As they made they way back to the entrance, Haruhime glanced up at the falling snow.

"Mikoto, you said Lady Aisha helped you arrange all this for me as well?"

"She did, yes."

"I will have to thank her, along with the rest of our familia." Haruhime paused. "Did you know, Mikoto? I was always too young or too shy to make friends with the other prostitutes, so she would always take time off and make me Christmas dinner."

"She mentioned it. I didn't realize she had such a sweet side."

"She put a lot of effort into it. I had to make sure I didn't hover too much, or she would get agitated." Haruhime's ears and tail drooped. "W-When I got older I tried to help her but before long she would call me a klutz and tell me that good little foxes should stay out of the way."

Mikoto looked forward so Haruhime couldn't see her grimace. "Did you at least enjoy her food?"

She felt a tug on her hand as Haruhime stopped. She looked back and saw the renard's ears droop again.

"Could we invite her for dinner tonight, Mikoto? I would love for her to have the chance to try your cooking."

"Yes…"

"I want to repay her kindness. Though, I don't know if she would be good company for Lord Takemikazuchi and his familia. She has her own way of enjoying holidays."

"She was kind to you. Lord Takemikazuchi will respect her for that."

"That's not what I meant, Mikoto. I never attended the sort of parties Lady Aisha did, but the other girls would gossip about how loud-"

"Haruhime?"

"Yes?"

"I don't need to know."

Haruhime blinked, then nodded. "I understand, Mikoto."

Mikoto gripped Haruhime's hand and lead her on. "I don't like the idea of her being around Lord Takemikazuchi, but you can invite her."

"I will."

The two walked in silence a moment. Haruhime once again looked up at the falling snow.

"Is this your second Christmas in Orario, Mikoto?"

"My third. But the first was very modest because we were still establishing ourselves in Orario."

"For me, it's my sixth. In spite of worrying whether I'd been naughty or nice, I came to love this time of year."

"Really? It didn't make you feel more alone?"

"I suppose my little corner of the pleasure district would get very quiet." Haruhime pondered. "Many of the girls would go home for the holiday and the far eastern section was far from the big parties. But it never made me feel alone. If anything, the silence and the snow made the nights feel magical." Haruhime laughed nervously. "Once I started working as a prostitute, it was the only time I wasn't constantly anxious what man would pick me next."

Mikoto glanced at her friend. "The thought of you being forced to wait, shivering and alone for someone to buy you breaks my heart."

"Don't be silly Mikoto." Haruhime giggled. "They didn't let me freeze. And because everything slowed down, I could actually talk to the other girls, even thought I was very shy." The renard looked up at the falling snow. "But more than anything, I loved to just sit and watch the snow."

"That's very like you, I suppose." Mikoto turned her head and forced a smile. "Did you get lost in your thoughts, Haruhime?"

"I did, yes."

"I imagine you would. What did you think about?"

"Stories I loved." The renard smiled back at Mikoto. "And you."

Mikoto blinked and looked forward, blushing.

"More than anything, I wanted to see you again." The renard added.

"Then I guess those nights must have been magical after all."

Haruhime narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean, Mikoto?"

Mikoto looked at her friend. "Because even without a Santa Claus, you got your Christmas wish."

Haruhime blinked, then her ears rose. "I did, didn't I?" She nodded, smiling. "It's like we're fated to be together." She paused and gave Mikoto's hand a little squeeze. "Like a princess and her knight, in a fairy tale. You used to call me your golden haired renard princess when we were children, didn't you?"

Mikoto shot bolt upright and froze.

"Mikoto?"

"It's nothing… I am fine." Mikoto answered, a slight blush on her cheeks.

A moment later, she felt something soft on her neck. She glanced down and realized that Haruhime's tail was draped across her shoulders. When it twitched, it's white tip brushed her cheek.

The renard, who had taken a step closer, leaned her head against Mikoto's shoulder.

"Haruhime?"

"Yes?"

"What is it?"

"Just a little reward. For my knight."

The too stood in silence for a moment.

"Whenever I dreamt about cuddling with you on cold nights, I'd wrap you up just like this, Mikoto."

"We should head inside… my lady."

Haruhime ears stood up and she smiled. "So you do remember."

"I never denied it!"

"M-hmm." Haruhime nodded happily. "Lead on, Sir Mikoto."

Haruhime stepped away and withdrew her tail, but didn't let go of Mikoto's hand. Mikoto's gaze lingered on her friend's golden fur for a moment, then she turned and they resumed their walk.

"When we get inside, you should take a warm bath, Mikoto."

"At this time of night?"

Haruhime furled her brow.

"I would have thought you would jump at a warm bath, Mikoto. You always talked about how you wished you could take one with me when we were children."

One of Mikoto's eyes twitched. "Yes, but it's the middle of the night."

"Is that a problem, Mikoto? We're all grown up now."

"Well..." Mikoto glanced at Haruhime. "You'll join me, I take it?"

"Eh, I wonder about that." A faint smile crossed Haruhime's lips. "I want my tail to be nice and fluffy when we go to bed so my knight can cuddle it." She flicked her tail for emphasis. "And it takes so long to dry. Someone would have to help me."

"I… I'll help." Mikoto blushed and looked away.

"Oh? That's very kind of you, Mikoto. Or should I say Sir Mikoto?" The renard smirked. "Perhaps not. A fine upstanding knight would strenuously avoid looking at a lady's naked body, after all."

"That's…"

"Perhaps I ought to blindfold you while we bathe, Sir Mikoto?"

Mikoto's jaw dropped as she stopped and twisted to look at Haruhime. Then, she turned back and resumed walking, half dragging the renard behind her.

"So forceful." Haruhime giggled. "But I like this side of you too."

Mikoto stopped and Haruhime clumsily bumped into her, then stumbled back, releasing Mikoto's hand in the process.

"Is… is something the matter, Mikoto?"

Mikoto faced her friend. "Lady Haruhime, you were eleven when you left the far east, correct?"

"I was."

"Just what kind of stories were you reading at that age?"

"Maybe a few I shouldn't have." Haruhime blushed and covered her face with the sleeves of her kimono. "But they paled in comparison to a few of the stories Lady Aisha bought me as gifts. I'm sure that she was trying to pique my interest. Some of them were quite naughty."

She looked at Mikoto expectantly. Mikoto bit her lip and pondered a moment before replying.

"I… I don't think any less of you, Lady Haruhime."

The renard looked surprised for a moment, then giggled.

Mikoto reached out her hand. "Shall we go, my lady?"

Haruhime nodded and took her friend's hand.

The two walked in silence for a moment.

"Mikoto?"

"Yes, Haruhime?"

"Our hands are cold but I feel quite warm. Is it just me?"

Mikoto glanced over and took note of her friend's still flush face."

"That might be Hestia's eggnog, Haruhime."

They approached the entrance.

"No, there's something more to it. It's almost like you're particularly beautiful tonight, Mikoto." Haruhime giggled again. "It's kind of exciting."

Mikoto swallowed. "You're the one who is beautiful, I think."

"Oh? Are you looking forward to watching me bathe?"

"Well, you are very pretty…" Mikoto trailed off.

"It's okay, Mikoto. We're both girls. "

"Yes. Yes of course." Mikoto blushed as she stepped through the door.

Haruhime followed her, but as she passed through the entrance she looked up and stopped.

"Haruhime, what's wrong?"

"There's nothing wrong, Mikoto. Just…"

Haruhime's eyes flickered up and down. Mikoto followed her gaze and noticed the mistletoe.

"Oh… it's okay, Haruhime. I'm sure Lady Hestia just put it there in hopes of capturing Sir Bell. You needn't worry about it."

"Tradition must be respected, Mikoto."

Mikoto turned red. "If you insist, I shall go find Sir Bell immediately."

She turned to go but Haruhime tugged on her hand.

"Not Master Bell. Tonight I want a kiss from my knight."

"Eh?"

"Like when we were children." Haruhime looked perplexed. "Surely you remember?"

Mikoto glanced to the side. "Y-yes."

"I rewarded you with a kiss once. Back when you used to call me your golden haired renard princess."

"Y-yes."

"And sometimes if no one was around you would kiss me as well."

"We were children playing a princess and her knig-"

Mikoto nearly lost her balance as Haruhime stepped forward and cut her off with a quick kiss on the lips. Then, the renard stepped back, swaying a little. Mikoto felt herself shaking.

"Y-your turn, Sir Mikoto."

Mikoto stiffened. "Are you sure about this, Lady Haruhime?"

Haruhime nodded. Mikoto awkwardly leaned in and gently embraced the renard. Haruhime once again rested her tail on Mikoto's shoulders.

Their lips met. Once, twice. On the third time, their tongues intertwined. Haruhime gave a soft whimper as they separated, a small string of saliva running between them.

"M… Merry Christmas, Sir Mikoto." Haruhime avoided eye contact.

"M…Merry Christmas, Lady Haruhime." Mikoto hesitated. "Was it okay for you? Since…" She trailed off.

"Yes." Haruhime smiled. "No man ever kissed me like that, Mikoto." She giggled. "But I think it would have been better if your lips weren't so cold."

"I'm sure it would have been." Mikoto smiled back. "Perhaps you can try again another night."

Haruhime gave Mikoto an odd look.

"Is something wrong?"

"I don't see a need to wait, Mikoto. We can try again in the bath."

"Eh?" Mikoto stood bolt upright. "I-in the bath?"

"Where else? We need to warm you up."

"But we'll be naked, won't-"

"It's okay, Mikoto." Haruhime smiled, beaming. "There's nothing to worry about. We're both girls."

"Y… yes."

"Come. Let us get you out of those damp clothes."

"Yes…" Mikoto almost stumbled as the renard pulled her along.

"Do you think Lady Hestia would mind if we had some of her eggnog to warm up, Mikoto?"

"Eggnog? Oh, you probably shouldn't have any in the bath."

"Really, Mikoto? Then how about when we're drying my tail?"

"I reckon it will make you sick if you have any more tonight, Haruhime."

"A pity. I liked the warm feeling it brought." The renard continued to pull Mikoto along by the hand. "Then I guess you'll have to make me feel really warm, Mikoto."

"Y…yes, Lady Haruhime."

As they journeyed deeper into Hearth Manor, their voices became less legible to the two hiding behind a pillar.

Lily and Hestia stepped into the open, their legs shacking. The prum spoke first.

"L-lily was sure we were going to be discovered. Miss Haruhime's hearing is…"

"Very good, yes. But it's like they were so focused on each other they didn't even notice us enter. Or dive for cover." Hestia grimaced. "I don't think we were supposed to see that."

"Lily is certain we weren't."

"True. But perhaps us small girls should think of it as a fortunate turn of events."

Lily looked at her goddess. "You're happy that Miss Haruhime has someone other than Bell?"

"I think perhaps we have one less blonde to worry about, yes."

The two looked at each other for a moment. Lily nodded.

"Drink?"

"Huh?"

"To celebrate." Hestia gestured.

Lily sighed. "I've had quite enough of that for tonight. As have you."

"No we haven't." Hestia entered a nearby room, walked over to a cabinet and removed two glasses and a bottle. "A toast."

Lily sighed. "Fine. A toast."

Hestia poured two glasses and handed one to Lily. The other was close to overflowing with wine.

"To Miss Mikoto and Miss Haruhime. May they live a long, happy life together."

Hestia's glass was so heavily laden that Lily tensed, half expecting the toast to cause a spill. Nevertheless, Hestia downed it in a single gulp and began to pour herself another.

"Lily thinks you are going to make yourself sick."

"Oh don't be silly, Miss Supporter. I am a goddess. I can handle it."

Their heads snapped up at the sound of a door. Bell peaked around the corner and gestured to Hestia, who gave him an all clear. He and Welf stepped into the room, their clothing damp from the snow.

"I see you've started the party without us, Goddess."

"Of course. We have so much to celebrate." Hestia leaned against the cabinet.

Bell and Welf looked at each other, perplexed. "Did it go okay?" Welf inquired. "Haruhime seemed quite concerned why Santa never gave Mikoto presents and I don't think she liked my answer."

Hestia glanced at her glass and swirled it.

"I won't vouch for your answer, but her and Miss Mikoto were absolutely glowing when they came back inside."

"That's a relief then." Welf stretched. "Where are they now?"

"Taking a bath together." Hestia replied.

"At this hour?" Welf scratched his head. "Though, I could use one myself."

Hestia eyes flickered in the direction of the bath. "Let them be."

"I was going to stay on the men's side! What do you take me for?"

"I think that they have things to talk about that they'd perhaps not want overheard." Hestia smiled. "And you should be resting up for tomorrow. We still have to prepare for company."

Welf sighed. "That's true. I'll take my leave."

Hestia glanced at Bell as Welf departed. "And you?"

"Is there a reason I wouldn't do the same?" Bell asked nervously.

"The chance to drink with a beautiful goddess?"

"I can do that any night."

"Oh?" Hestia smirked. "You're not usually so charming… Hey, get back here!" She raised her voice as Bell slipped out of the room.

The prum and goddess made eye contact with each other.

"Another drink?" Hestia inquired.

Lily wrinkled her nose.

"You can't be serious."

"It's Christmas. We can do what we want."

"Lily wants to go to bed."

"Fine. I'll drink to my inevitable victory alone." Hestia plopped down in a chair, glass still in hand.

Lily gave her goddess a look of mild disgust and exited the room. Hestia glanced at the fire, then at the falling snow outside.

She smiled, contented, and raised her glass towards the window. "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."

The manor became quiet, save for the baths, where a beautiful renard was finding creative ways to apply soap to the body of a very flustered Mikoto. All the occupants of Hearth Manor would soon be settling in for a long winter's nap, but two would be settling in a little later than the others.