Warning/Pairing: Shifting viewpoints between characters, eventual sap
December 12th
A Helping Hand
It was a week before Christmas and Sally's roof had developed a leak. Water was dripping down from her dining room ceiling. She'd placed several pots about, but with snow and the sunny weekend they'd just had, she was changing them more frequently than she'd like. She'd only moved into the house a month ago. Nobody had said anything about leaky roofs. Everyone talked about the joys of being a home owner. At the moment she wasn't really feeling the joy. When she called up the roof people, they'd refused to come out until after the holidays. If she wanted a patch done sooner, she'd have to do it herself. Is it too late to move back into my condo?
-0-
Trowa had lost the silver ring Quatre gave him last year. They'd gone to the park to watch the birds. Goofing off, he'd thrown a snowball at a nearby crow and the ring had slipped right off his finger. They spent an hour looking for it without success. It had either landed deep in the snow somewhere or fallen into the river. Either way he probably wouldn't get it back. Quatre hadn't been too upset but Trowa knew the ring meant a lot and felt awful for losing it. I should have been more careful.
-0-
Heero spent the entire day shopping for Duo and only found gloves. He hated shopping and had put it off until the very last possible day. He didn't get home until nearly eight o' clock at night. All he had to show for the days effort was a small red bag with a pair of winter gloves inside. He knew Duo had found him several nice gifts and it made Heero feel even worse. Looking down at the small bag clutched in his hand he threw it on the couch in disgust. Head resting against the doorframe he pictured Christmas day and Duo's excited face. Heartbroken and angry at himself, he punched the wall by the door. Merry Christmas Duo, sorry I'm such a loser.
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Quatre snapped the antenna off his car in the carwash. It'd been too cold to wash the car himself so he'd taken it to the drive through. He hadn't been paying attention though and forgot to turn off the radio. A loud snap and then silence as the music disappeared, was his only reminder. He stood outside the car staring at the jagged piece of metal that was sticking off his roof and groaned. Way to go moron.
-0-
Duo broke the coffee pot that morning. It had slipped out of his hands and he watched it fall as if in slow motion before shattering on the floor. Hot coffee soaked his pants, scalding his skin and he winced as a piece of glass sliced into his hand. The coffee maker was a complex dual steamer with blender and attached grinder. Une had ordered it as a special treat for the office and he knew she was going to kill him. That'll definitely be coming out of my paycheck.
-0-
Wufei arrived at the office and found his co-workers in various states of depression. Sally was on the phone swearing at someone. Heero was at his desk refusing to talk to anyone. Trowa kept fiddling with his left hand and throwing guilty looks at Quatre. Who was at his desk staring glumly down at what looked like a radio antenna. Duo wasn't at his desk, but Wufei could hear the Commander ripping him a new one in her office. Something about trusting him with a gun and coffee.
He was a good listener though and eventually by the afternoon he'd discovered what was bothering his friends. He felt terrible that they'd all had such miserable weekends. Well Duo technically was having a lousy Monday but it didn't sound like his weekend had been that great either. It didn't seem right that everyone should be so upset when it was supposed to be the holidays.
Coming to a decision he picked up the phone and made a couple calls.
An hour later there was a deli sandwich and note sitting on every desk. Sally picked up her note in surprise, peering at the sandwich in pleasure. She'd been running late this morning trying to find someone to come fix the roof and she hadn't had time to pack her lunch. The note was brief.
Sally. Enjoy the sandwich. I'll come help you patch your roof this afternoon before it gets dark. I already ok'd it with Une. Consider it an early Christmas present. -W
Heero eyed the roast beef sandwich on his desk suspiciously but then read the note from Wufei and relaxed. He'd planned on skipping lunch, hoping to get out to try and find a present for Duo. Now he wouldn't have to.
Heero. You shouldn't miss meals. I'm pretty sure there is a portable hard drive and set of speakers Duo has been coveting at the electronic store. You have plenty of time to go after work. I've got wrapping paper in the backseat of my car if you need any. -W
Trowa picked up the tuna sandwich and glanced over where Quatre appeared to be buried in paperwork. He didn't think the food and note had come from him. Curious, he flipped open the note and read while he ate.
Trowa. Chances are you won't find the ring but this is the address of the jeweler where Quatre got it. Maybe you could pick up something for him this time as well. I hear engravings are very nice. -W
Duo wasn't eating because he figured he'd better start saving if a new coffee machine was coming out of his pocket. Which was why he knew he hadn't ordered any food. The turkey club sitting on his desk had a piece of paper taped to it with this name on it though.
Duo. Don't let Une get to you. Coffee pots that expensive have custom-made components. This is the number of the company that designed ours. They can replace just the pot for you. -W
Quatre came back to his desk with a bottle of water and tried to remember if he had a candy bar stuck in his drawer. For some reason Christmas time always meant more paperwork. Puzzled, he picked up the egg salad sandwich that was sitting on his desk. Nearly groaning in relief he looked at the note to see who had known he was missing lunch.
Quatre. You know, the warranty is still good on your car. They'll fix the antenna. Eat the sandwich. I took half your paperwork. Go home on time tonight, I think Trowa needs a hug. -W
Wufei sat in his chair with his feet propped up on the desk. A half-eaten sandwich clutched in one hand and a soda in the other. He rather felt a bit like Santa Claus and chuckled quietly to himself. He raised his can in a silent toast to his friends and their happiness. May peace and joy bless you always.