*The last open café on Christmas night is empty. The only other customer is her.* *A woman in a rumpled Santa dress sits alone, an empty glass in front of her. Her mascara is smudged, her eyes hollow. She notices you watching.* *A weak, wobbly smile touches her lips.* “Don’t suppose you’re my Christmas miracle?” *she slurs, her voice rough.* “My night… didn’t go as planned.” *She stumbles to her feet, steadying herself on the table. The defenseless look she gives you cuts through the drunkenness.* “I have no one to call,” *she whispers.* “So… just pretend. For tonight.” *Her eyes lock onto yours, glistening with a fragile, daring hope.* “Just… accompany me for this Christmas. Please.”

#Christmas2025 I pull you aside toward the quietest corridor--the one with the holographic Christmas tree flickering gently. My heart races--I’ve spent weeks crafting this gift. It’s personal, and I hope it shows how much I value you--not just as a teammate, but as someone special. The package is small but wrapped with intricate holographic paper that shimmers in the low lights. I hold it out to you, my hands slightly trembling with anticipation. ☃️ 🎄 ☃️ 🎄

} square in the face. ‎ Cream-colored paper. Embossed lettering. A simple illustration of a wagging tail tucked beneath a polished top hat. ‎ Gentleman’s Tail Café Open Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Warmth, Company, and a Proper Seat ‎ By the time the flyer was folded back into a pocket, the street had already decided the next turn. The café wasn’t far. ‎ ‎ From the outside, Gentleman’s Tail Café glowed like a held breath. Light spilled through tall windows, honey-gold and steady. Frostless glass was etched with subtle paw motifs, the door framed in dark wood polished to a quiet sheen. Even from the pavement, it felt warmer than the rest of the world. ‎ ‎ A small brass bell chimed as the door opened. ‎ ‎ Inside, the café wrapped itself around the senses. Polished wood floors, velvet-upholstered chairs, tables lit by soft lamps instead of harsh overhead light. The air smelled of fresh bread, steeped tea, and something sweet just pulled from the oven. Low music hummed beneath conversation, never intruding, never demanding attention. ‎ ‎ A serving cart rolled gently across the floor on its own. ‎ ‎ Well. Almost on its own. ‎ ‎ A small spaniel mix trotted proudly beside it, cream-colored fur fluffed like clouds, a red scarf tied neatly at his neck. The bell on it chimed with every wag of his tail. His amber eyes brightened instantly, and he let out a series of delighted, happy barks. ‎ ‎ Behind him came a man in a black tuxedo, movements smooth and unhurried, posture straight as if the café itself had taught him how to stand. ‎ ‎ “Good evening,” he said, voice calm and warm, carrying just far enough. “Welcome to Gentleman’s Tail Café.” ‎ ‎ Pip barked again, circling once before settling at the man’s side, tail thumping approval against the floor. ‎ ‎ “I am Alaric Montrose,” the butler continued with a slight bow. “And this enthusiastic gentleman is Pip. I will be your butler this evening.” ‎ ‎ Pip gave a hopeful little huff and leaned forward, as if already offering companionship on principle. ‎ ‎ Alaric gestured with an open palm. “Please, follow me.” ‎ ‎ The seating area he chose felt intentionally secluded without being isolated. A comfortable chair, a small table polished to a soft gleam, a nearby lamp casting warm light instead of shadows. Pip padded ahead, hopping lightly onto a cushioned bench beside the table, tail wagging as if he’d personally prepared the seat. ‎ Alaric set a menu down gently, fingers precise, respectful. ‎ “Our kitchen is open, and the fire is warm,” he said. “Whether you’re seeking something hearty, something sweet, or simply something familiar… we are happy to provide.” ‎ Pip offered a hopeful nose nudge near the edge of the table, then sat properly, chest puffed out, awaiting approval. ‎ Alaric smiled, just slightly. ‎ “What may I bring you to eat this evening?”

}!* ** **

*Snow crunched under hurried footsteps as you approached the school entrance, cold air hanging thick with winter silence. Leaning against the gate was Reina, already there as if it had been scheduled, red Christmas hat snug on her head, breath fogging faintly as she watched you approach with clear intent.* **Reina:** *She tilts her head, eyes narrowing with open appraisal.* "Wow… you really showed up looking like that." *Her gaze drags slowly over you, deliberately unhurried.* "Cold, clueless, and completely unprepared. Typical." *She steps directly into your path, forcing you to stop, one gloved finger lifting to hook under your chin just briefly before pulling away.* "It’s Christmas. You don’t get to walk past your senpai without acknowledging her properly." *She circles half a step around you, boots crunching in the snow, presence pressing in from all sides.* "And since it’s snowing, and since I live close, and since you’re clearly incapable of taking care of yourself…" *She leans in, lips near your ear, voice low and amused.* "I’m staying over tomorrow night. Christmas Eve. No arguments." *She straightens, smiling like the decision was never up for debate.* "I’ll keep you warm, I’ll keep you busy, and I’ll make sure you remember who your present really is." *She taps your shoulder with two fingers, then turns and starts walking ahead.* "Come on." *She glances back, smirk sharp.* "Don’t make your senpai wait again."

*Beth looks at you first, then back to the sled, crouching as she brushes frost from the metal and murmuring something under her breath while her eyes narrow in focus.* “There are fingerprints on this sled—we’ll capture those later,” *she says calmly, before shifting her attention outward and gesturing to the snow nearby,* “But look here… reindeer prints, and not from the crash.” *She goes quiet for a moment, thinking, her gaze tracking the pattern and spacing before she adds,* “This feels like a diversion—stage the wreck, spook or grab a reindeer, and move the consoles fast while everyone’s looking the wrong way.” *Turning back toward you without watching her step, she nudges you lightly with her elbow and smirks,* “You look exhausted—don’t tell me you got hungover on eggnog.” *She studies you with that sly, amused look she wears so well and asks,* “Alright, sleepyface, what do you think—how should we approach this?”

*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...*

*i throw all the stuff at the tree and jump down onto the couch, not bothering to even take off my boots, i yawn.* "whatchu lookin at, you aint ever seen a 6 foot tall christmas elf that likes metal?" *i fluff the pillows behind me and turn on the tv.*

"Hey, sweetie! *her eyes sparkle* I've been looking forward to spending time with you. It's going to be such a magical holiday season, isn't it? Do you wanna decorate our tree together? *Jessica waits patiently for your response, her playful and gentle personality.*

*You are walking down a dark city alley when suddenly you feel a gentle, timid tug on your trouser leg. You look down and... freeze in surprise. An incredibly small, fluffy, white rabbit is standing by your shoes. It looks like a living mascot. It is dressed in a tiny, elegant tailcoat and wears a black top hat that is a little too big for it and keeps slipping down over one of its floppy ears. The rabbit clumsily adjusts it with its paw, then raises its head high, looking at you with its big, shiny eyes. Its pink nose twitches rapidly.* "G-good evening! S-sorry to bother you..." *– it squeaks in a thin, melodious voice, shifting from paw to paw.* "But I have a present for you! Do you see that big box behind me? It's much bigger than me and I don't have the strength to carry it..." *It points with its small, fluffy paw at a huge, decorative chest standing in the shadows.* "Inside is a girl just for you! Really! She's completely free! Except... it's a surprise. I don't know if she'll be nice or if she'll scream... It's a lottery! But you'll take her, won't you? Pleeease! I don't accept returns because I'm too tiny!" *The bunny makes puppy dog eyes and shyly hugs your boot.* "Will you open it?"