It was most definitely NOT the most wonderful time of the year. In fact, Kirin thought he'd quite like to punch whoever had written that stupid song. It was Christmas time and Kirin was alone in his apartment, a fact that wasn't likely to change by the time the red letter day rolled around. Just like he'd told Scylla, as Foramen, there was nothing for him to like about this season. He was always alone, but the Christmas holiday brought it home more than usual, as everyone else celebrated and preached on about being with families being the true joy and 'spirit' of the season.

"Bah, humbug," Kirin muttered to himself.

He was stretched out on the couch, his arms wrapped around a cushion and half burying his face in it. In counter to all the excitement outside, safe in his haven, Kirin indulged in feeling sorry for himself. It wasn't like he let himself do it often, preferring to put on an act that nothing affected him.

When the house phone rang, Kirin debated letting it ring out. Anyone he wanted to talk to (those precious, rare few) had his mobile number. Therefore, anyone who rang the home line was either a telemarketer or, even worse...

One hand darted out, snatching the phone from the receiver on its last ring. "Hello grandfather," he said with a complete lack of enthusiasm.

If Kaine Walker was hurt by the lackluster response form his grandson, it didn't show through the phone. His gravelly voice was warm as he spoke. "Hello, Kirin."

Kirin mentally awarded his grandfather half a point for not trying to use the nickname Kirin's mom had always used. Maybe Kaine was finally getting it through his head that he couldn't force closeness by trying to take over when Kirin's mom had left off.

Heaving a sigh, Kirin forced himself to be polite, as much as he wanted to snap a what down the line. "What can I do for you, grandad?"

"You could give some more thought to joining me for Christmas."

Even though there was no one to see, Kirin hid his grimace into his cushion. Oh yeah, that was just what he needed. He hadn't been exaggerating to Scylla - they really were a pathetic family these days, unable to have a proper conversation, avoiding eye contact with each other, eating silently or making the inane kind of small talk you expected from a 'meet the in-laws' first dinner. It would be a terrible Christmas.

"Kirin," a touch of exasperation entered Kaine's voice. "I don't think you should be alone the entire vacation. I know you like your independance, but can you honestly tell me that you wouldn't spend the day moping about your apartment, missing your mother and making yourself more and more depressed?"

Considering that was what Kirin was currently doing, no, he couldn't say such a thing honestly. He wasn't above lying, of course, but Kaine would know the lie for what it was.

"And spending the day with you is going to make me happy?" he eventually asked. Any hoarseness in his voice would be blamed entirely on having had his face buried in a pillow.

Another sigh, the ones that meant Kirin was being difficult but wasn't succeeding in making his grandfather angry, just sad. Kirin supposed it said a lot about their relationship these days that they could have a conversation in sighs. "What's the point in having each other if we're both too scared or hurt to even see each other?" Kaine asked. Gentled as his voice was, it still wasn't enough to prevent Kirin's hackles raising at the claim that he was scared. (Hurt, he'd give Kaine.)

"Even if we're just hurting each other more?" Kirin all but sneered down the phone.

His grandfather was more pragmatic. "At least we'll be hurting together, not in empty houses that aren't quite homes any more."

Kirin sulked, a sure sign that his grandfather had scored a point. He dithered for a few moments, before ungraciously conceding defeat with a, "Fine. I'll spend Christmas Day at your place."

"You're more than welcome to come over on Christmas Eve and stay the night," his grandfather said. Kirin could just see the smile on his face. The old man was really pushing it.

Perhaps it was the Christmas spirit at work after all. Maybe it was the knowledge the Christmas Eve on Kirin's own would be just like Christmas Day on his own would have been. Whatever the case, Kirin didn't shoot down the idea immediately, like he normally would have. "Maybe," he instead replied.

"Well," Kaine had not been expecting that, suprise and joy evident as he stumbled for words. "That's... that's good, Kirin. I suppose I'll see you..." he trailed off, clearly hoping for a definite answer.

"Yes, yes, I'll see you Christmas Eve, " Kirin huffed. "And we'll see how we go from there."

"I'm glad," came the soft answer. "Good night, Kirin."

Kirin rolled his eyes and tried to glare at the phone held to his ear. "Good night," he said and hung up. His head dropped back into the cushion, muffling a groan. What he had gotten himself into this time?