A/N: Thank you to itsnotrightbutitsokay and J for reviewing the last
chappy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters. Nor do I own the game Clue or the Simpsons Clue game.
Chapter Seventeen
New York City Christmas
Karen woke up the next morning to Jack's excited voice yelling, "Christmas Kare! It's Christmas, wake up!" She turned over and buried her face in her pillow, pulling the covers around her more tightly.
"Come on Kare, let's go open presents," Jack said, scrambling onto the bed.
"Let me sleep poodle," Karen's muffled voice said. "I'm tired."
"You can sleep later," Jack said, pulling the covers off her slightly.
"Jack!" Karen yelped as the cold air hit her body. "Oh, for crying out loud. Give me my robe poodle," she said, sitting up. When he had handed it to her, she put it on and tied it before getting out of bed. "I'll get changed; you go down and wait for me by the tree Jackie."
"You're not going to go back to sleep are you?" Jack asked as she walked to her bathroom.
"I won't, now go Jackie!" Karen said.
Jack grinned and hurried down the stairs to the living room where the tree was. He saw the presents he had given to Karen already underneath the tree and there were also some gifts that were for him.
"Good morning Mister Jack," a voice said from the other end of the room.
"Oh, Merry Christmas Rosie," Jack said grinning at the maid.
"I brought some coffee for you and Miss Karen," Rosario said, setting a tray down on the table. "The blue mug is regular coffee; I put some Bailey's in Miss Karen's coffee."
"Thank you Rosario," Karen said, coming into the room.
Rosario simply nodded and left the room, mumbling something about sleeping some more.
"I never heard you say thank you to Rosario so nicely," Jack said as Karen walked over and picked up her coffee.
"It's Christmas, so I figured what the hell," Karen said, taking a sip. "Ahh, now I'm awake."
"Come on Kare, let's go open presents!" Jack said excitedly, walking over to her and pulling her towards the tree.
Karen sat down in and armchair and watched as Jack rifled through the presents.
"Here, you go first Kare, open this one," Jack said, going over to her and handing her a small box wrapped with blue paper.
Setting down her coffee, Karen took the gift and quickly tore of the wrapping paper. She then opened the box and revealed a pearl bracelet. "Wow, it's beautiful Jackie," she said, smiling at him.
"Pick it up Kare," Jack said. "There's something on it, but it must have moved while we were coming back."
Karen picked up the bracelet and saw a Celtic knot in the middle with a diamond in it. "I love it poodle," she said. "Here, put it on for me."
Jack took the bracelet and put it on Karen's right wrist. "That knot is supposed to mean eternal love," he said after he fastened the clasp.
"It's perfect," Karen said, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Now your turn Jackie." She stood up from the chair and went over to the tree. She studied the gifts for a moment before picking up a large gift. "Here, open this."
"Ooo, I hope it's clothes," Jack said, taking the box. He took off the wrapping paper and then opened the box. "Wow, this is fabulous Kare," he said, taking out a dark gray sweater.
"I got it in Dublin," Karen said, taking a sleeve of the sweater. "The lady who sold it to me said that in the old days, they would knit a special pattern so that the men who wore it could be identified."
"Identified for what?" Jack asked. "In case they died?"
"The lady didn't say, but that's probably right," Karen said, shrugging.
Jack had taken off his robe and pulled on the sweater. "It fits great Kare," he said. "I love it." He reached up and grabbed Karen's wrist pulling her down to him for a kiss.
Twenty minutes later, Jack and Karen had finished unwrapping all the gifts that had been under the tree.
"So poodle," Karen said, looking over a silk blouse Jack had given her. "What do we do now?"
"Here Kare," Jack said, handing her a box.
"What's this?" Karen asked surprised.
"Another gift," Jack said, smiling at her. "Go on and open it."
Karen took the box and took off the top, look at was inside. She pulled out a photo album that had Jack's name and hers on it. She opened the book and looked through the pictures, they were of her and Jack from the past six years. And towards the end were a bunch of pictures from their wedding. "This is great Jack," Karen said, looking up at him.
"Do you like it?" Jack asked anxiously.
"Of course I do, it's beautiful!" Karen said, leaning over and taking his face in her hands. "Thank you so much, for all of the presents." She kissed him deeply for a long time.
When he pulled back from Karen, Jack moved the photo album off her lap and laid his head there.
Karen smiled and ran her fingers through his hair, messing it up more.
Jack sighed contentedly and glanced out the window near the chair. "Hey Kare, look, it's snowing!" he said excitedly. He got up from the floor and went over to the window, looking out.
"It's so pretty Jackie!" Karen said, standing next to him. "It makes everything look so clean and pure."
"I know, it's great," Jack said. "I just got an idea, come on Kare." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the room and up the stairs.
"Poodle, what are you doing?" Karen asked as they ran into their room.
"Here, put these on," Jack said, giving her and extra pair of his slippers. He put on his own slippers and then pulled Karen out to the balcony.
"Jackie, I think that coffee Rosario gave you had Bailey's in it to," Karen said as he walked over to the railing. "It's freezing out there." She had remained in the doorway that led out to the balcony.
"Come on Kare, this is fun!" Jack said, he was jumping around in the small snow piles that had accumulated and was trying the catch snowflakes that were falling with his tongue.
Sighing impatiently, Karen stepped out onto the balcony and stood in the middle as Jack kept jumping around her.
Jack was about to jump on another pile when he felt a hand grab his arm.
"We need to go inside Jack," Karen said, smiling at him. "You're going to get sick."
He looked down at her and placed a hand on her cheek. "You've got snowflakes in your hair," he murmured, moving his hand up to her hair.
"So do you," Karen whispered. She smiled at him slightly and then kissed him deeply.
They stayed kissing on the balcony for a long time, until Jack pulled back from Karen and said, "I can't feel my fingers."
"Neither can I," Karen said.
"Let's go inside," Jack said, putting his arm around her waist and leading her to into their room.
Karen took off Jack's slippers when they got into the room and then she pulled him by the sweater over to the bed. She then pulled off Jack's sweater and kissed his chin. "Are you still cold?" she asked slyly.
"Very, very," Jack said, grinning at her wickedly.
"I can make you warm," Karen said, sliding her hands under his pajama shirt, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh, please, please make me warm Kare," Jack said, pulling her to him.
"Okay," Karen said, she stepped backwards and fell on the bed, pulling him down on top of her.
Jack reached between them as they kissed and untied her robe, opening it. He kissed her stomach and breasts before Karen help him take off the robe and nightgown.
"You're not. too tired. from last night?" Karen asked in between Jack's rough kisses.
"Never too tired. for you Kare," Jack answered. He paused for a moment when he saw the bruises he had made the night before on her chest.
"What's wrong?" Karen asked, looking at him. She raised her head slightly and saw the bruises that he was looking at. "Oh Jack-" she began.
Jack shook his head and then placed a soft kiss on each bruise, avoiding the small square of gauze. He came back up and kissed Karen roughly while they both unbuttoned his shirt. As he made love to Karen, he kissed her tenderly and murmured lovingly to her.
"Love you Jack," Karen whispered fiercely as she hit her edge.
"Ah, Kare. love you!" Jack cried out in ecstasy a few seconds later. He slumped down on her chest, breathing harshly.
Karen kissed the top of Jack's head and then said, "When you get your strength back poodle, pull up the sheets and we can sleep for a while."
"Alright," Jack said slowly, still a little breathless. "As long as I can sleep here."
"Deal, just get the covers up here, it's freezing" Karen said.
Once he got his breath back, Jack reached down and pulled the bed covers up over him and Karen. He settled his head on Karen's bosom again and kissed her breast. "Goodnight. Or good morning. Whatever, you know what I mean," Jack said.
"I know poodle," Karen said laughingly. "Sweet dreams my sweet Jackie."
~~~
"Jack," a voice whispered, cutting into Jack's dream. "Jaaack."
"Ugh," Jack said, burying his head into whatever it was his head was resting on.
"Jackie, wake up, we need to get dressed for dinner," Karen whispered
"Why. What time is it?" Jack asked, opening one eye.
"Two, poodle," Karen answered. "Kath and Amber are going to be here at three thirty."
Jack lifted his head and yawned. "Man, I was having the best dream," he said, sitting up.
"What was it about?" Karen asked.
"Hmm. I can't remember now," Jack said, shrugging.
Karen smiled and kissed him softly, before leaning over to grab her robe off the floor. She put it on and tied it before getting out of the bed and walking to the bathroom. "I'm going to take a bath and then change," she said.
When she had gone, Jack grabbed his pajama pants and pulled them on. He got off the bed and took a look out the windows. He grinned at the white city outside and then walked into the bathroom.
"What are you doing poodle?" Karen asked from the tub.
"I need to shave," Jack answered, sitting down on the edge of the bathtub.
"Then what are you waiting for?" Karen asked laughingly.
"Give me a kiss Kare," Jack said, leaning down.
Karen reached up and pulled his head down until their lips met. When they pulled apart, she giggled slightly.
"What?" Jack asked.
"You've got bubbles on your hair," Karen said.
Jack reached up and touched his head, seeing the bubbles. He grinned and said, "I'll live." He leaned over and kissed her forehead before getting up and going to the sinks so he could shave.
~~~
At five o'clock, Katherine and Amber arrived at the penthouse.
"I thought you were going to come-" Karen said as Jack helped her sister and niece out of their coats.
"We had to get out and walk," Katherine said, taking off her mittens and furiously rubbing her cheeks. "There was an accident that blocked the road."
"Oh, well, dinner's ready, let's go and eat it before it gets cold," Jack said, putting an arm around Karen's shoulders.
"Yes, I'm starving!" Katherine exclaimed.
Late that night, the four of them were sitting at the table in the living room after opening presents.
"Kath, you gave me three books," Karen said. "Since when do I like reading?"
"Kare," Katherine said. "You do like to read, I know you do."
"How do you know?" Karen retorted.
"You aren't just looking through 600 page Vogue magazines for the pictures," Katherine answered. "You've got to be reading something in there at least."
"Fine, I'll read the stupid books," Karen said. "Just so you'll leave me alone!"
"Thank you sister dear," Katherine said.
"Can we get back to the game you guys?" Jack asked impatiently.
"Alright poodle," Karen said. "Where were we?"
"I was going to make a suggestion Auntie Karen," Amber answered.
"Well go ahead love," Katherine said.
"Okay, well I think it was Miss Scarlet in the Kitchen."
At one o'clock, Katherine and Amber got ready to leave the penthouse.
"So we're having New Year's Eve at your place this year?" Karen asked.
"Yeah, and I'll be cooking a traditional Riley family New Year's Eve meal," Katherine answered.
"Oh boy," Jack said, rolling his eyes.
"Hush poodle," Karen said, pushing him lightly. "I'll talk to you tomorrow Kath."
"Alright, thanks for having us over and for all the gifts," Katherine said, hugging her sister and then brother in law.
"Thank you Auntie Karen, Uncle Jack," Amber said. "I really liked the Simpson's clue game you gave me, it was fun!"
"Glad you liked it Amb," Jack said as the little girl hugged him.
"And don't forget to find some pictures to put in that locket your uncle and I gave to you," Karen said as Amber hugged her around the waist.
"Okay, we'll see you two later," Katherine said, taking her daughter's hand.
"Be careful out there," Jack called as the two walked out the front door.
"Bye!" Katherine called back.
When Jack had closed the door and locked it, Karen said, "Let's go sit in front of the tree for a while before we go to bed poodle."
"Sure Kare," Jack said, taking her hand in his.
When they walked into the room, Rosario came in and asked, "Want another martini to pass out on Miss Karen?"
"No Rosario," Karen snapped. "Now get out of here, Jackie and I want to be alone."
When the maid had left, Karen and Jack settled on the couch in front of the Christmas tree. Its lights were the only ones that were on.
"Kare," Jack said after a while.
"Hmm?" Karen asked sleepily.
"I remembered my dream from this morning," Jack said.
"Oh yeah, what was it?" Karen asked.
"Well, from what I can remember, you were preg-" Jack started to say before something bumped into his arm. He looked down and saw that Karen was asleep. Smiling, he stood up and then picked her up, carrying her to their bedroom.
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters. Nor do I own the game Clue or the Simpsons Clue game.
Chapter Seventeen
New York City Christmas
Karen woke up the next morning to Jack's excited voice yelling, "Christmas Kare! It's Christmas, wake up!" She turned over and buried her face in her pillow, pulling the covers around her more tightly.
"Come on Kare, let's go open presents," Jack said, scrambling onto the bed.
"Let me sleep poodle," Karen's muffled voice said. "I'm tired."
"You can sleep later," Jack said, pulling the covers off her slightly.
"Jack!" Karen yelped as the cold air hit her body. "Oh, for crying out loud. Give me my robe poodle," she said, sitting up. When he had handed it to her, she put it on and tied it before getting out of bed. "I'll get changed; you go down and wait for me by the tree Jackie."
"You're not going to go back to sleep are you?" Jack asked as she walked to her bathroom.
"I won't, now go Jackie!" Karen said.
Jack grinned and hurried down the stairs to the living room where the tree was. He saw the presents he had given to Karen already underneath the tree and there were also some gifts that were for him.
"Good morning Mister Jack," a voice said from the other end of the room.
"Oh, Merry Christmas Rosie," Jack said grinning at the maid.
"I brought some coffee for you and Miss Karen," Rosario said, setting a tray down on the table. "The blue mug is regular coffee; I put some Bailey's in Miss Karen's coffee."
"Thank you Rosario," Karen said, coming into the room.
Rosario simply nodded and left the room, mumbling something about sleeping some more.
"I never heard you say thank you to Rosario so nicely," Jack said as Karen walked over and picked up her coffee.
"It's Christmas, so I figured what the hell," Karen said, taking a sip. "Ahh, now I'm awake."
"Come on Kare, let's go open presents!" Jack said excitedly, walking over to her and pulling her towards the tree.
Karen sat down in and armchair and watched as Jack rifled through the presents.
"Here, you go first Kare, open this one," Jack said, going over to her and handing her a small box wrapped with blue paper.
Setting down her coffee, Karen took the gift and quickly tore of the wrapping paper. She then opened the box and revealed a pearl bracelet. "Wow, it's beautiful Jackie," she said, smiling at him.
"Pick it up Kare," Jack said. "There's something on it, but it must have moved while we were coming back."
Karen picked up the bracelet and saw a Celtic knot in the middle with a diamond in it. "I love it poodle," she said. "Here, put it on for me."
Jack took the bracelet and put it on Karen's right wrist. "That knot is supposed to mean eternal love," he said after he fastened the clasp.
"It's perfect," Karen said, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Now your turn Jackie." She stood up from the chair and went over to the tree. She studied the gifts for a moment before picking up a large gift. "Here, open this."
"Ooo, I hope it's clothes," Jack said, taking the box. He took off the wrapping paper and then opened the box. "Wow, this is fabulous Kare," he said, taking out a dark gray sweater.
"I got it in Dublin," Karen said, taking a sleeve of the sweater. "The lady who sold it to me said that in the old days, they would knit a special pattern so that the men who wore it could be identified."
"Identified for what?" Jack asked. "In case they died?"
"The lady didn't say, but that's probably right," Karen said, shrugging.
Jack had taken off his robe and pulled on the sweater. "It fits great Kare," he said. "I love it." He reached up and grabbed Karen's wrist pulling her down to him for a kiss.
Twenty minutes later, Jack and Karen had finished unwrapping all the gifts that had been under the tree.
"So poodle," Karen said, looking over a silk blouse Jack had given her. "What do we do now?"
"Here Kare," Jack said, handing her a box.
"What's this?" Karen asked surprised.
"Another gift," Jack said, smiling at her. "Go on and open it."
Karen took the box and took off the top, look at was inside. She pulled out a photo album that had Jack's name and hers on it. She opened the book and looked through the pictures, they were of her and Jack from the past six years. And towards the end were a bunch of pictures from their wedding. "This is great Jack," Karen said, looking up at him.
"Do you like it?" Jack asked anxiously.
"Of course I do, it's beautiful!" Karen said, leaning over and taking his face in her hands. "Thank you so much, for all of the presents." She kissed him deeply for a long time.
When he pulled back from Karen, Jack moved the photo album off her lap and laid his head there.
Karen smiled and ran her fingers through his hair, messing it up more.
Jack sighed contentedly and glanced out the window near the chair. "Hey Kare, look, it's snowing!" he said excitedly. He got up from the floor and went over to the window, looking out.
"It's so pretty Jackie!" Karen said, standing next to him. "It makes everything look so clean and pure."
"I know, it's great," Jack said. "I just got an idea, come on Kare." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the room and up the stairs.
"Poodle, what are you doing?" Karen asked as they ran into their room.
"Here, put these on," Jack said, giving her and extra pair of his slippers. He put on his own slippers and then pulled Karen out to the balcony.
"Jackie, I think that coffee Rosario gave you had Bailey's in it to," Karen said as he walked over to the railing. "It's freezing out there." She had remained in the doorway that led out to the balcony.
"Come on Kare, this is fun!" Jack said, he was jumping around in the small snow piles that had accumulated and was trying the catch snowflakes that were falling with his tongue.
Sighing impatiently, Karen stepped out onto the balcony and stood in the middle as Jack kept jumping around her.
Jack was about to jump on another pile when he felt a hand grab his arm.
"We need to go inside Jack," Karen said, smiling at him. "You're going to get sick."
He looked down at her and placed a hand on her cheek. "You've got snowflakes in your hair," he murmured, moving his hand up to her hair.
"So do you," Karen whispered. She smiled at him slightly and then kissed him deeply.
They stayed kissing on the balcony for a long time, until Jack pulled back from Karen and said, "I can't feel my fingers."
"Neither can I," Karen said.
"Let's go inside," Jack said, putting his arm around her waist and leading her to into their room.
Karen took off Jack's slippers when they got into the room and then she pulled him by the sweater over to the bed. She then pulled off Jack's sweater and kissed his chin. "Are you still cold?" she asked slyly.
"Very, very," Jack said, grinning at her wickedly.
"I can make you warm," Karen said, sliding her hands under his pajama shirt, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh, please, please make me warm Kare," Jack said, pulling her to him.
"Okay," Karen said, she stepped backwards and fell on the bed, pulling him down on top of her.
Jack reached between them as they kissed and untied her robe, opening it. He kissed her stomach and breasts before Karen help him take off the robe and nightgown.
"You're not. too tired. from last night?" Karen asked in between Jack's rough kisses.
"Never too tired. for you Kare," Jack answered. He paused for a moment when he saw the bruises he had made the night before on her chest.
"What's wrong?" Karen asked, looking at him. She raised her head slightly and saw the bruises that he was looking at. "Oh Jack-" she began.
Jack shook his head and then placed a soft kiss on each bruise, avoiding the small square of gauze. He came back up and kissed Karen roughly while they both unbuttoned his shirt. As he made love to Karen, he kissed her tenderly and murmured lovingly to her.
"Love you Jack," Karen whispered fiercely as she hit her edge.
"Ah, Kare. love you!" Jack cried out in ecstasy a few seconds later. He slumped down on her chest, breathing harshly.
Karen kissed the top of Jack's head and then said, "When you get your strength back poodle, pull up the sheets and we can sleep for a while."
"Alright," Jack said slowly, still a little breathless. "As long as I can sleep here."
"Deal, just get the covers up here, it's freezing" Karen said.
Once he got his breath back, Jack reached down and pulled the bed covers up over him and Karen. He settled his head on Karen's bosom again and kissed her breast. "Goodnight. Or good morning. Whatever, you know what I mean," Jack said.
"I know poodle," Karen said laughingly. "Sweet dreams my sweet Jackie."
~~~
"Jack," a voice whispered, cutting into Jack's dream. "Jaaack."
"Ugh," Jack said, burying his head into whatever it was his head was resting on.
"Jackie, wake up, we need to get dressed for dinner," Karen whispered
"Why. What time is it?" Jack asked, opening one eye.
"Two, poodle," Karen answered. "Kath and Amber are going to be here at three thirty."
Jack lifted his head and yawned. "Man, I was having the best dream," he said, sitting up.
"What was it about?" Karen asked.
"Hmm. I can't remember now," Jack said, shrugging.
Karen smiled and kissed him softly, before leaning over to grab her robe off the floor. She put it on and tied it before getting out of the bed and walking to the bathroom. "I'm going to take a bath and then change," she said.
When she had gone, Jack grabbed his pajama pants and pulled them on. He got off the bed and took a look out the windows. He grinned at the white city outside and then walked into the bathroom.
"What are you doing poodle?" Karen asked from the tub.
"I need to shave," Jack answered, sitting down on the edge of the bathtub.
"Then what are you waiting for?" Karen asked laughingly.
"Give me a kiss Kare," Jack said, leaning down.
Karen reached up and pulled his head down until their lips met. When they pulled apart, she giggled slightly.
"What?" Jack asked.
"You've got bubbles on your hair," Karen said.
Jack reached up and touched his head, seeing the bubbles. He grinned and said, "I'll live." He leaned over and kissed her forehead before getting up and going to the sinks so he could shave.
~~~
At five o'clock, Katherine and Amber arrived at the penthouse.
"I thought you were going to come-" Karen said as Jack helped her sister and niece out of their coats.
"We had to get out and walk," Katherine said, taking off her mittens and furiously rubbing her cheeks. "There was an accident that blocked the road."
"Oh, well, dinner's ready, let's go and eat it before it gets cold," Jack said, putting an arm around Karen's shoulders.
"Yes, I'm starving!" Katherine exclaimed.
Late that night, the four of them were sitting at the table in the living room after opening presents.
"Kath, you gave me three books," Karen said. "Since when do I like reading?"
"Kare," Katherine said. "You do like to read, I know you do."
"How do you know?" Karen retorted.
"You aren't just looking through 600 page Vogue magazines for the pictures," Katherine answered. "You've got to be reading something in there at least."
"Fine, I'll read the stupid books," Karen said. "Just so you'll leave me alone!"
"Thank you sister dear," Katherine said.
"Can we get back to the game you guys?" Jack asked impatiently.
"Alright poodle," Karen said. "Where were we?"
"I was going to make a suggestion Auntie Karen," Amber answered.
"Well go ahead love," Katherine said.
"Okay, well I think it was Miss Scarlet in the Kitchen."
At one o'clock, Katherine and Amber got ready to leave the penthouse.
"So we're having New Year's Eve at your place this year?" Karen asked.
"Yeah, and I'll be cooking a traditional Riley family New Year's Eve meal," Katherine answered.
"Oh boy," Jack said, rolling his eyes.
"Hush poodle," Karen said, pushing him lightly. "I'll talk to you tomorrow Kath."
"Alright, thanks for having us over and for all the gifts," Katherine said, hugging her sister and then brother in law.
"Thank you Auntie Karen, Uncle Jack," Amber said. "I really liked the Simpson's clue game you gave me, it was fun!"
"Glad you liked it Amb," Jack said as the little girl hugged him.
"And don't forget to find some pictures to put in that locket your uncle and I gave to you," Karen said as Amber hugged her around the waist.
"Okay, we'll see you two later," Katherine said, taking her daughter's hand.
"Be careful out there," Jack called as the two walked out the front door.
"Bye!" Katherine called back.
When Jack had closed the door and locked it, Karen said, "Let's go sit in front of the tree for a while before we go to bed poodle."
"Sure Kare," Jack said, taking her hand in his.
When they walked into the room, Rosario came in and asked, "Want another martini to pass out on Miss Karen?"
"No Rosario," Karen snapped. "Now get out of here, Jackie and I want to be alone."
When the maid had left, Karen and Jack settled on the couch in front of the Christmas tree. Its lights were the only ones that were on.
"Kare," Jack said after a while.
"Hmm?" Karen asked sleepily.
"I remembered my dream from this morning," Jack said.
"Oh yeah, what was it?" Karen asked.
"Well, from what I can remember, you were preg-" Jack started to say before something bumped into his arm. He looked down and saw that Karen was asleep. Smiling, he stood up and then picked her up, carrying her to their bedroom.