What would happen if Wilford gave Dark a Christmas present that reminded Dark far too much of their time as the Colonel and Damien?

incorrect-ego-quotes:

The tree was aglow with reds and blues and greens. Softly, Christmas music played on Dark’s old record player, Wilford standing by said record player – clad in a yellow robe with Dark in a simple baggy shirt and sweatpants. The two sipping at hot chocolate (with extra whip cream and marshmallows, just as Wilford had begged for) as Yandereplier opened the last of her gifts from the two. Smiling warmly as she grinned with excitement – the two wanting nothing more than for their daughter to have a wonderful Christmas.

…and maybe a couple gifts to brag about back at school.

“Holy shit–” she laughed as she ripped the last present open. The length of the present gave it away; the brand new katana Yan had been begging for since last year. The golden handle and dark blade shimmer in the festive lights, “you…oh my gosh–”

“And with that comes classes on how to use weaponry.” Wilford held up a couple papers. Enrollment for her classes, “if you’re gonna go around protecting your senpai with it, might as well learn how to use it.”

She teared up. Standing in her pink and blue pajamas to hug her fathers, “oh my gosh thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I…I won’t leave evidence behind–”

Dark gave her a look.

“…anymore. The last one is still in the basement…but! I swear I’ll clean it up!”

Dark chuckled and ruffled her red bangs, “all we want is for you to–”

“Get everything you want and brag about it so we can be the cool rich parents!” Wilford butted in, “still got loads of cash stolen, I can–”

“–no. All we want is for you to be happy.” Dark smiled. “…and maybe some bragging rights.”

“There’s the Dark I know and love!” Wilford kissed his cheek as Dark playfully pushed him aside, Yan giggling.

Her fathers have always had her best interest in mind. Ever since they took her in as a child, they’ve never once complained about her ways, her behavior, or her wrong doings like most. They just simply loved her for her.

“Oh!” Wilford gasps as he picks up on last gift from under the tree. Yan holding her stocking close as she sat on the back of her legs comfortably. Wrapped up in the holiday cheer and warmth of her family. For once – not feeling defensive or moody like the teen she was; feeling joyful and curious. Festive and merry.

Wilford handed the small gift box over to Dark. Dark raising an eyebrow as he inspected the red and green wrapping. The large bow upon the gift made Dark smile; Wilford always being the type to go all out, even with the most simplest and smallest of items.

“I saw it while shopping and had a feelin’ you’d like it!” Wilford smiles, “go on! Open it up!”

“Okay, okay. Calm down, Wilford.” Dark teases. Pulling at the bow, taking in the scene around him. The smile on Yan’s face, the tree illuminating her face in a shade of blue. Wilford’s ever eager face as he practically bounces in his seat. The glow from the early morning fire in the fire place giving him a warm inviting glow. His little family happy together.

That would the last joyous moment Dark would have that day. The overwhelming feelings of love and, dare he say, happiness quickly snapping apart as he ripped at the wrapping.

A large mug staring back at him. It’s dark charcoal color shining in the glow from the fireplace. The mug proudly displaying Dark’s name in cursive with snowflakes all around. Inside, a packet of ready to make hot chocolate and a candy cane.

No…no–this, this is just a coincidence. This…Dark, stop it. Stop it right now. Yan’s watching. William’s watching–

***

There he is.

Back in the manor.

William at his right. Mark at his left. Celine across the table. The three sleepy eyed as they swirled their hot chocolate with the candy canes – their own little Christmas tradition. The large tree to the side of them as Celine would hand out the gifts.

“My, what a cold morning!” William said as Dark panicked quietly – why…why was he here again? Had…had he not gone through enough?! Had he not suffered enough?!

“At least we can all stay inside with the fire. I imagine the cold will clear up by the time our planned poker night comes around.” Mark sipped his drink. Frowning and producing a flask from inside his robe to spike his drink. “Don’t you think, Honey?”

“Hmm? Oh, yes! It’s freezing, I’d much rather spend my Christmas inside. At least, with the three of you.” She leaned over to kiss Mark’s cheek. Dark seeing the annoyance in William’s eye as she did.

No…please, get him out of here–

“Anyways! Have I told you all about the Christmas hunting trip I took to Canada last year? My, the brisk cold wind is enough to make this,” William points to his mustache, “fall right off!”

Celine and Mark laugh along as Dark’s hands shake. The hot drink inside spilling around. Blood running cold, tingles rushing up his spine as the three stop. Stop in their merry laughter to stare at him as if he committed murder.

“Damien, what’s wrong?” Mark spoke up, resting a hand on his shoulder as he reproduced the flask. Spiking Dark’s drink heavily, “c’mon, old champ! It’s Christmas! Drink up and be merry!”

***

Dark, in reality was slumped over. Yan shaking him violently with tears in her eyes as Wilford rushed to get him water. Yan crying as she pawed his gift away.

“What the hell happened?!” she yelled back, “he…he just passed out and – oh my god, Dad get up–”

Wilford returned and splashed the water onto Dark.

The other waking up with fright. Yelling and grabbing onto Yan, total fear in his eyes. Completely terrified. Practically pushing over his daughter as he screamed.

“Celine, get /out/! Get out! He’s…He’s going to kill us – save yourself, don’t–”

“Dad, s-stop!” she yelled as she wrestled him away. Dark’s heartbreaking sobs echoing around the house as the mug shattered to the floor. Wilford in total confusion as he lifted the crying ego up to carrying him to their bedroom.

Hours later, after constant reassurance, Dark fell back to sleep. The aura around him fizzing gently as Wilford closed the door. Outside the door, Yan sat with her knees pulled up to her chest. Deep in worry.

What the hell just happened? How…how can a simple gift go so wrong…? And why did he react so – violently?

“Let Dad sleep, okay?” Wilford sighed, “he needs it.”

“Papa?”

Wilford looked down. Sitting close to his daughter in the hallway. Taking her hand and holding it tight. Rubbing the space between her thumb and forefinger; something he did when she was scared as a child.

“Yes, sweetie?”

“…what’s wrong with Dad?”

“…I can’t answer that. I don’t know, myself. All I can say is he needs peace and sleep. After the ordeal he had.” Wilford sighs. Squeezing her hand.

“Papa?”

Wilford looks over toward her. Soft brown eyes looking into her red ones.

“Who is Celine? He – Dad called me Celine and told me someone’s going to kill me…”

Wilford takes her into a tight hug. Letting her cry into his shoulder. Nuzzling and letting her tears fall.

A long pause passes between them as Wilford comforts her. The only sounds around them is Dark rolling over in his sleep and Yan’s sobs.

“I don’t know, sweetheart. You just gotta forgive Dad, okay?”

Dark stirs in his sleep as another nightmare starts. Huffing and crying in his sleep. Unaware of Wilford and Yan outside.

“…he’s been through a lot.” is all Wilford says as the record player in the living room plays again. The melodies of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ play on as the scene unfolds in the chaotic household.