The holiday ritual was pretty much the same as last year, save for the huge barbecue to help decorate one of the trees outside the tar woods. Instead, he had decorated the Trans Am and lit it up in the driveway. The house wasn't lit but the mailbox sure as hell was. Like a small beacon you could probably see from space. No wonder the mailman called in his house for burns on his hands.

The gifts for family lay under the kendo mural or have already been sent to their proper people. A charmed necklace for Tam (we won't discuss where he got a welpling summon charm at this current time or how bad it smells to him). The Baby's First Spellbook for Little Suzie. New bartowels for H.D.'s (and a holiday card sent to the Hollister residence). Holiday Greeting ornaments for the Pard. Tickets to Snoopy On Ice for Leela and her son, Tom. A glass ornament for Emma.

But one more than any else vexed him. No trinket or totem or bit of shine would sate his need to please this person, to make them smile. Tamarantha and Suzie aside, only one person meant enough to make this gift a tough choice to ponder.

Susan Storm might wake to gifts aplenty, silver and diamonds and all the riches money may holster, save for one piece. A card in the tinsel of the tree in the Baxter Building reads in crisp writing, both German and English.

I know who did it. I'm going to go find my justice. I'll be gone for a week, but I will be back. I give you both my word, sworn on the Spirits.

Wish me luck.

- D. Delacroix

Günter's dead.

The hell is with you kids today and being so god damned loud? Seriously, if it's not directly involved with them, the public isn't going to give a crap.

And no. I like being a bitter, cranky, old fart. So there.

Boss,

I made up a room ready for you. 20x24ft. Near the laundry room, but close to the back front portch.

- D.D.

Susan? Can I ask a favor from you? It'll be helping a little kid out.

It's come to my attention that I've been quiet. Moreso than usual. I'm sorry. I feel the need to apologize, as with most things, because I honestly feel like the disconnection is my own fault. I've pretty much holed up in the dojo for months now and have worked on very little to pass the time.

I tried making a boat. It's still unfinished. I tried to put in a new engine to one of the Firebirds. The engine is still at the warehouse. I even tried to re-enter the dating scene. That was a big FAIL on my part.

I'm not sure what to do now. I know that I still want to see my family. I still want to hang out with the Pard (being if I'm still part of it). I know I still want to work at H.D.'s. But, I still feel like I'm missing something.

This is why I'm asking for the opinions of my friends and family about my new project. I'm thinking of re-entering the law & order scene by becoming a New York police officer. I could go into a field I'm pretty well versed in and go back as a detective. I could go into SWAT. The thing is that I feel that I'd get back the mental state that I've been missing since arriving in the Nexus.

I'll still be here to be part of everyone's lives if they want or need me. I'll still be here for tea or movie marathons if you guys still want to put up with an old fart like me blubbing at the sappy scenes. I just feel like I should pick up where I left off and try and keep at the whole 'being normal' thing while I'm at it.

Yes? No? Shut up, you stupid git or I'll throw a book at you?

-Dante

Dante stood in the open mouth of the shed in a cloud of sawdust. The whir of machinary echoed on the grounds in pulses as he trimmed the excess ends from the posts to what looked like the wooden skeleton of a dingy. His shirt had been pulled off and tucked into his back pocket to use as a spare sweat rag. Bits of wood and a layer of sawdust covered his front, smeared in various places. He had to be thankful all of that wasn't being breathed in; thankful for the dustmask.

( Creepy how accurate this is. )

I got to meet Glinda, the Good Witch!!!