Knight Rider and its characters are the property of Glen Larson and Universal.
The Beyond Series and its characters are mine.
Thanks to Phoenix for the title and the beta read.
(Please forgive the fluffiness.)
Rated PG.

Suggested Listening - The Christmas Song by Perry Como

The team was decorating the small tree they set up in the garage for Kitt and Star. Jon and Bonnie were debating on what theme to make it.

"Come on, Jon." urged Bonnie. "Gold would look really great, and we already have gold tassel."

"Yeah, but not enough to string around the tree." said Jon. "Besides, I kinda like silver."

"So do I." said Star.

"Oh, you would agree with him."

"For obvious reasons." Kitt said. He watched as Michael got onto a step ladder. "Michael, maybe you should wait until the others are done before you put the star on top."

"Wait? For these two to make up their minds?"

"We're doing it gold." said Bonnie.

"Silver." said Jonathan.

Michael got off the ladder and sat down next to his daughter. Cara was sitting Indian style on the floor next to Kitt, stringing out beads for the tree. "It's going to be a while, isn't it?"

"Oh yeah." said Michael. Cara rested her head against his shoulder and watched them. It was really very funny. He wrapped an arm around her. "How are you doing over here?"

"Good. A little tired."

"You know, I didn't realize something." he said, quietly.

"What?"

"Well this is your first Christmas since…well, you know."

Cara looked up at him. "Yeah, I know. It doesn't bother me."

"Really?"

"Well, I mean, it does. I had several months of my life taken away. But at least I got what I wanted this Christmas."

"What's that?" asked Michael.

"A family to be with." she replied.

He smiled and hugged her. "You sure do." He then stood and helped Cara up. "What do you say we bring this stand off to an end?"

"Sure."

"Please do." begged Kitt.

"Gold!"

"Silver!"

Michael whistled and both technician and mechanic froze. "Guys, in the spirit of family and the holidays, why don't we each add our own touch to the tree this year? Bonnie you do your half gold, and Jon can do his silver."

"What about the ornaments?" asked Jon.

Cara and Michael grabbed a handful of them. "Oh, I think we can handle it." They both winked at each other. "Ready?"

"Go!" said Michael. Bonnie shrieked as they all hurriedly decorated the tree, laughing hysterically. Tassel and lights went flying everywhere.

"Eeek!" exclaimed Star. "They're attacking it."

"Poor thing." said Kitt. "It's a good thing it has no sense of what's happening to it."

Covered in tassel, Michael climbed the ladder and put the star on the tree. "Ta-da!" he sang when it was on top. The humans cheered. "Well, what do you think?" he asked the cars.

"It's…very…creative." said Kitt. A ball bounced off the tree and landed on the floor, breaking.

"Yeah…different." offered Star. "Thanks." 'I think.' she thought quietly.

Everyone 'ohhed' and 'awed' as the main light was shut off and the Christmas lights were turned on. It was beautiful. Everyone hung around for a while, laughing and having fun. They cleaned up when it was starting to get late.

Michael stretched. "Don't know about you guys, but I'm off to bed." They all said their goodnights.

"Coming, Cara?" asked Jon.

"I'll be along later. I want to stay here for a while." Jon nodded and left with Bonnie and Michael. Star powered down and went into recharge mode.

Cara sat back on the floor, leaning against Kitt.

"You know, it doesn't look so bad in the dark." he said.

"You're right. Much better."

They continued to watched the lights on the tree. The garage filled with a certain kind of warmth that both noticed. "Merry Christmas, Cara." he whispered.

"Merry Christmas, Kitt." She leaned against him.

Yes, it was much better to be with family at Christmas.

The End

Happy Holidays!