A/N: Hi guys. First of all, I hope you're all enjoying the festive season! I'm definitely enjoying the abundance of Christmas specials and the time to relax and not feel guilty for not doing mountains of university work! This is a little something I've been working on for the past few days. Megan mentioned to me a while back that I should write some season 2... and when CK said to me that I should write something Christmassy, a lightbulb went off and I thought, why not combine the two! And then when webdlfan suggested I did a little backstory writing behind the Whitesnake t-shirt Lindsay was sporting in season 6 it all came together. Yes, most confusing A/N in the history of A/N but basically all you need to know is this is season 2 Christmassy themed, with an acknowledgement to 6x2. (oh god, I hope it was 6x2 now...)

I really hope you guys like what I've come up with. Massive thank yous to everyone who has reviewed my two latest stories. Your reviews were delights to read. I always love seeing your messages.

And I will stop rambling now... on with the show!

"Alright now, settle down guys, we've got a lot to get through."

Sighing heavily, Danny stretched and released some of the tension in his back. Today had been a massive pain in the ass. He'd slept through his alarm, and had therefore had to bypass a shower and coffee; having barely enough time to get dressed before he'd run out of the door for work. Then, the subway had been overcrowded and he hadn't been able to get on the train he'd needed... Then, as soon as he'd got to work, he'd been cornered by Mac, handing him his kit and telling him to find Lindsay; they were heading back to Danny's neighbourhood to process a bodega robbery. Then, if that hadn't been enough, Cindy hadn't stopped calling him. Literally. He'd had to turn his phone from loud, to vibrate, to silent because he'd had enough of listening to the damn Coldplay song that he'd assigned for her... not to mention he'd had to endure a whole lot of sceptical looks from Montana at their crime scene every time he flinched from the vibrations.

He'd tried explaining it to Cindy that when he was at work, he couldn't talk to her. He'd explained, or tried to explain it, politely but right now, he was beginning to find that his patience for the woman was waning. Sure she was nice, she was easy on the eyes and they could have a good time together. But for some reason, the things that used to tick all of his boxes were falling just a little bit short, and he couldn't quite find the reasons why.

"Earth to Messer," Lindsay Monroe whispered quietly, nudging Danny from his day-dream. "You might want to pay attention." She smirked before casting her eyes back to their boss.

Montana. Danny exhaled heavily. She was another pain in his ass; yet there was just something about her that he found endearing. She wasn't your typical girl next door, like people assumed. No. Danny knew for a fact that sat in her pocket was a little buck knife that she could do serious damage with. He knew that she'd excelled in tennis, skiing and a few other sports that she'd mentioned briefly. She used to be a cheerleader, but had quit as she went into her senior year. He knew that she'd graduated high school with honours, and had got a first class degree from Montana State University. She was extremely close to her Dad growing up, and struggled with her Mom from time to time. She had brothers - one of which named Brad. He wasn't entirely sure how many brothers she did have... but he knew for definite there was more than one. Her family was an established part of the community back home in Big Sky Country, and before she'd left for New York; she'd helped with a support group that was linked with her old high school.

He knew all of that about Lindsay, yet, he wouldn't be able to recall Cindy's address without some serious thinking.

Something, he thought, wasn't quite right there. Obviously, he'd know more about Lindsay, being her partner. It was inevitable that little tidbits about their lives were shared from day-to-day... but, surely he shouldn't have taken such an interest in getting to know Lindsay Monroe from Montana. His brow furrowed as a realisation hit him. Did he have a crush on-... no way! He chastised himself before his thought process got any further. That was a messy path that he just couldn't travel down.

"Danny? Are we interrupting something important there?" Stella's teasing voice now broke his thoughts. "You seem pretty lost there."

"No, I'm good. Just processin'; it's been a long day."

"I know," Mac agreed, "We're nearly done now, so if you could hang on for just another half an hour, I'd appreciate it."

"Sorry boss," Danny cringed. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

"Don't say I didn't try to save your ass," Lindsay whispered in his ear, her breath sending chills down his spine.

Danny bit his lip as he focused his concentration on the new protocols that were being enforced over the Christmas period, and what they'd therefore have to follow after they got back in January; not that he got much of a Christmas break. And despite trying to focus, he realised that he'd been so far gone in his thought process that there was no way he'd be able to turn it around without having Mac repeat everything.

"What's he talkin' about?" Danny muttered in Lindsay's ear. "Help me out, Montana."

"You should have been listening as opposed to dreaming about God only knows what," she scoffed quietly as Mac turned to fuss with the presentation he'd been made to use with his briefing. "And you shouldn't have made fun of me taking notes earlier."

"Can I borrow them?" Danny asked tentatively, knowing fine well what the answer was.

"My notes? Absolutely not," she smirked. "This isn't Calculus, Danny; find another nerd to copy notes from."

"Montana, come on."

"Danny, Lindsay... if you don't mind..." Mac cut in, his frustration growing more evident with their conversation. "I know that this is the last place you want to be right now, but I'm nearly done and then you can head home and begin celebrating the holidays, but until then..."

"Sorry Mac," Lindsay blushed. "Carry on, my lips are sealed." She apologised before shooting a venomous scowl at her partner. "Jerk."

Fighting the smirk on his face, Danny sat back and began making pointless notes that he knew he'd never look over or understand if he ever was to read back over them. It pissed him off, knowing that Lindsay's annotations would be so much more sophisticated and legible. He cast his eyes down to her page and marvelled at how her penmanship flowed effortlessly; before turning back to his own writing and blinking as he tried to make sense of the chicken scratch. Mac's onslaught of words went well above Danny's head; something about... something? If he made it worth it, Lindsay would talk it over with him before Mac realised he'd not absorbed a word.

"Alright, well, we'll leave it there for now." Mac sighed. "Danny, you can stop pretending that you're writing notes, and Hawkes, if you could wake Adam up there; we can share gifts and then those of you lucky people that get to leave can leave."

Danny's heart began to race. A part of him had known the reason behind his inability to concentrate; figuring that the gift exchange that was about to take place was a huge part of his mind being elsewhere. He'd taken a massive risk with this one. He just hoped that she liked it.

He'd been brewing the idea since their 'non date' a couple of months ago. After they'd spent the night watching Mac at Cozy's; they had begun to make it a weekly venture – going out and doing something outside of the workplace. They labelled it as a partnership-strengthening exercise when Flack had teased them about it. Lindsay had claimed that if she was expected to put her life in Danny's hands, she needed to know who it was she was trusting, and Flack had nothing more to comment. Who could have argued with that reasoning, after all?

Danny remembered their conversations surrounding that night with a vividness that he'd rarely experienced with anyone else before.

"What are you doing tonight?"

Glancing up from the case of glass shards he had to reassemble, Danny snorted amusedly. "I'll let you take three guesses," he said before gesturing to the evidence. "Why? You askin' me out on a date, Montana? 'Cause I gotta say, I think I'm gonna need a little more persuading than that."

"What if I offer to help with your evidence in exchange for you comin' out with me tonight; ignoring the date comment of course, jackass." She smirked. "I've got tickets to a Whitesnake concert."

"What?" Danny blinked, his jaw almost hitting the layout table he was currently seated at. "Seriously? You do?"

Smirking, Lindsay cleared her throat. "Sorry, did I say Whitesnake concert, I meant tribute band. Wanna come?" She asked, her eyes glistening with excitement.

"Whitesnake?" He implored. "That's funny, I didn't picture you as a fan of Whitesnake... had you more of an opera girl, Montana."

"That's real funny." She scowled at him. "It was one time, and the tickets were free. If you could let that go, it'd be greatly appreciated."

"Well until you come dressed up like that to work again, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to hold onto that image, Montana. Sorry."

"Ugh, pervert. You coming?" she smirked, changing the direction of their conversation.

"I'm coming." He smiled.

She smiled brightly. "Awesome, pick me up at six. We can go for food." She began to turn on her heel before pausing and taking a look at his evidence that lay before him. "You ought to get a wiggle on with that as well, Danny." She said as she looked at her watch. "You've got about four hours... no pressure. See you later, Messer."

"Hey, whoa!" Danny reached out and grabbed her retreating arm. "I thought you promised you'd help me if I said I'd come?"

"Well, what do you know... I lied." She smirked. "Have fun, Messer."

Sighing, Danny glanced down to his evidence and decided that before he cracked on with the daunting task of reassembling a shop-front window in order to get one measly fingerprint, he needed to make a call. Dialling a number that had become part of his memory, he held his phone to his ear and prepared himself for the conversation he was about to have.

"Hey Cindy," he began, "It's me... look, about tonight, I don't think I'm going to be able to make dinner, hun; I've caught this huge case and I can't see me getting away any time soon."

"All I'm saying is that if you got lost in Montana, you'd never see the light of day again. That's all; you don't have to take it so personally Danny. It's not against you. Some people can handle it, some people can't..."

"You know, Montana," Danny sighed as he reached over the table for the Mustard, "I didn't have to come tonight. I've got better things to be doing. All of this teasin' is gettin' a little old."

"Oh yeah? I don't believe that for a second." she snorted, her burger midair as she raised it to her lips. "What on earth would you be doing if you weren't here? Catching up on missed episodes of Letterman? Woo!" she teased playfully. "Don't worry; they'll still be there when you get home."

"Uh, I'd be seein' my girlfriend actually, smartass." He reminded her with raised eyebrows. "I see more of you than I do her sometimes."

Lindsay studied his expression and comment carefully before she responded. His expression was easy to read; he was joking. But there was some weight to his comment that she couldn't quite shake. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No." He shook his head. "Which probably means it's a bad thing, right?"

She shrugged. "I mean, we're partners in a high demanding job. Sometimes it can't be helped."

"But then we go out of our way to spend our night off together?" Danny raised his eyebrows. "You know, some people might begin to wonder, Montana."

"What?" she snorted. "About you and me? Let them wonder. If they've got nothing more to do in their sad lives, more power to them."

"Yeah, I mean it's not as if anything would ever happen between us, right?" Danny laughed.

"Exactly, nothing would ever happen," she quickly reiterated. "I mean come on; could you imagine trying to function at work? For a start, Flack would never leave us alone... and second of all, you're my partner. It'd be way too weird. And spending all day with you in work, and then going home with you? I'd have to kill you."

"Yeah, it'd be overkill... seein' ya that much if you were my girlfriend." Danny nodded in agreement, but made a mental note of the slight tint of pink that had blushed Lindsay's cheeks, while she assured him that nothing would ever happen between the two of them. Although he'd nodded in agreement, he couldn't help the feeling of disappointment that had spread within him as she quickly vetoed any suggestion of them two being more than just friends. Even though he didn't feel that way about her, he wasn't going to go as far to suggest that nothing would ever happen between the two of them. Such as, for example, if they carried on their weekly 'non-date' date night; he wouldn't be surprised if something started developing between them. And if he was silently honest with himself, seeing Lindsay that much would be anything but overkill... Brushing that to the side, Danny cleared his throat and searched for another conversation topic. "So then, you and Whitesnake, huh? I didn't realise you were such a big fan. Going to see a tribute band is pretty dorky, Montana."

"Yeah well, who's the dork coming with me?" She retaliated. "It's not dorky... I just, I loved them growing up; that's all."

"Oh yeah?" he smirked. "What was the appeal?"

"The music, obviously." She implored.

"Not their accent then, no?"

"What?" she squeaked, her voice at a pitch higher than Danny had heard it before. "What?" She then repeated. "No, no, nothing about their accent, thank you."

"Sure thing." Danny nodded with a smirk. "So, the appeal?"

"I just... it's something I shared with my brother." She shrugged. "it's funny, we went to their US tour when I was about sixteen, and I'd gone the whole night wanting to get this Whitesnake t-shirt that I'd seen pictures of. I was borderline obsessed with this thing. It was pink and had their original logo on it, and I just loved it. I envisioned wearing it to school on the Monday and everything."

"What happened? Did you not get it or something?"

She shook her head. "I lost my bag in the crowd somewhere. Brad, my brother was a little less sympathetic than my emotional sixteen year old self had expected him to be, and my wallet was in my bag. He didn't have enough money for a t-shirt for himself, let alone me too... so, I guess it was my own fault really. I just, I was absolutely devastated. I'd set my heart on it and everything but... I guess it was just one of those things that weren't meant to be."

"Have you tried an online merchandise store?" Danny asked. "You never know, they might have the vintage designs on there."

She shook her head. "I've tried; it's all different designs now."

Danny offered her a sad face in response and shrugged. "Well, we'll have a look tonight; you never know... you might get lucky." He winked playfully.

They hadn't gotten lucky with the t-shirt that night; but from what Danny could recall, the tribute band had been pretty awesome. He had, however found himself on many occasions wrapping his arms around Lindsay as she stood in front of him, to protect her from the overly drunken concert-goers around them. He'd been a little wary to begin with; offering up a hugely affectionate gesture in a confined space, but when she'd settled into his embrace, he'd decided against questioning his actions.

It was only in the time after the concert that he felt guilty about his obvious betrayal to Cindy... but they weren't going anywhere; not that it was a justification... but Lindsay was just, different. She was Lindsay. It wasn't like that. She'd said that herself. Except, Danny had realised that he did have feelings for Lindsay Monroe; feelings that he wasn't quite sure what to do with.

After that night, he'd made a mental note to look into finding her the shirt she'd described to him. He'd sneakily noted it down on his cell-phone and googled it when he'd gotten home. Instantly a male, grey version popped up, and he just had a feeling that it was the same design that Lindsay had wanted... but it wasn't pink.

He'd eventually managed to find the pink shirt; from the same tour that Lindsay had gone to when she was sixteen on eBay; while it wasn't the best, it was definitely more luck than he'd had with it for the month he'd been searching for the damn t-shirt. In wanting that t-shirt however, he'd successfully got himself into the middle of a bidding war with some eager fan, he could only assume, and had fought to the death for the thing. What had began with a bidding price of twelve dollars had quickly escalated to sixty five, plus shipping. And while it hurt Danny to part with such money for a t-shirt, he'd taken pride in his victory, knowing that the look on Lindsay's face would be priceless, and would make his efforts and bidding more than worth it.

Except, his plan had fallen to pieces when Mac announced they were going to try a 'Secret Santa' this Christmas with a limit of ten dollars... His heart had sunk when he realised his efforts were about to go down the toilet. He crossed his fingers in hopes of picking Lindsay out of the test beaker they'd placed all of their names into, and he felt his heart drop when he opened up the piece of paper, revealing Mac's name. He'd eagerly watched the table's reactions to their own Secret Santa's; trying to assess who had Lindsay, and as soon as Sid had picked his, Danny had known. Sid's eyes went straight to Lindsay and a small smile had spread across his lips. It had taken a lot of persuading on his part, but eventually Sid had traded Danny for Mac, and he'd been able to breathe a sigh of relief; his plotting and planning for her present had not gone to waste. If he overlooked the ten dollar limit, of course.

"Alright, presents at the ready..." Stella excitedly pulled her present from her bag, bringing Danny out of his thoughts. "And, trade!"

They all stood collectively and sought out their recipient. Danny watched carefully as Lindsay headed over to Flack and handed him his immaculately wrapped gift and she accepted his grateful hug, before he tore the Christmas wrapping and broke out in a massive grin.

"You're a smartass, Monroe." Danny heard him say as he revealed his shirt and tie gift set. "It's great though; thanks Linds." He thanked her again as he pulled her into another hug.

Deciding that it was his time to share his gift with her, Danny rounded the chairs and cleared his throat. "Mon-"

"Oh Danny, hey, here you go... Merry Christmas, pal."

Turning abruptly, Danny's eyes met a wary Adam Ross who offered him his wrapped present. "Aw thanks, buddy. You kept that quiet, I had no idea you had me."

Adam smiled and gestured to the present excitedly, "I think you're gonna like it." He said before stepping back, giving Danny the space to open his present. He set Lindsay's gift onto the table carefully before turning his attention to the messily wrapped gift. He tore the paper quickly, desperate to make sure he gave his present to Lindsay's before everyone else received their presents; thus attracting all of the attention onto himself and Lindsay.

Danny discarded the paper and cast his eyes down to the frame that he held in his hand. In it was a signed team photograph from the Yankees.

"Dude, are you serious?" Danny implored. "For real?"

"Yeah..." Adam grinned; obviously extremely proud of his efforts. "I know a guy who knows a guy and well... I knew that I had to try when I picked your name out. It paid off apparently."

"Dude, I can't even – thank you buddy. This is amazing. Seriously."

"Aw, I'm glad you like it." Adam grinned. "Now I'll uh- I'll let you get back to Lindsay."

Danny looked away from his frame and turned slightly and his eyes fell on a smiling Lindsay, who had apparently watched the exchange between himself and Adam. "Looks like somebody's a happy boy." She commented playfully.

"Oh yeah," he nodded adamantly before placing the frame down carefully on the conference table and in exchange, he picked up Lindsay's small present. "Now, it doesn't look like much, but I hope you like it."

Lindsay smiled as she accepted the gift and proceeded to rip the wrapping paper and unfolded the t-shirt. She soaked in the image silently for a few seconds before turning her head to face Danny; who was stood waiting eagerly for a response.

"Danny, this is the t-shirt I told you about." She whispered quietly. "The one that I said I'd always wanted."

"Yeah." He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I hope it fits ya, Montana. Merry Christmas."

She blinked as she held it up against herself and nodded softly in confirmation. "Looks like it's going to be a perfect fit," she said, before turning the t-shirt around and examining it properly. It definitely wasn't a t-shirt made by some of the many vendors that could be found on the streets of New York. Nope, there was no doubt in Lindsay's mind that Danny had searched high and low for her Christmas present. And she was positive that it must have taken him longer than the week they'd been allocated for present purchasing. In short, Danny Messer had spoilt her rotten. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat, cursing herself for showing such emotion, but she just couldn't help it. "Danny, I don't know what to-"

"Look at Monroe crying over a t-shirt." Flack jested from his position across the conference room. "It's alright, kiddo... we'll make sure Danno doesn't get you next year. What's it got on the front? A little Moo cow from Montana?"

"It's... it's a-" she met Danny's eyes and there was something in them that told her to think carefully about the answer she gave; especially considering their audience, their surroundings and the rumours that would inevitably circulate as a result. "It's just a little something we've talked about in the past."

Danny smirked, atta girl, Montana! He thought inwardly. Don't give the jackass ammunition.

"Wow Danny, you really pushed the boat out there." Flack smirked. "Goin' sentimental on our asses; I think that's a first."

Danny's pride in Lindsay not giving Flack ammunition quickly faltered and he could feel the defensive stance rising up within him. "Alright tell you what, next time I'll get her some crap that she shoves to the back of a drawer and throws out the next time she has a massive spring clean. Sound good?" He snapped. "It's great that you all have opinions on this; how about you get back to your own presents, huh?"

Lindsay completely disregarded the tension in the room and instead soaked in the image of her t-shirt. She wasn't quite sure what to say... How on earth did she thank him for such a gesture? It just... astounded her. She'd been working with him for six months at the very most, and he'd gone to this much effort for her? She knew for a fact that they had the closest friendship bar Mac and Stella... but did that qualify her for such a thoughtful present? The fact that he'd listened to what she'd said, and held onto that with both hands warmed her heart.

She glanced up from her t-shirt and found that he'd already left the conference room; most probably as a result from something Flack had said. Her eyes quickly darted out into the hallway, and she could see him by the stairs, leading to the locker room.

"Excuse me for a..." her voice trailed off as she realised that everyone else was equally absorbed by their own presents and conversations. She slipped out of the room carefully, and jogged down the hallway after him.

Catching up with him at his opened locker, Lindsay laid a hand on Danny's shoulder; alerting him of her presence. "Danny..." she began, "I'm sorry about the stick they gave you over this, I just - I, I don't know what to say."

"Thank you?" he offered with a smile. "I hope you like it... I know it's probably not what you had in mind, but... I figured it was something close to what you wanted."

"Danny, it's perfect!" She implored. "I can't believe you did this."

He simply smiled and shrugged in response. "It might be a few years late, but maybe you could wear it on the next dress down day at work, huh? It'd be kinda like wearing it to school."

She giggled and nodded. "I just can't even imagine the lengths you must have had to go to, to get it. You have no idea how much I love you for this!"

He glossed over her admission of love; figuring it was simply platonic. "I just... look, it's the least I could do. For all that you've done for me – call it evens for putting up with me this past year."

Lindsay smiled shyly. "It's barely been six months, actually."

Danny let out a low whistle. "Is that all it's been? Damn. Time flies when you've got a pain in the ass."

Lindsay giggled, before shaking her head again. "This is still too much, Danny."

"Will you knock it off, Montana? It really isn't," he insisted. "After the concert, I couldn't not get this for ya; I saw how much it meant to you, and when I got you for Secret Santa, I figured it was a perfect opportunity. I hope it fits and I hope you like it... Let's leave it there, okay?"

"Danny, this is just... it's... thank you." She paused for a second as a small smile tugged at her lips. "You know, it's funny... Sid came up to me about a week ago and asked me what I wanted for Christmas if he 'hypothetically' got me as his recipient for Secret Santa... and then an hour later, he tells me never mind. Know anything about that by any chance?"

"Don't know what you're talkin' about, Montana." Danny scoffed at her suggestion, that was, unsurprisingly, a little close to home for him and his plotting.

She sighed; Danny's defence telling her all she needed to know. Instead of pushing him, she smiled. "You really shouldn't have gone to such efforts for me, but thank you." She then stood on her tiptoes, placed a hand on his torso to steady herself and placed a kiss to his cheek. The kiss however, lingered much longer than a 'thank you' kiss would normally. When her lips left his skin, he could still feel their warmth and felt himself naturally leaning towards her, searching for her lips.

"I bet Cindy's holding this against you." Lindsay smirked. "I can't see her taking lightly to you putting so much effort into my present."

"Nah," he shook his head. "She doesn't give a crap... and we've kind of cooled off anyway. Things are just... not there anymore. She's a little too clingy."

"Have you told her this?" Lindsay raised her eyebrows and folded her arms across her chest; her t-shirt slung over her arm protectively. "'Cause based on today's phone calls alone, I'm pretty sure she missed that message."

"Uh, no-"

"Danny!" Lindsay chastised, whipping him with her t-shirt. "You can't go round telling people you've cooled off if she's got no clue."

"She's smart enough," Danny shrugged. "She'll figure it out."

Lindsay cocked her head to the side and stared pointedly at him. "You're a dumbass sometimes."

"Dumbass?" he smirked. "That's the best you've got? What? You're all of a sudden too cute to curse..."

"I'm not cute, Messer. I'm just professional and don't have a potty mouth, unlike some."

"Get a beer down you and you're singing a different tune, Montana."

"Well regardless of my ability to curse, you need to tell her how you feel, Danny." Lindsay instructed him. "It's not fair otherwise. I'm sure there are plenty of other men that would willingly snap her up and you're preventing that." He could see a teasing glint in her eyes.

Danny snorted rather attractively. "Yeah, sure thing, Montana."

"Well, if not... I'm sure there are plenty of women waiting in a line somewhere for you to be single, Danny."

"Meh," he shrugged noncommittally. "I don't know whether I'm gonna get myself into another one of these things with just anyone."

"Just anyone?" Lindsay nudged him playfully, "Got a story to tell, Messer? Someone caught your eye?"

"Ahh, Linds... let's not go there. I'm pretty sure you've got enough ammunition to make me a laughing stock around this place. I don't think it's wise me goin' into my love life too. Got an reputation to keep, ya'know?"

"A reputation? Danny, you're joking, right?" Lindsay snorted. "I think you forget that I've seen you asleep; my couch cushions still have that drool patch. You have very little reputation, trust me."

"You know what; give me that t-shirt..." he smirked. "I'll go give it to some homeless guy so he can give it to his homeless girlfriend... they deserve it more than you do – you're pain in my ass."

Lindsay giggled and pulled Danny into a hug, pressing another one of her kisses to his cheek. "You know I'm only joking," she said softly against his cheek. "I love my present Danny, thank you. I really, genuinely appreciate the thought you've put into it..."

"You're welcome, kiddo." He smiled brightly; her thanks filling him with a strange sense of pride and achievement. "Just don't get too attached to extravagant and thoughtful presents; for your birthday you're getting a pizza, beer and a movie and that's it... so prepare yourself now."

She wiggled her eyebrows and licked her lips, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Messer, but that to me sounds like a date."

"A date?" he scoffed. "Please; why the hell would I ask you on a date? You're Montana. I couldn't ask you on a date. We've been over this, it'd be weird."

"Would it?" she countered, seriously.

"Well..." he paused. "I..."

"Just kidding," she interjected quickly when she realised that the conversation was taking a turn from being playful into territory that neither of them were ready to step into; despite their obvious affections for one another. "You're with Cindy; you can't be setting dates up anyway."

"Yeah," he nodded, inwardly beating himself for his dumbass comment. "So, you're off now, right?"

"Me? Yep. For a whole two days," she waved her fist in the air, assuming mock enthusiasm. "Woo!"

Chuckling, Danny grabbed his back and signed Yankees photo and closed his locker. "Me too, you fancy a beer?"

"Only if you're buying," she grinned up at him as he wrapped an arm around her slender shoulders.

"Me? Buying? I'm on the breadline until next payday 'cause of you, Montana... surely you can get your poor old partner a beer, right?"

"We'll see." She glanced up at him, her curls framing her face perfectly. "Turn around while I change." She instructed, to which he conformed instantly. "Oh, I meant to ask you..." she said as she tugged her blouse over her head and swapped it for her new t-shirt. "What are you doing for Christmas?"

"Um, well... If I don't get called into work, I'll be goin'-" He unconsciously trailed off, as he sneakily turned to see her status of getting changed. When he realised she was decent, he turned and leant against his locker. "Aw, it fits good! Little big on ya, but you can grow into it," he teased. "It's cute though, suits ya."

She smiled brightly before raising her eyebrows.

"What?" he laughed at her expectant face. "How many more compliments do you want?"

"... You were talking about what your plans were for Christmas?" She reminded him.

"Oh! I'm goin' to my parents'." He finished. "We usually have this big get-together every year. My Ma'll be goin' all out with Louie being around this year. I know she's really looking forward to havin' us both round for the Holidays. I just hope he keeps his nose clean 'til then, ya know? Two days... it'll be hard but I'm sure he can do it." he said, revealing a little more than either of them expected him to. "What are you gonna be doin' Montana?"

"Sleeping," she smiled. "And making my way through a whole bunch of Turkey and Stuffing sandwiches while watching It's a wonderful Life on a loop." She smiled. "As you can tell, I'm very excited about it." Her grin supporting her statement.

"You're gonna be by yourself?"

"Uh, yeah." She nodded, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I thought about going home, but for the amount of time I'd be home for, I'd spend more time unpacking and packing than I would actually being there so... maybe next year."

Leaning against his locker, facing Lindsay, Danny shook his head. "You can come to mine with me if you want... my Ma cooks enough to feed the entire neighbourhood, and she definitely wouldn't mind."

"Oh God, Danny no... I wasn't hinting."

"I know," he nodded, holding out a hand and stopping her wild hand gestures. "I'm invitin' ya though. Wanna come spend Christmas with the crazy Messer's?"

"What about Cindy?"

"You got an obsession with her, Montana." Danny smirked. "Look, we're friends, right? Cindy can go and take a running jump for all I care after the way she's acted today. I'm not leavin' ya by yourself on Christmas, Montana." He smiled. "Maybe you'll get lucky and meet Cindy... if I don't kill her beforehand."

"We're still technically on the clock, Messer." Lindsay smirked. "I'm going to have to warn you now that anything you say to me may be used against you in a court of law."

"Oh ha-ha; aren't you hilarious!" he implored as he pulled her into his arms and ruffled her hair. "Hurry up; you owe me a beer... get your skates on, Montana."

"I suppose I have no choice now, do I?" she sighed. "First you go and get me a really thoughtful present, and now here you go again, makin' me think you're nice by inviting me 'round for Christmas lunch... I dread to think what's coming next."

"I'll be proposing marriage..." he smirked. "Just to really freak you out."

"I'll say no." She countered with a playful glint in her eyes.

"I'd make it worth your while," he informed her.

"I'm pretty sure you're supposed to have a good few drinks down you before you start offering marriage proposals, Messer... hold off for a little while, k?"

Rolling his eyes, Danny followed his partner as they left the locker room together. He marvelled at the way the Whitesnake t-shirt fit her. Although it in places it hung from her tiny frame; he figured that she'd wear it to death regardless. The fact that she'd changed into it sent a surge of pride shooting around his veins.

He watched as she pressed the elevator button, and rolled back on her heels. "Are you sure about Christmas day, Danny?" she questioned him. "Your Mom definitely won't mind?"

"Nah," he shook his head. "She wants to meet you anyway... she wants to meet the whole team." He quickly added.

She nodded knowingly; expecting that her ears probably should have been burning at various points since she joined the team in New York. "Obviously." She nodded. "As long as you're positive it'd be okay."

"It'll be fine..." he smiled. "And if not, well, we'll smuggle you in. You're small enough. She'll never know."

"Funny," she shot him a playful look as their elevator arrived. They quickly jumped on and made room for the other five or six people wanting to head down to other floors and departments.

Danny leant his head against the cool metal of the shell of the elevator and let out a contented sigh as he listened to the sounds of Chris Rea's Driving Home for Christmas in the elevator. He felt Lindsay brush his arm with her's as she struggled to put her jacket on and he took the garment from her and held it up, helping her into the jacket almost effortlessly. She glanced up at him, a tint of pink flushing her cheeks once again and he simply offered her a smile in return.

After the events of the day, he'd realised he was a man in trouble; he'd vested a hell of a lot of time into his co-worker's Christmas present; he'd invited her around for Christmas with his family and he'd coerced her into going out for a beer. He could put it down to the festive season; but really... there was a quiet little voice in the back of his mind that told him that maybe, just maybe, there was something a little bit more between them. Time, he figured, would eventually come to tell. If it was meant to be with Lindsay, it would be. If it wasn't meant to be, he could rest easy knowing that he'd have a best friend in her for the rest of his days; sure it would be a shame, but such as was life. If it was meant to be however... well, he could only marvel at what potential there was for them.

But until then, all he could do was enjoy all that she offered him as a friend. And hope that one day, he'd gather up enough courage to tell her how he really felt.

There we have it folks! I hope you enjoyed. It was mightly long... but hopefully you didn't mind. I do have another idea for a Christmassy one-shot, so this may not be the last you've heard from me... but if it is, I hope you all have a magical Christmas or holiday period. Have fun and stay safe folks! :)

As ever, thoughts and comments are appreciated... and thank you for reading!

Merry Christmas :)