YOU'D BETTER WATCH OUT

Doctor Maki Nishikino had bought her house in Cherry Blossom Heights in the summer. It was a nice little development, full of professional couples and a few singles like herself. People pretty much kept to themselves, the atmosphere was generally calm and the Cherry Blossom Heights Neighborhood Association kept a close eye on everyone to make sure that nothing really ever got untidy. Maki's neighbor, Eli Ayase, was a lawyer and the president of the Neighborhood Association. She and her wife, Nozomi, had a little girl, Michaela, 4 years old, who was very quiet and reserved and obviously spoiled. Maki felt comfortable there.

The house next to hers had been empty since Maki moved in, the 'For Sale' sign discreet. But today, there was a battered station wagon in the driveway, full of boxes. The car had to be at least 10 years old and was definitely showing hard use. Maki wondered if someone had bought the house and if that was actually their car because surely anyone who drove a car like that couldn't afford a house even Maki had thought pricy.

A teenager came out of the house, pulled a couple of boxes out of the car and caught sight of Maki as they turned toward the house. The boxes got dropped back into the car. Instead the teen, a small, impish looking girl with black hair and twinkling red eyes waved at Maki while approaching.

"Hi! I'm Nico. Are you the neighbor?"

The teen was dressed in jeans, a red turtleneck turtleneck and a flannel shirt in holiday colors.

Maki nodded, trying not to clutch her purse too tightly, "Yes. I'm Dr. Nishikino. Are your parents moving in?"

The girl cocked her head at her, eyes very serious, eyebrows lowered. When Maki continued to only look politely quizzical, Nico doubled over, slapped the side of her legs and started laughing.

"Oh, you're going to be fun."

Maki took a step backwards and decided to clutch her purse as hard as she liked, politeness be damned.

The teen looked up, smiled again, even brighter, and somehow changed her posture and attitude enough that Maki found herself taking a step forward, drawn in.

"Good evening, Dr. Nishikino, I'm Nico Yazawa. It's a pleasure to meet you, " Nico's voice was commanding and she extended a hand, "Chanel is one of my favorite designers too, good choice on the purse."

Nico's handshake was firm and her smile amused; Maki could think of nothing to say. How old was this person? And was she actually the owner of both the car and the house?

"Have you had dinner yet?" Nico asked.

"N...no," Maki stuttered as Nico released her hand into a suddenly much colder evening. "Why?"

"I figured maybe you could suggest somewhere to order pizza from and then join me for a couple of slices while you tell me about the neighborhood." Nico returned to the car and picked up her boxes, "My couch is all set up and the stereo will only take a minute. Go home, put on comfortable pants and come over."

Maki couldn't think of an excuse not to share a pizza. Nico had just kind of swept over her with what Maki assumed must be charm and Maki found herself watching the shorter woman carry her boxes confidently.

Nico looked back over her shoulder, red eyes bright as she winked, "So, you coming over, Neighbor Maki?"

"Sure."

Nico stretched out. Neighbor Maki had changed into fairly svelte looking gray trousers and a designer t-shirt with a hoodie tossed over. So expensive casual clothing to go with the expensive sports car, the lovely lavender eyes, impeccably styled red hair and the legs, oh, those legs. If Nico was being honest about how gay she was, Nico couldn't wait to see her extremely attractive neighbor in summer shorts. But for now, Neighbor Maki sat a bit uncomfortably on the end of the couch, facing Nico but not relaxed at all. Good pizza though.

Nico had offered any kind of music the doctor requested and jazz had been the choice. Nico didn't have much, but there was Ella Fitzgerald and few other singers Nico had acquired albums of or some reason. Probably gifts. But hey, they kept her redheaded neighbor from the fidgeting she had initially been doing so Nico became instantly fonder of them.

Maki had been quite detailed about the various local pizzerias and their habits and flavors. Nico worried that there might be a quiz.

"Did you enjoy your pizza?" Maki wondered as Nico had gone silent and seemed to be staring at her.

Nico jumped a little, "Oh yeah, good stuff. I'll have to try a few of the other ones you suggested sometime. I eat pizza a lot." Nico saluted, "Thank you, ma'am."

Maki frowned, "Are you sure you're not a teenager?"

"I've never been carded in my own house before," Nico giggled. "Why yes, Dr. Nishikino, I am over 20 years old, I bought the house myself and I'm really surprised you don't recognize me."

"Why would I?"

Nico shook her head. She was obviously being presented with a member of that very particular species: the introverted workaholic of very narrow interests.

"Why would you, after all?" Nico shrugged, laughing at her own ego. Not everybody followed pop music or TV shows. Country music was more popular in these mountains anyway. It's part of why Nico had moved here. Close enough to Nashville to get to a recording studio easily but neighbors who didn't know her on sight. Usually, she would have pressed the point and gone into her signature cutesy "Nico Nico Ni" smile and dance, but she was actually enjoying a night off from performance mode. Plus, Dr. Nishikino didn't seem the type to be impressed by either a cutesy song and dance or celebrity street cred and Nico had decided it might be nice to stay on quietly conversational terms with her very attractive neighbor. So she turned the talk to practical matters. The good looking doctor probably excelled at practical matters. "So do you have an electrician you use? I need to rewire the basement."

Maki nodded, "I'll get you a list. I can email it to you tomorrow."

"Thanks." Nico bounced down the couch and gave Maki a quick hug, partly to see how high the other woman would jump and partly because Nico was having trouble shutting down the part of her brain that had wanted to slide closer to Maki all evening. Maki didn't jump as high as Nico had feared, staying firmly on the couch, but she did politely push away from the smaller woman.

"Thank you for dinner, " Maki stood.

"No dessert?" Nico pouted. Maki looked down at the floor.

"Early shift."

"Well, thanks for keeping me company, Neighbor Maki. It's nice to know I have at least one neighbor I can talk to."

Maki turned abruptly and opened the door, ""Good night."

Maki walked quickly to her house after an unexpected evening of society. The jazz had been nice and when Nico was talking, she definitely seemed older than Maki had initially guessed, but there was still something...Nico Yazawa, did the name sound familiar? And was it impolite to Google your new, awfully cute neighbor?

NICO NI IS COMING TO TOWN

Maki got into the office early. Coffee was already perking; Hanayo had arrived first. They'd met as college freshmen, both in Northwestern's HPME program, both deciding on family practice, Maki contrary to the family habit of becoming surgeons. They were starting a practice together, with the backing of Maki's family. The practice was currently searching for a third partner, as they had maxed out the number of patients they could handle this past summer but now it was nearly Thanksgiving and no one had really suited. Which meant more hours.

Hanayo, light brown hair tousled, glasses already slipped down her nose, was in a good mood this morning. Her fiancée, Rin Hoshizora, was the assistant track coach at a local college, after a successful college career in middle distance races. Rin was still travelling to compete in Olympic level competitions and had just gotten back from a week long trip to Jamaica for training.

"Rin made it back all right?" Maki asked.

Hanayo nodded happily, "She won't have to travel again until after the holidays. We're having a party in mid December, if you're not busy."

Maki poured out coffee. Her mug was twice the size of Hanayo's and not nearly deep enough this early in the morning. The coffee didn't have to be fancy or expensive or even anything other than freeze dried. It just had to be hot and available.

"How was your weekend?" Hanayo asked.

"Someone bought the house next door." Maki shrugged, "We had pizza, it was nice but a little odd. She seemed to think I should know her but I was too tired last night to Google her name."

"What is it?"

"Nico Yazawa."

Hanayo squeaked and her cup fell out of her hands, spilling coffee all over the morning newspaper, "Nico Ni!? Your new next door neighbor is Nico Ni?"

"What's that mean?"

One of the nurses came into the breakroom and Hanayo pulled him into the conversation, "Maki's new neighbor is Nico Ni."

"Wow. Really," he looked at Maki, "Your neighborhood's going to get noisy."

"What? Why?"

Hanayo pulled out her phone and typed something. She pushed it into Maki's hands. A music video, song title "I'll Always Smile For You," Artist: Nico Ni. Maki squinted. The singer in the freeze frame wasn't wearing flannel and her hair was done up in a weird hairstyle that probably only looked good on an anime character, but it did look a bit like her new neighbor.

"So she's a singer? Makes sense, we're close to Nashville." Maki generally stuck to jazz or classical. She'd trained on the piano until med school and still played to relax.

"No, No, No." Hanayo was flustered, grabbing her phone back to hit play, "Nico Ni is a pop star, a YouTube sensation and the winner of the first IDOL USA. Her first album hit Number 1 on the Billboard charts on its debut. Her fans love her. She prides herself on her ability to make anyone smile."

An annoying peppy voice suddenly filled the break room, chanting about smiles. Hanayo seemed lost in her own world, lips mouthing the words, hips moving to the beat. Maki had never seen the other woman behave like this. Efficient, whip smart and super shy were the adjectives Maki usually used to describe her business partner. But this was almost a different woman. Maki's phone alarm went off. Her first patient was due in ten minutes. She put a hand on Hanayo's shoulder, distracting the other woman from her frenzy.

"I have to go get ready."

"Bring her to the party." Hanayo blurted.

Maki just stared, hand going to twirl several strands of hair, "I...I don't really know her…"

Hanayo nodded, disappointed, "Sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

Maki nodded and left the room without responding, suddenly extremely uncomfortable. What did having a YouTube sensation for a neighbor mean?

YOU'RE A MEAN ONE

Nozomi Tojo loved her wife. They're been together since high school. It had been love at first sight and Nozomi had never regretted it. Not even now, when their daughter was off at pre school and they could have been spending some time naked in a room other than their bedroom with the door shut while their daughter slept but instead Eli was pacing and muttering about the new resident two doors down.

"Why did she pick here?" Eli had stopped right in front of Nozomi, her blonde ponytail bobbing with anger. "We're not really near anywhere, it's quiet, everybody just goes to work every morning like everyone else. Why would a singer known for crazy stunts move here?" Eli stomped, "Is this a crazy stunt? I won't put up with that sort of thing, Nozomi."

"Elichi," Nozomi rose off the couch and caught Eli around the waist before she could stomp her way around their living room again, "Maybe she moved here for some peace and quiet."

"HA!" Eli snorted, "Celebrities attract trouble and trouble is never quiet."

"Elichi." Nozomi used the voice she used on little Mischa when she was having a temper tantrum, "You are not the police. And unless she breaks a law, there's not much you can do. Plus, she hasn't done anything yet except buy a house that's been standing vacant for a year. That's not good for the neighborhood either."

"Did you see that station wagon?" Eli pointed a finger in the direction of the new neighbor's driveway, "How did she afford the house?"

Nozomi sighed, "Benefit of the doubt, Eli. You're a lawyer, right? You believe in the rule of law and the Constitution right? You need to give our new neighbor a chance."

Eli crossed her arms, "I bet Maki will hate her. She can't stand anything loud or flashy."

Nozomi looked down at the Tarot cards spread on the coffee table in front of the couch, "Hmmmm."

Eli noticed, "Who were you doing a reading about?" She broke out of Nozomi's hold, "Of course, the new neighbor. I don't want to know."

Nozomi's smile was cryptic, "I don't intend to tell you. I wasn't expecting you home until after I had to go pick up Mischa." Nozomi slid an arm around Eli's shoulder and behind her neck, "But since you are, maybe we could do something together."

"Together?" Eli frowned, wondering if she'd forgotten some household chore or if Nozomi had a new task for her, "What do you need help with?"

Nozomi's laugh tinkled as she pulled her clueless wife closer, "Just kiss me, Elichi"

BETTER NOT POUT

Maki came home late. Her house was dark but at Nico's house, the door was open, light was spilling out into the front yard, a Tesla Roadster was parked in the driveway next to the station wagon and Nico was standing at the door holding out her arms as a small child ran into them. Maki parked in the driveway, getting out of the car, but nearly catching her coat in the door as she watched the scene next door. Nico had noticed her and putting the child over one hip, she waved and headed in Maki's direction. Maki glanced at her door, too far away and Nico was closing in. So she stepped forward, forcing a smile on her face. Guess Nico really wasn't a teenager. The child looked seven or eight years old, with raven black hair and red eyes that were an exact duplicate of her neighbors.

"Hello, Neighbor Maki," Nico called out cheerfully. "Google me yet?"

"You didn't mention children." Maki was still so stunned at the thought of Nico, whoever owned the sports car and children that she just said what she was thinking.

Nico stared at her for a long breath, then laughed, "You really are going to be fun." She put the child down, "This is my youngest brother, Cotaro. He and my two sisters are living with me for a year because my mom got transferred overseas." She put a hand on her brother's head, "Cotaro, this is Dr. Maki Nishikino. She's our neighbor. I want you to be nice to her."

Cotaro held out his hand, red eyes serious. Maki shook it, "Nice to meet you, Cotaro."

"Maki." Cotaro chanted.

Nico pushed him a little, "You have to call her Dr. Nishikino, Cotaro. It's respectful."

Cotaro frowned at Maki, eyebrows heavy. She felt like she failed a test. With an 8 year old. She looked to Nico and met a mildly amused gaze, "Why don't you call me Dr. Maki? My younger patients do."

Cotaro nodded and Nico hugged him, "Go back in the house. Tell Umi I'll be in in a minute."

"Is Umi another one of your siblings?" Maki assumed that would be a safe question.

Nico chuckled again, "Nope. Not a good night for guessing, Neighbor Maki. Cocoro and Cocoa are my sisters' name, Umi is…"

Maki waited, not sure what to think. She should have asked Hanayo more about Nico. Like if she was dating anyone. Or if she had siblings. Or the name of more than one of her songs.

A striking woman with long, dark hair appeared in the open door, "Nico, the oven timer just went off."

Nico looked back over her shoulder, "Get them started. I'll be right there."

Maki's jaw had dropped at the sudden surprisingly domestic scene and she found herself edging back toward her own house.

"My lasagna's done," Nico turned back to Maki and announced. "I don't always eat pizza for dinner. Where were we…" Nico scratched the back of her head, "Oh right, Umi." Nico took a step to close the gap Maki had been increasing, "Did you Google me?"

Maki looked away, "N...no. But I asked my partner about you."

"Partner?" Nico fidgeted with her shirt, flannel, different pattern than yesterday's, mostly grey and black, "Does she live with you?"

"N..no. Why would she…" Maki was puzzled and then her brain kicked her, "Business partner. She's a doctor as well. We have a joint practice."

"Ah." Nico smiled, "So you know about the famous Nico Ni. Fan of my songs?"

"No." Maki was blunt; Nico's attitude lost much of its bounce. Maki noticed the deflation, "Hanayo only played one, something about smiles. I didn't really have time to listen."

Nico bounced back, "All the great Nico Ni's songs are about smiles. That's the great Nico Ni's job, bringing smiles to everyone." She raised her hands to her hand in some version of the 'Rock On' gesture and suddenly sang, "Nico Ni, here to make your heart throb with a Nico Nico Ni smile."

Maki didn't know what to say. Or maybe she was just speechless, watching Nico grin at her. It was a little dazzling. She stepped back, "Anyway, I have to get inside."

"Right. Nice to see you again, Neighbor Maki." Nico started to turn, then paused, "Umi's one of my oldest friends, a writer, my bodyguard and for the next year, my siblings' live in nanny. So you'll see her around. I'll introduce you next time." Nico chuckled, "You'll like her. She takes things very seriously, like you."

Serious, Maki thought, an adjective nearly always attached to her by friends and family. Much more polite than dour or standoffish, but still not the most pleasant of first impressions to realize you have made. Next, she'd be hearing reliable. Then grumpy for a third, which she was as she thought about the previous two. Nico waved again and bounced off. Maki watched as her new neighbor closed the door behind her, leaving only porch lights illuminating the moonless night. Lasagna, Maki thought, maybe she had one in the freezer. Honoka always left a variety of different meals when she restocked Maki's freezer every week. And maybe tonight, she'd Google the new neighbor, vivacious, cute and charming.

EVERYBODY'S WAITING FOR THE MAN WITH THE BAG

Maki had fallen asleep on the couch again, in cartoon snowman covered pajama pants and a grey NU sweatshirt. She looked at the clock on phone. 10:30 p.m. She must have fallen asleep right after dinner. The doorbell. That's what had woken her up.

Who the heck...she slid her feet in her fuzzy slippers and shuffled toward the door.

"Who is it?"

"Howdy, Neighbor Maki!" Nico's too perky voice replied through the door.

Maki opened it. Someone the height of her next door neighbor was standing on her stoop, but there wasn't the usual flannel. The barest definition of a little black dress draped Nico's body, with a silvery shawl thrown over nearly bare shoulders and muscular legs elongated by a barely present skirt and silver pumps. Nico's hair was twisted up into a bun, her neck exposed and her smile was nearly as bright as a cherry, thanks to red lipstick with what seemed to be a gold metallic sheen.

"Nico Nico Ni is here to wish you a good night" Nico did a little dance, bringing both hands up to her forehead. Maki just stared, then suddenly remembered she'd fallen asleep in makeshift pajamas. Putting a hand in her hair, she hit the first of multiple knots and frowned.

"Ok."

Nico swallowed a laugh, "Did Nico wake up the doctor? Sorry."

"No," Maki lied. "Just watching TV."

Nico's smile seemed to get brighter with every breath and Maki sensed that her eyes were sweeping in every detail of Maki's appearance and current mood. But Maki could also see Nico was also shivering.

"Are you cold, you can come in…" Maki offered.

""Thanks, Neighbor Maki, but I just need a quick favor and I have to get home."

Maki waited. When Nico realized she wasn't going to get a reply from her obviously still mostly asleep neighbor, she continued.

"My mom's sending gifts for Christmas. Can I have them delivered here so my sisters and brothers don't know?"

"Sure."

"Thanks! That makes things easier. Sorry to wake you."

"No problem," Maki waved a dismissive hand as she yawned.

Nico leaned casually in the doorframe, glancing up over Maki's head. Maki looked up too, but there was nothing. Then her attention returned to Nico's face in time to catch a playful wink, "Too bad you don't have mistletoe up, Nico Ni would have let you warm her up a bit."

Maki's arm instantly crossed across her chest, "W..What do you mean?"

Nico winked again and turned with a twirl of her skirt, ""It'll come to you. Thanks again, Neighbor Maki."

Maki watched Nico trot across both their front yards in heels that should not have enabled movement that rapid. Nico waved again before she went inside her own house and then Maki was alone and suddenly more awake. Probably the cold and not just the odd mash of visions suddenly dashing across her brain: bright red eyes, warm with sparks of mischief, glistening lips, wet with licking, and flashing legs, teasingly moving away.

Close the door, Maki told herself, grab a snack, watch something useless. Don't plan a shopping trip for mistletoe or wonder where your neighbor spent her evening. But after the snack, Maki typed Nico Ni into her phone's internet browser. Movie premiere, Nashville, photos full of Nico out glowing whoever else made it into the frame. Maki fell back on the couch and hit shuffle. Jazz filled the room and she tried to just listen, no thinking or speculation allowed. Just let Al Hirt's trumpet drive thought away.

COME AND TRIM MY CHRISTMAS TREE

Another long day, with Hanayo hinting that Maki should ask Nico to the holiday party she and Rin were throwing and Maki insisting that she didn't know Nico nearly that well. Hanayo rarely pressed any issue, but the knowledge that Maki lived next door to a famous Idol had transformed Maki's restrained partner into a relentless pusher of hints and pleas. Maki had finally just forbidden the mention of Nico's name during working hours. Maki had also taken to making instant coffee with an electric kettle in her office and not venturing anywhere near the breakroom. But then Hanayo would catch her on her way out the door. Like today.

Hanayo's purple eyes gleamed at Maki and her hands were twisted together in a pleading gesture, "You need more friends, Maki. It'll be fun. She likes you, right? She keeps coming over."

Twice is not 'keeps coming over' Maki thought to herself while trying to ignore Hanayo.

"Have you seen any of her outfits? She has an amazing designer. No one does anything nearly as unpredictable and brilliant."

Maki tried not to think about the handkerchief of a black dress Nico had been freezing on her front steps in. Nico's designer was Kotori Minami, spouse of bodyguard/babysitter Umi Sonada and another of Nico's old school friends. Maki had been introduced to both. Kotori was very pretty, flirty and surprisingly modest, considering she worked with Nico. Actually, every one of Nico's associates thus far had given off an air of quiet confidence and competence; Nico being the only one who ever seemed brash. Plus, they were all ridiculously good looking. Maki had taken to double checking her hair and clothes before leaving the house in case she ran into any of the neighbor crew. Soon, she was going to take her mother's offer of springing for a shopping spree for new clothes. She groaned at the thought.

"Maki?" Hanayo sounded concerned, then gave Maki an embarrassed smile, "I'm sorry, Maki. I don't mean to pressure you."

Maki decided not to tell Hanayo that she'd been dreading her mother's harassment, not the current conversation as her reaction seemed about to get her out of the current conversation.

"I'll see you tomorrow. And give me a break. Or do I have to call Rin and tell her exactly how much you want to see my pretty new celebrity neighbor…" Maki let her voice tease.

"MAKI!" Hanayo squeaked.

"Good night, Hanayo. No Nico mentions tomorrow, please."

Hanayo nodded with a gulp, suddenly overcome with guilt. Maybe if she took Rin out to her favorite ramen shop….

GIMME COOKIES, CAUSE I'M SANTA

Another nearly sleepless night. Maki barely pulled herself out of bed. The week before Thanksgiving, flu season kicked in and everything since had been a blur. She'd had to spend Thanksgiving Day with her parents. She'd finally come home some time very late Saturday night after two long days subbing for a friend at a local hospital Sunday. No plans. And absolutely no reason for her doorbell to be ringing. URGGGHHH. Did Honoka mix up Sunday and Monday again as well as forget her key.

Maki wrapped the fallen blanket around her bare shoulders, shoved her feet into slippers and stomped downstairs. She ripped the door open, "Did you forget your damn key again?"

There was no reply. Maki shook her head, made sure her eyes were actually focused and looked down. Nico was standing on her stoop, covered plate in hand, confused look on her face.

Maki groaned and closed her eyes. This was going to be a headache day and she was the only one to blame.

"Neighbor Maki?" Nico's voice was soft. She found her eyes following the sworls Maki's hair had contorted itself into.

Maki decided to just go with her current mood and snapped at Nico, "Drop the neighbor. Call me Maki. Or Doctor, if you'd rather not be…"

"Doctor Nei..."

"Don't…" Maki sighed, "please." She turned away from the door, grumbling. Nico hesitated for a half a minute and then decided to follow her in, closing the door behind them. Maki threw herself down on a couch twice as long as she was and vaguely gestured at the opposite end. Nico put the plate very quietly on the wood and glass coffee table and sat, waiting. Maki said nothing and the blanket fell half off her torso, revealing bare shoulders and a nearly see through tank top. Nico glanced away, examining the room, curious, but when she thought she heard a snore, she decided to get up. Covering Maki with the blanket and receiving a grunt in response, Nico went in search of the kitchen. Maki looked exhausted. Nico hadn't seen her in the past week, partly due to travel for concerts and when she'd come home, Umi had said someone from Maki's house had brought over cookies and treats for her siblings, Nico decided to return the favor and see what the doctor had been up to.

Maki sat up and once again, the blanket fell off her shoulders. She smelled coffee. And food? No, that hadn't been Honoka at the door. Nico?

"Nico?" She called out.

"The good doctor awakes." Nico had wrapped a towel around her narrow waist and handed Maki a plate full of eggs and hash browns, "You didn't have breakfast food so I had Umi bring some supplies over. I can make you bacon if you're not a vegetarian. If you're a vegan, I apologize."

Maki shook her head, "No, this is fine." She glanced up at Nico, who was grinning at her, "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Maki started eating. Delicious. So she said nothing until she finished. And she finished fast. Nico sat at other end of the couch, sipping coffee.

"I haven't had much sleep. Flu season. Too many office hours." Maki offered.

Nico nodded, "I've been giving Cocoro, Cocoa and Cotaro the wash your hands, don't touch your face lecture daily."

"Good," Maki smiled, "I'd rather see them in your yard than my office."

"I'll drink to that." Nico raised her mug.

"Coffee," Maki started to stand, but Nico interrupted her.

"In front of you."

More silence. Nico thought she should explain her presence. Maki didn't seem to be the talkative type in the morning, or even the smallest bit self aware, with her hair all askew, her tank top half off her shoulder and one of the shortest pairs of boxers Nico had ever seen. So she was trying not to stare because even in the state of disarray she was in, Maki was breathtaking. Perhaps even more so because she seemed so totally unaware of her effect. Maybe Nico was reading straight to the other woman. She laughed, noticing her eyes drifting down to Maki's hips. Nope, being mistaken for straight wasn't a possibility. Umi, if present, would be chiding her for leering. Maki was obviously oblivious to Nico's interest.

"What?" Maki's gorgeous lavender eyes were wide behind the brim of her mug.

Nico shrugged. She'd spent half an hour getting her makeup so she didn't look like she was wearing any and choosing just the right longish red plaid holiday sweater to go over her snowflake leggings. She should have just worn flannel, torn jeans and shown up with a construction crew sized Thermos of coffee considering the rate at which Maki was inhaling her first mugful. Nico leaned over and poured her half mug into Maki's.

Maki's eyes narrowed, "That's not hygienic."

"Sorry, Doc. You look like you need it more than I do."

Maki's eyes widened in horror. She suddenly realized she hadn't looked in a mirror yet and her hair had probably snaked itself into a labyrinth of tangles. But to rush off now would make it look like she cared...more coffee would cover a thinking pause. More coffee would fix anything.

"Why are you here?" Maki's voice sounded harsh, but she hoped Nico would just assume it was lingering exhaustion.

"Oh right, Umi and Kotori said someone friendly and cute came over from your house with cookies and cakes for the kids to have on Thanksgiving. So I was returning the plate. Plus, I hadn't seen you in a week or so and now that I'm back in town, I wanted to wish you a happy Thanksgiving." Nico put her now empty mug down and stretched a bit, tucking her legs underneath her, "So, is cute and friendly the girlfriend?"

Maki snorted, "More like pet golden retriever who bakes."

Nico frowned. Maki put her mug down and pulled the blanket back up around her shoulders, "Honoka is an old friend. She cooks for me and does some general caretaking stuff while she tries to get her cupcake company and/or singing career started. There is no girlfriend," Maki paused and continued a bit ruefully, "and no time."

"I get you, Doc."

Maki huffed, "Could you just call me Maki? Please. At least once."

Nico leaned forward, hands on her knees and spoke precisely, her voice warm, her eyes rapt. "Hello, Maki."

Maki woke up just enough to grin, "Thank you."

"Anyway, there's more coffee in your kitchen. Nice setup in there by the way; I'm envious. I have to go. I promised my siblings we'd go buy Christmas decorations for the house." Nico jumped up off the couch, "Enjoy your Sunday."

Decorations. What was the date. Thanksgiving was early this year. Maki remembered something Eli said…"Nico?"

Nico popped back from where she was nearly at the door, "Need me to get you the coffee?"

"No. There's decorating rules. Eli told me. She was very stern about it. You should read the Neighborhood Association Guidelines."

"Guidelines are not laws and the great Nico Ni has exquisite taste. This is our first time decorating a whole house. The kids are excited. It's going to be fun. This Eli person will be impressed."

Maki shook her head, "Nothing impresses Eli. She' s a lawyer. Very severe. You haven't met her?"

Nico shrugged, "Holiday concerts. Many many holiday concerts. I think Umi might have talked to her. See you later," Nico paused, "Maki." She let herself out. Maki sneaked a peek under the dishtowel covering the plate. Brownies and cookies. She found a gingerbread one. Not much for sweets, Maki did enjoy the once a year pungency of gingerbread spices. And Nico's mix was excellent. She grabbed another and sat back to finish her coffee.

SHE KNOWS IF YOU'VE BEEN...EARLY

Maki had played the piano, listened to some holiday jazz and then fallen asleep on the couch again. She woke up, hungry, it was after dark and someone was talking in loud, increasingly angry tones. She had progressed to penguin pajama pants and a hooded Santa themed sweatshirt. Feet back in slippers, she shuffled to open the door.

Eli was standing face to face with Nico. Two work lights illuminated the scene, throwing massive shadows, with Christmas lights twinkling merrily around the door and downstairs windows and various oversized inflatables scattered around the lawn. Umi was watching from a ladder, her arms full of the second floor lights and Eli seemed to have both hands around a half inflated Santa's neck. Cocoro had her phone out, probably recording and the two younger child were wide eyed and open mouthed. Maki sprinted.

"You can't tell me when to decorate my house. Or stand in my yard and tear apart my decorations." Nico's voice was loud, but not a shout.

Eli was one step away from shouting in frustration. Maki wondered where Nozomi was.

"We have rules. No decorations until December 1st and no gaudy, silly, awful, no class, inflatable Santas from gaudy, silly, awful, no class celebrities."

Maki hissed at the harshness of Eli's words but Eli just ripped at Santa, and yes, triggered instant deflation. Maki glanced at Cocoro, remembered Hanayo saying "YouTube" and wondered if this was going out live. She was about to find out, when Eli turned and grabbed her arm.

"Just ask Maki. She knows the rules. And hates flashy."
Nico turned to Maki, eyes narrowed. Maki tried for an apologetic shrug, "I did warn you it was too early."

Nico pulled Maki away from Eli, "You're going to take the side of that pompous…" Nico glanced at her siblings and then just shook her head.

Maki found herself staring where Nico's hand grasped her forearm. Strong, warm. She put a hand over Nico's, meeting her eyes, "I'm not taking sides. The December 1st rule, that's a fact. But I have no problem with the Santa." She smiled at Nico, "I am Team Santa." Maki thought for a minute, then turned to Eli, "Maybe Nico's too busy travelling and this is her only day to decorate."

Eli shook her head at Maki, obviously disappointed in the young doctor, "Rules are rules. Dates and sizes are specified. Aesthetics is very important to Cherry Blossom Heights."

Nico pushed past Maki, "You can take your aesthetics and your stupid, fascist rules and let 'em bite you in the ass, you blonde Grinch, your tiny green heart is showing."

Eli took a step forward, deliberately stomping on the deflated Santa, "Take your silly, stupid Santa back to LA or wherever you came from, Nico Nico No."

Umi had come off the ladder and appeared at Nico's side. She would have intervened, but Nico had signalled her not to. Maki decided this was the perfect time to convince Cocoro to do something other than recording. She walked to the teen's side and put an arm around her shoulders, "Let's take your brother and sister elsewhere while Nico and Ms. Ayase talk."

Cocoro looked reluctantly at the phone. Maki smiled at her, "Less is better sometimes. Suspense keeps people interested. Record an update later."

Cocoro put the phone away and took Cotaro's hand, "Want to play catch?"

Maki glanced down at her hands and thought about the piano, "Have a soccer ball?" Oh damn, could she even play soccer in slippers. Oh well, they'd probably be happy if she just occasionally shoved the ball in one of their directions.

"We do!" Cocoa ran off. Maki picked up Cotaro and followed, Cocoro behind.

"Walk your fake designer shoes off of my property, Ayase or I'll have my bodyguard escort you off." Nico's voice had gotten angrier.

"Why don't you take your over priced battery of a sportscar and drive your fake personality out of my development, Yazawa."
Maki wasn't paying attention to the children after they'd reached the side of the house and put Cotaro down so Cocoa's kick bounced off her knees. She recovered quickly and pushed the ball in Nico's brother's direction. He tripped over it. Maybe soccer had been a bad idea. Nico would probably get upset if one of her siblings twisted an ankle, even if Maki could treat it instantly and with no charge. She helped Cotaro up and began paying more attention just as Nico started shouting "Santa Killer." Maki was afraid to look. Cocoro had started recording again, drifting back to the front yard. Maki sighed, she could catch up by watching the video. She'd probably have to before her next conversation with Eli.

...KNOWS IF YOU'VE BEEN BAD

Eli had never been so angry at another human being. That short stack of spite Yazawa...grrrrrrr. She needed to go. And Maki had been completely useless. That was a surprise. The doctor had always seemed an exemplar of propriety. Eli had been proud when she'd chosen a house in Cherry Blossom Heights. An heiress as well as a prodigy doctor and of such quiet habits, Maki had proven the perfect neighbor. Mouthy, brash, know nothing Nico Yazawa had proven to be the opposite.

Eli hoped Nozomi had dinner finished. She was cold and hungry, but the first voice to greet her when she entered the house was the crying voice of her child.

"MOMMY!" Mischa ran into her arms and Eli immediately held her close.

"What's wrong, little bear?"

"You killed Santa."

Eli was too careful to drop her child, but she came as near as she ever had. Especially when her beloved wife suddenly appeared, leaning in the archway to the dining room, dark hair loose around her shoulders, a very familiar and not so beloved smirk on her lips.

"You yelled at Santa and…" Mischa wailed.

Eli sighed and hugged her daughter, glaring at her wife who had started to giggle, "Nozomi…"

Nozomi walked over to the two most important people in her world and put a comforting hand on her sobbing daughter's back, "Your mother didn't hurt Santa, baby, no matter what you overheard when we went to look for Mommy. Santa knows she didn't mean it."

The tips of the fingers of Nozomi's other hand were resting on Eli's lips, stopping her still angry wife from admitting she'd meant every word.

OR GOOD

The slippers were working out ok. Maki had just slid the ball past Cocoa and was about to score a goal on Cotaro when someone stole the ball away from her. She turned, expecting Cocoro and instead had a smiling Nico pelt the ball back at her feet.

"Ding Dong the Grinch has fled," Nico announced, hugging Cocoa, who was closest to her.

"Can we finish the decorations now?" Cocoa asked hopefully.

"No." Nico seemed tired, "It's late and we haven't had dinner. You can finish them with Umi and Kotori tomorrow or we can wait until I'm home again."

"Tomorrow." Cotaro decided.

Nico sighed but smiled, "All right then."

"I'll have Honoka bring some cookies and hot chocolate over." Maki decided.

"Sounds like a party," Nico hooked her hand through Maki's arm, "Do you have any dinner plans?"

"N...No."

"Then come in and eat with us." Nico wasn't taking no for an answer as she half dragged Maki toward the door, "I made a pot roast."

"Tasty." Cotaro offered.

"The boy knows his pot roast." Nico laughed. Nico let her siblings rush past her while Umi stayed outside, cleaning the yard, then Nico pulled Maki up the front steps. She paused in the doorway, looking up at the taller doctor, speculatively, "Thanks for distracting them, Maki." Then Nico used her free hand to pull Maki down for a quick kiss.

"W...wait…what...why?"

"Mistletoe," Nico pointed up with a chuckle. "Get some."

Maki stood in the doorway, frozen, somewhere between who she'd been 30 seconds ago and the woman she was now, lips tantalized by the mischief and magic of a sudden caress.

A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOR ME, PART 1
Maki had gone home with leftovers, smiling and suddenly shy. Cocoro, Cocoa and Cotaro were settled, asleep in their beds, and Umi was collecting her gear on her way downstairs to Kotori. Nico had turned off the lights, opened the curtains in the far wall of the living room, the window that looked out onto Maki's house and tucked herself into the couch with a mug of hot chocolate.

Umi sat on the couch, her duffle on the coffee table, "So, a kiss."

"Yeah," Nico grinned.

"I approve."

"Because that's my main criteria when I decide to kiss a girl."

Umi chuckled, "As it should be."

Nico shook her head, "You are a prize, Umi Sonoda."

Umi bowed her head. Nico continued to stare out the window.

"So what do you do now, Nico?"

Nico groaned, "Travel to 3 states in 4 days, then start working on the last minute Christmas video shoot with Tsubasa Kira. That's what the great Nico Ni does next." Nico sighed, "No time to lure a good looking doctor under the mistletoe again."

"She will still be around after the holidays," Umi stated, "but…"

Nico frowned and put down her mug, "But?"

"You might want to clarify your relationship."

"Clarify my relationship," Nico dragged out each word. "I couldn't even say that with a straight face to the mirror, let alone Maki. And who are you, my mother?"

"No. But Kotori always appreciated how carefully I took each step of our relationship."

Nico was glad she'd put the cocoa down or she would have spit all of it unto Umi with the snort of laughter that statement triggered, "Kotori appreciated your tight abs and even tighter ass, Umi. She put up with the archaic dating practices to be able to…"

"Do not finish that sentence." Umi stood, but her voice was too amused to be threatening.

"Go back to your wife."

"Talk to your doctor."

Nico threw off a salute and went back to the cocoa, "I'll keep you posted."

A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOR ME, PART 2

Maki smiled at her pot roast sandwich before unwrapping it. Hanayo watched her curiously. Maki had only agreed to eat lunch with her today because Rin was stopping by. As Maki was practically surgically pulling the foil off her sandwich, Rin burst through the door, two bags in her hand.

"Rice and Ramen, the best lunch for everyone." She tossed the bags on the table with Hanayo quickly reaching out to make sure nothing spilled. Then Rin grabbed Maki by the shoulders and pulled her into a hug. Maki dropped her sandwich reluctantly and let the embrace continue for a three count before complaining, "Go hug your fiancée, Rin."

Rin patted Maki on the head, "I missed you too, Maki."

Maki grumbled and picked up her sandwich. Rin frowned.

"I bought you lunch too, Maki. Save your sandwich for another day. It won't taste as good as this."

Maki had taken a bite. "It tastes fine," She muttered as she chewed.

"Wait a minute," Rin ripped the sandwich out of Maki's hand and pulled off the top layer. "Homemade pot roast, store made bread." Maki grabbed the sandwich back and swatted her friend.

Rin continued her Nancy Drew impersonation as Hanayo leaned forward, her eyes wide with excitement, "Honoka didn't make this. She only bakes. And…"

"Maki doesn't cook. Ever." Hanayo finished, "MAKI!"

Maki choked, "What?"

"You have a girlfriend?!"

Maki looked away from her friends, "N..No. I don't have an anything."

Hanayo furrowed a brow, "What happened?"

Rin snagged the sandwich again, "Tell us, tell us, tell us true, Maki."

"Give me my lunch, Rin." Maki raised a hand threateningly while Rin clutched the sandwich to her chest, fingers leaving impressions in the bread. "Take your hands off my sandwich now." Sometimes Maki felt like arguing with Rin reverted them both to teenage levels of idiocy. Maki turned to Hanayo, frowning.

"Rin, give Maki her lunch. I'm sure she'll want to tell us what happened. We're her friends, after all."

Hanayo, her friend and business partner and the person with a mad crush on Maki's next door neighbor the celebrity...Maki was very reluctant to share any developments that happened or might happen with Nico, but at the same time, Rin and Hanayo had the relationship experience that Maki lacked. There'd been one woman she'd dated in med school, briefly, and a few suitors her parents had continually dragged to parties, but Maki had never found herself interested in romance.

Maki snatched her sandwich back, glared at Rin, removed the top layer with the impressions of Rin's fingerprints and folded the rest into a half sandwich. Nico-sized, Maki thought, amused at the comparison.

"Maki?"

Maki let out a small storm of breath, "Nico invited me over for dinner."

"YOU WENT ON A DATE WITH NICO NI." Hanayo stood, scattering the food she'd been unpacking across the table. Maki had been unaware that her partner's voice could reach that high a note and still carry.

"No. And make her sit down, Rin." Rin nodded, surprised at her fiancée's reaction as well. She reached out but Hanayo just leaned across the table, staring at Maki, "What was it like?"

"Calm down. I was just helping out with decorations and she invited me in. No big deal." Unfortunately, Maki could stop neither the blush nor the hand she reached up to twirl her hair with.

"And…" Hanayo pushed.

"We might have kissed under the mistletoe." Maki admitted reluctantly.

Hanayo fainted. Rin stared at her slumped fiancée.

"Is she like this at home?" Maki asked.

Rin shrugged, then looked seriously at Maki, "Your new neighbor is Nico Ni, you're dating her and Kayochin knows about this?"

"I am not dating her. And Hanayo's been bugging me about meeting her since I asked who Nico Yazawa was."

"Yeah," Rin frowned. "She's a huge fan, ever since high school. But I've never seen her get this excited."

"Shouldn't we see if she's all right?" Maki wondered.

"She didn't hit her 'll be fine." Rin continued serious, "What are you going to do about the kiss?"

Maki put her head back but the ceiling offered no solutions, "I don't know."

Hanayo picked up her head, "Bring her to our party."

"Not that again," Maki snarled.

"It's the perfect no pressure date. Lots of people around." Hanayo insisted.

"How is that no pressure?"

"There will be distractions."

"And you can meet her." Maki shook her head.

"No..no, I want to help. I'll be calm." Hanayo pushed her index fingers together,

Rin frowned at her, "No you won't, Kayochin, but I'll help. It is a good idea though, Maki. Parties always give people something to talk about. Ask her."

"But she's famous. She probably hates parties."

"Maybe. But she seems to like you."

Maki nodded reluctantly at Rin, then stared at Hanayo, "You won't scream or ask for autographs or faint on her."

Hanayo gulped and nodded. Maki turned to Rin, "You'll make sure she doesn't make a scene."

Rin sighed, "I'll try."

"I'll think about it." Hanayo squealed. Rin opened a bowl of ramen. Maki finished her sandwich. Pot roast really was better the next day. She'd have to tell Nico.

SAY, WHAT'S IN THAT DRINK

Maki managed to get home without Hanayo coming along to personally invite Nico to the party only because due to Hanayo's disturbingly stalker tendencies, she knew Nico had a concert that night in Lexington.

Honoka had left a note, a pantry full of excellent bread and a freezer full of mediocre food. She said she'd stopped by the Yazawas and had fun helping with the decorations. Maki smiled, then thought that Nico was probably sorry to have missed it. She glanced out the kitchen window, yep, there it was, bopping on the roof of the house, another Santa to inflame Eli's sensibilities.

As if on cue, Maki's doorbell began to ring. Eli stood there, blue eyes furious, blonde hair askew and Nozomi behind her, seemingly amused. Little Mischa held Nozomi's hand, her blonde hair tucked under a cute bear hat.

"Hello, Eli, Nozomi, Mischa." Maki pulled the door back, "Come inside and I'll make something warm."

"Thanks, Maki, but we don't have time. We're going to take Mischa to see a movie but…"

Eli cut off her wife, Nozomi rolled her eyes, "I think this Santa is even bigger."

Maki shrugged. If they weren't going to have a hot drink, she was. Coffee, maybe laced with espresso and just a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream, which she took out of a cabinet. Or maybe just espresso.

"I'm going to fine her. A LOT." Eli decided, slamming her hands against Maki's island.

"She's a famous singer. She probably has more money than both of us."

"Hollywood money isn't real money."

Nozomi left Mischa to play with a toy on Maki's couch and came up behind her wife, arms around Eli's waist, "She paid cash for the house, Eli. You specifically asked the realtor."

"Isn't that sort of thing confidential?" Maki wondered.

Eli shrugged. Nozomi broke their embrace and poured some Bailey's into a mug.

"This is how I like my cream," she winked at Maki. "Got any coffee?"

Maki pointed to the coffee maker, "Help yourself."

Nozomi grumbled and put a coffee pod in Maki's coffeemaker, "Fine."

Eli had gone over to the window to stare at the Yazawa house, "Deliberate flouting of the Neighborhood Association Guidelines." She turned and glared at Maki, "And five days early. I have to do something. We have RULES. I spent weeks writing them."

Nozomi offered the mug to Eli with some sympathy; Eli put up a hand to block. "Yazawa has young children in her household, Eli-chi. You just can't tear down their Christmas decorations."

Eli started to speak and then spotted her young daughter coming around the corner of the couch. She scooped her up with a grin, "We have a movie to get to, don't we."

Nozomi was obviously relieved by the ease in tension but looked sadly at her drink, "Guess I made that for you, Maki." Her voice took on a serious note, "Eat something with it." She laughed when Maki glanced at the pantry, "And not just Honoka's pastry."

Maki pushed her, "Don't you have a wife to nag and a daughter to mother."

Eli had rebundled her daughter's coat, "If you talk to Yazawa, please discourage her from further excesses."

Maki cocked her head, "I'm not your flunky, Eli."

"But you're my friend. And you have taste." Eli was starting to sound desperate and Maki was surprised to find herself formulating a defense of Nico's right to decorate as she pleased.

Nozomi saved her from directly confronting Eli by dragging wife and daughter out of the house, "Don't forget our Tree Decorating Open House on the 5th, Maki."

"I won't. Good night." Maki closed her front door, relieved.

BABY, IT'S COLD INSIDE

1 a.m. Nico's driver pulled up to the house and she got out of the car. Her siblings had convinced Umi to leave the Christmas lights up for Nico to see when she got home. They'd done a good job. Everything looked like it would stay up for a month and a half. Nico was sorry not to have been there, but the life of a celebrity and Idol was a busy one. A busy life she was grateful for, because then she could buy this house and take care of her family, as well as help ease some of the financial difficulties her mother had had since the death of her father eight years ago.

Nico stood in the driveway after waving the car away, enjoying the little details of the house, remembering which of her siblings picked which decoration. She's have to take a picture for her mom sometime when she was less cold.

And then she heard Maki's door open, "Nico?"

Nico grinned and spun around, "Was Maki watching out the window for the great Nico Ni?

Maki shook her head, "Heard your car."

Nico assumed that Maki leaning in her open door was an invitation to come closer so she did, "Do you always fall asleep on your couch?"

Maki twisted some hair around a finger, her pose still casual, but a blush starting, "I don't sleep that much. I was reading."

And since Maki's hair was not as yet in any state of disarray, Nico believed her.

NIco shivered, she had a shawl around her shoulders only, the car had been warm, "Can I come in, it's cold."

Maki nodded and moved and then as Nico stepped past her, suddenly pulled the smaller woman into a hug. And just as suddenly she moved to the kitchen, "Do you want a drink?"

"Have any herbal teas?"

"Yep. Nice chai spice mix." Maki pulled a mug out of the dishwasher, humming, "Honoka said Cocoro, Cocoa and Cotaro had fun decorating."

"Yeah," Nico perched on one of the kitchen stools, "Umi texted me pictures. They're all safely tucked in." Nico winked, "And I have a little while before my curfew."

"Good."

"How was your day?"

"Flu cases are going down. Pretty much the usual," Maki thought about Hanayo and Rin's suggestion that she ask Nico to the party but decided to delay, "Eli and Nozomi stopped by with their little girl."

Nico tensed, "Did she tell you your kitchen counter was the wrong height and threaten you with legal proceedings?"

"No, she mostly talked about you." Maki was watching the tea kettle and answered the question automatically.

Nico hopped down from the stool, her fists clenched. "Have a good laugh?"

Maki was surprised by the anger in Nico's voice and turned in surprise. "N...no."

Nico fumed. Maki froze, her mind trying to figure out what she could say.

"I didn't ask her to talk about you…"

"But you didn't stop her…" Nico accused.

"Actually, I did…" Maki started, but Nico was ignoring her and storming toward the door. "Nico, wait!"

"Why?"

Maki sighed, turned off the kettle and followed Nico, "I don't agree with Eli, I can't help what she rants at me about," a pause, "I just wanted to see you."

Nico stood still, arms crossed over her chest, brows shadowed. She took a deep breath, "I'm too tired for this." She stepped to Maki and held her gaze for a long moment, "I'll probably be home a little earlier tomorrow. See me then?"

Maki nodded, "It's a date."

"Good. We'll go for a drive. You haven't met my car." Nico grinned and kissed Maki's cheek, "See you tomorrow."

"Good night, Nico."

"Get some sleep, Doc." Nico waved as she left.

WE GOT INTO A DRIFTED BANK

Another performance, another drive. Great audience, everyone had that holiday high spirits buzz and Nico was energized by the response. She had changed at the venue so she could just have the driver let her off at Maki's door. Pink thermal shirt, red flannel shirt and warm black woolen leggings. Plus, cute pink hat with a bobble.

Nico had napped for part of the drive. It was nearing 11 and Umi had sent her the "All's Well" text. The children were in bed and she and Kotori were watching a movie. Nico was so grateful they'd been willing to accompany her. She could not have taken in her siblings without their help. Fortunately, Kotori's clothing and designs had done well on line and Kotori was looking forward to collaborating with a few musicians who used Nashville as their base. Umi had been Nico's rock from the early days of YouTube stardom, continually reminding Nico to keep a level head.

The driver pulled up outside of Maki's house. Nico thanked her, told her to enjoy having tomorrow off and stood outside, breathing in the cold air to wake herself up. Maki. Nico grinned at the thought of the redhead. Then she ran up Maki's stairs and knocked.

It took Maki a few minutes to open the door. Nico wondered if she'd fallen asleep. But the lavender eyes that smiled so brightly at Nico looked wide awake. Maki was wearing a purple turtleneck, jeans, boots, and a silver down vest, her hair under a black watch cap.

"Hi."

"Hi, Maki. Have a good day?"

Maki shrugged.

"My concert was amazing. Such a great crowd. They couldn't get enough of the great Nico Ni. Everybody fell in love with Nico. An amazing Nico Nico Night." An excited Nico pulled Maki off the porch, not aware that other woman stiffening. But when Nico noticed Maki was lagging, she stopped and turned.

"Something wrong?"

Maki frowned, "Aren't you tired?"

Nico threw her head back and laughed. It echoed, "I'm the opposite of tired. Crowds like that energize the great Nico Ni. It's awesome."

"Oh."

Nico finally caught the disappointment in Maki's tone and moved closer, taking both of her hands and making sure she kept those lavender eyes locked on hers, "What I didn't tell the crowd was that Nico Ni was only that good because Nico was so excited that I had a date with my smart, gorgeous neighbor after." She pulled Maki even closer, "I wanted to keep that private."

Maki gulped and looked away. Nico laughed, "Let's get in the car before we freeze."

There were two cars in Nico's garage. The shiny red Tesla Roadster and a battered silver Toyota station wagon. Maki started to walk to the passenger door of the Tesla but Nico had already opened the door of the wagon.

"Really? This is how you impress a date?" Maki climbed inside, looking at the blankets, toys and clothes scattered across the back seat.

Nico shrugged, "It was my dad's. I learned to drive in it." She smiled at Maki, "I'm sentimental."

"Sorry."

"For what?" Nico shrugged and shut the door. Maki watched as she settled into the driver's seat, "Any place fun to wander through? I know it's too early for decorations in Cherry Blossom."

"I don't know. I've never really explored the area."

"Straight to work and then back home, eh?"

"Or to my parents. They live in Lexington."

Nico blew out a long breath, "Guess we'll just drive and see what happens then."

They hadn't driven far when Nico decided to pull off the road so they could look at the stars and watch snow start to fall. She'd found a nice little overlook set back in a park. She left the radio on an all Christmas songs station and leaned her seat back a little. Maki did the same.

"If we could pop the roof, this would be like a planetarium," Maki decided.

"Next car," Nico put up the armrest and took Maki's hand. There was silence while the radio played a piano heavy version of "Winter Wonderland."

"I am a little tired," Nico admitted.

"I can imagine. All those people."

Nico turned her head to grin at Maki, "Oh no, I love all the people. They pump up Nico Ni all the time. They've given Nico Ni an amazing career." She hesitated, "The travel can be tough. And I miss my mom. Since my dad died, she's been always been there."

"Your siblings seem happy." Maki turned her head to face Nico.

"The Yazawas are a cheerful group. We don't let things get us down."

"And you inspire your fans. That's pretty amazing."

"I didn't drive up here to talk about me." Nico leaned in as the radio the radio played a sultry version of 'This Christmas,' "I'm really glad I bought the house next door to you."

"Me too." Maki leaned and Nico closed the gap between them, rising out of her seat to clash her lips against Maki's too quickly for Maki to react. Then Nico fell back.

"Ha!"

"W..what?!" Maki felt her heart pound and raised a hand to her still tingling lips, "is something wrong?"

"No, I've just wanted to do that for 10 years or so."

Maki hmmpphed, "You know how to make someone feel special."

Nico reached up with both hands and pulled Maki close again, "I've wanted to kiss someone SPECIAL in this car since my dad got it and you're the first person I've ever asked out on a drive."

Maki's eyes went wide, then wider as Nico threw herself into another kiss, hands slipping from Maki's cheek, grazing the tops of ears and getting tangled in her hair. Maki was finding the turtleneck too tight and the car too close, too hot and her body was pushing forward into Nico. The radio decided to play "Let it Snow" as Maki lost all awareness of anything but Nico's touch.

Nico walked Maki to her door, "I don't travel anywhere tomorrow. Do you want to come over for dinner? What's your favorite dish?"

Maki opened the door, then turned, "Anything with tomatoes."

"Lasagna it is." Nico pointed up, "Still no mistletoe."

Maki pouted.

"I'll make a one time exception." Nico started to step closer but suddenly Maki leaned into Nico, lips a quick dash of invitation.

"See you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow." Nico waved as she returned to her house. Tomorrow. Another date to look forward to.

IN THE MEADOW WE CAN BUILD A SNOWFORT

Maki had managed to get Hanayo to stop harassing her by promising to ask Nico to the party tonight and then text as soon as she got Nico's answer. Hanayo had even rescheduled the party to a night Nico didn't have a performance. Maki shook her head at her friend's obsession as she drove home. If she didn't know how devoted Hanayo was to Rin, she might have worried for her other friend.

People were running all over Nico's front, side and back yard. Looked like 10 of them but was probably only 6? Wait, was that Honoka too? Maki drove by, pulled into her driveway, got out of her car and immediately had to dodge a snowball. Nico, Cocoa and yes, it was Honoka, all came racing for her. Nico won, throwing her arms around Maki in a hug and getting a snowball in the side of the face from Cocoa for it.

"Hey," Nico knelt down and scooped up some snow. Her toss went over Cocoa's head and nearly took off Kotori's hand knit green toque. Umi saw Kotori fall back, identified Nico as the attacker and prepared to launch an assault of her own.

"Uh oh," Nico grabbed Maki and pulled her behind Maki's car as Umi's snow missile thudded into the side of Maki's car.

"Hey, that dented."

Nico pulled Maki down, "Umi doesn't play, but I'm sure one of my sisters will distract her." Nico cocked her head at Maki, "Hi, you. Welcome home."

Maki grinned, "Glad to be back."

Nico tilted Maki-ward, her lips cold, but warming rapidly with the shared kiss.

"How long have you been out here?"

"No idea." Nico peeked over the trunk, searching for the location of her siblings. She spotted two but not Cotaro. Honoka was also missing from view, "Have to run. Cotaro's somewhere I can't see. Meet you at the mistletoe?"

Maki nodded. Nico sprinted for the backyard. Maki wondered what making snowballs was going to do to the leather of her driving gloves. Then she scooped snow into two clumps and stood. Snowball in the face. Not Umi, fortunately. Blinking snow out of her eyes, she saw a laughing Cocoro and retaliated with a soft toss. Knocking Nico's siblings off their feet would probably not impress their older sister. Maki spotted Honoka's orange hair bobbing to the right, moving at high speed. Of course, Honoka was out without a hat, scarf or coat. At least she was wearing mittens. Maki tossed her second snowball in that direction and Honoka waved when it hit her chest. Nico had found Cotaro and tucked him under her arm. Maki reached down for more snow. Nico tossed Cotaro in Umi's direction while he laughed.

Maki heard the approach of a car and pulled Cocoa back to make sure she didn't wander into the street. A Mercedes sedan pulled into Nico's driveway, a woman with light hair tucked under a dark scarf, stepping out with a shout, "Nico Ni!"

Nico stopped in the middle of shaping a snowball, Maki could see the surprise on her face, Honoka had already reared back to throw a snowball at Maki and the new arrival got in the way, the force of Honoka's throw knocking her to her knees.

"Damn," Nico cursed and she and Honoka rushed to the woman's side, helping her up, Honoka apologetically brushing snow from everywhere.

"You didn't tell me you were stopping by tonight." Nico said.

"I decided to come into town early and wander around tomorrow while you're busy, then be ready to go Thursday." The woman had caught Honoka's hand, stopping her with an amused smile, "I'm fine."

"Sorry, sorry, sorry," Honoka gushed. "I was aiming for Maki."

The woman glanced over her shoulder, green eyes appraising Maki, who found herself crushing her half formed snow projectile in one hand while leaving her other on Cocoa's shoulder. Umi was still exchanging fire with the determined team of Kotori, Cocoro and Cotaro.

Cocoa looked up at Maki. Maki smiled, "You better go help, Umi. Looks like Cocoro's going to get the drop on her."

"Umi!" Cocoa ran to the dark haired sniper's rescue.

Nico watched her siblings for a moment and then turned back to the new arrival, "Well, since you're here, Tsubasa, you can join us for dinner."

"Sounds great. Did you cook?"

"Yep. Enough lasagna for twenty, I think." Nico glanced at Maki, "I know someone who likes leftovers."

Maki tried to smile but was having trouble doing anything but frowning and resisting the urge to cross her arms over her chest while making herself look taller. Nico seemed puzzled by her lack of response, then quickly turned Tsubasa around, "Tsubasa, this is my neighbor, Dr. Maki Nishikino. And the person with terrible aim is her friend and baker, Honoka Kousaka. Maki, Honoka, this is Tsubasa Kira. You'll be seeing her in and out this week. We're filming a surprise holiday video for our fans." Nico winked at Maki, "Don't tell your business partner."

"Of course not." Maki knew she sounded angry. What she wasn't sure about was why.

Nico still looked puzzled, "Hey Honoka, take Tsubasa and everybody else inside, ok?"

"Sure, Nico." Honoka pulled Tsubasa by the arm and shouted, "Hey, Umi, Nico says time for hot chocolate and cookies."

Nico had started to reach for Maki's hand but suddenly twirled, "Not too many cookies! We have to have dinner." She turned back to Maki, shaking her head, "No one will be hungry. You'll have three weeks worth of leftovers."

Maki dropped her head, staring at the snow.

"Hey," Nico ducked underneath, bright red eyes staring up at Maki, "what's the matter. You knew it wouldn't just be the two of us, right?"

Maki shook herself, "Of course. I just wasn't expecting…"

"Someone else." Nico's smile was rueful, "Neither was I. I'll make it up to you sometime. I understand if you don't want to…"

"No," Maki forced herself to sound cheerful, "It's fine. I'm sorry."

"The life of Nico Ni is a busy one, full of people...' Nico started.

As if on cue, the door opened and Cocoa shouted, "Hey, sis, your hot chocolate is getting cold!"

"Nights like last night are rare for me," Nico took both of Maki's hands, pulling the taller woman closer and making sure those glorious lavender eyes were completely captivated, "but I want more of them."

Maki felt herself being drawn in as Nico's voice softened and their lips once again, somehow, seemed to have had their own silent discussion about what came next.

"Me too," Maki whispered as Nico's lips pressed hers with an unanticipated urgency that would have knocked Maki back if Nico hadn't also swept her in closer, a strong arm embracing Maki's waist.