A/N — very loosely based on Master Chef. xoxo — kals
x
Name: Lights
Setting: AU; no specific universe
Prompt: TAC Team v. CIC in some sort of holiday competition
x
"Here we are," Mike said, pulling to a stop in front of the first of the two semi-finalists for best light display in the neighborhood competition, which just happened to be the entries by CIC and the TAC team, respectively. Mike glanced at Andrea and Russ. "Do you have your checklists?"
"Yes, sir," Russ replied, holding up his checklist.
When Andrea nodded, Mike continued. "We need to judge each house on three categories — use of lights, overall design, and Christmas spirit."
"Holiday spirit," Andrea corrected. When Mike scowled, she added. "Ravit's correction."
Rolling his eyes, Mike followed Andrea out of the SUV and into the driveway of the elegant house. The three studied the classic two stories where the Green family lived, although the entry was officially from CIC as a whole. The windows and roof of the house were lined with white lights, each window and door decorated with green wreaths and red bows, with icicle strands across the roofline. The yard was filled with a flurry of fake snow and large sparklers, with three white reindeer standing in one corner. The palm trees also contained white lights, along with red bows at regular intervals.
"Excellent use of lights," Andrea said, nodding approvingly. "No stray power cords or electrical boxes. I think we have a winner for the use of lights."
"A classic design but well-executed," Russ added. "The candles in each window are a nice detail."
Mike studied the house. "I agree. Still, a bit flat, don't you think?" He nodded towards the house across the street, where Ravit and Carlton lived, which was the entry by the TAC Team. "Shall we view the other option?"
The house across the street was almost identical in structure, but that was hard to see through the explosion of color. The house itself was covered with sparkling lights in all colors of the rainbow, strung in a spiderweb pattern. Each window was open, blowups of Yoda, a group of corgis, and two bears, standing on the windowsills. The front yard, much like the rest of the house, was completely covered by a mishmash of blowup Santa Claus, a large nativity, and a blue-and-yellow flashing menorah. On the roof sat eight full-size reindeer and a sleigh loaded with gifts, all of which were blinking various colors. The front doors were guarded by two nutcrackers of at least six feet.
"It's a lot," Andrea said, lifting a hand to tap her chin. "But there's something cheerful and compelling about the chaos."
"Definitely the winner in the holiday spirit category," Russ agreed.
Mike nodded back at the Greens' house. "But CIC wins for best use of light, so they each have one point. Which house is best overall?"
All three looked back and forth between the two houses, before Andrea nodded firmly. "TAC team."
Russ frowned slightly, before gesturing towards the Green's home. "I personally think CIC did a better job overall. While understated in comparison, it's very appealing."
As Mike realized what was happening, he groaned. "You're seriously going to make me cast the tie breaker?"
Andrea smirked. "That is why they are paying you the big bucks."
Mike narrowed his eyes at her, before sighing. "If the entire CIC resigns tomorrow, I'm blaming you."