Chomby shuffled out of the bedroom. He felt his eyes dart nervously down at his sweater. He had purchased it last year when he realized he wanted to be more festive.

Upon approaching the living room, he saw Sarge sitting on the couch. The werewolf was reading a newspaper but quickly swiveled his ears upon Chomby's arrival. Shortly after, Sarge turned his head. His eyes lit up. "Ahh, there you are! Took you a while getting ready, I was worried you'd get stuck or something!"

"Oh, sorry," Chomby said. He blushed and looked down at himself again. "Think it's too much?"

"Too little, more like it," Sarge teased. He reached over and poked Chomby's belly. "Forget your shirt size? It's currently a seven X-L."

"I bought this last year," Chomby tried pulling the shirt down. "It fit me then. I dunno what happened."

Sarge lowered the newspaper and rested an arm on the couch. "How about gaining a lot of weight? Hence why I was worried you'd get stuck. Doorframe's been rather hard for you to get through with a midsection that large!"

Chomby's blush intensified. "I... I'm sorry. I can take it off-"

"Huh?" Sarge stood up. "That's not what I was saying at all, big guy." Sarge walked over to Chomby and placed both his hands on Chomby's belly. "I... thought you were wanting me to tease you about getting fatter. You usually like it when I do that. Sorry."

"I- I do," Chomby said. "I guess I was just... wanting to look my best?" Chomby turned away and lowered his head. "I'm wanting people to not be so afraid of me."

"Anyone who knows you knows you're one of the sweetest guys out there." Chomby felt Sarge place a hand on his shoulder. "But I assume this has to do with the permanent scowl you have on your face?"

Chomby nodded. "I wish I was more like you. You're charismatic, very expressive, and even have a look that gives a warm, welcoming vibe." Chomby gulped. "I just look like I want to rip someone's throat out."

"But-"

"And I KNOW that isn't the case, Sarge," Chomby interrupted. "But I just... I wanna look outwardly how I feel internally. I wanna be more than just angry." Chomby turned back around and grabbed the corners of his mouth with his index fingers. He then pulled them up to force a smile. "I wanna do vhiisssh."

Sarge tilted his head to the side. His ears drooped and he smiled sadly. He lifted his hands to Chomby's arms and gently pulled them down. "Well, I have an idea. It's not a permanent fix, but it's something you could only do around the holidays."

"Why?"

Sarge didn't respond. He merely walked into the kitchen. Chomby followed him and noticed he pulled out a box of candy canes. He quickly took one out and passed it to Chomby. "It ain't perfect, but, why not have this hanging out of your mouth?" Sarge demonstrated by grabbing his own candy cane and placing it in the corner of his mouth. He angled the hook upward and then gestured to his mouth. "It's like a fake smile extension with a peppermint flavor! Sold around Christmas time, too."

Chomby looked at the werweolf for a moment. He thought Sarge's idea was a bit silly, but it was enough to make him laugh. "Oh, Sarge, that's quite an unexpected idea. How long did it take you to figure that one out?"

Sarge rolled his eyes and pulled the candycane out. "Would you believe me if I told you an entire year?"

"Wait, a year?"

Sarge nodded. "Yeah. I honestly cannot find any answer to why you can't smile. You've done it a few times, but... only so rarely... and only in the worst circumstances." Sarge placed both his hands back on Chomby's belly. "I think it'd complete the look, too. The bow fits the sweater nicely, and it being just a little too small just adds to your cuteness."

"Do I look scary, though?"

Sarge shook his head.

Chomby looked down at his candy cane. He tried to smile and shoved it in his mouth. He did his best to mimic what Sarge did. "Well, whatcha think?"

Sarge smiled. "I like it. Hope it's enough."

Chomby almost felt his lips curl upward. "Yeah, it is."

---

Just a fun Chomby in his Christmas attire picture. Poor guy has to use a candy cane to make it seem like he's smiling. He'll make due, though!

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Sarge/Chomby/Story/Art (C)  pikminpedia Me