"So.. You like New York so far?" Don glanced at Lilly from his place in the driver's seat, where he was in fact driving, and flashed her one of those smiles.
Lilly returned the smile. "Well, yeah. I mean, I'm not used to it yet but I like it."
"You miss Chicago very much?"
"No, not really. I didn't like it to begin with, I just moved there because my brother was a sergeant there, and he pulled some strings to get me a job."
"How's there Crime Lab?"
"I don't know, actually. I just started in the Crime Lab here. I was Homicide in Chicago."
"Oh." Seeming to run out of questions, an awkward silence settled into the car and Don gave a long sigh. "Well, uh--"
Suddenly, Lilly's cell phone rang, a chirpy little tune that was annoying after too long. She smiled at him apologetically and answered it. "Detective Graham." She listened for a few seconds, followed by an "uh-huh, yes.. Yes, yes… okay.. Okay, yes. Yes I will. Thank you." before finally hanging up. "Um.. Don?" She winced. "I'm needed at a scene in Queens. Think we can reschedule?"
Don felt like beating the steering wheel, but managed a very charming smile and nodded. "Of course, Lilly. Need me to drive you?"
"No, I can take a cab back to my place to get my kit. But I'll see you at the Christmas party tomorrow, right?" She smiled hopefully.
Don nodded. "Of course. Sorry you're going to miss the play."
"Oh, that's okay. We can go to another one whenever." She sighed as she opened the door, stepping onto the curb Don had pulled the car beside. "So, thanks.. I'm sure it would have been fun." She smiled again and with that, closed the door and ran to hail a cab.
Don sighed as he pulled the car back into traffic, heading towards the elementary school. What a letdown. But it wasn't like it was her fault. And she had mentioned going some other time. So maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all…
CSI NY
He'd spoken too soon.
As soon as Eric, dressed as Santa Claus, had stepped unto the stage, he'd barfed his guts up then slipped and fell in it. After that, the play was cancelled because the Mrs. Claus had ran screaming and refused to go near the stage, and the eight tiny reindeer had wandered off. It was hard not to laugh, but for Eric's sake, Don kept it in. After that, he went home and got into his Sponge-Bob Pajamas and laid in bed, watching a "Full House" marathon.
CSI NY
Sunday
Ah, Christmas eve.
Danny was combing his hair in the locker room, making sure his long sleeved t-shirt was just right, and his glasses were straight. He'd considered contacts, but in his opinion, glasses were easier. He had to look not just good, but great, because tonight he planned on getting little Miss Montana under the mistletoe..
"What are you doing?"
Danny jumped, slamming his head into the door of his locker, ricocheting backwards and slamming into someone. He regained his balance, and whirled around, a glare spreading across his face. "Donald Flack, I swear to God if you ever do that again.."
Don blinked. "Why are you doing your hair, Cinderfella?"
Danny made a face. "Cinderfella? Wasn't that a movie?"
Don shrugged, going and sitting on the bench between the row of lockers. "How should I know? Anyway, you planning on wooing Lindsay tonight?"
"Wooing? Don, you should have been born in the 1900's, I swear. Nobody says that these days." Danny smoothed out his stubble, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "Do I look good?"
Don made a face. "Danny, I ain't that kind of guy. Ask Stella. Or better yet, Lindsay." Don smirked.
Danny didn't retort, he just grabbed a small wrapped present and waved at Don, skirting out of the locker room. "Hurry up.. The party's startin'."
CSI NY
"Ahem."
Mac jumped. He'd been leaning against the doorway, watching his colleague's wandering around the party, talking, laughing and drinking Eggnog, but was now aware that someone was behind him. He turned, a small smile reaching his lips as he saw who it was. "Yes, Stella?"
A grinning Stella was staring at him, one finger pointing upward wordlessly. Mac followed the finger and looked up, his smile widening. "Ah, I believe you're trying to tell me something, Stella Bonasera."
She nodded, still grinning.
"Well, I still have to play by the rules, now don't I ?" He was just teasing her now.
Another nod.
He gave a dramatic sigh, twisting to fully face her, his expression fighting to stay bored. "Alright, then.. Here goes." He leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers gently.
She hesitated for a fraction of a second, kissing back as she heard whoops and cat-calls. A few people started clapping, and soon the whole room was clapping. Mac pulled back with a grin, looking at they're audience.
"Well.. We get it good. We're happy and so are they." He teased, looking to Stella.
Stella merely blushed.
Author's Note: Well, this is almost it. The next chapter, AKA, the last chapter (which will be very long, I might add) will be posted Sunday, which is in fact Christmas eve. The last chapter will be poor Flack trying to catch Lilly under the mistletoe, and Danny and Lindsay's evening. Thanks for all the great reviews, guys!