Hey guys, sorry it's been a while. I got a little carried away with the family shenanigans this chapter XD. Thank you so much for your comment and bookmarks; I hope you like it.


Deck the Halls

It went without saying that her first plan had been an utter failure.

That was fine. Very few succeeded on the first try. Lenalee wasn't about to give up because of one setback.

After getting ice packs, milk, ibuprofen, and a one-hour visit from their neighbor down the way (she was definitely more than a nurse, but since no one remembered her name, that was what everyone called her), the Christmas holiday was finally back on track.

The whole mess had started with Kanda's first punch. Then Lavi had stepped in, apparently feeling partly responsible when Allen ended up with a bloody nose. Then Fo, after learning Allen had just got whacked. Daisya used standing up for his brother as an excuse to get involved, and when Cross finally came out of the shower…

Well. Needless to say, Komui's vase wasn't the only thing they'd have to replace by the New Year.

Lenalee had been careful yesterday not to get drawn into the borderline bar-fight that had taken place in Bookman's very own Christmas cabin. And, while most of the residents could still move, the rest of yesterday had been spent playing a very tense game of Risk, followed by some much-needed isolation found in countryside walks (for those that weren't on bed-rest). After a night of much moaning and groaning, it was now the next day and most of the tensions had eased with sleep. The kids (some of whom were grandkids, in Tiedoll's case) had arrived, and Christmas was about to really get underway.

It was time for a Plan B.

Which was why her an Lavi had assembled in the kitchen on day two of the Christmas gathering. Lavi sat at the island counter holding a bag of frozen peas to the still-purple eye. His lip was healing, so he didn't look half gorilla anymore, but it wasn't well enough that they could kiss without some serious wincing and whining. Which was too bad, because Lenalee was really hoping to make use of that mistletoe in her decorations box.

Wait a second…

"Lavi."

"Mm," he groaned, single emerald eye shifting her way.

"I've got another idea."

Instead of jumping for joy like she hoped, he frowned, looking less than enthusiastic. "You know, Lena, I'm down for just about anything to help out our friends," or torment them, she could hear him adding mentally, "but maybe we should just leave them alone for a few days."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean… maybe I was wrong."

"Wrong? You're the one that said they had unspoken feelings for each other."

"Yeah, but…" Lavi shrugged, then winced. "Did you see how Yuu decked our little beansprout yesterday? Allen's right eye is so swollen he kinda looks like Panda. Hell, gramps could probably pass him off as a true Jr. Bookman for the next day or so."

"All couples fight."

"Yeah, but they don't deck each other just because the in-laws get a little frisky. Maybe we should wait until other… uhm, holiday tensions aren't so high."

Lenalee sighed, leaning across the island to meet his emerald gaze. "I see what you're saying, Lavi, but we've been doing this for years. Years, ever since Allen first transferred into high school. Do you realize how long ago that was? Things are going to be hectic next year, and I just… I want things to go right this time."

Lavi reached across the cool granite countertop, taking her hand with one of his and using the other to re-adjust the frozen vegetables on his face. "Is it going to end up in another fist fight?"

"Of course not." Or she didn't think it would, anyway. And even if it did… Lenalee tilted her head towards the freezer at the hidden bags of recently-acquired veggies. "And if it is, I stocked up."

Lavi tried for a smile but didn't quite make it when it pulled the cut on his cheek. "So, what's your new plan?"

She smirked, making a point to meet his eyes. "Mistletoe."

His single emerald eye narrowed, as if trying to picture it. "Not a bad idea."

"I know, right? I haven't busted that stuff out in years."

"How exactly are ya goin' to get them underneath it?"

Lenalee opened her mouth to answer but… that was actually a good question.

She was saved from thinking up any ideas when three figures came bounding into the kitchen. "Um, Lenalee?"

"Oh, good morning, Miranda!" Lenalee smiled, coming around the granite island to see the pint-sized five-year-olds at her ankles. "And good morning, boys. Are you hungry?"

Despite the early hour, both brunettes were bright-eyed and bushytailed, different sets of mahogany and gold eyes blinking up at her.

"We want to dec'rate," one of them said. It might have been Hans – Lenalee remembered he did most of the talking.

"Decorate? You mean… like the tree?"

Both twins glanced at each other and shook their heads. "Outside," the one with the lighter hair answered.

Lenalee looked to Miranda for an explanation. And, with a sheepish smile, she was quick to provide. "Um, they were talking about putting some lights up outside. Is that alright with you?"

Lenalee opened her mouth to agree, but then…

She was struck with an idea. "Miranda, that's brilliant!"

"It… is?" her smile waned some, unsure if their plan was worthy of such exuberance.

"Yes! You're a genius! Let's go get my brother up – he's got a key to the shed, I think. That's where Bookman keeps those things, right, Lavi?"

"Yeah. He should," the redhead answered, brushing red hair from his face.

The twins were overjoyed. They didn't wait for the OK before racing out of the kitchen to track down Komui. Miranda barely managed to catch up before they disappeared upstairs.

"Lavi." Lenalee grinned, hand propped on her hip, "I think I've got a plan."


Bookman's cabin was picture-perfect. Surrounded by pine trees and fresh air, it was perched just on the edge of the water and the base of one of the many mountains in the area, picturesque and feeling like home the moment Lenalee had set eyes on it. It was even more beautiful nestled in three days' worth of snow, pleats of white covering the shingled roofs and surrounding pine trees. It was picturesque, the place everyone imagined spending their Christmas vacation.

Unfortunately, it's size made decorating a challenge.

Not just because it was two stories high, but because it was spacious, wrap-around porch and large family sitting areas included. With nine different bedrooms and an over-large living room with a literal wall of vaulted-ceiling windows, it had more than enough room to accommodate their friends and then some.

Fortunately, there were plenty of extended family members to help and volunteers to either bake snacks or drive into town to get the ones Lenalee had pre-ordered.

After several boxes of the decorations were successfully unloaded, decorating tasks were quickly divided – Tiedoll and his boys were tackling the icicles while Fo and Bak worked on the yard. The twins were already pitching in, Miranda following behind the five-year-olds as they 'gave advice' on the best place to hang things.

The past three days' worth of snow left a thick three-foot layer of powder over everything. Someone had cleared the gravel driveway at least, leaving room to place boxes and organize extension cords. The sun was even making an appearance, grey-silk clouds mostly dispersed overhead.

Everything was just getting underway, Lenalee waiting for her mistletoe-containing box to be uncovered. Meanwhile, the other family were in the process of divvying up the tasks.

It wasn't going well.

"Dad- Watch it!" Daisya cried, tattooed eyes pinned to the roof top.

"I'm doin' just fine! There was… a little ice, but I'm fine!"

Tiedoll didn't look fine. His thin hands were hanging on for dear life to the second-story roof, dangling thirty feet up and boots making kicking motions as he searched around for the ladder he'd been standing on. Lights were wrapped around his right ankle and somehow snow had landed in his voluminous hair.

Oh god.

"Tiedoll?! Are you okay?!" Lenalee cried because… the last thing they needed this holiday was a trip to the hospital. Especially if it meant one of the cheeriest members of the gathering with a concussion and broken bones.

"Crazy old man," Kanda cursed, running inside to rescue his adoptive father. Marie was right behind him, storming in with all the quick reaction times brought by raising two five-year-olds. A few minutes later the two could be seen climbing out the second-story bedroom window, working together to rescue Tiedoll before he slipped any farther.

It wasn't until all three were back on the ground floor, alive and snow-speckled, that they let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Dad, what the hell were you thinking?" Daisya chuckled, trying to play off his relief with humor when Tiedoll sat down in a rocking chair.

"I guess my balance isn't quite what it used to be. Just let me rest and I'll-"

"Take a breather, old man. Stay down here. I'll finish it."

Tiedoll's face beamed, touched, clutching his heart and acting like Kanda had just saved kittens from a burning building. "Yuu, you're worried about me? My boy! I love you t-"

"Oi, old man! Never mind. Go risk your life for some decorations. Moyashi. Wait up, I'll take that."

"Worry about your dad, Bakanda. I can carry it."

Kanda tsked and didn't wait for an affirmative before hefting the wicker light-up angel twice Allen's size.

Tiedoll looked crushed as Kanda stormed off but was distracted when Marie started dusting the snow from his shoulders, Daisya taking a seat beside him with some excuse about resting his feet. Lenalee went inside, and ten minutes later came out with steaming hot tea. Tiedoll took a cup, grateful.

"Guess I'll get back to work."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Lenalee asked, apprehensive. "We don't need lights on the second story. I doubt the twins can even see that high."

Tiedoll waved her off. "I'm fine."

"Well… I'm done resting too, so I guess I'll come with you," Daisya sighed, maybe-forced cheer in his voice as he downed some soda and jumped up from his chair.

She thought about following after them but... well, Tiedoll had his sons with him. He'd probably be fine.

Instead, she made herself sit down on the recently-vacated chairs, pouring tea into the extra cup. She let it warm her insides, enjoying watching her family pull out decorations and make plans for the expansive yard. Allen and Kanda bickering aside, she was still enjoying herself. And the time spent with her family.

"They're being awfully productive."

Lenalee almost jumped. But didn't because… jumping at your in-laws was Number One on the Do-Not-Do List of Marriage.

"Good morning, Bookman. Would you like some tea? Or hot chocolate?" she asked, glancing around for another cup.

The wizened man, hands tucked in his wide-arm coat, took a wordless sentry at her side. He was so still he almost looked like one of the little Santa statues they'd uncovered from the shed, only minus the beard and cheery… everything.

"No thank you."

Lenalee continued to sit there, hands warming and watching her friends unload. Just when she was about to find some excuse to escape the uncomfortable silence - making lunch, doing laundry, anything - a green-tinted decorations box was finally unearthed. The one she'd been waiting for.

"Lenalee."

She stopped, just having risen from her chair. "Yes?"

Bookman was looking at her, beady eyes practically obscured by his enormous dark circles. "You've taken great care of Lavi. For that, I am grateful."

Lenalee felt a little heart-shaped blob in her chest get all warm. That was… probably the sweetest thing Bookman had said to her since their marriage.

She tried to convey how happy that made her with a wide smile. "Thank you. It's the least I can do. He does the same for me." Bookman, to her surprise, gave a small nod before turning to the cabin, disappearing back inside.

But even if his words made her feel better… she couldn't help wondering why he'd said that.

…Did he know?

Lavi and her had agreed not to tell anyone yet. And Lavi was many things, but he knew how to keep his mouth shut. Especially with Lenalee threatening things only a wife could threaten.

But… it would have to wait. She had more important things to do at the moment.

Lenalee crunched through the snow, opening the mistletoe-containing box without anyone noticing. A few glances to make sure no one noticed before she pulled several green-leafed objects from within, hiding them inside a cookie tin to make it easier to carry.

The shed steps creaked as she stepped up inside, on the prowl for a ladder to use. Only, by then, she spotted a familiar bald head and dark figure in the shadows. Marie, clad in thick jeans and a snow jacket, was already inside sorting through them, no doubt looking for something better for icicle hanging.

"Hi, Marie," she greeted. He turned, and as if sensing her friendly expression, grinned in response.

"Hello Lenalee."

"Hey, do you have a minute to help me?"

Marie was very willing to help her. And with his added height, together they spent the next fifteen minutes sprinkling several of the sin-inducing pieces of vegetation over every doorway in the cabin and even in a few of the hallways.

The most significant piece, however, was saved for last.

After Marie left, she took a moment to admire her work. The crucial mistletoe branch was affixed right on the edge of the porch eaves, dangling directly over the steps. Anyone who walked into the house it would get caught. She just had to make sure that her two targets were among those snared underneath.

She checked her watch. Twelve o'clock. Time for lunch.

And time to put her plan into motion.

Lenalee, shoulder-length hair secured with a tie, rushed into the kitchen for Jerry's pre-arranged plate of sandwiches. She had to leave the tea behind, but the most crucial piece of bait was the food. And since Bookman's cabin wasn't equipped with a dinner bell, she quickly announced the sandwiches from the porch, arranging the plate on one of the outdoor metal tables.

Lenalee took her post on the porch and waited.

Everything was set. The trap was laid. Her family members were already wrapping up their decorating projects, and no surprise, Allen was the first to get done, food doing an exceptional job motivating him to finish his work.

Only…

"Allen, where's Kanda?"

The white-haired adult stopped at the bottom of the steps, making good on his manners by dusting snow off his boots before going further. His expression conveyed an eye-roll even if his swollen eye wouldn't allow it, snarking, "Bakanda sent me in to get his food."

"…Oh? Why'd he do that?"

Allen looked like he was about to snap something disdainful about Kanda's lazy behavior but barely seemed to catch himself in time. "Ah, he's just-"

"Moyashi."

Oh, good. Kanda.

The man himself headed their way, long-sleeve shirt bunched up around his elbows and sweat glistening on his brow. The two of them were still the first to arrive, their other family members still finishing off lights and extension cords.

Just a few more feet and then…

"What, Bakanda?" Allen snapped, stopping at the top step, and sounding like he wasn't yet past their little spar from yesterday.

"You took the box cutter."

"Oh. Well, since you're here," he added, locating the object in his jacket pockets, "grab your lunch. I've got enough to carry for myself."

"No. It's your job."

"Yeah, and it's your food."

Kanda opened his mouth, obviously about to snap something, back, when he was cut-off. "Hey Yuu, Allen! You two realize where you're standing, right?" Lavi called from the front yard, simultaneously grabbing the attention of everyone nearby.

Everyone's eyes – Allen and Kanda's included – looked skyward to the mistletoe above their heads.

Ah, Lavi. What would she do without him?

Reever, busy bringing another box up to the doorway, let out a coy whistle. "Guess someone's gonna try out Lenalee's decorations early this year, huh?"

If all went well, yes, they would.

"Try it, Moyashi, and you'll have another bruise to match your right eye."

"Really? That's what you said yesterday and look – still fine."

Kanda's jaw worked, obviously pissed. "You tried to put me in a choke hold." Wait, really? "What the hell was I supposed to do?"

"Not elbow me in the face! You nearly broke my nose!"

"You guys need to work on your verbal foreplay because that's not helpin' the mood," Lavi teased.

Allen took a step forward, apparently about to make some kind of denial against any interest in kissing Kanda, only he didn't get a chance.

Mostly because his freshly-cleaned boot hit a particularly slick piece of ice.

The British adult careened backward faster than Timcanpy could clean up a spilled breakfast, arms flailing for the closest object to support himself. Unfortunately, Kanda wasn't expecting the octopus-like grip Allen fasted around his wrists, center of gravity already displaced from their recent stand-off. There was a brief moment were time seemed to freeze, both of them wearing the same oh-shit expression before they were falling.

Everyone watching stared in shock as Kanda landed on the ground, right on top of his arch nemesis, with a hefty whap.

Neither adult was given a chance to roll off each other before a loud shout came from up above.

"Daisya, my boy! What happened to the- AAAHHHHHH!"

"Dad?!"

Thunk

Thunk

Swshhhh

Thunk

Fwomp

Tiedoll came sliding off the roof like a tossed frisbee, spread-eagle as his body spun in the air. He was airborne for several seconds before falling straight down, glasses flying off and mouth agape in horror. Much like the rest of them, watching as the grey-haired man finally landing with an oomph in a (hopefully safe) pile of snow.

It was shortly after that when the roof started growling.

Wait… Growling?

Oh no.

Lenalee didn't get a chance to move before a loud rumble sounded from above. What looked like a waterfall of icy snow came sliding off the roof. Cold powder and freezing air buffered her in the face. The whole porch shook when all the snow accumulated from the last month finally came crashing to the ground.

And directly onto a petrified Allen and Kanda.

...

A few moments of silence while the assembled decorators processed exactly what they had just witnessed.

Just... why.

Of course Allen and Kanda had to fall down right there. It couldn't have been, like, a foot away, where they'd be clear from the mini-avalanche? Or Tiedoll could have stayed put, where it was safe, and not triggered the snow fall in the first place?

Not that it was his fault. Only Allen and Kanda's issues were to blame.

Distantly, she noticed Tiedoll had escaped the freezing mass. She saw him on the other side of the five-foot mound, not appearing any worse for wear as Daisya and Marie helped him to his feet.

It was around that time when a dark ponytail popped out of the snow pile.

Kanda was tall enough that everything above waist had escaped the mound. Allen, however, wasn't quite so lucky; He only came up to the other's shoulders, chest barely visible and covered in so much snow he blended in with his hair.

Kanda's expression was borderline murderous (amazingly still menacing even with snow in his hair and powder across his nose). Allen, blissfully unaware, was too worried about escaping to notice. "What, you're going to blame this on me now? That wasn't my fault! I don't think you can reasonably hold me responsible for making it snow."

Wrong answer, Allen.

"You're dead, Moyashi," he snapped, wearing a look that didn't bode well for Allen's other eye.

"Oh yeah? Because we're both stuck here, and unless you want to- Ow, Kanda, watch it! I've still got- AAHH!"

Lenalee was technically watching, but she had quit paying attention, too distracted with the reality that her plan had failed. And not just failed. More like, horribly back-fired.

Not only had there been no kissing and - once again - another fight, but yet another Christmas festivity was ruined. Tiedoll was fine, which was great, but any chances she had at reconciling her friends had just gone up in flames.

But she couldn't let another failure derail her. Christmas was at stake. She was not going to let this continue. No way, no how.

It was time to get serious.

"Uh… Lena?"

"Hmm."

"Are you… okay?"

"I will be." It was just a matter of time.

"I don't need to go kill anyone, do I?"

Lenalee actually seemed to consider it. "No need. I have another plan."

"…What do you need me to do?"

Lenalee's grin was so sickly-sweet Lavi almost cringed. He'd seen that look directed at people before, and they never survived to talk about it. "Follow me."