I stole this idea from tmtcltb. In Snapshots, Danny bought one for Frankie, and Kara hates it. Mike remembers having one for his kids. Since I haven't taken anything for the holiday prompts, this is just an idea!
Creepy Little Doll
Maddie had struggled finding the perfect gift for Mike. Of course; she had bought him a new button-down shirt, some cologne that she liked, a package of socks and underwear, a box of Cuban cigars and a nice whiskey. But none of it was something she was proud of. It was her and Mike's first Christmas together and she wanted it to be special, even though she knew it would hard for Mike. In some ways, shore duty had forced him to start the grieving process, that he had put off for so many years. Maddie had never shopped for a man before, let alone her husband, who happened to be a very complex person. But, she had seen something different about Mike, while he explained how to best utilize the silly 'Elf-on-a-shelf' doll to Kara. He had written directions and diagrams for Kara.
So, Maddie searched all over St. Louis; and finally found the doll. She carefully and methodically wrapped it and placed it under the tree. It would have been more appropriate in a few years, when the baby had grown enough to understand, rather than being in her belly. As Mike's mood deteriorated in the week before Christine; Maddie considered unwrapping the doll and giving it to Mike early, but she didn't give in.
On Christmas morning, Maddie woke up to find Mike sitting on the edge of their bed, with his head in his hands. His face was a bit red and blotchy and his eyes were watery. Normally; it would have bothered and worried Maddie, but Mike needed to feel all the various emotions. She rubbed his back and kissed the back of his neck. Instead of saying anything; she hugged him from behind and rested her head on his shoulder. Finally, a few minutes later; he patted her hand and spoke up.
"It'll be better next year, once the baby is here. By then; he or she will be fascinated by the lights." Mike commented.
"I hope so." Maddie answered.
"I am really glad that we don't have plans today. I want to just stay at home and relax." Mike said. They had been to a big party the night before at Tom and Sasha's. They'd ate too much and had decided they just wanted to stay home. They would prepare a small dinner together and just enjoy the day.
"I understand. Can we open presents?" Maddie asked excitedly.
"Of course." Mike answered. They both got out of bed, got dressed, made the bed and while Mike fixed coffee, Maddie started breakfast for them. They ate and then settled on the couch with the separated presents. Maddie waited anxiously as Mike slowly worked through his. He was thrilled with the Cubans and whiskey. A little less so with the cologne and clothes, but he finally got to the 'Elf-on-the-Shelf.'
"I know you have no use for this just yet, and won't for a few years, but when you were telling Kara about all the different things you had done for your kids, I decided to find one of these. I wanted our kid to have those same sort of memories. To have a fun childhood. If…its too much, I'm sorry." Maddie said as she squeezed Mike's hand. He was just staring at the box. He didn't say anything for a few minutes.
"Thank you." Mike finally said before giving her a soft kiss. As emotional as he was, there was a hint of a smile.
"You're welcome. I love you." Maddie answered.
"I love you too." Mike said.
"I hope it wasn't too much. Maybe you don't want to do the same things with our baby as you did with the others?" Maddie mentioned.
"Its fine. I'm still wrapping my head around it but it did bring back some happy memories. Next year will be better." Mike told her.
"Yes, it will. We can put this away for now?" Maddie suggested as she pointed at the box.
"Nah, leave it out. I have an entire year to come up with ideas for it." Mike said.
"Mike; the baby won't understand it next year." Maddie said.
"Still gonna do it. Will be a trial run for him or her understanding it." Mike said with a grin. At least he was slightly more upbeat.
"Well, alright. I loved all my gifts." Maddie told him as she cuddled close. He had gotten her earrings and a necklace, along with a new electric tea kettle and a few things for the baby and the house.
"Good, I'm glad. Seriously, this year is better than last year and next year will be even better. Now, let's just relax." Mike said before giving her another kiss. Maddie cuddled close and smiled; knowing Mike was right. Next year, the baby would make everything more fun and interesting and Mike would drive her nuts with that creepy little doll.