By now, it was just two days before Christmas, and the pine tree had begun dropping its needles already. Bollo wanted to take it back to the shop in sheer fury, as the pushy sales assistant did say it still had at least two weeks life left in it, but eventually settled for burning it in the cramped front garden and getting a 2-foot-tall neon one out of the loft. It was also just two weeks since the "incident" with Vince, who, quite thankfully appeared to be getting better, had quit his job, though with no companies hiring just before Christmas, resorted to cleaning the house, and doing the weekly shop online, even if the bill did come to double what it usually would.

Everyone was happy. Things were finally getting back to normal.

Meanwhile, Howard's relationship with Melinda (who had since stated she wished to be called Mel) was blossoming, and the day was rare when he came in from work not grinning to himself.

Even Naboo was happier, looking forward to spending Christmas alone with his girlfriend in a hut overlooking the lake, which was frozen, and where the sunsets were said to be breathtaking. He still had some prickling doubt though, about something he couldn't quite put his finger on, so he blamed it on the Board of Shaman's annual gathering the following day.

This was of course viewed through the rose-tinted glasses of anyone but Vince, who truth be told, was still as miserable as ever, just hiding it better. He had told Howard otherwise though.

"I'm sorry I was such a prat the other week…I was pissed. I didn't like work. It seemed a good idea at the time, and I was angry, y'know? But I'm better now. I promise."

Howard looked a little choked up.

"I'm sorry too, for what I said. I didn't mean that either." He smiled genuinely. Vince did too, faking it. The small space in the kitchen was awkward. Cramped. Something solved with the proposition of a cuppa and chocolate wafer straw.

This didn't stop Howard hiding all the knives and sharp objects out of the kitchen, but still. It was a start. Although it would be ages until he'd be left in the house alone. Or, at least that's what he thought, right until Naboo shuffled into his room looking a bit sheepish. Everyone else was at work, and Bollo, ever the optimist had decided to do a gig in the town centre to raise funds for a replacement tree, due to the presents almost enclosing the current version completely.

"Hiya. What's up? You look a bit…worried." He said, getting off the bed and smoothing his hair slightly in the mirror.

"Yeah…I know. Well. It's about Corrine's present. I kind of…broke it." Naboo winced and sighed, putting the wrapping paper down. Vince looked slightly puzzled at what he could do about the situation, but smiled slightly. "And. Yeah. I was wondering, would you be alright, y'know, on your own, if I just nip down to the craft market for half an hour? An hour tops? Cos I leave tomor-"

"It'll be fine, don't worry. I'm getting better, remember?" Vince said the words fluently, as if they'd been rehearsed. They had. Naboo looked really grateful.

"You won't try anything stupid will you?"

"'Course not!" Another grin.

"Ah, thanks a lot! Right...I'm off...Otherwise it'll shut…"

Within fifteen minutes, the front door slammed, and after a through search of the house, not a single blade or even a bottle opener could be found, meaning he had to have tap water. It tasted metallic, but it was probably for the best anyway. He was getting fat, despite Howard's attempts to 'feed him up'.

Curiously, he picked up the gift-wrapped box and lifted the paper carefully. The tag lolled out.

"Exotic Glassware from..."

The latter half was torn, but that didn't matter. Inside the box, the serrated shards of glass jingled merrily…

Don't hurt me!!

And please review ;)