{"sf1_id":1662195,"sf2_id":"dmWN92Be","title":"Hair of the Dog: Monsters \u0026 Mistletoe","author":"Alfa_Barf","words":7354,"posted_at":"2020-12-18T06:20:33.000Z","tags":["Christmas","Greentext","Human","Second Person","Werewolf","Wolfess"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1662195-hair-of-the-dog-monsters-mistletoe","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/dmWN92Be","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/91/62/9162e28d-61fd-442d-a13d-55e39fba7069","description":"[Greentext] Volfa's favorite holiday has always been Halloween, but her father seems to have an interest in bringing Christmas to the monster world. It's up to Anon to be Volfa's support while she begrudgingly gives another holiday a fair chance.","content":"\\\u003eDecember has arrived  \n\\\u003eThe cold and snow are quick to follow  \n\\\u003eHeralded in by preparations for the holidays  \n\\\u003eAt least in the human world  \n\\\u003eNo matter where you go, it's difficult to ignore how festive people are getting even weeks in advance  \n\\\u003eYou can't walk down the street without seeing some kind of decoration or merry face  \n\\\u003eUsually you don't have to go far to see the latter, since your mate almost always has a wide grin on her muzzle  \n\\\u003eWhere everyone else sees a dark-haired human girl walking beside you, you see the large wolfess for who she really is  \n\\\u003eVolfa  \n\\\u003eIt's no surprise she prefers her monster world to your human one, but she'll go anywhere to be with you  \n\\\u003eTo be with her love  \n\\\u003eHer Little Red  \n\\\u003eRecently, you can't help but notice an uncharacteristic frown on her face as you walk hand-in-paw through the city  \n\\\u003e\"You humans really have no respect for Halloween,\" she grumbles. “Couldn't even bask in the afterglow of the greatest holiday on the planet for a SINGLE day before all the trees and shit went up.\"  \n\\\u003eIt's hard to argue with that  \n\\\u003eBoth worlds seem to have very different views on Halloween  \n\\\u003eEven now her monster home of Gulchgut still has orange lights and jack-o-lanterns decorated everywhere  \n\\\u003eThat's par for the course, though  \n\\\u003eIt's essentially a year-round celebration for them  \n\\\u003eMeanwhile, you and Volfa woke up on the first of November in the human world to the sound of caroling on the radio  \n\\\u003eThat radio is beyond repair now  \n\\\u003eThe two of you had to flee to the monster world for the sake of Volfa's sanity  \n\\\u003eToday, you're sitting around dim candlelight in her favorite watering hole  \n\\\u003eThrowing back glasses of pumpkin liquor  \n\\\u003eHer mood returns as a goofy look spreads across her face  \n\\\u003e\"Aaahhh, much better,\" Volfa says, draping an arm around your shoulder  \n\\\u003eYou get a taste of every drink she has with ever kiss she gives  \n\\\u003eHalloween definitely doesn't end in the monster world, but the hearty crowd in the bar still seems bummed out that the big night is over  \n\\\u003eThe monsters welcomed you like an old friend, as they do whenever you show up with the wolfess by your side  \n\\\u003eShe wants to be in every aspect of your life, but you know it's hard for her to be taken out of her element for very long  \n\\\u003eAnd with how accustomed to the monster world you've become, you can't really blame her for preferring it  \n\\\u003eStill, you wanted to celebrate Christmas proper with her, if only just once  \n\\\u003e\"We don't really do that here,\" she says when you first mention it  \n\\\u003eOf course  \n\\\u003eMonsters probably don't mesh well with a lot of religious stuff  \n\\\u003e\"Nah, it's not even that. Nobody wants to give up spooks for some snow. Well, except for old man Krampy. He loves all of it.\"  \n\\\u003eSo the holiday is just ignored altogether?  \n\\\u003e\"Well, no. We still put up with it a little bit, but it's mostly because...well....\"  \n\\\u003eThe wolfess gives you a weak smile  \n\\\u003e\"It's mostly because of my old man. He's the biggest one into Christmas here, and he tries to get everyone to play along every year.\"  \n\\\u003eThe massive, law-upholding, no-bullshit, three-headed wolf of a creature...  \n\\\u003eReally that much into Christmas?  \n\\\u003eVolfa rolls her glass around the table quietly for a while  \n\\\u003e\"It was my mother's favorite time of the year. Her and my old man had some pretty memorable years together from what I've heard. No doubt he keeps the tradition going in her honor. He might actually like it more than Halloween himself, since it's not as much work getting all the monsters to behave out there.\"  \n\\\u003eA monster liking Christmas more than Halloween?  \n\\\u003eBlasphemous  \n\\\u003eShe downs a few more drinks before hoisting you to your feet  \n\\\u003e\"But I never stick around for all the sappiness. Usually just drop a gift or two off and then it's back to planning for next year's Halloween.\"  \n\\\u003eIt makes more sense now  \n\\\u003eVolfa has spent winter with you in the past, even though she's had little interest in celebrating non-Halloween holidays  \n\\\u003eSo this whole time she was just running away from the monster world?  \n\\\u003eRunning away from her dad?  \n\\\u003eVolfa's always had a distant sort of relationship with her father  \n\\\u003eIn a way, you've been helping her bond a little more with the cerberus just by being a part of her life  \n\\\u003eIt's hard not to feel a little bit of sympathy for the big dog  \n\\\u003eVolfa doesn't have much of a retort at first when you bring it up  \n\\\u003eNone of that snark or sass you often get from her, especially when it comes to family  \n\\\u003e\"I suppose I owe it to him to stick around at least once, huh? I mean he DID bend a few rules to keep us together....\"  \n\\\u003eYou take the wolfess' paw in your hand  \n\\\u003eShe breaks into a confident smirk  \n\\\u003e\"Alright, fine. I'll tough it out and celebrate your little Christmas holiday this year.\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa lifts up your hand as though getting ready to arm wrestle  \n\\\u003e\"I still think it can't hold a candle to Halloween, not by a longshot! But I'll give it a fair chance—all my energy—and at the end of it you'll see how much better MY favorite time of the year really is!\"  \n\\\u003eYou weren't exactly challenging the wolfess or anything  \n\\\u003eEspecially since you'd agree with her  \n\\\u003eEver since you met Volfa and her love of Halloween she's made it your favorite holiday as well  \n\\\u003eBut whatever it takes to get her in the mood  \n\\\u003eShe'll be making her father happy more than anyone else  \n  \n\\\u003eChristmas is rapidly approaching  \n\\\u003eVolfa hasn't done much to decorate her den here in Gulchgut  \n\\\u003eEither she's going to blow the whole thing off, or she's a last-minute kind of planner  \n\\\u003eYou hold out hope for the wolfess, though  \n\\\u003eIf she was able to throw together a second whole Halloween for you when you first came to the monster world, you don't doubt she has the motivation in her when she wants to show it  \n\\\u003eThen again, Christmas is no Halloween...  \n\\\u003eYou're pleasantly surprised when she returns from an errand carrying a (pretty sloppily) wrapped gift box  \n\\\u003eTiny bells jingle from her jeweled choker, her collar poofs out with extra fluff, and a pair of little antlers juts out from her head  \n\\\u003eWhere they're connected, you honestly have no clue  \n\\\u003e\"Got you a little something for you a little early, Little Red!\" Volfa says with a smile and a candy cane sticking out of her muzzle  \n\\\u003eHer tail wags as she waits for you to open the gift box  \n\\\u003eMaybe she's going to start making that earnest effort to enjoy the holiday after all  \n\\\u003eWhat's inside the box doesn't surprise you in the slightest  \n\\\u003eA new crimson robe  \n\\\u003eThis one has all the soft white trimming you'd expect from a Santa outfit  \n\\\u003e\"I better see you wearing that. I'm not doing this all alone!\"  \n\\\u003eYou're not given much of a choice  \n\\\u003eVolfa forcibly dresses you one arm at a time  \n\\\u003eShe brushes you down and then pulls you in for a tight hug  \n\\\u003eProbably should have done that the other way around to avoid all the stray hairs...  \n\\\u003e\"Just let me know if it isn't warm enough,\" she whispers in your ear. “I have more than enough fur to keep us both nice and toasty.\"  \n\\\u003eNo warmth is ever too much from Volfa  \n\\\u003eEven if you were sitting inside a volcano wrapped up in her arms it'd still be the right amount of comfort  \n\\\u003eAnd considering the type of environments that exist in the monster world, you've come extremely close to doing just that  \n\\\u003eThe two of you leave to visit her dad's Licensing and Customs office after a quick breakfast  \n\\\u003eHer muzzle is practically attached to your face the whole trip  \n\\\u003eGiving you kisses and rubbing her snout on your cheek  \n\\\u003eYou notice a small sprig of mistletoe tied to one of her antlers  \n\\\u003eThanks to her height, you're always going to be underneath it  \n\\\u003e\"So you finally noticed it, huh?\" she says coyly between kisses  \n\\\u003eIt's cute, but you're still wondering about the antlers  \n\\\u003eVolfa gives them a flick  \n\\\u003e\"Medafet's doing. Temporary transformation effect. At least it BETTER be fuckin' temporary.\"  \n\\\u003eWonder how her father would react if it were permanent?  \n\\\u003e\"I dunno. He stopped me from pretty much everything else I tried doing to my body when I was a pup—from dyes to arcane tattoos—but he'd probably think this was adorable or something.\"   \n\\\u003eVolfa gives her antlers a few gingerly tugs  \n\\\u003e\"I don't want to look like some bastard child of a werewolf and a dryad.\"  \n\\\u003eShe brushes off her worries, and then it's back to slathering you with love  \n\\\u003eThe affection certainly puts some smiles on monsters' faces as you're paraded toward the station  \n\\\u003eIt's a good thing you know the way by heart, because Volfa is spending far more time hanging onto you than being a leader  \n\\\u003eIt makes the journey much slower as well  \n\\\u003eShe never shies away from proving her infatuation to you, but she seems especially aggressive about it now  \n\\\u003eShe might have gotten Christmas mixed up with Valentine's Day...  \n\\\u003eWhen you finally get to the station you see the Christmas atmosphere already underway  \n\\\u003eThough rather than ornaments replacing the typical Halloween décor, the two seasons fight for the same real estate  \n\\\u003eBats are perched on the insides of wreaths  \n\\\u003eTrees are covered in cobwebs rather than tinsel  \n\\\u003eGiant pumpkins are hallowed out to put snow globes inside of  \n\\\u003eIt kind of gives the place its own holiday character  \n\\\u003eThere are a lot more people near the Licensing and Customs office than you've ever seen before  \n\\\u003eMost of them are holding an immaculately wrapped gift box of their own  \n\\\u003eSome of the monsters pull or gnaw at the ribbons, but the presents don't open  \n\\\u003eVolfa doesn't say a word as you go to stand at the back of a line  \n\\\u003eA line leading up to the cerberus' office  \n\\\u003eEvery few minutes the line creeps forward, and a monster leaves the office with one of the presents  \n\\\u003eYou have no idea what to expect, but it makes you nervous all the same  \n\\\u003eFinally it's time for Volfa to enter  \n\\\u003e\"This won't take long,\" she laughs  \n\\\u003eIndeed it doesn't  \n\\\u003eAfter about two minutes of waiting, Volfa comes out  \n\\\u003eInstead of a present, however, she's holding a lump of coal  \n\\\u003eShe has a smile greater than someone holding coal should ever have  \n\\\u003e\"Same as every year,\" she says with a shake of the head. “Alright, you're up next!\"  \n\\\u003eOh joy  \n\\\u003eBack in his office once again  \n\\\u003eEverything here feels even more colossal than usual  \n\\\u003eThe towering tree by the desk, the bowling ball sized holly, the forest of poinsettia...  \n\\\u003eAnd then there's the giant wolf himself  \n\\\u003eIt should be intimidating, but you have to stifle a chuckle  \n\\\u003eThe cerberus' two side heads each have a Santa hat on, one red and one green  \n\\\u003eThe middle head has a rope of garland around his neck like a scarf  \n\\\u003eThey're all busy flipping through stacks of papers  \n\\\u003eAt least until they see you  \n\\\u003eThe side heads look to massive scrolls of parchment flanking the desk  \n\\\u003e[Nice List] one says, followed by what looks like hundreds of monster names  \n\\\u003eThe other is [Naughty List], with only a handful of names  \n\\\u003eOne in particular stands out immediately  \n\\\u003eVolfa  \n\\\u003e\"Anon,\" the middle head addresses you professionally  \n\\\u003eHe straightens his garland-scarf and interlocks his fingers on the desk  \n\\\u003e\"Though this is the first time you've formally joined us for Christmas, I'm sure you can surmise our process given the context.\"  \n\\\u003eHis heads regard both lists again, all of them giving the “Naughty List\" disappointed sighs  \n\\\u003e\"I present each of the citizens of our world a single gift, both out of charity as well as to encourage others to continue the gesture of their own volition. This gift is, of course, only if I deem them worthy based on their conduct over the past year. Now then....\"  \n\\\u003eThe cerberus grabs a stack of papers and affixes a pince-nez to his muzzle  \n\\\u003e\"I trust you understand that although you are effectively a son-in-law to me, I cannot allow bias to influence a positive evaluation of you. On the contrary, I should remind you that your circumstances for living in our world are extraordinary, and you continue to be held to higher standards that many others do not have to be concerned with.\"  \n\\\u003eThe side heads look unblinking at you while the middle one gives his lecture  \n\\\u003e\"In addition, I believe your relationship with Volfa can actually negatively affect your standing here. By failing to keep her from performing troublesome antics, you are effectively reinforcing undesirable behavior. You take a great risk by escorting her to your human world, and there have been several instances of your visits that demanded intervention from me or my associates.\"  \n\\\u003eHe picks up one of his dagger-like pens and scratches away at one of the papers  \n\\\u003e\"You and Volfa share powerful bonds, whether for better or worse. You are in many ways opposites, but also equals. You act as individuals, but you make choices in synchronization. Volfa has already received her judgment for a year's worth of misdeeds and regrettable tomfoolery.\"  \n\\\u003eThe cerberus opens a drawer in his desk  \n\\\u003eIt rumbles loudly with its sturdy wood  \n\\\u003e\"With that said....\"  \n\\\u003eThe cerberus looms over you  \n\\\u003eAll three pairs of eyes stare you down  \n\\\u003eHe reaches toward you with an outstretched paw  \n\\\u003eDangling from the tips of his claws is a small present, which he drops into your waiting arms  \n\\\u003e\"You've done a satisfactory job adhering to our way of life. Please keep up the good work.\"  \n\\\u003eHe returns to his seat and continues to write on the papers  \n\\\u003eAs he does so, your name shows up on the “Nice List\"  \n\\\u003eHurray?  \n\\\u003eYou leave the office to rejoin Volfa, who looks impressed by your present  \n\\\u003e\"Huh. Half expected the old man to punish you or something. You did good!\"  \n\\\u003eYou try to open the gift up, but the ribbon doesn't come undone no matter how hard you try  \n\\\u003e\"Don't bother,\" Volfa chuckles. “It's magically sealed. You're not getting in there until Christmas Day!\"  \n\\\u003eYou look to the wolfess' sad lump of coal in her paw  \n\\\u003eYou were hoping to give the cerberus the benefit of the doubt, but giving his only daughter the ultimate Christmas symbol of shame seems a little cruel  \n\\\u003e\"Ah, don't worry,\" Volfa says, pocketing the coal so she can use both arms to squeeze you. “He does that every year, but ends up giving me some real gifts anyway.\"  \n\\\u003eShe clicks her tongue in pity  \n\\\u003e\"You know, I sometimes wish he wouldn't. Just stick to his guns, right? It kind of makes me feel worse because of it. I know I disappoint him a lot, and I shouldn't be rewarded for it. But....\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa looks a little guilty  \n\\\u003e\"I think he does it for her...to have that generous and forgiving spirit on her behalf.\"  \n\\\u003eWhen Volfa sighs, it's practically enough to blow a gust of wind  \n\\\u003e\"Dammit. Now you know why I try to get away from it all. He's always such a wreck around this time. It's hard to see him like this when he's such a hard-ass usually.\"  \n\\\u003eThe two of you head back toward Volfa's place  \n\\\u003eShe's determined to keep things from getting too dower  \n\\\u003eEven if it means giving you multiple playful punches  \n\\\u003eBut she follows up by rubbing the spot soothingly and then chewing on your face  \n\\\u003eOnce in the heart of Gulchgut, you're intercepted by a familiar spore mother  \n\\\u003e\"Oh, Volfa hon, would you do us a favor?\" she says  \n\\\u003eThe monsters are trying to make things look festive without masking their Halloween soul  \n\\\u003eThere's a spot in the center of the village completely barren  \n\\\u003e\"We still haven't gotten a nice tree to decorate yet. Would you please find one for us?\"  \n\\\u003e\"Not a problem!\" Volfa says with a clap  \n\\\u003eThe wolfess grabs you by the hand and soon you're tearing off out of the village  \n\\\u003eSprinting behind her tail never gets old, even though you're often flailing about just to keep your footing  \n\\\u003eWhether it's the running or having something important to do, Volfa has a wild look on her face  \n\\\u003e\"Least we won't have to do any of the decorating!\" she laughs  \n  \n\\\u003eThe monster world has nearly every biome imaginable in its patchwork landscape  \n\\\u003eYou've never been up to the snow-capped mountains, and their beauty makes you wonder why you never have before  \n\\\u003e\"Eh, not a lot to do up here,\" Volfa says. “There's a few friendly folk to say hi to, but that's about it.\"  \n\\\u003eShe waves off in the distance to a family of yeti, who wave back with guttural cheers  \n\\\u003eThere are hundreds of wondrous trees up here, but none of them catch the wolfess' eye  \n\\\u003eShe stops the hunt every so often to roll up a snowball and pelt you with it  \n\\\u003eNo matter how far you escape, she manages to hit you  \n\\\u003eAnd her dodging is too quick for you to strike back  \n\\\u003eThe best you can do is charge at her to close the gap  \n\\\u003eThe wolfess prepares a wrestling pose, but when you tackle her she goes down easily  \n\\\u003eYou're rolling around in the powdery snow with Volfa in your arms  \n\\\u003eAnd you in hers  \n\\\u003eJust as she said, her fur keeps you nice and toasty  \n\\\u003eYou lie together for a while, enjoying the contrast of the cool mounds with her warm body  \n\\\u003eA mattress of winter itself  \n\\\u003eIt's almost enough to fall asleep in  \n\\\u003eBut you're lifted to your feet and patted down after a few minutes  \n\\\u003e\"Can't have you getting too chilled,\" Volfa says  \n\\\u003eShe's one to talk; her dark fur is completely covered in snow chunks  \n\\\u003eYou continue the search for the perfect tree  \n\\\u003eWith how enormous they all are, it's nearly impossible to gauge which one could possibly be considered the biggest  \n\\\u003eNot an issue for Volfa  \n\\\u003eShe finally stops at the trunk of one seemingly in its own clearing  \n\\\u003eHer tail wags excitedly  \n\\\u003e\"Here we are! Let's bring this bad boy down!\"  \n\\\u003eIt probably should have dawned on you sooner that neither of you brought an axe or anything along  \n\\\u003eJust a coil of rope  \n\\\u003eAgain, not an issue for Volfa  \n\\\u003eShe cracks her knuckles and gives the tree a few testing raps with her paws  \n\\\u003eShe inhales deeply  \n\\\u003eThen her yell echoes through the mountains  \n\\\u003e\"NNNNNNYYYAAAHHHH!\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa repeatedly punches the tree, taking out huge cuts with every strike  \n\\\u003eEvery hit evokes a powerful, resounding bark from her  \n\\\u003eAnd every hit makes you flinch a little bit  \n\\\u003eWhether it's from imagining the damage being done to her knuckles, or imagining the tree as someone on the receiving end of the blows  \n\\\u003eIf half the stories she tells are true, Volfa has the strength of her father in a body the fraction of his size  \n\\\u003eIt isn't long before she gets far enough in to make the whole thing creak ominously  \n\\\u003e\"Stand back, Little Red!\"  \n\\\u003eThe wolfess runs around the back and gives the tree the final push it needs  \n\\\u003eIt snaps free and crashes to the ground with thunderous grace  \n\\\u003ePowder billows up from the impact and glistens in the sun  \n\\\u003eThe sound echoes through the hills  \n\\\u003eThen everything goes quiet  \n\\\u003eThe serene landscape like a painting; silent and still  \n\\\u003eAt least until Volfa whoops with satisfaction  \n\\\u003e\"Alright! Time to take this puppy back to the village!\"  \n\\\u003eYou're hoisted up before you even realize what's happening  \n\\\u003e\"And we'll take the tree with us as well! Ha!\"  \n\\\u003eYou're thrown up onto the fallen pine, landing on the cushiony branches  \n\\\u003eYou sink into the green needles quite a bit, but it's not a bad spot to lie  \n\\\u003eVolfa takes the rope she brought along and makes a few quick loops around the tree  \n\\\u003eThen she ties the rest around herself like a harness before giving you the thumbs-up  \n\\\u003e\"Just say the word, and we'll be off!\"  \n\\\u003eThe wolfess crouches into a running stance and looks at you expectantly  \n\\\u003eWaiting for the right word  \n\\\u003eMush?  \n\\\u003eAnd she's off  \n\\\u003eThe tree lurches forward as Volfa pulls it along at breakneck speeds  \n\\\u003eYou're gliding along on top of the massive pine, hanging on to any branch you can grip  \n\\\u003eThe tree is your sleigh with Volfa as an entire team of reindeer  \n\\\u003eShe glances back at you every so often with a proud smile  \n\\\u003eSometimes to check you're still up there, but mostly to see if you're enjoying yourself as much as she is  \n\\\u003eWhen the hills get steeper and her harness slacks, she falls back and rides along with you  \n\\\u003eHopping over to your spot and reclining in the needles with her arm around you  \n\\\u003eIt's a sled ride meant for two; unguided but sliding exactly where I needs to go  \n\\\u003eIt's saddening to see Gulchgut waiting off in the distance so soon  \n\\\u003eThe tree eventually loses momentum, and Volfa has to drag it the rest of the way  \n\\\u003eStill completely uninhibited by its size  \n\\\u003eIt requires several monsters just to take it off her paws when the delivery is made  \n\\\u003e\"Oh, thank you, Volfa!\" the spore mother says excitedly. “This is wonderful!\"  \n\\\u003e\"Don't mention it. Anon picked it out himself!\"  \n\\\u003eYou did no such thing  \n\\\u003eBut it makes Volfa happy to share the victory  \n\\\u003eThe monsters begin to decorate the wintery trophy as the spore mother bounces in anticipation  \n\\\u003e\"So, Volfa,\" she says, “Can we expect to see you at your father's Christmas Eve party this year?\"  \n\\\u003eNone of the physical obstacles or challenges fazed the wolfess the entire trip  \n\\\u003eYet all it takes to make her look just she got punched in the gut is that one question  \n\\\u003e\"It would really mean a lot to him, you know...\" the spore mother continues, sensing Volfa's hesitation  \n\\\u003e\"I'll...think about it,\" the wolfess says  \n\\\u003eThere's far less spring to her step as the two of you head back to her den for the evening  \n\\\u003eShe seems really conflicted about this party thing  \n\\\u003eRegardless of how she feels about her father, you'd never imagine Volfa to pass up a party like that  \n\\\u003eUnless it was because she had a better plan in mind for the two of you  \n\\\u003eBut this sounds like Volfa was never a fan of Christmas parties even before she met you  \n\\\u003e\"You had to have picked up on that, right?\" Volfa says. “I have a reputation for skipping the old man's little gatherings.\"  \n\\\u003eShe scratches the back of her neck vigorously  \n\\\u003e\"And at this point I think it's too late to start. They'd just make a big deal about it.\"  \n\\\u003eAll the monsters in Gulchgut have been exceptionally nice once you've gotten to know them  \n\\\u003eWould they really make Volfa feel so ashamed of herself?  \n\\\u003eYou don't want to believe they would  \n\\\u003eIt could all just be in Volfa's head, after all  \n\\\u003eShe's one-of-a-kind for sure, even in her faults  \n\\\u003eWhen it comes to perceptions, she wants nothing more than to look like an unwavering icon of fearlessness in your eyes  \n\\\u003eAnd yet, she always tells you you're her better half  \n\\\u003eJust giving her a squeeze of the paw or an unexpected hug is enough to make her feel like a giant  \n\\\u003eShe buries you in the fluff of her neck—both collar and natural fur—and pats you on the back  \n\\\u003eDoes she have the will now to go through with this?  \n\\\u003eHer chest heaves before a long sigh  \n\\\u003e\"I'll think about it,\" she says, this time with a little more confidence  \n  \n\\\u003eThere's a certain coziness to bars and taverns around Halloween  \n\\\u003eComing in from a chilly night to have a few drinks and warm up with lively company  \n\\\u003eEven in the monster world, it's perhaps even cozier with it being Christmas Eve  \n\\\u003eSpirits are high and there's a raucous amount of liveliness in the bar  \n\\\u003eMost of the noise surrounds your table, where Volfa and several burly orcs are in the midst of a drinking contest  \n\\\u003eEggnog, no less  \n\\\u003eIt isn't even the first contest the wolfess has been in since arriving here  \n\\\u003eShe's practically gone through an entire barrel by herself  \n\\\u003eThe chants of “chug chug chug!\" coming from spectators get louder as orcs start tapping out one by one  \n\\\u003eSome even pass out entirely  \n\\\u003eThe last one sputters into his stein as Volfa slams hers down in victory  \n\\\u003eWith how much she's consumed, you'd expect her belly to be swelled out to look like an actual barrel  \n\\\u003eOr at least have the smallest of bumps  \n\\\u003eBut she's in the same shape as when she started  \n\\\u003eThat girl has to have an extra-dimensional space for a stomach  \n\\\u003eEven still, it's clear the feat has taken its toll on her  \n\\\u003eVolfa pats herself groggily as the cheers peter out and the cleanup begins  \n\\\u003e\"Little Red...I'm going to need your help with this, ha....\"  \n\\\u003eYou help the wolfess massage her belly  \n\\\u003eShe pays you back by massaging your head  \n\\\u003eRunning her paws on your neck and gliding her nails over your scalp  \n\\\u003eThere's a glow to her golden eyes as she hums with a satisfied look on her face  \n\\\u003eNo doubt feeling a little buzz  \n\\\u003eHer tipsy state is testament to the sheer volume she drank, as the monsters didn't add much alcohol to the eggnog in order to mass-produce it  \n\\\u003eYou realize just how empty the bar starts getting as the two of you caress each other  \n\\\u003eLuckily it wasn't from your display of affection  \n\\\u003eIt's enough to make Volfa a tiny bit self-conscious though  \n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh, think we can grab a few more drinks?\" Volfa says  \n\\\u003eThe request is partially to you and partially to the barkeeper  \n\\\u003e\"Actually Volfa,\" the skeletal barkeep responds, “I was kind of hoping to close up early and get to your father's party.\"  \n\\\u003e\"Oh...right,\" Volfa says, ears drooping a bit. “We'll head out then.\"  \n\\\u003eThe barkeep takes off his vest and pops a Santa hat over his pearly skull  \n\\\u003e\"See you there!\" he rattles, locking the place up with a skeleton key  \n\\\u003eYou and Volfa stand outside for a while  \n\\\u003eEvery so often she glances off to where the mausoleum is  \n\\\u003e\"So...you want to head back to my place and get comfy?\"  \n\\\u003eYou can hear the hesitance in her voice  \n\\\u003eAnd the smell of eggnog  \n\\\u003eEven though Volfa's relationship with her father is strained, you earnestly think she has more care for him than anyone else  \n\\\u003eBut right now you feel pretty bad for the cerberus  \n\\\u003eSomething about large, imposing figures showing their sorrow and disappointment doesn't really sit right with you  \n\\\u003eThe three-headed dog is probably holding out hope his only child shows up for what's supposed to be one of the closest times of the year for families  \n\\\u003eYou don't really want to guilt Volfa, though  \n\\\u003eFortunately, she makes the choice herself  \n\\\u003e\"Alright, I guess there's no avoiding it\"  \n\\\u003eShe pats you on the back as though you're the one being praised for making the right choice  \n\\\u003e\"Thanks, Little Red.\"  \n\\\u003eThat's Volfa for you...  \n\\\u003e\"There's just one stop I need to make first. Gotta pick something up.\"  \n\\\u003eShe leads you through the village  \n\\\u003eIt's completely empty  \n\\\u003eGulchgut never scared you much, but the lack of activity makes things kind of eerie  \n\\\u003eNow you're looking at a very familiar apothecary  \n\\\u003eMedafet's shop  \n\\\u003eIt's more than a little surprising when Volfa pushes open the unlocked door  \n\\\u003e\"She always leaves it like this,\" the wolfess says. “Who's going to dare steal something from her?\"  \n\\\u003eWell, depends on what the two of you are doing here now...  \n\\\u003eThe trinkets and curios in the shop change every time you've been in it  \n\\\u003eEven Medafet's inventory takes on a sort of Christmas vibe  \n\\\u003eA gruesome vibe, but festive nonetheless  \n\\\u003eReindeer bones, ribbons that hiss and slither, bells that chime on their own with an otherworldly ring...  \n\\\u003eVolfa hones in on a present resting conspicuously on the countertop  \n\\\u003e\"There you are!\" she says, snatching it up  \n\\\u003eYou inhale sharply, expecting it to be some kind of trap  \n\\\u003eNothing  \n\\\u003eGuess even Medafet's love of messing with people takes a break around the holidays  \n\\\u003eBut there's a message waiting under the box  \n\\\u003e[Thank you for making this a special day for your father.]  \n\\\u003e\"Pfft, whatever,\" Volfa says, as if the cat were here  \n\\\u003eThe two of you leave the shop with the gift  \n\\\u003eA jingle of soft music starts up as you cross the threshold  \n\\\u003eThe living shop begins its own little celebration in your wake  \n\\\u003e\"Just remember my number one rule of parties,\" Volfa says  \n\\\u003eShe licks your face, then dries it off with her furry cheeks  \n\\\u003eDo what you want until someone stops having fun?  \n\\\u003e\"Bingo. We'll hang around for a little while to be polite, but just say the word and we'll head home. I wouldn't mind spending a little more alone time with my Little Red tonight.\"  \n\u0026nbsp;  \n\\\u003eThe mausoleum is packed with monsters  \n\\\u003eWhereas everyone's off doing their own thing for Halloween, the gathering of choice for Christmas is here  \n\\\u003eDozens of monsters look at Volfa with surprise as the two of you wander through the halls  \n\\\u003eClearly nobody was expecting her to actually show up this year  \n\\\u003eIt's enough to make the wolfess a little embarrassed  \n\\\u003eEspecially when they applaud her  \n\\\u003e\"You're gonna have to keep me from bolting, Little Red,\" she whispers  \n\\\u003eShe grabs you tightly around the shoulder  \n\\\u003eAgain, she's sort of the one in control here  \n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eYou get the sense her wandering is mostly just stalling  \n\\\u003eThe monsters are quick to let Volfa know where her father is currently hanging out  \n\\\u003eFar in the back of the mausoleum is one of the few rooms able to fit the cerberus comfortably  \n\\\u003eHow he even managed to get down here is a mystery  \n\\\u003eHe's chatting with Medafet, who looks like she might have had to duck just to get into a few rooms herself  \n\\\u003eThe wrinkly yellow cat spots you and Volfa  \n\\\u003eShe gives you that Cheshire smile of hers before excusing herself from the cerberus' company  \n\\\u003eThe whole room goes quiet  \n\\\u003eVolfa and her father stare at each other in silence  \n\\\u003eJust the slightest nudge is all she needs to step forward, albeit at a snail's pace  \n\\\u003e\"Volfa...\" the cerberus says  \n\\\u003e\"Yeah?\" Volfa replies  \n\\\u003eHer father swirls his glass of eggnog around  \n\\\u003eThe sight of it is a little nauseating after Volfa's binge  \n\\\u003e\"I'm...happy you decided to come,\" the big wolf says. “It truly means a lot to me.\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa doesn't say anything as she holds out her gift  \n\\\u003eThe cerberus sets down his glass to daintily pick up the gift  \n\\\u003eThen sets it aside as well  \n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Volfa, but you've given me a great deal already. I couldn't ask for anything more than to see you here. It's all I wanted tonight.\"  \n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eVolfa swallows a lump in her throat and gives a sheepish smile  \n\\\u003e\"So, that's all it took?\" she chuckles weakly. “Your greatest gift is just me showing up?\"  \n\\\u003eThe cerberus inhales deeply  \n\\\u003e\"No gift can ever compare to the one your mother gave me...the day you were born. That will always be my greatest gift.\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa's face scrunches up and she flicks at the wetness of her nose quickly  \n\\\u003eTrying to be discreet in a room full of monsters  \n\\\u003eThe wolfess closes in at a faster pace, and the cerberus kneels down to scoop her up  \n\\\u003eHe pulls her to his chest as his three heads try to fit around her lovingly  \n\\\u003eFor how big Volfa is compared to you, she's still just a pup in her father's arms  \n\\\u003e\"I love you, Volfa,\" the cerberus rumbles  \n\\\u003e\"I love you too, pops,\" Volfa sniffs  \n\\\u003eThe two share an embrace that even the sweetest Christmas photo can't compare to  \n\\\u003eThe smiles on their faces alone bring warmth to the whole mausoleum  \n\\\u003eThe room full of monsters doesn't exist anymore as father and daughter take their time with their bonding  \n\\\u003eEventually the two part with their smiles still intact  \n\\\u003eAt least until the cerberus speaks up again  \n\\\u003e\"That is quite the adorable look,\" he says, pointing to Volfa's antlers  \n\\\u003e\"Don't ruin the moment,\" Volfa scoffs, wiping her snout with the back of her paw  \n\\\u003eThe party's merriment escalates as the fuzzy feelings spill out to the rest of the partiers  \n\\\u003eWhen word gets out that the wolves have reconciled, everyone wants to be in the nexus of their happiness  \n\\\u003eVolfa has much less urgency to leave the party now  \n\\\u003eShe still drags you around the rest of the mausoleum to take part in the festivities, but she checks in with her father every so often  \n\\\u003eAnd every time he continues beaming with pride  \n\\\u003eIt's a look you've never seen on the cerberus  \n\\\u003eIt's one you might not even see much of again after tonight  \n\\\u003eVolfa and her dad are just naturally the type who butt heads with one another regularly  \n\\\u003eBut you're confident they've made some important progress together  \n\\\u003eNear the end of the night the bands stop playing  \n\\\u003eA hush fills the mausoleum  \n\\\u003eThen caroling sweeps through the halls  \n\\\u003eWith Volfa's dad as the front man  \n\\\u003eThe cerberus already has an incredible set of lungs capable of belting out Christmas songs  \n\\\u003eBut when you have your own pair of backup vocals as well, the sound is hauntingly beautiful  \n\\\u003eIt's powerful enough to reverberate through your whole body  \n\\\u003eAs Volfa hugs you close, however, you can feel a vibration coming from her as well  \n\\\u003eShe's humming along to her dad's songs, rocking you gently  \n\\\u003eIt's obvious she plans on staying for the whole performance  \n\\\u003e\"Hope you don't mind,\" she murmurs into your ear  \n\\\u003eYou can't object  \n\\\u003eThe caroling puts a feeling of bliss within you  \n\\\u003eIt must with Volfa as well  \n\\\u003eBy the time the night comes to a close, she looks ready for a peaceful, heavenly sleep  \n\\\u003eThe village fills back up with monsters, all of whom exude cheer from the party  \n\\\u003eYou carry the spirit with you all the way to Volfa's den  \n\\\u003eEven though it's sparsely decorated, her room suddenly has a lot more Christmas soul to it  \n\\\u003eYou and Volfa crawl under the covers, still locked in each other's hold  \n\\\u003eIt remains the most comfortable, toasty place to be  \n\\\u003eJust resting against the fur of your lupine lover  \n\\\u003eHer humming continues, lulling the two of you to sleep  \n  \n\\\u003eThe morning comes with you waking up to the sight of Volfa's golden eyes  \n\\\u003e\"Merry Christmas, Little Red,\" she says  \n\\\u003eA kiss from her starts off the day  \n\\\u003eA small pile of presents found their way into the room  \n\\\u003eWhen you pick one up, Volfa snatches it out of your hands playfully  \n\\\u003e\"Not yet, Champ,\" she laughs. “Can't skip the tradition. We're taking these out to open with our family.\"  \n\\\u003eShe doesn't just mean her dad, either  \n\\\u003eWhen the wolfess says “family\", it's unmistakably the entire village she's talking about  \n\\\u003eThe two of you head out to the village center, where there's a sea of monsters sitting around exchanging gifts  \n\\\u003eMedafet is looming overhead passing some around  \n\\\u003eMeanwhile, Volfa's dad watches the whole scene with pride  \n\\\u003eWearing the ugliest three-headed sweater he could find  \n\\\u003eYou already have his gift to you in your arms, but you collect another few from some of the monsters along the way up to the cerberus  \n\\\u003e\"A little something from all of us,\" the spore mother says cordially, puffing herself out with a giggle  \n\\\u003eYou're walking along with a sizeable number of gifts, and Volfa tosses another on top  \n\\\u003e\"I wasn't going to forget about you!\" she says, slapping you on the back almost hard enough to make you drop the whole stack  \n\\\u003eThe two of you find a spot next to the cerberus, who has Volfa's gift resting in his paw  \n\\\u003e\"You could have opened it already, old man,\" Volfa says with the shake of her head  \n“Of course not,\" he responds. “It's only courteous to open them when all the recipients are accounted for.\"  \n\\\u003e\"Alright, fine. You go ahead and start us off, then.\"  \n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eThe cerberus pinches the ribbon with the tips of his massive claws and tugs the gift open  \n\\\u003eInside is a hefty glass paperweight in the shape of a three-headed pup  \n\\\u003eIts mouths have spaces to slide pens into, as though the little creature is chewing on them like bones  \n\\\u003e\"I love it!\" he says with a boom. “Thank you, Volfa.\"  \n\\\u003eNever far from his work, the cerberus takes a hidden pen from his sweater and pops it into one of the pup's mouths  \n\\\u003eHis three sets of eyes turn to you, patiently watching  \n\\\u003e\"Why don't you go next, Anon?\"  \n\\\u003eSure  \n\\\u003eWould probably be polite to open his gift while he's right here  \n\\\u003eThe magical seal on the present pops with a sparkle of light as you unwrap the box  \n\\\u003eInside looks like some kind of clothing patch, with an intricate design of swirls and runic symbols sewn in  \n\\\u003eAs you examine the patch a corner sticks to your coat sleeve securely  \n\\\u003e\"It's a glamour patch,\" the cerberus says. “Often used by monsters to tailor clothing to their unique body shapes. More relevant to you, however, is its ability to magically dye outfits to any shade you choose. You seem to have a penchant for wearing red clothing....\"  \n\\\u003eHe doesn't get it, does he?  \n\\\u003eWell, not many know about Volfa's nickname for you  \n\\\u003eNot far off in the corner of your eye, you see Medafet and her stretched grin looking your direction  \n\\\u003eThe gift exchange goes on for a while  \n\\\u003eVolfa gets a bunch of new spiked bracelets and a sharp new jacket from her father  \n\\\u003e\"Figures he'd give us clothes for Christmas,\" she snickers into your ear  \n\\\u003e\"She's very easy to shop for,\" the cerberus says to you shortly after in your other ear  \n\\\u003eEveryone rotates who opens the next one  \n\\\u003eYou see a lot of really unusual tools and unidentifiable containers, though they always make the receiver happy  \n\\\u003eA lot of your own gifts need to be explained  \n\\\u003eThe one from Medafet's shop, not so much  \n\\\u003eAs you hold the tiny jar of liquid, Volfa's expression goes from embarrassment to amusement to...salaciousness?  \n\\\u003eShe grabs your hand and guides the jar into your coat pocket before anyone else can see it  \n\\\u003e\"Oh, I bet that's going to feel amazing...\" the wolfess says with a hushed voice and a sultry look  \n\\\u003eThere's probably a “Christmas is coming\" joke in there somewhere  \n\\\u003eAt last is Volfa's gift to you  \n\\\u003eShe managed to keep it hidden from you for the whole month, while she never left you alone long enough to pick her gift in secrecy  \n\\\u003e\"Don't sweat it.\"   \n\\\u003eVolfa sticks out her chest and lifts her chin  \n\\\u003e“I couldn't ask for anything more,\" she says in a deep voice, poking fun at her father  \n\\\u003eShe pulls you into another full embrace and holds your head to her body  \n\\\u003e\"That's no joke, either. You mean everything to me, Anon. That's really the greatest gift I could ever get. And I didn't even have to wait for Christmas!\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa lets you go so you can finally open her present  \n\\\u003eHer tail wags furiously the whole time you spend opening it  \n\\\u003eInside is what appears to be a miniature diorama  \n\\\u003eAll handmade from bits and pieces of materials and scavenged supplies  \n\\\u003eA little yarn Anon and yarn Volfa sit together in a tiny cart, rolling from a haunted house to a recreation of some familiar catacombs  \n\\\u003eIt's a little crude, but as they always say it's the thought that counts  \n\\\u003e\"I put it together piece by piece every night when you were asleep,\" Volfa says. “I hated being out of bed and out of your reach, but I wanted to do something special for you.\"  \n\\\u003eShe pushes the cart back and forth between the two scenes  \n\\\u003e\"I know I said I was going to give Christmas a fair chance, but I just couldn't stop thinking of Halloween—thinking of what changed my life forever. I didn't really make this as a reminder of that night. Heh, like I'd EVER forget it.\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa looks fondly at her creation, then to you with insurmountable adoration  \n\\\u003e\"Think of it like a goal. That was such an incredible night, but we can do even better. I know we can! We have our whole lives for adventure, and every time we look at this little symbol of our first meeting I want us to go out there and do something even better!\"  \n\\\u003eIt's a bold challenge...  \n\\\u003e...For anyone other than Volfa  \n\\\u003eYou don't believe for one second she won't deliver on her promise  \n\\\u003eEvery experience you've had with her so far has been nothing short of extraordinary  \n\\\u003eAnd the eagerness to see what the next day has in store is matched only by the desire to stay frozen in any given moment with her  \n\\\u003e\"I love you, Little Red,\" Volfa says just loud enough for only you to hear  \n\\\u003eShe gives you a lick on the cheek; a hint at things to come  \n\\\u003e\"Well, let's get all this stuff back home for now. We got a full day of relaxing ahead of us!\"  \n\\\u003eA relaxing day it is indeed  \n\\\u003eAfter dropping off all the gifts back at Volfa's, the two of you enjoy the remainder of Christmas Day  \n\\\u003eSharing the company of the other monsters, and gathering together for a feast later in the day  \n\\\u003eYou promised some of your own friends and family you'd swing by and give your wishes, but then it's right back to the monster world  \n\\\u003eBy this point late at night Volfa's pretty tired of sharing you with others  \n\\\u003eThe two of you turn in for the day, lying together in bed  \n\\\u003eA light dusting of snow visits Gulchgut  \n\\\u003eJust enough to make Volfa's den even cozier  \n\\\u003eYou're reclined against the wolfess and her soft fur, while she strokes your chest and rubs her muzzle all over you  \n\\\u003e\"I guess it wasn't so bad after all,\" she says between kisses. “But I'm never giving up on Halloween, alright?\"  \n\\\u003eYou give Volfa a pat on the head, and she squeezes you tightly  \n\\\u003e\"While you're up there, would you mind?\"  \n\\\u003eYou pinch the antlers and pop them off easily  \n\\\u003eUnconnected, they dissolve into tiny ice crystals  \n\\\u003e\"That's more like it...\"  \n\\\u003eShe nuzzles you with the top of her head right where the antlers were  \n\\\u003eThen she grabs the last of her candy canes and gnaws on it for a while  \n\\\u003ePoking you in the cheek with the end and getting you to share it with her  \n\\\u003e\"You know,\" she says, crunching the last little bit, “maybe we can give New Year's a chance, too.\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa's open-mindedness is getting impressive  \n\\\u003e\"This was nice and all, but there wasn't enough...debauchery.\"  \n\\\u003eShe slips you out of your clothes, and soon you're lying against the wolfess' uncovered fur  \n\\\u003eWhile wearing less, her warmth is even greater  \n\\\u003eAll the more reason to stay inside  \n\\\u003eShe turns off the light, and the two of you settle down for sleep  \n\\\u003eVolfa's calm breathing leads to a content sigh  \n\\\u003e\"So let's get all the comfy out of this while we can, okay? 'Cause we're gonna party hard enough to last us until next Halloween!\"  \n\\\u003eWhen you open your mouth to speak, Volfa puts her paw over it while she finishes a yawn  \n\\\u003e\"Shh, comfy...alright?\"  \n\\\u003eVolfa takes her paw off your mouth just to plant her lips on it  \n\\\u003e\"Merry Christmas, Little Red,\" she says again after the kiss  \n\\\u003eThe wolfess quietly hums her father's songs as you gaze out at the gentle flakes outside  \n\\\u003eThen your eyes wander to the Anon and Volfa yarn figures sitting in the diorama  \n\\\u003eSharing a moment together, just the same as you and the real wolfess right now  \n\\\u003eJust the same as whenever you walk through the city together  \n\\\u003eJust the same as you hope every day will be like  \n\\\u003eYou and Volfa  \n\\\u003eAnd her whole family","series":{"name":"Hair of the Dog","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1662194-hair-of-the-dog-cry-wolf.json"}}