Sae's Very Merry Christmas (And a Happy New Year)

The moment Sae stepped foot in her apartment, she let out a breath the woman didn’t even realize she’d been holding in. With the sudden death of the Special Investigations Unit Director, the office was in an uproar. Just when she thought the “death” of the Phantom Thieves would give a brief reprieve, the prosecutor had this thrust upon her.
Too exhausted to even think, all Sae could do was kick off her shoes and sink into her black leather sofa. Covering her eyes with her arm, another deep sigh came on and her chest rose and fell with her breathing. “At least I got to actually come home tonight,” she thought to herself wryly. Before, the long hours and ridiculous work load had been something to relish, something to show that she was coming up in the world; now though, they only drained her already dwindling enthusiasm for her position.
A slight shuffling of feet alerted her to somebody attempting to enter the room before thinking better of it and beginning to leave. “I know you’re there,” Sae said with the slightest hint of annoyance, they went through this same song and dance probably three times a week. Makoto let out that little squeak she always did whenever she was startled and started to stammer out excuses. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-“

“It’s alright. Just…let me rest for a minute.” She could hear her baby sister gingerly seat herself on the chair across from her, probably draping her arms over the side and watching her like a sad puppy. That feeling of being watched made it a bit difficult to decompress and it wasn’t long before Sae sat up with an irritable grunt, ashen grey hair falling limply and disorderly around her face. Makoto winced at the unmistakable glare, knowing she was about to be snipped at and immediately Sae felt a pang of guilt for her poor little sis. She was in the exact position her sister knew she would be, draped over the arm of the sofa watching her like a sad puppy, and like a sad puppy, she knew when she was about to be kicked. The prosecutor had been so blind for so long, but she was only just now noticing how timid and downright afraid her own sister could be around her sometimes. The same girl who fought through palaces and the minds of depraved criminals was still nervous around her, because Sae knew exactly how to hurt her the most.
Instead of snapping at her, demanding to know what she wanted, Sae instead took a deep breath and opened her eyes. “What’s on your mind, Makoto?” The look of relief and sheer joy on her younger sibling’s face was palpable and Sae couldn’t help but let a little smile play on her own lips. “Well I was doing the laundry and…well…see for yourself!” Makoto ran out of the room with an excitement Sae hadn’t seen her display in a long time and returned with an oversized red coat. “Look!”

Sae returned her sister’s beaming grin with a slightly forced smile. “A…coat. How very interesting?” the high schooler pouted a bit before turning it around and presenting it again. This time, Sae took stock of the white trim and the hat that Makoto was clutching in her other hand. “No. Look! It’s dad’s old coat, remember?” Those words triggered a flood of memories and Sae found a genuine chuckle come out of her mouth. “Ahaha oh yeah!” The exhausted woman actually got up and walked over to more closely inspect the garment, bending down to inspect it and thumb over the shoulder. “Even after we found him out, he still put this silly thing on every year.”
“You know, I think he was happier after we found him out actually. No more worrying about traps or disappointing anyone, he could just enjoy the holiday.” Sae chuckled a bit at the memories: buckets of water atop the doors, trip wires, cheap cameras hidden all over the house…she had to wonder if catching Santa in the act had sparked both sisters’ interests in criminal justice. “You’re probably right. When he tried to give you a piggy back ride with the beard on, you cried and cried until he took it off.” Makoto blushed a bit, unable to recall that early on well enough to properly argue, but Sae continued on. “Even when we were teenagers, he’d still do it no matter how much we insisted we were too old for it. I wonder how he would have reacted if his subordinates ever found out?”
“I don’t think he would have cared. Dad was never the type to let other people affect him too much. Ahahahaha not even his own daughters. I’d call it childish and you’d call it ridiculous but by the end of the morning, we’d both be smiling and laughing right along with him.” Sae paused in her remembering and stood up straight, fixing her sister in a suspicious glare at the almost too wistful tone in Makoto’s voice. “Makoto…what exactly is this really about?”

“Well I was just thinking that, maybe, we could have fun again. I was looking at it and I realized that it doesn’t fit me, but it would be a perfect fit on you! *Er* height wise that is.” That was certainly true, at 175 centimeters she was rather tall for a Japanese woman and had been called a statuesque stunner behind her back more than once; her slender yet gracefully tall build made her more than capable of fitting into her late father’s coat. “Dad used pillows for padding so we could…”

“Makoto, don’t you think we’re both a little old for pretend?” Makoto had been expecting a response like that, but it still stung a bit. “It’s not about playing pretend!” she found herself shooting back louder than she meant to. “It’s about enjoying our favorite holiday again, like we used to.” Sae raised her finger to jab at her sister, but again closed her eyes and took a deep breath, refusing to take out her frustrations with her life out on the only family she had left. Taking a seat again, Makoto was the one who followed her this time as Sae looked to her knees. “It’s just…yes the costume would fit but attitude was part of it. Dad genuinely enjoyed the holiday…somehow. And I, well I don’t.” The younger Nijima blinked in utter astonishment, she knew her sister had been a bit grouchy lately but outright admitting to hating Christmas? “You don’t really mean that do you?”

“What’s there to like?” Sae turned to her with a dead serious expression on her face. “Statistically, far more crimes are committed around this time of year than any other…which, of course, means I’m far busier. Stress, depression, suicide those are all higher too. The weather is far too cold and overcast and then there’s all the couples. All the girls and boys in the office giggling over Christmas Eve while I’m turning 25 next year and am still single! And to top it all off, the only gifts I ever get are from you now. No offense Makoto but there’s only so much you can get someone on a high schooler’s budget, a budget that I provide might I add.”

Sae rubbed her face with her hands and groaned. “I apologize, that was uncalled for. I just don’t like Christmas.” Expecting to see a sad sister when she looked up, Sae was shocked to see one that was smiling instead. “Well this year I’m sure you have another gift or two coming your way. After what a big help you’ve been, I mean.” Makoto was obviously referring to Joker, the leader of her little troupe of Phantom Thieves, as well as the others. If it wasn’t for Sae’s help, their leader would have met a grisly demise and their cause would have fizzled and died with him. Thinking of it made her heart warm even now that even after all she’d done, they still considered her a confidant and perhaps even a friend in Joker’s case. “That…would be nice.”

“Besides, I think you’ve just forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. It’s not about how much you receive, it’s about how much you give.” Sae snorted at the notion, “Makoto I’m supporting a family of two by myself. I apologize for not being the most charitable person but-“ her sister’s smug grin was really beginning to get on her nerves and the prosecutor found herself blushing. “W-what?”
“See? You’ve completely forgotten it. The fact you think the only things you can give are monetary just proves my point.” Flabbergasted, Sae could only splutter a bit. “Ridiculous! Whatever value Christmas has when you’re a kid disappears when you get older and you realize it’s just a commercial holiday.”

“That’s not what dad thought.” Sae grimaced a bit and chose her next words carefully. “Well sometimes dad was…overly idealistic about things.” Makoto shook her head and placed the costume in her sister’s hands. “I bet that if you just gave it a try, you wouldn’t think that way. If this year has taught me anything, it’s that getting out of your comfort zone is one of the best things you can do for yourself.” Sae thought for a moment before smiling ruefully and firmly grasping the outfit. “Alright. I’ll try to the best of my ability to enjoy the holiday; but after Christmas, will you promise me you’ll put this issue to bed?”

“If you genuinely try, I promise.” With the contract made, the prosecutor replaced her black overcoat with Santa’s red one; it was definitely baggy around the…everywhere and hung off her shoulders a bit, but simply tying the belt to the as far as it could go would keep everything fastened. The hat however was a perfect fit and Makoto stifled a giggle at just how cute the usually stern prosecutor looked in it. “Do I really have to wear the costume though?” Sae asked with the slightest hint of a whine in her voice. Makoto nodded sagely thinking back to the arcade trip with Joker. “Yes, it’s best to immerse yourself as much as possible.”

“Fine, fine, fine. Alright, I guess I should start by asking what you want for Christmas right?”

“Aw come on sis, put some holiday spirit into it!”

“*Um* ho ho ho! Now what would the hardworking student like for Christmas?” Putting a hand to her chin, Makoto thought for a moment about what she really wanted before snapping her fingers. “I want to spend Christmas morning with my sister.” Saenta Claus was taken a back, “really? So…if I got you nothing but that, you’d be happy? No books? No bike? Just me being there?”

“I’m serious sis, that’s all I want.” Unable to find any sign Makoto was fibbing, her older sister bit her lip and looked away. “Well we’re really busy with everything that’s been happening…” Her younger sibling also turned her head and nodded. “Oh…well if you really don’t think you can make it…” The genuine disappointment in the high schooler’s voice struck Sae’s heart like an arrow and she found her arm shooting out and grabbing her sister before her brain could react. “*Um* b-but I’ll try my best! I promise!”

Makoto’s warm smile afterwards would comfort Sae for the rest of the evening. Lying back in her bed in nothing but a pair of pajama pants and a white shirt, the red overcoat lay discarded on the floor nearby. One hand covering her forehead and one leg drawn up into an arch, it was clear she was too busy thinking to allow herself to fall to sleep. “I wish I could enjoy Christmas again too…” was the thought that resounded in her mind the most and it remained that way until exhaustion won out. If Sae wasn’t so tired, perhaps she might have noticed that she had never actually removed the Santa hat from her head…
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As usual, Sae’s alarm went off far too soon and her bed was far too warm to be able to leave comfortably. Forcing herself into the shower, it was only then that the prosecutor noticed that she’d unthinkingly left the hat on all night. “Huh I must have been more tired than I thought,” she mused to herself, but whether consciously or otherwise, she put it right back on after her hair was dried.
Makoto was up earlier than a high schooler probably needed to be; she too, was surprised to see her sister still wearing the hat, not saying anything about it lest Sae get self-conscious. The morning went like so many others did, with minimal conversation between the two sisters as Sae fought off the last of her exhaustion with black coffee. Sae probably went through a pot a day, it was a wonder her teeth were still as white as they were!

Things continued in silence while Sae quickly heated up her instant noodles until eventually clearing her throat. “Do you…” Makoto was in the middle of making a more proper breakfast and turned her head to her concerned looking sister. “Hmm?”

“Do you remember what dad used to do around this time of year?” Makoto thought for a moment before slamming her hand into her fist in recognition. “Oh yeah! He’d always bake something every week and bring it in for the rest of the officers. Were you thinking of doing that?” Sae was taken aback. “N-no I simply don’t have the time but…hmm.” Before Makoto could ask what was bothering her, Sae was already out the door, slurping down her instant noodles at a speed her sister had never seen before and still wearing the cap.
When Sae arrived at her office, she spent most of the morning going through plea offers and whether they’d been accepted or rejected. Before, each offer accepted would have just meant less work for her and she’d be appropriately relieved; now though, a strange feeling of melancholy filled her. How many of those people were terrified of being given a harsher penalty from the corrupt justice system? How many were urged to accept the plea bargain by greedy defense attorneys looking for a quick out? Similar doubts about her former position plagued her mind all day and made her especially ready to take a lunch break.

Usually, everyone took their lunch separately but Sae wasn’t interested in the usual today. Searching her phone for a nearby pastry shop, she settled on one with especially glowing reviews. When she entered, the smells hit Sae’s nose immediately, her stomach rumbling so fiercely that the woman put a hand to it in shock. She wasn’t usually so hungry but this particular morning she felt absolutely famished! When the kindly old baker offered her a free sample, she did not hesitate to bite in.

“Oh my,” she said after swallowing, hand to her cheek and stars in her eyes. The cinnamon bun was warm and gooey and made her flash back to when she was a little girl and her mother handed her one fresh from the oven. “Perfect,” she thought to herself as she bought two whole boxes and an extra one for herself. It was gone before she even got back to the office.

When she did return, the prosecutor acquired quite a few stares; even more than when she walked in with that ridiculous hat. It was…never that the others saw Nijima with any kind of pastry or sugar at all really. Even more surprising was when Sae plopped the pastries down on a center table, plucked out a sharpie and a sticky note and, after writing something, took one more for herself and just left the rest there. Caution was soon overtaken by curiosity and eventually one brave soul went to investigate. “For everyone,” he read the sticky note aloud and with a shrug, took a big bite.

“Not bad, thanks Nijima-san! Didn’t know you were one to celebrate the holidays!” Sae had a small smile as she turned to him. “I wasn’t but I decided for a change of pace this year. You’re welcome by the way.” Biting into her own bun, Sae thought nothing of appearance or calories and just enjoyed all the “thank yous” and “where did you get these” she got. Even the replacement SiU Director came out to try one at some point and gave her a cursory glance of acknowledgement after tasting.

When Sae finally got the chance to return to her car after a long day of work, she shook her head and let loose a genuine chuckle. The little pom of the Santa hat swayed back and forth as she did so and tickled her nose a little bit. It was a little sad to think that was probably the “nicest” thing she’d ever done for her coworkers, but Sae wasn’t really seeing it like that. She was overcome with a strange sense of giddiness that she hadn’t felt since…well probably since picking out a gift for her dad with Makoto. Her sister had been right, giving was more fun than receiving.

Still there was a niggling feeling that perhaps she could be doing a little bit more and as Sae gave that some thought, she didn’t care who saw the smiling woman in a Santa hat happily enjoying a pastry nor what they must have thought of her…
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“*Grrrrr* come…on…” Sae strained and labored to get the button on her slacks closed until she was red in the face; no matter how much she pulled though, it just refused to get in the hole. Flopping back onto her bed with a sigh, the prosecutor pitifully sucked in air as her slight belly bulge rose and fell with her breathing. Arching her back in one last desperate attempt to close them, that too ended in failure and there was actual sweat on her brow by the time she was finished.

“Damn…well that’s what these are for I suppose.” Reaching into her room’s desk drawer, Sae picked out a particular sturdy rubber band to wrap around the button and keep her pants up. Though with the way they were snugly wrapped around her hips, that probably wouldn’t matter. The woman idly fingered the pale skin left exposed by her pants and chuckled. “It’s like I’m back in freshman year…I’m not sure my suit will cover this.” At least she could say it made sense with all the baking she’d been doing lately with a sweet tooth like hers as anyone who saw her nibbling on a pastry carrying her baked goods to work could attest. Sure, she could have just bought the pastries from a store and not stocked her house with so many caloric temptations but that felt rather impersonal…besides, Sae quite enjoyed baking.

Briefly debating whether or not to use the Santa coat, the prosecutor decided that would be a little too far for her credibility and decided on an especially long rain coat to cover up her little wardrobe malfunction. Looks like it was time for another diet after this holiday season…

“You’ve been baking a lot recently,” Makoto commented as her sister pulled a sheet of fresh cookies out of the oven. Sae handed her one and the younger Nijima gladly took it, stifling a moan as the liquid chocolate and sugary bread mixed together. “Yeah it’s been nice to get back into it and if college taught me one thing, it’s that nobody’s ever too old for sweets.” Sae took a nice long whiff of her own baking and despite her earlier weight woes, couldn’t help but sample one herself. “*Mmmf* What do you think? Just as good as you remember?”

“What? I’ve never seen you bake before, much less tasted it.” Puzzled, Sae tilted her head. “Yes you have. I made dad a big cake for his promotion remember?” If Makoto scrunched up her face hard enough, a fuzzy memory came back to her and the baking tasted good enough that she didn’t think her sister was lying…but something still seemed off. “Alright. What would you like for breakfast?” That question was so shocking that Makoto immediately forgot what she was thinking about before. “What!? Aren’t you going to be late for work?” Sae snorted derisively. “Well it’s like I said before. I only showed up that early to get a head start. I don’t actually need to be in the office for another hour or so. With one of Shido’s puppets installed as the current director and with me building a case against him, it doesn’t really matter how early I show up does it? So…I figure, might as well make the most of my time. You like natto? I’ll make you some natto.” Makoto remained speechless all the way until Sae gave her a big kiss on the side of the head. “Have a wonderful day at school.” Only the door slamming behind her sister snapped her out of it. “Okay…something weird is definitely going on here.”

Meanwhile, Sae couldn’t stop smiling. It was nice to get a chance to indulge her favorite hobby again, though she didn’t think this was how it would end up happening. A passing neighbor walking his dog waved to her and she waved back but it struck her then that she didn’t actually know his name. In fact, she didn’t know some of her coworker’s first names! Loading up the four boxes of baking into her car, she resolved to fix that. First though, she had a very important pit stop to make. “God these pants are pinching the hell out of my thighs, I just can’t get comfortable no matter how much I shift around.” At least the drive over was short, and she had time to quickly pick at the fabric bunched up around that region.

“Ah Nijima-san, to what do I owe the pleasure? Nice hat by the way.” Sojiro had his usual smarmy smirk and cocky swagger but even that fell by the wayside when he saw what she was actually carrying. “R’those cookies? They smell nice. Did you make these?” Sae had a wry smirk as she put her hands on her slightly cocked hips. “Don’t sound so surprised Sakura-san, I’ll have you know I’m quite capable in the kitchen.” The owner of LeBlanc put his hands up defensively, still wearing that same smirk of his. “Alright, alright, I believe you. Now the important question, are those for me?” Sae was able to give him an award-winning smile as she slid them over the proprietor and fellow Phantom Thief ally. “I was hoping you’d save a few for your daughter but you can certainly help yourself.” All his smug aura dissipated at those words and the young woman found herself wondering if she’d said something wrong. “She doesn’t have an allergy, does she?” As if waking up from a trance, Sojiro quickly shook his head. “No, no. It’s just…that’s very kind of you. Thank you, Nijima-san.”

“Oh please. We’re friends at this point, Sae will suffice.” The two smiled at each other for a moment before Sae’s eyes wandered to the nearby staircase. “Is he…?”

“Oh him? Yeah, he’s awake. You can go up if you want, he’s not doing anything important. *Hah* All kidding aside, I’m sure he’d be happy to see the woman who saved his life.” A blush dusted over the prosecutor’s features and Sojiro had a chuckle at her embarrassment. “N-nonsense. We’re at the very least even. Anyway, tell me if Futaba likes them, I’d be happy to make more.” The man gave her a thumbs up and she made her way up the stairs.

The sight she saw when she entered the room was not at all what she was expecting. There was Joker up in the rafters, feet wrapped around a beam as he did crunches in the air. From her experience carrying him to her car, he was definitely heavier than he looked and now she finally knew why. That cat of his was the first to notice her and let out a meow of warning, for a brief moment her eyes met Joker’s before he unfurled his legs and landed gracefully on his feet. “Nijima-san, what are you doing here?” His tone wasn’t accusatory in the slightest and he sounded more curious than anything.

“Please call me Sae. And *um*…” it was a bit hard to focus with his bare muscular chest on full display. “Ridiculous,” she internally scolded herself, “I’m not some nervous stammering high school girl, I’m a grown woman. Though…there’s only six years between us…” Realizing she was staring, the woman quickly presented her baked goods. “I brought you something. I’ve been doing some baking and I thought nobody deserved a treat more than you.” Sae winced at the wording, that must have sounded odd. Luckily, Joker didn’t seem to mind and actually ate the cookie right in front of her, giving her a warm smile after it was finished. “Thank you…Sae. I never thought you would be one to get into the Christmas spirit.” He was surprised to see what looked like a pout on the usually mature woman’s visage as she fingered the pom on her hat. “Why does everyone keep saying that? I can be festive too you know.”

“You’re right. I guess that’s hypocritical, I love Christmas, but most people wouldn’t think that by looking at me.”

“Really?”

“See? But yeah, it’s true. I love the smells, I love the lights, just the whole thing really. I actually tried to be a mall Santa one year but…well I mean I was pretty skinny back then.” Sae giggled at that, a beautiful light airy sound that suddenly made Joker aware he wasn’t wearing a shirt. “*Uh*-“ he stammered as he began to dress himself. “I was a little bummed out because I thought I’d have to spend Christmas in the attic, but Sojiro and Futaba invited me to theirs.” That warmed Sae’s heart and her smile was so big and bright that Joker found himself unable to look at it directly. When she wasn’t slamming the table and trying to pull information out of him, she was pretty dang attractive. “W-what about you? What are your plans?”

“Oh I was going to spend it with Makoto. I already asked for the time off and I promised her I’d get to be there this year. It’ll be nice to just spend time as a family.” Just then, her watch beeped and Sae clapped a hand to her mouth. “Goodness! I’m going to be late for work if I keep this up any longer. Stay safe, okay? And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me!” He was so surprised at her outright offer of assistance that he remained fixed to that same spot for quite a little while.

“You think you’re so slick, but I saw you staring.” Morgana’s childish taunting snapped him out of it, and Joker went right back to his workout. “See something you like?” The leader of the Phantom Thieves didn’t respond but he did give it some consideration.

“Damn,” Sae said as she ducked into a nearby woman’s bathroom. Her underwear and pants would not stop riding up into her crack and her thighs still felt like Christmas hams in a tight wrapping. “I’m going to need a new suit if this keeps up.”
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It was late at night on the 10th of December. All of Shido’s henchmen including Akechi had been defeated and now all that was left to do was send the calling card. Well that and study for final exams next week, Makoto may have been a Phantom Thief but that was no excuse to let her grades slack. Especially not with her sister working so late as usual…

Suddenly, the latch to the door began turning and soon Sae stepped in, or perhaps sashayed in would be a better turn. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” she hummed to herself before bopping the door closed with her hip. When she laid eyes on her baby sister, her smile became even bigger as she took off her coat and made her way towards her. Pulling up a seat, Sae plopped herself down in the chair and the bags she was carrying next to her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t interrupt your studying did I?” Stunned, Makoto looked up to see that Sae still had on that same hat that she refused to remove for whatever reason. “*Uh* you seem awfully chipper. You’re usually not…*um* I mean not when you work this late.” Luckily her verbal save seemed to have gone unnoticed and her sister hummed happily. “Oh no, I was mostly in court today, so I got out early. I was just out with Kotori and Suzu for sushi.”

“Whoooo are they?” Sae gave Makoto’s head a little ruffle which made the younger sibling grumble, her sister had been growing increasingly affectionate lately and the Phantom Thief wasn’t entirely sure whether she liked it or not. “My coworkers, silly. I think it’s time for a study break.”

“I don’t think I’ve met them before…” Sae’s eyes widened at that. “You’re absolutely right, you haven’t! I should invite them over for Christmas Eve so you can all get to know each other. They really want to meet you from how much I’ve been bragging, so try to be on your best behavior.” The sister she was familiar with slipped through there before the “new” Sae gave Makoto a playful little pat and stood up. “Who am I kidding? I’m really proud of you. Hey, about some ice cream?” Not even waiting for a response, Sae stood up and gave her younger sister a nice view of her burgeoning pot belly.

With her overcoat off, the older woman only had on a tight black shirt that showed off her navel quite nicely. The generous pad of fat wobbled a bit as she stood and began to turn which gave Makoto a proper look at where all the weight really went. Sae’s slacks were so tight on her that the back pockets looked painted on and Makoto could make out a faint outline of panty if she squinted hard enough. Squishy love handles merged into flaring rounded hips that made her lower body almost cello like in shape. Her stocky thighs were thick sausages wrapped tightly in their casing as the gentle *swish* *swish* *swish* of fabric rubbing together filled the apartment.
“I’m thinking chocolate fudge brownie,” Sae asked as she bent over. It sounded as though she was rummaging through quite a number of pints, but Makoto honestly couldn’t remember if there were that many in there before. “Didn’t you just have sushi?” the younger Nijima managed to ask. When Sae straightened herself out, her chunky bottom seemed to spread nicely back atop her paint can thighs. She gave Makoto a bit of a guilty smile as she pinched her belly fat. “You’re right, I’ve put on a bit more weight, but the holidays are for indulging a bit.” With that, she took a big heaping spoonful of chocolate and shove it right into her fuller looking face, punctuating with a happy mew. “Here. Try some, it’s good.” The athlete starred blankly at the chocolate while her now chubby sister helped herself to spoonful after spoonful, only pausing to tell Makoto about the wonderful time she had.

“This is…this is weird.”
“Hmm?”

“You’ve never just ‘hung out’ with coworkers outside of work! You said yourself you didn’t have time for it?”

“Makoto I really think you should lie down for a bit. Why would I not spend time with coworkers I like?” Sae’s hand checked her younger sister for a fever as she looked terribly concerned. “Hmmm you don’t feel sick.” Makoto looked her sister over, the belly beginning to spill across her lap and the thick thighs seeping across the chair and immediately could just feel that wasn’t supposed to be there. Sae didn’t have a developing double chin when she looked down! “Sis, something’s seriously wrong.” Her sister just shook her head and, with a grunt, got to her feet. “Look, why don’t you go take a nice hot bath and when you get out, I’ll have some chicken noodle soup waiting for you. All this studying and this stuff with Shido, it’s got you all stressed out.” Despite her new softness, Sae’s tone brook no argument and Makoto found herself relaxing on the sofa with a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup before she knew it.

“This is really weird but…sis is right. Shido first, then I can solve…whatever this is.” It was disconcerting true, but the way Sae happily hummed a Christmas tune to herself while refilling Makoto’s soup bowl made her hesitate on pressing further. “Hey sis, did you get the okay on staying home for Christmas?”

“Of course! Don’t I always?” Maybe just a tiniest bit of pretend would be alright, Makoto decided.
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Three suited men moved through the precinct with a purpose, the Phantom Thieves had just announced a triumphant return across all of Japan and now Shido was ordering them to lock down anyone who could possibly be connected with the organization. Well at least one of them moved with a purpose…

“Come on sir, it’s Nijima-san. Do we really have to…you know…”

“Orders are orders. Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet now.”

“Well it’s just…you know when my kid was sick, she referred me to that doctor in the suburbs. She even offered to drive him there if I had court…”

“Ridiculous! Kogame, don’t tell me you’re getting soft on me too!?” The other quieter man thought for a moment. “Yesterday, Nijima helped set me up with Kotori-chan and-“

“*Gah!* You’re both useless!” Their leader stormed forward while his two lackeys non-committally followed behind. Just as he was about to open the door, who should he see but a woman dressed in red and white looking quite comfy. “Oh hello Kogame! How did it go yesterday?” The man in question smiled awkwardly but couldn’t quite meet her eyes. Sae wasn’t quite sure what was going on until the leader spoke up. “What is that ridiculous outfit you’re wearing!? Do you enjoy making a mockery of our justice system?”

“Oh this?” She said, raising up the sleeves and smoothing down the coat. “This is just for heading home. It’s been so chilly recently! *Brrrr*” Her mock shivering made one of the guys behind the scowling man chuckle, but he quickly zipped up when his boss glared at him.

“Whatever, it’s not important. What’s really important is the fact that the Phantom Thieves are back, and you were the last known person with their leader!” Sae gasped and covered her face with her hands, looking quite cute with her frilly white Santa sleeves and big red eyes. “Is it possible he could have changed my heart!? Oh goodness, I…I really don’t remember. I thought that poor poor boy committed suicide from the guilt?”

The man faltered for a moment before regaining his footing. “W-well it doesn’t matter. Someone needs to take the blame for this, and you were the last person to speak with him!” Sae frowned but then nodded solemnly. “Yes of course that makes sense. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”

“If you’re going to blame someone blame- wait what!?” The man was about to give her a put down, but her sheer cooperativeness caught him off guard. “*Mmm-hmm* Perhaps looking at any notes I took that night might help jog my memory. I’ll be sure to call you right away if I remember anything. For now though, I think actually catching him again would take higher priority don’t you?” The senior detective growled at the truth in her words and motioned his men to follow him. “Oh and boys?” Sae said when they were about to leave. “Have a merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas Najima-sa*ow*” Kogame had just been in the middle of returning the greeting when he received a stern elbow from his boss. When they were out of sight, Sae shook her head. “Well it probably won’t be so merry when my sister and the others succeed. They’ll be looking at a lot of coal in their stockings.” Realizing every second she spent here was a second wasted, Sae hurried back to her car and began the drive to her apartment. She had no intention of actually acting as a key witness, but she did need to head home early today in order to whip up something extra special and “looking over documents” provided the perfect excuse. Most of the leg work had been done the night before but she had a few more finishing touches.

Arriving back at her apartment,she let out a deep breath she’d been holding in all day. That turned out to be a big mistake and the pop of a frayed stitch soon entered her ears. Hesitant, the woman undid her coat and gingerly placed it on the nearby rack to inspect the damage around her waistline “Darn it! That was my last pair of pants! Now what am I going to wear to work?” What used to be a pot belly had swollen into a tubby gut as the holiday pounds began to add up over the years. A big soft sphere of pinchable pale pudge that had taken on enough weight to start to slightly sag, it had just torn the button string on the biggest pair of suit pants she could find in traditional stores.

Her hands dug in deep to her fleshy sides as Sae shook her head at herself. “What am I saying!? You’re a grown woman Sae, you know how to sew!” Any insecurity over her weight had been banished back in college; Sae was a woman who loved cooking, both for herself and for other people. Food just had a way of making everything just a bit more pleasurable and she was sure the Phantom Thieves would agree. If anyone wanted to consider her lazy or stupid just because of her size…well then phoo to them!

Still, it would be nice to not have to suck in all day anymore, her job was increasingly making her feel like a plump sardine packed far too tightly in its can. Speaking of which…

“I can’t wait to *nggh* put on some *grrrgh* nice…comfy…sweats…” that was her stated goal, but her current pants were putting up quite the fight. Sae barely had enough room to squeeze her thumbs between her fat and the fabric of the pants and even with the button snapped, they still squeezed her like a vice. Beginning to bounce to gain some small progress down her ponderous backside, she was so tightly stuffed in there that the only part of her that really shook and jiggled was her belly and the chest resting on said belly.
Eventually she tried flopping on the couch and slithering like a snake, but her butt cheeks had absorbed too much additional poundage to give up an inch of fabric. How on earth had she put these things on this morning? Well…she had used oil to lather up her lower half and slip them on like she’d been doing for the past several days, but that didn’t work so well the other way around. Eventually, with another shimmying and shaking and strategic hopping, she managed to get them below her cheeks with what she swore was an audible *pop.*
Now clad in nothing but an ill-fitting undershirt and a pair of panties with very stretched out looking snowman on the back, Sae took a moment to rub her sore tender sides and bask in the newfound freedom. Unwilling to waste too much time, she waddled her way into her room and bent down to the middle drawer, ignoring how far her panties retreated into her bottom while doing so. Inside were her favorite pair of red sweats, well-worn from many a cold winter night spent in them while going over cases or just watching a movie with her sister. They were slightly frayed around the thighs due to years of the *swish* *swish* *swish*ing of her thick thighs, but considering how her legs were practically glued together these days…nobody would notice.

Things were going well until she’d pulled them all the way up and realized just how tightly they hugged her buttocks. Reaching back, the prosecutor grabbed one of her fat cheeks and gave it a shake. At some point, her body had balanced getting wider with filling out in the back and now she had some serious “junk in the trunk” as she’d heard it called. “Sheesh, even my fat girl pants are getting tight and it’s all your fault!” Giving her own rump a teasing slap, she watched her cheek wobble and shake for a good fifteen seconds after the initial impact. “Alright enough fooling around, time to get coo-*oop*!”

At the last moment, she noticed her fat but comparatively small belly had outgrown her biggest shirt and was hanging nice and fatly over her sweatpants. “Imagine if I greeted them like this! Ahahahaha no no I couldn’t do that! I have to have at least some manners. Oh! I know just the thing.” Rummaging through her closet for a second, she found a lovely little red sweater with little Christmas trees stitched into the bust and diamonds of white below and above and around the sleeves. “Perfect…well it’s a little tight in the arms but it will do!” It did nothing to diminish the bulge of her stomach and the turtle neck made her face look especially plump but the sweet old woman across the street, Mrs. Kunizuka had knitted it just for her. Wearing it made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside and out!

In the years of cooking two full meals for both herself and Makoto, Sae had learned a few tricks; namely, if you cooked things earlier in the week when you had the most time and then warmed it up later, it still usually tasted just as good. She’d made the majority of the Christmas feast the night before while Makoto and all her friends were doing some last minute “training” before the big showdown; now, all she had left to do was whip up a few potatoes and warm everything else up. Oh and of course two more very important things…
First, she needed some good old-fashioned Christmas tunes playing, cooking was just more fun with music! Second, she needed a piping hot chocolate in her mug as soon as possible. Coffee was okay if you added enough sugar but in Sae’s opinion, nothing could beat a nice tall cup of cocoa, with a generous helping of marshmallows of course. Most of the stuff could be warmed on the stove but the centerpiece needed the oven all to itself. “’Just hear those sleigh bells jingling a ring ting tingling’…Oooooh this is going to be so good, the kids are going to love it…’outside the snow is falling and friends are calling yoo-hoo!’” At the end of the verse, Sae accidentally bent over a bit too far and her bottom ended up closing the slightly ajar fridge door. “Oops,” she giggled. “Well that’s one way to close a fridge door I suppose hahaha!”

Next it came time to mash the potatoes and Sae got really into it, arm flab jiggling all about and plump body bobbing around in tune with the music. “’There’s a happy feeling, nothing in this world can buy. When they pass around the coffee and pumpkin pie!’ Well I got hot cocoa and chocolate pudding instead…’when they pass around the cocoa and chocolate pie!’” For someone who knew the songs as well as Sae, she usually just listened to the instrumentals and would substitute in her own lyrics where she felt appropriate. Occasionally she couldn’t resist a little nibble or bite of her own cooking, but otherwise, everything was shaping up to be just perfect.

The hostess had just finished setting the last piece of silverware on the table when a knock knock knocking was heard at her door. Shuffling over excitedly, Sae could barely keep the big grin off her face, plump cheeks dimpling and the steam of the hot cocoa mug gently curling in front of her. Ren and Makoto stood in front, but the whole front porch was absolutely packed with teenagers. “I’m so glad you all could come,” the woman practically squealed. Realizing her hips were blocking the door, Sae dutifully turned to the side and animatedly beckoned. “Come in, come in, you all must be freezing. *Brrrr* it’s cold,” she said while taking a nice long sip of cocoa. The second Makoto was in arm’s reach, Sae put it down so she could squeeze her sister nice and tightly. “Ooooh Makoto, I’m so happy to see you’re alright. I’m so proud of you, my brave little sister.” The baby sister blushed fiercely and glared at her party as if daring them to laugh. “T-thanks sis, you’re really…squeezing me tight there.” Sae eventually did let go, but not before giving Makoto one quick little hair ruffle, much to the younger sibling’s annoyance.

“Thanks so much for inviting us, Sae. This is so nice of you,” said Ann. The woman in question just waved her free hand in a nonchalant  manner. “Oh, think nothing of it at all dear. I mean, you shouldn’t have to pay for your own dinner when you’ve given so much. It’s the least I could do really. Oh goodness! Ryuji! Are you okay?” All the thieves looked a bit rough to be perfectly honest but the blonde boy in particular looked like he got the worst of it. “Oh yeah…I just…”

“He fell down some stairs,” Haru said with a glint in her eye that made Ryuji’s blood run cold. “I fell down some stairs,” he finished. Sae wasn’t sure if she believed that, but quickly shook her head and smiled. Now was a time to focus on relaxing and celebrating after all!

“Woah!” Futaba said when she laid eyes on the spread. “You really went all out.” Again, Sae waved it off as no big deal but the hacker of the group firmly objected. “It most certainly is a big deal, Sojiro never did this much…boo.”

“Oh speaking of which, is he alright? I heard…” The smile on the gang’s face told the whole story, “he’s fine. Dad’s a bit too tough for Shido’s goons.” That was probably true, Sae had spoken to a fair few of his “goons” at work, and once you discuss what gift they’re planning on getting their five year old, a lot of their intimidation factor disappears. “Still, he definitely said he could use some more of those awesome cookies you make…” Sae laughed at the red head’s completely unsubtle attempt at getting some more treats out of her. “I had a feeling you might say that, so I baked a box for you to take home. Tell him I said Merry Christmas.” Futaba’s little mouth opened wide in astonishment and her glasses gleamed with the grin that followed. “Sweet.”

“*Uh* sis did we always have this many chairs?” Sae shook her head. “Nope. That’s why I went out and got some yesterday while the ham was baking. Please everyone, make yourselves comfortable!”

“Aw sweet, ham. Come to papa.”
“Have as much as you like, though I was thinking it’s only fair Ren gets to be served first.” The leader of the thieves looked slightly surprised and he even had a near imperceptible blush when everyone started chanting his name. “Ren, Ren, Ren, Ren!” It was silly, but Sae couldn’t help but slightly hover to make sure he was cutting properly. Obviously, she had nothing to worry about but you could never be too careful.

Potatoes and casserole were spooned and thick slices of ham were being dropped onto plates when Sae took her seat. As soon as she did, she looked back as a slight tightness made itself known on her backside. “Oh yeah, that’s why I’ve been eating on the couch recently. I need to get some armless chairs…” That didn’t stop her from giving herself a generous helping of her own of course but who could possibly resist a honey glazed ham. Certainly not the thieves.

“Oh my, I didn’t know you all were so hungry.” Yusuke was practically inhaling his food and Ren wasn’t too far behind. “Oh *ahem* excuse me,” the artist said. “It’s just because I haven’t eaten for the past several days since I knew this feast was coming and I wanted to save money-“

“No, no no no. That simply won’t do! Do you really not have anyone properly feeding you?” Yusuke cocked his head quizzically at that and thought for a moment. “Properly feeding means three square meals a day yes?  In that case, I don’t think I’ve eaten properly since…the school trip.” he didn’t finish the sentence as he wracked his brain to try and come up with an answer. It wasn’t said with any self-pity, for him it was merely a statement of fact. Immediately, Sae attempted to get to her feet before the chair rose slightly with her. With a blush, she quickly sat back down but the intensity hadn’t died down. “Yusuke, do you see that pot over there?”
“Yes, it’s quite an odd-looking pot. I quite like it.”

“Good because I want you to take it with you.” His surprise was interrupted by her holding out a hand. “You probably eat a lot of take out right?”

“When I can. I don’t really have appliances, nor can I afford a meal plan.”

“Alright. Well this is an instant pot. For one thousand yen, you can buy enough rice to feed yourself for a month.”

“Enough food for a month!? And only one thousand yen!? Are you quite certain? Can I really have such a thing?” Sae nodded kindly and took a big chomp of her ham. “*Mmhmm* *gulp* I used to use it when I was studying for the BAR and I didn’t have a job yet. It got Makoto and I through a hard time and now it’s your turn. Consider it an early Christmas present.” Yusuke looked at her so intensely that she thought a hole might be bored through her. “Thank you! I shall not forget this Miss Sae, you’re a true patron of the arts!”

“Dude she just wants to make sure you’re not passing out on the street…”

The table became quite lively with conversation and consumption at that point. With keen eyes and ears though, Ren paid special attention to what Sae was doing throughout the meal. When she wasn’t adorably stuffing her face, she was making what seemed like idle conversation, but to someone like him, he knew she had an ulterior motive.

“So Futaba, I understand you’ll be starting high school come spring. Are you excited?”

“Excited, nervous. Pretty much any emotion you can think of, that’s what I am haha.”

“You know, Sojiro was telling me the other day how proud he was of the progress you’ve made.” Usually the one to do the teasing, nothing could make Futaba blush faster than a genuine compliment. “S-sheesh. That old man…I mean, I’ve done a lot of level grinding recently, but I guess I still don’t feel ready. Like what if a boss comes that I’m not prepared for?”

“You’ll do fine,” Makoto chimed in. “You’re so much better around crowds than you used to be.” Futaba grumbled a bit to herself. “Yeah yeah I heard it all from Sojiro already. Guess I won’t know until I do it…” Ren watched Sae hum happily to herself and give a little wiggle of excitement that sent her head and shoulders bobbing. This continued when she managed to get Ryuji to admit his family needed a new washing machine, Ann to mention how hard eating right was and Haru to bring up her little gardening hobby. The way she looked so giddy whenever she got what she was looking for warmed Ren’s heart and he found he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Those warm rosy cheeks, that pleasant smile and the way she’d occasionally twist her hair around her finger…it was all absolutely adorable to him. As was a certain other eye-catching thing about her.

Finally, every plate and dish on the table was picked clean and everyone sat back in a bit of a bloated lethargy. Even Morgana with his kitty dish seemed curled up and ready to nap. Sae especially looked rather contented and well fed, gently rubbing her hands atop her gut and letting out little breaths every so often. “That…was amazing.” Ryuji spoke for everyone else.

“I hope you all saved room for dessert because I made chocolate pudding!” The table was a mixture of groans for the most part, though Ann, Futaba, Yusuke and Ren seemed plenty eager for more food. That is until Makoto slammed her hands on the table and fixed everyone in a glare. “Everyone, emergency Phantom Thief meeting right now!” Confused and a bit unnerved, the group had no choice but to follow her out to the porch. “Wait wait wait!” Sae shouted after them. “You’ll catch a cold if you go out there, if you need a private place, go to the garage where it’s warmer. “ Makoto grimaced. “Thanks sis,” but took her advice regardless. “Joker, come on what are you doing?”

“I’ll stay here and make sure your sister doesn’t listen in.” Sae was about to point out she couldn’t move from her spot but decided to save herself the embarrassment. Makoto of course looked rather annoyed, but she swallowed it and nodded. “Alright, if that’s what you think is best.” Ren waited until the door was firmly shut behind all seven other members before starting to speak. “Need some help?”
“Oh yes please. Sorry to be a bother but…if you could just grab my arms.” With a minor tug, the older Nijima sister was popped free, though her belly bumped the table and rattled it a bit. “Thank you Ren. If everyone saw me with a chair attached to my rear end…oh goodness it would have been so embarrassing.” She faltered a moment before frowning as she walked over to the sofa. “You know, I wasn’t planning on listening in…am I really that untrustworthy.”

“Not at all, I just wanted to speak to you privately.” Sae cocked her head in concern which made Joker hold up a hand. “Nothing’s wrong, I just wanted to ask you a few things. First of all, did you get the gift ideas you were looking for?” The older woman gasped in mock surprise, placing her hands on her wide hips and shaking her head. “You found me out! But yes, I know what to get each and every one of your friends. Haru and Futaba were tough, what do you get someone who can have anything they want right? Luckily, food has a way of loosening people up. Or maybe that’s the hot chocolate hahaha!” Her light airy giggly laugh made Ren smile which in turn made Sae smile right back. “But you know…and pardon me for coming out and asking this directly…what would you like for Christmas, Ren?”
“You can’t tell?”

“I’m afraid not. You’re so quiet that I can never tell what it is you’re really thinking.” The boy chuckled at that, she wouldn’t have been the first person to say that, though he didn’t think his blatant glances at her assets were all that subtle. “Can it be anything?” Sae brushed past him and ever so slightly nudged him with her hip, not on purpose but it only inflamed Ren’s desires more. Bent over with her head in the fridge, Sae ever so slightly wobbled her fat fat butt back and forth in her curious search for the pudding. Once again, not intentionally but it had the same effect on the viewer of her accidental performance. “Keeping it mysterious to the end are you? That makes me kind of nervous,” she said in a tone that didn’t sound the slightest bit nervous.

When Sae exhibited the slightest bit of difficulty heaving the hefty pudding to the counter, Ren immediately sprung to her aid. “Oh. Thank you! Tell you what, why don’t you have yours now? I don’t think anyone will mind and I’d love to know what you think.”
“I think I’ll wait.”

“Okay, but I’ll leave it out here in case you change your mind. Boy…Makoto sure is taking a long time out there. I hope it’s nothing serious…” Ren was already 100% sure what it was which was why he had no problems skipping out on that particular meeting, especially when he had something far more interesting to discuss. “Oh! I almost forgot, your gift. To answer your question, it can be anything within reason. Nothing dangerous…”

"I don’t want anything like that, in fact, quite the opposite. What I want for Christmas is…for you to go out with me. On a date. A romantic one.” Sae did a double take as she assumed she’d misheard him, but the look on his face told her he was quite serious. “A d-date? Oh…you’re really quite serious. But…why me?”

“You’re a sweet woman with a great work ethic. Do I need another reason?” Placing a hand to her face, Sae looked away though she remained smiling. “This is so sudden…I don’t know what to say…”

“That’s okay. It’s a Christmas present so you have ten days to think it over right?” After he said that, Sae was able to meet his eyes again. “Wouldn’t you rather a girl your own age? I mean…I’ll be 28 by the time you finish college.” Ren just shrugged. “Unless I graduate early by passing the BAR like you did.” That gave her pause, Japan’s version of the BAR exam was one of the most difficult in the world. She’d only taken it early out of sheer desperation and only after a year of working herself to the bone at a part time job while going to school. “I wouldn’t want anyone to put themselves through that…”

“Sae, I’m the leader of the Phantom Thieves. I’ll take your heart no matter the difficulty. If you allow it that is. Just give it some thought, but keep in mind…you haven’t said no yet.” She gave him a wry smirk at that, it was certainly true it was something she’d have to give serious thought. “What about…this,” the pudgy prosecutor said as she gave her stomach a squeeze. “Not the usual body type teenage boys are into.”

“Just more of you to like.” That made her snort in amusement though a genuine blush appeared on her face. “Can I ask you one more question though Sae?”

“Sure.”

“Are you aware of what’s been happening to your cognition in the past few days?” Biting her finger, Sae couldn’t help but smile like a kid who’d been caught with their hand in the cookie jar. “Well…”
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Meanwhile…
“Makoto, what’s got you so agitated? What’s wrong?” Makoto looked at Haru utterly flabbergasted. “What’s wrong!? What do you mean what’s wrong!? What’s wrong is that my sister is a completely different person!” The other thieves looked to each other in confusion at the strange rantings of their leader. “Huh? Isn’t she the same as always though?”

“What!?”

“Well when my father died, your sister did her best to comfort me even when all the other investigators treated talking to me like an item on a checklist. She made these really good eclairs…” That just seemed to make Makoto grow more crazed. “That didn’t happen! Whatever is affecting her is affecting you too.”

“Well then it must be affecting me too because your big sis has always been a big sweet woman. At least as far as I remember. Do you mean she’s gained a little more weight? That’s hardly something to freak out this much about senpai.”

“Ann’s right for once. I mean, who cares if she’s a little overweight. I think your sister is freaking awesome. I mean, how many adults do you know who would take time out of there day just so we can have a kickass celebration. Sojiro, my mom probably…that’s about it.” Makoto couldn’t believe what she was hearing and sternly put her hands to her hips. “I think I know my sister better than anyone else thank you very much. Okay, if she’s so big and sweet then why did we have to go inside her palace?” It was a low blow, but the only thing the desperate thief could think to bring up.

“A palace is merely the twisted reflection of one aspect of a person,” Yusuke said as the memory of Madarame caring for him while he was sick was still fresh in his mind. “She was simply consumed by the desire to capture us at all costs. We are for all intents and purposes, vigilantes after all and we were just framed for two murders.” The others seemed to nod in agreement. “Yeah I was pretty shocked when I found out she was a palace owner. I mean, Sojiro always talked about what a nice customer she was…I guess it could happen to anyone huh?” Desperately, Makoto turned to Futaba. “Don’t you sense anything? Like weird Metaverse…nonsense around her.”
“Well I can only sense things in the Metaverse…you know, in the Metaverse…so no I don’t sense anything.”

A knock on the door jolted them all out of their conspiracy. “*Um* I don’t mean to interrupt the big meeting, but pudding’s ready if anyone wants it.”

“Ooooh I’d love some pud, Ann can’t have any because she’s on a diet!”

“Wha-hey! I can too! Holidays are the one time you can relax a little!” Before Makoto knew it, everyone else was going back inside, her “conspiracy” already forgotten. With a sigh, she looked at her sister happily spooning out pudding to everyone before shaking her head. No, the truth was more important than good feelings and Makoto would just have to make everyone see that.
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 Sae considered the evidence that had been presented to her. The man sitting across from her still couldn’t help his nervousness despite how accommodating and helpful she’d been, perhaps justifiable since this was his first real big leagues case. Over the past year, Sae Nijima had garnered a bit of a reputation as “the rookie killer” for brutally taking down both new attorney’s arguments and their confidence right along with them. As such, Ryuichi or Ryu as his friends called him, had been quite nervous hearing he’d be facing her on this case.

The Sae sitting across from him was anything but a “killer” though except perhaps to those poor gingerbread men she’d been devouring for the past half hour. Spread across two chairs, the infamous prosecutor had shown up dressed in a ridiculous red and white overcoat and a pair of red sweatpants, dressed almost like she knew she couldn’t be fired. Atop her head was a Santa hat of all things with a pommel that flipped and flopped with every movement of her head. “Please…” he stood at rapt attention as she spoke. “Help yourself to the cookies, I made them to share. I feel bad eating all of them by my lonesome.”

“Oh! *Uhhhh* no thank you, I’m full. Really.” Sae shrugged and picked out another, black belt creaking as her stomach surged forward. “*Mmph* Anyway, the witness says here that she specifically heard two gunshots, both after midnight. And the other mentions he only heard one gunshot. They were both on opposite sides of the lake where the murder allegedly happened. So why the discrepancy?”
“*Er* one of the witnesses is lying?” Sae shook her head, sending her silvery hair and white pommel bouncing. “I don’t think so. Because…I talked to the second witness and he said that when the gunshot went off, his radio program mentioned the time was almost midnight. Almost midnight, do you know what that means?”

“Almost midnight means it wasn’t midnight!”

“Exactly. There’s something else that’s been bothering me this whole time. The photo that the first witness captured, look here. He’s holding the gun in his left hand right? So then why are the fingerprints on the actual gun right handed finger prints? Something isn’t adding up here…” Suddenly the defense attorney stood up and held out his hand. “Nijima-san, you’ve been a tremendous help. I think I know what I have to do now, but I can’t in good conscience keep you here any longer.”

“I don’t mind staying later if it means finding the truth.” Ryu shook his head. “In the court room, you’ll have to prosecute no matter what you personally believe so if I’m not ready for that, then it doesn’t matter how much ‘truth’ you find. Ultimately, it’s up to the defense now to pull through here.” Sae wanted to argue, to help more but she knew he was right. She wouldn’t pursue a guilty verdict over all else any longer, but she was still a prosecutor for the time being and as such had certain expectations.
The two shook hands and shared a smile. “You’ve already stayed two hours longer than you’re supposed to, please go home and get some rest. We can go over our findings in the morning, before the case.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea. Oh but please take the cookies with you, or at least share them with the defendant…I’m sure it would make him feel better.” Ryu opened his mouth to say something but decided better of it and just nodded. “Understood.”
It was a little sad in Sae’s opinion that barring some miracle, whoever the innocent party was in this case would be forced to spend Christmas in jail. She could at least do her part to make his stay a little more bearable. Unfortunately, visiting hours were over for everyone except his own attorney so she just had to hope the yummy cookies got to him.

“Sorry I’m *umph* late,” Sae grunted as she waddled sideways into her home. The door was a bit too narrow for her to waddle at it straight on without getting stuck, though her belly and butt tried to get her jammed the other way as well. “I had to spend some extra time at work, and then I saw the cutest little ornament that made me think of you! Look.” Sae could barely contain her excitement as she showed her younger sister what she’d procured; a martial arts uniform ornament with the words “Makoto” and “third year” on each end of the belt. “Isn’t that so cute? I had it custom painted just to put on the tree.” Not wasting any time, Sae immediately gave it place of high honor right around the star. It was kind, but Makoto wasn’t the biggest fan of her immensely fat sister’s immensely large pants sliding down and revealing her candy cane patterned panties. “*Uh* that’s great sis. Really…great.”

“Jeez I could rest a cup on that thing and not lose a drop…”

With a thud and a huff, Sae’s feet returned to being flat on the ground. Slowly turning herself so her hips didn’t knock over the whole tree, the prosecutor fixed her sister with a great big dimpled smile. Her double chin had come in fully and even her arms were filling out the sleeves of the Santa outfit rather too well. Having to tug her sweatpants back up with both hands, Sae’s belly was sent into a jiggling frenzy as the “on its last loop” belt held on.

“Sis did we really need to set up the tree this early? Christmas is still five days away.”
“Well the sooner we set it up, the more time we have to look at it silly!” The woman stretched out her arms and let them bounce against her sides. “I’m so glad we sprung for organic, it just makes everything so…so Christmasy you know? Don’t you just love the smell of pine on a winter morning?” When Makoto said nothing, Sae placed a tender hand on her shoulder and began to rock her a bit. “What’s the matter? You’re so quiet. Tell your big sister what’s on your mind~”

“N-nothing. Just…long week.”

“Oh I bet, finals and your big Aikido tournament and saving Japan all in one? At least it all wrapped up in time for the holidays. Sorry, that was a little pun, ‘wrapped up’ hahahaha I’m kidding I’m kidding.” Makoto had to give her sister a wide berth when she waddled over to the kitchen. It was definitely getting a bit cramped for the massive Nijima no matter which way she turned, but that never seemed to stop her near constant baking. God everything about her was just so soft and doughy, her long slender legs had practically exploded into wobbling tree trunks of flesh and Makoto had to wonder if her sister could even touch the backs of her thighs anymore…

 “Makoto?”

“Y-yeah?!” She jumped a little and Sae shook her head. “You’re such a jitterbug today, so jumpy. You know what, I should get you a punching bag for the garage! Yeah, so you don’t have to walk all the way in the cold to the gym to blow off some steam. We’ll call it an early Christmas present for doing so well on your finals. How’s that?” Sae didn’t even wait for her sister to respond before happily jotting down a little note to herself. “Oh there was one thing though, I’m sorry to spring this on you after you’ve been working so hard. You remember Kato-san?”

“The…neighbor?”

“Yes, that sweet old man who lives next door. Well, his daughter just had a baby so he’s going to take a trip to visit her, but while he’s there he’ll need someone to watch his dog. Do you think you could take care of him on the evenings when I’m not home? I promise I’ll let you know in advance.” Seeing the look of shock on Makoto’s face, Sae mistook it for something completely different. “It’s nothing too time consuming, just walking him and filling up his bowl. Oh please Makoto! It would really mean a lot to him and I can’t always be here.”

“Y-yeah no problem. I’d love to help out.” A far cry from being called “useless” Makoto was quickly pulled into a squishy hug that gave her a face full of Santa fluff. “Oh thank you so much. This will probably make his month to hear that. Oh Makoto you’re such a sweetheart.” The timer picked that moment to beep making her big big sister chirp with excitement and clap her hands together. “Cookies are done! One for us and one for the Sakuras. Futaba can eat peanut butter right? I know I’ve asked before but you can never be too careful!”

“*Uh* yeah I think so…” Sae opened the oven and took a moment to wave the delicious aroma into her face from the open door. Grabbing her trusty oven mitts, she rubbed them together and bent over real slow…

*RIIIIIIIIIIP*

As quick as she could, Sae shot up straight and clapped her hands to her big booty and the source of the noise…or at least tried to. Her fingers could only just barely brush against the obvious giant tear on the back of her sweat pants even when she stretched back as far as she could. Even if she couldn’t quite see or feel it, the sudden draftiness gave away what had just happened. Makoto was expecting her sister to scream or cry or shout or…anything except what she actually did really. Turning back with a sheepish look on her face, Sae rubbed the back of her head with one hand and gave her massive yoga ball butt cheek a quick shake with the other. “Welp…at least now you know what your big sister needs for Christmas! Hahahahaha! Sewing can only do so muc-“

“Sis! You’re huge!” Makoto surprised even herself with the suddenness of her outburst but took advantage of the stunned silence to press forward. “You’ve put on over 300 pounds in less than a month! You’re like a completely different person now! This is going to sound crazy, but please…try and think back to how you used to be. Something weird is going on and it’s changing you in all sorts of weird ways. You’re my sister and I care about you and…and…”

“Makoto, it’s okay.  I already know.”

“Know what!? What do you know?”

“You have to promise to calm down okay? Just take a deep breath and try to relax.” Makoto felt herself be led over to the nearby sofa; she probably could have resisted the flabby butterball if she really wanted to, but the gentle shoulder rub her sister gave her drained some of the nerves and fighter’s instincts from her body. When Sae sat next to her, Makoto felt the whole coach creak as she herself was bounced a few inches up in the air from the impact of her sister’s big butt. The older woman’s thighs and hips completely covered one of the couch cushions in its entirety and seeped over onto Makoto’s, thick jiggly pillar pressed right up against her own slender leg. In fact, with Sae spread out and her younger sister wedged in the corner, the entire couch was completely filled. Already taller than her, the excess lower body weight Sae had packed on rose her a few extra inches above her baby sister.

“Are you calm?” Sae asked after a minute passed, her younger sister nodded and looked up at her only to see her big fat sibling looking at her so kindly and with such concern on her chubby face. “Well, like I was saying before…I’m already aware my cognition changed.”
“W-what? When!?” Sae chuckled which sent the whole of her big body bouncing. “I don’t know exactly when but…I mean between perfectly knowing the words to songs I’d never heard before, knowing the names of neighbors I’d never even spoken to once and of course the several hundred extra pounds, I just kind of figured it out. For goodness sakes I’ve never even baked anything before and here I am firing the oven up every single day.”

“So then why are you so calm about all this?” Poking her double chin in though, Sae thought for a moment for a satisfying answer. “I guess if I had to put it into words…I enjoy being like this.”

“What?”

“Oh Makoto, I like being happy and bubbly and kind! I love to make all sorts of pastries and treats for all the good boys and girls, I love lending a helping hand wherever I can, I love having people who enjoy being around me, I love knowing all our neighbors and their children and what they do and what they’re like instead of being cooped up all by myself and alienating everyone around me. For heaven’s sakes just look at the apartment.” Makoto did what she was told and for the first time took in all the low warm light provided by the scented Christmas candles all about, the stockings near the mantle and the great big decorated tree right in the middle, ready to have all sorts of presents bunched up under it. Even walking home, their house was brightly lit and warm feeling from the copious colorful blinking lights that the sisters had set up together (though always shut off before bed time, the holiday season was no excuse for being rude!). Sae had even lamented never picking up woodshop to make cute little figures to display in the yard.

Shaking her head, Makoto refused to accept that. “B-but this isn’t who you are! This is just escapism isn’t it? It isn’t healthy!” Sae looked rather hurt by that and for a moment almost looked like she was about to cry, and Makoto reached out an arm of comfort. Her older sister took it and pressed it on her shoulder, firmly yet lovingly. “I’ve done and said so many terrible things to so many people. Especially to you. You didn’t deserve even an ounce of the self-hatred and spite I piled at your door step every day. So for something to reach out and help me not be that person any more…help me make the holiday just a little bit cheerier for everyone around me…is that really so bad?”

“Oh Makoto. I don’t want to use this transformation to run away from what I’ve done. I made lives worse, so now I’m going to try and make lives better. Even if it’s just a warm treat on a cold winter day…a little thing like that can go such a long way.” Makoto could feel every argument she’d prepared fizzling away as Sae gave her a warm smile. “You know what the best part of getting to be jolly is?”
“what?” Her older sibling parted the hair around Makoto’s forehead where she proceeded to give the girl a warm kiss. “I can be as nice as I want to my darling baby sister.” Before Sae could react, Makoto wrapped around her in a hug that cut through her buttery flab like a knife. Sae said nothing and just stroked Makoto’s back, beginning to hum a little tune. “You smell like cinnamon,” she heard Makoto mumble deep into her coat. Sae gave her another kiss on the top of her head. The two eventually broke apart and Makoto seemed much happier than she’d appeared in days, though there was one niggling thing still. “Are you really okay with being so…”
“Fat? It’s okay, you can say it. I think you’re the one forgetting the Christmas spirit now baby sister! A few pounds is nothing compared to the gift of giving and holiday cheer.”

“A few pounds?” Sae smirked ruefully at her sister’s remark and gave her fat gut a few pats. It was really starting to fill up her lap recently, almost to her knees when sitting. “Okay point taken, though I think I’m done growing for a while. I mean, look!” Sae gave her overcoat a pitiful tug. No longer needing a pillow to fit into the suit, the belt actually wrapped around her waist like a tourniquet. The coat was supposed to reach mid-thigh but on her it didn’t even get below her doorway clogging hips.

“You did kind of rip through it so-*sniff* *sniff* hey do you smell burning?” Sae’s face paled as she immediately realized the problem. “My cookies! Oh no! Quick Makoto,” she said thrusting out her arms, “help big sis up!”
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No matter the circumstances, Sae could never quite forgive herself for ruining a teenage boy’s Christmas. Poor poor Ren had been forced to turn himself in to protect his teammates and bring Shido down for good. His Christmas day would begin in an interrogation room and end in solitary confinement. Ren though didn’t blame her in the least, actually thanking her for her honesty which really just made her feel more guilty.

“I wanted to tell you tonight so you’d be free to spend your Christmas Eve however you would like. I could be the one to break the news to the others…”

“I’d really appreciate that. Thanks.” Ren thought for a moment about what it was he really wanted to do. “You said you’d try to convince them to put me in protective custody instead of solitary right?”

“Absolutely! Solitary is absolutely inhuman.”

“Which means I’ll get to have visitors?”

“Of course, I’ll visit you as much as I can. I can’t get you anything too big, but I’ll try to get you some books.”

“Alright then. Have you thought about my offer?” Sae took a startled step back and tried to stammer out an excuse. She was too old, he should spend the night with his family, she might not be able to get him in protective custody, but they all fell by the wayside as one thought occurred to her. “I did deprive you of Christmas, I don’t think I should take your gift away too.”

“I don’t want you to say yes out of pity!”

“It’s not out of pity. You’re the savior of the country twice over remember? What woman wouldn’t want to make your Christmas a merry one?” And with that, the two interlocked hands and made their way down the street. Having a fat girl around was quite convenient for parting crowds and it was adorable the way Sae would tell everyone “sorry” whenever her hips would even slightly brush into them.

“*Um* Ren? I didn’t think I’d be…well doing this tonight so I still had some last minute Christmas shopping to do. Would it be alright if…?”

“Of course.” She gave him a bright smile and then began to lead the way. “I have everyone’s gifts all ready except for Haru and Sojiro. Haru’s I can make myself but for Sojiro, I found this cute little store that sells canes…to replace the one he lost in the raid.” Ren listened to her chatter about all the various little gift ideas she had…no perhaps chatter was the wrong word since that implied she was talking just to talk. Gush would be a better word and he loved every second of it.

Eventually, heaving around all that bulk left her huffing and puffing a bit so Ren insisted they stop for a second. A nearby street vendor provided the perfect opportunity for Sae to gorge on a warm pretzel or four. With just enough room to squeeze between her side and the park bench, Ren was quite comfortable and warm throughout the whole excursion. Sae hadn’t experienced any explosive increases in size recently and her gain appeared to have leveled off; fortunate for her costume which despite the stitching, was clearly on its last legs. At some point during the date, Ren’s hand found itself on her belly and Sae purred so happily Ren could have sworn Morgana had come along with them.

“Thanks for helping me carry these gifts back…you’re such a kind man.”

“And you’re a kind woman. See? We’re like two peas in a pod.” Sae had never so much as even held hands with a boy before, but when he puckered his lips on her front porch that night, she knew exactly what to do. “I’ll get you out as soon as possible.”

“I know, but until then…keep that smile on your face okay? For me?” It was the easiest present Sae had ever been asked for.
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On the first day of Joker’s imprisonment, hope had been nearly lost. As more and more of his allies began to surface though, ever so slightly the tide began to turn in their favor. Now it was no longer a matter of if they would find the key witness, but when. Instead of their usual LeBlanc meeting spot, Makoto had out of the blue suggested they meet at her apartment. Things seemed normal and quiet at first and they got quite a bit of work done until Ryuji asked a certain question.

“I know this is offtopic, but why do you guys still have all your Christmas stuff up? It was like five days ago wasn’t it?”

“Ho ho ho. That’s because it’s the Christmas season, I don’t consider Christmas over until the 1st of the New Year thank you very much!”

“Sae!” Several of the thieves cheered when they saw an  incredibly rotund woman waddle in from the back rooms. Makoto allowed herself a little private smirk, everyone had been too depressed Christmas day to properly celebrate but her sister firmly believed that didn’t mean they should be deprived of their well-deserved holiday!

Sae had grown a bit too fat for the belt, so it had been discarded. In its place was a knit sweater with a knit in belt in the shape of the front of the coat while the actual coat lay splayed to the sides by her rotund belly. It had grown enough in both heft and surface area to equal one of her great gelatinous cheeks and sagged just enough to cover her drawstring and crotch area from view. That was of course without counting the generous saddlebags and thighs thicker than a skinny Sae’s waist that came with such a behemoth booty. Makoto had at least come through with some extra extra extra large custom order maternity sweatpants from America, but even they still hugged every pound of her fat ass like cheese cloth.

Her wide hips did come in handy when it came to hiding a large brown sack from view until she was ready to show it off. One by one, she passed each and every one of the Phantom Thieves her gift for them. “I got all of you a gift. Japan at large might not appreciate you wonderful children, but I certainly do! First is you Ryuji.”

“What the heck is this? A voucher?” Haru kicked him under the table for his rudeness but Sae didn’t seem to mind. “It’s a voucher for a new washing machine. You mentioned your old one was acting up and your poor mother had been ripped off by the mechanic…I guess it’s more of a present for her technically but…”

“Are you kidding? That’s awesome hahahahaha thanks Sae! Oh man, mom’s going to be so stoked!”

“Yusuke, I’m afraid I didn’t really no what to get you besides a bushel of rice and some noodles. Makoto tells me you’re still neglecting your meals and that’s really no good. I really wish you’d fuel your body properly…” Yusuke accepted the gift but gained a serious look on his face. “An artist must be willing to suffer for his art. I saw a particular shade of paint for exactly one thousand yen and unfortunately…that had to take priority.” Sae frowned, at this rate she’d have to drive over to his dorm everyday and force feed him proper meals!

“For you Ann, well you mentioned you were having trouble creating a diet and exercise routine. Obviously, I’d be no help there, ohohohohohohoho” Sae let loose a great big laugh that shook her gut like a great bowl of jelly and Ann couldn’t help but smile a bit too. “But I do have an old roommate from college who’s a nutrition major. There’s so much riff raff and old wive’s tales floating around out there that young girls really need someone steering them in the right direction. This is a book she wrote, it has everything you need to…according to her at least.”

“You did all that…for me?”

“Don’t sound so shocked, Ann dear. Besides, it was only a quick little phone call. I wish I could have gotten it to you sooner but better late than never right?”

“Haru, I made you these warm gardening gloves.”

“You knitted them. *Aw* thank you so much. Oooh wow they’re a perfect fit. It’s hard to find proper gloves in my hand size a lot of the time since I’m so petite.” For a girl who could have anything at the snap of her fingers, Sae knew the best gift would be a homemade one made with love.

“Futaba, well this one requires a bit of explanation.”

“Play tickets?”

“Well…you said that you wanted to feel better prepared for going to school. So…think of this as your ‘final exam’ of sorts. What better way to test if you’re ready for school than to sit quietly in a room with several people for a few hours? Don’t worry! It’s just a small venue and you can leave at any time.”

“I can’t believe you actually remembered that stuff! I kinda totally completely forgot about it! Final exam huh? Alright, bring it on then! Well…maybe not RIGHT now.”

“And finally, for my sweet little baby sister…” Makoto whipped her head over to Sae with a puzzled look. “I thought I told you I didn’t want anything?” Her elder sister smirked. “You kept saying that but you accidentally slipped up!” She gave her little sis a bop on the nose before presenting her with a CD. “Ta-dah! When your friend Eiko was over for dinner, you mentioned you’d been looking for some new classical music CDs to help you study. When I heard that, I just had to get you one.” Makoto puffed her cheeks in annoyance but accepted the gift nevertheless. “Fine you got me.”

“Hey Sae, that bag still looks pretty full. You going somewhere after this?” Sae chortled and took a seat as the continued standing was beginning to make her legs burn. “Yes but we’re not quite done here. Those were just the main gifts I thought you might like the most! You’ve been such good boys and girls that you deserve a lot more than just one gift don’t you think? Now let’s start with Haru this time…”

By the time she was done passing out gifts, the Phantom Thieves probably left the home with a bigger haul than they’d ever gotten from a palace. Sae still had one more person to visit on her day long gift giving spree though and he was the most important stop of all. Getting Ren out of solitary confinement had been quite simple once she’d reminded a certain police detective whose child she’d helped of just how young the Phantom Thief leader was. She didn’t think of it as manipulating, more just helping someone gain back the empathy they had lost.

“Hiiii sweetie,” she spoke into the microphone. “I brought all the books you asked for. You’re really amazing, using your prison time to study for the BAR. Oh I brought some clean towels and some shampoo as well since your hair was looking a little ratty last time. Are you getting enough to eat? No one’s mistreating you, are they?”

“Nice to see you too, sweetheart,” Ren responded with a grin. Sae realized she’d been so excited to start talking she hadn’t even taken the time to sit down. Fortunately, a bench had been laid out for her to rest her weary buns. “Oops sorry! I just had the best Christmas ever today so I’m a little exci-“

*RIIIIIIIP*

“Oh no not again!” She’d sat down a little too quickly and her fat thighs had burst out of the sides of her skintight sweats. Fat bubbled through the newfound gaps like bread dough and she just hoped the tears were inconspicuous enough to hide when she left. “Makoto bought me those…”

“Should have planned ahead for how much you eat.” Sae gave a fake pout at his teasing, “food is just really tasty okay? Besides, you shouldn’t trust a skinny chef.” They talked a bit about updates on the case, but most of the hour was spent with Sae helping him study and failing that, discussing date plans for when he got out. “Visiting hours are up Nijima-san.”
“Oh goodness you’re right, here let me get out of your way.” Turning back to Ren, she mouthed a quick “love you” and blew him three kisses in a row.
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“Happy Valentine’s Day -oop!-“ Sae had been so excited to greet her boyfriend that she’d accidentally forgotten to turn sideways when moving through doors. Ren was finally free, and she didn’t waste a moment in prepping for another holiday they could enjoy together. Sojiro didn’t show the slightest bit of surprise at her arrival; whenever Sae would drop off her baked goods, she would talk breathlessly over how much she was looking forward to Joker’s release. “I think your girly friend needs a little help there, champ.” As Ren sprang into action, Sojiro exited coolly.

Dislodging Sae from the doorway was much harder than pulling a chair off her rump and when she finally came loose with a resounding pop, the poor imbalanced girl collapsed on top of him. “Oh goodness Ren! Are you okay? You’re not hurt are you?” His response was to grab onto her side and tickle her until she was breathless with laughter where he then leaned up and kissed her right on the lips again and again. Helping his lovely lady to her feet, she seemed a bit saddened that Sojiro had left. “I made a box for him and Futaba too, could you please put this in the fridge? I don’t want it to melt.”

Looking at her state of dress, she was in a bright white sweater with an upside-down red heart across the front. She wore a pink scarf that wrapped around her neck several times and a pair of pink sweatpants that had so many extras in the title they could only be custom ordered. “I didn’t know you were so into Valentine’s day.”

“Well it’s called holiday spirit, not Christmas spirit. And why wouldn’t I be? It’s when women get to show the men they love how they really feel! Oh you should try  your chocolate, I made it extra special just for you…but don’t tell the Sakuras hahahaha!” Her heart went a thump thump thumping as Ren tried her labor of love and she let loose a happy giggle when he gave her a thumbs up. “I’m glad you liked it, I wanted your first chocolate on the outside to be extra special from me to you.”

Eventually the pair ended up sitting in a booth, Ren squashed deep into the wall and Sae taking up 101% of it by hanging off the edge a bit. “I’m not hurting you am I?” Ren just fondled her big jelly belly and pressed himself against her hip even more. “No no, this is just perfect.” It was going to take quite a lot of work to get the corpulent prosecutor unwedged, but neither party was particularly worried about that right now.

“Did I tell you I quit being a prosecutor?”

“You’ve only talked about how excited you are to become a defense attorney and how wonderful it will be to put the defendants and victims first but no you’ve never specifically mentioned quitting.”

“Oh you’re such a tease…but you’re right. I want to help people but not only that, I want to have a relationship with the people I help. And when you pass your BAR, I want you to help me.”

“I would like nothing more than to do that.” Sae hummed happily and let herself be fondled and loved by the boy who she’d given her heart too. “Do all of your friends have dates?”

“I don’t think any of them do.”

“Oh that’s too bad…I should make them some chocolate too…” Ren chuckled. With anyone else, he might have worried about a long distance relationship but with Sae and the amount of care packages and visits she’d be sure to keep up, he knew intimacy would never be a problem.
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“Ren? Honey? Did he say he was coming?”

“Not only is he coming, but he said he’ll be here in fifteen minutes.” Sae removed the bowl of chips and jar of peanut butter from her belly and started to rock herself to her feet. With a rear big enough to fill up an entire double seater sofa and then some, it took quite a bit of momentum to hoist herself off the couch. That is unless Ren decided to intervene like he always did. “Here sweetheart, up and at ‘em.” She was always impressed by his strength and took a moment to give him a quick smooch.

Dressed in an enormous tent sized red dress, Sae had given the role of Santa Claus to her husband. She was far more content playing Mrs. Claus in the kitchen for these types of events. Though it was meant to hang down to her ankles, the dress only barely reached an acceptable level on her thighs. Her wedding ring gleamed brilliantly in the morning winter light of Christmas, just as brilliantly as her smile did. “Have you told anyone we’re expecting?”

“Nope, why spoil the surprise?” Sae giggled. Her husband understood her so well. They’d just found out about their little Christmas miracle two nights ago and already it was getting hard to keep contain it, but it would all be worth it when they could tell all their friends and family all at once.

The salary of two relatively high profile lawyers was enough to afford quite the spacious house which suited the spacious Sae just fine. The dining room table stretched from one end of the ground floor to the other and still the Nijima now Amamiya wondered if it would be enough for everyone coming over. It was a little practice she and her husband had developed, keeping in contact with their prior defendants especially those who came from less wealthy backgrounds, inviting their clients to Christmas dinner. A nice hot meal after being found innocent did a body good as the Amamiya’s had found.  In general, whenever the option arose to host, Sae would immediately waddle for it as fast as she could. “Makoto will be so happy, she’ll make such a good aunt…I hope she likes the motorbike we got.”

“She will, trust me.” Her mischievous husband gave her big butt a quick fondle which she was happy to allow. It was Christmas for him too after all and she had something very special cooked up involving what else but her big fat ass that she loved so much?
Sae took a moment to admire their handiwork. One thing the old house was always missing was a roaring fire place, it really brought the whole thing together! Tinsel wrapped all across the walls and mantles and that wasn’t even covering the Santa’s sleight light fixture they’d set up outside. “Oh look Ren! It’s starting to snow! Could this day get any more perfect?”

Ren shook his head no. He had been so happy when Sae admitted these were her genuine feelings now despite the weird cognition going on around her. He thought that would end with the defeat of Yaldabaoth, but it had persisted for some strange reason, everyone except himself and Makoto acted like Sae had always been a jolly bundle of holiday cheer which suited him just fine. Still, it would be nice to have an explanation…

The sound of sleigh bells rang in his ears at that moment and Sae happily clapped. “Oooh that must be Makoto now. She’s always so punctual. You ready honeybunch?” Even after all these years, she’d still kept that same hat of hers. At this point, it would be weirder to have a Christmas season without her popping it on than the other way around. “Ready. Let’s go give them a merry Christmas. Ho ho ho”