(I started this story as a one-shot idea, but the characters refused to be silenced. Let me know what you think.) Brenda
Dante looked down at the file on his desk, the words on the page blurry and unclear. His focus was definitely not on police business. He glanced up at his partner, Ronnie Domestico who was pacing back and forth, and gesturing wildly with his hands.
"What," Dante said, not hearing a word that Ronnie had spoken for the last five minutes. His left hand kept gravitating to the pocket of his brown leather jacket, reassuring himself that the box was still there. This was not a dream. He was really going to do this. He had never been so nervous in his entire life.
The last nine months had changed his life so completely. Finding out that his father was Sonny Corrinthos and that his mother had known all of his life, had derailed him. It had uprooted every belief that he had growing up about his father. Hell, he had imagined his father was some superhero off fighting crime in the big, bad city. He had never once imagined that his father was the crimelord, the very enemy that he fought to bring down for so long. It was a tough pill to take and he felt really honored that Lulu stood by him through it all.
"Falconeri, hello, anyone home," Ronnie shouted while waving his hand in front of Dante's face.
"The commish, wants us to go over this case again. See if we can find anything that we might have missed the first time around. I mean, this guy is really whacked. " Ronnie said, looking at his partner closely. It was obvious that Dante was not focusing on anything that he had to say.
"Just this morning they found him outside Kelly's, dressed in a red suit," Ronnie said with humor. Dante didn't even flinch.
" He had his trusty elves, Milo and Max beside him. They were serenading everyone. You might know the song, Jailhouse Rock," he continued smacking Dante on the top of his head.
"Ouch," Dante said irritably. He had been daydreaming about Lulu's reaction to his question tonight and wish fulfillment, only to be interrupted by visions of Jason in a santa suit. He had to shake his head vigourously to eliminate that picture.
"Go home, Falconeri. I'll cover for you with Mac. Don't you have holiday plans with Lulu and her family. Go on, get outta here," he said practically shoving Dante out of the precinct.
"The party is not for hours," Dante replied while Ronnie pushed him out the door. He was avoiding the Spencer dinner at the Haunted Star, especially Tracy. Luke Spencer had left town several months ago and was rumored to be galavanting around in France somewhere. Dante really needed him to reappear at this party. His nerves were getting the best of him, he needed Luke's permission, and tonight of all nights he really didn't want to have to ask Tracy for Lulu's hand in marriage.
….........
Lulu lay curled up on Dante's leather couch waiting to surprise him. She had decorated his apartment with Christmas garland and scented candles that smelled like gingerbread. Hanging from the ceiling were white paper snowflakes that sparkled when the light touched them. Above the door she had carefully and strategically placed the mistletoe. She wanted to surprise Dante when he opened the door. He never ceased to surprise her. She remembered fondly the first day they met at Jake's almost two years ago. At the time, she thought that his cheesy pick-up lines were awful and she spent months toying with the idea of going out with him. But, today she lived for those pick-up lines and her heart skipped a beat whenever she saw him. She was crazy about him.
For the first time in her life, she was complete. It was "them against the world," and screw anyone who got in their way. She loved him and he loved her. That was all that mattered. They had weathered the storm, survived Sonny's trial and still managed to come out of it unscathed. This was their time to be happy. Finally, to put themselves first. That was Lulu's Christmas wish. Dante had once said that he was in the business of "wish fulfillment." Was it so wrong for Lulu to hope that her wish came true.
Sitting up on Dante's couch, Lulu looked around the apartment pleased with the results. Everything was going as planned. This was going to be the best Christmas ever. She just needed Dante to walk through that door to make it complete. She heard footsteps outside the door and jumped from the couch visibly excited.
….........
Dante was surprised to find the door to his apartment unlocked and cautiously pushed the door open, his police academy instincts taking hold. The sight that met his eyes was truly something that the academy had never prepared him for.
"Wow. Freakin Amazing. Smokin Hot." Dante said in awe, closing the door behind him. Lulu stood before him in a red lace teddy tied together by a single bow below her breasts. Dante's eyes trailed down her long, slender legs to her feet encased in a sexy pair of black heels. Lulu walked towards him, swaying her hips back and forth and Dante was entranced by her beauty. When she was within reach, his hands traced the curve of her hips, trailing his fingers up toward the bow beneath her breasts. He played with the ties his eyes smoldering with thoughts of what lay beneath.
Lulu stood nervously before Dante, her body quivering. She had never done anything this daring in her life. Looking up at the mistletoe above their heads, Lulu admitted that he was definitely worth it and with that in mind she trudged full-speed ahead.
"Well, aren't you going to open your Christmas present?"
Chapter 1
"That's What Friends Are For"
Detective Ronnie Domestico finished the notations on the police report, a petty theft, and filed it in the appropriate box for the incoming administrative personnel. People always thought that police work was so glamorous, but in reality their was a lot of paper pushing.
The precinct was quiet and only a few patrolmen remained, many having left to spend the holiday with their families. Ronnie looked around the department, desolate over going home to his apartment. His empty apartment. Christmas was a difficult time of the year for him. This one more than any other.
The media had a field day with the Corrinthos murder trial and a lot of secrets came to light that Ronnie wished had stayed buried. Primarily, his infidelities in the line of duty. His lieutenant raved about how it aided in furthering the Zacchara infiltration and the information gained had helped to solidify Falconeri's own breach into the mob organization. His wife was not so understanding. Ronnie had moved permanently to Port Charles. His wife and kids had stayed in Brooklyn. His soon to be ex-wife. Now, he was faced with a bitter divorce, spousal support and just enough money left over to pay for his shoebox apartment.
That's life, Ronnie thought to himself sarcastically. His badge came first. But, it wasn't waiting for him when he got home. It didn't listen to him rant and rave about his day at work. It couldn't snuggle next to him at night, or comfort him when he just needed someone to care.
But, Dante, oh how he envied him. He had it all. The icing on the cake, the whole enchilada and admittedly Ronnie was jealous. Why should Dante get to celebrate the holiday with family, snuggling with his girlfriend, while good ole partner Ronnie was stuck here filing papers. Sure, he had put on his jovial, santa holiday-lovin face, stuffed his face with frosted cookies and reluctantly joined in Christmas heralds, but inside he freakin hated Christmas.
Ronnie pulled his long, black woolen coat from a nearby chair and proceeded to leave for the evening. Behind him he heard footsteps and before turning answered "I am off-duty for the night. If you have a problem or want to file a complaint you will have to check with the desk clerk on-duty." Ronnie said.
"Ronald Domestico, is that anyway to talk to the woman who has fed and sheltered you all of your life," the petite, gray-haired woman questioned.
It couldn't be. Ronnie had to blink twice to believe that she really stood before him. With a great big grin on his face, he decided that he really did love Christmas. Sometimes wishes did come true, even for bah-humbug pals like himself.
"Mrs. Falconeri, what a surprise. " Ronnie exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. She stood no more than 5ft 4 inches tall and the top of her head barely reached his chest. To passersby she was the reflection of society's ideal grandmother, but he knew men that quaked in their boots when she came in sight. She was the matriarch of the Falconeri clan. Mother to four rambunctious boys and one daughter, Olivia Falconeri. In Bensonhurst, if you needed a good italian meal, or had a major sweet tooth, Grandma Falconeri was the woman to see.
"What brings you to Port Chuck, Mrs. Falconeri. A surprise visit to the family?" Ronnie winked, chuckling. He knew how much Olivia loved family gatherings. She would not be pleased that her ma was in Port Charles. In fact, he knew another family member that would not be happy as well, namely one Connie Falconeri.
"I am here to see my grandson. All of that media attention and he couldn't even be bothered to send his grandma his new forwarding address." she said smiling, holding a tupperware container in her hands.
"Are those what I think they are," Ronnie said, mouth watering. He had skipped dinner and his stomach started to rumble. He reached for the nearest canoli, but Grandma Falconeri was having none of that.
"Those are for Dante, hands off," she said swatting his thieving fingers away from the tupperware lid.
"Now you just point me in the right direction, and you can be on your way." she said looking throughout the precinct for any signs of Dante.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. Falconeri, but Dante already left for the evening. But, for one of those canolis, I may be persuaded to tell you where he is," Ronnie said deviously.
Grandma Falconeri handed one of her prized canolis to Ronnie, a steely glint in her eye that said he better be telling the truth.
"Now, Ronnie, dearest, where has my favorite grandson ran off to," she asked, while Ronnie stuffed a canoli with chocolate sauce into his mouth. It dribbled down his chin.
"Mmmm. That was fantastic. You know, there is only one thing that Dante loves more than you, Mrs. Falconeri. Your famous canoli." Ronnie said while pulling a pad and pen from the desk and jotting down an address.
"And well, I am a sucker for family reunions. I know that Dante will be so pleased to see you," Ronnie continued, eagerly anticipating the outcome of this evening.
"Ronnie, you are such a dear," Grandma Falconeri said, taking the address from him and embracing him in a grandmotherly hug.
"It is my pleasure, Mrs. Falconeri. Please be sure to tell Dante I said Hi," Ronnie said escorting her out of the precinct. He really was pleased and thrilled by her visit. Dante on the other hand, probabaly not so much. Ronnie wished he could be a fly on the wall when Grandma Falconeri showed up at his door.
…...............
Dante's hands lightly skimmed the sexy lingerie, moving ever so slowly, memorizing the feel of her skin beneath his fingers. He pulled her closer his hands molded to her hips and his lips mere inches from hers. Lulu's breath hitched with each slide of his palms and Dante waited, breathlessly, anticipating the next gasp. Sliding his left hand up toward Lulu's mouth, Dante traced her lips with his fingertips, the touch sending shockwaves of pleasure throughout his body. Lulu's breath hitched for the third time and admitting defeat, Dante took full possession of her lips.
Oh my god, Lulu thought before all of her senses exploded.
With just one kiss, Dante could completely unravel her. Her body a mass of jello shaking beneath his touch. They had made love for the first time months ago and it was incredible, earth-moving and romantic all at the same time. She had chalked it up to their anticipation and frustration over the constant interruptions. So, after they were finally able to truly show how they felt about each other, she had expected that desire and need to diminish. Her fear had escalated, her mind telling her that Dante had succeeded in having sex with her and could not possibly have any further need of her.
Not so, she thought to herself, right before Dante's lips moved to nibble behind her left ear. Their need for each other had simply intensified and become insatiable. The old adage "once you've had a taste, you can never get enough" was so true, Lulu thought as Dante found that secret spot behind her ear causing her to cry out in surprise.
Dante not only heard, but felt Lulu's response to his touch, and it only increased his own need. He pulled her closer, mumbling sweet nothings in her ear, while slowly turning in that timeless dance of theirs, ultimately reaching the leather couch. Lulu's hands were tearing at the snaps on his shirt, only slowing down when they reached his muscular chest. She traced the scar in the middle, tears welling in her eyes at the thought of what one bullet had almost cost her.
Dante watched the emotions play across her features desire, sadness, anger, and he pulled her face to his showcasing everything that he felt inside, his overwhelming love and need for her.
"I didn't die. And I am not going anywhere." he stated emphatically, kissing away her tears and lowering her onto the far end of the couch. Lulu's legs shifted slightly, allowing Dante's torso to move closer, thigh meeting thigh and chests touching ever so slightly.
Dante glanced at the clock above the bookshelf, 5:45pm. "What time did you say we have to meet your family for dinner?" he said while stroking the sides of her face and placing lovebites along her neck.
"Ohh, 7pm, but no one in my family is ever on time," Lulu cried out, grasping Dante's face between her hands and pulling him into a passionate kiss.
Dante was eager to comply and met her demands with equal abandon. They were so intune to each other's moans that they almost didn't register the knock on the door until it was too late.
"Oh shit. The door is unlocked," they both shouted, jumping from the couch, while attempting unsuccessfully to repair the damage to their clothing.
"Dante Angelo Falconeri," he heard bellowed from the doorway. Dante could not believe his eyes.
"Grandma," Dante said, while standing with shirt unbuttoned. He looked down at his feet. Lulu lay sprawled on the floor, her very delectable derriere on display in full-view. Her face lay hidden in her hands. She was completely mortified.
"Have you met my girlfriend, Lulu." Dante said trying to make light of the situation and trying really hard not to look at Lulu.
"Lulu, this is my Grandma Falconeri," Dante said looking down at her nearly naked form.
Lulu lifted her very red, blushing face, cradling her chin in her hands and replied "Nice to meet you."