December 8, 2000
"Under the bed?"
"Uh-uh."
"In their closet?"
"Nope."
"In the trunk of the car?"
"Empty."
"The attic and basement were a no go too."
Triton Winner sunk dejectedly into the sofa, pouting. "Did you call Mara J?"
"Yeah," Tristan answered, hanging upside down from the alternative sofa. "She said Trin won't help her look, but from what she and Dylan could find, there's nothing at her place either."
Triton stretched out on the sofa, still pouting.
"Did you call Kat and Adrian?"
"Yeah," Triton answered, picking at a thread. "Negative on their end." He sighed and rolled over onto his back. "I don't get it! Six days till Christmas and no presents! Dad usually has everything picked out and wrapped by the first week!"
"Yeah, I know," grumped Tristan. "Something's not right here... You don't think... You don't think... that... there won't *be* any presents this year, do ya?"
"Don't be silly," Triton snapped, crossing his arms.
~~On the other side of the door, in the adjoining study~~
"Oh, Trowa, this is terrible!" Quatre hissed, ear pressed up against the door. "Should we tell them we're going to have Christmas in Sank?"
"No," Trowa whispered. "Let them stew for a while. Maybe they'll behave themselves and stay out of trouble until then."
"You're right," Quatre grinned, leaning up to kiss his love's lips. "At least they won't be getting coal in their stockings!"
End of Part 9: Looking for Presents
Andrea Readwolf
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