After they ate breakfast, (Aiko had made many, MANY pancakes, all of which the three of them had devoured), they deconstructed the blanket fort and gathered around the little tree that Ty and Yuuki had bought the night before
Ty noticed there were now two cardboard boxes next to it
Aiko: I found the ornaments and lights before you two woke up. Ty, wanna stay and help us decorate the tree?
Ty: Really? You wouldn't rather just do it with Yuuki?
Aiko: oh come on, just say yes *she jokingly punches his shoulder and grins* we both know Yuuki won't object, right?
Yuuki: m-mhmm! *she nods excitedly*
Ty: hehe.. sure then. I'll help
Yuuki: yay!
Together, the three of them went through the two boxes and covered the tree in decorations
Ty thinking: This is really fun. It almost feels like we're a family. Well, I guess they are at least
Yuuki: hmmm.. *looking concerned*
Ty: What's wrong, Yuuki?
Yuuki: I can't find the star anywhere.. have you seen it yet?
Ty: Um.. *looks around himself quickly* no. Can't say I have
Yuuki: Aiko??
Aiko: Relax, Yuuki *she smiles and holds out the star* It's right here
Yuuki: Phew.. don't scare me like that!
Ty: Why was she so worried about the star? Is it important? Well, more important than a star is already, I mean
Aiko: mhmm, it is *she nods and hands it to Yuuki* It's the last thing our parents gave to us before they um...
Aiko trails off and stares off into space for a second
Aiko: Um! *shakes her head briefly* anyway.. yeah. It's really important to us
Ty: Oh.. I see. Well, I'm glad it wasn't lost
Yuuki: y-yeah.. same here
Yuuki quickly wipes a tear from her eye before anyone can notice, then gets a bit smile on her face, much more fitting for her than tears
Yuuki: c'mon. Let's put this on the tree!
Aiko: Why don't you and Ty do it together? I know its normally us two that do it, but how about we mix it up this year?
Ty: I.. really? You wouldn't mind?
Aiko shakes her head no
Aiko: Would I suggest it if I didn't like the idea? *he grins* come on, do it!
Yuuki: o-okay..! *she smiles at Ty* let's do it
The two of them walk over to the tree, and both take the star in their hands. Together, they place it on the tree. They faintly hear the sound of a phone snapping a picture behind them. They both blush a bit and turn around
Aiko: hehehe, sorry *she grins and holds her phone out where they can see it, showing a picture of the two of them putting the star on the tree* I couldn't resist the opportunity
Ty: i-its okay. hehe..
Yuuki mumbling: better send that to me later..
Ty: hm?
Yuuki: n-nothing!
Aiko: *giggles at Yuuki looking pouty* anyway, before we turn the tree on, there's one more thing I wanna do
Ty and Yuuki: What's that?
Aiko: *smiles* I'll be right back
