been Claudette’s doing and she held a certain pride in how nicely they filled out the open space around the water source, though it wasn’t enough to soothe her sour mood.

This was her garden. She’d found it a few years ago after wandering away from the campfire, desperate for a quiet place to find comfort in. She loved her teammates dearly, but sometimes things got too much, whether it be small arguments breaking out at camp that she couldn’t handle or just the simple need to be alone with her thoughts for a while. The oasis gave Claudette a spot of respite away from all the troubles waiting for her back at camp or in trials. She could keep her hands busy with tending to her flowers, or entertain herself watching the ripples in the water that were left in the wake of a thrown pebble, or lull herself to sleep under the tree by counting the leaves on the branches above her. It’s quiet, peaceful even, and unlike the rest of this place, it wasn’t home to an awful monster or serial killer waiting to gut her like a fish.

Well, technically it was home to one, but only technically.

Speaking of, she could just make out his figure as she trudged through the tall grass. Bent over a patch of Sweet Williams, probably pulling out a few stray weeds, was the Wraith. Or more accurately, there was Philip, her closest friend in this never-ending nightmare and the only other person she shared this garden with. He was in his usual wear: dark brown cloak hanging around his shoulders, bandages wrapped his legs and torso, a mask of mud and twigs hiding his identity from anyone who might have known him from before coming to the Entity’s Realm. As she got closer, however, Claudette could see his shoulders sagging a bit more than usual, his general posture more deflated. What’s more, the normally vigilant sentinel didn’t notice her presence until she spoke up, by then standing right behind him. “Philip?”

The taller man jumped a little in place. How lost in thought had he been to not notice her approach? “Ah, Claudette,” he began, turning around to face her, “I see you’ve taken some lessons from Nea on the art of keeping hidden?” Even as he smiled at her, the botanist couldn’t help but notice the exhausted lilt in his voice and the tiredness in his eyes. Seems like she wasn’t the only one being run rampant these past few days. However, before she could voice her own concern, the ex-mechanic furrowed his brow and brought a hand to her cheek. “Are you alright? Why are you crying?” As it turns out, Claudette hadn’t been able to keep her emotions bottled in completely. Bringing a hand up to her own face, she was in fact greeted by wet tear stains. She tried to hide it, taking in a ragged breath and wiping the tears away, but to no avail. Sensing her unease, Philip wrapped his arms around her, bringing her into a gentle embrace. “It’s okay, I’m right here, you’ll be okay,” he cooed into the top of her head, “you don’t have to keep it in.” Despite her best efforts, the worried man’s touch was enough to break down what was left of her composure. Tears streamed freely down her cheeks. Gracefully, he swooped his arms under the shivering legs and picked her up bridal style, carrying her over to the shade of the willow tree.

The Wraith leaned against the trunk and sunk down to the ground, shifting his friend into his lap so she could lean against his chest. Claudette continued to sob into his cloak, gripping the fabric in her fist. Careful not to disturb her too much, Philip shifted her face to the side, plucking her glasses off and setting them to the side for maximum comfort. A large hand cradled the back of the young woman’s head, her own arms pulling her closer to her friend. She gurgled out a few apologies between hiccups which Philip hushed away. “Tell me what’s wrong, little friend, what’s troubling you?” Claudette’s thoughts were bleary as she tried to come up with a response. “I don’t know, I just- everything is so awful, I’ve been dying over and over again all week, I keep getting trials back-to-back, I haven’t had time to do anything, and I’m just so tired! I miss my mom, and my dad, and my home, and not dying every day, and it’s all gotten to be so much...” A few extra sobs escaped her lips while Philip continued to rub circles into her back until she calmed down again. “It’s nothing new, really, I’m just over reacting.” The botanist concluded, a bitter chuckle accompanying her statement. Philip frowned at the sentiment. “It’s not wrong for you to feel hurt and overwhelmed by this place,” he explains, “that’s what it’s designed to do. There’s no reason to be ashamed of being sad.”

Claudette only nods into his cloak. After so long without a break between matches, she was utterly exhausted. Her eyes were beginning to droop, her breath beginning to slow. Noticing his friend’s rapidly depleting energy, the wraith began to shift them once more. Claudette was directed forward, now laying against her taller friend while he rewound his arms around her. She didn’t protest, instead leaning further into the comfort he provided. Sleep was coming for her swiftly. However, right before it consumed her consciousness, she felt Philip let out a deep, pained sigh, his entire form sinking as he released more tension that she’d realized he was carrying. ‘Philip does so much for me,’ the young woman thought blearily to herself, ‘even when he’s in pain himself. I should do something to make it up to him.’

———————————————————————

It was only a few days after that peculiar trip to the garden that things began to change in the realm. The temperature became ever colder, the winds blowing ever harsher, and snow started to fall over the woods that were in slightly higher spirits. The Christmas Season had arrived in the realm; somehow, they’d all made it another year in this hell and had a whole new one to look forward to. Unfortunately, the resident malevolent spider god didn’t stop demanding sacrifice even during the holidays, which meant that as usual, there was no break from trials for anyone. That, however, didn’t stop the survivors from making the best of their situation every year. All around the campfire, people were conversing and conspiring back and forth from here to there over the setting up of the yearly holiday party. There were party streamers to gather, supplies to scavenge, cards to write, gifts to make, even food to prepare. It’s a whole group activity; there weren’t many reasons to celebrate in a world full of death so when such occasions would arrive, the eclectic group came at it with all they had.

This year, however, one of the many members of their group was working a bit of overtime to put together something extra. What Claudette had was a plan. A plan that was going to be a bit harder to pull off than normal considering the Entity had yet to ease up on the constant trials- she was now no longer the only person suffering this fate which perhaps wasn’t comforting but at least made her feel less alone -but a plan nonetheless, and if there was one thing the bespectacled young woman was, it was determined. It was going to cost a few favors considering the sheer lack of time she had to do things herself, but by whatever passed for stars above, she would do it.

The first favor was an easy call considering recent events. Things had been fairly quiet at the campfire; the grounds were scarcely populated at the moment, most people off in different trials. Feng was resting against one of the logs closest to the fire, picking at her black and pink sweater. Even with how mild the temperature change had been, she’d always been extra susceptible to the cold and her sweater was doing next to nothing to help in her opinion. She was about to go and pester Adam about letting her borrow one of his many heavy coats when she heard her name being called from in the middle of the woods. Looking up from the fire, the pro-gamer could make out the form of Claudette re-emerging from the woods, fresh out of a trial. “Feng!” The botanist called again, waving her down trying to get her attention. “I’m here, I’m here! What do you want, you’re shouting like you’re on fire and I’m the only one with water!” Feng answered with her usual snark. Upon seeing the amount of attention she’d inadvertently gathered, Claudette shuffled a bit nervously, tripping over her words a bit. “I-I’m sorry, I was just wondering if you could talk in the woods with me? I wanted to ask you something.” Feng raised an eyebrow. She didn’t know what could possibly be so important that it needed to be discussed alone, but she also knew she didn’t want to risk hurting Claudette’s feelings again so soon. “Fine,” she decided, getting off the log, “lead the way.”

Once the two were comfortably out of earshot of the rest of the camp, Claudette turned to her with a hushed tone, “I was wondering if maybe you’d be willing to help me string together some extra decorations?” Feng looked at her blankly. “That’s what you dragged me out into the woods for? And I thought we had enough already!” The botanist sputtered a bit nervously. “Well, they aren’t actually for the party.” Now that caught Feng’s attention, her brows furrowing. Claudette continued before she even needed to ask. “I was hoping to set up something special outside of the party for Philip. It’s so sad that he has to spend the holidays all alone since he can’t join us at the campfire, so I thought I’d find a way to bring the party to him.” Ah, classic Claud, always looking out for others. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I haven’t had much time to do it myself and I could really use the help. I’ll join in too as soon as I have the time, but for now could you help me pull things together? Please?” There was a selfish part of Feng that wanted to say no, to insist that she had other things to do. But at the same time, it was Claudette, and she did so much for keeping the group safe and happy even when she was burning the candle at both ends, and she was doing it for Philip who despite occasionally having to murder them tried really hard not to when he had the chance, and really who would Feng be if she refused such an honest ask? After pretending to consider it for maybe a bit longer than she should have, the gamer gave in. “Fine, I’ll make you some extra stuff for Philip.” Claudette beamed at her. “Oh, thank you so much! You’re the best!” “Yeah, yeah, like I don’t already know.” Feng dismissed. She tried to pat the other girl’s shoulder, but instead found her hand passing straight through. Claudette was being summoned for a trial. Again. “Shit, already?” Feng asked in disbelief. The smile Claudette had been wearing fell faster than a hook in Jake’s line of sight. Already her form was beginning to lose opacity, her body literally fading out of existence to be transported elsewhere. “Yeah, I guess,” she answered, “but thanks again for this. I really can’t thank you enough!” Feng rolled her eyes, “I assure you, you can. Good luck out there, see you in, like, 5 minutes maybe.” With that, Claudette was gone. “Damn, that shit must suck.” The technician said to herself. She sighed as she turned to head back to camp. “Welp, time to make some last-minute holiday cheer I guess.”

The second favor was a bit tougher of an ask, at least in Claudette’s mind. It wasn’t that she didn’t think they’d be willing to help, it’s just a matter of whether or not they could help what with everything else going on. Eventually, however, she popped the question a few days after her talk with Feng when the food prep was in its early stages. The never- ending trials had finally begun to slow down, meaning she was able to help supervise the food production along with some of the other survivors. It was during one of the early days of gathering supplies for the closest thing they could get to a feast that she decided to talk with her other “head chefs,” Kate and Jeff. “Hey, guys” She’d asked while collecting some tree sap into a jar. “Yeah, sugar?” Kate answered while looking around for some roots, Jeff’s head perking in her direction from where he was collecting berries. “I was wondering if you guys think you could help me make some extras of everything that we’re making for the party, if we have the time?” “I don’t see why not,” Jeff replied quickly, “it might take some extra hands but we could do it without much issue.” “Might I ask why we’re making extras? Not that I mind, just curious.” Called out the southern sweetheart while she pulled against a particularly stubborn tuber. “Well, I was hoping to give some of the extra food to Philip. I doubt he gets to eat very often, if he gets to eat at all, and I don’t know what exactly he likes so I thought we could just make a little extra of everything for him to try.” Claudette explained. “Aww, that’s a great idea! Give him some Christmas cheer even if the mean old sky spider won’t let us give it directly. Course we’d be willing to help!” Kate gushed, Jeff nodding in agreement. “I could even draw him something, if you wouldn’t mind me stepping in,” he added, “it’s not much but I’d like to give him some extra thanks for everything he’s done.” “That sounds amazing!” The four-eyed youth exclaimed. “Thank you guys so much for this, I’m sure he’ll love it!” Kate gave her a bright smile. “Of course! What are friends for! Now,” she continued, eyebrow furrowing as she yanked on something in the dirt giving her trouble, “if I could just. Get. This. Bugger. Out!” With a final harsh tug, she removed a particularly stubborn truffle from its place in the earth, cackling in triumph. Claudette just giggled in response.

The final favor was arguably the hardest to achieve. It might not have been entirely necessary for her plan, but she really wanted the best for Philip. It also required waiting till the day of the party to really achieve.

Festivities were in full swing now, music and laughter in the air. Even though she was feeling the Holiday spirit in full swing, she was nervous. Looking around her though, at what her friends and teammates had accomplished in the weeks before, it gave her some confidence. The trees surrounding their campgrounds were decorated with all kinds of ornaments. Lightbulbs and spare parts were hung on string alongside strands of amaranth that were the closest thing they had to holly and mistletoe. Presents had already been swapped and placed in people’s respective piles around the fire, some opened early for those who couldn’t wait any longer and others saved for when things quieted down and people could muster some privacy if they wanted. Everyone who had an ugly sweater was wearing one. Dwight was talking with Jake off to the side of the camp, sugary sweets in hand. David drinking and laughing with Yui and Feng, the three of them sharing stories about their past lives while sipping on some moonshine the scrapper had managed to purloin off of the Hillbilly a while back. Ace was dealing a new round of poker with Jane, Tapp, Adam, Bill, and Zarina. In a quieter corner of the party were Laurie, Quentin Cheryl, and Nancy, all talking amongst themselves, exchanging gifts and some of the happier stories from their past. Kate and Jeff were now working together to give the party some pleasant music to listen to with the help of Kate’s guitar; every once in a while, some of the more confident partiers would join in their harmonies, helping them to keep spirits high. Élodie and Felix were parked near the refreshments area, mostly just watching the scene around them in amusement while they ate. Finally, around the campfire was Ash telling one of his many tall tales, keeping the rest of the party as a captive audience, including Steve, Nea, and most importantly to Claudette, Meg. That’s who she needed to ask the favor of, and god did she hope she would accept. The thought of asking was putting butterflies in her stomach. “Hey, Dette!” The sound of her name snapped her out of her thoughts and back into the present. Ash had stopped his story and was now calling to her directly. “You don’t have to keep staring at us from the sidelines, miss wallflower! Come join the party!” She hadn’t even realized she’d been staring, but now the rest of the group around the campfire was calling her over. “C’mon, Claud, he’s getting to the best part! Get over here!” Meg insisted. Claudette thought about it for a moment before slowly nodding and heading over to the logs surrounding the fire. She could wait to talk later, for now she should enjoy the company of her teammates. “That’s the spirit!” The metal armed man cheered on, “Now then, where was I?”

It was, in fact, much later into what they all decided was the evening that Claudette finally got the courage to ask Meg the favor. She made her way over to the log next to Kate and Jeff that Meg had decided to lie down on as the party drew to a close. Most of the survivors were starting to fall asleep or keep in quieter conversations for the sake of those that were sleepy, Kate now plucking out a slower melody on her guitar. Normally, Meg would be all over staying up to talk with the others about anything under the sun, but she’d managed to tucker herself out earlier in the party, so now the athlete was beginning to doze off to the sweet sounds of Kate’s instrumentals.

“Meg?” Claudette said, poking her friend a bit to make sure she was awake. “Hm? Oh, Hey Claude. I really appreciate the gift you got me, I know I could have waited longer to open it but I couldn’t, but I really like it so thank you.” Meg rambled sleepily. The botanist giggled. “I’m very glad you liked it.” She replied. “Yeah, it’s real good stuff dude, you’re the best.” The red-head continued to mumble in praise. Claudette could feel her face heat up a bit at the kind words. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.” After letting her friend’s thanks sink in a little, she finally got down to business. “Hey, I was wondering something, would you mind doing me a favor.” “Huh? Oh yeah, sure dude, anything. Whatcha need?” Claudette hesitated a bit, still not entirely convinced of her friend’s cooperation. “I was wondering if maybe you’d let me borrow your phone for a bit?” Meg turned her head, squinting at Claudette. It was really only out of tiredness, but the still lucid youth shrunk a bit under her gaze. “My phone? Uh, sure, why?” This was the delicate part. She loved Meg with all her being, but if she told her entire plan there was no way Meg wouldn’t want to come, no matter how tired she was and Claudette wanted this to be a more private gathering. “I, uh, I was hoping I could use it to do something special for someone. Away from the group, I mean.” She explained, trying to keep it vague. “Oh? Sick, you tryna impress someone or what?” Claudette glanced off to the side. “Uh, kind of? I guess.” “Cool, cool, take it then.” Claudette blinked. “Really?” Meg nodded sleepily. “Yeah dude, go ahead. I don’t keep my phone locked anymore since there’s not really a point to it. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen, Feng looking through my years old browser history? Don’t even worry about it.” Claudette said nothing for a moment, stunned that she’d actually agreed so easily. “Oh. Wow, uh, thank you, Meg, this means a lot to me.” Meg smiled; her eyes mostly closed. “Of course, dude! Good luck with whatever you’re doing.” “Thanks, Meg, I appreciate it.” There was a long pause, the dark-haired young woman crouched over the form of her dosing friend. “... Meg?”

“Yeah?”

“Your phone is in your pocket still.”

“Oh.”

———————————————————————

Claudette climbed down from the last tree, dusting off her hands. It was only an hour or two after she’d retrieved Meg’s phone now, she’d left camp shortly after their conversation to make sure the garden was completely ready for Philip’s arrival. She’d asked him to meet her there tonight, not really being specific about anything. Neither were very descriptive about their needs for meeting, just ready to be there whenever the other asks. Looking up into the tall oaks that made up the tree line surrounding the garden, the botanist couldn’t help but feel a bit of pride at her handiwork. Knowing that it would likely be a while till her friend arrived, she’d saved some of the decorating for the very last minute and she had to say, they didn’t look half bad. The strings of crimson amaranth and primrose blossoms hung beautifully around the trees, offering maybe not a festive but certainly brighter mood to the surrounding area. They worked somewhat like red curtains, walling in the space a bit more than normal and even offering a small sense of privacy from the outside world. She really couldn’t thank Feng enough for the help putting these all together. Behind her, she heard the not-so- distant ringing of a familiar bell. “Claudette?”

Turning around, the young woman saw her tall friend’s approaching figure from across the clearing. A warm grin spreads across her face as she rushes over to greet him by the tree, calling out back to him. “Philip!” The two met halfway, Claudette rushing into a tight embrace that almost knocked the Wraith back. Almost. “What is all this?” He asked in wonderment. “I made this for you! You seemed so tired a while back, so I thought I’d put something together. Besides, it’s the holiday season, I can’t just leave my best friend with nothing!” Claudette took his hand eagerly and began dragging him under the willow tree.

The centerpiece of the garden was decked out even more than the surrounding trees. Odd bulbs lit up the branches of the tree, milky glass and golden tokens reflecting the light and strings of amaranth wrapping around the twine itself to make makeshift tinsel. The lines crossed from branch to branch in a crisscross pattern, ornaments hanging just above Philip’s head. On the ground underneath the trees was the extra food from the party. A mini picnic made of cookies, cakes, oatmeal, some jams and fruit mixes, water, coffee, a small bit of moonshine, all spread about the roots of the tree overlooking the crystal water. In the center of the little ensemble next to a piping cup of coffee was the sketch Jeff had made, the shrouded killer’s visage captured strikingly on paper. Philip stepped gingerly around the plates and cups while Claudette led him into the center of the miniature feast. “It’s so much.” The Wraith murmured to himself. Claudette couldn’t help but beam with pride, settling on the forest floor next to his spot. “C’mon, sit down, relax.” Tugging his hand, the taller man crouched down to her level, eventually situating himself next to her.

“Little friend, this is too much, truly. You really brought this all for me?” Philip whispered, still in utter shock of what’s been put before him. How long had it been since he’d eaten anything? He’d long forgotten what food tasted like, let alone think he’d ever get the chance to remember. “Of course. I didn’t know what foods you liked the most, so I just brought everything I could. I hope that’s alright.” Claudette answered before her eyes widened, jerking around. “Oh! I almost forgot.” She dug Meg’s phone out of her back pocket. Philip watched her tap at it a bit before she found what she was looking for, seemingly satisfied. “Here.” With the press of a button, the ex-mechanic was greeted with something he hadn’t experienced in a lifetime. From the phone’s speaker floated soaring orchestral strings, a live band playing their heart out as an intro to the lead singer’s light vocals. “Have yourself a merry little Christmas...” the melody continued on, offering extra ambiance to the gathering. Were it not for the lack of true constellations among the stars and the moon being just a bit too large in the sky, one could mistake the scene for an idyllic grove from the real world, a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life even.

“I haven’t listened to Christmas music in so long,” Claudette voiced to herself, eyes closed in quiet bliss. “but I knew Meg was bound to have some on her phone. I hope you like it; I don’t really know if- oh!” She finally looked to Philip again since turning on the music and was startled to find his shoulders quivering, wet tracks pouring down from his eyes that his hands were trying to wipe away shakily. Claudette shuffled closer and wrapped her arms yet again around his torso, him pulling her closer in return. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’m like this, I just- “the Wraith sputtered, “you’ve done so much for me tonight. I forgot anything could sound like that. I didn’t realize anything could sound so beautiful anymore. And now I get to eat in the company of my friend who put this all together for me, and I am just- thank you. Thank you so much. Surely I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” The botanist patted his back, still holding her friend as he calmed down. “Don’t sell yourself short, you do so much for us. For me and the rest of the survivors. You deserve so much more than I can give.” Philip shook his head but didn’t argue. He finally pulled back, wiping the last of the tears from his eyes. “Well, I don’t know what else I can say, you have given me so much.” Claudette nodded along. She reached for a plate and was about to hand it to him when he stopped her, guiding the plate back down. Philip offered a shy smile of his own and reached into his cloak. “Fortunately, I thought to bring something for you as well.”

Out of his hand came a small stuffed toy in the rough shape of a dog. It was all brown and made of a thick material, its eyes made up of dark beads and a nose made of a smaller ball of the same material. For something handmade, it was well sewn together and there was clearly a lot of time and care spent in its construction. Philip handed it to Claudette, looking to the side bashfully. “It’s nothing like what you’ve put together for me, but I remembered you talking about how you missed your family back home and how nice everything is compared to here, and I can’t bring any of them to you directly but I can sew well enough and I thought you might like a new friend that could keep you company when everything gets too much like it was a few weeks ago.” Claudette took the stuffed dog in her hands carefully, cradling it gently. Philip eyed the young woman cautiously, trying to gage her reaction. “Do you like it?” Claudette gazed lovingly down at the dog, her eyes getting a bit misty despite herself. She clutched the toy to her chest and nodded. “I love it. I love it so much, Philip. Thank you so much.” Philip relaxed at the words, an easy smile spreading across his face.

“Merry Christmas, little friend. I love you.”

“Merry Christmas Philip, I love you too.”

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