#for bee

"So it is called Christmas?"

"Yeah, it's a holiday in a lot of islands we look out for. They all have different traditions that we've cobbled together for the crew."

"Like this," Carys started as she reached down and pulled at the brightly patterned wool covering her torso, "sweater?"

Marco laughed. "Yeah, Jozu brought that one to us from the West Blue. Thatch is a pro at finding the most awful ones and always wins, no matter how hard Haruta tries."

"That's very brave of him. What else is there?" Carys ran her hands over the green pine branches wrapping around the doorway, curious at how these tied into a celebration.

"Well that's garland, a kind of boring decoration, but it matches the tree. You saw that on deck near Pops, covered in lights and ornaments. We have a couple smaller ones spread throughout the ship too."

Her hand paused as she thought back to when she arrived, trying to place it in the rush of greeting people and finding Marco.

"Oh! Yes!! It was so pretty and some of them were very sparkly."

"Most of those are the one's Haruta's division covered in glitter. All the pieces are handmade because they represent each of us."

"That's very sweet for your Father."

Marco's eyes softened as he answered, "Pops loves it. He picks some to put up himself every year and then lifts one of the newest crew members up to put the star on the top."

Carys smiled and put a hand on Marco's arm, tugging at the scarf wrapped there. "It sounds great for bonding as a clan."

"It is. You'll have to make an ornament this year, Carys, since we're allied and everything."

She smiled, happy to be included so easily into their clan, happy to be Marco's side.

"I'd like that. Is there anything else I should know about, just in case Thatch tries to trick me?"

"You already know about most of the food, since it's no different from our parties. The kitchen does some more baking for it though, like cookies. Oh, a lot of people exchange gifts around this time of year. Normally it happens between families or loved ones, but it's agreed upon beforehand. The commanders all give things to each other, so don't let Thatch goad you into a gift."

"Should I have gotten you something? As mates?"

"Carys, you being here is the greatest gift of them all," Marco said, backing up and tugging her into the doorway. Carys followed, confused but pleased that she was what Marco wanted.

Her mind still caught in that train of thought, she was surprised when Marco's hands settled on her waist and he pulled her in for a soft kiss.

"One last tradition: mistletoe," Marco stated, pointing upwards and dropping a peck on Carys cheek as she followed his finger. "You kiss whoever you meet under it."

"This tradition is far better than the sweaters were. As long as it's you I am with."

Marco let out a grumble and pulled her into a hug. "Only me."

Carys grinned at Marco's rare showing of jealousy. She was happy she'd made it up to celebrate with the crew and learn all this new stuff.

Loud caterwauling came from somewhere a few walls away, bouncing through the halls and Marco groaned.

"Ugh, I guess I forgot one— Christmas carols. Thatch becomes the worst singer ever for them, don't let him rope you in to any."

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