I know this is late and most of you would have finish celebrating the occasion by now, but still, Happy Merry Christmas everyone! I believe this occasion is well known and celebrated in many parts of the world, as such, I'm writing a chapter where Nico and Maki spends this special day together :) This chapter is not a continuation from the previous chapter (its more or less a one shot on its own), but it will be a memory that Nico and Maki share. Enjoy! :)

The door swung open and Nico was greeted by the sight of a fully clothed Maki, wrapped from head to toe in winter clothings. The first year was holding onto a huge box shaped like a square that was wrapped nicely with a cute finishing ribbon, obviously a present for the senior. "For you." The crimson haired held out her present with both hands, her lips were slightly pursed as her eyes looked everywhere except Nico's face. The twin tailed girl flashed a lopsided grin, her heart skipping a beat at the sight. She accepted the present with much glee and thanked the first year. She watched as Maki stepped into her house, deciding to let the junior off and not tease Maki.

It was a winter season and of course, Christmas Day, the day to celebrate the spirit of giving. The two couple had arranged to meet up at Nico's house, though they were unsure of what they would be doing to celebrate the occasion. After shutting the door, Nico turned to see Maki removing her scarf and glancing around, obviously in search for the hanger stand. The raven haired took the scarf over from Maki before beckoning the first year over to the couch. Holding up the think scarf, Nico tried to straighten it when a price tag fell out, displaying its numerous zeros in front of her eyes. Nico's jaw drop instantly as she gaped at the price.

"Ma-Maki-chan?" She called out to the scarlet haired tentatively, "W-Why is the price tag still attached to your scarf?"

"Oh? Maid-chan must have forgotten to remove it." Maki glanced at the sable haired before settling herself down on the couch, "I'll remind her when I get home later." The crimson haired replies casually, causing Nico to stare at her back figure in disbelief. Realising that her jaw was still hanging slightly ajar, the third year immediately shut her mouth and swallowed, pretending that it hadn't fazed her at all. Tugging the prize tag back into the scarf to ensure it was well hidden, she then proceeded to drape it onto the hanger stand.

"What are we going to do?" Maki asked as Nico approaches her and hands her a cup of warm water, together with yet another box. Though it was shaped like a square as well, it was much smaller this time, decorated just as nicely. The scarlet haired took it over from Nico, her lips curving into a half smile as she did.

"I don't know." Nico sets herself down on the sofa, shifting closer to the first year as she did, "I heard there's a firework display somewhere around the outskirts of town." The raven haired suggests.

"In the evening?" The scarlet haired mutters as she took a sip of warm water.

"Yes. Its still early so we could go catch a movie." The crimson haired froze momentarily upon hearing the suggestion as she vaguely remembered how mundane the previous movie experience had been. The characters were talking about senseless things and yet everyone was laughing. To add on to the horrible factor, there was barely any plot at all!

"You get to choose the movie." Nico clarifies, seeing that the first year was hesitant. She then remembers how Maki had fallen asleep while watching such an entertaining show. The jokes were so funny that it had her laughing till her sides hurt, how could Maki remain calm throughout the entire show! However, Nico decides not to dwell on the matter furthur since her suggestion seems to make Maki visibly relax.

"Let's open our presents." The crimson haired sets the mug down before picking up the present Nico had given her a few moments ago. Even though Maki hadn't reveal it, she was really eager to find out what Nico had decided to gift her. Nico's lips quirked into a slight smile at Maki's sudden zest as she turned on her heels to fetch her own present as well. The two sat by the coffee table with their presents as they began to unwrap it. The present Maki received was revealed to be an iPod, whereas the present Nico received was revealed to be a birthday cake. (Note: The previous cake from the chapter 'Nico's birthday special' has mysteriously disappeared, please don't ask me why XD)

"Maki-chan, you baked?" Nico turns to face the first year, her suprise clearly registered in her voice.

"Well..." The scarlet haired was busy fiddling with her new iPod as she spoke, "I did bake, but with Uncle Chef's help." Maki's eyes lit up as the iPod powered on, flashing the company's brand name in the process.

"Maki-chan." The third year tugs at the junior's arm, demanding her attention, "You didn't write anything on it?" The first year raises a brow at Nico as she shook her head.

"That's very unromantic." Nico pouts at the stoic first year, "You should write something like: Nico is the cutest! Or even: I love you, Nico!" Maki scrunched up her nose in response, her frown deepening furthur at the third year's words.

"Don't be disgusting." The crimson haired chides as she turns her attention back to her iPod, causing the raven haired to shake her head in sheer disapproval.

"Click on it." Nico says as she peers over from beside Maki, seeing that Maki saw the file she left there.

"Nico Nico Nii~ Anata no Hatto ni Nico Nico Nii~ Egao todokeru Yazawa Nico Nico~ Nico Nii~ te oboeteru love Nico" Nico's voice came over the speaker the moment Maki clicked 'play'. Unable to suppress her grin, Maki stared at the iPod, a Chesire cat smile playing on her lips.

"You like it." Nico teases. Maki tears her gaze away from the iPod and stares at the third year.

"Th-Thank you..." The scarlet haired mutters as a blush slowly crept across her face, "For...the g-gift."

"You're very much welcome, Maki-chan!" The sable haired exclaims with a chuckle, throwing her arms around Maki's neck to envelope the first year into a hug.

"We should get going." The first year said after returning the warm bear hug. Still grinning, Nico releases Maki and heads for her bedroom to get changed into her winter attire. The crimson haired too, went to fetch her scarf from the hanger stand. Minutes later, they were both up and ready to go.

"Wait." Maki stops the raven haired just as she was about to open the door. Pulling the third year to her side by holding Nico's elbow, Maki proceeded to remove her scarf.

"What?" The twin tailed raised a brow in confusion.

"Hold this." Maki handed her scarf over to Nico as she proceeded to unwrap Nico's scarf from the senior's neck as well. The raven haired was about to question Maki's actions but figured that Maki would most likely dismiss her with an evasive answer. The crimson haired then took her own scarf from Nico before proceeding to put on her scarf around Nico's neck.

"Ne, Maki-chan, what are you doing?" The third year frowns, getting more confused by the second.

"Your scarf. Looks so. Thin." Maki's words were short and clipped, obviously paying more attention to wrapping the scarf around Nico. It then occurred to Nico that Maki was swapping their scarfs because she was afraid Nico would catch a cold.

"Wha-What about you, Maki-chan?" Nico's eyes widened in realisation as the crimson haired started to don herself in Nico's scarf.

"I'm fine. Lets go." The red head replies with disinterest as she took Nico's hand in hers and headed for the door. The door swings open and Maki was greeted by a gust of chilly wind.

"But—" Nico was about to protest when the junior cut her off.

"No buts." Maki tugged at Nico's hand as they both stepped out of the house and made their way for a cinema theatre located outside of town. It wasn't far, so they decided to get there by foot.

-At the cinema theatre-

The two μ's members stood in front of a humongous advertisement board that potrayed a picture of a horror movie. The blue light that came from the back of the board seemed to flicker on and off restlessly and whether or not it was on purpose was unbeknownst to the couple. "Let's watch this." Maki mutters, causing the third year to snap her head around.

"Th-This?!" Nico stutters as she holds out a crooked finger and points at the huge board in front of them. The scarlet haired nods in response as she turns to gaze at Nico impassively.

"Don't tell me..." The crimson haired frowns at Nico's reaction, "You're scared?"

"N-No! Of course I'm not." Nico folds her arm defensively upon hearing the first year make a wild guess.

"That's fine then. Let's get the tickets." Maki's decision making was quick and simple as she headed for the cashier. Upon receiving their tickets and buying some snacks, they joined the queue to enter the theatre.

Soon enough, they were settled comfortably in the theatre, with the arm rest between them lifted off. Nico clung to the red head as the advertisements continued to screen one after another. Maki hadn't realised how uneasy Nico was as she thought that Nico was just being clingy. After a few minutes, the movie credits and sponsorship company started to play their respective short advertisements, signaling that the movie was about to commence. Tightening her grip on Maki's arm, Nico shifted even closer.

The movie started off with a regular group of teenagers, though the protagonist of the story was pretty clear. Like many other Teen-Horror films, the group of cast characters engaged in a prom night where they were supposed to be having a blast. Just when Nico thought she would be fine, the real horror started to set in around a half hour after the movie started. Every scene was suspenseful and thrilling, almost like a game of cat and mouse. With each jump scare, Nico huddles closer to the first year, completely at the mercy of the horror film. Realising that something was wrong, Maki glances at the sable haired. By now, Nico was hiding her face at the crook of Maki's neck as her hands gripped onto the first year's hand as tightly as possible.

"Hey..." Maki coaxed, seeing how vulnerable and afraid the third year beside her was, "Nico-chan." She reached up to caress Nico's hair as she attempted to cajole the third year. The raven haired pulled back slightly to meet Maki's gaze. Though it was dark and they could not see each other clearly, a flash of light from the movie screen allowed Maki to catch a glimpse of Nico's teary eyes.

"Hey, don't cry." The first year wince at the sight as she proceeds to slip a hand under Nico's knees to lift her. Maki brought Nico onto her lap, craddling her as the third year rested her head onto Maki's shoulder.

"Sorry. I didn't realise you were afraid." Maki muttered, a tinge of guilt palpable in her voice, "Do you want to exit the theatre?" Nico shook her head, both her hands still gripping tightly onto Maki's. Leaning down and tilting her head sideways, Maki's lips met Nico's. Using her tongue, the first year stroke at Nico's lower lip, asking for entrance. The third year gives in and Maki pushes her tongue in, expertly exploring the senior's mouth. Being brought into a trance by the junior, Nico slowly relaxes as her heart beat slows down to a regular pace.

"Let's go window shopping." Maki suggests as she pulls back. Brushing Nico's fringe aside, the scarlet haired wiped away tears that were at the side of Nico's eyes with her thumb.

"Ok." Nico agrees, her voice soft and slightly hoarse. Flashing an endearing smile for a split second, Maki sets the third year on her feet. Though, it doesn't escape Nico's eyes. Upon exiting the cinema theatre, they immediately embarked on their shopping journey. Since it was window shopping, they had nothing in mind and didn't really mind where they started looking from. They came across some food and beverages, sportswear, entertainment products and even lingerie. The scarlet haired was about to get bored with the window shopping idea when something caught her attention—music. The store Maki chanced upon had a myraid of musical instruments for one to choose from. It was also a music school for people of all ages, a branded and well known company that specializes in the area of music. It was something Maki has always wanted to check out on personally but always refrained from doing so, knowing Papa would be infuriated if she took interest. To top it all of, there was a woman sitting at the side of the entrance, playing the grand piano and seemingly enchanted in her own world. Her fingers glided over the keys with much elegance as her body swayed from side to side in accordance to the melody. The rhythm of the song wasn't fast, it was gentle and soothing, like a ballad.

The first year stood at the entrance, completely enraptured by the melody and captivated by the woman's playing. She wished that one day she could play just like this and that it would make Papa and Mama proud, not angry. "Nico-chan, I'm going in to have a look." The crimson haired turned her face slightly to the right, her eyes still fixated on the charming and skillful women as she spoke.

"Nico-chan?" Maki had assumed she would receive a response but when Nico remained silent, she instinctively repeated her words. Still, this time, Nico gave no response. The first year spun around, beyond suprise to see that there was no one beside her.

"Nico-chan??" The crimson haired raised her voice by a few decibels as she scanned her surroundings, 360 degrees around. Still no sign of Nico. Maki's panic spikes as she attempts to scan her surroundings again, her eyes sweeping over every human and object in sight. Others stroll past the scarlet haired, obviously unaware of the current situation.

"Nico-chan???" Maki calls out yet again, panic causing bile to rise up her throat. Deftly, her hand dives into her pocket to retrieve her phone as she prepares to dial for Nico's cell. Shit, battery's dead. Clutching her lifeless phone in her hands, panic seizes the first year.

Think. Think. When did I last see Nico? The red head's mind was in a whirl as her heart started to pound at an increasingly rapid pace. Swiftly, she start tracing back from where she came from, in hope that Nico had been distracted by something and remained there. She combed through the lingerie, entertainment, sportswear, food and beverage shops but to no avail. Her eyes darted left and right as her panic continues to grow. Think. Think. Information counter! Maki makes a dash for the directory, in search for the information counter.

In a frantic disarray, Maki arrives at the information counter to find an average looking woman dressed officially in uniform and looking undoubtedly professional. The scarlet haired then proceeds to tell the woman about Nico's name and a few basic details while the woman prepares to make an announcement. The woman's voice boomed through the speakers, reverberating throughout the entire shopping mall but all Maki could do was wait. Blood pounded at the back of the first year's head and roared in her ears as she fidgeted restlessly at the counter. The wait was futile and Nico never did show up even after an entire half hour. Being quick witted, Maki decided to abandon the fruitless wait. If Nico was in the mall, she would have heard the announcement and made her way to the information counter. The fact that she hadn't appeared could only mean that she was not in the mall. Searching for the exit, Maki swiftly made her way out of the mall. Upon stepping out of the building, she spotted an ever familiar petite, twin tailed girl. Relief floods the first year as a weight was lifted off her chest, allowing her to properly breathe in a deep breath of fresh air.

Nico stood a distance away from the crimson haired, her hands clutched by her sides as she bit her lip nervously. Tears welled up in her eyes as she timidly looked around, completely at a loss. She had been looking at some of the latest fashion style of clothing when Maki had just suddenly disappeared on her. She stood rooted to the spot and she could feel her ice cold hands trembling slightly as she hoped for a miracle, hoped for Maki to return to her side once again. The scarlet haired had been so sweet to her the entire day and she still hadn't had the chance to thank Maki yet.

"Nico-chan!" A familiar warm voice called out to the third year as Nico spun round, only to see Maki running towards her.

"Maki-chan!" Relief seeps into Nico's veins as her knees went weak at the sight of the scarlet haired. Maki knocks into the sable haired with full force, causing Nico to take a step back to balance herself. The first year threw her arms around the senior, wrapping Nico into a hugh tighter than ever before. They both took the moment to stand in silence as they held each other as close as possible, seeking solace from each other's long lost company.

"I was worried sick." Maki's voice was hoarse as she spoke, still refusing to let go of the third year. The hectic and frenzy hunt for Nico that lasted for the half hour was making her dizzy.

"I'd though I would spend Christmas alone, wandering through the streets..." Nico too, had a raspy voice but it was due to the fact that Maki was squeezing her so hard she could barely breathe. "But, Maki-chan, could you loosen your grip a little? Just a little?" The raven haired mutter breathlessly.

"I'd thought something happened to you, you just disappeared..." The crimson haired shut her eyes briefly as she spoke, trying to abolish the awful thought of any form of harm coming to Nico.

"Maki-chan, I'm fine." Nico peeled the first year's adamant arms off herself before pulling back to meet Maki's gaze. Using both her hands, she cupped Maki's cheeks and pulled the taller first year down to meet her lips. Nico pressed her lips against Maki's as they both let their eyes slide to a shut. Before Maki knew it, Nico pulled away.

"We're in public, Maki-chan. Such public displays of affection is not well liked by many, you know." The raven haired teases, causing Maki to blush furiously.

"Let's go watch the fireworks display." The red head junior turned on her heels, pretending not to hear Nico. Maki's hand held tightly onto Nico's, not wanting to let go as they stood alongside many others, patiently awaiting the spectacle.

"Maki-chan, your hands are really cold." Nico noticed and knew it was due to the fact that Maki had their scarfs swapped earlier during the day. Holding both of Maki's hand between hers, Nico blew lightly on the first year's stiff hands.

"Nico-chan, I'm not that cold, really." The crimson haired tried to retract her hand and shrug of out Nico's grip.

"Don't move." It was rare that Nico got to order the first year around but Maki didn't seem to mind. After keeping still for a few minutes, Maki opened her mouth the protest yet again.

"Nico-chan...I'm not cold..." The scarlet haired retracted her hands, causing Nico to look up to meet her gaze, "Not when you're next to me..." Maki muttered the last sentence just as a set of fireworks burst into the air, showering the audience with a wide range of rainbow colours. Though Nico didn't hear the first year clearly due to the explosive crackling of the fireworks, she roughly read Maki's lips. Each grinning a face splitting grin, they turned to face the night sky. One after another, the fireworks went off, filling the whole sky with a myraid of vibrant colours. Nico and Maki watch on in awe as they held each other's hand. It was definitely the most extraordinary Christmas they've had so far.

Note:
Once again, Happy Merry Christmas everyone! I've put a lot of effort into this, thanks for reading and I hope you guys enjoyed it! ^^ See you on the next chapter.