Lurker > Cartridge88

A

"We'll just make something simple, that can feed a lot of people, and pack it up to take to the Tower."

"I guess that's fine," Raven says.

You go to the kitchen, check what you have, and also taking everyone's diets into consideration, such as Beast Boy being a vegetarian and Aqualad being against seafood, you decide to make stir-fried water spinach and the karaage style chicken nuggets.

You carefully put your scarf aside, as you haven't prepared it with Enchantments to protect against stains, and you whip up the marinade for the karaage. You put together soy sauce, applesauce, onions, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, black pepper and Allspice while the chicken meat cooks.

You coat a pan with cooking oil before you throw the spinach and Sichuan peppers onto it. You of course stir-fry those, simple as that. You fill a couple containers and seal those up, then finish the karaage.

You package two containers worth of the karaage to match the two with spinach, and you put the bundt cake in a box.

"I'll call Cyborg," Raven says. "He'll help drive the Todder Titans back, and we can even transport the food for you."

"Thank you, Raven," you say. "This is quite a bit, actually."

While Raven makes the call, you continue with gifts. Your parents' gift for you is a wide rectangle, with some heft to it as you lift it. You unwrap it and reveal a framed painting of the Null family home.

"This is lovely," you say. "Thank you. Perhaps we can hang this up..."

A) In the living room
B) In the dining room
C) In the hallway

bump, will get this after dinner

A

You wrap the scarf around you, black side out, and Raven smiles. Raven opens your gift to her now, and she sees the card you made.

https://i.imgur.com/wvZAJNK.png

"Aww," Raven says. "When did you make this one?"

"Don't you worry about that," you say. "Do you like it?"

"Of course I like it," she says. "Nice layering, with the lateral lines under the curves. And this little heart with the R in it."

Raven puts the card aside to then move tissue paper aside and brings out the real gift.

"You also got me a scarf?" Raven says with a little laugh.

She brings out the blue and white scarf, non-reversible and you have a big smile.

"Did you get this from the same place?" she asks.

"No," you say. "And as far as I know, it isn't hand made, but it is still nice, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is very nice," she says. "Thank you, Rorek."

"You're welcome," you say. "Oh, we should make something more for our lunch with the Titans. Just showing up with cake won't be enough."

"We don't have to cook more, do we?" Raven asks.

"It's more special that way," you say.

A) Make something here and bring it there
B) Buy supplies and make the food there

bump

A

Raven's gift is a rectangular box wrapped in blue with a white ribbon, very fitting. You untie the ribbon, open the box, and move tissue paper aside to reveal a black and white plaid scarf.

"Oh, this is nice," you say. "Is this reversible?"

"Yeah," she says, "black with white on one side, white with black on the other. And it was hand-made."

"Really? When did you have time to sew it?"

"Oh, I didn't," Raven says. "I got it from that website where people hand-make products."

"Oh, yes, they have very nice things. Thank you so much for this."

You kiss Raven on the cheek.

A) Wear the scarf, black side out
B) Wear the scarf, white side out
C) Don't wear the scarf right now

bump, got busy

A

You get out the cream cheese based frosting and load it into a squeeze tube. You get the bundt cake going on a Lazy Susan to rotate it as you squeeze the frosting out, going out from the center along the top of each bump. The cake is still warm enough to melt the frosting and help it spread. You let it cool and you finally sit down to eat.

The Toddler Titans finish eating up first, naturally, and excitedly wait in the living room. Your sisters finish up their meal next and sit with Melvin on the couch.

"Presents! Presents!" the Toddlers start chanting.

"Patience. Patience," Raven chants back at them.

You and the adults finish eating, you put the plates away, and now everyone is in the living room with the presents organized.

"Alright," you say as you sit with Raven. "Ready and... Begin."

Everyone starts opening their presents, and you start with the gift from...

A) Raven
B) Your parents

bump

B

For a side dish, you simply put bread in the toaster and bring out the butter and jam. You then finish up a couple more omelets and serve those to your sisters.

You check the gingerbread bundt cake, and it is almost done. You get the batter going again for a second bundt cake, which will be for the Titans and lunch.

*ding dong* The doorbell rings.

"Don't worry," Raven tells you, "I'll get it."

Raven goes around to the front door and opens it up. You hear her welcoming people and walk back. And indeed, it is your parents and grandparents.

"Welcome," you say. "Just in time for fresh omelets."

"Smells delicious," Grandfather Sixth says. "Is that ham and cheese?"

"Yes, it is," you say.

The rest of the family sits with your sisters and Raven at the table as you keep the omelets going.

The toaster pops, you bring out the bread and get a butter knife.

"Alright, who wants buttered toast and who wants jam?" you ask.

After going down the line, Raven, Roselind and the Toddlers want butter, everyone else wants jam. You yourself go with jam.

The toast is served, you finish up omelets so that your parents and grandparents can eat, and then get the last two done for you and Raven. The first bundt cake is done and set that aside to cool. You then put the second bundt cake in the oven and have that bake.

A) Frost the bundt cake
B) Keep it plain

bump, will get this after dinner

bump, got busy again

B

"I'm going to shower next, then you shower while I make breakfast."

"Wait, what?" she says.

"Well, you can keep an eye on the kids," you say. "And once I get started on breakfast, I shouldn't stop."

"Yeah, okay, that makes sense," she says.

You go to the bathroom, get towels for yourself, and start on your shower. You go as fast as you can, and hope the hot water holds up.

After you finish, you also hurry to dry and dress in your bedroom. You see Raven neatly folded all the Toddler Titans' clothes and put them on the side. You do the same with the clothes you were wearing, and dress in your own slacks. You also put on an undershirt and a black button up with white tie. But then you think ahead and realize you should be careful, you're going to be cooking.

"Alright," you say as you step out, wearing a T-shirt over the undershirt. "Everyone be patient, the omelets are on their way."

"What're you wearing?" Raven asks as she looks at you, baggy shirt over slacks.

"I don't want to make a mess of my formal shirts," you say.

"Oh, good point," Raven chuckles.

Raven hurries to the bathroom and you go to the kitchen.

"What's in a omuwet?" Teether asks.

"It's going to be a big thing of eggs," you say, "full of ham and cheese, maybe some herbs."

"Mmm~!" the Toddler Titans say.

You scramble eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper while a pan heats with oil and butter on medium-low heat. You wait until the butter on the pan is melted and foaming. That's when you pour the scrambled eggs on, and carefully tilt the pan ever so slightly, back and forth, so that the eggs swirl and cover the pan. This cooks for just 20 seconds so that it can coagulate, and you scrape a line through the middle with a spatula.

You tilt the pan more, to let it fill back up with the runny egg. You repeat the process again and again until it has all set and nothing is runny. Then you throw on shredded cheese, diced ham and diced cilantro, making sure it is all evenly spread around the area. Then you carefully fold the entire thing and plate it.

Raven is done showering by the time you finish this one omelet, and you are almost done with the second one by the time she's done dressing.

"Oh, lovely as always," you say as she enters the dining room.

"Thank you," she says as she smooths out the skirt of her royal blue dress.

You make another omelet, and then put together the gingerbread bundt cake batter. The first cake, meant for your family, bakes while you finish up another omelet.

"You kids can go ahead and eat now before the rest of the family arrives," you say. "Make sure to eat up."

The Toddlers are served at the kids' table, including tall glasses of orange juice. Being that they're exactly the same type of glass cups, Timmy can't demand to have a specific one.

A) Cook a side dish
B) Just serve toast as a side

A

"Yes, fine," you say. "You two might as well go first since you brought it up."

Your sisters immediately play a round of rock-paper-scissors. They tie with scissors, but go again. Rebecca wins with rock and smiles while Roselind frowns. Rebecca gets in the bathroom and shuts the door while Roselind waits outside.

"Okay, now hold on," you say as the Toddler Titans look around the tree. "My sisters need to freshen up, and honestly, it'll be better if everyone freshens up. After my sisters have their turns, you three have yours. Raven and I will sort out the presents in the meantime."

"Aww..." Timmy pouts.

"Don't worry," Raven tells him. "The presents aren't going anywhere."

"Then I wanna take a bath first," he says.

"Okay, okay," Raven says.

After about 20 minutes, Rebecca finishes her shower and exits all wrapped up in towels. Roselind takes her turn, and that takes another 20 minutes.

"Perhaps I should've told you two to be quick about it," you say to Roselind.

Timmy grabs towels from his luggage and hurries to the bathroom. You and Raven have most of the gifts sorted. You simply place the gifts on where the Toddlers left their sleeping bags. Bobby looks around curiously.

"Don't worry, Bobby," Raven says. "I prepared something for you, too."

Raven brings out a big purple stocking stuffed full. Bobby looks surprised and happy, and then he gives Raven a big hug before taking the stocking.

"What'd you get him?" you quietly ask Raven.

"I wasn't sure what to get him at first, so I just got him a bunch of stuffed animals."

"Really?" you say. "Bobby himself is a giant living teddy bear. Wouldn't giving him stuffed animals be inappropriate?"

"Humans created dolls which are little humans," she says. "Same difference."

"Uh, um," Timmy says as he walks out of the bathroom, all wrapped up. "Where do I get dressed?"

"You can dress in our room," Raven says.

She guides him into your room and next up in the bath is Teether.

"So," you say. "Melvin. Are you enjoying your time here?"

"Oh, yeah, it's been really fun," she smiles. "Especially seeing Raven again. She's so different now! Her costume is white, and she is having fun, too. You're a good influence on her."

"Thank you for saying that. She's had a bit of a positive impact on me, as well."

"Really? How?"

"Well, before meeting her," you say as you sit with Melvin, "I never thought I'd find love. A relationship, a marriage, a wife, sure, because my family had candidates lined up for me since the day I was born. But finding real love, that is in my heart, that is organic and because of who the other person is, that seemed impossible. And then I came here to Jump City, encountered Raven, and there it was."

"Aww...!" Melvin says, eyes sparkling with wonder. "That's beautiful!"

"Thank you," you say. "I'm thinking of having that in my wedding vows."

"You definitely should!" she says, eyes still full of wonder.

Timmy finishes dressing in a nice little shirt and slacks, Raven guides Teether from bathroom to bedroom so he can get changed, and then Melvin hurries off with her own towel.

"Looking sharp, Timmy," you say.

Timmy has a big smile being complimented. Teether comes out a few minutes later in his own dapper shirt and slacks. Your sisters finally finish dressing, and they're in mirrored dresses. Roselind has white with black snowflake pattern while Rebecca has black with white snowflake pattern. Melvin finishes her turn in the bath and Raven guides her to the bedroom. Melvin comes out in a pink dress with fluffy neckline and stockings.

"So cute~!" your sisters say, to which Melvin has a proud smile.

"Alright," you say to Raven.

A) She showers first
B) You shower first

bump

A

"Omelets. Eggs, ham, cheese, veggies, all in one, so that everyone gets a balanced, hardy breakfast."

"That's a good call," she says.

"Also," you say, "I was thinking of gingerbread bundt cake. We can make one for the family, a couple more for the Titans."

"That sounds greats," she says. "But, also like a lot of work."

"Which is why we're turning in now," you say. "We've got a big day ahead of ourselves, so good night, Raven."

You kiss Raven on the forehead a couple times, then turn off the lights. Raven snuggles up to you as you settle in and close your eyes.

The next morning, you wake up to the sound of excited breathing and giggling outside your door. You look to Raven and she's also waking up.

"Merry Christmas," you whisper to her.

"Mer Crizmez..." she mutters, perhaps still sleepy.

You get out of bed, wait on Raven to stand up before you open the door.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" the Toddler Titans shout as they run in and practically tackle Raven.

"Merry Christmas," she says with a chuckle. "Okay, let's go to the living room. Wait, wait!"

The Toddler Titans pull Raven along. You chuckle as you follow them out. Your sisters also exit their room, some serious bedhead going on. It's remarkable how even the messy hair matches as mirror images.

"Can we wait for presents until we wash up?" Rebecca asks.

A) Yes
B) No

A

"Alright," you say. "Let's all turn in."

The Toddler Titans and your sisters groan and pout.

"Now, now," you say. "Think of it this way. The sooner you fall asleep, the sooner you'll get to have presents in the morning."

"Ooh, presents~!" Timmy says.

"Right?" you say. "Okay, let's all brush our teeth."

The Toddler Titans bring out their brushes and Raven guides them to the bathroom. Melvin puts paste on her brush, passes it to Timmy and he puts paste on his brush, then hands the tube to Teether, and Teether puts a lot on his brush. After the toddlers, your sisters take their turn, then you and Raven take your turn together.

"Good, good," you say. "Alright, TV off, lights off, everyone in bed."

The Toddler Titans return to their sleeping bags and settle in. Raven turns off the lamps while you turn on the hallway light. Your sisters go to their room, and you make sure they tuck into bed.

"Good night, all," you say while Raven turns on the light in your room.

"Good night," the Toddler Titans say.

"G'night, Rory," your sisters say.

You turn off the hallway light, enter your room, and close the door. Raven is already in bed so you simply join her.

"So how big are we going for breakfast?" Raven asks.

"Oh, so very big. I'm thinking..."

A) Omelets
B) French Toast
C) Strata

bump, was rly busy

bump

B

"... for lunch. We'll even bring something over."

"Sounds good," Robin says. "Have a good night."

"Night," Raven says.

She ends the call and puts her communicator away. You look back and the news, and you're relieved to see that while things will be cool and cloudy, there won't be much wind or rain.

"Well," you say to the room. "How is everyone feeling? Is it time for bed yet?"

"I think for us, yes," grandmother says, motioning to Grandfather Sixth and herself.

"And I think it should be for these three," Raven says as she pats Teether on the head.

"Nuh-uh...!" Teether and your grandfather both say, though a bit sleepily.

"C'mon, Dad," your father says. "Let's get back to the hotel. We'll be back in the morning."

Grandfather Sixth slowly gets up out of the chair and follows the others to the door.

"Good night, dears," your mother says while hugging your sisters.

"Night, Mum," your sisters say. "See you in the morning."

Your parents and grandparents exit and you watch as the SUV drives away. You then put the dining room chairs back in the dining room and Raven brings out sleeping bags.

"I want the red one," Timmy says.

"Okay, okay," Raven says.

Timmy gets the red sleeping bag and sets up right in front of the television. Teether gets the blue sleeping bag and sets up right next to Teether. Melvin gets the black sleeping bag and sets up on the couch, with Bobby squeezing himself in between couch and coffee table to be nearby.

A) Have everyone turn in
B) Stay up a little longer

bump

A

"I think we should check in on them," you say. "If they didn't see it, they need to know."

"Yeah," Raven says with a sigh.

She brings out her communicator and puts in the call to Robin.

"Oh, hey, Raven," Robin says. "I'm assuming you and Rorek saw 'Young Justice' on the news."

"And of COURSE it's with Wonder Bra!" Jinx shouts.

"And judging by Jinx yelling in the background," Raven says, "you guys did, too."

"Yeah..." Robin says.

Robin moves away and Jinx is less audible now.

"So clearly," Robin says, "Kid Flash makes friends quickly, but forgets to tell his other friends."

"To be fair," you say as you lean in, "is Kid Flash close to anyone in the main group?"

"That's a good point," Robin says. "Batgirl could've told me, though. Or Batman for that matter."

"But now that we know about this," Raven says, "how're we handling it? Let them be independent? Ask them to be on brand with the rest of us?"

"We'll need to talk it out as a group," Robin says. "But maybe we should worry about that after Christmas. This is already ruining some of the fun over here."

"Yes, that might be for the best," you say. "Let us know if the mood doesn't improve. Otherwise, we'll be by..."

A) First thing in the morning
B) For lunch

B

"Alright," you say, "let's see what else is on."

You take the remote control and start skimming through the guide.

"Let's check the news," you say.

The Toddler Titans, your sisters, and even Grandfather Sixth, groan.

"It's just for a moment," you say. "We need to be sure everything is okay."

"For the 18th year in a row," the news anchor says, "Calendar Man has been thwarted in an attempt to commit Christmas themed crimes by The Batman. This year, Calendar Man was planning on using Christmas ornaments to spread toxin through skin contact."

"How awful," your grandmother says.

"18 years?" your father says. "You think he'd learn his lesson by now."

"Meanwhile," the news anchor continues, "the ice powered supervillain group, The Cold Chill Crew, was stopped by a new teen superhero unit calling itself 'Young Justice.'"

"What?" you and Raven both say.

"Joar 'Icicle' Mahkent, 'Killer Frost' Louise Lincoln, 'Captain Cold' Leonard Snart and of course, 'Mister Freeze' Victor Fries, looked to bring a powerful blizzard to central Florida. They had almost succeeded, if not for the combined efforts of Supergirl, Batgirl, Wonder Gal, Miss Martian, and Kid Flash."

"What?!" you and Raven both blurt out.

"The unit of five is 'Young Justice' for each member's obvious connection to a Justice League member," the news anchor continues. "Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Martian Man Hunter, and The Flash all helped found the Justice League, so it makes sense that their sidekicks would work together. However, it is not clear if Young Justice is a sub-unit of the larger Teen Titans network."

"Oh, pretty sure they would've said something to us if they were," Raven says.

"I hope Jinx and the others aren't watching this," you say.

"Yeah," Raven says. "She's gonna be soooooo mad."

"Did you just smirk?"

"What? No..."

A) Check in on them
B) Keep watching news

bump, got busy

"Thank you. I never, want to, know a day, that's under 60 degrees. I'd rather have it 80, 90, 100 degrees! Oh, some like it hot, but I like it really hot. Ohohohoho!"

"He's, Mr. Gween, Chwistmas," Teether sings, "he's, Mr. Sun. He's, Mr. Heat, Bwister, He's Mr. A-hunned-n-one."

"They call me Heat, Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Starts to melt in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"I'm~ too much."

*Baba ba ba*

"Too much!"

"See?" you say. "Those were fun."

Heat Miser asks where Santa is, and accuses him of "doing another commercial for my brother." Mrs. Claus says Santa isn't on Snow Miser's payroll, but Heat Miser says that makes him "grossly unfair. Traipsing around in that stupid sleigh of his, stirring up cold winter breezes and causing everybody to think fondly of snowball fights and sleigh rides and ice hockey." If he wasn't biased, then he'd wear a bathing suit and drive a dune buggy. But they live at the North Pole...

Mrs. Claus says she'll see what she can do about Santa "singing the praises of heat and rain," but asks him a favor. He needs to let it snow for just one day in the south. Heat Miser is already against that. "Unles... Unless there were, uh, something in it for me." He wants to have the North Pole! Mrs. Claus can't promise that, that's up to Snow Miser. Then call him on his "hotline."

Mrs. Claus uses Heat Miser's phone to call Snow Miser, and it's more a video call. The brothers argue, of course, and referencing their mother playing favorites. Mrs. Claus has them calm down, and explains the deal. Southtown can have snow, if Snow Miser gives over the North Pole. But since they continue to argue, Mrs. Claus decides to "go over their heads." Neither brother believes her, but she says she'll do it.

Each brother blames the other for it getting to this point, and even the elves aren't sure Mrs. Claus means it. She has to be bluffing. But she isn't. Iggie asks who Mrs. Claus is talking about. They're going to talk with "none other than... Mother Nature!"

"Gosh..." Iggie says.

The group flies to Mother Nature's home, explained things to her, and Mother Nature knows her sons are "nasty little boys, both of them." She says she'll "straighten them out" for Mrs. Claus. She calls to them, they walk up, and she tells them that Heat Miser will allow the one snow fall in Southland, and Snow Miser will let the North Pole have "one nice Spring day."

"At this time of the year, especially, Santa needs some example of the Christmas spirit, and we must set a good example for the people down there to follow."

The brothers are still against the deal, but Mother Nature reprimands them and they concede. Mother Nature knows her sons bicker, but they're nice boys deep down. And she hopes Santa enjoys his holiday.

Speaking of Santa, he has arrived home to the North Pole and Vixen is feeling much better. He finds Mrs. Claus' note saying she met with Jingle & Jangle. That helps him finally relax and sleep for the sake of his cold.

And in Southtown, it snows! The mayor doesn't even realize until his wife calls him at work. And realizing it's real snow, he realizes the elves were really elves.

Other elves wake Santa to show him the newspaper headlines. "Mayors Declare Legal Holiday for Santa." "Snow Falls for First Time in Southtown." "Day Off for Santa." This proves to Santa that there is still "some goodwill in the hearts of all men at this time of year."

Mrs. Claus narrates in rhyming style again to explain that to show how much they appreciated Santa, children from all over the world made the trip to the North Pole with gifts to give Santa. And those who couldn't wrote letters instead, all signed, "A friend." And it was more fun "that strange December ... than any they could remember."

Santa reads one letter in particular, and the little girl who wrote it sings a cover of Blue Christmas.

"I'll have a bluuuue~ Christmas without youuuu~. I'll be so bluuuue~, thinking about youuuu~. Decorations~ of red, on a green~ Christmas tree~, won't mean a thing, if you're not here with me."

It now becomes a chorus as more children sing along.

"I'll have a bluuuue~ Christmas, that's certaaain~. And when that bluuuue~ heartache, starts hurtiiiin'~. You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white~. But I'll, have a bluuue, blue Christmas..."

Santa is moved to tears by the heartfelt message, and he even had to blow his nose.

"By the big Borealis, by my maps and charts, I didn't know children had such kind hearts."

And because of this gesture, Santa is inspired to ride for Christmas Eve after all! He doesn't even feel ill anymore, and Christmas is back on as usual!

"Alright, now you should definitely know this one," you say.

Here comes Santa Claus,
Here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane~.
Vixen, and Blitzen, and all his reindeer
Pulling on the rein~.
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright~.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight

"Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus," Teether sings along, "white down Santa Claus Lane. He's got a bag that's filled with toys, for boys and girls again! Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle- *Gasp* Like the elves!"

"Right?" you say.

"What a beautiful sight~," the singing continues. "Jump in bed, cover up your head, 'cause Santa Claus comes tonight."

"Well, I've heard the old people often say," Mrs. Claus narrates one last time, "that there never was such a Christmas Day. And that's one reason, you may believe, why children are merry on Christmas Eve. You know yourself, as you hang your stockings, it doesn't matter if the winds are knocking. Though the great gale roars, though nobody else would budge outdoors, snug in your bed while the tempest strums, you can count your blessings on fingers and thumbs. For yearly, newly, faithfully, truly, somehow Santa Claus always comes."

A chorus now sings, "Santa woke for the night, feeling things weren't right. And he was heard to say: Get the reindeer hitched up, Mama, I'm getting up. Get those gifts loaded up on the sleigh. There'll be no year without a Santa Claus, I dreamed unhappy things. About a year without a Santa Claus, and all the joy that Santa brings."

THE END

"Hooray~," Raven says and applauds with the Toddler Titans, and even Bobby.

A) Keep watching movies
B) See what else there is

A

"I believe in Santa Claus~...," you sing along, "like I believe in love. I believe in Santa Claus~... and everything he does."

"You like this one?" Raven says with a chuckle.

"There's no question in my mind~," you continue as you take her hand, "that he does~ exist~. Just like love, I know he's there~... waiting to be missed.

"I believe in Santa Claus. But there was a time~... I thought I had grown too old~, for such a childish rhyme. He became a dream to me~, 'til one Christmas night. Someone stood beside my bed, with a beard of white~.

"'So you're too old for Santa Claus~?' he said with a smile 'Then you're too old for all the things~, that make a life worthwhile~. For what is happiness but dreams~, until they all~ come true~? Look at me and tell me, son~. What is real to you?'

"Just believe in Santa Claus~, like you believe in love~! Just believe~ in Santa Claus~, and everything he does~! Wipe that question from your mind~! Yes, he does~ exist. Just like love, you know he's there, waiting to be missed.

"Just like love, I know he's there~..." Raven joins in just as Mrs. Thistlewhite does, waiting to be missed..."

Iggie sheds a tear.

"I guess if you're not too old to still believe," he says, "well, I guess, maybe..."

They all have a good laugh, and Iggie shares about Vixen "the dog" being caught. Santa is suddenly worried again, and Mrs. Claus' narration accompanies us seeing Vixen sick and scared in the dog pound.

"It was one of those days when things just kept going from bad to worse."

Mrs. Claus also narrates that while Santa wants to keep his secret, he was in a hurry, so he flies off on Dash in full view of the Thistlewhites. And since he called himself "Mr. Claus," it wasn't a stretch for them to say he's THE Santa Claus. But because he's Santa, they realize the "dog" is a reindeer, and that the pound will have no idea what to do. So Mr. Thistlewhite says Iggie should go to the Mayor of Southtown!

Mrs. Claus narrates that Jingle & Jangle had the same idea. The dogpound manager refused to give Vixen back, and said to take it up with the mayor. But of course, the mayor doesn't take Jingle & Jangle seriously when it comes to their story about being elves from the North Pole on a secret mission from Mrs. Claus. In fact, the mayor has a good time laughing at the story.

"You ain't got the chance of a snowball in Southtown of convincing me of one-tenth of your story's on the level."

"A snowball in Southtown?"

"What kind of chance is that?"

"Not very good. It never snows here. Well, not in the last hundred years."

The mayor then gets an idea. He figures that if they're actual elves, they can use magic and conjure up "a good old-fashioned white Christmas" for Southtown. And if they do, he'll believe them. He'll let Vixen go and even call all the other mayors in the USA to give Santa "an official national holiday this year."

The elves agree to the terms and now even the mayor has a song as he trots onto main street.

"It's gonna snow, ho, ho, right here in Dixie~! Haha! All will be white, overnight, it will be cold~, on Christmas day, hey, hey, right here in Dixie~! We'll do-si-do in the snow, so I've been told~."

Children join in, "We'll build a snowman, our very first~... Take down that straw man, and bundle up, for winter's worst!"

"It's gonna snow, ho, ho, right here in Dixie~! All will be white overnight, it will be cold~."

"It will be cold," a chorus of townspeople join in, "on Christmas day, hey, hey, right here in Dixie~!"

"We'll do-si-do in the snow!"

"So we've been too-OOO-old!"

Santa gets to Vixen first, revealing she is a reindeer. He is informed by the manager that Jingle & Jangle already came by and were sent to the mayor. As Mrs. Claus narrates, Santa was now worried about the elves, but he had to get Vixen home first.

As for Jingle & Jangle, they weren't sure how they'd bring snow to Southtown. Jingle had an idea: call on Mrs. Claus for help! Iggie helps them by letting them use the Thistlewhite house phone. She arrives that night with Blitzen, and Jingle says they're gonna go to Snow Miser.

Mrs. Claus, Iggie and the elves ride in a small sleigh pulled by Blitzen and fly to the north, right into Snow Miser's lair. And a big, jazzy fanfare starts.

"Here's the real good stuff," you tell Teether. "I'm, Mr. White, Christmas, I'm, Mr. Snow. I'm~ Mr. Ice-cicle. I'm Mr. Ten Belowww~. Friends call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch...

*Baba ba ba*

"Turns to snow in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"Hah! I'm~ too much, ha! V-V-V-V-V-V-V-V-V HOO V-V-V-V-V!"

Snow Miser's mini-misers walk in now, tipping their straw hats.

"He's, Mr. White, Christmas, He's, Mr. Snow. He's~ Mr. Ice-cicle. He's Mr. Ten Belowww~."

"Friends call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Turns to snow in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"He's too much."

"I never wanna know a day, that's over 40 degrees. I'd rather have it 30, 20, 10, 5, and let it free--EEZE~! V-v-v-v-v-v."

"He's, Mr. White, Christmas, He's, Mr. Snow. He's~ Mr. Ice-cicle. He's Mr. Ten Belowww~."

"Friends call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Turns to snow in my clutch. Haha! Too much."

*Baba ba ba*

After the literal song and dance, Snow Miser talks with Mrs. Claus. He asks how Santa's doing. Mrs. Claus says he has a bad cold. Snow Miser says that's a shame, he should've come to Snow Miser and gotten a "good" cold. The elves tell Snow Miser not to make jokes, Santa is the "nicest person in the whole world."

Snow Miser assures them, he loves Santa. "He's the best advertisment snow biz ever had." But he knows they're here to ask a favor, and they ask for a snowstorm. He's fine with that, until they tell him they need it in Southtown, USA. He can't do that, as "the south is under the control of my stepbrother, Heat Miser." Every time Snow Miser sends "a little refreshing snow down there," Heat Miser just makes it into rain or fog.

So then, if Mrs. Claus gets Heat Miser's permission, Snow Miser can make it snow in Southtown? Sure thing! Just don't get your hopes up, they won't get anywhere with Heat Miser. Mrs. Claus says they still have to try, and she leads the way back out. Which of course means they fly south to Heat Miser's lair. And much like Snow Miser, he has his own song and dance. It's based right off of Snow Miser's, but with a slower pace.

"I'm, Mr. Green, Christmas. I'm, Mr. Sun. I'm, Mr. Heat, Blister, I'm Mr. 101. They call me Heat, Miser. Whatever I touch...

*Baba ba ba*

"Starts to melt in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"Bwahaha! I'm~ too much."

"He's, Mr. Green, Christmas. He's, Mr. Sun. He's, Mr. Heat, Blister, He's Mr. 101."

"They call me Heat, Miser. Whatever I touch..."

*Baba ba ba*

"Starts to melt in my clutch."

*Baba ba ba*

"He's~ too much."

Jingle and Jangle are already a bit dismayed and one wants to quit the mission now while the other doesn't want to let Mrs. Claus down. They realize that they shouldn't be asking adults, but children. And so they look around and find kids at a school, but now Vixen isn't feeling well because of the heat. They have her rest in the shade while they talk with the kids.

One kid thinks Jingle and Jangle look funny, being dressed up like Christmas elves. But everyone already knows Santa's taking a break. And the kids aren't upset? Why should they be? It's no big deal. So they don't care if Santa shows up or not? Nope! Plus, believing in Santa is for little kids. Jingle and Jangle realize this is worse than they thought. And then worse than that, a dogcatcher takes Vixen away!

Jingle & Jangle hurry after the dogcatcher truck, and Mrs. Claus narrates again. The one boy, Ignatius Thistlewhite, "didn't know it at the time, but he was going to be a much bigger help to the two little evles and to all of us than he could ever imagine. Because a little later, when he got home..."

Santa himself is there! Santa introduces himself as "Mr. Claus." Mr. Claus and "Iggie" talk, and Mr. Claus of course asks about Jingle, Jangle and Vixen. Iggie says he met them earlier and that they asked about Christmas and stuff. Mr. Claus sneezes, Iggie's mother hears it, and invites him in so she can give him something for his cold. Mr. Thistlewhite is there, too, and the family talks with Mr. Claus about Christmas.

While Mrs. Thistlewhite and Iggie no longer believe, it surprises them to learn Mr. Thistlewhite does. And he has a song about it.

A) Sing along
B) Don't sing along

A

You all settle on watching The Year Without a Santa Claus since it's already starting.

"Do you know this one, Teether?" Raven asks.

"No," he says.

"Oh, this will be fun then," you say. "There are some really catchy songs."

It opens with a narration from an old woman.

"Have you been told? Did you ever hear of the curious, furious, fidgety year... when Santa Claus unhitched his sleigh and vowed he was taking a holiday? How do I know so much about Santa? Well, I'm Mrs. Claus.

"It was long ago, before you were living. Not yet Christmas, but past Thanksgiving, though I can't give you the very date."

Santa Claus wakes up with a groan as the narration continues.

"Santa got up that morning late. Pulled on one boot, and then its twin. Ruffled the whiskers on his chin. And sat back down on the side of the bed."

"Great North Star, but I'm tired," Santa says.

"He said," Mrs. Claus continues to narrate.

"Painting wagons red and bright," Santa says, "sharpening ice skates half the night. Wrapping presents in ribbons and gauze has worn me weary. Crick in my back. Cold in my nose. Aches in my fingers and all 10 toes. And a sort of kind of kink inside whenever I think of that Christmas ride."

Mrs. Claus is now part of the scene as she speaks to Santa.

"Now, Santa, you just rest yourself a bit longer. I've already sent for the doctor. We'll have you back on your feet in no time."

The doctor checks Santa, and he seems to think nobody cares about Santa or about Christmas anymore so Santa should just stop. The irony is that he still wishes Santa a Merry Christmas before leaving. Mrs. Claus hopes Santa doesn't take any of that to heart, but sadly, Santa is convinced that the doctor is right.

"I had that same feeling myself, but I just wouldn't admit it. Nobody really cares anymore. And besides, the doctor says I'm really not up to snuff. Besides, I'm due for a holiday. I better call the boys and tell them to cancel Christmas."

Santa gets on the phone and says, "Warn the people, tell the papers. I'm much too tired for Christmas capers."

The elves are in disbelief, but as Mrs. Claus narrates again, "it was true. Santa was taking a holiday and the world would soon know... that it was to be the year without a Santa Claus.

"Did you ever hear of that terrible year, way back before you were born? When Santa Claus took a holiday, on the night before Christmas morn~."

It was a year without a Santa Claus
A Christmas Eve so sad
It was a year without a Santa Claus
The worst we've ever had

The story continues to be storybook rhyming dialogue and narration as Santa goes down the list of items they won't be working on.

Then a call comes in to a couple elves.

"Hello. Jingle Bells, number-one elf speaking."

"And Jangle Bells."

"Will you stop that? May I ask who is calling, please? ... Oh, hi, Mrs. Claus. Yes, Mrs. Claus. Okay, Mrs. Claus. Sure thing, Mrs. Claus. Right away, Mrs. Claus."

Jingle hangs up.

"Who was that?" Jangle asks.

Jingle gives Jangle a look.

"Oh..." Jangle says.

Mrs. Claus is in her room, and starts to think she can just impersonate Santa so Christmas can still happen. She even makes it a song.

Who would know the difference
If Santa Claus was me?
Yes, who would know the difference?
Just Santa Claus and me.
Anyone can be Santa.
Why can't a lady like me?
I admit I'm underfed
But with a pillow from the bed
I could be Santa Claus.
Oh, anyone can play Santa

I've fantasized it a lot
With this hat upon my head
And his suit of Christmas red
I could be Santa Claus
And with his "ho, ho, ho" I'd be going
Down the chimneys with his sack
And although my curls may be showing
I'll make sure they only see me
From the back.

Yes, anyone can be Santa
A tantalizing remark
Though his boots are not my size
With a twinkle in my eyes I could be Santa Claus
With his reindeer and his sleigh I'd be up, up and away
Yes, I could be Santa I could be Santa
I could be Santa Claus

But Jingle and Jangle walk in and immediately know it's her, so there goes that plan.

"Where're the catchy songs?" Teether asks.

"They're coming, they're coming," you say.

Plan B is to test if people really don't care about Santa and Christmas. She wants Jingle & Jangle to go look for proof that someone, anyone, still cares about Christmas even though it's still not Christmas season. Then surely Santa will be inspired and Christmas will be back on. She has them take Vixen, the youngest of the eight reindeer, and hopes they'll send a postcard.

In narration, Mrs. Claus admits she wasn't sure if this was the right thing. But the fact there'd be no Christmas at all, "drastic measures were called for."

But as Jingle & Jangle take off, they make a bit of a racket. Santa wonders what's going on, Mrs. Claus denies there's anything going on, but that only tells Santa that something is going on. Her concern breaks her poker face, and she explains. But that causes Santa to worry, as Vixen is too young to be flying without the other reindeer.

Santa decides to head out there after them, knowing that the Miser Brothers are dangerous. Mrs. Claus forgot all about those two, even though those two have never existed before this story.

"Why, if Snow Miser doesn't freeze them just for the fun of it, his devil of a brother will put the heat on them for sure."

Santa grabs Dasher and heads out while Mrs. Claus explains to the audience who the Miser Brothers are. Snow Miser controls the northern hemisphere, Heat Miser controls the south. And at this very moment, Jingle, Jangle and Vixen are flying right into the middle of things, and to avoid getting hit with ice and fire, they land in "Southtown, USA," in the Heat Miser's territory.

The search for Christmas spirit begins, but there is no one out on the street today. A police officer pulls them over, though. He gives them a ticket for riding Vixen the wrong way down a one-way street, crossing a solid white line, and wearing funny outfits on a Sunday. They hurry off, and disguise Vixen by putting their socks on her antlers. Now she's just a very big dog that they're taking for a walk.

Jingle & Jangle find people, ask them if they believe in Santa, but it seems not since they're adults. They also don't believe Vixen is a dog, but then she barks and it upsets a cat, as well as the cat's owner. Jingle, Jangle and Vixen run off, and the owner tells the officer about them. The officer can't wait to see the judge deal with them.

B

You quietly continue in the kitchen while they channel surf.

"Ah, here we are," your grandmother says. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

"Wudoff da Wed-Nose When-deer," Teether sings along, "had a vewy shanny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it gwows. All of the otha when-deer, used to laugh and call him names.
They never wet po Wudoff, join in any when-deer games.

"Den one foggy Chwistmas Eve, Santa came to say... Wudoff, with your nose so bwight, won't you guide my sweigh tonight? Then how the when-deer loved him. As they shouted out with glee, Wudoff the Wed-Nose When-deer, you'll go down in histowy!"

"Aw, it's already over," Roselind says.

"What's on next?" Rebecca asks.

"The Year Without a Santa Claus," grandmother says.

"That one's okay," Rebecca says.

The kettle whistles and you turn off the heat.

"Alright, cocoa's almost ready," you say.

You start pouring, making sure each mug is filled to a safe level. Raven places spoons inside the mugs and then you open the bag of marshmallows.

"Everyone gets at least one marshmallow," you say. "Who wants whipped cream?"

As you go down the line, Raven, Roselind and Melvin want whipped cream, so you serve them first. Raven makes sure Timmy gets his yellow mug, and then the rest of you take a mug. You get yourself a second marshmallow, and one for Rebecca, then everyone converges on the living room.

A) Still watch The Year Without a Santa Claus
B) Find another movie

A

"But we're still going to wait. We're doing away with how the Null family expects anything out of their children."

"Agreed," Raven says. "I also know what it's like to live a life where things are expected of you, though more in a bad way than a good way. Whatever way the children decide to go, we then support that decision."

"So when they come to understand the abilities they have, how will you address it?" your mother asks.

"Mom," you say.

"Rachel," your father says. "They said they're not going to worry about it until they have to. They're not even newlyweds yet."

"But these are things they should consider," she says.

"And they're going to, once they actually have a child," he says. "Now please, let's all enjoy dinner."

Your mother nods and slurps soup from her spoon. Dinner returns to the quiet eating, and you bring out the chicken dumplings. Everyone at the adult table gets three while the Toddler Titans each get two, and rice is served in according portions.

"This is very good," Grandfather Sixth says.

"Thank you," you say. "Mouth-Watering Chicken Dumplings, as I learned during my time in China."

"I suppose that name fits," your grandmother says.

"How do you three like it?" Raven asks the Toddler Titans.

"These're the best dumpwings ever!" Teether says with both hands raised.

"Well thank you," you say.

All of you eat up, and Grandfather Sixth even has a fourth dumpling.

"Any ideas for dessert now?" he asks you.

"How do you still have room?" your grandmother asks, to which everyone has a little laugh.

"Well if you're not going to give up," you say, "I'll see what we have."

You go into the kitchen and look at both the cupboards and the refrigerator.

"How about we have hot cocoa?" you ask.

"But that's a drink," Grandfather Sixth says.

"We can add marshmallows and other things to it," you say.

"I suppose that's fine," he says.

You get the tea kettle going as you collect bowls and plates before bringing out mugs. Raven helps you pour cocoa powder into the mugs and get spoons for each of them.

"I want the yellow mug," Timmy says.

"Okay, okay," Raven says.

"Let's see what there is to watch on the telly," your grandmother says as she sits with your sisters on the couch.

A) Ask to check the news
B) Let them choose

C, nothing

"We didn't have anything planned," you say. "I was thinking we could wait until after dinner and just see how everyone feels."

Your parents and grandparents sit with you, Raven and your sisters to have soup.

"So Raven," your mother asks, "how did you meet, um, Melvin, Timmy, Teether and Bobby, was it?"

"Mm-hmm," Raven says. "I was the one to escort them to a monastery where they'd learn to properly control their powers, while they were being hunted by an evil genius gorilla."

"Oh, my," your mother says.

"Yeah," Raven says with a slightly awkward smile and nod. "Life of a superhero."

"And these three are superheroes even at this young age?" your mother asks.

"Well, it's their choice," Raven says.

"We like helping people with our powers," Melvin says.

Timmy and Teether nod in agreement, busy chewing vegetables to speak.

"Then..." your mother starts. "What if your children choose the same life?"

The room was already on the quiet side, but now everyone at the adult table freeze up and look at your mother.

"Umm..." you and Raven both say.

"I know we got past worrying about Great-Aunt Radella's prophecy about the family," you say, "but it's still rather early to worry about something like that."

"It wouldn't be so much worrying as planning," your mother says. "Between the two of you, your children will have incredible magical potential."

"That is a good point," you say.

A) But still wait to talk about that
B) Consider planning ahead

B

"Soup. It'll be nice and warm, the veggies will be nice and soft."

"Is that supposed to make it sound better?" Melvin says.

"What? There's something nice about the texture of softened carrots."

You and Raven return to the kitchen, bring out carrots, peas, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans and celery, along with onions and garlic. You also have olive oil, broth, parsley, salt and pepper.

The olive oil heats in a large pot on medium-high heat. You chop up and even mince many of the vegetables, then start by throwing in onions, carrots and celery to the pot. You saute for four minutes before adding garlic. After another 30 seconds, you add the tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, even some bay leaves and thyme. You stir it around, take a taste, and then add the salt and pepper in accordingly.

You stir while you let the mixture reach a boil before adding the green beans. Then the heat is turned to medium-low and you put the lid on. The soup simmers for half an hour, in which time you and Raven finish with the dumplings.

"Fwosty tha Snowman~," Teether sings along, "was a jahlee, habby soul. With a corn cop pipe an' a button nose, and two eyes made out of co. Fwosty tha Snowman~, is a faiwytale they say! He was made a snow, but the childwen know, how he came to wife one day."

Raven giggles at every little mispronunciation, which makes you smile.

At the end of the half hour, you add the corn and peas and cook the soup for another five minutes.

"Well, the rest of the family isn't here yet," you say, "but let's get ready at the tables here."

"So how're we going to do the kids table?" Raven asks.

"Let's have them set up at the coffee table," you say. "We can just move it closer to the dining room."

Raven floats it over with magic.

"Done," she says.

"And television off," you say.

You use the remote to turn the television off and your sisters help get bowls for the soup. The Toddler Titans get small bowls with cartoon characters on them.

"I want Donald Duck," Timmy says.

"Rorek doesn't have Donald Duck," Melvin says. "These are Power Ranger bowls, not Disney characters."

"Then I want the Red Ranger," Timmy says.

"Okay, okay," Raven says.

The soup is served, as are Saltene crackers. The doorbell then rings and you head for the front.

"Perfect timing," you say as you see your parents and grandparents. "We just served soup."

You walk with them to the living room and they all of course notice the Toddler Titans.

"Hi, everyone," Raven says as she walks over. "This is Melvin, Timmy, Teether, and Bobby is the teddy bear sitting behind Melvin. They're joining us for dinner since Titan Tower is already pretty crowded and we haven't seen each other in a long time.

"And Mevlin, Timmy, Teether," Raven says to them. "These are Rorek's parents, Ronald and Rachel, his grandmother, Ruth, and Grandfather Rorek VI."

"Hello," the Toddler Titans say.

"Hello," your parents and grandparents say.

"This way," you say. "We're having vegetable soup and chicken dumplings with some rice."

"And dessert?" Grandfather Sixth asks, to which Grandmother Ruth bumps him with an elbow.

A) Pie
B) Cookies

A

"... while Raven helps me in the kitchen, you two can keep an eye on our guests."

"That's fine," your sisters say.

"Let's see what's on TV," Roselind says as she and Rebecca sit on the couch with the Toddler Titans.

While your sisters channel surf, you and Raven bring out scallions, sesame seeds, a soy-chili sauce blend, and chicken breasts.

"This pot should be a good size, right?" she says.

"Right," you say. "And I see you already brought out things for making the dough."

"I do remember when we made these in Azarath with my mom," she says.

"Ah, yes, that was a nice afternoon, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," Raven smiles. "Okay, so, just like then, I'll debone the chicken and you make the dough."

"Sounds good to me," you say.

You put the flour, baking powder, pepper and salt together, along with butter and milk, and get the dough going quickly. Raven hands over the boneless meat to you and you chop it up, along with the scallion meat. You form balls of meat with the chicken and scallion, wrap them up in some dough, and plop those into the water to boil. The soy-chili sauce becomes part of the broth, and the aroma wafts through the air nicely.

"Mmm~!" the others in the living room all hum.

"That smells good," Melvin says.

"That smells spicy!" Timmy says.

"That smells spicy and good!" Teether says.

"That's good to hear," you say. "It won't be too strong, though. I don't want to give my grandparents heartburn for Christmas."

"In that case, what're we having as a side?" Raven asks.

"I wasn't sure," you say. "Perhaps something else that's simple for everyone to eat."

"And probably something with vegetables," Raven says.

Your sisters and the Toddler Titans grumble.

"You need to eat vegetables," Raven tells them all sternly. "So you can grow up big and strong."

"Yes," you say, "just like Raven and myself."

The five of them look at the two of you, though perhaps more at Raven.

"Th-that doesn't happen because of vegetables!" Roselind pouts.

"Yeah, that's genetics," Rebecca also pouts.

"What're you trying to say?" Raven asks with a bit of a scowl.

"Either way, you're having vegetables," you say. "In the form of..."

A) Salad
B) Soup
C) Hot Pot

bump, was busy again, but will try to get this before the night's over

bump
sry, was busy again

bump

B

"Remember 'Mouth Watering Chicken Dumplings'? I was thinking we can do some of those."

"Oh, yeah, those were really good," she says.

"What're we gonna do for dinner, though?" Blue Beetle asks.

"It's fine," Cyborg says as he also goes with you. "I'll pick up pizzas on the way back."

Somehow, you, Raven, Cyborg, the Toddler Titans and big Bobby fit in the elevator. You go down to the garage, and from there, the Toddler Titans hop into the T-Car.

"Um," Raven says, "I don't think Bobby's going to fit in the car. He's gonna have to ride on Shadowfax."

"Right..." you say as you look up at the big teddy bear.

Raven takes shotgun in the T-Car, Bobby hops on the back of Shadowfax with you.

"Alright, Bobby," you say. "Just hold onto me around the waist and we'll be fine."

Bobby does as told and you lead the way out from the garage. Bobby holds onto you tighter as you head for the water.

"Relax, Bobby," you say, "Shadowfax can float."

You ride on the water, but Bobby still holds tight and starts to lean on you. He's rather heavy for being stuffing and you start leaning forward.

"Bobby, please," you say. "Shadowfax, please drive on your own for a minute."

Shadowfax goes to autopilot and you have Bobby sit up. You make it to shore, the T-Car right behind you. You make your way through the city to your home, and you pull Shadowfax into the garage. You and Bobby go from garage to living room and you open the front door.

"Thanks, Cy," Raven says. "Have a good time."

The T-Car heads back and you help the Toddler Titans with their luggage. Your sisters walk out of the guest room, curious to see what's going on.

"So you two are here," you say. "Good."

"Yes, and everyone else will be here in a couple of hours," Roselind says.

"Who's all this?" Rebecca asks.

"These are Melvin, Timmy and Teether, oh, and Bobby the bear," Raven says. "Um, they're going to be guests with us while the rest of the Teen Titans are in town."

"Hi," Melvin says.

"Hewwo," Teether says.

"H-Hi," Timmy says.

Bobby waves one of his arms.

"Aww...!" your sisters both say. "Hello."

"I'm going to get started on making dinner," you say. "And to make it go faster, I will need help, so..."

A) Have Raven help and your sisters babysit
B) Have your sisters help so Raven can babysit

bump, got busy today

A

Starfire's box. This leaves Raven's team to take Kole's.

"And now we shake," you say.

*jingle jingle jangle jangle*

"Okay," Speedy says, "how many did that sound like to you?"

"Try again," Hot Spot says.

You nod and give another shake.

*jangle jingle jingle jangle*

"Well, it's more than one," Bumblebee says.

"That's a good start," you chuckle.

"In fact," Red Star says. "It is most certainly more than two. May I try something?"

You hand the box over, and Red Star tips it slowly rather than shakes it wildly. You hear the jingle bells clunk against the side.

"Clever," you say. "Okay, that sounded like... four?"

"Let us try one more time," Red Star says.

He tips the box slowly the other way, and you hear the same clunking.

"That's at least four," you say.

The team thinks it over, and you look around at the other teams as they think hard on theirs.

"Okay, I think that's been enough time," Jinx says. "The teams are going to write their guesses on paper, we will read them, and then everyone can open the boxes to see."

A single page of paper is cut into four pieces, each team gets a piece, and the discussion begins.

Red Star gives the box one more slow tip, and you again hear the clunking.

"That does seem like four," Hot Spot says.

"But that would seem almost too simple, right?" Speedy says. "Dividing 13 by four, there'd be three boxes with three and one box with four. The arts 'n' crafts group wouldn't make it as simple as a one-in-four chance."

"That doesn't mean we don't have four," Bumblebee says. "We could have four, and the remaining nine bells have been divided up unevenly between the other three."

"How about the safe bet and go with four?" Hot Spot. "If we have four, great. If we have a little more than four, we can't be that far off so it'll be like Blackjack. We don't bust, and we'd force the other teams to be exact about their guesses to win."

"Good enough for me," you say.

You write down "FOUR" and submit the paper. The other teams do the same, and the arts & crafts group looks them over.

"Okay," Argent says. "First, Raven's team chose Kole's box, and they guessed two. They were..."

Kole starts a drum roll which Melvin and Bobby join in on, and then the box is opened.

"Correct!" Argent says. "Hooray! Next, Rorek's team chose Starfire's box, and they guessed four. They were..."

Kole, Melvin and Bobby drum roll, and Gnark tentatively joins in.

"So so close!" Argent says as the box is opened. "It was five! Five jingle bells!"

"Alright, alright," Hot Spot says. "The strategy kinda worked."

"It comes down to the twins," Argent says. "Mas's team guessed three. Menos's team also guessed three. There are only six jingle bells left, so that'd make sense. Drum roll, please."

Kole, Melvin, Bobby and Gnark drum together, and the boxes open.

"They were both right!" Argent says. "They tie with Raven's team!"

"We're the only ones who got it wrong?" Bumblebee says.

"Well," Hot Spot says, feeling awkward. "The strategy kinda worked."

"Okay, that was fun," Raven says. "We should get going. We gotta get Melvin and the boys settled in while also preparing for dinner with Rorek's family."

"Yay~!" Teether and Timmy say.

They and Melvin gather up their things and Bobby waits at the door.

"Oh, have you had any ideas what dinner will be?" Raven asks as you follow after the Toddler Titans.

A) Hainanese Chicken Rice
B) "Mouth Watering" Chicken Dumplings
C) Kozuyu Chicken Ramen

A

You make two more burgers, yours with cheese and hers without. You also decide to add some bacon to yours to really make it special.

You and Raven sit at the counter with the Toddler Titans.

"So how have you three been?" Raven asks them. "The last letter I got was you three, Bobby and Bushido teaming up to stop The Acrobat."

"Yeah!" Teether says. "That was fun."

"No, it wasn't," Timmy grumbles. "He was all jumpy and flippy, I couldn't hit him at all."

"I can imagine," Raven says. "Ranged attacks like yours would be hard against a moving target."

"Yeah, but then Timmy got so man," Melvin says, "he screamed a big scream and broke a whole wall down!"

"Whoa," you say. "So how did you defeat him?"

"Melvin created a big fish tank!" Teether says as he motions the size with his hands. "The Acwobat couldn't climb the glass, and then he fought Bushido one on one...!"

"Oh, that's really smart," you say.

"Bushido was all hyah, hyah hah!" Teether says, doing his best punches and chops in the air. "Acwobat was all hah, jump, hah! And Bushido got hit, ow ow ugh! But then he came back, pow pow! And he threw Acwobat awound, and, and, then biiiig kick! KO!"

"That must've been an awesome fight," you say.

"Uh-huh," Teether says with a big smile.

The group finishes eating half past noon, and the arts & crafts group goes back to working on the gift boxes for the next game.

"And finished!" Jinx says.

The group presents four present boxes, each one unique to the point where you can definitely tell who made them.

Kole and Gnark wrapped one in brown parchment paper and tied it with a simple white string, and they drew dinosaurs on it with marker pens. Melvin helped Starfire in putting together a purple one with teddy bear stickers and a green ribbon. Jinx and Argent each made one all on their own. Argent decorated hers with red and white with gold star stickers while Jinx found some metallic and shiny hot pink wrapping paper that she then heavily sprinkled with glitter.

"Okay, we've got 13 jingle bells," Cyborg says. "The arts 'n' crafts group will take their gift boxes into the hallway, divide up the bells however they want, and then bring them back in. Then teams can pick a box and do their best to guess how many bells are inside."

"Right," Robin says. "Let's go ahead and keep the teams from last time, that's the most efficient thing to do."

Everyone agrees, so as Starfire leads the arts 'n' crafts group to the hallway, you sit with Hot Spot, Red Star, Bumblebee and Speedy at the counter.

After about five minutes, Starfire's group returns and the four gift boxes are set down at the center.

"Since Menos' team won the previous round," Argent says, "it seems only fair they should choose first. Then Mas' team chooses, followed by Rorek's team, and Raven's team is last."

"Sweet!" Menos says.

Menos walks up to the four boxes, looks them over, and goes with Jinx's box. Mas chooses Argent's, and your choose...

A) Starfire's
B) Kole's

B

"It's alright," you say. "I'll make her something else."

"Like what?" Raven asks.

"Well," you say as you look in the refrigerator. "Oh, here we are."

You pull out a package of hot dogs.

"How about a hot dog?" you ask Jinx.

"I guess that's fine," she shrugs.

"Would you like a Chicago dog? Kansas dog?"

"Huh?" Jinx says.

"Chicago style has a steamed bun and a lot of relish, Kansas style has mustard and cheese."

"Oh, neither of those," she says. "The bun can be plain, and just put mustard and relish on it."

"One Mickey Rooney, coming up," you say.

You grill the hot dog alongside the burgers and carefully open the bun so it doesn't tear. Raven helps serve the burgers as they're finished.

"Guac burger," Raven says, handing that off to Blue Beetle. "Barbecue bacon cheeseburger."

Hot Spot picks that plate up and sits at the couch. Beast Boy has put on a Christmas movie. Home Alone, given you spotted Macaulay Culkin. Joe Pesci opens the back door to the house, only to trigger the torch and burn the top of his head.

"Extra mustard," Raven says.

Starfire floats in and takes the plate.

"How many hot dogs are there?" Speedy asks.

"Well, Jinx is having one, so there's seven left," you say.

"Okay, give me one," he says. "And do that, uh, Chicago thing."

"Right," you say.

You put another dog on the grill, then set up a way to steam the bun with a pot of water and a screen. Jinx's dog is done cooking so you put it in a bun and put the mustard and relish on it.

"Jinx, your Mickey Rooney is ready," Raven says.

Jinx makes her way to the front, takes the plate, and returns to the dining table.

"You got a way of making a Coney Island Dog?" Bumblebee asks.

You look in the pantry.

"Only if it's okay to cook up this chili," you say.

"Yeah, it's fine," Cyborg says.

You cook the chili in a pot and dice some white onions.

"What exact variation were you thinking?" you ask.

"There's more than one kind of Coney Island Dog?" she asks.

"Well, while the name is partially for Coney Island in New York," you say, "it seems there were similar recipes invented in Michigan and Ohio around that same time in the early 1900s."

"Well, just stick to whatever's closest to the original Coney Island in New York," she says with a shrug.

As you continue filling out orders, Cyborg has a burger with the works, as do Red Star and Gnark. Mas differs from his twin by having no cheese but extra onions. Pantha has a hot dog with the works, Aqualad has a burger with just lettuce and tomatoes, as does Bushido, while Herald has a burger with just cheese and onions.

"Speedy, your Chicago Dog is ready," you say as you serve that up.

You hand that off, then put the chili all over the next hot dog, then you drizzle mustard, then you add the diced onions.

"One traditional Coney Dog," you say.

Bumblebee flies in and takes the plate. Bumblebee sits with Cyborg and the boys at the couch to watch the movie.

You and Raven get through the burger orders and now finally come up with your own.

A) Burger
B) Hot Dog

bump, was busy again

A

"Well, I guess I'm covering the bill for this after all," you say. "I'll get started with whatever we have here, but if someone can make a quick run to the grocers."

"I'll get the T-Car," Cyborg says.

"I'll go with," Bumblebee says. "That's going to be a lot to carry, even for one person with above human strength."

You give Cyborg $500, which you hope is enough for the patties, buns, and everything else listed. He and Bumblebee head out and you bring out all the tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, condiments, and ground beef in the kitchen.

"Well, the only fair way to decide who is served first," you say, "is the winning team of our shaking game. Except Cyborg already left... Hmm..."

"That's alright," Menos says as he sits up at the counter. "He can have a fresh one when he comes back with the supplies."

Wildebeest smiles and nods as he sits down, too. Robin and Jericho also sit down, agreeing with that logic.

"Well, alright," you say. "The ingredients would go further with just four."

"Oh, you should use frycook lingo," Raven says with a smirk.

"Really?" you say. "Why?"

"It's kind fun," she shrugs.

"Yes, that is true," you say. "Well, what do you all want on your burgers?"

"Skip the cheese on mine," Robin says.

"Extra queso on mine," Menos says.

Wildebeest grunts and snorts and Jericho writes on a piece of paper.

"I believe Wildebeest wants everything on his," Pantha says.

Wildebeest nods to confirm. Jericho finishes writing, and he has a checklist. You read it, and see he's checked off everything but cheese, onions and tomatoes.

"Alright," you say. "Burn four Bessies, drag one through Wisconsin twice, give another the works, and have the fourth one hold the tears."

"Yes, sir," Raven says.

She forms patties out of the ground beef while you chop up everything else.

"Oh, how do you feel about ketchup?" you ask Jericho. "It's made of tomatoes."

Jericho adds to his list and checks off ketchup, saying it is okay.

"Alright, paint 'em all red 'n' yellow," you say as you shake up the bottle.

The patties cook until well-done and then you build the burgers. Robin's is bun, then patty, followed by ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and top bun. Menos' is bun, the extra slice of cheese, patty, the traditional slice of cheese, then ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and top bun.

For Wildebeest wanting the works, you put bun, patty, cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, a couple strips of bacon, chopped jalapenos, and top bun. And for Jericho, it's bun, patty, ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, and top bun.

"Let's get on the onion rings and fries, too," you say.

Raven fills a fryer with oil while you cut a whole onion and potato.

"Those good?" you ask the four.

All four give thumbs up. But you notice some of the others peeking over, all looking hungry.

"Just be patient, everyone," you say. "Cyborg and Bumblebee should be back soon enough."

The Toddler Titans look up with puppy dog eyes at both you and Raven. You and Raven then look at each other and you both know you both are giving in.

"Well," you say, "there's only so much we have left. But I think we can get some sliders or a Happy Meal sized burger."

"Rorek," Raven whispers, "there's only one bun."

"Well, that's alright," you say. "These can be sliders on rafts."

You take what's left of the ground beef, divide it into thirds as best you can to make thin patties. Then you toast regular sandwich bread and put a patty on a slice each. There's quite a bit of extra space so you cut away all but the square area around the patties.

"Free bread for whoever wants it," you say as you put the crusts aside on a plate. "And now, we paint the slides red 'n' yellow, and... Well, wait. Raise your hand if you want cheese."

Teether raises his hand.

"Alright, Teether's visits Wisconsin. But what about pickles?"

They all raise their hands.

"Alright, everyone gets a pickle."

You add those to the sliders and put the top square piece of toast on top.

"We're back!" Bumblebee says as she flies in through the door.

You don't say anything, but it seems Cyborg is still carrying the majority of bags.

"Thank you," you say as they drop off the items. "Alright, now we can really get going. Oh, Beast Boy, your order of rings 'n' chips is ready."

You plate half a dozen onion rings and a good amount of the fries onto the plate. You even put a pool of ketchup on the side for him. Beast Boy takes that plate to the couch since the arts 'n' crafts team is still using the table.

"Hold on, we'll move these aside," Kole says.

"I'll have a Bessie with grunt, drag it through Wisconsin, and douse it in A1," Hot Spot says.

"Got it," you say as you make more bacon and bring out steak sauce.

"Is there a code word for guac?" Blue Beetle asks.

"Do we even have guac?" Raven asks.

"There's one avocado left," Cyborg says, "so I guess Blue Beetle will get the only guac."

"Let's call that 'topping it green,'" you say.

"Okay, then top it green," Blue Beetle says. "And uh, the standard stuff, onions, tomatoes and lettuce."

"Alright, we'll run it through the garden then top it green," you say.

"Extra mustard for me, please," Starfire says.

"One with extra Mississippi Mud," you say. "Anyone else with special orders? Jinx, I know you weren't for burgers, but what would you like?"

"Something other than a burger," she says.

"Well burgers is what we've got," Raven says.

Jinx grumbles at Raven who just crosses her arms and looks back at her sternly.

A) Make Jinx a regular burger
B) Make Jinx something else

A

"We could decide on lunch," you say. "I'll gladly cook something up again, or we can treat everyone to some sort of takeout."

"I know you're supposed to be rich," Speedy says, "but I don't know if you could handle covering the bill for this group."

"That's true," you say. "And I already will be for the wedding reception, so today can be a homemade meal."

"But we wanted hamburgers!" Teether and Timmy both say.

"Rorek can't make hamburgers, you guys," Melvin says. "Where would he get the patties?"

"Those aren't that hard to come by," you say.

"And the buns?" Melvin says.

"Again, not that hard," you say.

"What about onions? Melvin asks.

"Yes, we can get those," you say.

"And tomatoes?" Timmy asks.

"Yes."

"And lettuce?" Teether asks.

"Guys, he can get whatever you want for your burgers," Raven says with a giggle.

"Even bacon and barbecue sauce?" Hot Spot says.

"And jalapenos?" Blue Beetle asks.

"I suppose so," you say. "And even tofu, or whatever that impossible meat is, for Beast Boy."

"Actually, you can just make me up a bunch of onion rings and fries," he says.

"Oh, yeah, we're gonna need a lot of those, too," Herald says. "Y'know, as sides for the burgers."

"So I guess it's just decided that it's burgers?" Jinx says while still sticking glue to paper.

"Yes," a large majority of the group says.

"Fine," Jinx says while rolling her eyes.

"Well, that's decided," Robin says. "But, where are you going to get enough of that for everyone?"

"Umm..."

A) Go buy some
B) Get supplies from the restaurant

bump

A

You, Raven, Mas y Menos all put on the belts, so that the cardboard tubes are like goofy little tails.

"Ready..." Beast Boy says. "Shake!"

You four start shaking and wiggling side to side, with everyone, even the arts & crafts group, cheering.

"C'mon, c'mon!" Hot Spot says.

"Go Raveeen~!" Teether and Timmy cheer.

"I'm not sure who is luckier," Pantha says. "Raven and Rorek are both good at shaking."

"Pretty sure Raven's the lucky one," Argent says with a naughty smile.

"Aren't you supposed to be doing arts 'n' crafts?" Raven says.

"Oi! Cheer on your captain!" Mas shouts at Pantha while huffing and puffing.

"Shaking is hard when you're not doing it at super speed," Menos says.

You all hear the clatter of ping pong balls hit the floor!

"Oh!" Blue Beetle says. "Raven's got one out!"

"Now the twins!" Aqualad says.

"C'mon, Rorek!" Speedy shouts. "You haven't even gotten one ball out!"

Slowly, the laughter spreads, except for the Toddler Titans who are far too young to get it. Then there's the clatter!

"Oh, finally!" Speedy says.

With the first ones out, the other ping pong balls exit easier, and soon it's a chorus of the clattering. And from the sounds of it, Menos is in the lead! But then Raven turns up the speed!

"Nope, wait," Hot Spot says. "Rorek's luckier."

"That's four!" Beast Boy says. "Raven's first!"

Menos is second, Mas is third, leaving you last. And as such, that is the order of your team scores at the moment.

"I'm thinking I should've been on your team," you say to Raven. "I missed out seeing you shake it."

"Oh shut up," Raven says with a smirk.

Up next are Speedy, Beast Boy, Pantha and Cyborg.

"Ready..." Robin says now. "Shake!"

Speedy doesn't seem to be doing much better than you were, and Beast Boy is definitely trying.

"Yeah!" Mas says excitedly. "Go, mami!"

You look over and see Pantha shaking non-stop! Cyborg keeps up well with his mechanical hips but Pantha is just incredible. She wins by a substantial lead, Cyborg is second, and Speedy is third. By that math, Mas's team is tied with Menos', but your team is still last.

"I can't believe we just shook our hips to Silver Bells," Beast Boy says.

Third up are Bumblebee, Bushido, Aqualad and Robin. And Bumblebee is the one with incredible hip shaking ability that leaves the boys in the dust.

"Aw man," Aqualad says as he desperately trying to shake as fast as Bumblebee.

"Do not give up so easily," Bushido says. "There is still a way!"

Bushido focuses, and he strongly twists to his left! Then his right! And then a ping pong ball flies out!

"Incredible!" Red Star say. "Bushido's making up for speed with power!"

Bushido's power style is clearly doing something, as he starts getting ping pong balls to fly out almost as much as Bumblebee! It looks to be neck and neck, or uh, shake for shake, but Bumblebee pulls out the win!

"Yes!" you say. "That was close."

"We should point out," Jinx says, "the ladies are leading this whole thing."

"Darn right," Bumblebee smiles.

"Things are pretty close," Cyborg says. "Raven's team and Mas's team are tied at eight, Menos' team and Rorek's team are tied at seven."

Fourth up are Red Star, Timmy, Blue Beetle and Wildebeest. Obviously, Timmy struggles, but Wildebeest is going wild, combinging speed and strength! Blue Beetle and Red Star hurry to keep up. Wildebeest takes the win for the round, Blue Beetle is second, and Red Star is third.

"Alright, Timmy," Raven says. "You can stop shaking now."

"Wait," Timmy says. "I can still get them out!"

Timmy keeps shaking, but he tires himself out, so he gives up.

"Alright," Cyborg says. "Going into the last round, both Mas y Menos' teams have 11 while Rorek's and Raven's teams have nine. It's all coming down to the last round!"

And that last round is Hot Spot, Teether, Herald and Jericho.

"Ready..." Raven says now. "Shake!"

"Well, you can at least say they're trying," Bumblebee says.

"Go Teetherrr~!" Melvin and Timmy each cheer.

"You boys better pick up the speed," you say. "He may be smaller but Teether's faster."

Hot Spot, Herald and Jericho all step it up, and it looks to come down to Hot Spot and Jericho! Everyone's going pretty nuts at this point, and in the end... JERICHO wins!

"Aww...!" you and your team go while Menos' team cheers.

"Victoria!" Menos says.

"Congratulations," you say to them. "Who was second?"

"The point totals..." Cyborg says, "says Mas's team is second!"

"Yeah~!" Mas says as he high-fives Aqualad.

"Rorek's team is third," Cyborg says, "and Raven's team is last."

"Aww," Timmy and Teether pout.

"It's alright," Raven says. "You guys gave it everything you had and that's what matters."

"Aww, how motherly," Jinx teases.

"Seriously, what arts 'n' crafts are you even doing?" Raven says.

"So what next?" Blue Beetle asks.

"Let's see..." Beast Boy says as he goes back to the computer. "We could do this guessing game involving jingle bells. Or this other guessing game that's basically Christmas charades."

"Charades in this big of a group might take forever," Speedy says.

"What kind of guessing game is the jingle bells one?" Robin asks.

"Jingle bells are put in boxes and the players have to guess how many bells are in the box," Beast Boy says.

"I think we can do that," Raven says. "Someone will have to put the jingle bells in the boxes, though, meaning that person would be out of the competition."

"Would this game even have teams?" Hot Spot asks.

"We still could," you say. "Though it'd depend on the number of boxes, too."

"Uh, duh," Argent says. "One of us could load the boxes so that no one in your group has to sit out."

"Ohhh..." the rest of you say.

"That can be the arts we craft!" Starfire says. "We can decorate gift boxes and upt the jingle bells inside."

"Yeah!" Kole and Melvin say.

"Gnark?" Gnark asks.

"Yeah, y'know," Kole says. "Jingle bells, like the song I taught you. Remember?"

"Hmm..." Gnark nods; though, given the nod and the hum, he surely didn't remember but wants Kole to think he did.

"Well, what should we do while we wait on the boxes?" Beast Boy asks.

A) Figure out lunch
B) Watch television

B

"I'll welcome some friendly competition," you say.

"Alright," Raven says with a smirk. "So does that make us each team leaders?"

"I'm on Raven's team!" Teether says as he excitedly hurries to her side.

"Me, too! Me, too!" Timmy says as he follows after Teether.

"Well, Raven's team already has three," Robin says.

"Okay, team captains," Bumblebee says. "Go ahead and pick your teams."

You go in rotation with Mas y Menos to catch up to Raven, and then all finish up to have five team members total. In the end, you have Speedy, Bumblebee, Red Star and Hot Spot. Mas has Pantha, Aqualad, Blue Beetle and Herald, Menos has Cyborg, Robin, Wildebeest and Jericho, leaving Raven to add Bushido and Beast Boy to her team with Timmy and Teether.

"How am I last?" Beast Boy grumbles.

"Because you have a small butt," Raven says.

"What?" Beast Boy says. "Nuh-uh!"

Beast Boy turns in an attempt to look at his own backside but he has a hard time with it. He grumbles and joins his team.

Cyborg procures ping pong balls, and some cardboard tubes that came from rolls of paper towels. Sixteen balls makes four per tube, and they're duct taped to spare utility belts from Robin's closet.

"Okay, so," Robin says. "One, be careful with these. Two, we'll be doing this by rounds and by scores. Whoever shakes out the ping pong balls first gets four points. Second place gets three, third place gets two, and last place gets one. And obviously, whichever team has the most points by the end of all five rounds wins."

With that, the teams line up, with team captains...

A) Going first
B) Going last

A

With that, the 27 Titans total, including yourself, divide up. You and Raven join the party game side while Starfire and Jinx lead the arts & crafts side. From there, Argent sticks with Jinx and Starfire since they're setting up at the dining table where Titans North was sitting. Melvin actually joins the arts & crafts, with Bobby shyly sitting with her. Gnark is very much the same as he shyly sits with Kole. That's seven, and the other 20 of you are the party game group.

"Alright," Speedy says with a smirk, "what game should we play?"

"Probably nothing involving aim and precision," Aqualad says, which irks Speedy. "And nothing about racing or speed."

"Aw c'mon..." Mas y Menos both say.

"Twenty of us does make for even teams," Cyborg says. "We could do two teams or four teams."

"Which would have a lot to do with what game we're playing," Speedy says.

"I'm not really sure what a Christmas party game would even be," Blue Beetle says with a shrug.

"Luckily, we have the internet," Beast Boy says.

Beast Boy starts up one of the computers at the front of the room and starts typing away on the search engine.

"Sweet," he says. "The top 25 Christmas party games!"

Beast Boy opens that up and scrolls down through the introduction to the actual list.

"Hmm, marshmallow eating contest," Beast Boy says. "Might be too soon, I'm still full from breakfast."

"Same," a lot of the group says.

"Elf Toss," Beast Boy says. "That's precision, so that's no good."

"I can give you guys a handicap," Speedy says with a shrug.

"Tempting," you say. "But no, it should be something where none of us has an advantage."

"Which is tricky because this is a collection of superpowered and highly talented young people," Raven says.

"Oh, here we go," Beast Boy says. "Snowman Shake. We put ping pong balls into an empty box or tube that we stick to somebody's butt! Then they gotta shake that butt and get the ping pong balls out!"

"Nice," Mas y Menos say.

"Yeah but you two will be on separate teams," Bumblebee says.

"Aww..." they pout.

"So will it be two teams of ten or four teams of five?" Pantha asks.

"Make it four teams of five," Jinx says. "More people shaking their butts at once makes for more fun."

"Yeah!" the Toddler Titans say before laughing.

"Mas y Menos can each head up a team since they'll be separated," Aqualad says.

"What about the lovely couple?" Herald asks as he looks at you and Raven.

"Ah, good point," Pantha says. "Will they work together?"

"Or will they have a friendly competition as future husband and wife?" Red Star says.

A) Team up
B) Compete against each other

bump

A

"Well, I don't see any problems with the four of them spending time with us and my family," you say. "I think it'll be nice for everyone."

"Well, okay," Raven says. "It will mean three more seats at the table, which I don't think that dining room table can fit."

"We can have a kids table," you shrug. "It'll be the same as at the wedding reception."

"And where'd we get the kids table?" Raven asks.

"Hmm... Okay, you might have me stumped there. Unless we drag the coffee table over...?"

You think about that, but you just picture it being rather awkward.

"Well, we'll figure something out," Raven says.

The many guest Titans eat up, and after dishes are all collected and washed, everyone tries to decide what to do with the day. Each team has their own ideas given how they usually spend Christmas.

"C'mon, guys," Blue Beetle says. "Sing-a-long! Feliz navidad! Feliz navidad!"

Mas y Menos join in with, "Feliz navidad, prospero ano y felicidad!"

"Okay, okay, esperas," Pantha says. "I'm not sure everyone is up for singing carols."

"We could have a Christmas playlist playing in the background, though," Bumblebee says.

"On it," Cyborg says as he has the big screen go from TV to streaming radio.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4rqCwpLyA

"Buenazo!" Blue Beetle says with a nod.

"We'd do decorating," Argent says, "but you guys took care of that fairly well already."

"I still wouldn't mind adding something," Jinx says. "Something to remember the occasion."

"You mean other than pictures?" Beast Boy says.

"How about just playing some party games?" Speedy suggests.

"We could do both," Starfire says. "There can be the party games and the arts and crafts, with everyone doing whichever they wish."

A) Join in on the party game
B) Join in on the arts and crafts

bump