"Alright, your peppermint mocha will be out shortly, and I'll get your gingerbread cookies right away."

The winter season is in full season, and Planeptune is no exception, and Lapin House is definitely enjoying the festivities as well. The cafe has wreaths all along the windows, and chains of snowflakes, snowmen, and other wintery images are hung from the ceiling. Outside, a windchime of peppermint canes is hanging, glittering when the clouds part and the winter sun shines on them.

I work on the peppermint mocha, yet another seasonal item, as Lapin House's newest, well, and I guess at the moment, only, assistant bags up two gingerbread cookies and hands them over to the customer. I finish up with the mocha as soon as I can and slide it over the counter with a smile.

"Thank you, and please come again." We say in sync.

After they're out of the shop, the two of us breathe a sigh of relief.

"Really, I can't believe you dealt with this alone for years." IF says.

As always, she's wearing black slacks, and these times to keep warm, a black long sleeves button-up, but over top that she's got on a navy blue apron, much like her usual coat. I'm in my usual outfit, with the brown khakis and black button shirt, and a new dark red apron, as the one I lost during my bike chase of IF was damaged beyond repair by the time I got it back.

"I was pretty motivated, you know." I say, leaning up on the counter. "Well, I still am, but yeah, that morning rush will really wake you up."

"I'll bet."

It's been a few months now, that IF and I have been dating. Honestly, the biggest pain out of everything was the headlines, especially with all of the drama that surrounded me, IF, and Lady Noire. It took weeks of us insisting we were all still friends, and about three trips out where we were all spotted together, to get people to finally shut up about this whole love triangle business.

Granted, it's not like they weren't exactly far off the mark, but that was a story they didn't need to know.

Lady Noire has been doing better, too. Sometimes it's a bit awkward whenever it's just us, but we've been able to smooth things out, and I think by the time the year comes to an end, we'll be back to how it was before.

"Elliot?"

"Sorry, was just thinking about things." I say, shaking my head. "It's just hard to believe it's already winter."

"Mhm."

I catch a smile on IF's face as we link hands at the counter. Sometimes I feel a bit bad, because I haven't done anything on a really big scale in a while.

...well, I suppose that's going to change, soon.

The two of us jump away from each other as we hear a "Heeeeello!" from a familiar voice, the door bursting open.

"He-heya, Nep." IF says, running up to the counter. "The usual?"

"Hmmmm, yep! Also, Elly hasn't been working you too hard, has he, Iffy? Your face is all red. Oh wait," Lady Neptune then snickers, clearly having no intention letting IF actually answer. "I interrupted your flirting time, didn't I?"

"We were not flirting!"

"You both even say it in sync, too."

"Agh, shut up, Nep!" IF grumbles as I fetch Lady Neptune's pudding.

"Nufufufufu~"

"When you find a boyfriend, I will remember this." IF says as she swipes Lady Neptune's card.

"So what you're saying is, if I just remain single, I can hold this above you forever."

"Well, that can be fixed if we suggest Compa take you to her holiday mixer which was coming up, right, Elliot?"

"Oh, I'll remember to bring it up to her when we head out for our weekly meetup. That way Nep can't interrupt."

"You two are scary."

I can't help but laugh at this as Lady Neptune starts digging into her pudding, with IF joining in. "Well, Neptune, I think it's because of all of your teachings that I've become like this."

"Gah! Oh, right, you two are still showing up for the holiday party tonight, aren't you?"

"We might be a bit late since I have to close up the shop, and hopefully IF doesn't get caught up in paperwork." I say, with Lady Neptune winking at me as she's in on this, too.

"It's the holidays, there's not exactly a lot to be doing at the Guild, anyways. Plus I got ahead of my paperwork so I wouldn't have to worry about it." IF says with a shrug.

"Oho, still haven't made the full leap to the shop?"

"I can still work at the Guild, so I'm doing what I can." IF says, smiling. "I'm still in charge of protecting this place because of my promise to you, Nep, so I have to keep my skills sharp. Kind of like this guy."

"Oh?" Lady Neptune asks, raising an eyebrow. "What secrets have you two been keeping from me~?"

IF nudges me with her hip, with a knowing grin on her face as I take out my wallet and flip it open, showing off the ID inside.

"A Guild card…? Ooooooh!" Lady Neptune's eyes widen as she puts the pieces together. "Well, you're only at the first rank, but good luck!"

"It's rough since I can only take pretty basic requests with what time I have, but since IF came to work at the shop, I thought I should learn more about her world." I say, putting my wallet away. "I still struggle to fight Dogoos, though."

"Oh, come on. You managed to take on six of them before you got overwhelmed on the seventh." IF says, shaking her head. "You just need to improve your arm's stamina, is all."

"They're honestly a lot tougher to cut through than you'd expect." I say back, getting a chuckle from the two experienced fighters in the group. "But maybe someday I'll get there."

"Well, keep at it!" Lady Neptune says, finishing off her pudding. "Okay! Don't be too late, or I'll make the two of you sing a duet in front of eeeeeeveryone else!"

"We won't be." I say, knowing fully well that Lady Neptune will definitely make good on that threat.

"Uhuhu, I'll count on it, then."

"You've gotten pretty good at handling Nep, huh?" IF asks, after the goddess in question leaves. "Same for the twins."

"Well, I think as the whole mentality about having to treat them like goddesses has really started fading away, it's gotten a lot easier." I say, smiling. "It's helped me understand them better, after all."

"Haha, that's true." IF checks her watch. "Alright, I'm going to go ahead and get to the Guild so I can finish up that last bit of paperwork."

"Got it. Have fun."

IF rolls her eyes. "Like it could be any fun."

With that, she takes off her apron and then hangs it up in the kitchen. I followed her in, going to the fridge, and opening it.

"Ah, before you go."

"Hm? What's up?"

"Made lunch for you."

"Oh, you didn't have to." IF says as I hand her the container. "Really, you shouldn't."

"It's okay, I was preparing lunches over the weekend, too, so you know, I didn't really have to go out of my way. It's some fried chicken, mixed vegetables, and some scrambled eggs, by the way."

"Ooooh, it's been a while since I've had your fried chicken." IF says, taking it. "I'll make sure to pay you back with something later."

"Haha, don't mention it. Anyways, yeah, you should get going. I heard there might be some snow, so you don't want to get caught up in any traffic."

"Yeah, not gonna be fun. Alright, thanks."

With that, I walk IF out of the kitchen, and I intended to walk her out of the shop after she put on her coat, but it seems the twins entered the shop, cheering when they see us.

"I'll leave them to you." IF says, nudging me in the ribs as she smiles, walking out.

"Awww, you aren't even going to hug each other goodbye?"

"Oi." IF says sternly to Lady Ram, who has the biggest smug grin on her face. "First, we're not like your sister."

"I know… you're worse~"

I try not to chuckle, even if it's somewhat true in a sense. The two of us try not to show too much public displays of affection, mostly because we do have customers in the shop, so it'd be kind of off-putting to glance up at the counter and see the two of us acting like that. But, sometimes, in the other direction, when we would think it was just the two of us, sometimes IF and I would somewhat forget about the world around us. Once it got to the point that Lady Vert, who mysteriously entered the room at some point, got up and declared she needed to play "eighty straight hours of BL" to balance it out.

It's not like we were excessively flirtatious or anything like that, such as rubbing our heads together in public or teasing each other constantly. It's more just enjoying each other's company silently, with the occasional locked arms or hands.

Personally, while everyone says it's overt, I can't help but feel like they're just giving us a hard time, but in a friendly sort of way.

I quietly move over and wrap my arms around IF from behind, pulling her a bit close. I can feel her slightly buckle as her knees almost give way.

"H-hey, that's not fair…!"

"Ooooooooh!"

The twins look on with awe, clapping as I let go of IF. She shoves me away, huffing.

"Unfair…!"

I can only smile, with IF rolling her eyes.

"You're seriously unfair, you know? You never seem to get flustered at all!" IF says, putting a hand on her hip. "Agh, geez, I'm heading off to work!"

"See you later."

IF sighs, waving as she leaves the shop. I then turn to the twins who look a little too pleased with themselves as I walk back to them, where I notice Lady Rom is hiding something behind her back.

"Here!"

Lady Rom pulls out what she was hiding behind her back and holds it out to me. It's a fairly simple box of chocolates, but I recognize it as the ones that they usually pick up from the store I recommended them.

"Aww, you two shouldn't have. I only prepared a gift for the gift exchange at the party later." I say, kneeling down and taking the box.

"It's okay, Elliot." Lady Rom says with a big smile on her face. "You've done a lot for us!"

"Yeah! Oh, but don't tell our sis, okay? She doesn't know we did this."

"Hey, that's not fair. You two know I'm a bad liar." I say, getting a laugh from Lady Ram. "But really, thank you. Come on, I'll get you two something. Anything you'd like."

"...even a full cake?"

I can't help but chuckle at this as I stand up and put the chocolates on the counter. "Yes, Ram, even a full cake. How about I give you a slice now, and then I'll bring the full one to the party?"

"Yeeees!"

"Ram!" Lady Rom protests, but her sister only grins mischievously. "Sorry about this, Elliot."

"It's fine, it's fine. It's the holidays, after all, so I don't mind being a little generous." I say, gesturing to the cake displays. "Pick what you like."

"T-then, the chocolate hazelnut crunch cake…" Lady Rom says, looking a bit ashamed to ask.

I only smile as I take a slice and serve it to her, along with preparing a large hot chocolate for her and her sister. "And you, Ram?"

"The banana cream cake!" Lady Ram yells, pumping her fists into the air. As Lady Ram hops up onto the seating at the counter, I get a slice for her as well.

"Though," I say, recalling my plans for the day, "Why don't I give you the cakes now, and you can bring them to the party for me? As payment, I'll get you both another cake."

"Eh? Aren't you coming to the party, though?" Lady Ram asks.

"Ah, well, there's something I have to do beforehand, so it'll be a little easier if you bring the cakes for me."

Lady Ram smiles smugly, probably reading into the situation. I imagine she will be rather terrifying from now on, and likely the cause of more moments with a flustered IF. "Okay, but only if you tell us what you're doing!"

"Ram!" Her sister objects, but I wave it off.

"Well, I won a bet with Neptune, you see, and so there's something I can do only because of that." I say, clapping my hands together. "Of course, you see, I'd like to minimize the chance of it leaking out, so please understand if I can't tell you the specifics. But, it's something for IF."

"I knew it! You really are worse than our sister!"

"Maybe I should tell her you said that."

"Agh, no!"

I can't help but smile as Lady Ram tries to get me not to tell Lady Blanc. "Well, still, that third cake. Let's make it something your sister will enjoy, eh?"

After some deliberation, we end up just going for a red velvet cake for Lady Blanc. With their cake in hand after eating their slices, the twins head out for the Basilicom, leaving just me alone. Ha… it really has been a wild ride, huh?

I look at the wall behind the counter, which is now filled with so many pictures that I've been having to put pictures up on other walls. Pictures of parties with the goddesses and now even their partners, the Makers, and all sorts of other people who have dropped in when the goddesses showed up. Lapin House has become almost a small beacon of sorts, where people can come to meet the goddesses and be casual with them, just like how they wanted.

Of course, they're still very respected and many people are polite with them, but it's the fact that they're able to reach out to every day normal people like me and not be pedastalized as much which is nice.

Eventually, the sun starts to set and I start closing up shop early, which is expected with the holiday season. As I wrap up, I hear a motorcycle coming to a stop outside. Stepping out and locking the door behind me, I find IF taking off her helmet.

"Ready to go?"

"Mhm." I say as IF steps off of the motorcycle. "Are you sure you trust me? We can use my bike, you know."

"Yeah, but your place is closer, so it's easier for when we all go back home, I can drop you off and then head home." IF says as I put on my helmet before mounting onto the driver's seat. "That, and… well, this is nice."

"Hu—" I nearly tense up as I feel IF's arms wrap around my waist, holding onto me. "A-ah, I see."

"...damn, I can't see your embarrassed face right now."

"I'll consider that a present." I say, revving the motorcycle and starting down the road.

Just a little bit more now.

"Hey," IF says, after I deliberately miss the left and instead go for the right-most lane. "We're going the wrong way."

"Just trust me."

"You did something, didn't you?"

"I won't say a thing."

I can feel IF roll her eyes as we go along, passing the holiday decorated streets. It's as if time has stopped for everyone, with smiles and cheers on everyone's faces, forgetting the daily stresses in their lives. Of course, for me, I can't say I'm stress free as I want this to go off without a hitch.

Eventually, we park near the riverbed where I once went biking with Lady Neptune on the back of the bike. An exasperated IF takes my hand as we walk down to the riverbed, where the wind starts to really pick up quite loudly.

Or perhaps I should say, it's the sound of a helicopter descending to float over the riverbed that fills our ears.

"You've got to be kidding me."

I only smile at IF as the door opens, with Lady Neptune's familiar Basilicom staff there, who have also become regulars at the shop as well, though the helicopter isn't theirs, but rather rented out from a tour company. Helping us into the helicopter, they then close the door behind us, with the helicopter's rather impressive design cancelling out the noise.

Of course, normally the windows would have to be large to get a nice tour, but Lady Neptune briefed me on all the properties of this tour helicopter, which utilizes a lot of advanced tech to make it seem like the floors and walls are all transparent, letting you really feel like you're in the sky. It's so advanced that you can't even see the pilots or crew, so it really does feel like it's just us.

I try to shake off the feeling that Lady Neptune installed some hidden cameras here, though.

"What. Did you. Give Nep." IF asks as we sit side by side, watching the beautiful landscape of Planeptune unfold beneath us.

"I won a bet."

IF scowls at this, as I only can smile. Honestly, I didn't want to take the helicopter tour of Planeptune as I felt bad for something made jokingly as a bet about Lady Blanc and her boyfriend during the meteor shower, despite how seriously Lady Neptune insisted, but when the holidays were coming around, I couldn't help but ask Lady Neptune if it was still available.

...I probably shouldn't have trusted the big, toothy smile on her face when I asked. It was a face that spelled trouble.

Of course, there were a few other things I had asked for, too. Granted, I had to work for those, but it was just a matter of producing enough pudding cups and cakes for her. I'd like to say I should be worried that's all she asked for, but it's a little too late now.

"Honestly, you always…"

IF's complaint goes unfinished as she lays her head down against my shoulder, our hands still linked together.

"I don't really feel like apologizing."

IF snorts, elbowing me as best as she can, though it's really light. "Don't. I know you don't feel bad about going all out."

I lean my head over, resting on hers. "Just don't expect this all the time, okay?"

"Hmhmmm~"

"Oh, geez."

"Kidding, kidding." IF says, laughing. "I'd be scared what would happen if I expected you to keep outdoing yourself. But staying at a comfortable level is nice, too."

"Mhm."

"Something about… working in the Guild, right? It's just, the fact you could actually bite it any day, having simple delights just feels great. But I do enjoy it when you do something like this. Just… don't crush yourself doing it, okay? If I find out you did something stupid like biking up that stupid hill—"

"I'm never going to live that one down, huh?"

"I still have no idea what possessed you to do something so insane."

"Well, for one, you."

"Mghghmm…" IF grumbles, trying to sound angry.

"But don't worry, I won't do something like that again. I promise."

"Pinky promise, like you do with Rom and Ra—heh, I can feel your cheeks heating up."

"You asked for a pinky promise on purpose, didn't you?" I ask, using my chin to likely poke her on the head.

"Maaaybe I did."

I roll my eyes as IF laughs again. "Well, they seem to enjoy it, so there's no reason to stop. When they get older, they'll probably stop liking it so much."

"Haha, maybe. But it's fine for now, right?"

"Mhm."

The two of us just fall silent after that, watching the holiday landscape beneath us. It's just… wonderful. The white snow layer on top of it just adds to the experience.

Though, I am glad that winter makes it become dark out rather quickly. After all, there's something I had planned.

"Elliot?"

IF pulls her head up just after I do, looking up at me, wondering if something is wrong. I can't help but smile a little bit, attracting her attention and holding it. Fortunately I was able to keep a good track of time, but a quick glance at my watch let me know I was right on time.

"I just wanted to give my holiday gift to you, is all."

Before IF can say a word, they go off.

Fireworks, all around us, with the two of us in the air around them. Obviously at a safe enough distance from the helicopter, but enough to feel like you're right in the middle of them.

IF gives me a look of "I can't believe you", but I only smile back. I feel just a bit satisfied as the confusion and surprise is all over her face, but it quickly turns into a softer expression as the fireworks continue to go off, the mess of blues, just like the coat she wears, flicker around us.

I raise an eyebrow as she puts a hand to her chin, as if thinking about something, but IF only smiles back.

"Hey, Elliot."

"Yeah, IF?"

"I actually brought my present with me." IF says, a bit of red on her cheeks. "Could you close your eyes so I can bring it out?"

"Huh? Oh, sure."

Fully trusting in IF, I close my eyes. I can hear some clothing shifting, and I feel like someone is really close to me.

"O… okay, you can open them." IF's voice says, a lot closer than I thought she would be.

As soon as I open my eyes, a pair of arms are already about to wrap themselves around my head, pulling me in close. There's not even a moment for me to question what's happening before…

...ah…

...her lips are a dream.

Surrounded by the fireworks echoing around us, it's a miracle I can hear my noisy heartbeat at all, as we remained locked like that for what I want to say is a solid minute.

"...hah!"

The two of us sharply inhale, breaking away as we both likely needed to breathe. IF's hands remain on the back of my head as she looks at me, her cheeks very red, all the way to her ears. This is probably the cutest I've ever seen her.

"...I made my choice, you know." IF says, smiling. "After all, you're someone very precious to me."

"...You've been waiting months to say that, haven't you?" I say, remembering the words I told her when I only gave her a light kiss on the forehead, on that summer day.

IF laughs, her arms coming down as she buries her head in my chest. "Well, it's not fair that you always get to throw my words back at me."

"...still though, thank you. I'm glad to have become someone you'd be willing to give your first kiss to."

"Thank you for being that person."

"It's all thanks to you I could become someone like that, though."

"Well, let's just call it fifty-fifty."

"That sounds nice."

The two of us stay in a light embrace for a while, and eventually the helicopter starts descending. Not too far, of course, since we'll be arriving right on top of Neptower, where we're meeting everyone else. As we make the descent, the helicopter's interior returns to its normal state.

Once we touch down, the doors open up, with Lady Vert already waiting there. IF is the first to step out of the helicopter, with me right behind her, though she waits for me to fully get out, our hands interlocking afterwards.

"Awwwwwwww! You two are so adorable."

"S-shut up, Vert." IF grumbles. "Anyw—"

I react almost immediately as IF slips on some black ice, catching her in my arms.

"Are you alright?"

"Thanks."

She's honestly gorgeous, as a light winter breeze tosses her hair around underneath the sun filtering through the cloudy skies. She's got a light blush on, knowing that Lady Vert is watching this play out.

"I've got you." I say, feeling a bit playful.

"Huh? Elli… whoa, hey! No!" IF protests as I shift my grip to put her into a princess carry. "Hey, put me down!"

"I'll get the door." Lady Vert says, a very wide smile on her face.

"You two…!"

IF lightly kicks, trying to struggle out of my grip as I only laugh, carrying her down the stairs, and eventually to the elevator bay, still not letting her out. Though, after we walk into the elevator, IF just sighs and stops resisting, giving me a half-annoyed, half-exasperated look before she looks at Lady Vert.

"You corrupted him, didn't you?"

"My, I did no such thing." Lady Vert says, putting a hand on her cheek, giving off an air of innocence. "I only awakened something that was already there."

"Eh?"

"Okay, let's stop it there." I say, knowing exactly where this is going, but there's no stopping Lady Vert.

"Oh, my, my, you haven't heard all the stories about how Elliot was when he was in high school?"

"Please no." I weakly plead, but it's futile.

"If you're going to keep holding me like this, I need to hear it." IF says smugly, knowing that there is no running in this elevator.

"Oho, let's just say that it means Elliot really has fallen head over heels for you, if he can do something like this without hesitation. If you come up to Leanbox, IF, maybe you, Melanie, and I can share stories."

"I'll book a flight after tonight." IF says, getting a groan from me. "This is your fault, you know, for carrying me like this."

Before I can respond, the elevator arrives at the floor we were heading to, the doors opening. Lady Vert only smiles as we head down the hallway, eventually reaching the large meeting room, where Lady Neptune cheers at seeing us.

"Happy holidays, Neptune." I say, with IF just burying her face in her hands as the goddess in question starts snapping pictures with her phone.

"Ooooh, how did you know I wanted an IF for a gift?" Lady Neptune says as she puts away her phone, skipping over to us. "She's very cute, huh~?"

"That she is."

"Can I pet her?"

"I'll bite your hand, Nep."

"And she even talks, too!"

"Somehow, I regret the two of you becoming friends like this." IF says, though she smiles while saying it, as I let her down, which afterwards I'm immediately shoved. "I'll get back at you, one day, for this."

"I'll be waiting."

IF only sighs, lightly hip checking me as she steps next to me. "So, where's the others? Are they already here?"

"Almost! Blanc's too busy prettying herself up, since she wants to look really nice for her boyfriend, ufufufu. Or maybe she's trying to decide if her outfit is cute enough. Oh, right! We're taking bets on if she kisses him tonight, since they didn't during that meteor shower!"

"—Oho?"

Uh oh.

"Something happened~" Lady Vert says, wrapping her arms around both IF and I, putting her head between ours. IF and I naturally look away from her. "IF flinched a little bit, so spill~"

"Nothing! Nothing happened!"

"You're an even worse liar than Elliot, sometimes. Maybe I'll have to ask him~"

"I would like to remain silent."

"Boooo, you two are no fun. But it's okay, I'll find out one way or another~" Lady Vert says, in a manner that makes me believe she's very willing, and I know she's already very capable, of making good on that promise. "Well, we have just a bit of decorating to finish up before everyone arrives, so why don't you help us with that?"

"Ah, just going to head to the bathroom for a bit."

"Hm? Okay." I say, with IF leaving my side as we stare out the window, where the snow is starting to fall.

Though, a few seconds later…

"Hey."

I turn my head to the left, seeing Lady Noire waving, a small smile on her face. IF must have noticed her, huh?

"Hey." I say back, offering my own smile. "Having fun?"

"Yeah. It seems Vert really liked that skin care set you got for the exchange." Lady Noire says, walking up to stand next to me. "Good call."

"Haha, well, it wasn't too hard to think about it, I guess."

"Incidentally, are we still on for tomorrow night's dungeon run?"

"Mhm. It's going to be an all-nighter, huh?"

"The endgame raids tend to take a few hours, after all. Does IF really not want to join at all, though?"

I shake my head. "I've tried to get her to before, but she still says no. After all, that's our thing, isn't it?"

I think it shows IF's trust, not just in me, but also in Noire, and how confident we all were in being friends with each other, and not overstepping our bounds. IF considered it, however, when she thought about it, she told me that "Four Goddesses Online with Noire is something that let you two be friends, I don't want to get in between that". The offer for her to join us is always open, but so far, IF hasn't taken it.

"Yep." Noire closes her eyes, smiling. "I'm really glad, you know."

"Hm?"

"Even today, you're still keeping your promise. It'd be really easy just for us to stop talking and avoid this weird song and dance we have to do, making sure we don't make things awkward with each other or with you and IF, but even still, you're here."

"I… I guess I've been trained really well in not running away, huh?"

The two of us share a laugh at that as we look back towards the snow falling down. It took a while for us to reach this point again, but I'm glad that I didn't lose Noire. No, rather, it's because IF and I fought to make sure I didn't lose her, and so did a lot of others. Everyone, on that summer night, was there to catch her, and make sure what happened didn't permanently rupture the group.

Really, knowing everyone like this… I'm truly blessed.

"But, thank you for keeping your promise too, Noire. No matter how we stumbled or made mistakes, you worked through it with us, and faced up to it. Like with what you said to me, it might have been easier for you, as well."

"Yeah… I still feel a bit bad, though."

"Is this about Uni?"

Lady Noire sighs, rubbing her temples. "Just once, I'd like for you and IF to visit without her causing a scene."

"Guess some things can't be helped, huh?"

"Well, it's not all bad. We have been able to get a little bit closer because of it. But it'd be nice if everyone could get along." Lady Noire says, shrugging. "One day at a time, though."

"Mhm."

Lady Noire looks over her shoulder and smiles, perhaps a bit mischievously, but I'm not sure how to read it. "Incidentally, I have a question."

"Hm? What is it?"

"When you came back to the shop after that night, you said that there's nothing that could make you happier. Do you still feel that way now?"

I'm a bit caught off-guard by her question, so it takes me a while to formulate a response. What's the mood here…

I shake my head, knowing that I should be honest. There's no need for me to be walking on eggshells around Lady Noire. That's what we've all worked towards.

"On that day, I said there was nothing that could make me happier, but honestly, I was very wrong. The shop has been doing well, everyone who I care for is smiling here and now, and will hopefully keep on smiling, you and I are still friends despite everything life has thrown at us, and… ah, this is a bit embarrassing, but every day, when I think I couldn't be happier, just being around IF and knowing that I can be with her just another day fills me with a distinct warmth. Well, that goes for everyone, as I'm so grateful that you all are still a part of my life, but with—"

Lady Noire giggles, holding a hand to her mouth to cover it as something suddenly embraces me from behind, something pressing up against my back.

"Have fun." Lady Noire says with a smile, giving a wave that would be more fitting of Lady Vert as she leaves. I can only guess who's behind me.

"...you can say some really embarrassing stuff."

"It'd hurt more if you could face me while saying that."

"No thanks."

"...I guess it's good that you can't see my face either." I say, feeling the heat running all over my cheeks as I mentally play back what I just said.

"Crap, I always miss your moments of weakness." IF says, her grip around me weakening before she lets go of me, stepping to my side. "...thanks."

I shake my head. "There's no need to thank me for being honest."

With that, IF takes my head as we look out the window, looking on a white blanketed Planeptune. "...I won't be leaving any time soon."

"...it seems I won't stop being happy any time soon."

"Heeeeey, you two! Quit flirting over there and get over here, we're singing songs!" Lady Neptune yells from the other side of the room. "Do it, or I'm making you sing a duet!"

Sadly, it seems Lady Neptune was intent on making us sing a duet anyways, as her first move was to make IF and I sing together. It ended up about as poorly as you'd think, due to the fact neither of us are particularly good at singing, and Lady Neptune picked the cheesiest love song to make us sing, so neither of us could focus on it.

The party goes pretty smoothly after that, with various guests dropping in every now and then. Perhaps the highlight of the duets though, was Lady Neptune riding on top of Lady Noire's shoulders as the two of them sang together. While Lady Noire protested at first, after the first verse, she really got into it and gave a performance fitting an idol.

At the end of it, Lady Blanc and I are waiting around on one of the balconies of the Basilicom, as IF went to go talk to Lady Neptune about something before we leave, and Lady Blanc's boyfriend, an rather well-built, but very quiet, kind of man had his hands full trying to get the twins to get to the car, and he did say Lady Blanc wanted to talk with me.

"Perhaps we'll have to train your singing, Elliot. I don't mind setting up some lessons with 5pb."

I groan, Lady Blanc chuckling in the background.

"Still, we haven't had a chance to really talk one on one in a while, hm."

"Yeah, that's true. It's been kind of delicate after the whole IF-me-Noire thing started circulating."

"But you don't regret it, do you?"

I shake my head, looking towards her and deeply bowing. "Not at all. And I've never quite said it, but… Lady Blanc, thank you very much. I'm sure you did a lot of work behind the scenes, work I'm not aware of. From sending me to Vert and explaining the situation, to the advice you've given me up until this day, truly, I am very thankful."

"It's fine, Elliot. You've helped out in many ways as well. Raise your head." Lady Blanc smiles, looking down at the bracelet her boyfriend gifted her today. "Today wouldn't have been possible without your determination, so perhaps we will have to call it even."

"Then, I hope this partnership can go on for some time."

"Haha, I hope so as well. After all, there are things I can consult only you about, and likewise, you've slowly started to no longer hesitate to ask me for help when you're cornered." Lady Blanc says, chuckling. "I'm glad for you, Elliot."

"Hm?"

"I've had the privilege of watching you grow, is all. Does a teacher not feel pride at watching their students walk the stage at graduation? It is something similar."

"Ah, true enough. I'm… I guess I'm glad that I've been able to live up to your expectations, then."

Lady Blanc nods. "Then, please continue to walk that path. Also, are you still ready for Rom and Ram to work at your shop next week?"

"Yep! I'm looking forward to it. They're always so energetic when working."

She sighs, "If only I could get them to be that way about their own work in Lowee. But, I suppose that's up to me to figure out."

"I find that cake can be very effective."

Lady Blanc snorts in amusement. "Ah, but it seems your fair lady has arrived."

"Fair lady…?" I turn around, finding IF waving. "Hey, you done talking with Neptune?"

"Yep. It's going to be a bit of a walk though, huh? We have to go to where my motorcycle was parked."

"Oh, yeah, huh." I say, sheepishly smiling. "But… thanks, again, for everything."

Lady Blanc only smiles, seeing IF take my left hand in her right. "Just be sure to invite me for the wedding."

It doesn't take much to feel the atomic level blush on IF, and my own, cheeks as Lady Blanc walks away, clearly amused by our reactions. Sheesh… you'd think I'd grow more accustomed to it.

"W-well, let's go, shall we?" I say, starting to walk back inside.

"Hey."

For some reason, IF doesn't step forward. I turn around, seeing IF standing there in the snow. The light white flakes coming down, the holiday lights glittering off of her eyes, and a breeze that doesn't feel all that cold, make her look like a winter fairy. Add in the city of Planeptune glowing behind her, the city that she and now I protect, and I've made my home, it's enough to make me feel like I could melt all of the ice here, with the warmth in my heart.

"Something wrong?"

"No, it's just…"

IF turns to look back towards the city, as if trying to figure out the words to say. After a few seconds, she turns back around, her hands behind her as she leans forward, a dazzling smile on her face.

"...what do you call it, when you feel that not just today, but every day from now on, is going to be wonderful?"

Chapter EX: Epilogue
And How Was Your Day?

The End

I really wanted to squeeze in a title drop, but I couldn't figure out a way to do it at the end without it coming off as really clunky. The most I could do was use "wonderful", as it's how IF describes her day (if sarcastically) during the first chapter.

Man this chapter just kept going. The original draft ended with them arriving on the helipad, with IF slipping and then giving that last question. Then I wanted everyone to cameo at least for a brief scene, just to tie it all together. Then came me sitting around for a day or two trying to figure out Noire's final resolution. Of course, everyone got the big damn kiss you came here for. It was fun just to revisit everyone just one last time, capping off their stories, and sort of figuring out where everyone stood after the end.

Anyways, it's… weird, finishing this, really. I've got quite a bit of mixed feelings about it, haha. I really, really did love writing this story, honestly. It was some of the most fun I've had in a long time, and knowing that it's best to end it here, yeah, I'm going to miss it. But, the Noire version should go up soon, as it'll be an entirely new story. I don't want to just retread the same ground I did with this story, so of course I ended up writing an entirely separate goddamn plotline why do I do this to myself. I dunno, I just felt it wouldn't do Noire justice.

I mean, I guess it was worse than my other story. I had a poll up for about two years asking if a certain character should get superpowers, knowing fully well that her death in the story had been premeditated by the point I put the poll up. Ever since this story started, it was always with an IF end in mind, so really, Noire was a casualty, and I feel bad, haha. Especially because Noire is one of my favorites, actually (though Nep takes number one in my heart). Expect it to be a lot lighter hearted; I wanted to return to form with the slice of life that this story had at the start, and also because I thought it would be hard to generate the same level of tension/drama as we did here while knowing the end, as when I put chapters up here, it was ambiguous and uncertain if Elliot would end up with either IF or Noire; if I'm writing a clearly Noire-minded story, it just doesn't carry the same 'oomph', you know?

However, it is going to end up still having a bit of an overarching plot like this story. I don't want to give too many details, but it won't just be a collection of slice of life shorts. I did at least want to return to that, if at least a little briefly, just to get the ball rolling. It's going to branch of starting from around Chapter 21, as that was the main splitting point where Elliot internally confirms what his feelings were regarding IF. Also, since it's obvious that it's a Noire ended story, there is an alternative conflict, but again, don't want to say too much. I really did enjoy how people commented that all of the characters act like emotionally matured adults, weighing all of their options and trying to just make the best of them, following a combination of want they want, but also what they feel is right. Even with the lighter hearted segments and the pairing, I did still want to stick to this, as I do enjoy writing characters like this.

Really I think the hardest part is going to be covering Uni, haha. Man she's kind of a tricky character to write. Amusingly this means I'll have two Noire-centric stories in the works, but With Confidence is in a weird spot. It's somewhat slice of lifeish, but has a more… down? I'd say more realisticish tone, but it's mostly because the MC in that one is kind of standoffish, so it makes storytelling a bit weird. Having Elliot was a breath of fresh air in that regard, as writing less aloof characters made it easier to get things started. Ah well. Either way, be on the lookout for "And How Was Your Day ~ Another Side" or whatever I decide to call it!

Also, a friend of mine is trying to convince me to convert this into an actual novel for NaNoWriMo this year, haha. I don't know if I'll do it; I have way too many "I should do this for NaNoWriMo this year" things, like novelizing the tabletop games I was in.

But, as always. Thanks again, for sticking with me to the end. See you next time.