The Minamino household was brightly lit for the holidays. Outside, brightly colored lights were strung around the windows in blue, green, red and white. Inside, the rooms were lit warmly by electric lamps and candles both. The room that attracted the most attention, though, was the sitting room. The main attraction was a large, green tree, full and healthy and lovely. It was adorned from bottom to top with red and gold streamers, with gold tinsel and glass balls in the same colors. However, the most eye- catching decoration was the star. It was large and bright, sitting at the very top.

Hiei didn't like being the star. Dressed in a tight yellow sleeveless top and forest green pants, he clung to the top and grumbled. He had been there for an hour. He wasn't quite sure how he had gotten there, but he *was* sure that Kurama could provide the answer.

Unfortunately, Kurama was too busy staring to say. He sat cross-legged on the ground, his head tilted upwards, gazing at the very top where Hiei was perched, with a small smile on his face.

Hiei was annoyed. "Kurama," he called down, "please remind me how I got here."

"Me?" Kurama asked innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Hiei muttered and went back to brooding. Kurama grinned and went back to staring. Yusuke blinked and went back to gawking. And wondering what the hell Hiei was doing up there.

And all was right in the world.

= = =

A/N: My Christmas contribution to the world. ^^ Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!

Yami no Ryu