(25th of December, Present Time)

The next morning, Nicholas had a much peaceful reawakening than the past two and it was daylight. The rays of morning shone through the curtains and for the first time in years, Nicholas felt a spark of warmth. He was back in his own room, alive and... Alive, with a new desire. The man slid off his bed to make way for the dressing table where the mirror awaited him.

Nicholas inhaled and gazed at his reflection. Following the events from last night, he had found himself in a different place. Compared to the countless other mornings where he'd wake up grumbling, this morning he felt fine. If not, a whole lot cheerier. It was strange… Is this what he's supposed to feel after a life changing trip? Nicholas frowned and looked around, suddenly reminded of something.

What day is it?

The man frowned. One thing for sure is that he is definitely back in the present... But when? When in the present? Nicholas felt the urge to go find out and he opened the windows that showed the outside. The morning was sunny, but it was shrouded in the clouds that dropped the wintery shower. The atmosphere is a lot jollier and people outside are carolling, having a great time with each other.

Kris, the teenage donation collector who was with Vinnie and Balthazar the other day along with Wally, ran past Nicholas' building. The man sat up and waved out to call her. "Hey you! Kid! I gotta ask you something!" The blue-tip haired girl froze with a gasp and cowered under Nicholas' expecting gaze. "W-What is it Mr Block?" Squeaked out the girl in obvious wariness.

Nicholas flinched slightly at the girl's display but then part of him inside couldn't blame her. This is how everyone sees him. He quirked a brow with a small smile. But maybe he can change that in a jiffy…

"I need to know, what day is it today kid?"

Kris seemed to recoil in pure shock and she was gaping in disbelief. "You don't know?" She stood taller as she talked aloud to Nicholas who's about two storeys high from her. 'It's the 25th! It's Christmas Day!" She cried out with a grin before quickly recoiling in shyness. "And... It's also my birthday." That came out in a quick mutter that unfortunately to her, Nicholas quickly caught.

He appeared stunned for a moment before letting out a hearty laugh much to Kris' surprise. "It's Christmas Day! I can't believe it! It's actually Christmas Day!" Nicholas cried aloud in so much joy that Kris along with several passersby are frozen in shock - They've never seen Nicholas so cheerful on Christmas.

"Is something wrong with him?" Muttered one man to his wife who only shrugged in response. The questioning passersby eventually dispersed in wonder till Kris is left on her own.

The girl warily backed away and she was about to leave before Nicholas called her back. "Hey I'm not finished yet!" Kris internally groaned with dread and slowly looked up at Nicholas once more.

The man momentarily glanced at the shops lining the town before returning to Kris. "Is Josh still open for this morning?" He asked in referring to the owner of the town's best shop that sells complete goods. "Please tell me he is - There is something I need from him,"

Kris looked deep in thought and gave Nicholas a shrug. "Well he's usually open for the morning until nine." She explained. "It's already about five minutes till he closes but I guess he's still open right now..." She tilted her head. "You said you were gonna get something from him? Why?"

Nicholas chuckled and averted his gaze. "Oh. Just need to get something I owed someone and his family for a very long time," He truthfully admitted and then he reached out to take his wallet from the nearby table. "Hey you look like a fast kid of your age, do you mind running an errand for me?" Kris looked reluctant but she nodded anyways, just to save herself from any harm if she dared say no.

"What do you want me to do Mr Block?" Asked the bespectacled girl carefully.

The man above grinned at her agreement and gave the instruction. "I need you to tell Josh to wait up for me, a customer. It's for something really important!" Kris frowned in uncertainty at the task for Nicholas, the most grumpy man in town asking her to do a task nicely, is indeed new to her.

When she stood with no response out of stunned silence, Nicholas let out a laugh and pulled out a couple dollar notes from his wallet. "Hey don't worry! It's an errand so of course I'm paying you!"

"What?!" Kris exclaimed in shock. Nicholas rolled his eyes amusingly as he dropped the notes. "I'm serious kid. I really need you to run to the store and tell Josh to wait for me! This, it's your tip coming from me! Now what kind of good Samaritan doesn't pay another for doing something kind?"

He watched with a delightful smile when Kris reluctantly picked up the two notes that Nicholas had dropped. The girl squinted at the notes and they grew wide with bewilderment. "T-This is twenty dollars!" She stared at the two notes in her hand and back at Nicholas with horror. "Mr Block this is too much for just running to the store! Take this back!" She cried desperately but Nicholas only laughed.

"Twenty dollars? That's merely nothing more than two dollars to me!" Kris recoiled in shame when she understood what Nicholas is implying. The man saw her look and he shrugged. "Besides, kid, it's Christmas Day isn't it? It's a day for giving, sharing your blessings!" He grinned. "I insist, keep those dollars to yourself, spend it on whatever you like! You know, consider it as a christmas and birthday present from me!"

Kris' stunned expression melted into one of gratefulness and she kept the money in her pockets with a thankful smile. "Thank you so much kind sir! I promise, I'll get Josh ready for you in no time!"

She turned heel and looked back at Nicholas over her shoulder with a grin. "Merry Christmas Mr Block!" She cried out in greeting before disappearing downtown, with people staring at her and the smiling Nicholas in silent shock...

About half an hour later, Nicholas now dressed in casual clothes fit for the holiday, walked outside Josh's store with the owner in tow. Much like Kris had been, Josh was very surprised to see the new change in Nicholas and he immediately adored him, giving him only and only the best of what he needed in his store.

"Thank you so much for everything Josh! I bet the Murphys are gonna have a blast tonight with the big christmas feast and presents they're gonna have!" Nicholas gratefully spoke while Josh was grinning from ear to ear with joy. "I must say, you did pretty good with this store business of yours! I'll give it my full rating!"

The shopkeeper chuckled with a shrug. "Aw I guess it's from being something I grew up being good at naturally," He tied up the string around a paper covering that contained a large roast fresh from the oven. "That family is really going to love all this stuff you bought for them, I'll have these delivered to their house in a jiffy!" He lowered a brow in amusement when he escorted Nicholas outside. "But are you sure you don't want me to tell them who they're getting this from?"

Nicholas laughed and shook his head. "Definitely not!" He mused. "Now where's the fun in Secret Santa if they know who got those for them?" He inserted his hands in his coat pockets. "Let them be surprised, enjoy today's Christmas feast and the presents!"

He took out his wallet and reached in, pulling out several notes and handing them to Josh who took and scanned them with surprise.

"Mr Block I think you gave me too much," Josh pointed out. "Let me go get some change-!"

"Nah just keep all of that Josh! As thanks for the good service!"

The shopkeeper gaped in surprise after Nicholas who happily walked across town greeting everyone he passed with happy cheers. Kris, who had been watching the scene from afar, gave Josh an amused smile. "I told you he's different now," She pocketed her hands. "He gave me twenty dollars just for running here to get you to wait!"

The young adult continued to eye Kris before looking ahead at Nicholas who disappeared, a smile upon his face. She couldn't be more right and he couldn't agree more. The two amongst other passersby continued to watch the happy Nicholas with warm smiles in feeling joy for him for the first time in years...

"Have a Merry Christmas Murphys!"

Josh waved at the family men who smiled back before carrying in the huge amount of gifts and roasts inside the house. The female members along with Nate and Milo looked on in surprise as the adult males laid out Josh's deliveries on the table and under the small christmas tree in the case of the presents.

The family aside from Milo who was filled with more wonder, held in gasps of shock when it turned out that the deliveries they received are fresh delicacies ranging from roast beef to a big turkey glazed with sauces and spices. Even the presents under the tree are towering over the tree itself and the younger Murphys could tell that some of the gifts contained things suited for teens their age.

"I can't believe this... This, this must be a Christmas Miracle!" Uncle Joey exclaimed with clasping hands. "Whoever sent it to us, it must have been our holiday Guardian!" Aunt Laura smiled widely and cuddled her husband. The grandparents exchanged looks while Martin and Brigette continued to stare at the potential feast before them.

The bundle of food is basically complete, the most expensive that's rumored to be the best ever catering Josh could provide for Christmas. The set consisted of Roast meats, sauces and even the creamiest cakes and fancy beverages including wine for the adults; A complete feast fit for an upper class family!

Martin and his wife were naturally the most stunned for the packages have come from Josh specifically to their names. The one thing that they found strange though, is the fact that Josh can't tell them where the deliveries came from. Instead, the only thing he can tell them is that it is already fully paid for and the one responsible for buying all of this for them instructed him to not reveal his identity.

"I don't understand. Who would give us all of this?" Martin scratched his head as he and Brigette exchanged questioning glances. "This is Josh's best-selling banquet," Said the light brunette. "The most expensive one! Only the ones who are from outside of town can afford it!" The Murphys looked equally puzzled and exchanged exclaims.

"I wonder who got this for us?"

"Is it any of you all?"

"It can't be my family the Yphrums. They never visit us, let alone for Christmas,"

The elder Murphys continued to share opinions of wonder and confusion while the smallest one limped his way to the table with his cane from inbetween Sara and Nate, after the trio had admired the presents. The boy's eyes were wide and full of wonder as he came upclose to the table and Brigette drew him close.

Milo wore a look of awe and he gently took his mother's hand. "I think I know who got this for us," The adults quietened and focused their attention on the boy who resumed speaking. "It's Mr Block! He's the richest man in town isn't he? Maybe he got this feast and the presents for us!"

The boy's guess caused a racket to come out from most of the adults in the room as they chortled at the ridiculous idea; Martin continuing to remain quiet from the possibility.

"Mr Block? Buying this entire thing for us?!" Sara spluttered out inbetween fits of laughter. She wiped a tear from her eye. "No offense little brother, but that's the most ridiculous idea yet! That old scrooge!"

She doubled over some more and Nate had to chide her into ceasing. Milo's face fell at the reaction of most of his family - But the hopefulness still remained and the boy reached out to rest a hand on the table, eyes fixated on the table's contents.

"I'm sure it was him," His firm murmur entered Martin's ears and his focusing on the boy led the rest to quieten. Milo looked over at them and shrugged. "I don't know why. But I can feel that it is him. It's gotta be!"

Martin gave a touched 'Aw' while the rest exchanged looks. Brigette inhaled and forced a smile despite the great doubt she is feeling. "Milo we'll never know, someone else might have been the one who gave this to us" She reminded gently and then cupped a hand over her son's cheek. "Are you sure about Mr Block being the one?"

Milo nodded firmly and smiled warmly. "As sure as your cooking tastes the best mom!" He saluted. "I swear, all of you will see!" The boy turned around so he is facing the table and what's on it once more.

A delighted expression formed on his face for a wonderful thought had entered his mind. "Mr Block must have found the Christmas Spirit at last. I'm so glad," He reached up to rest a hand over his chest and he was enveloped in the loving arms of his parents and whole family...

Later that Christmas Day, nightfall had finally arrived and most of the families including Milo's had gone to bed stuffed and happy. Christmas is almost over, but then some who are still kicking off with late night parties. One family in particular, a lively family called the Dakotas, are having a blast in carolling to a relative playing lovely tunes on the piano.

Vinnie Dakota and Balthazar Cavendish, the couple who had once went to Nicholas Block's home to invite him to the party, sat on the sofa singing along while cuddling extra close together.

For the two men, this Christmas is extra special from the rest for it is their first spent as a wedded couple. The two had just married recently, thus, giving the couple extra motivation along with Vinnie's family who are more than delighted to celebrate Christmas with the man that Vinnie wedded into their family.

The family and Balthazar were busy being caught up in singing until a knocking on the door of their home sounded. Everyone grew silent and Vinnie stood up along with Balthazar wearing surprised looks. "That's odd," Balthazar murmured and scanned the handful of Dakota relatives in the room. "I don't recall anyone saying they'd have guests," He looked at Vinnie. "Perhaps you do, my love?"

Vinnie shook his head and shrugged. "Everyone's right here, including Mom," He gestured to his aging mother who sat nearby. His eyes then widened and he realized. "Oh I remember! Balthy, we invited Nicholas-! Ah, I mean! Mr Block over!" He looked at the door. "Maybe that's him?"

Balthazar frowned as did everyone aside Vinnie and his mother in the room. Unlike the latter duo, Balthazar and most of Vinnie's relatives have known Nicholas to be quite unkindly and they didn't take him too well because of that.

"Now how would he even know where we live? He hasn't even asked us for our address!" Balthazar pointed out with the agreeing nods of a few Dakotas behind him. He sighed sigh a hopeless look at his husband. "You know Mr Block, Vinnie. He's never present for the Christmas parties you held in the past even before I came about. I'm afraid this one won't be any different for sure unless some Christmas Spirit has found him and maybe made him change his mind,"

Frowning in response, Vinnie opened his mouth to reply, still obviously hopeful that their guest will come. But before he could say a word, the knocking on the door repeated. The family looked on in uncertainty as Balthazar stood up to answer the door...

"Hello?"

"Good evening, Balthazar."

Balthazar froze at the rough voice and looked down to find a slightly shorter man looking back at him with all too familiar icy eyes. Nicholas stood before the door with a wary smile. Dressed in formal attire and carrying a bouquet of hyacinth flowers. Balthazar looked about nervously before focusing back on Nicholas.

"Why, hello Mr Block. It's a surprise to find you out here at this time," Balthazar glanced left and right at the other houses with a risen brow. Deep down he knew that Vinnie had invited Nicholas over. But clearly, Balthazar did not expect him to actually come and he was overcome with unsure feeling in whether to let him in or not.

Vinnie came up to the door after finding Balthazar has taken too long and a surprised yet delighted look of awe appeared on his face. "Mr Block? You actually came!" He made way past his husband so he can happily shake Nicholas' hand. "It's so good to see ya come here at last!"

"It sure is," Nicholas gave a smile and he averted his gaze for sadness and remorse had kicked in. Vinnie and Balthazar exchanged looks of concern till Vinnie spoke up. "You don't look too happy, Mr B. Is something bothering you?" Asked the orange and red wearing man.

Nicholas snapped out of whatever trance he's caught in and shrugged. "Well.. There is actually one thing that's bothered me for quite a while now." His eyes filled with sadness when they set upon the married couple. Vinnie and Balthazar looked on with concern and curiosity on behalf of the green wearing other half of Vinnie.

The man took a deep breath and sighed, averting his gaze to the side.

"For my entire life, I have been nothing but a.. A selfish, and unkind man. Always thinking about myself and never about others. Especially you Vinnie." Nicholas screwed his eyes shut, he didn't notice the bespectacled short man cover his mouth in utter surprise and Balthazar pressing closer to his husband. "You, you're a great guy. Everyone loves you and you never stopped loving or caring for anyone, even me."

He looked at Vinnie with tears threatening to spill from his eyes. "You're just like Heinz, you know that Vinnie? I.. I shouldn't have been so selfish all those years ago. You and me? We could have been friends, but instead, I only made it impossible for myself and I got nobody with me as of now. Out of anything right now, I'd like to make things okay between the both us again," Nicholas smiled weakly at Vinnie as he held out the hyacinths in offering. "I want to get to know you more, like I should have been before... So can we? Like, maybe start over?"

The couple shared loving smiles and returned to Nicholas with forgiving looks. "Oh Mr Block, of course we can!" Vinnie held both of Nicholas' hands while grinning. "And besides it's never too late to mend things!" He wrapped an arm around Nicholas' neck and offered him inside. "Now come on in! We're actually about to have some of mom's best hot coco and you're so gonna love it!"

Nicholas gave an amused chuckle. "Well, if you say so." He felt the friendly hand of Balthazar brush his arm as he was being escorted inside. Unsurprisingly, most of Vinnie's family had looked on in shock when they saw the man with the most unpleasant reputation walk in with their member.

Fortunately for him, Vinnie was quick to do some explaining and the frowns of uncertainty laced on the Dakotas' faces melted into kind expressions and smiles. Some of the Dakotas stood up and eagerly let Nicholas have a seat next to them much to the latter's gratitude.

Balthazar took his seat next to the man and he noticed the bouquet of hyacinths still in his clutches. Nicholas smiled at him. "This is actually for you two, to make up for my missing your wedding," He gave Balthazar a hearty shrug and offered the flowers. "I heard you like hyacinths, Balthazar, so I got the best ones from the florist!"

Balthazar blushed slightly and he took the flowers. "Oh, that is very kind of you, Mr Block. Thank you," He took a deep whiff of the fresh flowers while Vinnie flashed Nicholas a jolly look. "I think you two will get along just fine," He reached over to playfully elbow Nicholas' arm. "You know? He actually wanted to meet you the moment I told him about you and Heinz!"

Everyone in the room snickered in amusement and Nicholas looked at Balthazar in surprise; The latter turning red like a flustered child. He clenched his fists and shot Vinnie a glare of denial. "No I didn't," He murmured but Vinnie only shrugged with a chuckle before nuzzling him, the gesture making Balthazar cool down and return it lovingly.

The greying haired man sighed and looked at Nicholas in defeat. "Oh he's right. To be honest you sounded like a good fellow, even though you're… you know," Balthazar quickly shook his head and inhaled to calm himself. "But of course that was all in the past! Nonetheless," He smiled and he held out a hand. "I am so glad we finally get to meet, Mr Block."

Nicholas lowered a brow in an amused smile when he shook Balthazar's hand. "Mr Block.. Huh. That name it never came to bother me until now," His eyes set upon everyone in the room before he let out a hearty laugh. "Mr Block! Listen you all! Forget Mr Block!"

He stood up with a wide grin as everyone looked slightly confused.

"All of you! For your information, Mr Block is the old, scrrogey me and he is long dead and gone!" He pulled Balthazar and Vinnie close. "The man you see here is new and completely different! You call me jolly old Nicholas!" He chortled and soon, everyone wore joyful grins and praised Nicholas with heartwarming words and exclaims.

Vinnie and Balthazar continued to smile from ear to ear at their new friend who was offered a cup of hot coco from one of Vinnie's cousins. Vinnie wrapped an arm around the bigger man.

"I'm so glad you came here man." Vinnie relished in Nicholas' crooked smile. "I promise, we're gonna be so happy together! You and me, Balthazar and everyone else, we'll be like a family and you're in it too!" Words and cheers of agreement rang out from Balthazar and the Dakotas as Vinnie said that.

Nicholas stood in speechless awe, his heart touched to the core. "Family," He murmured while he was being wrapped in the arms of Vinnie and some female relatives. "It's been so long since I last heard that word. It's beautiful… I like it, thanks a bunch you all." He closed his eyes and let all of the warmth and love from his new family sink in.

For years, he had never believed in that word again from the moment he lost Heinz and his parents appeared to have abandoned him. But now, he felt refreshed altogether and he saw a new family in Vinnie, Balthazar and the Dakota Family clan. He held a hand over his heart and he momentarily glanced at the snowy night sky outside the window.

Nicholas felt a pang of reminiscence from his previous night with Orton. The spirit had changed his entire life. He kept his promise to the spirit and it felt good. Being with a family felt good and he wouldn't have gotten this if it weren't for Orton bringing him to his senses.

"I wish you were here, my friend." Nicholas found himself smiling with his eyes fixated on the brightest star twinkling outside - He swore it possessed the exact same twinkles he had seen in Orton's eyes before their parting. "Thanks again. For everything,"

The moment he said that, a gust of silvery wind blew past him and to his ears, he heard Orton's gentle voice whisper back a 'You're welcome' in response…