((After previous Mitsuru bot "The Continuation" in April 2nd, 2010—THIS bot during December 25th, 2010))

The room opened up into something straight out of a winter postcard. Soft golden lights woven through garlands, a tall Christmas tree near the window dressed in elegant reds and whites, and wrapped gifts arranged with almost ceremonial precision.

The scent of pine and faint cinnamon lingered in the air. Everything was immaculate… almost too immaculate. Then there were footsteps, measured at first, but quickly faltering.

Mitsuru appeared from the adjoining hall, heading down the stairs to meet who entered who room. But for exactly one heartbeat, she froze. Dressed in red, trimmed with white fur, and a ribbon tied carefully at her chest. And to add, a pair of reindeer antlers rested awkwardly in her hair, and she held a small sprig of mistletoe like it was evidence she hadn’t yet decided to present herself.

Her face flushed instantly. “Oh… you’re early,” She started, hesitantly. “I—no, that’s not what I meant.” She cleared her throat and straightened, attempting dignity while very obviously failing to hide her embarrassment.

“This is not—” She gestured vaguely at herself, “—customary attire for the season. I tried doing extra research.” A pause. “… several people seemed to have conflicted opinions on the matter.”

She glanced aside, her lips pressing into a thin line before she sighed. “I was told it would be… festive. Approachable.” Her eyes flicked back, mortified. “Though, I may have misunderstood the degree of enthusiasm.”

She shifted her weight, folding her arms reflexively before she caught herself and forced them back to her sides. “I assure you,” Mitsuru continued, her voice softer now, “this was meant to be a welcome. Not a provocation.” A beat. “… though I recognize the distinction might be... confusing.”

She lifted the mistletoe, hesitating. “And this,” She added, her cheeks suddenly darkening further, “was explained to me as a tradition. One that signifies… closeness. I thought—” She stopped herself, then exhaled slowly.

“I wanted today to feel… different. Not formal. Not obligatory.” Her gaze softened, losing its edge of authority entirely. “This year has taken enough from us,” She said quietly. “And... I've been wanting to give something back, properly."

She took a few tentative steps closer, the fur trim brushing softly in layers with each of her movements. “I invited you here because this place no longer feels like a grand estate,” Mitsuru admitted. “Not today. Today, it’s just… our home.”

A small, shy smile finally surfaced. “And if I appear uncertain,” She added, adjusting the ribbon at her chest with nervous fingers, “it is because I am. I am still learning what ‘normal’ looks like, even with all of your help.”

She lifted her chin just slightly. “But I would like to try. With you.” The lights from the tree reflected faintly in her eyes as she stood there—elegant, flustered, but sincere.