Be careful what you wish for – Christmas memories

Time passed swiftly after Yuu and Victor arrived in the Victorian era, with each day bringing new worries and challenges. Yet, the duo faced them without fear, knowing they had the steadfast support of the Moriarty brothers by their side.

Yuu and Victor adapted well to society and continued their research on how to return home to modern Britain. But this morning was different - there were no missions, no research... it was Christmas Eve morning.

The morning was beautiful, with the sun already high in the sky and the air crisp and fresh. Light filtered into the room through the floor-length velvet curtains as Yuu's eyes slowly fluttered open. Filled with a rush of energy and excitement, she stretched lazily in bed and murmured to herself with a smile, "it's Christmas Eve!"

As Yuu stepped out of her four-poster bed, her fingers glided along the dark wooden frame. She glanced around, taking in the room's timeless elegance - matching dark wood furniture, a marble fireplace, and a wide window with velvet curtains - all softly illuminated by a grand chandelier. It brought back memories of how she felt upon first entering this room.

Pausing, she let the memories wash over her: her brother Victor assembling the artifact their father had left behind, its activation, and their arrival in the Victorian era. She recalled their first encounter with William, how he saved her and her brother from a shooting, welcomed them into his home, and introduced them to his brothers. She smiled at the memory of their astonished faces upon seeing her and Victor's phones, as well as her own transformation into a proper Victorian lady. Sitting down at the table, she placed a hand over her heart and murmured, "what a year it's been! But this year brought me and my brother back together."

Snapping out of her thoughts, she patted her cheeks and said, "okay, Yuu, enough reminiscing! It's Christmas Eve, and I need to get ready!" Determination brightened her face as she glanced toward the window. It was her first time celebrating Christmas in the Victorian era, and she didn't want to miss a single moment of such a special day. As she gazed outside, she couldn't help but wonder if a Christmas miracle might happen - perhaps the ground would soon be blanketed in snow.

Feeling the festive atmosphere, Yuu softly murmured Silent Night to herself, swaying gently around the room as she prepared for the day ahead.

The house, however, had yet to embrace the Christmas spirit - it remained undecorated. Determined to change that, Yuu decided to take matters into her own hands. She had always loved Christmas and was absolutely passionate about it. Therefore, she knew that she had to bring the Christmas spirit to the Moriarty manor.

She began crafting a list of tasks that needed to be completed before Christmas Eve. She was determined to make the evening successful and joyful. After finalizing her list and gathering her thoughts, Yuu descended the stairs, ready for her grand announcement.

As Yuu stepped into the living room, she took in its spacious elegance. Antique furniture filled the room, and the ceilings showcased intricate wallpaper craftsmanship. Old paintings adorned the walls, their timeless charm welcoming all who entered with whispers of history. Candles cast a soft glow that harmonized with the grand chandelier above, creating a warm, relaxed ambiance. In one corner, a stately fireplace added both warmth and character to the space.

Once everyone had gathered, Yuu stood proudly and declared with enthusiasm, "today, gentlemen, we have an important mission!"

William raised an eyebrow and set aside the newspaper he had been reading while sitting in his armchair. "We don't have any missions today," he said, his voice calm but amused.

Yuu's eyes twinkled with mischief as she replied, "oh yes, we do. And it's a very important one."

Albert and Louis, seated on the sofa and sipping Earl Grey tea, paused mid-sip, exchanged a surprised glance, and turned their attention back to Yuu.

Victor chuckled. "I think I understand what she means," he said, his smile widening. "She's like this every December."

"You all will be my little helpers in this matter," Yuu said, her tone serious as she paced from one side of the room to the other. "Each of you will have an important task, and I trust you won't disappoint me." She continued, "we'll form teams, and I expect all tasks to be completed before evening. I've made small lists outlining what each group will do."

"So, what's this about?" Sebastian, William's right-hand man, who had just returned from his mission, asked with a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned against the doorframe, noticing how serious Yuu looked.

Fred, the quiet one who always gathered information for their missions, stood across the room, gazing out the window. He tilted his head and looked at Yuu. "Have you all forgotten? It's Christmas Eve," he said.

Yuu pointed at him with a smile. "Exactly! At least one of you remembers what day it is! You all work too hard. Today is about celebrating and making memories!" She smiled warmly, placing her hands on her hips. "So, today's mission is simple: preparing for Christmas and having fun!" She grinned at the men in the room.

"Alright, Yuu. Tell us your plan - what do you have in mind?" William asked, clearly invested in her enthusiasm, his eyes catching the sparkle of excitement in hers.

Yuu looked at William. "Very good question, William. As I mentioned before, each of you will have a task. I do hope you all succeed splendidly. And as for the groups..." She paused for a moment, then pulled a small sheet of paper from her pocket where she had written down the list of tasks earlier. "Okay, let's see. Ah, yes. Fred and Louis, I want you to take care of the food for the evening. Albert, you're always great at selecting the best wine, so that will be your task - gather some good wine, and if you like, choose some other drinks that fit the occasion. Also, the house looks a bit sad without decorations and Christmas spirit. So, Sebastian, Victor, and William, you'll be in charge of decorating the house. As for me, I'll handle the Christmas tree and this room where we'll be having our feast. There's just one last thing... we need a Christmas tree. Who would be willing to bring one here?"

William leaned back in his armchair before speaking. "I could bring the Christmas tree. I have a brief errand in the city, and on my way back, I'll pick one up."

Yuu nodded approvingly. "Alright, gentlemen. I trust everyone understands their tasks. Any questions?" She looked around the room, waiting for their reactions.

The men nodded in agreement, their attention fixed on Yuu, as Albert voiced their shared thoughts. "All is clear. I suppose we should prepare for our tasks and make the lady of the house happy," he said with a gentle smile, finishing his tea.

With that, they began to leave the room, ready to tackle the tasks Yuu had assigned. Each man approached his duties with care, indulging her whims and understanding how much this evening meant to her. They knew how difficult it was to be far from home, especially during Christmas.

As Louis and Fred headed to the bustling city market and Albert made his way to the wine cellar; William, Sebastian, and Victor headed to a tucked-away room in the manor.

It was a storage room, barely used, filled with items long forgotten and unused, including old Christmas decorations. The room was cluttered and coated in a thin layer of dust, the air carrying the faint scent of disuse. Their eyes scanned the room, landing on garlands and various festive ornaments. Brushing away the dust, they gathered what they needed and headed to the grand staircase to begin decorating, planning to tackle the other main spaces later. They also brought some decorations to Yuu, who was in charge of transforming the living room into a festive masterpiece.

William, Sebastian, and Victor worked together in comfortable silence, wrapping the garlands around the grand double staircase. The dark wooden stairs, lined with rich velvet carpet, radiated timeless elegance, now brightened by the festive decorations.

Sebastian eventually broke the quiet. "Your sister really seems to love Christmas," he remarked, his tone curious. Then, with a faint chuckle, he added, "is there a special reason for it, or does she just enjoy keeping everyone busy?"

"Well, you see, Christmas was always a special occasion for our family... or rather, it was when our father was still alive. Our mama used to tell us stories of Christmases from long ago, and our father would join us for Christmas dinner. Afterward, we'd dance, play games, and simply enjoy each other's company. It was simple, yet... so profound. After all, it was during Christmas that mama and papa fell in love. For Yuu, this time of year has always seemed magical, and she cherished every moment spent as a family, united. So, I suppose she tries to keep those memories alive this way, not wanting to let them go. After all, as a family, we... didn't have much time together because of our... well, let's just say, complicated circumstances." He said this while holding a red garland in his hand, letting out a soft sigh.

"I see," Sebastian muttered in a serious tone. "So, this is an important time for her."

"It is," Victor replied quietly.

William listened to their conversation as he finished placing a garland on the stairs. "Alright, gentlemen, I have to attend to a matter in London and pick up that Christmas tree, or our lady will be restless. I'll rejoin you once I return."

Both Sebastian and Victor nodded, and William excused himself.

Meanwhile, Yuu was decorating the living room where they had decided to host their Christmas Eve feast. Before starting, she put on her headphones and played some Christmas songs to make the decorating process more festive. She had a playlist saved on her phone, so she simply pressed play and began swaying around the room as she worked.

Yuu carefully arranged the festive decorations around the living room, her hands moving with purpose and excitement. She draped shimmering garlands across the mantelpiece before continuing to decorate the curtains, placing garlands along the top for an added touch of holiday cheer.

Occasionally, she sang aloud, completely unaware of how loud she was, lost in the music and the holiday spirit. "You're all I wish for this Christmas!" she belted out, extending her hand dramatically - only to notice that William had just entered the room from that very direction, his eyes widening.

Yuu's face turned crimson, and she quickly removed her headphones. "I was just... um, you know, listening to music and, uh, singing a bit too loudly. Got caught up in the moment." She giggled nervously.

A smile tugged at William's lips. "No harm done." Clearing his throat, he added, "Perhaps the lady needs something from the city? I'm heading to London for some business and to pick up the Christmas tree. I just wanted to make sure you have everything you need."

Yuu smiled softly. "Oh yes, I have everything I need," she said, feeling calmer. "Thank you."

"Do you have a dress for tonight?" William asked.

"I was thinking of wearing something from my wardrobe."

"Then, a lady needs a new one," he replied with a playful grin.

"No, really, I don't. You've already done so much for us. There's no need," Yuu said, stepping closer to William. Her gaze softened as she continued, "I see how all of you pour so much focus into your mission to make this world a better place. You're all so caught up in it that sometimes you forget about yourselves and the little things in life. I understand - it takes so much time and energy. But today…" She paused, her voice filled with heartfelt sincerity. "Today, I just want to make memories with you… and everyone else."

William felt warmth in his heart, but he didn't let his emotions show. "Alright, I'll see you later then," he said, nodding courteously before leaving.

"See you soon," Yuu murmured, watching his silhouette disappear. She then resumed her task, transforming the living room into a Christmas paradise.

As William stepped out of the carriage into the heart of London, he was greeted by a bustling crowd, the streets alive with people hurrying about, many searching for last-minute Christmas presents. William smiled at the sight, the festive energy around him lifting his spirits. After a brief exchange with a lord he had a meeting with, he resumed his Christmas errands - first, bringing the tree for the manor.

He strolled into the bustling tree market, the crisp scent of pine filling the air as his eyes wandered over rows of evergreens, each more charming than the last. Families were scattered throughout, searching for their perfect Christmas trees, their laughter echoing warmly in the distance. Nearby, a small stall offered mulled wine, and rosy-cheeked patrons huddled together, their wide smiles and cheerful shouts of "Merry Christmas!" adding to the lively atmosphere. The air was alive with shared joy and holiday spirit.

Pausing amidst the bustle, William took a deep breath and let his thoughts wander. "Yuu was right," he reflected. "It's nice to pause and simply be present. We're always so focused on missions and the bigger picture that we forget life's simple joys - and leave so little room for celebration."

His gaze drifted upward to the sky, painted in soft hues of gold and lavender. Birds passed overhead, their cheerful chirping adding a gentle harmony to the moment of stillness. The serenity grounded him, but soon his thoughts returned to the task at hand.

Scanning the trees again, his eyes landed on one that stood out - a striking specimen with lush, wide branches, almost regal in its presence. William knew instantly that this was the tree he had been searching for.

William approached the manager and finalized the purchase of the tree, ensuring it was carefully secured to the top of the carriage so it wouldn't shift during the journey. Just before stepping back inside, he paused and turned to the driver. "Take me to the finest dress shop in town," he requested. The driver nodded politely, and as William climbed into the carriage, it began to move.

As they arrived at the shop and William stepped inside, he was greeted by an older shop owner. William explained that he was looking for an elegant dress, perfect for the Christmas Eve dinner.

The shop owner replied, "we have this red dress - elegant, yet not too elaborate. It's perfect for a young lady and the occasion."

William examined the dress and nodded in approval. "This will do."

Once William settled back into his carriage, holding the wooden box with the dress inside, he felt a sense of accomplishment. As the carriage began its journey back to the manor, the bustling streets of London slowly faded into the distance. He couldn't help but wonder how Yuu would react when she saw the dress, and he looked forward to seeing the tree standing proudly in the grand living room, ready to add to the Christmas spirit at the Moriarty estate.

When William returned with the Christmas tree, he stepped into the living room, where Yuu was adding the final touches to the festive decorations. "Yuu, you've truly outdone yourself," he remarked, his gaze sweeping over the beautifully transformed space.

The room was adorned with colourful garlands, red ribbons, and Christmas ornaments, while lush greenery framed the fireplace, crowned by a wreath with a vibrant green bow at its center. Extra candles glowed softly, enhancing the magical ambiance, and festive touches of holly and ivy brought the scene to life. She had even draped garlands around the old painting frames, infusing the room with an extra layer of Christmas spirit.

"Oh, you're back! Right on time! I just finished decorating the room, and now I can start on the tree!" Yuu clapped her hands excitedly.

William set the tree down near the fireplace. "It's perfect," Yuu said, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Well, I'd better rejoin Sebastian and Victor," he said, his tone brief, before leaving the room.

"Alright," Yuu replied, already envisioning how to decorate the Christmas tree. Wasting no time, she draped red garlands, hung handmade ornaments, and carefully placed candles on its branches. With determined care, she tiptoed to set the shining star at the very top. Stepping back a few paces, she admired her work, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "There, you look beautiful, our Christmas tree," she murmured softly to herself.

After finishing the decorations in the living room, Yuu made her way back to her room. As she passed through the grand staircase, her heart warmed at the sight. The staircase was draped in lush red garlands, with red ribbons adorning the front. She murmured to herself, "Now, the manor feels truly alive with the festive spirit."

As she stepped inside her room, Yuu found a wooden box on her bed with a small note on top. She gently picked up the note and recognized William's elegant handwriting. The faint scent of ink lingered on the paper as she read its contents: "Wear this tonight." Yuu's cheeks flushed as she placed the note back on the bed and opened the box. Inside lay a beautiful red dress. She held it up, her voice soft as she whispered, "this is beautiful!"

The dress was simple yet elegant, perfectly suited for the occasion, adorned with delicate lace. The top featured a more open neckline, trimmed with soft white fur. To complete her look, Yuu selected a few of her favourite necklaces. Standing before the mirror, she mused, "to finish the look - where's my lipstick? Oh, and a bit of blush... Let's not forget the mascara."

After carefully applying her makeup, Yuu took one last look in the mirror, tilting her head slightly. A soft giggle escaped her lips. "I don't look too bad after all," she said with a smile.

When it was finally time to gather for the evening, Yuu descended the stairs and entered the living room, where everyone was already assembled. William greeted her with a warm smile. "It fits you perfectly."

"You didn't have to, you know," she said, her voice full of warmth.

"I know," he replied with a subtle grin, "but a lady deserves to look her best."

A grand table was set in the living room, adorned with an elegant spread of the finest wines, including mulled wine and punch, accompanied by an array of delectable dishes. The feast featured roasted turkey stuffed with rich chestnut filling, a selection of delicate pastries, and an assortment of tempting snacks. Flickering candles and lush green garlands decorated the table, casting a warm glow that enhanced the festive ambiance.

They all gathered around the table: William at the center, with Albert to his left and Louis to his right. Next to Albert sat Yuu and Victor, while Sebastian sat beside Louis, and Fred next to him.

Yuu stood, holding a glass in her hand. "I'd like to make a toast to all of you, gentlemen. You've truly outdone yourselves. Once again, you've shown that you're resourceful and capable of handling any challenge." A proud smile curved her lips. "To each and every one of you - cheers!"

They all raised their glasses in a toast, the rich red wine glinting in the soft light, and took a sip, savouring the warmth of the drink. With the clink of glasses, they settled into a comfortable rhythm, enjoying the delicious food that filled the table. Lively conversation flowed effortlessly, each person sharing stories and jokes, while laughter echoed around the room.

Later that evening, William found himself standing beside the fireplace, lost in thought. He reflected on how the manor had come alive since the twins entered their lives and mused about what the future might hold.

With light footsteps, Yuu approached him, while the others remained at the table, listening to Victor's stories about the future. Yuu paused beside William, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she stood next to him. "Would you... indulge me in one more whim?" she asked, her voice soft, yet carrying a hint of playfulness.

"What is it, my lady?" William asked, his tone gentle.

"Would you care to take a picture with me?" Yuu asked, her voice a bit uncertain. "I know... this might not be your thing, and I understand if you don't want to... but the thing is, I don't know how much longer we'll be in this era, and you were the first one to extend your hand and help us. It means a lot to us... to me. And... as long as I can make memories with you and everyone else, I want to remember. Always. It's important to me, William." Her gaze was intense but filled with sincerity as she looked at him.

"I see," William replied softly, a hint of sadness in his eyes, though his face remained as unreadable as ever. After a brief pause, he added, "alright, I'll indulge you this evening."

"Thank you!" Yuu's smile widened. She hurried over to the table where her brother was sitting and handed him her phone. "Take a picture of me and William next to the Christmas tree!"

"Sure, sis!" Victor replied with a grin as he took the phone from her hands.

William and Yuu stood beside the Christmas tree. The subtle scent of his cologne lingered in the air, and Yuu couldn't help but tilt her head slightly to take in his features, softly illuminated by the tree's warm glow. His expression was gentle, almost serene, and Yuu felt a comforting warmth bubble up inside her.

William turned to her, meeting her gaze. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice calm and steady.

Yuu nodded slightly. "Yes, William," she replied, her tone soft. After a brief pause, she added coyly, "ah, one more thing - place your hand like this, just the way I have mine." She demonstrated the gesture, her eyes glinting with anticipation as she awaited his reaction.

"Like this?" William asked, adjusting his hand.

"Yes, perfect!" Yuu exclaimed. "We're ready, Victor!"

Victor snapped the photo, and Yuu immediately stepped closer to him. "Show me!" She eagerly took the phone from his hands, her eyes lighting up as she looked at the picture. "It's perfect!"

William glanced at the photo, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he noticed the heart shape their hands had formed while posing. "Consider it a Christmas gift," he said, clearly amused. "I don't often indulge in... such matters."

"Then you're quite generous this year, my lord... the dress, the photo, what's next?" Yuu teased William lightly.

Albert, ever ready to disrupt the moment, chimed in with a grin, "should I bring a mistletoe? You two seem quite cozy together."

Yuu giggled, nudging his shoulder playfully. "You wouldn't dare."

The others quickly joined in on the teasing, their laughter filling the room. Sebastian leaned closer with a mischievous grin and said, "show us the photo, too!" As he looked at it, he turned to William with a teasing smirk. "Look at that - our Lord of Crime, looking all cozy by the Christmas tree!" he joked, prompting more giggles from the group.

For the first time in a long while, the entire group allowed themselves to embrace the Christmas spirit. For that evening, they set aside thoughts of their upcoming missions and simply savoured the simplicity of the moment.

William watched their playful banter, but his attention was quickly drawn to Yuu as her eyes lit up. She walked straight to the window, where heavy snowflakes were beginning to fall.

"It's snowing! Let's go outside!" she exclaimed. Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her coat and ran out the door to the garden.

She tried to catch the snowflakes, her childlike innocence shining brightly as she smiled and played in the falling snow. The rest of the group followed her outside, and the snow began to pile up around them.

"Let's have a snowball fight!" Yuu exclaimed, hurling a snowball at her brother. However, it missed and hit Louis instead, causing him to laugh and join the playful battle, along with the others.

"Okay, my turn next!" Louis grinned, quickly making a snowball and tossing it at Yuu. She giggled as it hit her.

"You can't have all the fun! William, let us join in too!" Albert called out, already throwing snowballs at Yuu and Louis before launching one at William.

"You sure are enjoying this. Very well," William replied, joining the fight. He threw his snowball first at Albert, then at Louis.

Victor made his first snowball and aimed it at his sister, but it landed on Fred instead, who then joined in as well.

Snowballs flew in every direction as they all tried to outmanoeuvre each other, ducking behind trees and bushes. Their dark jackets quickly became covered in white as the playful encounter continued. Laughter echoed through the garden; their breath visible in the cold air. Breathless but happy, their cheeks flushed from the chill, their eyes sparkled with joy.

Meanwhile, while everyone was caught up in the snowball fight, Sebastian quietly slipped away to take care of something. Fred, noticing his absence, decided to check on him.

As the snowball fight came to an end, Sebastian and Fred stepped outside, each holding something in their arms. "The evening is not over yet. I have something special prepared for us," Sebastian declared. With Fred's help, he began placing fireworks in the snow and lighting them. The others turned their attention to the sky as the bright, colourful display exploded above them, filling the night with awe and excitement.

Yuu stepped closer to her brother, taking his hand, her gaze fixed on the fireworks. "This is one of the best Christmases. I'm so glad I'm here with you."

"So am I," Victor replied, squeezing her hand softly, his voice gentle as they both watched the sky light up.

William, Albert, and Louis stood behind the twins, watching the vibrant display. Albert spoke up, his voice thoughtful. "This year has truly been extraordinary, and I believe there are many more adventures to come."

William glanced at Victor, then at Yuu, his gaze lingering on her as both twins were mesmerized by the fireworks. Their eyes lit up with each burst, and William thought quietly, his face calm with admiration, "thank you, Yuu, for reminding us of what's truly important - making memories together." He then turned to his brother and smiled. "Indeed, dear brother," he chuckled softly. "With those two, I have no doubt."

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