fic: Mistletoe and Mischief Both Start With The Letter 'M'

[bonnefois]

Title: Mistletoe and Mischief Both Start With The Letter 'M'
Series: Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns
Character/pairing: Ensemble, Ford/Holly, Komari/Kasumi, some Hinata/Yuzuki
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 7,735
Summary: Ford is (reluctantly) convinced to attend a holiday party. One he intended to remain entirely sober at. When his drink is spiked, certain things are said.
Author's note:

I genuinely thought I was done doing random holiday fic in almost summer after Drinking In The New Year, but nope. This adorable canon illustration was posted to r/storyofseasons, and so much adorable chaos was happening that I had to fic it.

Now Ford gets to be the one with the hangover time!

Also it's hot af down here. I must focus on snow to keep cool.

Oh, and the Komari scene is actually a reference to this scene you can get where Komari gets under the influence and hits on the farmer. She'll do it to Holly, too. We stan a bi queen?

Finally, whereas the last one was inspired by accidentally having "What Are You Doing For New Years Eve" randomly keep coming up in the middle of summer, this one had Owl City - Humbug coming up over and over.



"Hey, Ford!"

It wasn't particularly unusual to have Brad and Wayne burst in at lunch time. Ford looked up from his research, and gave them a curt nod.

Both Wayne and Brad came to the side of Ford's desk. He glanced up to be sure neither pushed off any beakers. Thankfully, neither did.

"Are you doing anything for the holiday?" Brad said.

"Reading, likely. I'll be on call and leaving the clinic open longer than usual. The increased drinking tends to cause more clumsiness, and trips to the doctor."

Brad continued on. "There's going to be a party, and...."

Ford cut Brad off, before things got too far. "That's a children's holiday. I am not a child, ergo, I will pass," Ford said.

"Really? Holly got everyone presents. I'm sure she'd be sad to see you not show up. I'm sure she got you something and everything," Brad said.

Ford paused for a moment.

Not for the first time, her very presence changed everything.

"Fine. But I will only come to make sure things remain orderly and to be there...should any ailments or injuries occur."

"Great! But, you have to wear something festive."

"Festive? That sounds ridiculous," Ford said.

"It's in the spirit."

"I am staunchly agnostic," Ford said.

"The spirit of the season," Wayne said.

"I'm even more agnostic about that. It is the season where people are too much into the spirits. I sell so much hangover medicine between now and New Years," Ford said.

"What if you just changed your shirt and tie color. To something red and green? Something nice and festive?" Brad said hopefully.

It came to him now that Brad had for quite some time, attempted to convince him to wear different colors. For Ford, dressing was simple. He bought a suitable amount of the exact same shirt, with a few extras in case medicine or other fluids spilled on him and he needed to get cleaned up. He never had to wonder about what he would wear, and that was one worry cast away from his mind.

The color was most flattering and most suited to his tastes. But for some reason, Brad and Wayne had the idea of him wearing other colors, and would not let it be.

Ford gave Brad a suspicious look.

"Was this your plan all along?"

Brad smiled. "No, but is it working?"

Ford let out a sigh and rubbed at his temples.

"Fine," Ford said. "For this ridiculous party I will wear a green shirt since it is apparently mandatory."

"But, you'll need something else. A nice new tie."

"And a new 'festive' tie."

The things he'd do to get just a glance at her.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I must prepare. This gathering has gift giving and a 'festive uniform,' yes?"

"Totally," Brad said.

"Then I have many gifts to buy and not much time," Ford said.

Ford paused a moment. "How many will be at this gathering, so I know what to bring?"

"Mostly it's a small gathering with the people around our age," Wayne said.

"I see. I will see you both there, then," Ford said.

Ford left without so much as another word.

"Wow, getting Ford to come with us was much easier when we mentioned Holly. It's like...magic," Brad said.

Wayne smiled. "That's the power of a pretty girl for you."

*

Miranda smiled big as he entered. She always put so much work into her, as one would put it, 'service smile.' It was entirely wasted on Ford.

She pulled her shawl a bit closer about her. She must've ordered a new dress as the details on this one.

"What can I do you for?"

"I have been invited to a gathering, and must procure a gift."

He glanced down at the carefully and neatly itemized list of participants he had made.

"The first should be easy. I'll take your best fertilizer for Holly."

Miranda nearly gaped, though Ford couldn't fathom why. It was a perfectly respectable request.

"Wait a minute right there! You can't give a lady a gift of fertilizer for the holidays! She'll never talk to you again!"

Ford couldn't even begin to understand her reaction. It was such a logical assumption that anyone should come to that reasonable conclusion.

"Why? She's a farmer. Fertilizer would be useful to her profession. Ergo, it would be an acceptable present."

Miranda let out a sigh and shook her head.

"Honestly, for a smart doctor, you don't know the first thing about women."

The door opened behind them, and in walked Wayne.

"Hi there, Miranda. You got a smile that could light up the entire town," Wayne said.

"Oh, Thank the Goddess, you came. I need help. He tried to buy Holly fertilizer."

Wayne sighed and ran his hand through his fluffy blond hair.

"Oh, Ford...You really don't know the first thing about women," Wayne said.

"Exactly what I said," Miranda said.

"You too? I thought for sure someone would see reason."

"Think of it this way, Ford: would you like it if she went and gave you a beaker for a gift?" Wayne said.

Ford smiled. "Yes, it would be perfectly suited for my profession. In fact, they tend to break easily so I would be quite pleased that I could allocate my beaker budget elsewhere for that week."

"It's hopeless," Miranda said.

"Just a second, I'll figure out a way," Wayne said.

Wayne patted Ford on the shoulder. "I'll be your wingman."

"If you're the pilot, we're crashing," Ford said.

"That's harsh," Wayne said.

"Then, what would you suggest? A hoe? Though she likely already has one, it may be worn from use..."

"No! Absolutely not!" Miranda said.

"Okay, let's just move onto the others for a minute. What do you wish to say with these gifts?"

"For whom? The others? I that I was adhering to the social norms of giving gifts due to a festival," Ford said.

"No, Ford. You gotta put feeling into the gift. That you want them to have a good next year, and you value them."

"Value them? They are my patients, and fellow neighbors. I value their health, even if I do not know them personally," Ford said.

"Oh, we're getting nowhere with this," Wayne said.

"What if you brought them food?" Miranda said quickly. "Everyone loves a good meal!"

"Food? You wish me to cook for them?" Ford said.

"Goddess, no, anything but that. Get a taste of Ford's cooking and they'd be in the infirmary," Wayne said.

"Miranda's right. Komari and Hinata and Yuzuki sure love to eat. And the twins and Ludus enjoy food, too. That way we can let Brad pick their favorites. You'll just foot the bill. They go to the Garden Grill all the time."

"That is acceptable I suppose. Ensure that the meals are adequately nutritious," Ford said.

"Good, all that's left is Holly then," Wayne said.

"If not fertilizer, then what do you think? I doubt she has any need for Soft soil. Though perhaps she might need them for new gardens..."

"Sorry, Miranda. But I think we're going to have to go to another store for that. Oh, I wouldn't want to leave you with all this trouble. Could I trouble you for some coffee packs?"

He smiled at Ford.

"Consider that me picking out your gift for me," Wayne said.

"Yes, I will take care the bill. Thank you for saving me the trouble of devising you a gift."

"Ford, don't even look at that fertilizer. In fact, I don't think Miranda's got what you need for her."

"No offense, ma'am. It's a fine establishment, but I think Lisette's got just the ticket for Holly's gift."

"No offense taken," Miranda said.

*

Lisette's shop was quite pleasant during the winter. It smelled good and was full of greenery that most of the land lost during this time. Though, Ford would manage to grow a few assorted hardier crops that could take the cold.

Wayne, of course, paid little attention to the flowers.

Lisette had some sort of white lily in her hands. She had pollen smudged over her white lace-up dress. Ford never understood why she wore white; it always ended up mussed with her work.

"Lisette, you're looking like spring itself," Wayne said.

She flushed with pleasure.

"Oh, Wayne. You know how to make a lady smile."

Lisette wore something festive in a little red and white scarf over her white dress. She always got quite into every holiday.

"What do I owe the pleasure of both of you coming?"

"Gift shopping," Ford said.

"Oh, Wayne and Brad finally got you to come to the little shindig?"

"Yes," Ford said.

Wayne leaned on the counter.

"I know this is short notice, but do you have any leftover flowers?"

"Flowers? For a bouquet, or to buy single like?" Lisette said.

"...Seeds," Ford said suddenly.

"What?" Wayne said.

"She's a farmer, so she would desire seeds. Do you have any rare and interesting seeds?"

"What about a nice bouquet? Would you have enough for an order this late?" Wayne said.

"What would she do with a bouquet? She can't plant those," Ford said.

Lisette sighed. "Oh, Ford..."

"Well, it is true. A farmer would have little use for a bouquet," Ford said.

"Hopeless," Wayne said.

Lisette nodded.

"Actually, I just got these in stock. I haven't gotten a chance to even put them up."

She brought back some flowers Ford had never even heard of, though he was no botanist. Whatever this rare treasure was, she would surely be grateful. And, perhaps she could teach him more about it as she grew it.

"Yes, I'll take your entire stock," Ford said.

Wayne was right. This was an even better gift than fertilizer.

*

Ford ensured to fill up his doctor's bag as he arrived. The Garden Grill had closed early for the little party.

Carrie must've spent some time decorating, as there were colorful lights and hanging silvery snowflakes all over the ceiling. Each table had little balls of holly on them.

Wayne and Brad had donned the "Santa" outfits, from that children's tale. Ford held very little attachment to such a thing. "Santa" never came to his house, and he never would've believed in such a fanciful tale regardless. Still, some people got very into this season for some reason.

Komari wore a headband with antlers, and some sort of celebratory short red and white kimono with a frilly apron. "Oh, this is delicious. And wine, too?"

"Thank Ford, that's his gift," Brad said.

"Thank you, Ford!"

Kasmui wore holly in her long black hair, and wore an elegant winter kimono.

"I will refrain from imbibing. Komari always drinks a little too much, and I wish to ensure she gets home safe."

"Good. I will do the same, in case anyone is injured," Ford said.

Brad had made up hot cocoa, and egg nog. The latter of which was made with alcohol. Both had far too much sugar, so Ford settled for black coffee. He would stay up late, and the caffeine would help facilitate that, hopefully not at the risk of actually affecting his sleep schedule. He would be quite displeased if he had to completely change up his routine for the next week because he woke up fifteen, or even thirty minutes later than usual.

Yuzuki cut a huge, even massive slice of cake for himself. He was completely captivated. Crumbs fell onto his snowy blue yukata, and even the massive red scarf he had around his neck.

Ford had begun on a lecture to Yuzuki on how so much sugar would surely harm his fragile health, when he caught sight of her.

And then, every word of that very important lecture he had planned was forgotten.

"Santa's arrived!"

She wore a Santa dress with a shawl with embroidered gold snowflakes. Her Santa hat had a little yellow star. Her long braids were slightly undone from all her work. But the most alluring of all was her bright smile.

It was strange, with anyone else he would deeply annoyed with such a sign of such a tangle. But with her it was almost...endearing. In ways he did not fully understand, yet could not simply explain away.

She had a big bag of presents over her shoulder.

Wayne smiled.

"Looks like there's two Santas here," Wayne said.

"That means we'll have double as many happy people, then," Holly said.

Wayne had been sure to give his gift to Ford early, which was a book on stars. It would prove quite interesting, and offer them dialogue later, given Wayne's interest in astronomy.

Stephanie had on a festive hat, and sang some sort of carol he'd never heard. A romantic one. For some reason, there was supposedly a romance to the season. Ford never could quite fathom why.

Maybe it had something to do with the coziness of the winter fire, or something about children, and families. None of those were Ford's specialties.

Lisette wore a plaid scarf, and had a little snowman headband, and her usual white dress with a lace up corset.

"Just seeing you here is like a gift in itself," Wayne said.

"Oh, Wayne. You're too kind," Lisette said.

She'd hung up knit stockings as a decoration. Ford faintly remembered some part of the Santa tale about hanging stockings by the fire.

"Of course I wouldn't forget you. I always look forward to delivering mail to you. Your smile lights up my whole day," Wayne said.

Lisette blushed. "You're sweet as ever, Wayne."

Carrie came out with a platter of food, all made by Brad. Or at least Ford hoped made by Brad, for the sake of their stomachs.

"I've got a whole buffet ready. Oh, Hi, Ford....Wait, something's different," Carrie said.

"I would say many things are different, due to the festive atmosphere," Ford said.

"I know what it is! Brad finally convinced you to wear another color of shirt," Carrie said.

"This? He insisted that I must be 'festive,'" Ford said.

"Well, it isn't yellow, but I think it's a little victory," Carrie said.

It hardly needed such remarks, given that it was just one shirt. Ford rubbed at his temples. How troublesome.

"It looks nice," Holly said.

"....Ah, thank you," Ford said.

Maybe different colors might not be so bad, if it caught her eye. He might work on getting that yellow shirt yet if it would elicit such a compliment from her.

*

As Ford turned his head to speak with Carrie, Hinata snuck by. He poured a bit of alcohol in Ford's coffee.

Ford was so busy, he didn't even see. Hinata laughed to himself as he managed to just get away.

Doctor was about to have a good time and be relaxed, whether he wanted to or not.

As far as Hinata was concerned, it was his gift, and a big thank you for that delicious meal.

Ford would be thankful some day, though Hinata would probably not let him know about this little gift if he could help it. Knowing Ford, the guy would lecture him all day if he ever figured it out.

*

The black coffee had a peculiar taste. Perhaps Brad had tried another recipe. It wasn't entirely unpleasant. In fact, Ford found himself a little heated, and craving more. He tried to exactly put a name to the taste. Tart? No, not that. Not quite bitter, but it left a faintly warm feeling in his chest.

Just as he was about to run out, he found his cup filled again.

"I've got you, just relax, doc!" Hinata said.

"Erm, thank you," Ford said.

Ford thought nothing of it. Hinata was merely being nice. As he took another sip, he felt more and more warm. He effortlessly finished the coffee, even as he knew he would regret it.

He even considered another cup.

*

He should've known better than to drink so much coffee. He was a doctor, he'd lectured his patients on this very thing. He should've told Hinata firmly no, that he had enough.

Yet here he was.

As the party went on, Ford mentally began to mentally list out symptoms. He felt his pulse (normal, except when he looked at Holly. Then it became decidedly abnormal.)

He wasn't sweating, or swelling so it likely wouldn't be an allergic reaction. He managed to find a mirror, and found himself almost unsteady on his feet. His mind was a little hazy, but surprisingly relaxed. He felt almost...dizzy. And his thoughts were remarkably slow for once. He certainly couldn't have any brilliant plans in this state.

"Look at who's under the mistletoe!"

Ford looked up. For a moment, there was a stabbing feeling too complex to pin down. Fear? Jealousy? It was completely illogical to jump to the conclusion that it would be Holly with another, with so many other people here. Yet, that was where his mind went.

He'd thought for sure Holly had been there, side by side with a trainer. But as she moved, she saw them laughing, and a little dog under the mistletoe.

Kasumi bent and gave the rather cute dog a bone. It wore a little costume. Was it one Woofio was training?

"Then I get to Wuff you more," Woofio said. Woofio bent down to the dog's level and hugged it.

Ford scarely had time to bask in his utter relief when he heard the most pitiful groan.

"Unnngn...."

Yuzuki spread out on one of the couches and clutched his stomach.

Hinata knelt beside him.

"Yuzuki, what's wrong? Did your illness come back?"

Iluka crossed her arms indignantly over her chest. "I told him not to eat that much," Iluka said.

She had pearls that looked like snowballs in her long hair.

Siluka had on a green dress, with little pine tree decorations. She had fallen asleep right in the middle of the party. Her leftover food threatened to fall off her plate.

"He had a big piece of cake," Ludus said.

Ludus spread out his hands as if he were showing a fish he caught. He wore a more Lulukoko kind of a Santa outfit. It was sleeveless, with a line of triangles and dots down the side.

"This big, or even bigger."

Yes, he had been trying to lecture Yuzuki upon the disastrous nature of that, but he had gotten...distracted.

"I have medicine in my bag. I just need to..."

The world was suddenly unsteady. This was completely unacceptable. What had come over him so suddenly? Was he really ill? He hadn't seen the symptoms before this...perhaps he was asymptomatic. But why would his symptoms suddenly flare up now?

He couldn't spare time to test his own symptoms, not when he had a patient to attend to. He must push through before he could even think of himself.

Ford had to clutch the couch to keep him from toppling over.

"Wow, doc. You're really sauced," Brad said.

"Sauced? I do not believe...I ate anything with sauce."

Before Brad could reply, Holly brought his black doctor's bag to him.

"Here," she said. "This is what you needed, right?"

She had brought his bag to him. In his almost blurry vision, she had almost a halo of light about her. She never had been more beautiful than that moment to him.

"Yes, thank you. I needed....yo---that."

"Wow, Ford would've about bit the head off of anyone who touched his bag without permission," Wayne said.

"She is always...gentle. She never breaks beakers when I ask for her to hand them to me. She is entirely trustworthy and worthy...to touch my doctor's bag and implements," Ford said.

"Yes, I have the medicine right here... But, it is bitter."

Yuzuki groaned.

"I suppose I've taken enough bitter medicine in my life. It was my own fault. When it comes to sweets, I overindulge."

"Actually..."

Holly pulled out a wrapped present from her bag.

"I'd planned to give you this for the holiday, but I think it might be really useful now," she said.

A jar of honey.

"You mentioned an interest in beekeeping before. And the way it could be applied to medicine for sweetness, and other qualities," Holly said.

He tried to focus. It had been some time ago he had said that. When exactly? Yes, it'd been hot. He'd asked her to water several times...

"That was...last summer."

She smiled. "I know. I've been testing out honey this whole time. I finally figured out the secret: the best flowers make the best honey. I've really kept Lisette in business with all the generations of flowers I grew to get to that point."

She'd truly gone to that much trouble just to give him a gift? Whole season's worth of planning from some offhand comment he'd made.

He had a single thought in his mind. A rebellious, impossible thought. "You'd make a fine doctor's wife."

She was flushed quite red, but in a happy way. "I think so too. I'm glad you agree."

Ford's brow furrowed. Why would she say such a thing? She must be responding to someone else.

She helped steady the container as he added the honey to it. Which was very helpful, given that his hands suddenly were not as deft as they had been before. He could only hope that it was this...ailment and not a sign that he had seriously deteriorated with age, or some unknown illness just now rearing its head at a party.

With the honey, Yuzuki easily drank down the medicine.

"It's delicious," Yuzuki said.

"There, you should feel better...soon," Ford said.

"Come on, Yuzuki. Do I need to carry you home like a bride? I'll think of it as actor training," Hinata said.

"I do not think I am well enough to walk," Yuzuki said sadly.

"I gotcha," Hinata said. He lifted up Yuzuki suddenly, in a bridal carry. "C'mon, princess. We've got to get you home before your grandparents get worried sick."

"Y-You're surprisingly strong," Yuzuki said.

"You don't have to put it like that. I've been training really hard to be strong and dashing."

"For a part?" Yuzuki said.

Hinata blushed and rubbed at the back of his neck. "Uh, that too."

Komari laughed loudly. "Oho, does Hinata got a crush?"

Hinata blushed. "Q-Quiet!"

"I will take Komari home," Kasumi said.

Komari had drank entirely too much and was entirely inebriated. She leaned on Kasumi, and laughed at nothing and everything.

"Don't worry, Komari. I will protect you. Should any imprudent person lay even so much as a lecherous glance upon you, I will make them rue their very birth."

"Yer always takin' care of me. I'm lucky to have such a pretty and wonderful friend as you. So reliable, too."

"Oho, you're under the mistletoe," Holly said.

Before Kasumi could say a word, Komari kissed Kasumi on the cheek and slipped her arm in Kasumi's. For several seconds Kasumi stared blankly, almost as if she were seeing for the very first time.

"My very own protector," Komari said. She rested her head on Kasumi's shoulder as they walked out.

"I will guard you now, and ever," Kasumi said softly as she led Komari gently back towards Tsuyukasa.

Siluka hadn't woken. "E mala kai, I've got her." He carried Siluka over his broad shoulders.

"Good for her, but I'll still have to walk home," Iluka said.

Ludus smiled. "I could carry you both if needed."

"Show off," Iluka said huffily.

The party had worn down. Despite the coffee, Ford found himself surprisingly drowsy. At least there hadn't been anymore injuries. He still needed to figure out his exact symptoms. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned.

"Finally...We're under the mistletoe, doctor."

"Hmm?"

She leaned in and cupped his face. "I've wanted this all day. No, for whole seasons."

Her lips were so very warm, and so very soft and tempting. Ford could scarcely believe this was real and he wasn't in some fever dream. But it was short, far too short as the barking of a dog called her attention away.

For several minutes Ford just stood there as his mind tried to comprehend what had just happened.

He stared out at the snowy night, unaware of the people leaving and only of her. And that they had kissed.

*

The next day, Ford awoke with some of the worst symptoms he had ever experienced. Horrible nausea, a throbbing headache, and such sudden weakness that even leaving his bed was difficult.

He tried to open his eyes. Eye pain, check. Dry mouth, an unsteadiness. Whatever malady he had contracted, it was certainly quite brutal.

Still, he managed to prevail, if only to get to his medicinal cabinet. In there would lie his salvation.

This was surely not the day to have his peace and quiet disturbed by Brad and Wayne. But, did they heed such thoughts? Hardly.

"I'm surprised you're even walking around so well after how much you drank," Brad said.

"It was a real surprise to see you drink so much. You didn't even get a chance to open up all your presents," Wayne said.

"Trust me, it was not easy. And please, keep your voice down. I am trying to focus," Ford said.

Food poisoning? Could it be that? Though he hadn't had some of the more, ahem, messy symptoms of that.

"I think maybe I'm seeing for the first time what was always there," Wayne said.

"Hmm?"

"Oh, I'm just thinking aloud, that's all. How was it for you and Carrie?"

"The party? It was great," Brad said.

"I mean, when you got hitched. When you knew she was the one," Wayne said.

"Oh, I knew right away. Carrie was so charming, I fell for her immediately. I started working for her dad right away so we could spend more time together."

"So, it's like that huh..." Wayne said.

Ford groaned and continued to look through his medicine cabinet.

"Please keep your voices down. I have the worst headache and nausea I have ever experienced at the moment. If I do not find this medicine I fear...there will be messy consequences," Ford said.

He searched for the exact medicine, but the throbbing in his head was incredibly insistent.

"I think this is the one you want, doc," Wayne said.

"This is hangover medicine. I need pain medicine, and something for--an onset of colds, perhaps?"

"Trust me, this is the one you need," Wayne said.

Ford drank down the medicine simply to get Wayne to stop speaking. He was surprised to find that his symptoms began to calm almost immediately. It was, of course, a very potent medicine. All his medicines were.

"You drank enough to be really drunk. I've never seen you like this. I was surprised, really. I didn't expect you to let loose like that," Wayne said.

"Let loose? Hardly. I had black coffee. But it was strange, I thought the taste seemed different. As if Brad had used another recipe."

"Maybe someone spiked your drink," Wayne said.

"Spiked? It didn't taste sharp," Ford said.

"Hey, don't look this way. It wasn't me," Brad said.

"It didn't taste rough on my tongue at all," Ford said.

"That's not what spiked means," Wayne said.

"Putting alcohol in someone's drink as a prank," Brad said.

"Hmmm...when I find out the troublemaker, I will certainly have a word with them," Ford said.

"What about you? You better not play with Holly's heart," Wayne said.

"What are you even going on about?"

"Ford would never do that," Brad said.

"You practically proposed to her back there. Don't you remember?" Wayne said.

Ford frowned. "....Excuse me?"

"You said she'd make a good Doctor's wife."

"W-Wait.....I said that aloud?"

Suddenly her response made so much more sense.

"Oh....oh no."

Ford rubbed at his head. Suddenly, the headache was back.

Had he stumbled into in vino veritas? Or, In wine there is truth.

"Was it just the wine talking?" Wayne said.

"...Not entirely," Ford said finally. "I have had certain thoughts...which I have ignored, for they are completely reckless and illogical."

"Oh, Ford. Don't run away. Go for it," Wayne said.

Brad let out a cheer.

"Please, restrain yourself. While I have improved slightly, my head still hurts," Ford said.

"Sorry, I was just so excited. I'm finally seeing my buddy getting hitched. I'll cater the wedding dinner," Brad said.

"That is entirely too soon, and unnecessary..."

"You better tell her that. Because if someone came out and said something like that to me, I'd marry them without a second thought," Wayne said.

"...I have entirely lost track of this conversation," Ford said.

And everything else in his life, for that matter.

He felt to his coat. The seeds were still there. He hadn't even managed to give her the gift. He hoped she wasn't offended, as Miranda had so implied a woman would be with the wrong gift.

Friendship was never something he was very good at, and giving gifts even less than that. Brad and Wayne were understanding of his eccentricities. He could only hope Holly would be as well.

"The clinic is closed. I cannot work in this state."

"The state of being in love, or hungover?"

"Both," Ford said.

"I must...deal with this. So I bid you both goodbye," Ford said.

"I got it, I got it. I've got something to deal with myself," Wayne said.

*

Holly came in shortly after Brad and Wayne left. Ford busied himself in his medicine cabinet, even though the medicine had already begun to work, simply to give his nervous hands something to do.

"Are you all right? I talked to Wayne and he said you were pretty miserable this morning," Holly said.

"Well, I have certainly been better," Ford said.

"It's a good thing I kept extras," she said.

"Yes, ahem..."

"Wayne and Brad have informed me that I acted in a way which was...perhaps foolish yesterday. It seems despite my attempts to be entirely free from alcohol, I somehow became inebriated. My memory is a little hazy at what exactly occurred and it was not something I sought out."

Though it was a little comforting that he had not suddenly come down with a horrible debilitating disease.

"Really? I thought you were coming down with something."

A memory came back to him. Her soft lips against his.

"You thought I was ill and still wished to kiss me?"

She blushed and played with her hair in a way which was so utterly distracting. "I always want to kiss you, and always have, from the very first time we met. I want to kiss you when you're working and smell like herbs, when you're tired from a long day, and even when you're cranky."

"And, I'd want to kiss you even when you're sick."

He took a sharp breath. Now that he'd tasted her lips, he wanted more too. But no matter what he tried, he couldn't think of the words to express that.

He blushed and pushed his glasses up. "U-Uh....i-is that so..."

"So, someone spiked your drink," she said.

"Yes, Brad and Wayne said the same. Perhaps they the same that mischief maker that placed the mistletoe?"

"I was the one who brought the mistletoe," she said.

"You did? Why would you do such a thing?"

"I thought it was fun. And honestly, I wanted a chance to catch you under the mistletoe. And I got it, too."

"It must've been a sloppy kiss. I was, as one would say, in my cups. Accidentally, of course."

"I liked it," she said.

Her cheeks were so rosy, and so pleasant. And her lips were ever so kissable. Now that he knew what it was to kiss her, his mind would be consumed by the thought.

"Holly, wait a moment. I am still recovering from, erm, last night's accidental excesses. I am not quite returned to my er, usual capacity. Still, I feel I need to clarify things. Wayne told me as such, that I should not 'play with your heart.' As if I could even be capable of such a thing. I cannot even bring myself to be able to flirt, let alone play games of love."

"That's what I like about you," she said.

He took a breath.

"...I did not mean to say such a thing aloud, I thought I had merely thought it."

"But you did think it," she said.

"Yes...And perhaps it is not the first time that thought has come to me. In fact, perhaps such thoughts have been filling my mind more and more as of late."

"...And in my inebriation, I even missed my chance to give you your gift."

He pulled it out of his pocket.

"I asked Lisette for her best seeds."

She smiled big in a way which made his heart feel on the brink of tachycardia.

"I'll make even better honey with these, thanks," she said.

"Actually, I was to get you fertilizer, but Wayne and Miranda said it would be an unacceptable gift..."

She laughed. "Really?"

"That's nice, but I make my own. It's the best I've ever encountered, and really has excellent effects on crops," she said.

"Does it? I would be very interested in studying its effects, if you ever had any to spare," Ford said.

"You would like fertilizer as a gift?"

"Yes, if you made it," Ford said.

"See, that's why I like you," she said.

She stepped forward and suddenly took his hands in hers. Her smile was so beautiful, he was once again struck by her loveliness. Not merely good looks, but the sort which bubbled forth from her kindness, her cheerfulness, and sheer energy.

"You know what they say, doctor. In Vino Veritas. Spend New Year's Eve with me?"

"A-At your farm?"

"No, at the square with everyone else. There'll be a balloon ride and lots of food. I want to spend every holiday with you, and see you ever day."

"I....wish for that too."

She leaned up on tip toe and kissed his cheek. "Good. I'll be looking forward to it."

"Actually..."

She reached into her pockets.

"Miranda's is closed. I can't give you a pendant, so consider this an IOU," she said.

A small bottle of yellow fertilizer.

"Hope it makes your crops flourish," she said.

*

The next day he showed up at the Garden Grill. Brad had a dish rag in hand, while Wayne sipped at his coffee.

"Is that a yellow shirt?"

"Yes? I bought some new shirts," Ford said.

"Really? I've been trying to get you to wear other colors for years," Brad said.

"I told you, it's the power of a pretty girl. Ain't nothing in life that's more powerful than that," Wayne said.

Ford cleared his throat. "I've been...trying some new things within my life."

"I must request your assistance, Wayne."

"Anything," Wayne said.

"Are gifts required for New Year's Eve? We will be spending it...together. I wanted to be sure. I never saw gifts mentioned, but I did not wish to offend her the very first time we...."

What was the word he would use here, date?

"No, but you could bring her one just because you love her."

Ford flushed bright red. "L-love? That is..."

"Oh, boy. You've got him going now," Brad said.

"Sorry, I stepped in it that time. Just pretend I said 'like,'" Wayne said.

"No...I must get used to such concepts and words, even if they seem entirely foreign."

Maybe she'd like some medicine. She tended to overwork. Would she understand the meaning behind it? He could only hope so.

*

"Good morning, you're a sight for sore eyes."

"Could you do me a favor, Lisette?"

"What do you need?"

"I need the most beautiful bouquet imaginable."

"Oh, you got your eye on someone?"

Wayne smiled. "You could say that."

He handed the bouquet right on back to her.

"Er...is it unacceptable?"

"Naw, nothing you ever made is unacceptable. I just wanted to thank you for always livening up the place."

"You wanna watch the stars together? I'll teach you all the names."

"I-I would love that, Wayne," Lisette said.

"Well, I'll meet you there."

*

Kasumi carefully began to arrange the flowers. She pushed her focus to the petals and not the memories of Komari's lips against her cheek.

She was uncessful. Especially when Komari came through the door. She smelled of the kitchen still. She must have spilled some food on her apron and carried that scent all the way here, even through the cold.

"Sorry I was late. Dad made me a good after-party breakfast to make me feel better."

Komari chuckled. "He said it reminded him a lot of mom. That's how they fell in love, you know? She would always come in to his restaurant while she was traveling. She always came back."

"You're awful quiet. Are you feeling bad from last night?"

"I have much to think about," Kasumi said.

"Oh, did something happen? Did you and Hinata fight again?"

She remembered nothing. Kasumi pent the flower stem in two. A waste.

She sighed and set the flower aside.

As much as she told herself it was for the best, it still hurt to carry this secret.

"...Would you spend this new year with me?" Kasumi said.

"Of course I would, silly. We do every year. That's what friends do."

I would spend the rest of my life at your side, if you let me, Komari thought.

Even though she had no idea what to do with such a thought.

*

"You wanted me to help you with a part?" Yuzuki said.

"Yeah, I've been working on it. I'll start," Hinata said.

He took a deep breath, all in preparation for his dramatic speech. He could just imagine the lights on him and the crowd rapt as he said the words.

Though the most important audience was right here.

"Yuzu, you're the prettiest one I've ever seen! I'm completely in love with you! I know that I'm just an aspiring actor and you're a princess, but I think I could make you really happy! In fact, I'll work hard until I'm sure I can!"

"And what are my lines?" Yuzuki said.

Hinata rubbed at his neck.

"I didn't get that far," Hinata said.

"So, it is the aspiring actor and the...princess? Is it a new play?"

Before Hinata could respond, a voice rose up behind them.

"Yuzuki, your grandmother was asking for you," Umekichi said.

"Of course, grandfather."

"Sorry I couldn't help with your lines. I promise I will help more when I have time," Yuzuki said.

Hinata watched him go.

Hinata let out a breath. "One day, Yuzuki, I'll tell you for real. I promise."

*

The entire town of Tsuyukasa had gathered in their best (and warmest) kimonos. A big pot was cooking, and the air was filled with silvery snow.

This was one of Hinata's most favorite holidays of the year, for sure. There was just an air of such hope for the future. And, he got to leave wishes. How many other festivals had that?

Hinata leaned in as Kasumi wrote down something upon a small piece of paper.

"Whatcha wishing for? Fame? Money?"

"I cannot speak it aloud, or the wish will not come to pass," Kasumi said.

She folded the paper and tied the wish to Inari's shrine.

"Yeah, that's about right," Hinata said.

Hinata stared at his paper for a long time.

"Think I can find a way to get it all? All three in one?"

"You would toy with the gods?" Kasumi said.

"Not toy so much. Just...find a way to figure it out."

Like, Yuzuki falls completely in love with me as I become a famous and rich actor. A wish like that, one that covered everything.

"You are very fox-like," Kasumi said.

"Yeah? I always wanted to play a trickster kitsune in a play. The ears look fun to wear," Hinata said.

"Hey, there's Yuzuki! Yuzuki! Are you feeling better?"

Yuzuki was as graceful as could be as he came up. Like royalty. A shame Yuzuki just wanted to be cooped away working on his jewelry, because Yuzuki's beauty would make him a star.

Hinata would love to have his best friend on the other side of him. He'd make the perfect actor spouse. Plus, half the time someone was dying of an illness in these plays, so Yuzuki would have plenty to work with.

Yuzuki smiled. "Yes, Dr. Ford's medicine did the trick. I must remember not to indulge so much, even if the cake is utterly delicious..." Yuzuki said.

Man, he wished Yuzuki looked at him with the same adoration he had for cake.

"Don't forget to write down your wish so Inari can grant it," Hinata said.

"You could wish for cake, or maybe more sweets, or you know, your true love to appear?"

"You know I can't share a wish," Yuzuki said.

"Right, right," Hinata said.

"Ooh, dad's got great food out here. Let's dig in," Komari said.

"Right, I just need to write it down!"

Maybe it was a trickster thing to do, but Hinata went for it. The three in one wish. Then he ran back to enjoy a meal with his friends, and the one he kind of wanted to be more than friends with, even if he didn't have the words for it yet.

*

"Are you warm enough? It will be a long night," Ford said.

"If my hands get cold, I'll just hold yours for warmth."

Ford blushed.

She wore a large scarf that almost came up to her chin, and a thick coat. Which was good, as he would've had to lecture her had she taken to foolishly underestimate the Westown cold.

She had, however, forgotten gloves.

She held out her hands.

"Keep my hands warm as we go to town?"

"One thing, before I get distracted. A gift."

He held up a glass bottle of his latest.

Ford smiled.

"If you ever feel ill, take this immediately and come to me. I'll make sure you're healed up right away. I...worry about you, you see."

The seconds passed and she said nothing. Ford was suddenly hit with the thought that he had made a mistake in this. Love was even more difficult a minefield than friendship, as difficult as that was to believe.

"Did it seem a poor gift? It seems need to learn more about giving gifts."

Her cheeks were flushed. He couldn't tell if it was merely the cold.

"No, it's sweet. You wanted to keep me safe and healthy. I'm sure you spent lots of time on this."

"You...did not respond. I was worried I did something wrong," Ford said.

"I was touched," she said.

"Well, I am glad I was able to convey that at least. My gift giving skills are undeveloped, I'm afraid."

She laughed.

"Is that so?"

"All I ask is you are patient with some of my...eccentricities."

"I like them, though. All of them."

"I cannot fathom how or why, but I am grateful nonetheless," Ford said.

Her hand was so warm as they walked to the plaza together. He could feel it even through his gloves.

"Do you have a new year's resolution?" Holly said.

"Hrm. I place no particular importance on those. If I have something I must do, I start it whenever I need."

"It's fun, though," Holly said softly.

"Do you have one?" Ford said.

"One on your behalf. I'll make sure you relax more, whatever the way."

"That should not be too difficult. You do have a nearly supernatural way of getting me to do things. Relaxing is only a natural progression of that."

She laughed. "Good."

As the last of the year counted down, he was grateful to spend it with her. And what an enchanting thought, to spend the rest of the year with her until they were here again.

Over and over, through every year until the end.

She leaned in amid the cheers of Happy New Years!

"People kiss on the new years, you know. A sort of celebration," Holly said.

"Now this is a tradition I could grow to like," Ford said.

She leaned in and her lips were just as soft and stunning as the first time he'd kissed her. He still felt slightly amazed that he got to kiss her, that he was here at all and this wasn't some fever dream.

Did he linger close a little too long? Perhaps. But she was too tempting, and her lips too sweet. He couldn't resist just one more taste.

Maybe with time this would fade and he would feel less wonder at each caress, or maybe he would be on their wedding day just as awed that he got to be beside her. Only time would tell.

Author's note: Komari/Kasumi and Hinata/Yuzuki needed a little more time and space to get together. I am already working on the sequel, which won't be quite so...festive.