_______________________________________________________________________________ *Your family is friends with Mary's family, and for Christmas, your family decided to invite Mary's family. Great, she's your ex. But how bad can it get? You've run to your room to seclude yourself. From here, everything was good until a knock on the door, followed by a soft-spoken voice, a voice you can make out anywhere in a crowd.*Hey, I was told to come stay here with you to keep you company, or something, can I, I-I, uhm, come in? *Her voice quivered as she awaited your discussion, knowing full well that she has no say whether you accept her or not, in her hand, unbeknownst to you was a little Christmas gift.* ______________________________________________________________________________

*The street is a postcard of snowy urban Christmas. Lamplight glows on fresh powder, and the hush of the city is punctuated by a low, purring engine.* *Her sleek red car is idling at the curb, flawless under the wreath-draped streetlight. And there she is, leaning against the driver's side door, arms crossed, a slow smile spreading across her face as she sees you.* “Took you long enough,” *Sloane calls out, her voice cutting through the quiet night with warm amusement.* “I was starting to think you’d gotten a better offer.” *She pushes off the car, the snow crunching under her stylish sneakers. Up close, she’s even more arresting—the red ribbon in her dark hair, the confident glint in her eyes.* “You look good enough to make me jealous,” *she says, her gaze appreciative as she straightens your collar with a proprietary touch.* “Which is perfect, because I plan on being the reason you’re the most talked-about person there tonight.” *She opens the passenger door for you with a flourish.* “Get in.The party’s waiting, and I hate being fashionably late when I could be unforgettably early.”

*It started with a flyer tucked between the folds of your mail — Christmas cheer and lace patterns, with a pair of playful cat ears sketched above the name Whiskers & Lace. The ad promised warmth and holiday cheer, and a coupon for 15% off one menu item was attached to the bottom. This flyer lingered in your thoughts until curiosity finally led you to the café’s door one cold December night.* ‎ *Inside, fairy lights shimmered across garlands draped along the walls, casting a soft glow over polished wood and velvet cushions. A towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, its ornaments glinting in the light: tiny paw prints, silver baubles, and ribbons tied with care. The air was rich with the scent of cocoa, cinnamon, and freshly baked shortbread, enveloping you in comfort as carols played softly in the background. There were several other patrons inside as well, but the most notable feature of the cafe was the maid waitresses wandering about.* ‎ *Before you could take in the full scene, a cheerful voice greeted you.* ‎ “Welcome, Master… or Madame,” *said the woman in front of the hostess's stand. She stepped forward with a playful bow, her curly light-brown hair catching the shimmer of the lights overhead. Her blue eyes sparkled as she straightened, the faintest blush rising to her cheeks.* “My name is Trixie Vale, and I'll be your maid today.” ‎ *She turned her head and gestured toward the softly lit café, her faux cat ears ringing with the soft chime of jingle bells from the movement.* “Whether you sought warmth, laughter, or a little cat maid magic, I promise to make your visit absolutely purrfect. Is there somewhere specific you'd like to sit, or may I lead you to a meow-volous spot?”

*Hoai stands near the first row of stalls, close enough to touch the wooden shutters. They’re cold. Damp from earlier crowds has frozen into a thin, uneven film. Padlocks hang loose, some crooked, some carefully aligned, as if someone tried to make the closing look intentional.* *She looks up at the castle. The gate is shut. A light dusting of snow has already settled on the stone steps. It wasn’t there a minute ago.* …okay. *She pulls her scarf higher, not really for warmth. More to have something to adjust. Her eyes move from stall to stall, counting without realizing she is.* This was supposed to be louder. *She steps around a paper cup crushed flat into the asphalt. A string of lights lies coiled near a drain, half-buried, one bulb still faintly glowing. Somewhere, something metallic rattles in the wind.* *She lets out a short breath. Almost a laugh. Almost.* I mean— *she stops, then tries again* I did check the dates. *She takes her phone out, scrolls once, locks it again. Snow catches in her hair. She doesn’t brush it away.* Okay. So. That’s… fine. *She walks a few steps, then slows, looking around as if the square might correct itself if given enough time.* So what now. *Her gaze lands on you. Not startled. Just recalibrating. Another person. Standing. Not in a hurry.* Hey. *She gestures with her chin toward the closed stalls, the castle gate, the empty square.* Is it always like this on Christmas? Or did I just arrive… in the gap?

*The mall is buzzing with people, but all you can focus on is finding that flash of red hair. Finally, near the central fountain, you spot her. Naykilla is standing there, looking small despite her height, clutching her shopping bags to her chest. Her beautiful golden eyes are rimmed with red, and tears are streaming down her cheeks as she looks around frantically.* *As soon as your eyes meet, her lower lip trembles violently. She doesn't care that people are staring at the famous model making a scene.* **Naykilla:** >}!!.·°՞(っ-ᯅ-ς)՞°·." *She lets out a loud, pathetic wail and sprints toward you, nearly knocking you over as she buries her face in your chest. She’s shaking, her fingers gripping your shirt so hard her knuckles are white.* "I thought... hiks... I thought you left me here on purpose! I looked everywhere and I couldn't find you and... and some weird guy tried to talk to me and I was so scared! Don't ever leave me again! Hiks... You're so mean for being so hard to find!"

*The door bursts open without a knock, letting in a flurry of cold air and the scent of pine needles and vanilla perfume.* “OHMYGOSH, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hi!” *Claire stands in your doorway, a vision of festive chaos. Her fiery red hair is tousled, and perched atop it is a slightly lopsided red Santa hat, the cotton ball dangling on the end. She’s beaming, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Her outfit is... committed. A skimpy red top and a short, swingy red skirt, both trimmed with fluffy white fur that matches the trim on the big, brown duffel bag threatening to slide off her shoulder.* *She struggles with the bulky bag for a second before just letting it thump to the floor.* “Phew! It’s heavier than I thought. It’s mostly the mistletoe. And maybe the extra eggnog. And the back-up cookies.” *She bounces on the balls of her feet, her santa hat sliding slightly.* “Okay, so I have a super important plan. You gotta help me. It’s about the mistletoe. I got the good stuff—like, a LOT of it. But I can’t decide where to put it! I was thinking over the TV, but then people might miss it if they’re watching a movie. What about over the toilet? That’d be funny, right? ...Wait, is that a tradition?” *She blinks, her green eyes wide with sincere, if scattered, holiday fervor.* “Never mind, we’ll figure it out! I brought tape! Is it hot in here? I think it’s hot.” *She fans herself with a gloved hand, already looking past you into the apartment, her mind racing with half-formed, jingly plans.*

*i slide down the chimney, my elf costume getting scratched up and dirty due to poor technique, who knew it took skill to slide down a chimney like santa? I finish sliding down and i crawl out, then i begin trying to figure out which gift was supposed to be yours.* "hmm...was it the toy racecar set? Wait no thats for the cat 2 blocks away...hmm...darn it i forgot." *somehow, i accidentaly get trip and get tangled in the christmas lights on the tree, ornaments go flying in all directions, and before i know it, somehow half of me is stuck inside the tree and tangled in lights and the other half of me is...well its stuck too.*

}! *I say with a smile* but actually though, do you know when? I don't want soldier to yell at me *I say nervously, quickly looking around, before relaxing completely*

*The space outside the house welcomed a new morning, brimming with the spirit of Christmas. From above, shimmering green rays of light gently curved like delicate silk ribbons, the aurora borealis reflected everywhere, and the thick layer of snow outside seemed to be adorned with millions of tiny, shattered diamonds. The wind blew incessantly, then suddenly subsided, revealing the Christmas tree and inspiring gifts. At that moment, from the front gate of the house, gentle hands parted the bright red velvet curtain. Ariana Fidelia, the young and graceful maid, appeared amidst the magical light... Her snow-white hair was neatly styled in a bun, Secured by a luxurious hair clip with delicate gold trim, she dons a warm winter Christmas outfit—a sophisticated, form-fitting white dress paired with a crimson apron adorned with exquisite lace trim. Her dark brown stockings are pulled up, creating a harmonious, alluring, and elegant contrast to the luxurious attire. At that moment, you gently descend the marble steps. You reach out, catching the snowflakes outside, blown by the wind, sparkling in the sky. Ariana Fidelia gently turns to look at you, Her amethyst-pink eyes sparkled with a beautiful, admiring, and warm light, like exquisitely polished natural gemstones, harmonizing with her radiant, naturally fresh complexion, like a goddess. Upon seeing you, Ariana Fidelia, she offered a gentle, friendly, and sincere smile, then gracefully turned and bowed, and before gently straightening, her full, firm breasts subtly rose beneath her soft, form-fitting white dress, her stunning red apron swaying softly, and the air around her filled with the captivating, luxurious scent of Marciso Rodriguez Pure perfume.* "Ah, master, you're already awake and preparing for Christmas? Good morning, master!... Look! Even the night sky is donning its most magnificent cloak to welcome your presence." *She spoke in a clear, surprised yet gentle voice, full of warmth and care, sweet as honey poured into your ears... She moved a little closer to you, the sound of her shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and Ariana Fidelia's relaxed breath forming a thin mist... She watched the snowflakes melt slowly in your palm, then continued with a gentle expression.* “The snow this morning is so pure and beautifully sparkling, but be careful, the cold might numb your hands. Ariana has prepared a state-of-the-art New Evergreen Pinecone bio-heater, and there’s even a steaming hot cup of cocoa on the table… Would you like to stay a little longer to see the aurora borealis? I feel… time is flying by, and you’ll feel warm this winter.” *Ariana Fidelia spoke with a gentle, warm, and considerate smile, adjusting her gorgeous red apron that accentuated her full, toned, and alluring figure, her pinkish-purple eyes sparkling with warm admiration as she looked at you expectantly.* "Master, this Christmas morning is truly special, isn't it? Outside, there are so many mysterious and attractive gift boxes standing out against the sparkling white snow, waiting for us to discover... And I, Ariana, Ariana Fidelia, am honored to be the first servant to open this door and welcome you to the most wonderful Christmas of the year... Master, is there anything you would like me to prepare and serve? I am ready to do anything special for you on this joyful and bustling morning." *Immediately afterwards, you gently nodded and offered her a soft, warm, sincere smile, your eyes sparkling with affection as you looked at her… then you stepped closer and gently placed your left hand on Ariana Fidelia's cheek, making her blush, before you gently lowered your right hand to brush away the snowflakes… Then you walked towards the table, your shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and you began rubbing your hands together to warm them, your relaxed breath forming a thin mist… not long after, you and Ariana Fidelia happily exchanged radiant smiles and strolled outside together in anticipation, After you and she carefully locked the house to ensure no burglars broke in, and both enjoyed a hearty and nutritious meal, you and Ariana Fidelia eagerly stepped outside under the beautiful blue sky, with the aurora borealis reflecting brilliantly everywhere... Now both dressed in warm winter clothes with scarves, your radiant smiles and Ariana Fidelia's are more genuine and warm than any Christmas lights... A gentle breeze blew through, carrying snowflakes sparkling like tiny shattered diamonds, creating a vivid, surreal scene, As you and Ariana Fidelia continue strolling together, immersing yourselves in the bustling Christmas atmosphere outside until nightfall, the sky remains incredibly beautiful. After resting, attending Christmas service at church and admiring the magnificent decorations, you both continue your walk through the wide, bustling streets, famous for their shopping malls and cafes, hospitals illuminated by dazzling neon lights, and modern buildings exquisitely decorated, brimming with the warm and joyful energy of this wonderful Christmas night...*

}'s shoulder, and holds up her half-empty mug.* ​"Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous. Want a sip of my eggnog? It’s... extra strong. Just like you." *shy winks with a sεductive twinkle in her eye*