(A/N: hey guys. I'll credit who inspired my choice at the start of the next chapter, so see if you can guess whose art I'm referring to. Thanks for reading, and enjoy!)

Lincoln stood there, silent and awestruck. Stood in front of him, Ronnie Anne was equally silent, blushing furiously as she tried to figure out what Lincoln was thinking. Rather than her typical attire, Ronnie Anne was wearing a red sweater, with a green stripe in the middle and darker green stripes above and below it, a green knee-high three-tiered skirt with each tier being white and red and the bottom, and green and white diagonally striped socks inside red slip-on dress shoes. What was most striking to Lincoln was her hair which, while usually in a ponytail, was falling down past her shoulders, waving with a couple of strands passing in front of each ear, perfectly framing her face, and a fully bloomed red flower, nestled above her left ear. He might have even noticed the light amount of makeup she was wearing, had it not been for the fact his brain all but shut down at the sight of her like this.

After a good moment, she had had enough of the silence, and turned around. "I knew it. I told Carlota that you'd think I look stupid, but she just wouldn't let me wear my normal clothes. All I wanted was to see you and hang out with you, maybe go to the arcade, without it being weird, but-"

"Ronnie Anne?" He finally spoke up. She turned around slowly, causing her hair to sway a little at the back. When they were finally face to face, she could see the timid smile on his red face as he rubbed the back of his arm. "I think you look amazing."

Her heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words, causing the corners of her lips to shyly curve upwards just a smidge. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yeah, you look… absolutely incredible."

"… thanks, Lame-O." They both had a chuckle over the familiar nickname, their faces red from blushing. "So, is everyone else in the living room?"

"Yeah. I think the twins are helping to decorate the tree."

"Better go and make sure they aren't causing trouble. You remember what happened between them at Thanksgiving."

"You're right about that. Come on."

So, the two of them went into the living room, where things were thankfully peaceful. No one was getting into a fight, no one was arguing. It really carried the holiday spirit.

Lori turned and saw Ronnie Anne, a big smile coming on her face. "Ronnie Anne!" She called out, alerting the others as she approached the Santiago girl. "There you are!"

"Sorry about that, Lor-eeh!" She felt herself pulled into a surprisingly powerful hug by the eldest Loud sister. Looking to Lincoln, he simply shrugged, so she patted Lori on the back. "Good to… see you… too…"

Lori released the hug, allowing Ronnie Anne to breathe normally again. Looking the girl up and down, the blonde smirked. "Now, why would you go and hide in your room when you look so beautiful like that?! I'm sure Lincoln absolutely 'loves' it!"

Both fifth-graders blushed, with Lincoln pulling at his collar. "Y-Yeah, she looks… very pretty."

Despite hearing him say it more descriptively before, this still caused Ronnie Anne's heart to skip a beat. "Yeah… well, I was just… freshening up."

"Sure you were. Now come on, the others are literally dying to see you."

"I hope not literally," she whispered to Lincoln, who simply laughed as the three of them rejoined everyone. For the next few minutes, everyone conversed amongst each other, catching up on their lives and talking about what they were hoping they would get for Christmas, until they heard the tapping of metal against glass. Turning to see who it was, they saw Rosa stood in the kitchen, tapping a spoon against a glass.

"Thank you," she said once she felt certain she had everyone's attention, "now. First of all, I would like to welcome the Loud family to our home. We are happy to have you hear, and look forward to celebrating Christmas together, especially now that Maria and her children are living with us." Everyone voiced their approval to her sentiments immediately. "Now, lunch will be ready in just a moment, so before I serve that, I would like to talk about what we have planned for today. On Christmas Eve, we typically go to a carol service at 7PM, which is right after dinner, and we hope you will join us."

"Well, that sounds like a great idea, doesn't it, kids?" Rita spoke, with the rest of the Louds either being quietly accepting or eager at the idea.

"Muy bueno! Now, after that, we always watch a Christmas movie on TV, but if any of you wish to go to bed early, we understand. As for the rest of the day, you are free to do what you like, but if you go out of the building, stay close by, be sure to be back by five at the latest, or call us in case you'll be late, and PLEASE make sure you are with someone who knows the city or at least have a map. I would hate it for someone to get lost on Christmas Eve."

"You all hear her, right, kids?" Lynn asked, his voice firm.

"Yes, dad," they responded.

"That's good."

"Thank you. Now, with that said, lunch is ready!"

About half an hour later, everyone was firmly full after one of Rosa's typically filling meals, with some of them on the verge of a food coma.

"Ugh," Lincoln groaned due to the displeasure, "how does she make so much?"

"You get used to it," Ronnie Anne said, though she would be lying if she didn't feel some discomfort. "Though, she does go overboard for special occasions."

Lincoln's eyes widened. "Wait, this is overboard?!"

She laughed at her friend's surprise. "Yeah." She looked up at the clock, which showed it was twenty-five past twelve. "Okay, so I said we'd meet up with the guys at the skate park at one. Is that cool with you?"

"Sure, just… give me a few minutes to let my stomach settle."

Rolling her eyes, she got up from the table. "I'm gonna grab my coat."

Whilst Ronnie Anne headed back to her bedroom, Rosa approached the white-haired boy. "Would you care for anymore, Lincoln?" She offered.

"No, thank you, Mrs Casagrande," he politely declined. "I'm absolutely stuffed."

"That is good to hear- that is the secret to growing big and strong. Plus, it's always a pleasure to hear you enjoy my cooking."

"Of course, you're a great cook."

"Not as good as your old man, though, right, Lincoln?" Lynn Sr asked.

Lincoln's initial response was to agree, but he didn't want to upset Rosa, so he quietly said, "Uh… it's a tie?" Everyone had a good laugh at the boy's answer, causing him to blush. "Anywho, I better get ready to head out."

"Going with Ronnie Anne?" Lori teased, followed by some squeals and kissy noises from his other sisters, Carlota and Carl, causing him to groan.

"Yeah, we're going to hang out with some of her friends."

Lori rolled her eyes. "Alright, have fun."

"Ooh, wait up!" Lynn Jr called, getting up from the table. "Man, I'm gonna need some good cardio to work off THAT meal."

"How come you're coming with us?" Lincoln asked.

"I need to find somewhere to do some sports stuff, then I'll leave you with your girlfriend."

He growled. "She's not my-"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." She turned around when Ronnie Anne approached, donning a purple winter coat over her current attire. "Let's get going!"

As Lynn led the way, Ronnie Anne looked at Lincoln, who simply shrugged at her. She shrugged back, before turning to everyone still at the table. "We're heading out!"

Everyone said their goodbyes as the two fifth-graders followed after the athlete, shutting behind them. Leni quickly turned to Carlota. "Don't they just look TOTES adorable together?"

Carlota grinned. "Exactly! I told Ronnie Anne that he would LOVE that outfit on her, but she wouldn't believe me!"

"Well, I think it's, like, SO cute! Did you make it for her?"

"Actually, I bought it. I love fashion, but I'm no good at making clothes myself."

Leni's eyes seemed to light up. "Maybe we can make something together!"

"That would be GREAT! Though, I don't know if I have any material."

"Not a problem! If needs be, I can show you how to use old clothes to make new items!"

Both girls squealed excitedly as Carlota led Leni towards her room. Lynn Sr. watched on amusedly as the two families got along. "To think a month ago, we were throwing food at each other," he muttered to Rita.

"Yeah, it is amazing," she replied. "So, I take it you'll be working with Rosa to prepare food for tomorrow?"

"Yep, as soon as I've got our luggage out of the van. What about you? What'll you be doing?"

"I think I'll take the time to get to know Maria a bit better. After all, we've only met her a couple of times in person, and there won't be many better chances."

"Sounds like a good idea." He stretched as he stood up from the table. "Well, I think I'll head to Vanzilla and get our things.."

"Alright, honey." While he walked away, Rita turned to the nurse. "So, Maria, I was thinking we could get to know each other a bit better."

"That sounds lovely," Maria responded, "though I did agree to go with Frida so we could walk Carlitos around."

"Well, that sounds great! Actually, I could probably do with taking Lily for a walk while we're here." She turned to Frida. "You don't mind me and Lily joining you three, do you?"

"Nonsense, I think it's a great idea!" The artist responded, more than happily. "It'll be a great time!"

The three women all laughed a bit as they continued to talk amongst each other. While they did this, Lana and Lola were sat there, resting off the large meal before Lana felt a prodding at her feet. Curious, she looked under the table and saw a large, yellow dog, prodding her foot with her nose. Smiling, she reached under and petted the large dog.

"Hey there, buddy," Lola greeted, receiving a happy bark in response. She looked up from the dog. "Hey, who's the cool dog under the table?"

Hector heard this and looked under the table. "Lalo, get out from under there!" He ordered. The large dog whimpered a bit as he did what he was told, pushing his way past Lana's chair once she got up.

"Don't worry, boy, it's okay," Lana told him as she returned to petting his fur. His tail wagged happily, causing her to giggle. "You're a happy little guy, huh? Although, I guess you're not that little, huh?"

"He sure isn't. We've had that dog almost as long as CJ's been alive."

"Yep. I picked him out myself," CJ commented proudly.

"How well trained is he?"

"Watch this- Lalo, lie down!" Lana watched as the Mastiff followed the thirteen-year-old's command. "Roll over!" Once again, the large dog obeyed his owner's command. "Good boy!"

"Wow, he really IS well-trained!"

"CJ, don't forget to take Lalo out for a walk!" Carlos asked, getting up and walking away from the table while nose-deep in his book.

"Okay, dad!"

Lana's eyes widened and glistened hopefully as she leaned forward into the table. "OOH! OOH! CAN I COME TOO?"

"Sure! That sounds like fun!"

Lana squealed happily. "Thanks, CJ!" She turned to her twin, who had been silently observing the whole time. "Hey, Lola, you wanna come too?"

Lola simply scoffed, before responding, "no, thank you!"

Lana shrugged. "Suit yourself."

Whilst Lana followed CJ and Lalo, Lola noticed Carl was rolling his eyes at her. She glared at him. "What are you rolling your eyes at?"

"Uh, you?" He bluntly responded, before cupping his hands together. "Ooh, look at me! I'm a little princess who can't get her hands dirty!"

Lola scoffed again. "Don't you remember that I'm the one who kicked your butt at Thanksgiving?"

"Hey, I let you kick my butt! Lord knows Lori would hate it if I beat up a girl!"

Lola's eyes turned fiery. "I'd like to see you try!"

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah!"

Before they could go any further with their confrontation, Frida spoke up. "It's good to see you getting along!" She told them. "Carl, why don't you show Lola around the neighbourhood?"

His eyes went wide. "What?! But, Mami! What if my friends see me with her, it'll be so embarrassing!"

"Oh, please," Lola argued. "If anything, your friends will be jealous to see you walking next to me."

She gave a little hair flick for emphasis, though Carl was not impressed. "There is no way-"

"Carlino Casagrande," Frida warned, her tone firm and serious, "I will not ask you again. Do you hear me?"

Groaning, he conceded. "Fine," he replied, getting up from his chair. "Let's go."

Lola smugly grinned as she too got up from the table, following after the sulking six-year-old Casagrande. Looking back from them, Luna smirked at Luan. "How long before they start fighting each other?" She asked.

"I'll be surprised if they don't start the second they get outside," Luan wagered. "After all,

Lola's always got to be 'fight'."

Luna rolled her eyes at the pun, ignoring the boisterous laughter. "Yeah, she may be Lola, but she's no showgirl." They both shared a laugh at this. "So, sis, Chunk told me he's actually got two gigs, and invited me to see him perform at a café. It's not far, just a quick ten-minute walk from here. Wanna come check him out?"

"Sounds great! Let's rock and roll!"

"Can I join you?" They both jumped, turning to see Lucy, who sat with an unamused expression (even though it looked the same as her usual expression). "Sigh. I've been sat here the whole time."

Luna chuckled nervously, scratching behind her head. "Sorry, dudette. But, yeah, you can come too. The more the merrier, right?"

"Thanks."

Whilst they continued talking, Bobby and Lori got up and walked into the hallway. Taking a quick peek back at their family members, they smiled to each other. "It's great that they're getting along this time," Bobby pointed out.

"Literally," she replied. "How long do you think it'll last?"

"Hopefully, for the next two days, though I'm sure there'll be an argument here and there."

"Knowing my sisters, most likely. Still, it should be peaceful enough for us to not have to worry about breaking up any fights."

"Good thing as well," he took her by surprise when he slipped his fingers in between hers, gently squeezing her hand, "because I was thinking I take you on a date. We haven't been on one in a while, and I want to show you somewhere that's pretty special to me here."

"Really?" He nodded, causing her to fawn over him. "Oh, Boo Boo Bear… that sounds so romantic, I love it."

"Anything for you, babe." He leaned in and pecked her lightly on the cheek. "I'll go grab my coat and we'll leave, okay?"

"Okay." As her boyfriend walked away, she sighed happily. 'To think, we were once worried being apart would make things worse for us… it's only made the moments where we're together all the more special.'