AN: Yep, here I am with yet another story. But good news, my dear readers, this one is complete so no worries about leaving you hanging ^_^.

This story was written last year for the LJ community, dokuga_contest, and their Christmas Challenge. And yes, I know it's not Christmas yet, but if the department stores can put their decorations up already, I figure I can post my story.

There are twelve chapters in all. I will post one per week until it's done.

Special thanks to my friend, LC Rose, for her endless encouragement and role as sounding board/beta of this little fic.

Trimming the Tree
(Prompt – Deck the Halls)

It was nearing midnight when Sesshoumaru finally stepped out of his office, closing the heavy wood door firmly behind him. Everyone was long gone – everyone except for his assistant.

On the other side of the large, cubicle-filled area, she hummed off-key carols as she sprinkled tinsel over an enormous spruce until the fragrant tree glittered. Sesshoumaru shook his head, amazed once again at her boundless energy. Making his way across the open office area, he stood quietly inspecting her handiwork.

"Go home, Higurashi," he said after a few moments, his deep voice bringing a sudden halt to her fa-la-la-ing.

"OH!" she cried, clutching a hand over her heart. "Sesshoumaru! You gave me a heart attack!"

"Hnn," he hummed, carefully turning one of the bright Christmas baubles between long fingers.

"'Hnn' he says. Can't even apologize, frustrating man!" she ranted to herself as she turned back to her tinseling. "Just what would you have done if I did have a heart attack and keeled over dead?" she asked, addressing him again.

"Started looking for a new assistant?" he asked evenly.

She stared at him, blinking in disbelief before throwing her hands up in the air. "Gah!"

"Go home, Higurashi. It's late," he repeated, inwardly smirking. She really was so easy to get riled up and doing so was one of his favorite pastimes.

"Soon. I just want to be sure everything is up before I go. Don't want to leave things half done," she said smiling as she went back to stringing her tinsel.

"I just love seeing people's reactions to the finished product," she added bouncing enthusiastically, her mood changing so fast it would have made his head spin if he wasn't already used to it.

"Just remember, I will not tolerate tardiness in the morning no matter how late you stay."

"Yes, sir," she intoned, nodding solemnly, trying to suppress her grin.

"Well, goodnight then," Sesshoumaru replied, turning toward the elevator.

"Good night, Boss!" she called.

Stepping into the elevator, Sesshoumaru turned, placing a hand against the side to prevent the doors from closing.

"Oh, and Higurashi?" he called he called over to the girl. "The office looks beautiful."

Pushing the button for the parking level, he looked up in time to see his assistant's radiant smile beaming at him before the doors slid shut.

Comments appreciated