Winter is here so have a cheer.

"Blah" — Speech

"Blah" — Speech in another language

'Blah' — Thoughts

[ Blah ] — Text

*Blah* — Sound effects in speech

(Blah) — Author's notes

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters of Love Live! School Idol Project. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

I want to share Christmas with You

Through the window, Nico watches the snowflakes fall from the grey clouds in the sky. She looks down to see a sheet of snow covering the front lawn. Hearing footsteps behind her, Nico turns to see Nozomi, "How's the set-up?"

"We just finished."

Nico turns back to the window just in time to see a car pull up in her driveway. "Just in time." Nico and Nozomi walk out as Kotori got off the passenger seat. Nico raises her eyebrow as Umi gets out of the car. 'Are they together or...?'

Nico gives a quick hug to Kotori and picks up one of the boxes in the car, "Thanks for doing a commission at my place."

"It's no problem." Kotori gives her a wink, "And clients get a discount."

Nico chuckles, "Well, I got the place set up for you." Nico sees Nozomi and Umi holding the sewing a large sewing machine. She leans in to whisper to Kotori. "So are you and Umi...?"

Kotori stare at Nico for a while before she realizes the question, "Oh." Kotori smile, "Yes we are."

They walk back to the house and Nico continues to whisper, "Is there anywhere to get Umi to... tone it down?"

"I could tell her—"

Nico shakes her head, "No no no." They entered the lower area where there are lights and large mirrors taped to the walls. "I want to do it myself otherwise it'll she goes back to her habit."

"Hmmm." Kotori taps her chin as Nico places the box of fabric on the ground. "Back in high school, she used to say 'shameless' in any indecent situations. She's not proud of her embarrassing past."

"Thanks for the advice." Nozomi and Umi just got through the door with the machine. Eli came down the stairs and helps them over to the lower area.

Kotori points to the corner of the room, "Right there is good."

Nico's phone rings and she walks to the living room to not distract them. She presses accept, "Hello?"

"Don't take all of my employees." It is Honoka on the phone.

"What?"

"No one is at the company and I'm all alone." she could Honoka whining.

"Rin, Hanayo, and Maki are upstairs translating anything related to the idol while the rest are busy setting up the equipment Kotori brought." Nico imagines Honoka pouting and grins, "You could come over if you want."

"Really? Can I bring someone with me?"

"Sure."

"Alright. See you in a bit." Click

Nico chuckles as she puts away her phone. She looks back at the set-up area to see Kotori measuring Eli's bare waist while Nozomi and Umi are in the kitchen looking over them. She then hears laughter on the second floor; she is pretty sure that the trio is already done with the translations already. 'It's so lively.' Nico shakes her head and walks over to Kotori to help and 'enjoy' the view.

Later...

Knock Knock

Nico looks up from her sketchbook, 'Must be Honoka.' She walks to the front to see Nozomi already there; the guard opens the door to show Honoka and a hazel-haired lady standing there. The first thing the idol notices is the lady's eyes are a shade of green. 'Nozomi's are prettier.' Nico slightly paused, 'The hell did that come from?'

Nico composed herself and quickly walks down the mini-stairs to greet her guests. "Hey Honoka."

"Hey Nico. Hey Nozomi."

Nozomi waves her hand. "Hi."

She turns to the new person and sees their hands together. She holds out her hand, "I'm Nico Yazawa."

The new lady shakes her hands and smiles, "Tsubasa Kira." She then nods at Nozomi who returns the gesture.

Nico walks up the mini-stairs again, "Please come in." They follow in after her and Nozomi closes the door. "Want something to drink?"

Honoka shakes her head, "We won't be here for long. Me and Tsu are going shopping later."

"Ohh." They split off where Honoka goes down to the set up area to talk to Kotori who just finished her design on Eli. Nico turns to her guard, "Hey Nozi, you're up."

"Gotcha." Nozomi follows after Honoka down to the area.

Eli got up to the ground floor with her shirt and sweatpants, "Hey Nico—" She pauses as she spots Honoka's partner, yet she nods, "Tsubasa."

The brunette replies with a bemused look, "Eli."

Nico raises her eyebrows at the silence between them, but Tsubasa is the first to break off and walks into the kitchen. Nico waits as Eli walks up to her. "What was that about?"

Eli shakes her head, "Just some rivalry."

"Is she a bodyguard or something?"

"Kind of. She works for Sphera Corporations."

Nico widens her eyes comically, "Holy shit." She leans in and lowers her voice, "How the hell did Honoka snag someone from that company?"

Eli shrugs, "You would have to ask Honoka for the full story."

Before Nico could talk, Nozomi comes up to them, "You're up Nicocchi."

"Thanks." Nico walks down to the improvised design room while Eli and Nozomi walk to the kitchen. The idol stops in front of the mirror and spreads her arms. "Alright, bring the tape."

Kotori wraps the measuring tape around Nico as Honoka leans on her chair. "So how have the guards been to you?"

Nico briefly looks over to the kitchen and then looks back to the mirror. "They've been good."

Kotori smirks as she measures the shoulders, "They look good as well."

Honoka tilts her head as Nico blushes and stammers, "I-I have no idea what you talking about."

Kotori hums as she measures the arms, "I caught you looking Nico."

Honoka leans closer, getting caught up in the excitement, "You got the hots for someone? Who?"

Nico scowls at Honoka and her eyes flicker to the kitchen. But Honoka catches the gaze and turns to the kitchen. She gives a small gasp and turn back to Nico, "Is it Eli?"

Shake.

"Nozomi?"

Shake.

"Then who..."

Kotori giggles, "It's both of them isn't it?"

Nico's face is crimson.

Honoka widens her eyes and opens her mouth to squeal. But Nico quickly steps forward clamps on the ginger's face with her hand. She quickly looks over the open wall of the kitchen; the four ladies seem to have moved to the living room area.

Nico sighs in relief and lowers her hand from Honoka's mouth. She steps backs and crosses her arms, "Do you want to tell the world?"

Honoka scratches her cheek, "Eheheh. It's not that bad, right?"

Kotori looks up from her notes, "Honoka, idol can't have public relationships. If the public finds out, Nico might be fired."

"Wha—" Honoka clasp her mouth and looks back; the guards and Tsubasa did not hear them. She looks back and lowers her voice, "That's bullshit."

Nico sighs, "First, I signed a contract that I can't date anyone. And two, the fans would feel 'betrayed' if they find out I'm dating someone." She walks over to a box of fabric near a wall, playing with the material. "I was so focused on my dreams that I didn't see it getting in my way." Nico leans her other hand on the wall. "And besides, I wouldn't even know to do."

Honoka gapes, "But you're an idol."

Nico shrugs, "I really was focused on getting to where I'm now."

Kotori holds a piece of fabric in front of Nico, "You could date in secret."

"What?"

"You could date in secret." Kotori writes something in her notes, "Or wait until you retire."

"That's..." 'Huh.'

"Another tip." Kotori places a hat on Nico's head, "Start small. Go out for lunch or buy something. There's no need to rush." She nods in satisfaction and takes the hat off. "I'm done." She takes the box of fabric and walks over to the sewing machine.

"Right," Honoka waves Nico over. "We shouldn't bother her when she's in sewing mode."

"Alright."

They walk up to the living room, alerting the ladies. Tsubasa smiles at Honoka, "Right on time, we should get going before the stores close."

Honoka slightly jumps, "Oh right. I gotta go." She turns to Nico, "Do you know where the others are?"

Nico points upstairs, "They're on the first door on the left."

Tsubasa walks to the front door to wait for Honoka. She turns around and smiles at Nico, "You'll be in safe hands at the concert Nico."

"Huh?"

But Honoka came down and gives everyone a farewell, "Good luck on the concert Nico." She winks at Nico, "And good luck." They walk to their car.

Nico sighs and waves back, "Have fun with shopping."

Nozomi looks at Nico, "What was that about?"

"Nothing much." Nico closes the door and walks back to Kotori to see if she can help. She pauses to look at Nozomi's and Eli's back. 'A gift huh.'

. . . . . . . . . . .

Friday

(Shift to Eli's view.)

'This is it.' Eli fastens her baton holster and checks over her clothes in the living room.

"No point in fussing over it." Eli turns to see Nico standing at near the door. "You're going to change when we get there."

Eli shrugs, "Force of habit."

Nico waves her over and walks out the door. "Well come on."

Eli finishes her inspection and walks out of the door. Being the last one out of the house, it falls on her to lock it. Now she can walk to the car where Nozomi is at the front; Nico, Rin, and Umi are at the back. She gets in the passenger seat and buckles up.

"Good?" Nozomi asks.

Eli nods her head and they're off to the concert. As she looks out the window, she hears Nico whisper to Rin, "You doing anything for Christmas?"

"Huh?" Nothing much."

"You should get together with Maki and Hanayo."

"Are you sure? I don't know if Maki has time."

"Trust me, Maki will make time for you two. This is also a great time to get closer."

Eli hears the chair shift behind her, "How?"

"Now here's what you do..." Eli listens as she stares out the window.

30 minutes later

"Huh, so that's what Tsubasa meant." As the car comes close to their designated area, columns of Sphera guards stand in perfect formation to prevent the fans from getting too close.

Eli relaxes her shoulders a little bit as she watches the professional guards do their job.

"Nervous?"

Eli turns to Nozomi who glances at her leg; Eli was unconsciously rubbing her thigh. She stops her hands.

Nozomi grins, "No need to be nervous."

Eli raises her eyebrow incredulously at Nozomi; the violet-haired guard's left foot was bouncing up and down. But Nozomi still smiles at Eli. The blonde shakes her head and looks back at the cheering crowd.

"Nico!"

"Nico!"

"Nico!"

"Whoa..." Rin mutters.

"Oh yeah, it can get pretty big." Nico boasts.

The car drives up to the private parking lot where there are only guards around the perimeter. Nozomi turns off the car. "We're here~."

They get out, "Alright!" Nico pumps her hands. "Let's do this." Umi and Rin walks forward to hold the door for them. Eli and Nozomi take the lead with Nico behind them. Once they pass the door, Umi and Rin take the rear.

Eli looks around as they walk toward the costume room. 'A lot of guards. They probably don't want a repeat of last time.' Eli clenches her fist at that memory.

"Don't think about the crowd too much."

"Huh?" Eli looks to her side to see Nico between her and Nozomi. 'Focus.'

"The crowd can be scary, but then you remember these people come here for you." Nico elaborated, "I remember my first time I stumbled around like an idiot." Nico thumps them on their backs. "So perk up and have fun out there. You'll be fine since you got me."

Eli chuckles at Nico's pep talk; the idol probably noticed Eli's hand and thought she was nervous. 'Best leave it at that.'

They finally arrived at the costume room. Rin and Umi stand guard outside while the rest walks inside. On one side of the room there is a long horizontal mirror installed along the wall. There are also curtains which divided that area into three sections. Eli looks to the center to see Kotori and a few staff member waiting for them.

Nico finger salutes at them. "Yo."

Kotori smiles, "Hello Nico." She nods at the guards and then gestures to the sections. "Let's get you three suited up for your Christmas party."

The three separate and goes to their respective sections. One of the staff members followed after her and closed the curtains. She turns back and smiles at Eli, "Hello I'm Nachi and I'll be helping you to suit up."

Eli nods at the helper. "Thank you Nachi." After several minutes, they finished and Eli looks at the mirror to appraise her costume: Her hair is tied into a ponytail with a couple of Christmas gift-box ornaments. On her shoulders is a red-striped capelet with the edges lined with white fur; it is connected with a white and teal striped ribbon. Under the capelet is her Santa-themed dress where the top to bottom center of her dress is green stripes. She has a black buckle wrapped around her stomach and for the bottom half she wears a fur skirt that lengthens the dress. To finish the Santa look, Eli wears fur wrist cuffs and striped thigh-high stockings that have the same color scheme as her ribbon with fur boots.

Eli twists her waist side to side before she nods at Nachi, "Thanks again." She walks outside the curtains to see Nozomi was already finished. This allows her to make comparisons between her costume and Nozomi's costume: Her twin-tails are decorated with a Christmas bauble in each tail. Her ribbon's color scheme is purple and gold instead. For her dress the chest area is open to show her white frill dress-shirt. Her one-piece dress bottom edges are lined with frills similar to her dress shirt. Finally, Nozomi's stockings are purple with some designs at the top.

"You look really nice, Elichi." Nozomi smiles.

"Could say the same to you," Eli responds.

Before any of them could continue, Kotori opens the curtains. Eli looks over and her eyes widens and her jaw drops; somehow Nico always does that to her.

On her head is a Santa hat where the front is decorated with flowers, bells, and a dark-green ribbon; the ends of the ribbon connected with a cross and North Star medal. Her black hair is tied up in the usual twin-tails with white ribbons. The capelet is mostly red with gold borders and the edges are lined with white fur; it is connected with a flower and a gold-white striped ribbon. The upper part of her dress is a black corset with a striped red design on the center.

The lower part is a green skirt and the edges lined with gold frills. She has a golden bell and ribbon sash in front of her waist. On her back, there is a big white ribbon and a translucent veil trailing behind her. On the border of the veil, there is a silhouette of a town sewn into it. On her legs are mismatched thigh-high stockings: The left one is red and black stripes while the other one imitates a boot.

Nico twirls on her stylized flat heels, the veil trailing with the motion. She spreads her arms and gloved hands wide. "What do you think?"

'Probably to conceal her scar.' "You look amazing Nico."

Nozomi puts her hand on her cheek, "I must say you look quite dashing."

Nico swells up her chest, "It's nothing for The Number 1 Idol." She then looks over at Eli and Nozomi's costume. "You two look amazing too."

Eli fiddles with the costume, "You really did an outstanding job."

Nico smiles, "I always do." She takes a glance at Kotori, "With a little help of course."

Kotori holds up a camera, "Shall we take one?"

Nico nods, "Great idea." She waves them over. "Come on." Eli takes the left side while Nozomi takes the right; they're pressed close together.

Kotori levels the camera to her eye, "3."

"2."

"1."

"Cheese." There was a click and the trio separates.

Nico claps her hands, "Now let's give my fans a big present."

Eli moves first to the entrance and wraps her hand around the knob. She opens the door to see Rin and Umi turning around from the noise. She sees Rin and even Umi staring at their costumes.

"Oh wow..." Rin mutters.

"Yes, bask in my glory." Nico strides forward as if she owns the place. The others quickly catch up to her.

They reach to the backstage of the stadium. 'It almost looks similar to the other one.' Eli scans around the area. One of the staff member walks toward them and gives them last-minute instructions.

Rin and Umi take positions at the wings; Rin goes to the left side while Umi stays on the right side. "Good luck out there."

Eli nods at the blunette, "Thanks." Eli walks back to the duo as the idol fastens a small microphone over her ear. She then turns to them and raises a thumb up. Eli and Nozomi responded in kind. Now they enter the darkened stage and Eli takes her position slightly behind and to the right of Nico. Nozomi takes the other side and Nico walks to the center stage.

Eli can hear the murmurs of the crowd as she steels her resolve.

Suddenly a light shines on Nico and the crowd goes wild. Nico goes into her signature pose, "Nico-Nico-Nii."

The crowd soon follows suit, "Nico-Nico-Nii."

Nico gives a little wave to the audience, "Thank you for taking your time to come here and see me." She walks back to her position, "Now let's get this show started so all of you can get your presents."

(Search up on YouTube: [MMD] Shake it! [HD] The video you're looking should be the second or third video and titled as:【第10回MMD杯Ex】| (Nico: Alice, Eli:Marisa, Nozomi:Reimu) Ignore the back-flips and break-dancing.)

With the light still on her, Nico begins her solo:

On a lonely, miserable night by myself,
I look for words I want to disappear
Come through the secret door
Here we go, oh yeah, oh yeah

.

The light disappeared and the stage becomes illuminated with dazzling colors, eliciting a loud response from the audience. This is also the cue for Eli and Nozomi to join in.

.

If I open the door before my eyes
That's right, it's the beginning of an endless night
From the shadows on the balloon-shaped floor,
The journey to four dimensions begins!
Boarding the ark of a meteor,
Now, we're advancing to space-time travel
Since we can't rely on the weather forecast,
Do what you want, all right

.

Today is all night, funky funky funky night
You and I are together, funky funky funky night
Today is all night, funky funky funky night
You and I, funky night!
Like we're going up

.

Now Eli and Nozomi can sync up their moves with Nico.

Dance, dance, from your eyes, shining gold meteors
Come through the secret door
Here we go, oh yeah, oh yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah

.

Shake, shake, since tonight won't stop,
Now is, oh, in a dream
The mirror ball turns and turns,
Hurry up, oh yeah, oh yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah

.

The lights dim where only Nico is visible to the audience. Eli takes a moment to try to calm her racing heart. 'How does Nico do this?' Even though she can't see the audience, it still makes her jittery to perform in front of them. Eli takes a look at Nozomi as they switch positions; she can only see her figure but can hear her breathing as they pass by. In her new position, she looks to Nico as the idol begins her solo:

.

Dance, dance, from your eyes...
Shake, shake, tonight won't stop... (x9)
Like we're going up

.

The stage lights up and the trio dances together again. Eli and Nozomi clap their hands prompting the audience to clap as well.

.

Dance, dance, from your eyes, shining gold meteors
Come through the secret door
Here we go, oh yeah,

Nico points at Nozomi and she points back in return.

oh yeah,

Nico points at Eli and she points back in return

Yeah, yeah, yeah

.

Shake, shake, since tonight won't stop,
Now is, oh, in a dream
The mirror ball turns and turns
Hurry up, oh yeah, oh yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah

.

On a lonely, miserable night by myself,
I look for words I want to disappear
Come through the secret door
Here we go, oh yeah, oh yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

.

Shake, shake, since tonight won't stop,
Now is, oh, in a dream
The mirror ball turns and turns
Hurry up, oh yeah, oh yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh yeah, oh yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah,
Oh yeah, oh yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah

.

The song ends and the three of them pose as the crowd erupts in thunderous applause. Eli breathes harshly as she tries to get her breathing under control. Even though the dance is tiring, the cheers from the audience exhilarate Eli. 'I can see why Nico has so much energy.' In her peripheral, Eli sees Nozomi looking at her and points to her mouth. Eli reaches up to find out that she is smiling.

With newfound energy, Eli gets into position for the next dance. 'Let's do this!'

Two hours later...

Eli's face is flushed and glistened with sweat, but she stands proud as the crowd roars.

"Whoo!" Nico pants as she paces around the stage. "It was truly amazing to do this for all of you." She stops in front of Nozomi and Eli, "Now before we officially end this, I would like to give a special thanks to these two."

Eli blinks as lights shine on them.

"If it wasn't for them, this whole thing wouldn't be possible. So let's give them a cheer."

Eli blushes as the crowd claps for them. She looks to side to see Nozomi blushing but she smiles and waves at the crowd. Eli nods and waves at the crowd.

After the cheer dies down, Nico addresses the crowd with her pose, "Thanks again for coming and have a Nico Christmas!"

. . . . . . . . . . .

Christmas

(Shift back to Nico)

Nico sits on her bed and goes through her messages on her phone:

Rin: [ Thanks for the idea and Merry Christmas. ]

Nico types a response, [ No prob XD & Merry Xmas]

Nico sees a message from Ryu, [ Merry Christmas and congratulation on moving up in the leader board. ]

[ Nice and Merry Xmas to you too. ]

Nico places the phone down and reaches inside her drawer to pull out two small gift-boxes. Thanks to the measurements she got from Kotori Nico was able to order the gifts from online. But now she's getting some butterflies in her stomach as she paces around her room. 'Come on. I perform in front of thousands but I can't give a couple gifts.

Nico stops and takes a deep breath. 'You got this.' Nico places her hands behind her back and leaves the room. As she goes downstairs, she sees Eli and Nozomi setting up Christmas dinner.

Nozomi is the first one to notice her arrival, "Ah Nicocchi. I was wondering when you'll come down."

Nico rocks back and forth on her feet.

Eli stands in front of Nico, "What's wrong Nico?" Nozomi stands beside them.

'Fuck it.' Nico thrusts her hands out. "Here." Both of them jumped slightly at the sudden action, but calmed down when it was just small boxes; one of the boxes is yellow while the other one is purple. "I got these for you two."

They each took their respective boxes from Nico's hands. She holds her breath as they slowly unravel the box. Their eyes widen as they stare at the gift.

Nozomi is the first to recover and looks back at Nico, "Nicocchi..."

Eli looks up as well, "You didn't have to give us this Nico."

Nico steps forward, "But I wanted to." She starts to play with her fingers. "I wanted to say thank you for all you've done for me. Hell, you even saved me. It's also Christmas so..." Nico trails off, unsure on how to end it.

Nozomi comes to the rescue, "Thank you Nicocchi." She brings the gift out which is a bracket with a turquoise gemstone.

Eli lifts her bracelet out the box and marvels at the sapphire gem. "I will treasure it Nico."

Nico's face flushes at the declaration and so she walks to the table. "Yes, well, now that's done, let's eat."

"But what about yours? We didn't get anything for you."

"I already got them." Nico turns back and smiles, "It's you two."

.

Fin.

Merry Christmas!

Phew! This piece is really intense with that dance scene.

If you're curious about the costumes: google Christmas eli and nozomi and Christmas nico.

I have done performances before and no matter how many times I performed, I still get the jitters to be in front of a crowd.

Well see ya next year.

Thanks for reading

Constructive criticisms are appreciated

Bravo Tango out.