Disclaimer: I do not own Zodiac PI.

A/N: This story loosely ties in with Mistletoe but can stand on it's own.

'How did I wind up here again?' Hiro thought as he tried to walk and carry all of Megumi's shopping bags at the same time. Somehow Megumi and turned a favor for the mistletoe it to many shopping trips.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as Megumi spotted another crowded store having a big sale. As he was being pulled into another round of shopping frenzy he looked up at the ceiling where he could see snow falling through some of the roof windows. Only one thought went through his mind as he watched the delicate flacks fell 'Somebody save me.'

In the center of the mall was a panicking Lily. There was a line of little kids waiting as patiently as they could and the guy was late. Praying for a miracle she tried to keep them occupied. Hearing a high-pitched voice call out her name Lily looked over her shoulder. There was a waving Megumi and an utterly miserable Hiro.

Then the light bulb went on.

Rushing over she pulled Megumi aside. Whispering something in her ear she broke into a sly grin she took her own shopping purchases and left a confused but happy Hiro behind.

While Megumi made her flowery good byes and warnings of keeping her little brother safe Hiro blinked owlishly at the situation and what Lily was wearing.

She grinned as his sister left. Standing there in bright red stockings and a green felt long-sleeved dress. Around the neckline and by the hands was red felt fringe with a black belt around her waist. Also placed upon her head was a green and red pointed hat with a bell hanging at the end. To bring the whole outfit together were the green pointy shoes on each of her feet.

Putting her hands on his shoulders Lily guided Hiro though a door that clearly said Employees Only. Once the door had shut behind them Lily went over to a desk where a box was sitting. Opening it she started tossing clothes to Hiro who was standing behind her, calling over her shoulder "These should fit you. Put them on and go to the giant tree when you're done. I'll introduce you there."

Hiro stared at the clothes in his arms. "What are you talking about?"

"Our Santa is late and the kids are getting anxious. I got you out of shopping by telling Megumi that you'll play Santa." Seeing the look on his face Lily quickly added. "Don't worry! It's really easy! Just ask what the kid's name is, talk to them for a while, and give them a candy cane."

Seeing that Hiro was being extremely hesitant Lily put on a face that pleaded with him. Clasping her hands together she leaned in. "Please Hiro? The kids are going to be so disappointed! I'm sure their pay you! It's just for today and it'll be a huge help!"

Hiro turned red at the close proximity. Quickly he thought of all the reasons he shouldn't do this for Lily…. nothing came to mind. He then thought of all the reasons he should do this.

1) He wasn't a pack mule thanks to Lily.

2) It would make who knows how many children happy.

3) Lily would surly beat him to a pulp if he refused.

"Fine but I swear if one of them decides it's a good time to use the bathroom…" Lily would never find out what Hiro would do for at that moment she gave leapt out and gave him a quick hug before rushing out the door.

"Thank you so much! I promise you won't regret it!" Lily practically sang out as she flew out the door.

Hiro sighed as he started his transformation from Hiromi Oikawa boy genius and aspiring detective to Saint Nicholas better known as Santa Clause and household name. As he put the final touches on his costume he mumbled under his breath, "The things I do for her…"

Lily was at her wits end. The children looked as if they were about to riot or worse cry. Then it was if the clouds parted and sent a beam of light for Hiro had finally finished getting dressed and was walking towards the tree. Hopping up and down caused the bell on her hat to jingle as she proudly announced Santa's arrival. Running over so she could guide Hiro Lily properly introduced him, "It is my great honor to bring you Santa Clause!"

As soon as the children spotted him they notably brightened. Their frowns were replaced by smiles and tears dried up in an instance. Now instead of fidgeting with anxiety they hopped and clapped in joy.

From Hiro's spot on Santa's chair he could see all the little kids waiting in line to see him and silently thanked Lily for talking him into this. He had only walked up and sat down and he was already making these kids day.

Before Lily and Hiro knew it the stores were closing and the lasts of the kids were saying their goodbyes. Now sitting behind the Employees Only door the elf and Santa sat in contentment with their hot chocolate. Breaking the silence Lily spoke up. "You made a great Santa Hiro. Thanks again for filling in for the guy."

"Don't mention it. It was actually really fun." Hiro tried taking a sip of his chocolaty drink but found it difficult with his beard. Pulling it down he managed to take a drink.

"Yeah who knew you had such a way with kids? Good thing you got over that allergic reaction to girls. I'd hate to see what the kids would have down if Santa broken out in spots every time a little girl touched him." Lily commented.

Hiro shuddered at the thought. He had one little girl about the age of four give him a kiss him on the cheek and a few others whisper their requests in his ear. He didn't even want to think what the toddler would have of him breaking out. Probably would have scared the poor kid. "Never been more thankful for that allergy to have disappeared."

"I'll drink to that." Lily lifted her mug into the air. Following her lead Hiro did the same. Knocking them together they finished off what was left of their dinks.

Getting up Lily stretched and headed for the door. "I better get going before it gets too dark out. Megumi said she'd come and pick you up. Merry Christmas Hiro!"

"Lily wait!" turning around she saw Hiro get up. Waiting for him at the doorframe she noticed the slight blush on his face as he gave a fleeting kiss on the cheek.

Lily's eyes widened. "What was that for?"

He simply pointed the doorframe. Looking up Lily saw the reason for the unexpected display of affection.

Above her head was a single spring of mistletoe

'What's with all the mistletoe lately? Seems to be everywhere I go.' Lily thought to her self as she realized that now it was Hiro who was standing under it. Smiling she retuned the favor and gave him a small kiss.

The moment was ruined be a flash of light. Jerking back they found Megumi a few feet away waving a camera.

"Megumi!"

"Sis!"

He's making a list,
Checking it twice;
Gonna find out who's naughty or nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town