The Kagaris did not have a separate dining room, instead having a circular wooden table right in the middle of the kitchen. The table looked like it could've been extended, but Megumi had kept its smaller size.

It was, in all likelihood, pretty rude of her to keep thinking everything in the house so small, but it was just a completely different lifestyle than the one she was used to. Not for the first time, she was struck by the fact that she was eating in an entirely different country with a group of people from an entirely different social background.

That said, there was something almost pleasant about the way the table was set up. The four of them facing each other, just sitting in a circle, eating rather casually despite the occasion. There was no head of the table here. No special seating arrangements to imply respect. Just four people sitting together and eating on equal footing. Like a family.

Had Diana not felt so alien here, she suspected she might've really liked having it set up this way.

She had tried to help set the table, pretty much exactly once. Megumi said her guests would not be doing any working on her watch, and it was rather amazing how her voice could be warm, kind and incredibly threatening simultaneously. So Diana contented herself with sitting at the table next to Akko, watching her trying not to pick at the mashed potatoes before everyone was seated.

Yō settled into his seat, directly across from her. "So you sure you don't want any wine, Diana?"

Megumi slammed the oven shut with a huff. "Yō! They are 17!"

"What?" Yō smiled beneath his glass. "I wanna see if I could get her talking."

"You are just terrible tonight!" Megumi scoffed. "Diana, dear. Ignore him. He's terrible."

Diana felt something rubbing the top of her leg beneath the table. She glanced down to see Akko's offending hand where it usually seemed to end up. She was half-worried that Megumi would see, given her earlier…comment, but she was busy prepping the gravy. Akko herself didn't even seem to realize she was doing it, still engaged in a mental battle against the food in front of her face.

So Diana sat up a bit straighter. "I feel I should apologize, for being so quiet earlier." She said. "I'm just somewhat…unused to all of this. I'm still getting my bearings. I hope I didn't come off as rude."

But Yō didn't look placated so much as he did bewildered. "Apologize…? No!" He shook his head. "No, I'm just teasing. You don't gotta apologize for nothing. You're as part of this Christmas bash as anyone else here. You just do whatever makes you happy, kiddo."

Diana blinked. "…Still, I meant no disrespect to your hospitality."

Yō waved off her concerns with a gesture. "Don't you even worry about it. If ya wanna be quiet, you don't have to say anything. Wanna be loud, go ahead and scream your head off. Akko adores you to bits, so as far as I'm concerned, our home is your home." He took another sip of wine. "Besides, it's nice to have a quieter lady in the house every now and then."

One has never seen a man looked so mirthful under the glares of his wife and child. Diana herself was unsure how to respond.

Megumi placed a golden-brown turkey down in the middle of the table, handing the knife off to Yō to carve. But before she took her seat, she stopped and stared at Akko a moment, before a large smile spread across her features. "Oh, it's just so nice to have you home again! We haven't had dinner as a family in so long!"

Akko struggled as Megumi planted a sloppy kiss on her forehead. "Mooom…stop it! I'm trying to get stuff to eat!"

"Cut your mother a break." Yō said, dishing out turkey slices. "It's hard sometimes, having our little girl halfway across the world. We get to missing you, sweetheart."

"…What are your impressions of Luna Nova, if I may ask?" Diana piped in. "I understand your family doesn't have a history in magic, so I'm curious as to what you think."

Yō thought for a moment. "Haven't been there too much, but it seems nice. All this magic stuff just goes over my head. Akko tells us she turned into a fish, I just sorta shrug my shoulders and accept she can be a fish person. I don't mind all of it, really."

"I don't hate it as much as you think I do, you know." Megumi crossed her arms. "It's just that…some of their professors just don't seem right to me. And the nerve of that Finneran woman!"

Yō took a bite of turkey. "Finnelan, Megumi."

"She's just the nastiest woman! I've called her, gotten letters from her, went into her office once, and she's always been just the nastiest. I can't imagine why anyone would let her around children. Your school needs better hiring standards, I'll tell you that."

Akko nodded vigorously. "Yeah! I mean, some professors like me more now, but she still gets on my case! Even when I'm following the rules!" She suddenly registered both her parents' eyes on her. "…wh-which is all the time!"

And once again, Diana felt alone. She always found Professor Finnelan to be a very pleasant teacher. Firm, but fair.

"Well, Akko is the first…" Diana paused. "…um, first-generation witch to attend Luna Nova. I don't think anyone there knew how to handle a student without a background in magic. That's why she had such a difficult time with her studies and fitting in."

Among other factors that need not be discussed with Akko's overprotective mother. She wasn't entirely wrong about questionable hires, was she?

Akko began to smother her potatoes in gravy. "Yeah, all that was hard at first. But it's not so big a deal anymore. I definitely fit in a lot more than I used to. It's a little like home away from home now!"

"First-Generation, huh?" Yō's brows furrowed. "So magic is…genetic then? Does Akko got something in her blood we don't? How's that all work?"

"Every living person has the potential for magic." Diana explained. "The only part genetics play is increasing that potential with every successive generation. It's really more spiritual. Much of its power is derived from being able to visualize the desired result, and a confidence in oneself. In essence, a believing heart is legitimately a large factor in magic."

Megumi and Yō shared a blank look, before a smirk spread up Yō's face.

Diana set down her fork. "…What?"

Megumi arched a brow in Akko's direction. "Why am I not surprised that of all the people in the world, you come back with another Shiny Chariot fan?"

Figures they would zero in on that little piece of trivia. Diana tried not to flush. "I…she didn't know that when we met. A-and I've only seen one or two of Chariot's shows. I'm not nearly as big of a fan as Akko is."

"Why are you getting embarrassed about it?" Akko asked. "I know you liked her shows too! You had the special premium card!"

Yō almost dropped his fork. "The card I spent a dozen birthdays and Christmases digging through every collector's shop in the country for? She had that one?"

Akko nodded brightly. "Yep! And she gave it to me, so now my collection's finally complete!"

"So of course you'd date her, Akko." Megumi chuckled, cutting another slice of turkey. "But I think it's sweet you two bonded over something small like that."

Diana's mind drifted to holding the Shiny Rod alongside Akko. "T-that isn't really how we…" She cleared her throat. "…I…did enjoy her shows. But…I-I mean, that's not-"

Yō laughed. "Hey, if you like it, you like it. It's not like Chariot's a stranger in this house. But if it embarrasses you that much, kiddo..."

"…No, you're not embarrassing me." Diana decided after a moment. She was doing well enough at that task all on her own.

He nodded. "Well you just let me know, alright? I work Human Resources. Don't know much of anything about the high-life you usually got, but I wanna make sure you get the best Christmas we can give ya in our humble home."

It suddenly struck her she really couldn't say much about her high-life that wouldn't bring down the mood. Couldn't really mention the stuffy dinner parties she still invited her aunt too. Couldn't really mention how exhausting it was having so many relying on her. Couldn't really mention how often the days came when she wished she could just wrap herself in a blanket and relax, but found herself preoccupied with responsibilities.

Which was…odd? Diana usually acknowledged meeting Akko as an improvement in her life. But she never quite realized how irreplaceable she was until she thought about her life before, or even in the moments they were apart.

"…I wouldn't worry too much about the differences. I suppose it's…good, to see new cultures and meet new people."

Yō nodded again. "I guess that's the real reason I don't mind Akko going so far away for school. We both miss the heck outta her, but it's a good experience for her. You ever know what you might find out there in the big ol' world, right?"

Akko giggled. "Plus if I didn't get to go out, I'd never have met you!" She beamed at Diana, who found herself smiling back.

"There's that, yes." Diana admitted quietly. "Sometimes you find things worth the culture shock."

She focused her attention back on finishing the dinner in front of her, listening in as the Kagaris talked about grades and plans and other small topics, piping in whenever she felt confident she could contribute.

Those times seemed to come more and more, really just because she already embarrassed herself as much as she reasonably could. Might as well just go in fully at this point. Dignity stopped feeling so important when one's current company steadfastly refused to acknowledge it in the slightest.

…Even if it was an accident, it struck her that may have been the first time she hadn't introduced herself strictly as Diana Cavendish, with the emphasis there.

She chewed on the thought for the rest of dinner. As it turned out, Megumi cooked wonderful turkey. Dinner ended being very pleasant. She liked it.

Diana had at least, wizened up enough not to ask if she could help with dishes. Now that she was looking more outwardly, she was beginning to recognize all the little routines and patterns in the household. Yō had wordlessly turned on the radio to play some Christmas songs, and sang along as he scrubbed down plates.

Didn't make it any less awkward to stand there and watch someone work though. So Akko had pulled her into the living room to meet the last member of the family.

"Majo!" Akko made a clicking sound. "Come here, Majo! Come here! Come hee-ere, girl!"

Lazily, the cat opened its eyes.

And it stretched its legs.

And it stood up.

And it stretched its back out.

And it finally plodded over to rub against Akko's legs. It purred loudly as Akko made incomprehensible cooing noises, scratching at its ears. "Now, I know you don't like cats, Diana…"

"I never said I disliked cats." Diana rolled her eyes. "All I ever said about it was that I preferred dogs, because I prefer a pet that's affectionate and acts happy to see me."

"Cats are affectionate! They just like to pretend they're not, but once you get to know them, they're super nice!"

"Do we really have to have this argument again?"

"We don't." Akko said. "Because you're going to see that I'm totally right! Just hold out your hand, you'll see!"

So Diana bent down as well, offering her hand to Majo with an encouraging smile. Majo gave her fingers a few sniffs…and proceeded to turn its tail up and walk the other way. Diana snorted.

Akko looked outright offended. "Majo! You're supposed to prove me right, you traitor!" She quickly turned to Diana. "This doesn't prove anything!"

"I didn't say anything."

"She is affectionate, and so are all cats! Cats are the perfect witch pets!"

Diana tried to stop her smile. "I didn't say anything, Akko."

Megumi wandered into the living room, shaking her head at Majo as the cat passed her. "That old girl is just grumpy around strangers. Not sure where she gets her nasty attitude."

"Be nice to Majo!" Akko turned to glare at her mother. "She's a good kitty!"

"I'll be nice to Majo when she starts acting like it." Megumi said, before turning to Diana with a distinct softening of her features. "We have some leftovers. Want me to put some turkey in a box for you?"

The thought of Anna's face if she caught her microwaving old turkey in a Tupperware container almost made Diana chuckle. "That's alright. Thank you for asking."

"Why do you always talk so formally? English is such a ridiculous language to learn, I don't know why you would make it harder on yourself."

Akko's cheeks were a light tinge of pink. "Mom!"

"I'm just asking her a question, dear! Am I not allowed to ask my daughter's girlfriend questions now?"

The chuckle finally escaped Diana. "I honestly couldn't say. It's simply how I was raised, I suppose."

"I'm not criticizing!" Megumi threw up her hands. "You can speak however you want in my house, as long as it's appropriate. But I'm not criticizing how you're doing it now!

"I…didn't take it that way." Diana said. Really, it didn't take long to understand Megumi said what she wanted when she wanted to. One of those patterns that were becoming easier to identify.

"And for the record!" Megumi said, unprompted. "I wasn't trying to insult your school at dinner either! I do like the place, I honestly do. I just don't like some of the choices the school makes. Even just some of the little things make a mother worry. Like…I remember when Akko was showing us her uniform. Your skirts seem a bit…on the short side."

"Ah…well…" Diana picked her words to be as carefully neutral as possible. "…Akko cuts hers a bit shorter than regulation."

Megumi blinked. "Akko." She turned to glare. "That's not what you told me."

"Um…oops?" Akko chuckled sheepishly. "Look, it's just long skirts make it harder for me to move my legs, that's all. And besides, it's cute!"

She directed that last statement at Diana, as if expecting her to confirm it. To her mother. About her skirt length.

"I have no formal opinion on this topic." Diana lied. "In any case, I think the way you decorated your tree is lovely."

Megumi blinked. "That old thing? That's how we always decorate it."

"Is it?" Diana asked evenly. "Well, I've never seen it before. It looks nice."

It actually did look nice. She was being genuine on that part.

Megumi's spirits visibly rose. "Maybe you should just keep coming around for Christmas then! It'd be nice to have you two girls come help decorate it some year. Maybe next year we can get you your own ornament to put on the tree."

"I…yes. That might be nice"

"It's something of a family tradition. When Akko was little we used to go to every department store we could to look at the decorations, and every year we'd pick our favorite ornament." Megumi sighed. "It'd be nice to do that again. Even though my little girl's all grown up now with her own girlfriend and everything."

Akko flushed as she was pulled into a hug. "Aw, Mom…not in front of Diana…"

"Yes in front of Diana." Megumi argued. "In fact, Diana, get over here. You're getting hugged too. Christmas hugs are a family tradition in this house."

Diana must've made a face, because Akko quickly jumped to her defense. "Mom, that's never been a thing!"

"Well if it wasn't before, it is now. Now come on, Diana. Get over here already."

Diana took a hesitant step forward, which was then followed by one of the most surreal embraces she had ever had. Megumi managed to hug the both of them at the same time, with some considerable effort. Diana found her eyes drifting.

The Kagaris had some very nice drywall.

When Megumi finally released them, she proceeded to snort at Diana's expression. "You don't have to look so surprised, Diana."

"I…don't mean to. I apologize, I-"

"And now she's apologizing. Goodness." Megumi smiled fondly, deciding she had been sufficiently integrated. "And Akko, why are you so embarrassed? I'm your mother!"

"Why don't we just open presents now?" Akko grumbled. "That's our Christmas thing!"

"Fine, fine!" Megumi threw up her hands. "Go see if your father's done. Once everyone's in the living room, we'll open presents."

It was sort of unanimously decided Diana would be the one to open the first present. She had just barely sat down on the loveseat in the living room before the polar bear bag was placed directly in her lap.

Akko was, naturally hovering over her, excited to see her open her present. As opposed to getting tissue paper everywhere, Diana simply reached through and pulled out the contents.

A frankly enormous hoodie, a very dark blue zip-up made of fleece. She looked up at Akko, who just smiled. "I wanted to get you something really cozy to wear, since you didn't give me any ideas." She crossed her arms. "Do you remember what you said to me when I asked what you wanted for Christmas? Pens."

Yō sounded like he trying to stifle a laugh.

Diana tilted her head. "What? I didn't say that."

"Yes you did." Akko told her. "I asked weeks ago, and you said, Oh I don't want anything at the moment Akko. I suppose I could use some more pens. Mine are running out of ink."

"…My voice doesn't like that."

Yō didn't bother to stifle his laugh anymore.

"Anyway you gotta try it on!" Akko bounced on her heels. "This is like, the softest sweater I ever felt. I really think you'll like it!"

And it's not like Diana was going to say no. Putting the hoodie on for the first time was an experience. It practically qualified as a dress on her. She had to roll up the sleeves just to get her hands out. Akko must've been shopping in the men's aisle.

But she wasn't kidding when she said it was soft. Diana wasn't normally one for excessively soft things. Really, she could get by in just a light jacket if she needed to. But this was…extremely comfortable. It was like wearing a fuzzy blanket. The way the hood bunched up around her neck felt amazing. But as the hoodie moved around, something hard hit her in the lower torso.

She reached into the pocket and pulled out a box of pens.

Akko looked adorably proud of herself. Diana didn't particularly care if her parents saw her kiss their daughter on the cheek.

At least, not until Yō cleared his throat. He handed her a small box. "This next one's for you too, Diana."

Diana blinked at the box, covered in Santa themed wrapping paper. The Kagaris had gotten her a present? Megumi looked a little unsure of herself. "I hope you understand, we didn't know what you liked when we got these-"

"Megumi…" Yō sighed.

"What, I'm just explaining. It's sort of like a care package, and-"

"Megumi, let her open it before you spoil it for her."

Diana tore away the packaging. It was a small travel bag, which Megumi had taken the liberty of filling with little prizes. A few locally grown foods, a miniature journal, some lotion that smelt like cherry blossoms, a ludicrous amount of candy and sweets. And, of all things, some scented candles.

She couldn't help but grin.

"These are wonderful. Thank you." Diana chewed on the inside of her cheek. "Though…I didn't bring anything for you. I apologize."

Megumi set a hand on her shoulder. "Nonsense. The only gift I need is having you over for-"

Yō rolled his eyes. "Oh, lord…"

Megumi turned on her husband. "What?! What's wrong with saying that, Yō?!"

"You're gonna rot the girl's teeth out. You sound like that silly Christmas special we watched last night."

"I liked that special! It was sweet!" She turned on daughter. "Akko, you better not be laughing at father."

Akko made a genuine effort to stop her giggles. "I wasn't! I swear!"

Akko herself was next to open presents, and focused on opening the ones from her parents first. A few games and little things she had mentioned in passing. Akko had been delighted, showering her parents with hugs and thanks.

Megumi got a book and some old records from her husband, and Yō got a croquet mallet from his wife. Majo received a gift too. The cat took one look at the mouse toy set in front of her, before going back to sleep.

It was sweet, how close they all seemed. And how quick they were to offer that closeness to Diana. She always figured the people who raised Akko would have to be nice people, but it still struck her how unconditionally they welcomed her into their homes and lives. Not because they expected something from her, but just because they wanted her there. It was odd, being treated so…normally.

Which was a concerning thought to have, but there it was.

Finally Diana handed off the very final present for tonight. The one she had made for Akko. She was clearly excited as Diana put it in her hands, which suddenly made her second-guess all the effort she put into the thing.

"It's more of a…memento than anything…" Diana said. "I…well, here. I hope you like it."

She forced herself to exhale as Akko tore away the packaging. And when Akko finally opened the box and pulled out her gift, her excited smile was slowly replaced with a gentle gasp and a distressingly unreadable expression.

It was a small, custom-made snow globe. Instead of white 'snow', the little particles inside were a light green, as close to the luminescent shade of magical energy as she could get. The same shade of the plastic tree branches decorating the inside. And on the base, the words, 'Believe in Your Believing Heart' were engraved. Now seeing Akko look at it, it felt like a bit too much.

But Akko's eyes were transfixed on the globe's centerpiece. Two tiny, faceless figures, both in white witch uniforms, standing atop of a winged broom. One held a staff in its hand. They were hand-painted, which was difficult considering they were about the height of a fingernail. Diana had sat there for almost an entire day with paint, and plenty of paint thinner, trying to get the colors exactly right.

Slowly, very slowly, Akko lowered the globe and looked up. "Diana…did you…did you actually make this?"

Diana tried not to fidget. "Not entirely on my own, actually. Made a few calls here and there to figure everything out. It took me several weeks to plan out the design and get everything. I…I even had Constanze weld some of the pieces."

"You actually made this…" Akko said quietly. "For me."

"It…the moment felt important, and I…wanted to do something." Diana cleared her throat. "Do you…like it…?"

Akko stared at her a long moment, before very carefully setting the snow globe down on the carpet. And she pushed herself to her feet. Diana was pleasantly surprised to find herself being pulled into a tight embrace.

"Thank you." Akko mumbled into her ear. "I mean it. Thank you so much."

Diana felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she squeezed her back. "…O-of course. Merry Christmas, Akko."

"I'm serious. I don't even know what to say." Akko nuzzled into her shoulder. "…this sweater is really soft."

Diana couldn't help but giggle. She never knew what to expect with this girl. And in a lifetime of expectations being set out in front of her, somehow that was the most welcome change in her life. And she found she no longer cared much at all about how ridiculous she looked in front of the family.

A deep chuckled cut through the room. "You know, Megumi, with what she said at the door I figured it'd be a wedding ring."

"Yō! Let them have their moment!"

Well, maybe she cared a little.

…When did she pull her hood over her face?

Yō tossed all the loose wrapping paper into a garbage bag, speaking to Diana as he did so. "…So I can't learn magic, can I?"

From next to Diana on the couch, Megumi snorted. "Yō, what would you even do with magic?"

"Never shovel again, that's what."

Diana tapped her chin. "Wizards are rather uncommon. I'm not certain why." She said. "And…after a certain…age, learning magic becomes much more difficult. So…most likely not."

"Ah, darn it." Yō deflated. "Well, I can still make Akko shovel, can't I?"

"In so much as you can make Akko do anything, yes."

Yō let out a loud, belly laugh. "You know, we oughta keep you." He pulled her into another one-armed hug. Diana, in all honesty, did not squeak this time.

Megumi was inspecting the snow globe in Akko's hands. Evidentially, Akko was not letting it go. "As your mother, I do not approve of my little girl flying after weapons of mass destruction." She said, in no uncertain terms. "But I do have to admit, this part of it was sweet. It was certainly wonderful to see you two working together like that."

"Yeah, I liked that part too." Akko agreed. "Now I just gotta figure out the safest way to get this to school when I go back."

"It's magically enchanted glass." Diana said. "It can survive a fall or two."

Akko giggled. "You thought of everything with this, didn't you?"

"I just wanted to make sure."

"You're amazing." Akko turned to her mother with a smug grin. "I told you she was amazing."

Megumi began to make her way to the kitchen. "I'm going to start boiling some water. It's getting late, but you absolutely can't leave without having some hot chocolate. You like hot chocolate, don't you, Diana?"

An unbidden memory crept up on Diana, and she stood and walked towards the window. It was lightly snowing outside, but she was more surprised to see how dark it was. It hadn't been nearly that black out when she first arrived. "Is it really that late?"

Yō chuckled. "It's getting there. I'm sure you can't wait to get us outta your hair, eh?"

"What? No, I…I had a wonderful time. I don't-"

"Teasing you again, kiddo."

"I…it's just that there's one thing I'd like to do, before we go." Diana shifted on her feet. "You don't happen to have a fire pit, do you?"

Yō thought for a moment. "I think I got an old metal one in the basement somewhere. Haven't really used it in years. Why?"

"I…have an odd request."

Fortunately, it wasn't terrifically cold outside, even considering it was night out. She hadn't bothered to put on her winter coat, instead just zipping up her new hoodie.

Yō and Akko had dragged the rusted fire pit to the middle of the backyard, and filled it with a few logs. In an effort to save everyone some trouble, Diana lit the fire herself with a quick spell. Yō had been particularly impressed with that part.

Diana sunk a little lower into the folding chair set out in the snow, silently watching as Yō poked at the fire from the other side of the pit. And eventually, Megumi joined them outside, somehow managing to carry four cups of hot chocolate in her hand. She was rather excited as she settled down into her own chairs. "Ooh, this is like camping. How old was Akko when we last went camping? Must've been nine, right?"

"Oh, I can't remember." Yō shrugged. "A lot's happened since then, I'll tell ya that."

Akko studied Diana's face a moment, clearly able to sense her mood. Knowing Akko, she probably even had more of a name for this specific wistfulness than Diana did.

"So what is this, Diana?" Akko asked gently. "Some sorta tradition for you?"

"Something like that." Diana took a slow sip of her hot chocolate, savoring the sweet taste in her mouth. She closed her eyes, and listened to the fire crackle. It took her a moment to find the proper words.

"…We have a stone fire pit, built by the lake that's behind the mansion. One of the few Christmases I remember having with my mother, we had just finished our annual holiday dinner and sent the guests home. When everyone was gone, she took me and family dogs out there with some of what she called her special hot chocolate."

She paused, digging her boot into the snow. The other three waited silently for her to continue. "We sat out by the fire, and just watched the snow fall on the lake. I can't even remember how long we did. She always had an affinity for the outdoors. I still go out there by myself, almost every year."

"Keeps her there in spirit?" Yō asked.

"Yes." Diana smiled, somewhat wistfully. "Though Anna and I have never been able to find her hot chocolate recipe."

Megumi offered a sympathetic smile to Diana. "I wish I could help you find that recipe, but I'm terrible with sweets. This stuff you're drinking is just out of a package."

"No. This hot chocolate is great." Diana paused, taking another long sip. "…you know, every year I did this since she passed…I don't think it ever felt like this."

"Good feeling?" Yō asked.

"Good feeling." Diana nodded.

Megumi and Yō didn't say too much after that, but the look they sent each other's way spoke volumes. Diana felt her smile grow. Especially as Akko scooted her chair closer, so she wouldn't have to reach as far to hold Diana's hand.

"…You do like that sweater, right? Because I mean, after your thing to me, it sorta feels dorky…"

A small laugh escaped Diana's throat. "I guarantee I'm going to fall asleep in this before the year ends, Akko."

"There's not much of the year left, you know. And it's not like you wear super soft like this all that much."

"Clearly, I've been missing out. It's lovely."

Akko seemed sufficiently pleased. "So I guess I do make good choices sometimes!"

Diana squeezed her hand back, and with her other hand, pulled the hood closer to her neck. "I suppose when you're right, you're right."

"…What about with cats?"

"Hm."

"That's not an answer."

"I love you?"

"That's not an answer either." Akko shook her head. "…Love you too, Diana."

Silence settled over the four of them, as they sat and watched the fire crackle. They all had cups of hot chocolate to finish, after all. At the moment, nothing much else needed to be said. It was remarkable, how much nicer this was than doing it at the fire pit back at her own house. It was a shame she'd eventually have to end the moment.

But at least she knew the family now. Perhaps it might be nice to one day return the favor, and invite all three of them over to the Cavendish manor. Preferably sometime before next Christmas. Hopefully they would like it. The manor wasn't nearly as warm as this little house in Japan, but she suspected they would bring their own warmth with them. The place could use some livening up.

Though now that she thought about it, she wondered how Anna might react to having to deal with two extra Kagaris.

…

Anna might just have to suck it up and get used to it.

A.N. I'm just saying, the Kagaris walk in, Anna's walking out, then and there. One Akko is enough for her, thank you very much. Here's my resignation, Lady Diana, enjoy your holidays!

I'd say it's nice writing shorter stuff, but my shorter stuff still ends up too long. Thanks so much for all the lovely comments last chapter! I swear, some of you people might genuinely make me cry. I'm a sensitive soul, you know. I'm glad you guys liked it! Hope this is a satisfying enough conclusion.