CHECKING IT TWICE

It had been a long day. Hanayo had not been angry about Maki's tardiness, just disappointed. But Maki's grudging admission that yes, Nico was planning to come to the party had completely changed the tone of all their conversations for the forseeable future to things like "What does Nico like to eat?" "What is Nico's favorite kind of music" "Does she drink beer or wine?" Maki was forced to realize she didn't actually know the answers to those questions.

This had led to a thoughtful drive home. Maki wanted to know more about what Nico thought, but Nico would always divert questions or distract Maki. The Idol was far too good at distracting Maki, and Nico seemed to relish those moments, leaving Maki with thought fled and sensation lingering.

Pulling into her driveway, once again, Maki noticed Tsubasa's Mercedes in Nico's driveway. Why? Video shot, Nico had shown her the rough footage; if an audio needed to be rerecorded, they'd have to find a recording studio. Plus, Nico was on a three-day swing through two states so not home. Yes, Maki admitted to maybe a little jealousy, but at this point, the feeling was mostly puzzlement over the strangeness. Why be at Nico's house if Nico wasn't there?

"It's bugging you too, isn't it?" Eli's voice barked in Maki's ear, and Maki realized she was leaning on the roof of her own car, staring at the Mercedes, her blonde neighbor at her side.

"It's just weird." Maki decided that was a fairly safe comment. "Nico's not even in town tonight."

"Celebrities," Eli huffed. "Next there'll be wild parties, naked strangers sprinting across our yards."

Maki turned to stare at Eli. "You need to get out of the office more, Nozomi says. And the only person who has had a party recently is you."

Eli thumped the roof of Maki's car. "Yazawa's got no respect. I want her out."

"It's a SANTA, Eli, and it's Christmas." Maki sighed. "And Nico mostly seems to want to spend time with her siblings."

"Then why is she never home?"

Maki stared at the glaring, grim-faced Eli and wondered when her neighbor had last had her blood pressure checked. "She works, Eli."

"If you call it work."

Eli had obviously snapped and was caught in some kind of "hate Nico" loop. This was not a Maki problem, this was a problem for Nozomi, who had married into it, presumably voluntarily. Maki looked Eli over. Aesthetically speaking, Eli was fairly pleasant to look at. Maybe that got Nozomi through the occasional bouts of crazy.

"What?" Eli snapped.

"I was just thinking about the stories Nozomi tells about you, about when you first met…"

Eli shook her head, but there was a small smile. "Ah, the 'Eli was hot and blonde and I would never see straight again' line."

Maki nodded.

Eli chuckled. "She's too fond of that joke."

"Go home, Eli. See your wife." Maki pushed her friend. Eli allowed herself to be directed toward her house, and Maki sighed with relief. Now she could go inside and figure out what leftovers Nico had brought over earlier.

ALL THIS YEAR'S BEEN A BUSY BLUR

Since she'd bought the house and moved in, everything had been such a rush for Nico. Meeting Maki, dealing with Cocoro, Cocoa and Cotaro daily, sharing a house with Umi and Kotori, the video shoot, the arrest, the constant harassment by Ayase, all the concerts and travel, keeping her social media updated. She'd barely had time to think about any of it, much had happened on automatic. But not Maki, that Nico'd had to think about. The doctor was smart, sexy and so so easy to come home to … but at the same time, Nico had realized that Maki wasn't wired like Nico. What seemed normal emotional responses to Nico were sometimes stages Maki just skipped. But Maki was kind and thoughtful, unless she was oblivious. Oblivious happened a lot, along with odd bouts of shyness and quick bursts of embarrassment and anger. It was a strange jumble poured into a sexy sportscar of a redhead who could hit 120 mph in no time at all. Nico was fascinated but uncertain how Maki felt. Nico was not interested in short term, but the doctor had never had a serious relationship before … and seemingly never missed it. Nico wondered what Maki's parents were like. And if Maki was at all interested in more than short term.

As she stretched out on her hotel room bed with some nonsensical romance playing out on the TV, Nico debated the call or text question. It was after midnight, but Maki kept late hours. Although she had woken up early for Nico that morning. Text it was:

N: I'll miss you at breakfast 3 Hope you're getting the sleep you missed; I have plans for you when I get back ; )

WON'T YOU SHIMMY DOWN MY CHIMNEY

Maki was leaning back against the headboard of Nico's bed, in Nico's very very pink bedroom, watching the Idol get ready for Hanayo and Rin's party. Nico was wearing sheer black stockings and a cream slip, trimmed with lace. It was a low-key, everyday sexy Maki thought would be wonderful to get used to.

Nico sensed that Maki's attention was wandering and whistled. "So should I glam up for your friend? The full Nico Nico Ni treatment?"

Maki blinked and patted the bed next to her. "Wear that and stay here."

"Cocoro's having a slumber party. Umi'll be bringing them back from dinner right about when things might start to get interesting."

Maki hugged a pillow with a pout; Nico laughed and decided to crawl over the bed until she got in range of Maki's lips. "I can take everything off slowly, after…"

Maki looked away, blushing, just as Nico, realizing that would be Maki's go to move, pecked a kiss on her cheek.

"You should just wear the stuff you wear around your family, jeans and flannel," Maki suggested.

"The great Nico Ni dress down for a fan? Sacrilege." Nico shook her head.

Maki shrugged. "Hanayo's my friend. She needs to get used to everyday you, not out-on-tour you."

Nico sat on the bench she had in front of her makeup station. "I'll have you know out on tour Nico is always ultra sexy in the sports bra and leggings she rehearses in."

Maki frowned. "Please tell me you at least wear a robe off stage."

"No time for modesty." Nico tilted her head, shrugged and twirled to face the makeup mirror.

"I'll lend you a holiday sweatshirt, it'll be oversized, you'll be cute." Maki glanced at her phone. "And we could be less than an hour late."

Nico bounced up and entered her walk-in closet. She'd forbidden Maki from peeking into the closet when they'd first entered the bedroom, so Maki took a moment to text Rin that they'd be on their way soon.

Nico came out, dressed in full Idol regalia, heels, bold makeup, some kind of black lace wisp in her hair, little black dress with crystals cascading along curves. Sharp enough to cut? Maki found herself wondering and reached out a curious hand but Nico slapped it away. "Right now, you're my driver."

Maki grinned and pulled Nico close anyway. "Is that because I refuse to change my outfit?" Maki had gone with dressed-down casual, holiday sweater, corduroys and boots.

"Maybe," Nico's hand settled briefly on Maki's shoulder before twirling the red strands of hair between her fingers. "This is fun to do."

Maki kissed Nico. "Last chance to not meet your crazy, stalker fan."

"You don't get a vote." Nico whirled, tugging on the hair slightly. "We're late. Let's go."

Maki held open the door to Nico's bedroom. "Yes, ma'am. I'll go warm up the car while you say goodnight to your siblings."

EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT THE … NICO

Rin was exhausted. Hanayo hadn't slept for two days, living in a state of perpetual adrenaline rush, buzzing about the party and Nico. Now while Rin was very happy to see her fiancée so excited, it had also been taking a toll. With the wedding planning and the bustle of the practice, Hanayo had fallen out of Idol fan mode, and Rin had forgotten how intensely fascinated by them Hanayo could be. It had been one thing when they were in middle and high school, but now that Rin had accepted Hanayo's marriage proposal, she was taking all the attention Hanayo was lavishing on Nico personally.

They had a small apartment, warm and now full of holiday decorations and friends. Hanayo was happily talking to a nurse in the kitchen, probably about Nico, but Rin was willing to just enjoy the glow her fiancée was giving off.

And then it happened. The door swung open, Rin swore an intro played and Nico arrived, swirling in, black dress sparkling with reflected light, grin brighter than a spotlight.

"Nico Nico Ni and Happy Holidays to everyone." Nico danced into the center of the party, all eyes watching, although Rin managed to spy Maki lurking in the hallway, reluctant to enter. And then Hanayo SCREAMED, raising the hairs on the back of Rin's neck. She watched Hanayo sprint across the room, barely stopping before she ran straight into Nico. Then Hanayo stood there, vibrating, hyperventilating, hand reaching out to almost touch Nico's breast. Rin frowned, but Maki stepped between the two women, forcing Hanayo back a little. Moving faster than Maki could react, Hanayo skipped around her, right back to Nico. Hanayo grabbed Nico's arm, and Rin noticed a slight flinch on Nico's part, quickly masked with a smile. Maki whirled, looking angry. Rin decided to intervene. Then Nico leaned forward to kiss Hanayo on the cheek, and as her love fainted in Maki's arms, Rin realized it was too late for her and gloom settled over her formerly happy life.

Maki transferred Hanayo to Rin and pulled Nico aside. "You could tone it down a little. Did you see the look on Rin's face?"

"Did you see the look on Hanayo's? And I'm here as Nico Ni. Didn't your friend want to meet the Idol she'd always idolized?"

Maki muttered. Nico turned to giggle at someone's joke, ignoring her mood. So Maki went in search of punch and someone to talk to about something that wasn't Nico. One of the nurses was always willing to chat about the latest office gossip, so Maki figured this was a good time to catch up. Nico wouldn't miss her.

And thus began one of the longest nights of Maki's life. Nico giggled, laughed, flirted, air kissed, listened to super long, super boring stories and responded earnestly to randos while only keeping an eye on Maki out of her peripheral vision.

After what had actually only been about an hour, Nico approached Maki with a grin. Maki glared, "This is ridiculous."

"It's what the fans want." Nico smiled and winked at someone else.

"Gross."

Suddenly Maki had Nico's full attention and a rare frown crossed the Idol's face. "Your friend will remember having a very happy night. Isn't that important?"

Maki kicked at the floor. "I don't care."

NIco looked sad. "I do."

Maki shrugged and returned to the kitchen, where Rin was sitting at the table, silent and still. Being the opposite of Rin. Hanayo had started sidling in Nico's direction again. This was ridiculous. Rin must be tired of this too.

After her initial faint into Maki's arms, Hanayo had been wandering around the party, silly, as if drunk, finding any excuse to hang on the Idol's arm or take Nico off into corners. Maki wondered what her friend had planned for Nico this round … wait, Hanayo was glancing around and had grabbed Nico, now she was looking furtive, now she was dragging Nico down the hall to her ...

"Rin," Maki knocked her friend on the head. Rin was staring morosely where Hanayo was pulling Nico. "Your fiancée is dragging my … date into your bedroom."

Rin's reply was automatic, her tone dead. "Yeah. Kayochin has a closet full of Nico Ni stuff and a body pillow she wants Nico to sign. It's on the bed."

Maki pushed her friend. "RIN! That's not normal."

Nico had glanced back and caught Maki's eye with a look bordering on desperate. Maki pushed Rin and hurried to intercept Hanayo.

Hanayo stopped just before she thudded into Maki. Nico took that opportunity to detach Hanayo's hand from her arm and duck behind Rin, who still looked lost.

Hanayo's eyes had a strange glow. "Nico's wonderful, Maki. If you don't marry her, I will."

"M … marry?" Maki could feel her jaw clench and the blood drain from her face. She glanced to Nico, who seemed ready to make a joke but then noticed what was probably panic on Maki's face. Nico froze, a professional smile on her face and worried eyes that wouldn't unlock from Maki's, until she heard a whimper from Rin.

"Right." Nico said very firmly, crimson eyes flashing. "That's enough." She turned Rin. "Rin, you are coming with me." And without another word, Nico pulled Rin through the rest of the partygoers, toward the door. Hanayo just gaped after them.

"Nico's leaving." Hanayo sounded glum.

"More importantly," And honestly, Maki felt like slapping her friend, "SHE TOOK RIN."

"Took Rin?" Hanayo's eyes focused on her red-headed friend, reason leaking back in past fanatic insanity.

"Yes, my … date, " Maki chided herself for the hesitation, "took the woman who once agreed to marry you somewhere. Away from you. Because you are crazy. So crazy." And I have to run, Maki thought, before Nico drives away.

Nico had obviously gotten Rin to hand over her keys and a pair of sneakers and was shoehorning the ginger-haired woman into the passenger seat of Rin's SUV.

"NICO!"

Nico paused.

"I didn't mean I didn't want to … I just … I can't believe ..."

Nico's smile was gentle. "It's okay, Maki. I'm not upset. Just tired. Your friends are nice, but Rin deserved a lot better than tonight. You should explain that to Hanayo. And then stop by when you get home."

Nico closed Rin's door and then went around to the driver side. She didn't pause for a kiss. There would probably be talking. Maki hated talking. And now she had to go have a talk with Hanayo.

MANGLED UP IN TANGLED UP KNOTS

Maki had left a sobbing Hanayo and driven herself home. Rin's SUV was parked in Nico's driveway, as was Tsubasa's Mercedes. Nico had sent an "Are you home yet?" text, but Maki hadn't responded. Her phone went off again. Not Nico, Eli. Maki shut her eyes, gritted her teeth and reminded herself 1 a.m. was not the time to scream. She closed the garage door, looked back at Nico's house, felt less guilty at the sight of the Mercedes and walked to Eli's house as requested.

Eli was still dressed, her laptop open on the kitchen table. Every other light was off.

"Want coffee?" Eli asked.

"It's 1 a.m."

"Want coffee?"

"Yes."

Eli poured a mug. "There's another car. And her kids were all over my yard again."

Maki didn't really feel like trying to be the only reasonable adult in a three-county radius but habit kicked in. "The car is my friend's and Cotaro, Cocoa and Cocoro are her siblings."

"Too many people."

"Get some sleep, Eli." Maki sipped the coffee.

Eli sighed and seemed more worried than angry for the first time since Nico moved in. "I can't. I just lie in bed and …"

Nozomi's voice poured out from behind Maki. "I could help with that if you ever actually came upstairs." Maki now regretted not just driving to the practice and sleeping on her office couch. She'd been in the middle of couples all evening, Rin and Hanayo, Nico in Nico Ni Idol mode being half a couple with anyone she happened to be talking to at the moment, now Eli and Nozomi. Maki slammed the mug down as her brain decided to review in detail Nico's every gesture at the party, every cheek kissed, every hand touched. Not helpful, brain. Soon, she was going to be in Eli's state, up all night, obsessed in the wrong way about Nico's Idol tendencies.

Nozomi came up behind Eli, wrapping her arms around her wife's neck and nibbling on her neck. "Did you hear what I said, Elichi?"

"Nozomi! Maki's here."

"She could join us." Nozomi winked at Maki. Maki just shook her head, being used to Nozomi's goofy flirting. Eli still wasn't though; Maki hadn't figured that out.

"NOZOMI!"

"What?" Nozomi dropped herself into Eli's lap, closing the laptop with a practiced hand. "I thought you wanted to steal her back from Nico."

Eli went as red as Maki's hair.

"Yep. That's the line. It's been crossed." Maki put her mug down. "I'll let myself out. Goodnight, you two."

No one replied, so Maki didn't look back. She'd learned that lesson soon after meeting Nozomi and realizing the effect she had on Eli. Which led to wondering what effect Maki had on Nico, but she was too tired to speculate or deal with the aftermath of tonight's awful. So Maki walked home, sent a "Too tired, too late" text, and curled into a ball on her couch, phone turned off. Awful. A nightful. Three different varieties of.

MAKING THE SEASON BRIGHT

Tsubasa and Honoka had just finished another round of Just Dance and Tsubasa was still in awe of how much raw vitality Honaka vibrated with. Her technique wasn't flawless, but her enthusiasm dwarfed anybody else Tsubasa had ever met. And those blue eyes sparkled with an enthusiasm that bordered on magical.

They both fell back into Nico's couch at the same moment, a rare example of them being in perfect sync. Nico wandered in from the kitchen, where she'd been baking something to distract herself from Maki not texting. Rin had been settled into Cocoa's room while Cocoa was sharing the room for the night with her brother, Cocoro and her friends had all been jammed into her room. Nico leaned against the couch for a moment. "I'm heading upstairs. Goodnight, you two."

She waved, but there was no smile. Tsubasa watched her go, concerned about her friend. She turned to Honoka, putting her arm around the human battery. "So did you ever tell Maki we were dating? And that that's why my car is at Nico's all the time?"

Honoka shook her head. "No. She's been busy. She probably didn't notice your car."

Tsubasa remembered catching a glare from those lavender eyes. "You should mention it."

"Okay." Honoka shrugged. "Next time I see her."

"Just text her." Tsubasa picked up Honoka's phone from the coffee table, leaning in. "And then we can get back to other things."

BABY, PLEASE COME HOME

The office was too quiet. Maki had gone in at dawn, tired of her mind switching between conversations with Nico and conversations with Eli. And if she managed to clear them out, she'd start remembering Hanayo pulling everything out of a closet too full of Nico images. Hanayo. She'd scheduled today off last week to recover from the party, but had she talked to Rin yet? Maki pulled her phone out to see if there were any messages. Dark. Oh right, she'd turned it off last night.

Text from Honoka, nothing from her business partner.

H: Tsubasa said to tell you her car's been at Nico's cause she's secretly dating me ; )

Of course. And Nico was travelling to the Carolinas today while Maki would have to continue to be an idiot right here in Tennessee. Maybe she and Hanayo could go into therapy together to discuss why they couldn't pay the right amount of attention to their future wives … Maki shook her head when that thought invaded it, was Nico really … no evading it really, she knew it was truth, how right they were, how constant and necessary a presence Nico was. Maki felt the truth every time she thought about being near Nico. And she'd messed up with Nico badly last night. Which made her insecurity about Nico's feelings worse. Just call Nico, now, she told herself. That was the only option.

Nico picked up immediately. "Nico Nico Ni!"

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Everything … me, Hanayo, not knowing what to say, not stopping by last night, getting upset over nothing, my stupid next-door neighbor, panicking, everything, I just ..." Words kept coming out faster and faster, Maki couldn't stop them.

Nico interrupted her. "It's okay, Maki. Don't have a meltdown."

"No, it's not okay. I feel like an idiot."

There was silence. And then Nico chuckled. "You just found out Tsubasa's dating Honoka, didn't you?"

"W … Why do you think …"

"Were you really worried about that, Maki?" Nico's voice was edged.

"No." Maki's reply was instantaneous. And the truth. "It was just strange, seeing her car there when you weren't. I don't like puzzles."

Nico's voice dropped. "You don't like Nico Ni either."

Maki knew delay here was death. "That's not true, Nico. You looked smashing and sexy in that suit for your video, you work harder than I do, and I've started humming your songs around the office, now that I know them. Hanayo sings al-…" Maki stopped that sentence, not wanting to introduce another problem into this conversation.

"But you hate the fans. I watched you during the party. All you did was frown and glare."

"No, I don't hate your fans." Maki was insistent. "I'm just not used to it. I'm not used to us. I'm not used to …" Maki took a deep breath, "caring so much."

Nico's response was a whispered promise. "I'll be home tomorrow."

And Maki's was the invitation Nico longed to hear. "Come over. Please. I w … want to see you."

YOU'RE A MEAN ONE, MS. AYASE

Eli was pleased with herself. It only took two favors to get the court deed she had clasped in her hand. It was postdated and potent. Yazawa would have no choice but to comply with her Neighborhood Association Guidelines and take down the oversized decorations. Or the Idol could move. Either way, Eli would be rid of something that triggered rage on sight.

She knew the singer left for her trips early, so Eli had woken up early and was watching out her side window for the arrival of the car and driver. Then she would go have a chat and be done with this before anyone else woke up. Pre-breakfast victory.

Car. Eli headed for the front door. Yazawa was leaving her house and Eli walked up with a smirk. Nico rolled her eyes. "What do you want, Ayase?"

"The Santa gone. And full compliance with the Neighborhood Association Guidelines."

"It's not illegal, you petty, pinch-faced tyrant. Even your daughter loves it."

"Don't bring up my daughter," Eli growled.

"Don't ruin my siblings' Christmas," Nico countered. Pleading was not in the Yazawa DNA, and Nico knew she was in the right. Backing down was not an option.

Eli snapped the papers in her hand under Nico's nose. "This is a court citation for public nuisance. It's triggered in three days unless you take everything off your damn house and comply with my guidelines. Or you could move back to wherever you came from."

Nico's eyes were lasers, angry angry lasers. She took the papers from Eli, read them through quickly, glanced back to see a triumphant gleam in Eli's eyes, and then dropped the pile to the ground and drove the heel of her shoe through them.

"I'd rather that were you, Ayase."

"Three days, Yazawa."

"Bite me, Ayase. I can't believe this. What is wrong with you?"

Eli shrugged. "I don't care what you think. Do what I say."

"Get off my property. And tell your wife, sister and daughter to stay off too. And explain why." Nico shook her head. "I have to go. And you're an ass."

Eli walked away lighter than she'd felt since November. Nico slammed the car door after she got in, then sat, arms crossed over her chest. She'd have to text Umi later. Waking up Umi out of a sound sleep was never a good idea. Although Umi using Ayase for target practice with her bow appealed strongly to Nico in her current mood. But right now, Nico would take a very private non-Idol moment for frustrated crying that no one else would ever see.

CHARMING AS AN EEL

Nozomi woke up to an empty bed and a quiet child. Either Mischa or Eli generally woke her up with activity, but today, the upstairs was still. Which made Nozomi suspicious. Eli had been in a good mood last night, which Nozomi had taken as much advantage of as she had the energy to, but now, Nozomi found herself wondering why.

Eli and Mischa were sitting at the table. Eli had cooked a huge stack of blini, and they were spreading sour cream on each other's, Mischa switching to messy spoonfuls of blueberry jam every minute or so. Nozomi hadn't heard Eli laugh this gladly in far too long. It was unfortunate that she suspected someone else was not as happy because of Eli.

"Good morning, Elichi. You're in a good mood." Nozomi kissed the top of her wife's blonde head and went to get coffee.

"Yep," Eli bounded after her. "You married a closer."

"Did you hear about the partnership?"

"No." Eli grabbed Nozomi for a thorough kiss that made their daughter giggle and Nozomi blush. "Don't worry about it. Just have some breakfast."

Now all of Nozomi's alarms went off. "Elichi?"

Eli ducked her head. "Yazawa will be taking down her Sa …" Eli peeked over her shoulder at her daughter, "silly decorations."

Nozomi frowned. "How did you get her to agree?"

"Like I said, you married a closer."

"Eli, you know I will find out."

Eli blinked. "Time for blini for your Momma, right, little bear?"

"Momma!"

Nozomi sighed. Maybe Maki would know. Or Eli's paralegal was always good for intel.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS RIN

Hanayo pulled up outside Maki's house. Rin's car was still parked in Nico's driveway. Hanayo marched up to Nico's door, stuffed cat, flowers and ramen in hand. Maki had suggested expensive jewelry, but Hanayo knew Rin better. She rang Nico's doorbell. She hadn't texted Rin. For once, she didn't know or care whether Nico was travelling or not. It had been the first night since college Rin hadn't come home or called. Hanayo hadn't realized an apartment could be that empty.

A dark-haired woman opened the door, frowning at Hanayo.

"I'm Dr. Koizumi; I'm here to see Rin."

"Ah, she's in the backyard, I think, teaching Cocoa some stretches. Nice to meet you, I'm Umi Sonada. You can just go around the house. Send Cocoa inside."

Hanayo nodded. After Umi closed the door, Hanayo decided to leave everything on the doorstep. She wanted the first thing she did to be hugging Rin. So she ran around the side of the house with a speed that could rival her fiancée's and surprised Rin in the middle of the Warrior Pose with a hug that nearly knocked her over.

"Kayochin?" Rin sputtered, swaying.

Hanayo pulled her tighter, kissing every inch of her face. Then she pulled back and stared into Rin's green eyes. "Come with me. Now. I'm going to show you how much I missed you."

"KAYOCHIN?!"

Cocoa ran for the house. Her sister would be interested in this. Kotori intercepted her and made her sit down for breakfast instead of leading her siblings to the window.

"You're coming home with me now." Hanayo pulled Rin to her car.

"But don't you have to work?"

"I took today off, remember?"

"But …"

YOU CAN COUNT ON UMI

Maki entered Cherry Blossom Heights. Tomorrow, Nico would be home. Tonight, they could actually talk once Nico's concert was done, and then Maki could finally sleep, soundly, head to work the next morning and come home to Nico in the evening. Coming home to Nico. There was really nothing better Maki could think of at the moment.

She pulled into her driveway. Nico's siblings were helping Umi pull down the Christmas lights. The Santa had already disappeared. Kotori seemed to be making Cotaro drink something warm out of a Thermos.

Maki stopped the car. Was Nico leaving? Did something happen to her? Were the Yazawas moving again? Where would they go?

Maki sprinted across her yard. "What happened?"

Umi removed the last of the second-floor lights, climbed down the ladder, handed them to Cocoro and said, "Take your brother and sister inside. Maki will help me finish."

Cocoro nodded. "Can Maki have dinner with us?"

Umi turned to Maki. "You are very welcome. It would make Nico happy, I think."

And what Maki picked up from the downcast tone of Umi's voice was that there was cheering up needed. Why? But she would wait to ask Umi until the children were inside, so she smiled at Cocoro.

"Sounds like fun. Let me go home and get changed and I'll be over in a half hour."

"Yeah!" Cocoro ran to her siblings.

Umi and Maki watched Kotori herd three Yazawas into the house.

"Your friend won," Umi said flatly.

"If she did anything to Nico, she's not my friend." Maki's hands settled on her hips, and she turned to glare at Eli and Nozomi's house, but not before she caught a nod of approval from Umi. "My lawyers said the guidelines weren't enforceable." Maki frowned. "I don't know if I remembered to tell Nico."

"Doesn't matter. Ayase threatened Nico with a citation for public nuisance."

"What?"

Umi glared in the same direction Maki had been staring. "Nico said it mentioned the video shoot and the number of unrelated persons staying in the house."

"But you and Kotori are married."

"She meant Tsubasa."

"Really, Eli," Maki muttered to herself. Nico was probably … Maki pulled on Umi's arm. "How is Nico?"

Umi shook her head, "Quiet. Very quiet."

Maki knew it would be too late to get a flight, and South Carolina was too far to drive to tonight. Nico's concert was starting in an hour so she'd be in the middle of hair and makeup. Nico should have called her. When it happened. If Maki had just talked to Nico last night she wouldn't have gone in so early and been home when Eli … ElI.

Maki started toward Eli's house, anger driving her. She felt Umi pull her back.

"You have three dinner dates. Come inside," Umi advised.

"But …"

Umi shook her head. "Yelling at Ayase in front of her wife and daughter won't help Nico."

A HOUSE THAT'S NOT A HOME

Someone else was taking care of yelling at Eli Ayase. Her wife.

Eli had come home a little earlier than usual. Nozomi was in the kitchen, prepping dinner.

"Who did you call in the favor from?" Nozomi's question was sharp.

"A judge I know. And the district justice." Eli didn't bother asking Nozomi how she found out about the situation. Nozomi seemed to know things almost before they happened.

"You cited her for being a public nuisance, Eli?"

Eli shrugged, while Nozomi glared. "I don't make the zoning laws. There are at least one too many people living in that house, and there's no way she got a permit for the video mess. I got the citation post dated; it hasn't been filed yet."

"Did she even need a permit?" Nozomi asked.

Eli clenched a fist. "I am concerned about the neighborhood, random strangers, and my daughter."

"If you were actually concerned about your daughter," Nozomi's voice was a whip, "You would spend time at home."

"We are not having this conversation now," Eli decided.

"We will not be having any conversation until you start resembling the Eli I married and not some legal robot." Nozomi hurried up the stairs, Eli knew she was crying. But Eli had no idea what to do.

GROWNUPS CRUNCHING...HAPPILY?

Three people were now breakfasting in Maki Nishikino's kitchen. None of them had cooked. Through gritted teeth and for love of Nico and friendship of Honoka, Maki had invited Tsubasa Kira to stay at her house. One less lever for Eli. And now, Tsubasa was at Maki's table, eating Maki's favorite cereal while Honoka stared at the singer like she was Honoka's favorite cereal. Maki felt nauseated so she took her bowl of slightly healthier cereal into the living room to watch a cartoon or something.

Nico had been barely verbal last night. And Maki was still too new at Nico to know how to break the gloom. So she did what she could, telling Nico funny stories about her day and med school, getting a few chuckles and a promise that Nico would come over when she got home. Then Maki had sat down with a pen and paper and strategized. Two things needed to happen: Nico needed to be cheered up, and Eli needed to be shut down. Eli was mostly Nozomi's difficulty, but the extra person in Nico's house needed solving. Nico had been quite firm about not telling Tsubasa about Eli's threat. Nico said it was even tougher for Tsubasa to get any privacy than her because of all the speculation about why A-RIse had split. So Maki had decided that Tsubasa was an issue she needed to fix and went back over to Nico's house with a proposal that the singer stay with her. Honoka had nearly knocked the redhead down with a grateful hug as Tsubasa had been making plans to leave, Umi having told her the truth.

So Maki had a roommate. For only the second time ever. She and Hanayo had roomed together during college, but Maki liked Hanayo, who was quiet and polite and thoughtful. Tsubasa was underdressed and too fond of winking and … Maki crunched her cereal loudly and resentfully. Honoka flopped over the back of the couch.

"Maki! I made three loaves of bread. Take 'em to the office."

Maki nodded. Then Tsubasa flopped over the couch on Maki's other side. "What are we having for dinner, darling?" She winked at Maki.

"Nico," Maki started …

"Really?" Tsubasa raised an eyebrow. Maki wanted to rip it off.

"I am having a late dinner with Nico. You can do whatever you want."

"You don't have any food that's not bread."

Maki snarled, "Find a grocery store." She slammed her bowl onto the coffee table and stood, "I'm going to work."

Honoka had slid next to Tsubasa, their arms intertwined in what seemed like a blink. "See you later, Boss."

Maki nodded. She didn't blame Honoka. Well, not for everything.

DECK THE WALLS

Maki had had her office manager find out which store had the best selection of outdoor Christmas decorations remaining. Then she stopped and bought them out of inflatable Santas, lights and anything else she thought would fit on her house. Then she ordered four pizzas to be delivered a half hour after Nico was scheduled to arrive home. Then she drove to her house, changed into jeans, green turtleneck, down vest and bobble hat and started unpacking her car. Hanayo had promised to bring Rin over as soon as she finished at the office. Maki decided the biggest Santa should probably go on the roof, but did she even have a ladder?

She heard the window next door open and turned to see Nozomi's head poke out. "Do ya have a spare Santa for me, Maki?"

"You can pick your favorite," Maki shouted back.

Maki had started sorting decorations into piles when she heard the Yazawa door open and a chorus of voices start.

"Maki's decorating!" "Can we help?" "Santa!"

Maki smiled and waved the younger Yazawas over. Then she hit play on her phone, and Nico and Tsubasa's voices started singing "This Christmas" from the speaker she'd set up on her steps.

Next step was the arrival of Nozomi and Mischa, Nozomi grinning broadly. "I was surprised you didn't come over last night and yell at Eli."

Maki looked to where Umi was thankfully carrying a ladder out of Nico's garage. "I decide to listen to a cooler head."

"Eli's too cool these days," Nozomi shook her head. "Unless it involves your girlfriend."

"Momma! Look, a twinklestar," Mischa had found a star the size of her head. Cocoa laughed and tried to help her make it into a hat.

"We just won't plug in that star quite yet, little bear" Nozomi winked at Maki as she sorted through the boxes of inflatable Santas.

Umi placed the ladder carefully and prevented Cotaro from climbing it, sending him to ask Maki what she wanted on the roof. Maki handed him the biggest Santa. "Do we need a pump?"

"Kotori." Cotaro pointed as the fawn-haired woman came out of the garage with a tool kit and a pump.

Umi came up to Maki, looking the redhead up and down. "Would you like me to hang the decorations that require a ladder?"

"Please. I'll do the ones around the door."

Umi nodded.

Nico's flight had been late. Just another cheery Christmas surprise. Fortunately, she always figured a delay into the arrival time she would tell her family - and now Maki, so they wouldn't be worried or disappointed. Driver was quiet; Nico had left off the radio. After her confrontation with Eli, she was not in the mood to listen to Christmas music and then come home to a house stripped bare of decorations. Sure, she could decorate as "suggested" by Ayase's stupid guidelines, but that would be giving the evil blonde Grinch a win, and while Nico understood that she could lose, she certainly wasn't going to kowtow to stupid rules and stupider rulemakers. The move to Tennessee had been a good plan, a plan for calm time with her siblings, better schools, simple family things that she never got while she was travelling. And then there was the bonus girl next door. Not girl. Nico pictured Maki. Smart, strong, sexy woman. Wow. Sometimes Nico would just sit on the couch after she woke up, staring at Maki's house, and think "Wow." Maki was an even rarer bit of fortune than Nico's Idol career. Not exactly like a fairy tale, but at least like an after midnight cheesy romantic movie. And Cocoro, Cocoa and Cotaro loved her, which was another bit of amazing. And Maki … Nico glanced up, the car was pulling into her driveway, and Maki's yard was a buzzing hive of Yazawa activity, lights and decorations everywhere, a Santa half again the size of Nico's bobbing on the roof, and the doctor herself … where was Maki? Movement caught Nico's attention, and she watched as Maki tried to hop down the front stairs, entwined in a string of lights, Rin only getting in the way as she tried to help her friend.

Maki had no idea how she managed to get herself entangled in two strings of lights. Rin had given up helping and was rolling in the snow laughing at her feet when Nico stepped out of the car. Nico had bundled up in a black parka three quarters her size, oversized sunglasses covering most of her face. She just stared at Maki for a moment before taking out her phone and snapping pictures. Then she swept the sunglasses off and hurried over to help Rin up.

"Rin! You haven't been here since I left, have you?" Nico sounded worried.

"Nah. Kayochin apologized about a million times, threw your stuff out and put up all my trophies instead." Rin's grin was infectious. "It's been pretty awesome."

Nico smiled.

"I'd better go warn her you're here. She'll probably be embarrassed. But Maki'll take care of you." And Rin helpfully pushed an already off-balance Maki in Nico's direction. Maki stumbled and manage to only collide with Nico, not knock her over.

Nico wrapped her arms around the doctor. "You're not nearly prickly enough for a Christmas tree, but I'll swap you out for the one in my living room."

Maki got one arm free and pulled Nico close enough to kiss. Emphatically. Several times. And then she heard Cocoa and Nozomi cheering and pushed back, ending up on the ground. Nico started laughing so hard there were tears. "If you keep this up, I might just marry you."

"Okay." Maki blushed but did not look away from Nico.

Nico stopped laughing, her eyes opening even wider, crimson sparking with more emotions than Maki could register. Then Cocoro ran up, hugging Nico. "We missed you."

Nico winked at Maki, and mouthed "Later," then pulled her sister in close. "I missed you, too."

Maki shivered a little, snow seeping in from her contact with the ground, and suddenly feeling exposed in the middle of the crowd of people. Nozomi offered her a hand up. "You seem to be doing okay."

Maki inhaled, brushing snow off her pants, ignoring Nozomi's teasing.

"Thank you for the Santa. We have to go in for dinner."

"I ordered enough pizza for a dozen people. You could join us." Maki took back the star Mischa offered her.

Umi had finished with the second-floor lights and joined the conversation. "I could install the Santa for you, if you like, Nozomi. The ladder's already out."

Nozomi looked speculatively at Umi, standing in jeans, a form-fitting white thermal long-sleeve shirt and an open denim vest, seemingly impervious to the cold. "Tempting. But I'm going to ask my wife. I think Mischa would like to help her mommy make Santa feel welcome."

"Good luck with that." Nico's tone was joking, for Mischa's benefit, but her face was mirthless.

Nozomi shrugged. "Eli will come around. She might surprise you."

"She'd have to," Nico muttered.

"Have a good night." Maki waved goodbye to Nozomi, then wrapped her arms around Nico's waist and pulled her in for a hug. "The pizza should be here soon."

"Are you sure you're not a teenager?" Nico laughed.

Maki picked Nico up and twirled her around. "No."

VISIT WITH A SEASICK CROCODILE

Roger had just said goodnight and have a happy holiday to Eli on his way out the door. Roger never went home. He'd gotten a divorce 18 months ago and just moved into his office. Eli was now the last one in the office. Roger had gone home. With a grin. Maybe he had a date. Or was going to see his son. Eli had kissed a sleeping Mischa before she left this morning, but there had been no family breakfast, no waking up with Nozomi in her arms, no call to remind her to eat lunch or text with a picture of Mischa's cute hat decision for the day.

Eli stared at the picture on her desk. Nozomi, gleaming, holding their daughter and Eli with her arm around her wife, all her attention on her family. Where was that Eli? She shoved a pile of papers aside and stared at her laptop, considering which partner's busywork to finish next. Maybe by the New Year's Eve Party she'd have some news on her career prospects.

Phone buzzed; Alisa.

"Alisa?"

"Unlock the front door," Alisa snapped.

What was Alisa doing downtown? Eli hurried, protective instincts kicking in. Alisa was bundled up against the cold, but Eli could see anger burning in blue eyes so similar to hers.

"What happened?" Eli was worried.

"What happened to you?"

"Nothing. I'm busy. Working."

Alisa looked around. "Are we alone?"

Eli nodded.

Alisa drew herself up, her voice ringing with accusation. "Your wife is busy CRYING, you dummy. I called to talk to you and Nozomi tried to pretend she wasn't upset but … What did you do?"

Eli shrugged. Alisa kept glaring. "I threatened Yazawa with a public nuisance citation."

Alisa looked confused. "Why?"

"So she'd take the damn Santa down." Eli knew tears were starting. "So she'd listen to me."

"Eli."

"I know, I know, it's stupid and silly, but I wanted … I just wanted to …" Eli sank into the reception couch, hands over her eyes, feeling the tears flow.

Alisa sat next to her. "Go home to Nozomi, Eli. I'll drive you."

"But she doesn't want to talk to me. And I have to …"

"What you have to do is see your wife. And take the weekend off. And then bring your wife and daughter to Mom and Pop's house for Christmas dinner. We all miss you." Alisa hugged her sister, feeling the older woman relax into her shoulder, sniffling.

"I'm sorry."

"Tell that to Nozomi and Nico."

Eli nodded into Alisa's shoulder, grateful for her sister's caring warmth.

THERE'S A FEELING OF CHRISTMAS

Maki was exhausted. Wrestling lights and decorations after a full day of work definitely qualified as a workout. They'd adjourned to the Yazawa HQ for dessert, so Maki was currently monopolizing Nico's couch, half asleep, stretched out to her full height while everyone else bustled around the kitchen and the tree, deciding on cake, cookies or pie. Maki had maxed out on pizza and so had no real urges for something sweet, although she would occasionally glance over her shoulder to see what Nico was up to. Being the center of attention. Of course. But here, in Nico's house, with her siblings around her clamoring for the black-haired woman's attention, Maki could only smile and think how homey and cute the whole scene was. Umi had switched on Christmas music, and Kotori, changed out of snow clothes and into a long, hooded soft green sweatshirt dress, stood in front of Maki, offering her a mug.

"Nico says you mostly drink coffee. She didn't think you'd want decaf," Kotori winked.

"Thanks." Maki continued her lean. "Did you want to sit?"

"Uh uh," Kotori shook her head. "You look comfy. I'm going to help Umi get them herded into bed anyway."

Maki nodded. Cocoro came up behind the couch, with a sugar cookie. "Want one, Maki?"

"Sure." Maki decided to dip it in the coffee. Sweet had never really been her thing.

Umi stood next to Kotori. "Did you finish your presentation?"

"Tomorrow," Cocoro stated matter of factly. "It's on my schedule. Just like you showed us."

Umi nodded her approval. Kotori giggled. "Don't you think Umi will make a wonderful parent, Maki."

Maki wasn't sure what to say. And then Cocoro said what, from the look on Umi's face, was the wrong thing. "OOOOO, Umi and Kotori are having a family."

Maki heard a crash and Nico yelling 'What?" Umi had paled and turned to Kotori. "Kotori?" Nico came tearing over the sofa. "What happened, Kotori. Did you finally convince her?"

Umi looked from Kotori to Nico to Cocoro to Kotori, starting to tremble as the blush rose and she rushed out the back door.

"Meh," Kotori muttered.

Cocoro touched Nico's shoulder. "Did I …"

Nico shook her head. "It's okay. I'll go talk to her."

Maki decided to join the conversation. "She does know that having a family is a complicated process, right?" Maki glanced at Kotori. "Especially in your situation."

Nico sighed. "No, I don't think she does. She's probably never actually thought about it."

Kotori nodded in support of Nico's comment.

Maki sat up and put on her doctor hat. "Do you want me to talk with her? About the options?"

Kotori made a distressed noise; Nico kissed Maki on the forehead. "Just get comfortable again, Doctor Maki. This is a friend for ten years thing."

Umi had not climbed a tree or taken out her bow. She was perched on the fence at the back of Nico's yard, kicking her feet. Nico had wrapped up in her parka but forgotten a hat or gloves, so she stuck her hands under her armpits to keep them warm.

"Umi?"

Umi wouldn't meet Nico's eye. "How long has Kotori been talking about a family?"

Nico hopped up on the fence. "Couple years."

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"She was scared. And worried you'd be scared."

"I love Kotori," Umi looked straight at Nico. "All I want is her happiness."

"I know. She knows. Go talk to her. I'll put the rest of them to bed."

Umi hopped down and took a deep breath.

"If Maki offers to explain anything, just say no."

Umi was puzzled. Nico just shook her head and said. "Trust me."

Umi nodded. Nico stayed on the fence, kicking her feet and thinking about happiness, families and other people, other people being one particular person, Maki. Who suddenly appeared, with Nico's hat. "You must be cold."

"A little."

"Umi looked calmer. Cocoro decided to shoo Cocoa and Cotaro upstairs."

"Good."

Maki leaned against the fence. "I like your siblings. They take care of each other. Your mom must be proud."

"Do you want a family?"

Maki's lavender eyes were bright, moonlight reflecting in them. "If it would be anything like yours, yes."

"How'd you get so perfect?"

"Practice. And healthy cereal this morning," Maki pouted. "Since Tsubasa stole my Cinnamon Krunchies."

Nico snorted. "And how is the new roommate situation going?"

Maki groaned. "She steals my cereal, doesn't wear a robe over her 'pajamas' and spends too much time in my living room." Maki took Nico's hand. "Can't I have you for a roommate instead?"

Echoes of something not said filled an instantly very silent night. But before Maki could think too much about it, Nico leaned into her and when Maki turned, put both hands on the redhead's cheeks and kissed Maki, hard and sudden. Then she jumped down. "You can fall asleep on my couch tonight, anyway."

ALL I EVER WANT UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Nico stared at Maki, sprawled on her couch, debating one last time whether to wake her up for a quick goodbye. Why not let the Doctor sleep, Nico thought, it's what a good roommate would do. Maki was nice and smart and hot but so used to holding herself back she didn't even realize it was happening. And Nico didn't want to be just a sprint in the shallow end of the dating pool. So Nico went into the morning with a sigh when she heard her car and driver pull up. And then more good news, she spotted the blonde hair of another neighborhood thrill.

"Yazawa."

"Ass."

Eli coughed and kicked the snow a little. "Do you have a minute?"

Nico stared at Eli, pointed at her car and said. "No."

Eli continued, ignoring Nico's response and going through her rehearsed speech as if Nico weren't there. "I apologize. I completely overstepped any authority I might have had."

"Yes, you did." Nico opened the car door. "You upset my family with your complete jerkiness and Santa Killer killer moves. And I'm pretty sure threatening me with a postdated citation would qualify as harassment in a fair court."

Eli shoved her hands in her pockets. "I am sorry for upsetting your family. That was low. I am also sorry for the things I assumed about you and harassing Maki for dating you."

Nico stepped away from the door, confronting Eli. "You did what?"

Eli shrugged. "I just tried to make her aware of some of the cons of dating a celebrity."

"I can't believe you," Nico snorted. "Just go away, Ayase. And stay away. I've had enough of all of you."

And Nico slammed the car door, disappearing. And Eli wondered if maybe an apology had been the way to rid herself of the Idol all along. Then she worked on her contrite look before returning to her wife.

Maki woke up, cold. Quiet house and hard cold sunlight outside Nico's open curtain, wool blanket on the floor. She shivered and grabbed her phone. 8 a.m. A mug stood on the coffee table, weighting down a note.

Morning Maki!

Couldn't wait, didn't want to wake you. Have a good Christmas at your parents; see you sometime after the holiday.

3 Nico

P.S. Hotpot full of coffee in the kitchen if you need it.

Maki yawned and wondered at the tone of the note. Maybe Nico had woken up late and been in a rush. She'd text her later to make sure the interview in Nashville had gone well. But now, time to sneak out and get ready for the drive to her parents. She was heading there a day earlier than usual, with Nico out of town and no desire to talk to Eli.

LOVE YOU MADLY

It had been a calm afternoon. Maki had spent some time playing the piano, taken a nap and was ready for the rigors of a family dinner. She'd been too busy since Thanksgiving to drive up, and she'd been ignoring her mother's calls. So there would be questions. What she didn't realize - and should have from past experience - was that her mother had other sources of information.

Seated at the dining room table, her mother waited until Maki took her first bite of halibut before starting the interrogation. "So Hanayo tells me you have a new neighbor, a singer."

Maki didn't choke. But she did draw out the swallowing process. She nodded in her mother's direction. "Nico Yazawa. She's very busy. Lots of concerts this time of year."

"Hanayo said she met her," Maki's mother's tone judged her who-to-introduce-the-new-neighbor-to choices harshly.

"Nico went to their holiday party. As …" Maki hesitated, "a favor. Hanayo's been a fan since high school."

"That was nice of her." Maki's mother smiled.

Maki nodded and started eating her food as quickly as possible. If … or when she and Nico got married, she'd have to be sure to tell Nico not to take her mother's calls. Maki froze. Married. Wife, not roommate. Maki knew there was sometimes a question in Nico's eyes, a doubt …

"Oh." Maki put her fork down, Nico's change of tone making complete sense now.

"What's wrong?" Maki's father joined the conversation.

Maki stood. "Nothing. I have to go …" She wondered if there were jewelry stores open this time of night. It was only 7 and two days before Christmas. Surely there were other idiots in a panic.

"Maki!" Her mother's voice snapped.

Maki looked directly at her mother. "Yes, you will have to meet Nico. Soon. And see her often, I hope. But now I have to go." Or none of that would happen. Maki had never been good at not taking situations to their worst case, disaster scenario, apocalyptic ends.

UP ON A ROOFTOP - AGAIN - MAYBE

Umi had reluctantly agreed to leave the ladder out for Maki, probably prodded by Kotori, who had been kind enough to find out Nico's ring size. And Maki's parents had stopped asking questions once they decided they would just drive down tomorrow, Christmas Eve, for dinner at Maki's, with the Yazawas. So Maki was headed back to Cherry Blossom Heights, plan in mind, ring in coat pocket, along with a small piece of holiday decoration she'd lifted from her parents' foyer.

Umi had left the ladder, with detailed instructions on how to open and climb it taped to the top step. Maki shook her head. She knew how to use a ladder. Anybody knew how to use a ladder. There was supposed to be snow later in the evening, after midnight. Maybe if there were enough, her parents would be snowed in at Lexington. Maki had dragged over lights and two inflatable Santas. She should have about two hours before Nico was supposed to be home. The interview had gone well, Nico had texted.

Maki tried to remember what Umi had done with the Santa. Inflated it and then put it on the roof or put it on the roof and then inflated it. Umi was probably still up, but Maki was certainly not going to ask. If she needed them, there would surely be instructions somewhere. She remembered Eli strangling the Santa and decided to inflate first. Plug pump into Santa, plug in pump, wish regretfully that you'd brought noise-blocking headphones with you: Santa on the roof, the Maki plan.

Santa was nearly fully inflated when Maki got down to detangle the pump and figure out where to put the ties. And then she heard her,

"Trepassing, Nishikino. I could probably get you for breaking and entering when you fall through my roof in ten minutes or so," Nico's voice cut through the air, serious. "Local jail cells aren't bad, though."

Maki whirled, but managed to get caught in something Santa related, which just caused the jolly old vagrant to appear to be climbing up her back. "You're not supposed to be home for two hours."

"You might have a broken leg by then." Nico sighed and tried to untangle the Santa. "I always add extra travel time, and after Umi texted me, we started speeding."

"Oh."

"What are you doing?"

"Cheering you up."

"By endangering your life?"

"No." Maki grabbed the Santa and headed to the ladder, embarrassed.

Nico grabbed Maki's wrist. "My siblings aren't this difficult. And they listen me. Aren't you supposed to be at your parents?"

Nico had Maki's wrist, but the Santa was bobbing back and forth between them, Maki not being able to keep a grip on it.

"Maki."

"I'm putting the Santa on the roof."

Nico stared, then suddenly ripped the Santa out of Maki's arms and started climbing the ladder, with the inflatable three times her size making it nearly impossible. Maki would have laughed, but she was too far gone into stubborn and grabbed the Santa.

Before she could adjust, Maki was lying in the snow, Nico was on top of her and the Santa was off to the side, leering at her incompetence.

"AAARRRGHHH." Maki reverse punched the ground.

Nico sat up, brushing snow off her black fisherman's sweater, "Nice."

Maki sat up, frustrated, shoved her hands in her vest pocket and felt the ring box. Ring box. Now she knew what the look on the Santa's face was: "Idiot." She tightened her hand around the box, pulled it out of her pocket, turned Nico's hand over and placed the box very carefully atop Nico's mittened palm. Crimson eyes went wide, and Maki forced herself not to look away, "I don't want a roommate, you can do anything you want to my kitchen, I'm putting up the Santa next year, you and your siblings have to meet my parents tomorrow and …" Maki swallowed, "I love you, Nico. Marry me, soon."

Nico kept staring. Maki leaned in even closer, praying for some small gift of dexterity, and managed to open the box while still focusing on Nico. She took the ring in her hands and slid off Nico's left mitten.

Nico pulled back. Maki stopped breathing.

"I had a plan," The redhead said sadly. "I even got mistletoe."

Nico's laugh suddenly echoed everywhere. "You also pout more than my siblings, Neighbor Maki."

"Don't call me that." Maki's voice didn't have any fight in it. And the ring was cutting into her palm inside her clenched fist.

Nico's voice was crisp. "Nobody is allowed to do anything to your kitchen."

Hope and breath returned and Maki's heart rate accelerated. Nico stood and pulled Maki off the ground. "Try again."

Maki nodded, lavender eyes wide, took Nico's hand and slid the platinum and ruby ring on it. "Marry me?"

Nico's kiss was better than any words, deep and full and playful. Maki knew she would always remember this feeling, the acceptance, the warmth and the weight of Nico's passion forcing away the cold, breaking the solitude, meeting Maki's desire with a steadiness that held so much promise and affection. It was a forever moment, and Maki pressed as far into it as she could, lips and arms locked on Nico, Nico's arms pulling her even closer. Then suddenly Nico started shivering, and Maki swept her up into a bridal hold.

"Maki!?"

Maki's grin was devilish. "We need to get inside and hang the mistletoe so I can properly warm you up."

"Now you remember."

Maki kissed Nico. "I love you."

"I love you."

"Good."

POSTSCRIPT

There had been a New Year's Day snowfall, and Eli would have to drag out the snowblower again. But she didn't care. What she had just seen while grabbing the mail would lift her mood for the rest of winter.

Nozomi was putting breakfast on the table when Eli came into the house, whistling cheerily.

"You know, Nozomi, I'm starting to like the Santa on the roof. It's so cheerful. We can put one up again next year."

Nozomi smiled. Eli had been spending more time at home and had actually almost been relaxed recently. And it seemed like Eli had had some good news.

"Something in the mail, Elichi?" Nozomi put half a muffin on Mischa's plate.

"Just the usual." Eli pulled Nozomi into a hug. "But there is a moving van at the Yazawas. Not that I wasn't getting used to them, but I have to admit I'll be a little relieved when they've moved out of the neighborhood."

Nozomi bit back a giggle. Eli was in such a good mood, she was reluctant to explain to Eli that now that Maki and Nico were married and Nico's mother was back overseas after her holiday week, all the Yazawas were moving into Maki's house and Kotori was redecorating. Actually, Nozomi couldn't remember if she'd even told Eli about the couple's day-after-Christmas wedding.

Smiling, Eli sat down at the table and opened the front page of the paper, taking a sip of her coffee. It was her Saturday morning ritual, and Nozomi laughed as their daughter pulled down the newspaper with a spoon to blow a kiss at her mother. Maybe the neighbor's news could wait for another morning.

A/N

This is the first time I only had a loose plan when I posted the first chunk so I learned several things, including it always goes slower than you imagine, fictional characters may change their minds and the comments actually do have an impact, but that that last bit makes things interesting. I'm finding Love Live more and more to be a shared palette that so many people paint such varied scenarios with. It's fascinating. And impressive. Thanks for reading this contribution, kudo-ing and especially commenting. Maybe I'll dive back into cyberdystopia next. Because of course Love Live needs more robot ; ) And if you're marching anywhere, say on Saturday, take care of yourself.