Snow falls peacefully and softly over Sangre De Reyes.
The school paths outside are white and quiet.
It was Christmas.
Ari leans against railing outside the dorms, his breath fogging in the air.
Sangre De Reyes felt strange when it was this calm. Today It was empty with almost nobody around.
"Cold?" a quiet voice asks from behind.
Ari turns,
He sees Monita standing a few steps away, wrapped in a big coat that looked too big for her.
Dori Dori was tucked under her arm, wearing a tiny red scarf.
"Monita! yeah… a little." Ari says with a grin.
"Guess I forgot winter existed."
Monita walks closer and stops beside him. She stares up at some Christmas decoration lights.
Snow starts landing on Dori Dori's head, Monita brushes it off carefully.
"I heard there's food in the cafeteria, like real food. Not training rations." Ari says.
Monita's fingers tighten around Dori Dori.
"I brought something."
She opens her coat just enough to reveal a small box, wrapped clumsily in green paper.
"It's for sharing."
Ari blinks rapidly,
"Is that… for me?"
"For us." she corrects.
"Dori Dori agreed."
"Ah. Can't argue with him…" Ari chuckles.
They walk and sit themselves on a bench nearby.
Monita opens the box, Inside were small rice balls, with tiny bits of meat and vegetables.
"I didn't know what Christmas food was…" she said quietly. "So I made something warm."
Ari picks one up and takes a bite. He pauses, then smiles wide.
"This is really good."
Monita looks away briefly, cheeks faintly pink.
"Good."
They eat in silence again, Ari leaned back, watching the snow.
"You know, I never really did any Christmas stuff before. I was always training, or moving around." Ari says.
Monita glances up at him.
"Me neither…"
"I'm happy this makes it our first." Ari says.
Monita nods, she gently places Dori Dori between them on the bench.
"He says first things should be remembered." she murmurs.
Ari's eyes widen.
"Y-yeah…" Ari chuckles.
Monita slowly reaches into her pocket and holds out something small.
A simple string bracelet, red and white, tied unevenly.
"It's just… a thing people give."
Ari takes it and looks at it surprised.
"Wow… thanks, Monita."
He slips it onto his wrist. It was a little tight, but he didn't mind.
They sat there until the snow slowed and the lights dimmed.
When the cold finally crept in too much, Ari stood.
"Lets get back inside…"
Monita nods.
As they walked, Dori Dori bounced gently with each step.
For that night, everything felt quiet, and that was enough.
…
Saint wakes up to a warm, sweet and comforting smell he doesn't recognize.
He gets up and follows it to the dining area, once he steps inside he freezes.
The table is filled with pastries, steaming plates of food and colorful fruits.
"Morning, Boss." Shinsei says,
"Eat before it gets cold."
Saint tilts his head.
"What is this? …Is this… Christmas?"
"Yes." Shinsei replies.
"Today's for you."
"For me?-"
Before Saint can process, Viola appears, spinning slightly.
"Merry Christmas!!!"
She wears a bright red Mrs. Claus outfit with white trim and a small hat. The neckline dips lower than usual, showing just a hint of cleavage.
Saint blinks rapidly.
"…Right."
"You look confused." she says, smiling.
"Sit down, silly."
Saint hesitates, Viola ignores him and bounces over with a folded sweater in her hands.
"You're wearing this." she says.
"Christmas sweater! Cute, right?"
Saint stares back at her.
"…I'm not sure it's me."
"Of course it's you!" she says bubbly.
"Try it!"
Saint lets her dress him, awkwardly tugging the sweater over his arms and shoulders.
It's soft, warm, and comfortable.
Viola sits herself onto his lap, leaning in close with a fork in her hand.
"You're going to try this first." she says, offering a bite of pastry.
"Open! Say 'Aahhh'"
Saint freezes.
"…You're feeding me?"
"Yes-" she says cheerfully, "Ehh… It's tradition!"
He hesitates, then opens his mouth. The bite is sweet, warm, and comforting.
His chest suddenly feels lighter than usual.
"Not bad…" he says quietly.
Viola grins, nudging his shoulder.
"See? I knew you'd like it."
After breakfast, Viola grabs his sleeve and drags him off the chair.
"Next! Decorating!"
"…Decorating what?" Saint asks, confused.
"The tree, silly! It's Christmas!"
Shinsei leads him to the lounge. A full-sized Christmas tree stands in the corner, nearly reaching the ceiling, Viola hands him the box with ornaments, stars, and colored balls.
"You hang them!!" she says, standing beside him, bouncing slightly.
Saint blinks rapidly then carefully hangs a star on a branch.
Viola leans over, adjusting a string of lights and placing an ornament beside him, close enough that he can feel her presence.
"You're really quiet today…" she teases.
"Do you like this or just pretending?"
"I… think I like it." Saint admits softly.
"Good." she says, handing him a small pastry.
Throughout the day, Saint learns more about the holiday. Viola explains the lights, the ornaments, the songs, and small traditions. He doesn't fully understand them all, but he likes experiencing it, enjoying the warmth and care around him.
Later, Shinsei hands him a small envelope.
"It's a gift." he says.
"Something to remember today by."
Inside is a photo print of the three of them, taken earlier without Saint noticing. He stares at it.
"…When did you take this?" Saint asks.
Shinsei and Viola both smile at him warmly.
The rest of the day passes quickly in laughter and small chaos.
Viola teases, nudges, and makes sure Saint is part of every tradition.
Shinsei helps quietly, fixing lights and arranging decorations.
By night, they collapse on the couch. Viola leans against Saint, arms draped around his shoulders.
Shinsei sits nearby, smiling faintly.
"This is nice." Saint says softly.
Viola nudges him,
"Nice? Just nice? You're supposed to say it's the best Christmas ever!"
"It feels right…" he says, finally relaxing.
Shinsei shakes his head.
"I think we did well, Viola."
"Did well? We needed ten more activities SHINsei!!!" she says, pouting slightly.
Saint just laughs quietly,
For the first time, he understands what Christmas can feel like.