Chapter 18 (holy crap, we're getting up there)

The hall was decorated extravagently.

People of all colors and sizes, an amazing amount, anyway, were all dressed for the occasion. Some in velvet, some in silk, colors that reflected the joy of the season.

Major Hein scowled in his suit, tugging at his tie every so often. Aki grinned lightly, stopping him momentarily to reajust the tie for the fifteen thousanth time.

Her hair amused the Major, and he hid fits of giggling as he watched her concentrate on fixing his tie.

"You're going to get so many looks in there," he announced to her, and the tone of his voice made Aki blush.

"I'd say the same for you, you're wearing a tie. AND, you're there with me, of all people. We're sworn enemies, remember?"

Aki asked, taking his arm again as they continued to stroll down the hallway to the ballroom. Or at least, the room the staff had made into a ballroom.

"Well, I guess...oh well. Let's just relax and have some fun." His green eyes were set serious, and it worried her.

"Major Hein, did I really hear that come from those lips of yours?" she asked, her face filled with shock.

He grinned. "What, you're the one who's strange here. You bleached your hair."

Aki fingered the tips of her hair in disappointment. "Perhaps...either way, stop bothering me about it."

"I will if you stop fixing my tie."

---

Dr. Sid grinned as he saw the two enter the lightly lit room. "I hope one of them looks up," he chuckled to himself.

Glancing above the two, he saw the little sprig hanging on the doorframe.

"Doctor, you are evil, you know that?" Councilwoman Hee informed him with a laugh.

Sid grinned. "Yes. I'm just trying to lighten things up between them."

Hee shook her head. "You don't want to lighten things up too much, I mean, Dr. Ross' hair can't get any lighter!" she joked.

Dr. Sid burst into laughter. "Well, you never know with those two. They are so spontaneous it's scary."

"Couldn't have said it better myself, Dr."

---

Aki glanced up, and blushed madly.

Hein, noticing the redness of her fair skin, frowned. "What did I do this time?"

"Look up."

Realizing what she said, she paled. "No, look down!"

Too late.

"Hah, I see what you're worried about. Come on, Aki. It's Christmas tradition," Hein pushed her, shaking her arm.

"Tradition?! Alright, who are you and what have you done with the real David Hein?" she asked, staring into his eyes.

Laughing, he took her face in his hands. "He's right here."

Having said that, he pointed to the mistletoe, and kissed her.

---

By Severus and Raine

Sev: OH GOD! WATCH OUT FOR THE--! *A truckfull of sap washes Severus downstream*

Hein: Oooooooooops.