Day 6: Corporate Christmas

Welf stood in his room, trying to figure out how to fix his damn tie. The ruby-red clothe was refusing to cooperate around his neck, and the mechanic struggled to get it to repair itself. Everything else was already nice and pressed. His charcoal blazer was well-tailored, his pants were crisp and ironed, and even his shirt had been freshly cleaned. But this damn tie! It just refused to listen!

"Come over here," came a voice. "Let me help you."

Welf sighed but turned around. Standing in front of him, in a stunning scarlet dress, was Hephaestus. The two had danced around each other for years but had recently, finally, committed to a serious relationship. They had been going strong for a couple months now, which was why Welf had invited her to the Crozzo Company Christmas Party.

Hephaestus's nimble fingers danced across his chest as she deftly looped his tie with practiced ease. Soon enough, Welf had a snug half-Windsor know at his throat. Hephaestus looked up at him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

"There, all done," she said. "Now, shall we get this over with?"

Welf chuckled as he followed. As he did, his eyes traced the lines of Hephaestus's dress. With a bit of help from Hestia and some of her other friends, the scarlet-haired woman had found the perfect dress. Freya had even done her make-up so well that the eye-patch Hephaestus wore seemed to blend in with the rest of the outfit. Not that Welf would have cared; either way, she would always be the most beautiful woman in the room to him.

The two got in their car, which they had supped up, tricked out themselves, and drove to Crozzo's office near Welf's apartment. Hephaestus drove, thankfully, as Welf was in no play to pay attention to the road. He hated his family and their company, but the way the economy was was the only job he could get. Even still, he refused to work with the board. He was happy on the ground floor, ensuring that everyone did their fair share and got what they deserved. He was the union rep, after all.

As the two drove, Welf received a string of positive comments from his friends in their group chat. Bell, Lili, and the rest of their little family were all sending him their love and encouragement. Screw whatever his dad said; his friends were his real family. They always have been and always would be.

"Just remember to keep breathing," said Hephaestus. "Breathe, smile, and if all else fails, come and find me." She took a hand off the steering wheel to grab one of his. "We're in this together now."

Welf nodded, feeling the tension leave his shoulders. He tried to keep that feeling as they pulled into the parking lot. He could already see the lights of the upper floors and how the shadows of the other employees seemed to dance around them. He got out of the car and took a deep breath. Hephaestus took his hand, and they went upstairs.

The beginning wasn't so bad. Welf greeted everyone, including his father, and shook hands with some familiar bigwigs. He introduced Hephaestus to the rest of the office, and she was as charming as ever. The attention seemed to worry her, but thankfully no one asked about the scar on her face. That is until daddy dearest decided to do his yearly pitch.

"You have to join us," said Welf's father, Vil Crozzo. "The company needs fresh blood, and you're the perfect man to do it."

Welf shook his head, holding back a scream. "And what, inherit all the problems that you caused?"

"Then why not try fixing them?" said Vil. "You're always getting on me and your grandfather about how we need to treat people better. Why not join us at the top and do your part?"

"Because, I know you, dad, the second that I say raise the minimum wage, you'll start pestering me about profits," replied Welf.

Vil gave his sleaziest smile. "Well, this is a business after all. I gotta make a profit somehow."

Welf rolled his eyes, and Vil's smile dropped.

"Now listen, I have had just about enough of all these games of yours," said Vil. He pointed to where Hephaestus was politely listening outside. "This last one, bringing that…disfigured monstrosity to this company, was the last straw." His finger pointed back to Welf. "You need to get your priorities in order, now."

Welf nodded along. His father was right, after all. He did need to get his priorities in order. So, Welf pulled back and then punched his father in the face. There was total silence since everybody could see him through the glass conference room walls. Most were in shock and awe, and then Hephaestus started laughing. It came from deep in her belly, and soon she was doubled over laughing.

Welf smiled as he walked out. He took her hand and led her out to the parking lot.

"I'm guessing we're going over to Hestia's Christmas party?" she asked.

Welf nodded, and Hephaestus gave a great long kiss.

"Good, I'm proud of you, Welf."

The End

Hestia chuckled as she finished the latest quilted square. There was a fire, and within it was a heart. And within that heart was a hammer.

"So often, we're told that Christmas is about family," she says, placing the square down. "What they don't tell you is that whoever that family is, is all up to you. It's your choice, always."

Slowly, the quilt was filling.