Seasons came and seasons went, none of them ever really affected those at Bonten. Valentines day meant there was usually more affairs which meant more profit, halloween was only enjoyable to the Haitani’s and those that enjoyed clubbing and it was otherwise forbidden to mention around Mikey, Takeomi and Rindou adored St. Patricks day, really just any excuse to get drunk. Christmas was different though. It was one they avoided touching, too many expected some form of ‘kindness’ or ‘charity’ from those at Bonten, hoping Hajime would feel the ‘Christmas Spirit’ and be less aggressive in his business deals, some even hoped it would somehow lessen Haruchiyo’s near psychotic rampage of hunting down traitors, when in reality it only seemed to encourage him. He’d go off making some jokes about ‘Krampus coming early’ to those that did wrong against Bonten. But besides that, it was just another cold season filled with issues. Hajime’s griping about how the sludge of the improperly cleared streets meant his car needed to be cleaned again, Takeomi annoyed since he wasn’t allowed to smoke inside and it was too cold outside. Overall by the time Christmas actually was rolling around, everyone was already sick of the cold season, and didn’t have any energy. Everyone except one member, Haruchiyo, hyped up on some new drug that he’d only intended to ‘test’ before they released it to the streets, was now all too full of energy and determined to make everyone else deal with it. The morning had started abnormally quiet, almost calm, that was the first warning, and there was no second warning. In the evening when everyone was getting back to the main spot, a penthouse suite they used as a meeting ground and crash pad when unable to get back to their own homes, the light ding of the elevator was all the notice they got before an oversized christmas tree fell into the livingroom. Standing behind the somewhat bloody looking pine tree that had to be past seven feet tall; was Haruchiyo. Looking as proud as he was high. “Is that supposed to be a christmas tree?” Ran murmured to Rindou as the two had been sitting around the coffee table with Kakucho, the three had been enjoying a chance to relax with some wine but now Ran was confused, Rindou was snickering, and Kakucho looked lost. “It looks like its still got a nest or two in it, did he steal it from a forest?” Rindou responded in kind, the purple haired mans usually bored expression was mildly amused by the festive interruption. “Sanzu, what the f~ck is that-“ Takeomi couldn’t even finish his question before Haruchiyo interrupted him. “This, my fiends, is the cure to Mikey’s depression, and all of our seasonal woes! We’re gonna decorate for christmas, make this dark and moody place more festive!” As he spoke he dragged the hefty tree further into the main area, not caring as it knocked things over and left a trail of pine needles along the ground. Pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation, Hajime sighed as he walked in to the sight. “That thing better not scratch the floor, we just got them re-stained, is that blood on the tree?” Haruchiyo was having none of it, too proud and excited by his idea to care what the others thought as he heaved the tree up, trying to stand it up in a corner. The action nearly caused it to fall onto him, which had Kanji leaping to catch it and support it. Haruchiyo didn’t even wait to ensure it was standing properly in the corner of the room, too focused on his jolly warpath. “Now, i’ve got lights in the elevator and ornaments downstairs being brought up,”

*The space outside the house welcomed a new morning, brimming with the spirit of Christmas. From above, shimmering green rays of light gently curved like delicate silk ribbons, the aurora borealis reflected everywhere, and the thick layer of snow outside seemed to be adorned with millions of tiny, shattered diamonds. The wind blew incessantly, then suddenly subsided, revealing the Christmas tree and inspiring gifts. At that moment, from the front gate of the house, gentle hands parted the bright red velvet curtain. Ariana Fidelia, the young and graceful maid, appeared amidst the magical light... Her snow-white hair was neatly styled in a bun, Secured by a luxurious hair clip with delicate gold trim, she dons a warm winter Christmas outfit—a sophisticated, form-fitting white dress paired with a crimson apron adorned with exquisite lace trim. Her dark brown stockings are pulled up, creating a harmonious, alluring, and elegant contrast to the luxurious attire. At that moment, you gently descend the marble steps. You reach out, catching the snowflakes outside, blown by the wind, sparkling in the sky. Ariana Fidelia gently turns to look at you, Her amethyst-pink eyes sparkled with a beautiful, admiring, and warm light, like exquisitely polished natural gemstones, harmonizing with her radiant, naturally fresh complexion, like a goddess. Upon seeing you, Ariana Fidelia, she offered a gentle, friendly, and sincere smile, then gracefully turned and bowed, and before gently straightening, her full, firm breasts subtly rose beneath her soft, form-fitting white dress, her stunning red apron swaying softly, and the air around her filled with the captivating, luxurious scent of Marciso Rodriguez Pure perfume.* "Ah, master, you're already awake and preparing for Christmas? Good morning, master!... Look! Even the night sky is donning its most magnificent cloak to welcome your presence." *She spoke in a clear, surprised yet gentle voice, full of warmth and care, sweet as honey poured into your ears... She moved a little closer to you, the sound of her shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and Ariana Fidelia's relaxed breath forming a thin mist... She watched the snowflakes melt slowly in your palm, then continued with a gentle expression.* “The snow this morning is so pure and beautifully sparkling, but be careful, the cold might numb your hands. Ariana has prepared a state-of-the-art New Evergreen Pinecone bio-heater, and there’s even a steaming hot cup of cocoa on the table… Would you like to stay a little longer to see the aurora borealis? I feel… time is flying by, and you’ll feel warm this winter.” *Ariana Fidelia spoke with a gentle, warm, and considerate smile, adjusting her gorgeous red apron that accentuated her full, toned, and alluring figure, her pinkish-purple eyes sparkling with warm admiration as she looked at you expectantly.* "Master, this Christmas morning is truly special, isn't it? Outside, there are so many mysterious and attractive gift boxes standing out against the sparkling white snow, waiting for us to discover... And I, Ariana, Ariana Fidelia, am honored to be the first servant to open this door and welcome you to the most wonderful Christmas of the year... Master, is there anything you would like me to prepare and serve? I am ready to do anything special for you on this joyful and bustling morning." *Immediately afterwards, you gently nodded and offered her a soft, warm, sincere smile, your eyes sparkling with affection as you looked at her… then you stepped closer and gently placed your left hand on Ariana Fidelia's cheek, making her blush, before you gently lowered your right hand to brush away the snowflakes… Then you walked towards the table, your shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and you began rubbing your hands together to warm them, your relaxed breath forming a thin mist… not long after, you and Ariana Fidelia happily exchanged radiant smiles and strolled outside together in anticipation, After you and she carefully locked the house to ensure no burglars broke in, and both enjoyed a hearty and nutritious meal, you and Ariana Fidelia eagerly stepped outside under the beautiful blue sky, with the aurora borealis reflecting brilliantly everywhere... Now both dressed in warm winter clothes with scarves, your radiant smiles and Ariana Fidelia's are more genuine and warm than any Christmas lights... A gentle breeze blew through, carrying snowflakes sparkling like tiny shattered diamonds, creating a vivid, surreal scene, As you and Ariana Fidelia continue strolling together, immersing yourselves in the bustling Christmas atmosphere outside until nightfall, the sky remains incredibly beautiful. After resting, attending Christmas service at church and admiring the magnificent decorations, you both continue your walk through the wide, bustling streets, famous for their shopping malls and cafes, hospitals illuminated by dazzling neon lights, and modern buildings exquisitely decorated, brimming with the warm and joyful energy of this wonderful Christmas night...*

}’s, his smile gone, replaced with a serious, accusatory stare.*

}’s reaction, his blush deepening with anticipation.*

} curiously, wondering what the reaction will be.

}****: "Oh." ****Everyone laughs a bit, enjoying the cheer in the air****

*You’re still sitting beside your sibling’s hospital bed, the envelope clutched in your hands like it might dissolve if you look away for even a second, when you finally manage to stammer,* “B-Brie… wait… how… why… why did you even… do this?” *and she kneels beside you again, brushing her hair behind her ear with that soft, playful smile that somehow makes your chest tighten, and she says,* “Oh… well… I mean… I volunteer here sometimes, you know, helping the kids, spreading a little cheer, that kind of thing,” *her voice gentle but with that teasing glint you recognize,* “so when Santa’s workshop called for some volunteers to help deliver gifts, I got a little… creative,” *and she shrugs lightly, still smiling,* “the hospital keeps a brief description of patients and visitors so we can make sure every kid gets something special, and I just… picked you guys. Figured someone helping out as much as you do deserved a little magic too,” *and your chest tightens even more, part disbelief, part awe, part something warmer you don’t want to admit, while your sibling laughs, showing off the customized Huntrix dolls of Mira, Zoey and Rumi, and Brie reaches over to squeeze your shoulder gently,* “Sometimes the helpers need help too, you know? A little timing, a little kindness, and suddenly things feel possible,” *and you just stare at her, heart doing that complicated thing, and realize that today didn’t just change because of money or gifts, it changed because the Santa walking into that room with a jingling bell and a warm smile was someone who cared enough to notice, someone you’d never expected, someone who was you.*

}?" *She asks, sauntering over to you.* "You've certainly grown since I last saw you. I hear our dear, late grandparents left this whole place to you." *You step back from her a bit, but there's no room to move. She places her hand on the wall behind you, trapping you there.* "Grandma never seemed to understand how much this place can sell for, but maybe you and I can come to an agreement."

*You wake up at 12:00 PM tired, you see something glowing in the living room. You see its a gift, as curious you are you try to open it but it doesn't open. A few days later, December 24th you try again and this time it finally opens before glowing rapidly... Nothing happened? You go back to bed, disappointed. Tomorrow, it's christmas but this time you wake up next to a strange girl? You don't know how she got in or when she got in. She looks at you with a shy but calm expression.* **Kayo:** "…Good morning,” *She says in a gentle voice, shy yet unabashed.* "I hope it’s alright that I stayed.” *You realize this must've been from the gift you opened last night, maybe that's how she appeared here.*

*The vortex around you made your head spin, your body shaking as you suddenly got plummeted into another world. You landed on soft grass, the damp ground seeping into your clothes. You put your hands on the ground, pushing your weight up as you looked around, your eyes widening. You were in an open field, tall pine trees in the distance. This looked like home, yet you felt something off in the air. Like a calm before the storm..You got to your feet, turning around to be met with a large cabin. You froze, looking at it, your mind wondering. You sighed, going up to it, knocking on the door. After a few minutes, you saw it open, revealing a tall, pale man whom looked to only be in about his twenties. He looked..surprised. Worried even, his pupils contracting as he reached out to you.* “…Who, Are You?…”