Chapter 26:

"You know, Sam. If you really liked Martin, you'd tell him how ridiculous he looks wearing that stupid Santa hat." Danny pointed out to her.

Christmas was merely days away, and Martin had taken it upon himself to decorate the bullpen with a Christmas tree and even ran a few strand of lights across the balcony. Stockings hung neatly at one end of the conference table with each member of the team's name printed across the top. Samantha had no idea when he'd had the time to have them made, but it was quite obvious that he'd put a great deal of effort into personalizing each of the decorations situated purposefully around the bullpen.

The Christmas spirit was practically radiating from him.

Samantha had never been much for celebrating when the holidays rolled around, especially without her family, but Martin's childlike enthusiasm was beginning to rub off on her.

She signed her report before answering with a smile. "I think it's cute."

"Cute? Are you kidding? Elena, tell Sam that the Santa hat looks ridiculous."

"I have to agree with Sam on this one. I've always had a fantasy about Santa." Elena replied, casting a look in Martin's direction.

"Hey, that's my Santa. Get your own." The blonde agent laughed, meeting Martin's eyes from across the room.

Finishing up his decorating, he made his way to the conference table to join the rest of the team. "What are you guys up to?" He asked, plopping down into the vacant seat beside Samantha.

The two female agents remained silent with smiles resting easily on their faces. Sam had never been one to fantasize about any man, especially not an overweight senior citizen who made a career sneaking in and out of peoples' homes once a year. Now though, seeing the bright red hat atop Martin's head, she couldn't seem to force the image of a toned, tanned Martin donning the bright red suit (with a few garments missing of course) from her mind.

"These two are discussing how cute you are in that hat. Those are their words not mine, by the way." Danny answered him.

"You're the one that pointed it out though." Sam pointed out sending Danny a playful grin. "Is there something you need to tell us?"

"Yeah, there is actually." He spoke, his voice soft and serious.

To say that she was nervous would be an understatement. Samantha's face fell along with her stomach which had suddenly erupted in butterflies. Glancing around the table, she saw her colleagues faces twisted in confusion as well.

Danny dropped his head, covering his face with his hands. "I just need a minute."

A few silent minutes passed between them, the tension growing each second.

Finally he lifted his eyes, letting his gaze wander over the three of them. He parted his lips to speak, when Sam noticed a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "Nevermind." He said with his signature smirk. He jumped up quickly, leaving them behind wondering. "You'll figure it out."

Just as he disappeared into the breakroom, they figured out exactly what he'd done. The foul odor that was undeniably a product of Danny Taylor crept up on them before they even realized it. A chorus of 'eww' and 'gross' erupted from the three of them as they practically ran from the bullpen.

"I cannot believe he did that!" Sam shouted through the hand covering her mouth and nose.

"I can." Elena answered pinching her nose closed.

Although the female agents couldn't help but be disgusted, Martin on the other hand seemed to find the whole situation hilarious. Tears pooled in his eyes as laughter spilled out of him.

Danny slowly walked back into the bullpen with a giant grin on his face.

"Dude, that was a good one." Martin commented as his laughter began to die down.

He smirked at his friends, joining them at the conference table. "I thought you'd appreciate it."

After the excitement from Danny's 'incident' died down the four of them settled into easy conversation about plans for the upcoming holiday.

"So, what are you lovebirds planning on doing this Christmas?" Danny asked flashing a crooked grin in their direction.

"Um... We really haven't talked about it." Martin answered for them. He hoped Samantha would at least consider going to D.C. with him, but he hadn't found the courage to ask her yet. After all that happened over Thanksgiving he was scared to even consider it.

Martin wanted her there more than anything, but on the other hand he didn't want to cause anymore problems with Brady. They still hadn't spoken to one another, and to be completely honest, he wasn't looking forward to the inevitable confrontation. Surprisingly enough, his mother had told him to bring Sam over whenever they were in town, and Rebecca was eager to see her again as well.

The first step however was getting Samantha to agree to another trip to Washington. That would be a feat in and of itself he was sure.

"I'd like to see the Toland's and I probably need to go down and visit my parents and sister at some point." He continued, taking a quick glance in Sam's direction. She didn't seem phased by his comment at all and met his eyes with a small smile.

"That sounds nice, Martin. How 'bout you Sam. Any special plans?" Elena prodded.

"I'm not sure, but I'd like to think that I'll be spending most of my time with Martin."

A giant smile made its way onto his face. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Is that okay?"

"Are you kidding? It's fantastic!" He leaned over pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.

"Aww..." The Latina agent cooed leaning her head to rest on her boyfriend's shoulder. "You guys are so cute."

"Cute? I think the word you're looking for is nauseatingly sweet." Danny mumbled, earning him a swift slap to the chest. "Hey woman! Take it easy will ya? I was only kidding."

"Yeah right. Don't play that game with me mister. I know exactly what you meant." Elena smiled. "Now, take me to lunch."

"Yes ma'am."

Danny grabbed his coat after helping Elena into her's, and the two made their way out of the bullpen.

"How do we live with them?" Samantha asked jokingly after their friends disappeared down the hallway.

Martin laughed shaking his head at Danny's antics. "I have no idea."