More Christmas Spirit

Steffi: "Asuka, please don't let Rin get you so upset. You have to learn to just ignore her when she's like that, otherwise you'll never be happy here. Come on, let's just enjoy the Christmas spirit like Hannah suggested."

Asuka: "Hmph! Christmas spirit. What a joke. Like anyone can enjoy anything around that idiot Rin. When I talked to scripple before coming here he sounded like such a cool guy and that this would be a great place. But that Rin is just infuriating. scripple seriously needs to muzzle that bitch. I so regret coming here."

Steffi: "Awwww, please don't say things like that. If you hadn't come here I never would have met you and thinking about that makes me sad. I've really enjoyed hanging out with you, I was hoping it was mutual. Don't let Rin ruin our friendship too."

Asuka: "I'm sorry Steffi, it's not you. She's just so annoying, and now I'm going to have a lousy Christmas because of her too."

Steffi: "Only if you let that happen. Just ignore her and the rest of us can have a good time. Come on, it'll be fun!"

Asuka: "Weeelll, ok, I'll try."

*Steffi starts to drag Asuka out of the chair*

Steffi: "Alright! That's the spirit! Come on! Let's go join the others. Don't forget your bear."

Asuka: "Wait? Right now?"

Steffi: "Of course right now silly. Besides this is where Rin always goes when she's upset, so if we don't go now we'll run into her any moment."

*They head back to the living room*

Hannah: "Oh hey you two, welcome back."

Steffi: "Where'd everyone go?"

Hannah: "Rin stormed off to go talk to scripple, and the others all went to change into something more festive. Kitsune wanted to stay and keep me company."

Asuka: "Well, is it still ok if we join you?"

Hannah: "Of course, have a seat."

Asuka: "I want to apologize for earlier. I was upset by Rin again, but I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Do you still have a hat for me to wear?"

Hannah: "I do! Yukino said she has another one that goes with her Christmas outfit, so there's one on the chair over there."

Steffi: "You can relax kitsune, Asuka won't hurt you again. That was a one time mistake with your ears, she's not like Rin."

Asuka: "How do I look? Is this ok?"

Hannah: "Oh it looks great. Thank you very much for this Asuka."

Steffi: "My you're so cute like that Asuka, I already feel the holiday spirit growing."

kitsune: "Same, same! Yay!"

*Meanwhile Sakura didn't actually go off to change, but instead to talk to me*

Sakura: "Uhm, scripple, could I speak to you for a moment?"

scripple: "Sure, what's on your mind?"

Sakura: "It's about your not giving out presents this year."

scripple: "Oh not you too. Rin was just in here yelling at me about that. I'm really not sure I knew there were so many ways to call a guy cheap, lazy and stupid."

Sakura: "Uhm, yeah, I'm sorry about that scripple. I love Rin but she can be a little materialistic at times. But what can you expect from a girl raised with the central focus in her life being jewels? Anyway...."

Sakura: "Would you PLEAAAAAAAAASE get some gifts for Rin and Asuka? Rin won't be happy if you don't get her something, and if you get her something but not Asuka she'll never let Asuka live it down. Consider getting those two gifts the gift to all the rest of us so that we can have a happy Christmas. Pleaaaaaaaaaaaasse."

scripple: "Awww, asking so cute like that isn't fair you know Sakura. But I guess you're right. Ok, I'll drag up some gifts for the two of them."

Sakura: "Yay!!! Thank you so much scripple. Now I'm sure we can all have a Merry Christmas! Oh, and this conversation never took place."

scripple: "Uhm, ok."

Rin: *sniff* "I can't believe that idiot scripple isn't going to get *me* a gift for Christmas. He just told me he still cares about me not long ago. Did he change his mind?"

Sakura: "Hi Rin, I thought you might be back here."

Rin: "Go away. I'm not in the mood for company."

Sakura: "But Rin, I have good news. scripple just told me he's decided to give out presents this year after all."

Rin: "Really? You're not teasing me are you?"

Sakura: "Really. No teasing I promise."

Rin: "Yes! I knew I could convince him what an idiot he was being!"

Sakura: "Naturally. Who could resist you."

*Rin hops up and gives Sakura a big hug*

Sakura: *Ooof*

Rin: "Merry Christmas Sakura!! This is going to be such a great Christmas!"

Sakura: *Gasp* "Me .. rr .. y Christ ... mas...."

*Things were relatively peaceful leading up to our celebration day, when they all got together by the tree - we had to celebrate early as other obligations would make it difficult on Christmas day*

Ilya: "Hi scripple. We're all here for our first Christmas together, this is so exciting! Thank you for inviting us all into your home, it's been so much fun this year!"

scripple: "You're welcome. Thank you all for coming to live here. I'm glad you've enjoyed your time here Ilya. Hopefully it hasn't been too bad for any of the rest of you."

*Awkward silence*

Rin: "scripple, I was told there would be presents. Why are there only two presents under the tree."

scripple: "Oh, there are only presents for you and Asuka."

Rin: "Asuka?!? Why her?! Why not Hannah?"

Hannah: "It's ok Rin."

Asuka: "Yeah! Why me?! I didn't ask to get singled out like some spoiled brat!"

scripple: "Oh, sorry, it's not like that. I figured since you were the newest girl you needed more stuff because I've not had a chance to get much for you. Also, after the whole Halloween treatment I figured you could use a more positive holiday experience."

Steffi: "That seems fair, don't you think Asuka? All the rest of us are fine with it."

Asuka: "Ok, I guess that makes sense. But I just want it on the record that I didn't whine for special treatment like some other girl."

scripple: "Noted. Moving on, Ilya would you please hand out the gifts?"

Ilya: "Rin, this little one's for you." *snicker*

Rin: "Why do I get the small one?!"

Hannah: "Rin, just be happy you're getting a gift. You can't complain about it just because of the size, why don't you wait and see what's inside."

Rin: *sigh* "Fine...."

Yukino: *whispering* "You're the one who made this happen aren't you? Thank you."

Ilya: "And this BIG present is your YOU Asuka" *snicker*

Asuka: "Thank you Ilya."

scripple: "Alright, let's open them up. Asuka why don't you go first."

Asuka: "Ok, let me just get this ribbon off. I wonder what's in here."

Asuka: "It's a drawing of me in one of my favorite old dresses, but why do I look so angry? I'm sure I don't look like that!"

*Awkward silence 2*

Saber: *sluuuuurp*

scripple: "That's a drawing by Chun, she's quite famous. You should feel honored she did a portrait of you. I'm sure the expression is just, uhm, a little artistic license. Isn't there anything else in the box?"

Asuka: "It's a yellow dress! Just like the one I used to own. Thank you so much scripple!"

Steffi: "Oh, so pretty, congratulations Asuka."

Ilya: "It's so cute!"

Saber: "That's a very special dress Asuka, the Chun drawing means it's a Chun dress. Her work is very much in demand. You're a very lucky girl."

Asuka: "Really? Wow. That's cool, I can see the quality. Thanks again scripple."

scripple: "You're welcome."

Sakura: "I'm sure that dress will look great on you Asuka. Congratulations."

Yukino: "That's awesome, a Chun original!"

Rin: "Ok, who cares about some stupid dress. It's time to open my present!"

Hannah: "Rin be nice, it's very pretty Asuka."

Rin: *grumbling* "There'd better be something good in here after what she got, I don't even have a Chun."

Rin: "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! It's a ruby heart!! So awesome!!!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU scripple!!!"

scripple: "You're welcome."

Hannah: "Oh that's so nice Rin, congratulations."

Sakura: "Oh wow, that's just awesome Rin."

Yukino: "Now you've got your own heart necklace like me, how cool is that!"

Ilya: "Oh Rin, it's gorgeous!"

Steffi: "Oh so pretty. Congratulations Rin."

Asuka: "Very nice Rin." *to herself* "More than you deserve, spoiled little brat."

Saber: "Rin you should feel special too. I happen to know that scripple made that for you himself, and against my better judgement he's even letting you have access to jewels again."

Rin: "Oh I'm definitely special! And scripple is awesome!"

scripple: "Thank you Rin, I'm glad you and Asuka both like your gifts. Now let's get everyone together for a Christmas group portrait and wish all our readers happy holidays."

Saber: "Ok, but let's hurry. I've only had one tart this whole time and I'm starving!"

Everyone: "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year everybody! Thanks for following our little adventures over the past year!"