Noel

"Theta, we can't make them. We don't have a fireplace." Koschei was putting handmade ornaments on the tree that they managed to borrow from Ushas. She had been more than happy to genetically create a species that held a similarity to an Earth Pine.

"But Kos, it's part of the Christmas tradition!" Theta whined, holding up a picture from a book he had managed to pull from his vast collection. He pointed to a large pair of socks, filled to the brim with candies and fruits, hanging over a fireplace. "It's important!"

Koschei sighed and looked at his best friend. "I understand that Theta. What you need to understand is that we don't have a fireplace."

"But Kos, we need them! We have to have everything right and in order so we can make this place as Christmasy as possible."

Koschei leaned forward and gently grabbed Theta's face, slowly pulling him closer so that their foreheads were touching. The strong green eyes stared into the bright blue ones.

"Theta, listen to me." Koschei said, his voice carrying a slight hint of agitation. "We. Do. Not. Have. A. Bloody. Fireplace."

Theta seemed to finally comprehend this and his eyes widened with realization. "Oh… then… can we put them over our beds?"

Koschei leaned back, smiled, and ruffled Theta's hair. "Sure. We might as well."

The two boys had been making their room ready for this Human holiday for days, and Koschei had been willingly complying. He wasn't sure exactly how he felt about this holiday, as all the talk of love, giving, and peace, sounded a little sappy, but he wanted to make Theta happy. The younger Time Lord had been rather dismal since Carrot, the cat they had been caring for, had finally been discovered by a Teacher and removed from the Academy. And it was a known fact that Koschei could not stand to see Theta sad.

They had everything. The tree. The fully decorated tree. The presents underneath the tree, despite the limited number of two, were wrapped and happily ready to be opened. Theta had even managed to find a candy cane scented candle. Koschei didn't ask where in time and space he had found it, but he had.

Koschei stretched and yawned, looking at the room. "It looks great Theta. Tell you what, since tonight is Christmas Eve we'll just do the stockings tomorrow. I'm tired."

Theta nodded and stood up. They were both already wearing their pajamas.

"Thanks for all your help Kos," he grinned, every single pure white tooth showing. "You're awesome."

"Tell me something I don't know," Koschei said climbing into bed. He smiled. "You're welcome Theta." With that, he wrapped up and closed his eyes.

It took awhile, at least ten minutes, before Koschei realized Theta was still awake, standing in front of the window.

"Theta, it's late. You need to sleep," the exhausted raven haired boy said, sitting up.

Theta nodded. "I know. I'm not tired. I'm actually wide awake."

Koschei groaned. "Theta, you have to be tired. You told me you didn't sleep well last night, and you were a wreck this morning."

Theta gave a small smile. "I'll be okay."

Koschei shook his head and pointed. "You. Bed. Now."

Theta sighed and complied. Koschei flopped back down right as the automatic lights cut off, signaling the curfew. He closed his eyes, feeling the blessed allure of sleep slowly creep through him. As Time lords got older, they required less and less sleep, so Koschei learned to always take advantage of what he had know.

There was silence for a few moments, as the room became colder, making the blankets a necessity.

"… Kos?" a hesitant voice called out.

Stifling an annoyed moan, Koschei responded. "Yes Theta?"

"I can't sleep. I think I have to much on my mind."

Koschei, still holding back his complaints, got out of his bed and crawled into Theta's, looking at his best friend.

"Like what?"

Theta shrugged, an action visible by the candle's flame which was still flickering. "Everything. Carrot being gone and if she'll be okay, my family in Lungbarrow, the Hermit, how the rest of our time here is going to go… and… you."

Koschei's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Theta smiled. "I'm lucky to have you as a friend Kos. You put up with me when I'm difficult, you stick with me through everything… and… I hope that goes on forever. You're my brother Kos… and I love you as one."

There was a silence as Koschei's eyes filled with tears. He smiled and gave Theta's hair another ruffle. "Theta… I… um… well… same to you."

Theta laughed and hugged Koschei. "Plus I'm a little worried if that tree is going to survive of not."

Koschei sighed and his smile grew. "I think we'll try something then. You remember when you had that nightmare?"

Theta nodded.

"Well, lets do what we did then."

Theta nodded and soon was wrapped in Koschei's arms, buried under the covers.

"Now, pick a sound… my heartbeats, my breathing, anything… and focus only on them. Clear your mind and focus on them."

Theta nodded and closed his eyes, his ear to Koschei's chest. He decided to focus on Koschei's breathing, forcing his own to match. Needless to say, it wasn't long before the exhaustion claimed him, dragging him into unconsciousness.

"Happy Christmas Kos," he muttered before falling asleep. Koschei didn't respond; he was already out cold.

Merry (or Happy) Christmas everyone! Or Happy Hanukah. Or Kwanza.

Hate to say it, but the last two chapters are coming up after this. Be prepared.