Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. If I did, I wouldn't be as broke as I am.
A/N: Well, I was all set to write something with all kinds of drama and angst, then I got some very good news. So instead, I give you my first attempt at happy Christmas fluff. I hope you all enjoy and, let me just say, reviews will give me a very merry Christmas (hint, hint...)
Day One, December 19
When Lilly heard the distinctive sound of John Stillman clearing his throat, she was more than happy for any excuse that gave her even a moments break from the case that she and Scotty were currently laboring over. While it had seemed promising enough in the beginning, all of their leads had quickly dried up and they'd been running into nothing but dead ends ever since. The constant frustration had begun to wear on her nerves and any distraction was a blessed relief.
"I need everyone's attention."
Dropping her pen, Lilly leaned back in her chair, the hurried squeaks and shuffles that rose up around her indicating that the rest of the Philly PD's homicide division was following suit. When all eyes were turned expectantly in Stillman's direction, he raised the object that had, to this point, been concealed behind his back. Once that mystery was revealed, there was no need for further comment. Everyone knew what was coming, but Stillman was having too much fun to let them go that easily.
"Well, boys and girls, it's that time of year again." He raised the black hat a little higher, giving it a shake so that everyone could hear the slight rustle of the slips of paper that it contained. "Gather around for the Secret Santa drawing."
Lilly didn't bother trying to hide the slow smile that spread across her face at the good natured groans that followed Stillman's announcement. Like First Thursdays, over the years Secret Santa had become a beloved institution within the department. No matter how much some of them complained, it was a tradition that they all looked forward to. It never failed to amuse Lilly how, once a year, all of these tough, jaded detectives, herself included, thrilled at the chance to behave like children.
"Alright, we all know the rules. Everybody draws a name and you have from now until the Christmas party on Friday to deliver. Also, after last years incidents, I was asked to remind everyone that gifts that are of a sexual nature or, god forbid, alive are not appropriate. You know who you are, and this year I will be watching."
Lilly just barely repressed the laughter that threatened to spill over when she saw several of the men trying to slink unseen to the back of the group, desperate to avoid Stillman's evil eye and failing miserably.
When it was finally her turn to pick from the hat, Lilly couldn't resist such a perfect opportunity to pick at Stillman. "Gosh, boss, it looks like you've got your naughty list all written out and it's not even Christmas Eve yet."
"Yeah, but it's never too late for me to add another name so you'd better watch your step if you don't want to end up with a stocking full of coal." He gave her an indulgent smile before moving on to finish distributing his names to the rest of the office.
Before she had a chance to even pick up her pen, much less return to the never ending files that covered her desk, Lilly was interrupted again, this time by Vera's grumbling and Jefferies soft laughter. Still reluctant to return to the work that awaited her, she turned to find Vera staring at the slip of paper in his hand, an expression of intense brooding marring his features.
"What's wrong, Vera? You pick your own name?"
He shook his head, still glaring at the offending paper as indignation replaced brooding. "I wish. At least then I'd know what to buy. I'd be happy just to know who the hell I'm buying for. I've never heard of this guy before in my life. How come I'm the one that always gets stuck?"
"Just lucky, I guess." Jefferies took the slip of paper, glancing at the name before shaking his head and passing it off to Lilly. "I'm stumped. Anyone you know, Lil?"
She, too, stared at the name, trying to match a face to it and coming up empty. "You got me. You'll figure it out, though. After all, you are a detective."
Vera accepted the name back, hope flaring briefly in his eyes. "I don't suppose either of you would be willing to trade? Will?"
"No."
"Come on, Lilly. You know you want to help me out."
She froze, frantically searching for an excuse to avoid getting stuck shopping for the phantom detective. In most situations Lilly would have no problem saying no, but puppy dog eyes from Vera were a particular weakness of hers. If she were to be completely honest with herself, she knew that she had a hard time denying anything to the group of men that she'd come to view as her surrogate family. When Scotty appeared at her side, notebook in hand, she could have kissed his feet for inadvertently saving her from herself.
He carried on, unaware of the hero status he'd just gained in Lilly's eyes. "Hey, Lil. I finally got a lead on our missing witness. You wanna go talk to her before she disappears again?"
As she gathered her things and pulled on her coat, the look she gave Vera was one of sympathy and regret. But in her heart, Lilly rejoiced.
Whatever glee she'd felt in avoiding Vera's request had quickly dissipated under the weight of the rest of her day. She and Scotty had driven for close to an hour in order to interview a witness that had been unable to add anything to their case. Then, just to add insult to injury, the uselessness of their trip had been highlighted by a cold, steady rain that began minutes after they pulled out of the parking lot.
The final straw for Lilly, though, came in the form of the secretary that ambushed her in the lobby of their building before she could escape back to the office. Apparently, someone had had the brilliant idea that, as the only female homicide detective, she might be interested in becoming a member of the Christmas party decorating committee. This time she had no problem saying no but, by the time she'd finally convinced the woman that she actually meant it, Scotty had already returned his notes to the office and was leaving for the day. If looks could kill, he would have dropped in his steps when he grinned at her as he crossed the lobby on his way out.
Finally prying herself free, Lilly wanted nothing more than to collect her things and go home for the evening. As she went to toss her notebook down on her desk, she paused when she saw the gaily wrapped package that lay there. Lilly could feel a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. It looked as though her Secret Santa had been busy while she'd been away.
Maybe her day wouldn't be all bad after all.
Later that evening, Lilly sat in the glow of the lights from her Christmas tree, her gaze trained on the package that sat in the center of her coffee table. Since she'd arrived home from work she'd been trying to talk herself into waiting to open her Secret Santa gift until Christmas. Unfortunately, curiosity seemed to be winning out over willpower.
Decision finally made, Lilly picked up the box, running her fingers lightly over the seams until she found the perfect spot to begin unwrapping. As the paper slid away, she could have sworn she felt her heart skip a beat. Anyone with a dedicated sweet tooth, such as Lilly herself had, would recognize the distinctive gold box that she'd just uncovered and the expensive chocolates that it contained.
Picking up the card that had been attached, Lilly was ready to end the mystery of who her Secret Santa had been. Her name printed in block letters on the envelope gave nothing away and, when she read the message that had been typed inside, Lilly could feel the heat of a blush rising into her cheeks. She wasn't entirely certain what something like this meant, as she'd never been in this sort of position before, but the very idea that it was happening at all made her a little nervous and, just maybe, a little excited, too.
Selecting a single chocolate from the box, she took a moment to calm her nerves by savoring the smooth, rich sweetness as it melted on her tongue before rereading the surprising message that the card contained.
Lilly,
This sweetness this box contains is a pale shadow in comparison to your own.
You deserve this, and so much more.
Something was telling her that, this year, things weren't going to be as simple as she'd thought, because Lilly's Secret Santa was looking more and more like a secret admirer.