Chapter Text
The sun rose on the morning of the first day in December.
Rising in the fresh daylight, Hunter strode downstairs. His mind was foggy, his body unmotivated. The sweet reminiscence of coffee filled his cravings.
Meeting his brothers in the kitchen, he gazed around at each of them. Tech and Wrecker were finishing their coffee, and Echo was making eggs. Omega was still presumably fast asleep in her room. Crosshair was working the night shift, he was expected to arrive home shortly.
“Happy December, boys.” Hunter yawned, reaching to pour himself a cup of caf.
“Good morning.” Echo paused making his eggs, turning to face Hunter in a grin.
“Haha! It’s pretty much Christmas!” Wrecker laughed.
“Well, technically speaking, Christmas is not for another 24 days. We indeed have time for festivities for the duration of the month.” Tech spoke, fixing the position of his glasses.
“We need a Christmas tree today!!” Wrecker realized, his eyes growing wide.
“He has a point. We should probably start decorating today.” Echo spoke factually.
The brothers returned to their tasks, finishing their coffee and cooking in quiet.
“This is Omega’s first Christmas with us. It needs to be special.” Wrecker broke the silence, his voice was calm in realization.
“As far as I’m aware, Nala Se never bothered to celebrate with her.” Tech responded, the name bringing a sense of unease.
“Then she has a lot to learn.” Hunter responded in a grin. Almost as clockwork, Crosshair entered the house, dropping his coat by the door.
As he walked in the room, he leaned against the door way, before scanning the room for coffee.
“Good to see you, Cross.” Hunter greeted. Crosshair poured himself a cup of coffee, before turning to meet his brother.
“Morning.” Crosshair responded, glancing between his brothers.
“We decorate for Christmas today, soldier.” Hunter spoke. Crosshair’s eye roll was nearly visible through the back of his head.
“Goodie.” Cross responded, turning back to face his brothers with his coffee in hand.
“It’ll be fun! It’s gonna be the best Christmas for Omega.” Wrecker urged.
“Did someone say my name?” A yawn emerged into the kitchen. When the boys turned to the kitchen entrance, they were met with a sleepy Omega. The girl was still in her pajamas, rubbing the tiredness away from her eyes.
“There she is.” Hunter spoke in a smile, waving to his little sister.
“Good morning, sweetheart. I made your eggs the way you like!” Echo called from the stove, waving Omega over.
“Omega, it’s Christmastime!” Wrecker pushed himself from the wooden table, approaching Omega in a jumpy manner. He swept the girl into his arms, holding her close to his chest.
“So..?” Omega responded, her big brown eyes met Wrecker’s in confusion. Her head was tilted, and her gaze was soft. She was innocently bewildered.
“So it’s Christmas! Time for cookies, time for presents, time for decoration and food!” Wrecker responded, pretending to toss her every time he listed something.
Omega’s eyes drifted to Hunter.
“I’m sorry. I still don’t get it.” She spoke, in almost a whisper. Her voice was soft and sincere, she desperately wanted to understand.
“Well, kid. Christmas time is a time for joy and family. We do presents, and we make cookies, and so much more. It’s very fun and happy.” Hunter tried to explain, his voice careful.
“Oh. That sounds neat!” Omega’s smile lit up, although she was partially still unsure.
“We’ll show you, okay?” Echo approached the girl as she still in Wrecker’s arm. Echo laid his hand onto hers.
“Okay.” She decided in a smile, nodding her head. Her curls jumped as she nodded, clenching the hearts of the boys.
“Let’s go get you changed into warm clothes, okay?” Hunter offered.
“Why?” Omega tilted her head.
“We’re going out to look for a Christmas tree.” He responded, helping her out of Wrecker’s arms.
“Like the ones on TV?” She asked.
“Just like the ones on TV.” Echo reassured.
On the way to the tree farm, Omega expected resistance and sarcastic comments from Crosshair; but it never came.
Maybe he was silently happy, too. Just like the rest of their brothers.
“Let’s turn on some music!” Wrecker suggested from the backseat, next to Omega. Echo and Tech drove separately.
“Good idea.” Hunter responded, switching to the Christmas radio station.
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩-
“Hey, this is Crosshair’s song!” Wrecker teased, punching Crosshair’s shotgun seat.
“How original.” Crosshair responded simply, peering out the passenger window.
“How’re we gonna get the tree home?” Omega questioned.
“The farm provides us with saws to cut the trees.” Hunter responded.
Pulling into the farm, the boys were quick to unbuckle their seatbelts. Echo and Tech pulled their car next to Hunter’s. Omega exited the car, stepping into the snow. Cold air instantly met her cheeks.
“Here, ‘Mega.” Hunter soothed, crouching to meet the girl. He steadied the scarf around her neck, and pulled her hood further onto her head. “Stay warm.”
She beamed a smile at the man, who matched it.
As the bright Christmas lights around the perimeter caught Omega’s eyes, she gazed at them in wonder.
“Look!” Omega pointed, wide eyed.
“The lights?” Echo inquired.
“Yes, they’re beautiful!” She clarified, earning a chuckle from Echo.
Omega followed her five brothers into the farm, as rows of Christmas trees caught her eyes. Each were different shapes and sizes.
“It’s like a forest.” She cooed, clenching her brothers’ hearts.
“That, it is.” Tech responded, laying a gentle hand onto her shoulder. On the speakers of the barn, vintage holiday music played.
Somehow, it took them all by surprise in awe. Something that they were used to, like a tree farm, was seen as magical in their little sister’s eyes.
Hunter picked up a saw from the bucket, keeping it from Omega’s reach.
“What now?” Omega glanced up at Hunter.
“We find a tree to take home. Then we’re gonna decorate and have a great time.” He explained. He chuckled at the way Omega lit up, instantly gazing across the trees.
She skipped ahead of her brothers, glazing the trees with the tips of her fingers.
“That’s a nice one.” Wrecker pointed to a tall, sophisticated tree.
“Woahhhh.” Omega gazed up at the giant, eyeing the pine needles.
“Isn’t it too tall?” Hunter offered.
“Indeed. We are in search of a 7 foot tree, at maximum.” Tech responded. Echo pulled the tape measurer from his pocket, eyeing the different trees.
“I think that one’s nice.” Crosshair spoke in a sarcastic tone, motioning to a small tree. It was thin, had bare patches, and was remarkably smaller than the others.
“I think it’s perfect.” Omega’s eyes widened, approaching the small tree.
“I was joking.” Crosshair’s gaze met hers.
“I’m not.” She responded, her voice so gentle. It was remarkably an ugly tree. Crosshair wanted to deny her.
But his eyes were locked with her big, innocent stare.
“What about this one, Hunter?” Crosshair called to his brother, standing by the puny tree.
Hunter was quiet, his eyes unsure. Crosshair silently motioned to their little sister; as Hunter followed his motion, he was met by a pleading Omega.
“I love it.” She tried.
“Well, it is… different.” Tech spoke through a clenched, awkward jaw.
“But… so are we, right?” Omega shrugged.
That was it. Hunter handed the saw off to Wrecker, who dropped before the tree. The muscular man began sawing at the tree.
“I think you chose a wonderful tree, Omega.” Echo laid his prosthetic around the girl’s shoulder, pulling her closer to his side.
“Thank you.” She gazed up at the man, meeting him with a smile. “I love it. It’ll be our tree.”
“It’ll be our tree.” Hunter echoed, standing on the other side of his little sister.
Omega skipped through the rows of trees.
“It’s Christmas time! It’s Christmas time!” She singsonged, waving her arms.
“Omega, come here!” Wrecker called, a chuckle in his voice. His brother stood around him.
As the girl came skipping back, she noticed how Wrecker held the small tree on his shoulder. He knelt down, holding his other arm out to Omega. “Hop on!” He called in a smile.
She skipped to Wrecker, before the man scooped her onto his shoulder. He carried her in one arm, and the tree in the other “Hunter, look!” She called down to the man.
“I see. Be careful up there, Omega.” Hunter responded, reaching and rubbing circles into her back.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Wrecker sang loudly, adding a bounce to his step. Omega erupted into giggles, snowflakes falling into her curls.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Omega echoed, throwing her arms in song.
“Careful with her, Wrecker.” Echo smiled fondly, following shortly behind.
Omega’s eyes caught large, plastic animals with a man in a red suit.
“What’s that, Hunter?” She turned her head to the man, pointing to her interest.
Hunter followed her finger, catching eye of the scene. “That’s Santa and his reindeer. Why don’t we go look at it, while the others pay for the tree?” Hunter offered, before reaching to lift her from Wrecker’s arms.
Once Omega’s feet hit the snow, she grabbed Hunter’s hand and began charging off in excitement.
“Slow down, kiddo!” Hunter laughed, holding the girl back. Within minutes, they stood before plastic statues of Santa and his reindeer.
“What’s his name again?” Omega inquired.
“Santa Clause. He delivers toys to good kids.” Hunter responded, his hand still in hers.
“Santa…” Omega whispered with big eyes, her smile growing.
“Mhm. He drinks milk and cookies, and his reindeer fly him around.” Hunter elaborated, carefully analyzing his responses.
“I wish reindeer would fly me around.” Omega met Hunter’s smile.
“Oh really?” He chuckled, lifting her up. A gasp escaped her lips, as a grin grew on the little girl’s face. Carefully, Hunter sat her onto the back of the plastic reindeer.
Omega held her arms out, as if she were an airplane. Hunter pulled his phone out to snap a picture of the girl, smiling fondly at the photo.
“Hunter, it’s like I’m flying on a deer!” Omega beamed, her cheeks were rosy from the snow.
“Maybe. But don’t fly away from me.” Hunter responded in a gentle smile, pulling her closer to him. He kissed her forehead, before pushing back to smile at her. He evened her scarf around her neck, reassuring her warmth.
“I never will, I promise!” She swore, holding her pinky out to him. “You and me can ride with Santa together, and we can fly on reindeer!”
Hunter wrapped his pinky around hers. “Sounds perfect to me, kiddo.”
A buzz from his phone snapped him back.
𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝-𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮
- 𝘞𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢.
Hunter folded his lips at the message, before tucking his phone back into his pocket.
“Our brothers are ready, Mega. Time to pack up.” Hunter smiled. Omega held her arms out, before Hunter lifted her from the reindeer.
Setting her down, Omega curled her hand into his. The two walked through the tree farm, listening to the music playing.
𝘚𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘴; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦?
“This is my favorite Christmas song.” Hunter spoke, squeezing her hand lightly.
“What is it?” Omega asked.
“It’s called XMas Time, War Is Over.” He responded.
The trees around them were arrayed in snow, glistening sparkles of ice throughout the farm. And through it all, Omega remained by Hunter’s side, as the man quietly hummed the song for her.
“What do you want for Christmas, Omega?” Hunter’s gaze fell on her.
“Hm?” She met his stare, tilting her head ever so slightly. “What do you mean?”
“I mean- Is there anything you want? Like a certain toy or a bike?“ Hunter elaborated. They were anything but rich. Yet Hunter knew he would do anything to get his kid what she wants.
“I want you guys. I don’t know why I’d need anything else.” She shrugged, genuinely bewildered by the question.
What did he ever do to deserve this kid?
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and they reached the car.
After Wrecker had carried the tree inside, Crosshair brought the ornaments from the attic. Tech followed shortly after with lights to hang in the windows.
Hunter played Christmas music on his phone while him, Wrecker, Crosshair and Omega decorated the tree. Tech and Echo worked on decorating the rest of the house.
Wrecker sang loudly, Crosshair began quietly humming some of the songs. Omega caught on quickly to some of them, and was able to sing with Wrecker.
Crosshair held out a pink ornament to Omega, offering it to her.
“This one is nice. You wanna put it up?” He offered. Inspecting the ornament, Omega decided she was pleased, taking the pink glass ornament. Hanging it on the tree, she reached for more ornaments in the box.
As the tree was finished, the family stood back to observe their work, satisfied with themselves.
“We need to put the star up.” Hunter spoke, reaching into the ornament box.
He handed the tree-topper to Omega, as she took it cautiously. Wordlessly, Wrecker swept her into his arms, causing the girl to gasp into giggles. He held her closer to the tree.
“Go on, put the star on the top, kiddo!” Wrecker encouraged.
She reached up, steadying the star on the top of the tree.
Omega pretended not to see Crosshair snap a photo on his phone.
Finally, it was complete. Omega beamed at the tree, proud of their decorating.
“We are finished!” Tech called from the other room, inviting Omega to come see. Curiosity getting the best of her, Omega skipped into the room.
Before her, Tech and Echo had arrayed the hallway and kitchen in lights and Christmas decorations.
The rooms were lit up beautifully, bringing prepossessing light. Some were multicolored, whilst others were white.
“That’s so beautiful!!!” Omega praised, gazing between the lights.
“You two did well!” Hunter observed the decor. Tech and Echo nodded their thanks.
“Well, is it time for drinks and a movie?” Echo offered.
“I’ll get the drinks.” Crosshair responded, traveling further into the kitchen. Tech left to prepare the movie to watch.
Omega watched carefully, as Crosshair poured two separate kinds of drinks.
“Hunter, Echo, and I enjoy egg nog. Wrecker, Tech, and you will get hot chocolate.” Crosshair explained.
“Can I try egg nog?” Omega asked.
“No.” Crosshair answered.
“Why?” She tried.
“Because I said so.” He decided. Truthfully, he would’ve let her try it; but the boys enjoyed their egg nog with some booze. Not fit for a child.
“Okay. I’ll take hot chocolate then.” Omega decided, nodding her head.
“That’s what I’m making.” Crosshair responded.
“Okay, can I have it with marshmallows, and a lot of whipped cream, and chocolate chips on top?” Omega pleaded, stretching her arms to emphasize ‘a lot’.
“That sounds like diabetes in a mug.” Crosshair scoffed, beginning to heat the milk.
“Pleaseeeee?” She folded her hands to beg. “I think it’d be really good.”
Crosshair considered it. Echo would most likely have a heart attack upon seeing Omega ingest so much junk food. If it meant seeing the look on Echo’s face, how could he resist?
“Fine.” Crosshair hissed, yet there was no true anger behind it.
“Yes!” Omega leapt. “Thank you, Crosshair!”
“Whatever.” Crosshair rolled his eyes in a fond smile.
Setting up the movie, Omega settled between Hunter and Tech on the couch. When Echo saw her hot chocolate, his eyes bulged in disapproval of her malnourishment. Crosshair held his breath to conceal his laughter.
Omega sat with her hot chocolate, marshmallows, whipped cream, and lots of chocolate chips. Truthfully, it was the best drink she’s ever had.
Wrecker had decided on the film The Polar Express, concluding that it was a good movie for children.
After a long day, the family sat together on the couch, with their Christmas drinks. Snowflakes danced outside, whilst the family was sage together. Omega was bundled between her brothers, about to watch the new movie.
And just between the brothers, they had already planned for Omega to visit the mall Santa in a few days.
It was odd and indescribable, the way the kid added to their joy. Perhaps her child-like wonder was the Christmas magic they desired all along.
“I think Christmas is my favorite time.” Omega concluded, after taking a long sip of her drink.
“Ours too, kid.” Hunter reassured.
After the girl finished her hot cocoa and The Polar Express was nearly over, Hunter detected her breathing steady. She laid against the man, hot chocolate residue still on her lips. The face of a happy, restful child.
“Goodnight. Merry Christmas.” He pressed a kiss into her hair.