That moment when you should've finished this story last year on Christmas day and it doesn't happen lol I was going to update My Delicate Darling, but I figured this one needed some closure before the year, or rather the month, progressed further. As for all my stories, I'll get around to editing this one day xD Though it is nice, to have your first completed story of the new year ^.^ And I have so many more to come! Hope you enjoy this final chapter!

James Birdsong: Thanks!

Vchanny: Yep xD Also I had a great one (it was quite a relaxing day for me actually)! And I hope the new year is going great for you ^.^

Guest: I just needed some inspiration to write the next chapter, that's all ;)

And the Ivory Bells Ring

Pairing: None

25/ Merry Christmas, End

Usagi figured that day two of the party would go smoothly. And why was she hoping it would? The Christmas Eve party started out pleasantly, at least for the first two hours. Her and Minako had their fun, but it was put to a stop when the expected happened: a few fights. The whole thing between Esmeralda and Diamond ignited the tension that was barely there and it escalated downhill from there. After those two's argument, and break up, another argument, which almost became physically, ensued between Rubeus, Mimete, and Calaveras. Fortunately, Kunzite dragged the drunk and furious man outside and Eudial took Mimete to another room to speak with her privately. As for Calaveras, she looked so lost and bitter.

Usagi couldn't blame her. However, what surprised her was the very fact that Rei, of all people, went to check on her. To Usagi, she saw that as progress after all these years. Making sure the house was straightened out, her mind drifted to the confrontation between her husband and Diamond. The moment Esmeralda left, he came searching for her, and in his drunk nonsense, tried to pressure her. Usagi wanted to understand everyone and give equal kindness and benefit of a doubt. But…she was so glad when Mamoru found her. Sapphire tried apologizing, but she brushed it off. Could he not understand that she was a married woman? Maybe…Diamond was truly a lost cause.

"Today, Minako limited the guest list to only family and close friends," Usagi muttered. "And those who hadn't accepted the invitation."

Usagi figured people like Yaten and his friends wouldn't come, they lived a glamourous life as idols, and possibly attended a high-class holiday gala, "After this, I'm going to sleep the next two days away," Mamoru commented from his recliner as he lifted his arm and checked the time on his watch. "The guests should be arriving soon."

Usagi offered him a weary, but kind smile, "Next time, Minako needs to choose a venue for this. They come here and the house is a mess. Luckily, today is only gift opening."

Chibiusa nodded, "So…how many gifts did I get?" The pink-haired child wandered over to the Christmas tree where there were dozens of gifts—though Usagi knew this wasn't all of them. Some of them were in another room since they couldn't fit under the tree or there wasn't any room for them.

A cheerful giggle lift a clapping Kousagi's mouth, "Well…you're becoming a big girl now. You probably won't have many," Usagi joked with a playful wink. Kousagi, sitting on her father's lap, turned to him and continuing on her happy, giggling spree started playing with his cheeks.

Chibiusa pouted, "I'm guessing half of these are Ko-chan's," then she went to inspect her stocking hanging above the fireplace.

"How about you wait?" Mamoru said while tickling his daughter. Excited giggles brought back the holiday spirit that Usagi missed. Groaning in pure boredom, Chibiusa backed way and sat back down. The second she pulled out her phone Usagi heard a few car doors slam outside and without having to guess, went to the door, and opened it. Outside she saw Jadeite, Nephrite, and Kunzite carrying gifts to the door, Zoisite and Ami pulling to the curb, and Minako, Rei, and Makoto waving with bright smiles on their faces. Usagi held the door open to let the men in.

"I'm surprised you managed to clean everything so nicely," Rei snorted, she walked over to Mamoru and held her arms out. Kousagi let more giggles out and kept saying "Rere" repeatedly. Picking the bubbly child up, Rei sat beside Chibiusa.

Minako shrugged, "Before Kunzite and I left, I helped clean as much as I could."

Zoisite closed the front door, "The words 'Minako' and 'cleaning' shouldn't be in the same sentence," a small grin met the "offended" eyes of said blonde. Rei snickered and Usagi couldn't agree anymore with him. Minako could be quite…a klutz.

"Hmph," was the only answer Minako provided. Kunzite sunk into the sofa staring at his phone. For a second, he saw a nervous glimmer in his eyes. The same look also appeared in Minako's eyes; however, Usagi knew the reason for it. It was nice to know she wasn't the only mother out of the group.

"Who else is coming?" Makoto decided to ask.

"I invited Lady who will probably bring Sapphire with her, and I did get in touch with Yaten, Seiya, and Taiki, they say they would drop by," Minako said. "Um…who else…I don't think I invited anyone else. Unless someone decides to come."

Another car door opened outside, "Looks like Lady and Sapphire…wait," Nephrite said since he was by the window and peeking out it. "Did you invite Esmeralda?"

"I don't think so…" Minako frowned, but only for a moment. "I don't have a problem with her being here."

Neither did Usagi, "I wonder if she's okay," Ami watched Chibiusa go to the front door and opened it. Lady, Sapphire, and Esmeralda stepped inside each with some gifts in their hands. Esmeralda had a content and sorrowful shine in her eyes.

"You can put them down right there," Usagi pointed to the other bare side. "So, should we start? There's no point in waiting around."

Minako grinned, "Sure! I'll go first," Minako chirped. She stood up and grabbed a small, white box with a rose-colored bow on it. "This is for Kunzite."

Usagi took back the idea that Minako was nervous, she seemed a little too excited. Kunzite opened the box and his reaction was calm. He pulled out the white booties and a little note, "Hi, Papa!" Makoto and she cooed at how adorable it was. Usagi wished she would've thought about that. If, and that was a strong if, she was ever to have another child, she would do that next time. However, what did surprise Usagi and most of the females in the room, was the fact he proposed to her afterwards.

"Looks like someone is going to be a pregnant bride," Makoto muttered to her. Usagi was one before. Married Mamoru when she was five months along. Minako did make a remark that she wanted to be one as well and here was her chance. Anyways, her dear blonde friend was in tears to sum the entire thing up. The rest of the time was spent with laughter at her youngest daughter trying to open the dozen gifts she had and happy smiles. Even Esmeralda cracked one. Usagi hoped the woman would be fine and yet, she was also happy that Esmeralda wouldn't be in an unrequited relationship.

Hopefully, said woman would find some piece of happiness and love in the coming months.

And hopefully, for all of them, those soft, ivory bells falling from the heavens would ring in another pleasant and happy new year.

Ah, I tied the title in quite well if I do say so myself cx I wanted a whole moment between Minako and Kunzite (as I did for Zoisite and Ami), but I figured it was better off this way. I intially was going to do this chapter in Minako's point of view. However, it didn't feel right so I went with Usagi instead ^.^ Thank you guys so much for reading this story! And I hope you are having a great new year as well :D