The Mighty Ducks Imagines

Secret Santa

This was requested by c4reb34r. I hope this is along the lines of what you wanted. Also, happy holidays everyone!

Last year the team decided to try out secret santa... It didn't go too smoothly. It was a disaster before it started. Bombay forgot to put Ken's name in for the draw. A few people forgot about it all together, so some of us didn't get anything - myself included (thanks a lot, Luis). And that's just the start of it. We decided to try it again this year. You'd think that things would go better the second time around but I'm not so optimistic. I've already had to remind half of them.

For this year's attempt to begin with a step in the right direction, Miss McKay was put in charge of names, orders and general admin. Best choice we could've made. Each us took turns picking a name from one of Guy's stupid hats. Goldberg instantly ruined it by saying who he had. After scolding him, we all restart. Instead of tailoring a gift for Julie, I ended up with Jesse.

We had a month and a 20 dollar cash limit to get our gifts. For that, I am glad. It took a while for me to decide what to do. That's when it hit me. A fake out - and the real gift didn't cost me anything. I still wanted him to get some use of the first thing though.

Today is the day we finally reveal all. Thanks to constant reminders, everyone remembered this time. I wonder who got me.

In place of our usual practice, we all pile into Bombay's large living room for the event. Sitting amongst the festive decorations, we look at the pile of presents ahead of us. After cheery welcomes, Bombay, Miss McKay, Tibbles and Jan get in their positions and start the randomised draw. It starts off with things going well... Until we get to the fourth person and hit the first bump in the road.

"Seriously, Goldberg?" Averman looks at him - betrayal on his face.

"What?"

"I gave you that for your birthday." Sadness washes over him as he notices the familiar item in Connie's hands.

"What - I-" Goldie struggles to defend himself.

"I'll use it, I promise. Thank you, Averman." Connie assures him that his money was not wasted.

That was a low blow from Goldie but at least Connie appreciates the correct person. The show must go on. We all sit and watch each unveiling as we eagerly await our turns. Kenny got Guy another dumb hat but I guess it's fitting. Julie decide to bake some cookies for Goldie to tailor it to him and give the homemade feel. Adam got Fulton a new set of bandanas to add to his collection - including the flame one he's had his eye on. But right when we think things are back on track, we're proven wrong.

"Uh... Thank...you..." Luis looks around in confusion as he unwraps his gift. It's a tape for the band The Offspring.

"I got that!" Portman is proud of his purchase.

"Dean, why did you get an Offspring tape?" Connie questions.

"Well, I figured that, since there's the swapping system, I might as well get something I want and trade for it later." He explains his logic and makes it evident that he didn't understand the task at hand.

"No, Dean. That's not what this is." Miss McKay corrects him vaguely.

"What?"

"We're doing secret santa. You're thinking of white elephant." Charlie clarifies.

"Yeah, you were just supposed to get something for the person you picked." I add.

"Oh... Sorry, dude." He apologises to Luis for the misunderstanding.

"It's okay." He shrugs.

"Uh, here!" He tosses one of his rings over. "You said you like that one, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Keep it."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Dean sighs as Luis slips the ring on. Fulton puts a firm hand on his shoulder and gives him a small nod to let him know that it was a good save.

With that mini disaster subsided, the festivities continue. Everyone seems fairly pleased with their gifts as we continue. Soon enough, there's only 2 people left. Jesse and myself. What are the chances we'd get each other? He insists on ladies first. So, after a quip or 2, I open my present first.

Upon carefully tearing the wrapping paper, I'm met with a pink shirt, slightly darker than the shade of cotton candy. This is no ordinary pink shirt. As it unfolds, I notice the long sleeves with delicate floral embellishments running down the sides. When I realise this, it's like a blast from the past and I almost tear up I love it so much.

That may seem a tad overdramatic but it's such a thoughtful gift. I used to have an identical shirt that my grandma got me when she went to Spain. I considered it lucky - it was my favourite shirt. I used to wear it under my gear in practices and games for puck luck. Call it superstition but who isn't superstitious in hockey. It went missing after practice one day - just seemed to go through a portal to a black hole or something. I was crushed. It threw me off my game for a little bit. Now, after about a year, I finally have a new one. Hopefully, it has the same effect.

"No way! You found another one?" I look over at Jesse in shock.

"Yeah. I wanted to bring you some more puck luck." He flashes a small smile - happy with his choice.

"Thank you, Jesse." I smile with a tear in my eye.

"You're welcome." Tibbles hands him the first gift (though they think it's the only one). Time for some acting.

"I feel kinda lame now." I state as he pulls out the green present. "I know it's just a zip-up hoodie but it's got your initial sewn into it."

"Nah, it's great. I love it."

"You do?"

"Yeah!" He confirms and puts it on to make a point. "Thanks."

"Alright, now that we're done, let's-" Bombay starts but I cut him off.

"I actually have something else."

"Oh, go ahead then."

"Here." I take a box from my pocket and hand it to Jesse.

"What is it?" He seems shocked by the bonus gift as the takes the lid off the box. "Oh my god!" His eyes widen.

"What is it, Jesse?" Dwayne asks.

"A puck signed by Joe Sakic!" He beams as the others are audibly impressed and jealous.

"Thought it'd go well with the one Gretzky signed at the Goodwill Games." I grin.

"Y/N, that's gotta be worth a lot. How did you pay for it?" Bombay questions.

"I didn't." Most people look at me confused. "I went to that game with Dean and Fulton last month and he recognised us. He congratulated us on our win and signed the puck for me at the end of warmups. I thought it'd be a good gift."

"Thank you!" Jesse throws himself at me and hugs me tight.

"Merry Christmas, Jesse."

Despite all the good gifts and Jesse's priceless reaction to the puck, I still think I got the best present. And even though there were a couple of hiccups, it definitely went better than last year - I actually got something this year. We can call it a success - until next year...