Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Rurouni Kenshin or their likeness. I am just a poor soul.

Merry Christmas! I wish you all the very best this holiday season.

So I know this isn't the update I promised and I am sorry. But I hope you will accept this small offering. In Japan KFC is part of the Christmas tradition and so this short revolves around that.

Reviews are always appreciated and loved.

Also, please check out my collaboration with FallenAngelItachi called the Werewolves of Mibu. Be aware that I wrote this in a day and though I looked it over I am sure there are typos.

Tokio adjusted her scarf and stuffed her gloved hands into her coat pockets, lightly bouncing on the balls of her feet to stay warm. Tokio leaned slightly to the left to judge the wait ahead of her. There was, at least, an hour's worth of people in line. Tokio sighed. After an hour wait she was already far too invested to just leave, but she really had to go to the bathroom.

"What are you doing here?" asked a sardonic voice that made Tokio cringe.

Turning to the man, Tokio tilted her head back in silent challenge. "You're a smart man, Detective. I am sure you can figure it out."

Saitou smirked, not at all bothered by his neighbor's frosty tone. "KFC for one? What a sad way to spend Christmas."

"There are worse ways I could be spending it." Turning her head to the side, "I could be spending it with an insufferable ass like you."

But before Saitou could respond Tokio's stomach gave a loud rumble and she quickly wrapped her arms around her mid-section, blushing.

Saitou chuckled. Tokio glared at him, and he said, "That would be terrible. Or you could be standing in line for over an hour. Hungry, bored, and cold."

Tokio stuck her tongue out. "Well, what do you have planned then?"

Saitou snorted. "Only fools get caught up on the idea of Christmas."

Tokio rolled her eyes. "It's fun." Suddenly Tokio had an idea; actually she could no longer ignore her bladder. "Hey. Do me a favour?"

Saitou raised an eyebrow. In the three years that they had lived near each other Tokio had never asked for a favour. Their interactions were limited to witty banter and needling one another. As much fun as it was Saitou was tiring of the stalemate, hoping for an opening to move their relationship along. And yet, Tokio asking for a favour was something to be wary of.

Tokio seemed to sense his hesitation. "Don't be so suspicious." With a shake of her head she asked, "Will you stand in line for me? I really need to go." Putting slight emphasis on the word go so that there was no question about what she meant. And because you always caught more flies with honey she added, "Please?"

Saitou studied the short woman before him, taking his time to respond. "Fine. But come right back."

Tokio shook her head once more and in mocking tones said, "What's the matter Detective? Afraid someone will see you?"

"I'd watch it if I were you." And in a dangerous voice said, "I might not be here when you get back."

Biting her lip, in a way that always drove Saitou crazy, said, "I'll be right back. Promise." With that she hurried off to find the nearest bathroom.

- 45 minutes later. -

Saitou glared at the customer in front of him. Where was that woman? She said she'd be right back and over half an hour had passed, and the line had barely moved. He could have made good on his threat but even he wasn't that cruel. It was just then that someone arrived to sour Saitou's mood even further.

"Saitou Hajime standing in line at KFC on Christmas! Who would have thought it."

"Okita" Saitou growled. "Get lost." Great. Exactly what he needed.

Having known Saitou his whole life, Okita was not put off in the least. And so in a sing song voice he asked, "Soo who is the lucky lady?"

"None of your business." Saitou practically growled.

Okita laughed. "Come on! She must be pretty special for you to partake in such a Christmas tradition."

But before Saitou could skin his best friend Tokio returned, munching on a bag of chips. Embarrassment and irritation made him snap at Tokio. "Where have you been?"

Tokio blinked and innocently offered Saitou some chips, which he refused. "I had to find a bathroom." As if that were obvious. "And I was hungry so I stopped by 7/11 for snacks."

Okita stared at the pretty lady secretly impressed by the way she handled Saitou. "Hajime, are you going to introduce me to your lady friend?" Okita asked with twinkling eyes.

Saitou studied his friend, knowing something was going through that devious mind of his. Despite Okita's youthful good looks the man was just as twisted as Saitou. But he couldn't avoid introducing the two.

Once introductions had been made, Tokio said, with a mischievous smile, "I didn't know you had friends Saitou-san."

"He's hardly a friend." Saitou drawled.

Okita sighed in mock despair. "He's so cruel Tokio-chan!" Saitou raised an eyebrow at such familiarity.

"Oh you poor thing!" Tokio said in a comforting tone, more then happy to play along.

"Are you two done?" Saitou asked in a low and dangerous voice. Anyone would have believed they were long time friends the way they were going on. "I want to go home."

Tokio offered Saitou an apologetic smile. Okita simply grinned, completely unapologetic.

Tokio placed her hands together and with a sweet smile she pleaded, "Just a little longer please? I want to go and take a picture with Colonel Sanders." Motioning to KFC's plastic figure by the door.

"You said you would be right back." Saitou reminded her, irritated to have been roped into waiting in line.

"Aww, Saitou. Let the pretty lady take her picture." Okita nudged his friend with his elbow. "You know what? You take her picture and I'll wait in line."

Saitou sighed. He saw that he wasn't going to get out of this. Not with Okita backing Tokio up. "Let's go." And with that he stalked off towards Colonel Sanders dressed up in a red suit with Tokio following behind him.

Okita couldn't help smile from his place in line at the two.

"Saitou-san it's blurry! Take it again."

"Then stop moving."

"Or maybe you could auto-focus."

"I do know how to take a picture you know."

"Hm. I wonder about that."

"Oy. I am doing you a favour."

"Ok ok."

Tokio took her place beside Colonel Sanders once more.

"Let me see." Tokio took her phone from Saitou and inspected the picture. "Take it again."

"What's wrong with the picture?"

"Just take another one."

After a few more takes Tokio finally had a satisfying picture, and resumed her place in line. Not long after that Okita and Saitou took their leave.

"Thank you!" Tokio shouted after them. Saitou merely waved over his shoulder. Okita turned around and waved good-bye.

"What kind of gentleman are you? Leaving a lovely lady to stand in the cold for your Christmas dinner." Okita admonished his friend.

"Okita. Shut up." Saitou growled, not bothering to correct his friend. Instead he tried to ignore the twinge of guilt he felt for leaving Tokio alone.

- Later that night. -

Just as Saitou was beginning to wonder if Tokio had made it home someone knocked on his door.

Saitou opened the door and to his surprise there stood Tokio with a large bag and bottle in hand, which she proudly held up.

"I think it's only fair that I share this with you. You did stand in line for me after all." Tokio grinned.

Saitou leaned against his doorjamb and smirked. "Of course. After all you did take advantage of my kindness."

Tokio rolled her eyes and held out the bag of food. "Are you going to let me in? I am cold! I've been outside all day."

Saitou grabbed the food and moved out of the way. "Come on in then."

As Tokio stepped into his apartment she said, "Merry Christmas Saitou-san."

Saitou reached out to take the champagne from her and used the bag of KFC to gently nudge her in. "Merry Christmas Tokio." He didn't miss the way Tokio blushed, maybe there was something to this Christmas thing after all.

The end.