Itsuki was stoked to host the family's annual Christmas Eve party. So much that she got new decorations for Yumeko. She almost felt like her mom setting out the fruit bowls and peanuts. It reminded her of all the parties they hosted at their mansion when she was a kid.
She was lounging on her couch when someone knocked on her door. "It's open," she yelled.
Ryota opened the door as announced, "Yumeko and Mary are right behind me, but it wasn't smart to put mistletoe in the elevator." He placed three shiny red gift bags on her marble counter.
"I didn't put it there. It was the landlords."
"You own the building."
"And what about it?"
Ryota sighed as he sat on the couch. The Peanuts Christmas special was playing. "The superior Christmas movie," Ryota grinned.
"It was until I got cast as Sally in my elementary school play."
Ryota chuckled, "It fits you though!"
"Shush! It's not funny! They called me Sally for the rest of the year!"
Mary opened the door with Yumeko on her arm. Yumeko waved with three bags in her hands. "Merry Christmas Eve!"
"Ryota said y'all were literally behind him."
"We were behind him, in the elevator," Mary answered.
"I fucking knew it!" Itsuki pointed.
Mary groaned as she made her way to the couch. "Peanuts?"
"There's also peanuts in the kitchen," Itsuki flattered herself.
"I know!" Yumeko walked to the couch with a couple of peanuts on a napkin.
"You're turning into your mom," Ryota jabbed.
"Doesn't she have a peanut allergy?" Yumeko asked.
"Yeah, that's why my dad would put them out instead of her."
The rest of the group ohh-ed in understanding.
"Anyways, we should get started!" Itsuki clapped her hands together.
"What are we doing?" Ryota questioned.
Itsuki giggled to herself before explaining, "First, we're going to have a gingerbread house contest. Then, we're going to exchange gifts. And finally, we're going to watch a movie."
Yumeko bounced her toes in excitement. "Sounds fun!"
"Better be prepared for me to kick your asses!" Mary flipped a twin tail behind her shoulder.
"We'll see," Itsuki challenged.
===
It has as every man for themselves. Itsuki allowed them to check the rooms and ingredients for fairness, really just Mary and Yumeko. They would pick their ingredients and run to a different spot in the apartment. After that, they would have 45 minutes to decorate their houses. The winner would be picked through a vote.
"On your marks," Itsuki drew out. They each stood in a line prepared to take their house and ingredients.
"Get set!" She made sure to add time between each word.
"Go!"
They were off! Running to claim as many ingredients as they could in a small plastic bag. Itsuki tried taking multiple items from the bowls of candy but got knocked away by Yumeko and Ryota. Yelling in frustration she noticed Mary stealing M&M's from a bowl to herself and pounced. Mary saw this coming and backed away laughing as she trotted to the other bowls.
