When Sam knocked on the door both girls could hear a rustling of feet on the other side and excited whispering.

As the door opened Maggie felt Sam's hand slip away and that was the last she thought of the other girl.

From the moment she saw Luan everything else faded away; suddenly the costume made perfect sense.

Gliding up to Luan, Maggie took her by the hands and said, "You're my Sally."

"And you're my Jackie," Luan replied ruefully squeezing Maggie's hands, "Can I take your smile as a sign you like my surprise?"

Trying to frown to maintain her imagine Maggie found herself unable to upon seeing Luan the first thing she'd wanted to do was kiss her.

Suddenly like an old friend showing up at the just at the wrong time Maggie felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as she became acutely aware that several of Luan's sisters were watching.

Pulling her hands away from Luan's she looked away, it was then she saw the infernal weed hanging above the staircase, she could almost feel her skin breaking out.

Noticing her girlfriend's sudden discomfort Luan asked, "Hey want some Christmas punch?"

Looking back and away from her own personal sword of Damocles Maggie asked, "You're not going to punch me are you?"

There was a moment where a sparkle of mischief went through Luan's eyes before she said, "Of course not . . . unless you want me to?"

Laughing Maggie allowed Luan to lead her by the hand to the kitchen, four of the younger Louds were sitting around a kiddie table playing cards betting with Christmas cookies, one girl wearing a tiara had the largest pile by far.

Walking towards them Luan reintroduced siblings, "Maggie these are my sister's Lucy, Lola, Lana, and Lisa."

Attempting a smile Maggie greeted them, she wasn't great around younger kids.

One of them, Lana she believed, looked up from the cards and nodded, "You guys want in on this action, we can deal you in?"

Before either could answer Lisa piped up, "I don't know why you would, the odds seem to be favouring one person against the laws of statistics."

"Are you suggesting me of something dear sister?" Lola asked in a sickly sweet voice.

"No accusation," Lisa replied angrily, "Simply stating the facts, that unless the universal laws of chance laws have been rewritten it's impossible for you to have won the last five rounds of go fish."

"I don't have to stay here and listen to this," Lola announced but as she raised her arms dramatically several cards came flying out from her sleeves.

Before anyone could react Lola grabbed as many cookies as she could, clutched them to her chest and took off; Lisa and Lana looked at each other then took off in pursuit.

Looking at Maggie awkwardly Luan laughed and said, "I should probably do something before someone breaks a gingerbread bone, I'll be right back."

Watching Luan take off after the younger girls Maggie didn't flinch when she saw Lucy quietly step into her periphery.

"The costumes were your idea weren't they?" Maggie said acknowledging Lucy.

Without confirming or denying Lucy replied, "I wanted to dress as the spectral visage of Christmas Future but my parents felt I should wear something more modern."

Taking in her costume Maggie nodded her approval Lucy was wearing an all black elf costume including pointed hat and shoes both adorned with bells.

Lucy offered Maggie a bat-shaped gingerbread cookie which she accepted taking a bite.

They stood quietly for a moment before Maggie asked, "Lucy are you a Christmas person?"

When the younger goth just stared back dully she sighed and said, "I didn't think so, how," Maggie stopped then asked, "how do you embrace this sugar-coated consumeristic festival?"

Taking a bite from her cookie Lucy considered the question then said, "This season may be sickly sweet by our standards but my family cherishes it so I try to keep it in my own way for them."

When the answer didn't seem satisfying to the older girl Lucy looked at her and asked, "I take it you're also impartial to the festive season?"

When Maggie indicated the affirmative Lucy pushed further, "Would it be forward if I asked the trigger of your sudden yuletide beguilement?"

Unable to come up with a reason not to answer Maggie took a seat and Lucy followed suit, "I feel like my failure to embrace this holiday is driving a wedge between me and Luan."

Before Lucy could answer a voice interrupted and both girls looked up stunned, somehow Luna had silently entered the kitchen while they were distracted.

"Hey Luce, Pop-pop wants to see you in your elf costume," Luna said gesturing to the family room, Lucy looked at Maggie who gave her a nod indicating she'd be okay.

As Lucy left Luna filled her chair and looked at Maggie thoughtfully.

"How much of that did you here?" Maggie asked looking away, already knowing the answer she began to turn crimson.

"Enough," Luna answered sympathetically then after a moment, "Christmas doesn't have to be such a hassle."

Not looking up Maggie muttered, "Oh yeah what do you know about it?"

Ignoring the younger girls attitude Luna swallowed, "Not a lot admittedly, I do know my sister cares more about you then some calendar date."

This got Maggie's attention "Really?", she asked turning so she could gage Luna's response.

"Are you joking," Luna laughed, "She's crazier about you then this whole season, it might have taken her some time to figure out it's not your jam but she doesn't care."

Stopping to let Maggie absorb the information Luna continued, "I don't know if I should ruin the surprise but she's planning to take you upstairs to watch holiday horror movies."

"Upstairs?" Maggie asked suddenly stiffening, a technicality hitting her.

Misconstruing Maggie's inflection Luna raised her hands, "It's not a Netflix and chill situation brah Luan isn't like that."

Rolling her eyes Maggie shook her head, "It's not that it's…" sucking up her pride Maggie finished, "I'm allergic to mistletoe and there's a huge bow of it over the stairs."

"Is that all," Luna said waving a hand dismissively, "Give me a few minutes and I'll get rid of it."

"Won't that interfere with your plans?" Maggie asked both relieved and a bit concerned.

"You know about that?" Luna asked then rolling her eyes, "Of course you do, well let me worry about that, you two just have fun."

As Luna started to leave Maggie raised her voice getting the rockers attention, "For what it's worth your probably more afraid then you need to be; Sam seems nice and you've probably built the whole thing up in your head, take it from someone who knows a little bit about fear."

Looking back Luna nodded and as Luan entered the kitchen passing her she flashed Maggie a smile and a wink.

Catching it Luan looked at Maggie and joked, "Anything I need to be worried about?"

Chucking a little Maggie smiled and replied, "You have no idea but not tonight."