Merry Christmas[]
With a µ's Christmas party, even the prep is fun!
|
Story 1 |
|---|
| Hanayo: It's already December.
Kotori: And December means... Hanayo, Kotori: It's almost Christmas! Hanayo: I can't imagine anything more fun than celebrating Christmas with everyone in µ's! Kotori: Same here. Anyway, I'm sorry to drag you over here, but I just don't think I have enough time to make all these costumes by myself. Hanayo: Don't mention it, Kotori. You always make such great outfits for us. I'm here to help as much as I possibly can. Kotori: Thanks. I'm happy to hear that. Hanayo: I can't work as quickly as you, but I'll do my best. Kotori: That's all right, Hanayo. Whenever I've got you as a helper, the work seems to be over in no time. I can always count on you. Hanayo: Hehe, stop. You're making me blush. Hanayo: Now, I see we're working with red and white fabric. Does that mean what I think it means? Kotori: Yup! We're going with a Santa motif today. I figured we could wear them to the Christmas party and onstage as well. Hanayo: Santa Claus, huh? How fun! We'll have to make a proper Santa sack too! Kotori: I'll need to make a big sack since we're doing a gift exchange. Hanayo: Yup! So what do you need me to do first? Kotori: You can start by doing the pin tucks. I've already drawn the lines for you. Hanayo: So, I just iron along the lines and sew them, right? Kotori: Yup! See? You know what you're doing, Hanayo. Hanayo: Hehehe, I'm nothing special. Now let's get started! Kotori: Everything okay, Hanayo? Let me know if you have trouble with anything. Hanayo: I'm all right. I'm more or less used to the sewing machine now. Kotori: Excellent. Doesn't the clattering of the sewing machine put you in a good mood? Hanayo: It kinda does! Combined with the arm warmers you loaned me, this is all very relaxing. Kotori: It seems like yesterday we were complaining about the heat, and now it's December! Hanayo: Like the old saying goes, time flies when you're having fun! Kotori: Indeed. All the singing, all the dancing... It's definitely been a fulfilling year. Hanayo: I'm just happy I was able to help you make the outfits. Kotori: Hehehe. Thanks, Hanayo. Hanayo: Aaaaand... done. How do these pin tucks look? Kotori: Let's see... Ooh! They're beautiful! Hanayo, your lines are so neat and clean! Hanayo: Huh? It's no big deal... You were the one who taught me to take it slow and do one line at a time, Kotori. Kotori: Did I? Maybe I did. Hanayo: Yes. Your exact words were, "If you do a rushed job, you end up doing it all over again"! Hanayo: I've learned so much from you and everyone else in µ's. Every now and then, I try to reflect on what you all have taught me. Kotori: Me, too. Sometimes I just stop and think about how grateful I am that I joined µ's and became a school idol with you all. Kotori: We owe all these happy times to Honoka and her convincing us to go along with her school idol idea. Hanayo: Yup. Although I owe a lot to Rin and Maki, too. They've always been there, pushing me and keeping me motivated. Hanayo: Technically, Honoka was the one to officially invite me to join, though. Kotori: When you put it that way... If Honoka hadn't recruited us, I never would've gotten to stand onstage and perform alongside you all. Hanayo: If she hadn't formed the group I might never even have met any of you... I don't even want to think about that. Kotori: Honoka gets too enthusiastic sometimes, but she's definitely the right person to lead us. Hanayo: She's taught me so many things and given me so many wonderful experiences. Kotori: *Giggle* Honoka's like our own personal Santa! Kotori: Just picture her with a fluffy, white bears. Isn't it adorable? Hanayo: If Honoka is Santa... does that make us the reindeer? Kotori: *Giggle* Hey, reindeer are cute, too! They carry the presents that Santa gives to everyone. Hanayo: Maybe someday we'll be like Honoka and give others the kind of wonderful experiences and memories that she's given us. Kotori: Agreed. I want to put on a show she'd be proud of! |
|
Story 2 |
|---|
Nico: Hmmm... 
Nozomi: Hrrrrmmmm... Nico: This is tough. Nozomi: Very tough. Nico: The limit for the gift exchange is 15 bucks, right? I can't decide if I wanna get one big gift or a bunch of cute little trinkets. Nozomi: What about scrunchies? Or hairpins? Nico: Maybe makeup? I could get two or three things with 15 dollars. Nozomi: Those cute little cans of solid perfume would be nice. Oh, look at the picture on that one! Nico: But, I dunno if everyone will like the same fragrance as me. Nozomi: I guess there's always stationery? Or, do you wanna check out that foreign imports store? Nico: Hmm... Not yet. I'm gonna mull over the stuff they have here for a little longer. Nozomi: Oh ho ho... Nico: What? Don't stare at me like that. Nozomi: I just realized how unusual that was. Nico: What? Nozomi: Normally, I'd expect you to say that anyone would be delighted to receive a gift from you, no matter what it was. Nico: Well, of course I'm going to pick something cute. But, if I'm going to give someone a gift, I want to really exceed their expectations. Nico: What about you, Nozomi? Usually you'd just grab something random and shout that the spirits have spoken. Nozomi: Yeah, I guess I do that a lot. Sometimes, even I have trouble making up my mind. Nozomi: Plus, we're doing a gift grab bag, so we don't even know who's receiving whose gift. Nozomi: Which means you can't keep the recipient's tastes in mind while you're picking something. Nico: I gotcha... You've given this a lot of thought, huh? What to do, what to do... Nozomi: Hehehe. Nico: Wh-What? You look like you're planning something. Nozomi: Maybe I'll buy a present for you, Nico-cchi! Nico: Huh? Nozomi: I'll pray to the gods that my present goes to you! They'll grant my wish. I'm sure of it. Nico: Don't even start. They probably would! Nozomi: You don't want a gift from me? Nico: ...I didn't say that. Nozomi: *Snicker* I thought you might say that. Nozomi: Okay! I'm off to find you the perfect present! Nico: ................... Nozomi: Can't go wrong with scrunchies for Nico-cchi... Oh, but this pink lipstick would be cute, too. Nico: Hey, Nozomi. Whose present are you gonna receive? Nozomi: Ah, I could also get a nice notepad to help her with her studies... Nico: Hey, I'm talking to you. Nozomi: Hmm? You say something? Nico: You know, you always do this. Nozomi: Huh? Nico: You're making a fuss over me, trying to pick out a present you think I'll like. Are you really doing it because you want to or just because I'm here? Nozomi: Umm... I'm totally happy with the way I'm doing things. You've got nothing to worry about. Nico: Liar Nozomi: Nuh-uh. Nico: You mean it? Nozomi: Absolutely! Absolutely positively yes. Nico: *Sigh* Very well. If you're gonna pick out a present for me, I'll pick one out for you. Nozomi: Nico-cchi... Nico: Use your spiritual powers to make sure you pull out my present, all right? Nozomi: All right. Nico: And, just in case you had any doubts, I'm going to get a real primo gift. Nico: The fact that I'm buying it automatically makes it a priceless treasure that no amount of money can buy! Nico: So you'd better be grateful, got it? Nozomi: Yes... Nico: Make sure you use all those spiritual powers of yours to pick my present. Nozomi: Hehe, leave it to me! Nico: *Sigh* You really are a handful sometimes, Nozomi. It's like taking care of a little kid. Nico: Anyway, I'm going to go check out the miscellaneous goods section over there. Nozomi: Wow. She's usually pretty irresponsible, but sometimes Nico-cchi acts like a proper big sister. Nozomi: I guess she showed me. |
|
Story 3 |
|---|
| Eli: That's all the ingredients. Are we ready to get cooking?
Umi: I've never been to a shop that sold nothing but bacon. Eli: No? It's a little more expensive than the standard supermarket fare, but this stuff is key to getting the best flavor. Umi: I noticed they sold it in blocks instead of strips. I bet they'll be bursting with flavor when everything is done. Maki: Do we really have to cook all this ourselves? Eli: Of course we do. This is our Christmas party. We should take the time to make a great Christmas dinner! Maki: But isn't roast turkey the traditional Christmas dinner? Umi: Huh? Maki: How about we just call a caterer instead? Umi: A-A caterer!? Eli: That's quite a suggestion there, princess. Maki: Huh? What's so weird about that? Umi: Maybe a professional chef would do a better job, but the meal you prepare yourself always tastes best. Maki: But... Umi: What're you so worried about? Maki: I've... I've never really cooked anything. Eli: Oh, don't sweat it. We'll teach you everything you need to know. Now let's get to work. Umi: We're starting with pot au feu, so you'll be just fine. Maki: O-Okay... I'll give it a shot. Maki: Are these big enough? Eli: Yes, they're just right. Maki: Geez, it took me so long just to chop one carrot. Eli: Hehe, that just means you cut it extra carefully. Umi: Which is much better than doing a sloppy job. Eli: After you're done chopping the veggies, add some olive oil to the pot. Maki: Umm... Was that enough? Did I pour too much? Eli: A splash more... There, that's good. Can you start by browning the garlic and onions? Maki: Sure... Is that enough heat? Umi: Yes, that's perfect. Eli: Look at you, Maki. You're doing great! Umi: Even with your lack of experience, you understand the importance of proper knife work and heat control. I think you've got a real knack for cooking! Eli: I think so, too. At this rate, you'll be able to do most of the work without us having to teach you anything. Umi: The rest of the dishes should go smoothly, too. Maki: You guys... You don't have to force the compliments just to make me feel better. Umi: Oh, no, it's not like that. I'm being completely sincere. Maki: .............. Eli: Maki, what's wrong? Maki: I bet normal high school girls could do all of this without asking for help. Umi: You think so? I wouldn't give it much concern. I'm pretty sure in most households the parents do the cooking. Maki: But... there's so many everyday things that I'm no good at. Eli: Everyday... You think cooking is an everyday skill? Maki: Maybe I get good grades and can write songs, but there are things that everyone should be able to do that I just can't. Maki: It makes me feel like such a loser. Eli: Maki, do you spend a lot of time thinking about what's normal and what's not? Maki: I wouldn't say a LOT... but I do sometimes. Eli: No one ever said cooking is something anyone can do. Besides, you make up for it by being good at plenty of other things. Umi: For example, you're a fantastic songwriter. Maki: You two... Eli: I want you to be prouder of the skills you do have. Maki: ................ Eli: I can't hear you. Maki: Yes... Eli: *Giggle* All right. Eli: You know, from now on we should get together and cook regularly. We'll teach Maki to be a suitable wife. Maki: W-Wife!? Umi: If we cook together often enough, you'll start gaining confidence. Maki: M-Maybe... Eli: *Giggle* We'll go this again soon, honey. Maki: Oh hush! Don't make fun of me. |
|
Story 4 |
|---|
Honoka: Presents, presents, presents! I can't wait for our grab bag! 
Rin: Ooh, cool! So, everyone's presents go into this bag? Honoka: Yup! Kotori made it for me along with this great Santa outfit. I'm gonna try it on! Rin: And I bought a long, white beard to go with it. Honoka: Wow, it looks so real! Let me put on my suit... Then the beard, and... Honoka: Ho ho ho! Rin, have you been a good girl this year? Rin: *Snicker* Honoka, you're the perfect Santa Claus! Rin: Our Christmas party is gonna be a riot! Honoka: I really want to make it as fun as possible. Rin: I've got just the thing. How about we jump out and surprise everyone? Honoka: Ooh, like a surprise party? Great idea! Rin: We could both hide in this sack. Honoka: What? In here? Rin: Yeah, then it'll be like we're the presents. When everyone comes in, we'll jump out and it'll be like, TA-DA! Honoka: Let's do it. I'll just open up the sack here... Okay quick, get in! Rin: Yeah! Wow, this thing is huge! Umi: Honoka? Rin? Honoka: Eep! Umi: You two are making a terrible ruckus up here. Please be quieter. It sounds like the ceiling is about to collapse downstairs. Rin: R-Right... Umi: Dear me... What are you two up to, anyway? Honoka: Whew... I didn't expect Umi to come charging in here. Rin: I guess we'll have to call off our little trick. Honoka: What if we don't jump at all? We can just shout really loud. Rin: How about we just yell MERRY CHRISTMAS as soon as they open the door? Honoka: Yeah, yeah! I bet we'll all have a good laugh over it. Rin: Ah! I hear footsteps outside. They're coming! Honoka: Hide, Rin! Hurry! Rin: We'll go on three after they open the door. Honoka: Okay. Are they here yet? Rin: That's them. One, two, three! Together: MERRY CHRISTMAS! Honoka: Aaah! Wh-What the heck!? Rin: Hey, we were supposed to yell Merry Christmas at you all... Eli: Hehe. Did we surprise you? Umi: I could tell right away that you two were going to try and startle us. Honoka: Aww, Umi... That's cheating! Nozomi: You two were so flustered. The looks on your faces were adorable. Rin: Nozomi, are you recording this!? Hanayo: *Chuckle* Sorry we scared you, Rin. Rin: Hanayo, you're just as guilty. Maki: With the way you boss Hanayo around all the time, she deserves to get the upper hand once in a while. Nozomi: Kotori, those plushies you brought are super cute! Kotori: They're reindeer. I made one for everybody! Honoka: Ooh, that's so precious! ...Wait, how come mine's a Santa instead of a reindeer? Hanayo: *Giggle* That's a secret. Kotori: *Snicker* Our little secret! Honoka: Huh? Oh well, Santa's a cutie pie, too. So, it's fine! Kotori: Honoka, that Santa beard looks great on you. Rin: I've got nice, fluffy, white beards for everyone else, too! Nico: I-I'm more of a Santa girl. I don't need a beard. Umi: Nico... If you want to wear a beard, you're going to have to ask for one properly. Nico: I don't, I really don't! Eli: We made plenty of food for the party, so don't be shy! Nozomi: It smells good. Did you all make this yourselves? Eli: Yes, and everything came out delicious. Maki was like the perfect little housewife in the kitchen. Kotori: Maki's a housewife? I wanna hear all about this. Maki: I'm not a housewife! Hanayo: I can't wait to dig into all this food... Honoka: Well, everyone's here. It's time to celebrate. Let the Christmas party begin! Rin: We'll start with a toast! Grab your juice and raise your cups! Ready? Together: Merry Christmas! |