Disclaimer: I don't own Fake, Sanami Matoh-sama does. Welcome to the wonderful world of FanFiction! It's addicting, get used to it.
Warning: Now it really goes without saying for a book about a guy who isn't sure and the Bi man that pursues him restlessly. Besides the main pairing is Drake and JJ so this fic DOES contain SHOUNEN-AI (meaning two guys Kissin' and Cuddlin'!) and possibly YAOI (meaning an explicit sex scene(s) between two guys).
Author's Note: I don't own Hot Topic; The Manga: Pathos (about Vampires), Madness (about a vicious Mercenary and the only one who can calm him down is a priest) or Under Grand Hotel (about two guys in jail fall in love); the bands: My Chemical Romance, or Coheed and Cambria; Double Mint Gum or their commercials. And I still know nothing of New York. The chapter title won't make sense till the end.
Just so you know this is 21 pages in Times New Roman 12pt. Happy Reading!
Na
Three Packs a Day: Queer Revelations (that Defy All You Know)
Chapter 7: Christmas
Grey eyes stared at the computer screen as he watched the Dinner on the Corner film clip for the hundredth time. The kid, those words he cried when the screen went black, the depression it left in JJ- the depression it left in himself. In the past few days he had gone over everything, and luckily there were no more bodies. Part of him wanted to believe the killer was done, or at the least taking a break for Christmas. But the other part simply stated the Diner on the Corner closed for three days after the murder.
The DNA results had not come back yet and no one would tell him if there was just a rush going into the labs or since the DNA was not obtained by completely honest means if it was simply put on hold or thrown out. He looked through birth records and adoption papers. But found that although the Abrahams had a child, little was known there was no birth certificate at any hospital in the city for the date the Ms. Abraham had listed or even in that year. He was starting to believe that she lied some how.
Everything seemed to be coming to a dead end, and so he was sitting there at his desk watching the film; he was sure they had caught the killer on this tape. It was on the tip of his tongue, it was written all over the evidence and his own mind. And yet there was faulty wiring somewhere and he wasn't making this one little connection.
With the digital enhancing software on his computer he had zoomed in to try and see the sugar jar better only to conclude that is was the oddest sugar jar he had ever seen and disappeared easily. He tried to isolate conversations, or people and all that it did is make JJ worry.
Blue eyes watched the clock tick away slowly, he was worried about Drake. Finally losing his patients with the clock he decided that even if it was fifteen minutes to eleven, fifteen minutes till quitting time, he was getting Drake away from the computer that moment.
Standing up the young detective hesitated for a moment, even if his partner was worrying him; this was a very important case that needed to be solved. Sometimes JJ wondered why they ever got this case; they specialized in narcotics. Well Jason Langley's death was very odd before they got the lab results back; it wasn't hard to think that drugs were involved.
Taking a step towards the blond man again, there was still ten minutes but he had a feeling that it would take that long to pull him away, and still he paused a second time. Then a very familiar sob filled the room, "Ace don't die, I love you." That was the last straw those words ate at him each time they were played. They ate at Drake too, every time he lost sight or energy for his cause he let the film play through the end for that sob. A broken heart, it would seem to be the best booster of determination in this case. But this insanity needed to end, now.
"Hey Drake, you wont get through the film again before quitting time, and we still need to go grocery shopping," said JJ as he flicked off the monitor that held all the blond's attention.
Blond eyelashes fluttered, grey eyes blinking a few times looking from the blank screen to the figure hovering over him, "But the case JJ, we can't leave."
"We have informed everyone that if they find anything about our case or any lab results return, to page us. I have a fully charged pager on my belt, you cannot cancel Christmas there will be eleven people at the apartment tomorrow, and eight of them will be there tonight!"
"I thought it was ten," stated Drake as if this was a huge difference that they could tell everyone to go home, that there would be no Christmas.
"Jason Marcson is coming, I told you his family disowned him for being gay when he started dating Ace Pearson and he has been living with the Pearson's since. He said it hurt too much to be there for Christmas so I said that he could stay at my apartment as long as he needed," replied the lilac haired man placing a stick of gum on Drake's desk, putting on his own jacket, and handing Drake his coat. He new that the blond would no longer struggle to go, especially with those six sobbed words still rung fresh in his memory.
Walking around the supermarket was an entertaining event the day before Christmas, there was not a turkey, chicken, or ham in sight. But as they went around the different isle they found that they were very lucky, until it came to the dinner rolls. It would seem that everyone who knew nothing about yeast had all ready bought all the dinner rolls. One last desperate attempt down the frozen food section hailed frozen dough balls that came with thawing and baking directions for dinner rolls.
After picking up a gallon of milk JJ turned to his partner, "So what do we do for breakfast?"
Looking around for a moment, grey eyes fell on the cooler that was filled with dough products in tubes. They were of course out of any sort of roll or cooky Christmas or not. But there were still a few tubes of, "Cinnamon Buns," opening the cooler and removing three tube grey eyes turned to his partner, "five kids, eight adults do you think 24 buns will be enough?"
"Sure. My spaghetti for supper tonight, cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and a turkey for dinner tomorrow, now have we forgotten anything? Presents for everyone right?"
As they walked towards the check out, Drake began to mark things off on his hand, "We took care of my family in LA, we got Ms. Ellis a new clock to replace the broken one in her apartment, the cheese and meat box set for Mr. Ellis, that T-shirt at Hot Topic for Ashley, and what did we get Jason?"
"Anime shounen-ai, and bed sheets among other thing so he can stay in the spare room whenever he wants."
"I'll just pretend I know what you said," said Drake at the wide eyed look he chuckled, "I know what anime is I use to watch Speed Racer reruns. Hey is that why you use '–senpai' all the time?"
JJ chose not to answer and instead watch 'amazed' as their groceries were scanned in and the numbers steadily increased.
The young detective didn't say a word until they were carrying the groceries into the apartment, "We should probably set the rolls to thaw and rise over night. But besides that I don't think we need to cook anything a day early, do you?"
"The hollandaise sauce would probably be a good idea. But JJ whatever you do don't let my mother in the kitchen. She thinks I'm a slob that can barely cook, who needs a girlfriend or better yet a wife. I smoke too much, and am a stereotypical cop only eating donuts and washing it down with coffee."
"Umm… Drake, if you haven't noticed my apartment is still clean, I love your cooking I am the one that always seems to be cooking you spaghetti, you vowed- no woman- so tough luck, besides you don't need a girl- you got me! Don't forget that you quit smoking months ago and I'm not even spending more than two dollars a week on gum anymore. Since you moved in here your insomnia seems to have disappeared, and so has your coffee intake-"
"You took away the coffee maker," grumbled Drake.
Blue eyes glared, "You were a caffeine addict in a few months your body will even out with the 'need caffeine' or 'too much caffeine' headaches. Now the donuts that is just ludicrous who doesn't like donuts? Besides it is not like you have a pudgy belly."
"You are such an ego booster Jemmy J," chuckled Parker.
Silvery-blue locks swayed side to side as the man walk towards the bathroom, "I'm going to take a shower. Why don't you make your sauce, and start wrestling with the sofa. When I come out I'll help you and start supper, if your family isn't here by then we'll start decorating the tree."
Once the door closed behind his partner, Drake began taking out groceries that he would need. He barley had the casserole dish greased for the rolls when the bathroom door opened and JJ walked out in a towel. He was going to make a joke about fast showers when he noticed that his partner was dry. Cocking his head to the side he watched as one hand held the slipping towel and the other fished through the paper bag, pulling out a bar of soap.
Waving the bar, and grinning sheepishly JJ commented, "Soap," as he returned to the bathroom. Drake just shook his head as he turned back to his task. In all rights, this grocery trip had been important; the case took up a lot of time and thought, so they had run completely out of soap, shampoo, shaving cream, and JJ was also out of deodorant. Three of the four things were still in various bags in the kitchen. At least he had entertainment while he mixed his ingredients.
The blond stifled a laugh as his friend came out of the bathroom again. As it seemed JJ was having trouble finding the shampoo. Grey eyes turned to his friend noting that this time the lithe form was soaking wet. Water droplets rolled down his torso mixed with a few suds. Drake immediately stopped his stifled chuckles it was like one of those bad films where the character sees their friend in a towel with water droplets and they realize they are madly in love or something. Well it was total bullshit.
Turning back to the stove he cracked the eggs and began to whisk them in the double boiler. He was adding in the boiling water when there was a knock on the door. Running quickly to the door, as to not spoil his sauce, he wondered who it was since his sister was due for a couple more hours.
Opening the door, he saw the dark haired teen, "Hey Jason, come on in. I'm sorry cooking, can't let it burn," Drake turned and ran back to the kitchen returning to his sauce, before he yelled back, "I'm really sorry please come in, put your stuff down, and come into the kitchen. JJ is currently in the shower, he'll probably be running out soon because he forgot the shaving cream."
"Can I help?" Parker turned to see the teen standing in the doorway.
He didn't get to answer because at that moment a semi-dry figure in a white towel came out of the bathroom. Removing the sauce from the heat, Drake leaned against the counter and watched as JJ searched.
"Hey Jason, I just need to shave and I'll be out," said the silvery-blue haired man holding up the can of shaving cream.
Jason looked at him curiously, "You're shaving at two in the afternoon?"
"Meeting new people… want to look good," replied Adams sheepishly rubbing the back of his head with the can.
Pushing himself away from the counter the blond smiled, "The kid is right you know, you have this odd silver hair, and you can't even see your stubble. Beside I still need to shower, and there is a bed to pull out and a tree to put up and dinner to make."
"Okay, well than let me get dressed," replied the Californian putting down the shaving cream and walking towards the bedroom.
Brown eyes watched the blond still in the room, grey eyes followed the lithe form into the bedroom, "You like him don't you," said Jason watching as a confused expression formed on the elders face, "I know the whole towel thing is totally cliché, but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the view."
"Well that is easy for you to say you're gay you like the 'view' to begin with," stated Parker as he turned from the teen.
The dark haired boy chuckled, "That's not entirely true; the only guy who ever got it going for me was him. You know, the day the cross country team found out about us we were all checking out these girls at lunch. Well that day me and him cut out of last period about fifteen minutes early and went to the cross country storage room to make out. Well this particular time the bells were broken and we didn't know the period ended so the team caught us."
Drake thought a moment, maybe this kid could help it sounded like they were both coming from the same beginning, straight and just friends, "How did you know that you loved him… that you wanted to be with him?"
"I was ten, I didn't. My best friend kisses me (no tongue or anything) and asked me if I would be his boyfriend, and I said yes. I remember one time in middle school I kissed this girl because I liked her, but I felt so bad I went home almost in tears, his mom told me that I might have liked the girl but since I felt so guilty I liked him better.
"So I guess what it comes down to Mr. Parker is if you went on a date with a girl would you feel guilty? Or in ten years are you still going to be his work partner? Can you sleep without him by your side?" said Jason looking for any facial reaction.
The blond thought for a moment, "What do you mean sleep?"
"When we were kids when we spent the night at each others houses we shared a bed and when we started going out we still shared a bed, (although he had been firmly told I was too young to be kissing and having sex. And we didn't). When I was twelve they separated us and that was when he started drinking coffee, because of insomnia, and I had nightmares. So under the pretense of 'no sex' we were allowed to share the same bed. He started to sleep and I didn't have nightmares. I'm not saying it is the same with everyone, but who knows."
Before the elder detective could thank the kid, his partner came out of the bedroom wearing slacks and a button up shirt that hung open. Grey eyes laughed as he reached into a paper bag and pulled the lithe man's deodorant out; and throwing it at the lilac-haired detective. Covering the large quantities of Hollandaise sauce, and placing it in the refrigerator, he walked into the bathroom to take his own shower.
Buttoning up his shirt JJ looked in to the deep reddish-brown eyes, "So how are you Jason? Have a nice chat with Drake?"
"I am fine and yes I did, Mr. Adams," replied the youth, "do you need help with anything?"
Blue eyes smiled, "You don't have to call me Mr. Adams just call me JJ. And actually, if you could situate those two tables so that thirteen people could sit around it. There are a couple leafs for the bigger table if need be. Then could you place the red tablecloth, that's in one of those paper bags, on the tables and set the table for ten people. After that you can try and wrestle out the pull out sofa. I am sorry though we don't have an actual bed for you to sleep on tonight."
Opening up the cupboards Jemmy showed Jason where everything was. The kid began to pull the table out to add the leafs, "Don't worry about it I actually brought a double air mattress."
Nodding as he put away the groceries JJ said, "We'll have to pull out the sofa and move the coffee table and see if it will fit in the living room. But you would probably have to share it with Drake's nephews or else there will not be enough room for everyone."
"Why would anyone think it is a good idea trying to fit so many people into an apartment?" asked the brunette.
JJ shrugged, "Supposedly Drake told them not to worry, that we would find space for them whether here or in a hotel." With that the two silently worked on the dinner preparations.
Jason began to work on the sofa, swearing every few seconds as it continually got stuck. It was not long until Drake came out dressed much like JJ in nice slacks and a button up shirt (In true Drake style the top few buttons were not done). The blond immediately moved to help the young teen, at what seemed like a breeze (After it blew down the rock in the way), the bed was out. After they dressed the bed, they moved the furniture around so the could fit the air mattress, which was a thousand time easier to set up.
Pulling out Jemmy J's fake tree and decorations that were in the spare bedroom, they set the tree up in the living room and began to string the lights. A lithe man walked out of the kitchen with a large smile and a tray of hot apple cider. The three continued to decorate the tree, and when they were finished they sat on the blow up mattress (for there was really no floor space left).
By the time everything was done Drake began to worry, it was a bit past eight and his family had not arrived. He was about to get up and phone his sister to make sure everything was all right when there was a knock on the door.
Going to the door Drake was assaulted with loud voices and hugs as his family entered the apartment. Taking off shoes and jackets the seven people bustled toward the living room.
"Okay, so everyone this is my partner at the precinct Jemmy J Adams but just call him JJ, and this is Jason Marcson, we… ah… met him on- he'll be spending Christmas with us," said Drake gesturing to the two that were standing by the tree, "And this JJ and Jason are my family: my mom and dad Jacob and Margaret Parker, my older sister Sophie, her husband Todd McCloud and their children Briar, Peter, and Todd Jr."
The room was filled with a few murmurs of greetings before JJ began making his way towards the family, "I apologize for the lack of space in the living room we needed to find a way to fit everyone. The second door on the left is where Mr. and Mrs. Parker will sleep, Mr. and Mrs. McCloud can sleep on the fold out sofa, the boys on the air mattress, and there is a cot for Briar you can choose to sleep in a room with your Grandparents or Drake and I. So why don't we get everything settled first."
Once presents were placed under the tree, and over night bags lined the wall, Mrs. Parker announced, "Okay now let me to the kitchen and I'll make us some dinner."
"Mom that won't be necessary," said the blond detective clenching his fists a bit, "JJ made his nearly famous spaghetti."
Said detective added his two cents, "It is my own special meat sauce, and it has been simmering for a few hours and should still be hot. I bought a jar of sauce in case anyone wanted that instead of the meat sauce. There is also garlic bread. So everyone please just go into the kitchen and sit down at the table."
Everyone moved into the kitchen and sat around the table while the elder detective went to the refrigerator to retrieve the milk while JJ took the spaghetti and sauce off the stove, and brought it to the table. Asking everyone who wanted spaghetti with his sauce to pass their plates, he was pleased to see eight plates come his way. After motioning to his and Drake's plates all ten were filled with spaghetti.
The blond detective walked over with a jug of milk, a pitcher of water, and the garlic bread wrapped in tinfoil was tucked under his arm. Setting them on the end of the table he motioned for them to be passed around and taken if someone wanted them.
The two detectives took their seats and everyone began to eat. Light chatter filled the room seemingly contained to family matters secluding Jason and JJ. That was until Sophie tried to learn more about the non-family members.
"So JJ it is really nice that you let Drake stay here while his building is evacuated. But I mean your spending the holidays with us, and not your own family," said Sophie.
JJ placed down his fork and smiled, "Actually I am from LA originally, besides Drake and I, are on call and need to go in to the precinct tomorrow night so it just simplifies thing if we are in the same place."
She nodded taking a sip of her water before inquiring more, "But surely you must have a girlfriend wouldn't you want to spend time with her?"
There was a sudden crescendo of clatter, as Jason dropped his fork, Drake chocked on his water, and JJ coughed, "I'm currently single."
Sophie nodded and turned toward the teen, "How about you Jason? Why spend Christmas with a couple bachelors and not your own family?"
The dark haired teen began to stutter, not knowing how to answer that question. JJ, the flamboyantly gay guy didn't tell these people so perhaps he shouldn't. Thankfully Drake came to his rescue, "Soph-"
But Sophie ignored the reluctance and pressed on, "Or perhaps you want to spend your time with your girl-"
"Sophie! Will you come and talk with me in the other room? Now," cut in Drake standing from the table and glaring at his older sister till she too stood and followed him into the master bedroom.
Once the door was closed Sophie turned toward her brother, "What is the meaning of this Drake?"
The blond detective sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Look Sophie, I am only telling you this because you are always trying to incorporate others and trying to 'bring' me back into the family. But don't ask anything personal about Jason. His family disowned him, and his boyfriend died almost a week ago. So please don't bring up hurtful memories for him, and while you are at it don't mention girlfriends and JJ in the same sentence, it's… ah… touchy subject. Okay Sis?"
His sister nodded and the two left the room on the way back to the kitchen something caught Sophie's blue eyes, a box against the wall that held the siblings' mother's plum pudding. Walking over she retrieved the box, "Mom, you forgot to put the plum pudding in the refrigerator, again!"
"Oh, oh is that what you two were looking for? You know me all too well," replied an embarrassed Mrs. Parker. The family all laughed as Sophie put the pudding in the refrigerator and returning to her seat.
After a few moments of silence Sophie said, "So Jason back to my question," There was an awkward pause from both Jason and JJ, "what grade are you in?"
The teen caught the elder detective's eye and smiled, "I'm a freshman in high school."
"Hey, you're in the grade above me!" smiled Peter.
At this point in time everyone was basically done their supper and began to bring their dishes up to the sink, all commenting on the well cooked meal. As the detectives began to fill the dishwasher the blond put in his two cents on the meal, "It has got to be my favorite meal JJ cooks, the first meal on my first cigarette-less day in a long time."
Drake's parents whirled around from walking into the living room. His mom just stood there fish-mouthed as his father asked the burning question, "You quit smoking?"
"Well I had appendicitis last June and well my three office-mates Ryo, Dee, and JJ visited me in the hospital. When the doctor suggested that I quit JJ insisted on it. Ryo even made Dee quit," Drake said with a laugh.
In the living room one could see the McCloud's piled on the fold out, watching Christmas specials of classic cartoons. While Mr. and Mrs. Parker decided they would go to bed. Drake set up Briar's cot in the master bedroom, while the two 'J's cleaned up the kitchen.
The younger detective turned to see the teen was watching the group in the living room, "So we are in agreement about blonds?"
Jason turned a blush spreading across caramel skin, "The difference is: you want in Drake's heart and pants, I on the other hand think Peter is cute."
At that moment Drake walked in, "What? But Peter is thirteen!"
"So I'm fourteen, and all I said was he is cute," replied the brunette crossing his arms over his chest.
Drake was shocked he was certain that Ace had been sixteen, "But he was sixteen."
"And a six-year-old first grader when I met him on my first day of kindergarten. He is a year and nine months older than I am," stated Jason, "Now I am going to watch cartoons until everyone goes to bed."
Grey and blue eyes watched the boy as he sat down on his blow up mattress, the blond regarded his silvery-blue haired friend, "So what do you think will happen with his love life?"
"Your guess is as good as mine really. He could end up with girls or guys or be bi, but part of me thinks he might choose an asexual lifestyle," shrugged the lithe form sitting down at the table. The two sat there in the kitchen watching idly as everyone went to sleep.
An hour after the apartment fell silent the two detectives left the kitchen, and went into the bedroom. Thin strips of light came through the blinds illuminating the figure on the cot. It reminded JJ that of all nights for him to not be cradling his partner in his sleep, tonight was it. Crawling into the bed he stayed on the very edge, hoping that through the night, that was where he would stay.
The bed dipped, blue eyes knew it had to be Drake even if his back was to the person. A strong arm wrapped around the lithe waist and pulled the young detective back against a warm firm chest. Surprised JJ rolled over and whispered, "Drake! What are you doing? Briar is in here."
"And we need to wake up before her, besides I'm cold and you're not getting away, you would have ended out cuddling in the end anyways," replied the blond, as he relaxed and closed his eyes.
The alarm roused the cuddling men at the cusp of nine, after a short protest from Drake about being too warm to move the two got out of bed and quietly moved to the closet to retrieve their clothes for the day, button up shirt and slacks.
Making their way to the kitchen they looked into the living room to find everyone still asleep, and a dark haired teen cuddled up against a blond. The two detectives looked at each other and in silent agreement Drake continued into the kitchen and JJ went to arouse their dark haired friend.
Reddish-brown eyes fluttered open, and peered into deep blue eyes. Looking at the figure above him, with a finger to his lips in an act of silence, Jason then realized something was wrong. Feeling the body in his arms his mind had convinced him that Ace's death was all a bad dream. But seeing JJ brought back the harsh reality and the shock the he was cuddled up against someone, he should not be cuddling with. Carefully but hurriedly he scooted away from the blond mortified.
Once the two 'J's entered the kitchen they saw that Drake had started to heat a large pot of milk for cocoa. The teen began to frantically apologize for accidentally cuddling with Peter in his sleep. While the dragonfly tried to explain that he was the very same way and that Peter was asleep and therefore there was no harm done.
Suddenly there was a loud sound of something hitting the counter and the two younger men turned to look at the elder blond. Grey eyes turned towards the other two occupants of the room. Holding out two tubes of cinnamon rolls that had the paper stripped off, "You two have to try this, just hit the tube against the counter's edge."
The two did as they were told, and found the busting roll of cinnamon treats to be the right short distraction to make them forget their worries. Removing the cinnamon buns from their own rolls they placed the 24 rolls on the two cooky sheets that Drake had prepared, and put them in the oven when it beeped saying that it had finished preheating.
Jason picked up one of the cinnamon roll wrappers and read it. Before he took the three packages of frosting and emptied them into a bowl saying that it would be easier to frost that way. Looking through the refrigerator he found to his delight a jar of maraschino cherries. He than dyed the icing green planning to put three cherry halves on each bun.
While the caramel colored boy mixed his frosting, the detectives made their own respected drinks. Drake mixed the cocoa and poured it into thirteen mugs and than placed mugs on the table next to whipped cream, and a bag of marshmallows. JJ on the other hand took thirteen clear plastic cups and mixed Mimosas (A/N: champagne and orange juice traditionally drunk under the Christmas tree (including children whose parents give the okay).), before placing those on the table.
It was not long after breakfast was finished when Sophie and Mr. Parker stumbled into the kitchen mumbling something about coffee, before grabbing a mug off the table and taking a sip.
Tired blue eyes whirled on Drake, "Brother, why am I drinking hot chocolate?"
"I quit coffee," Drake shrugged.
"Why Drake?" asked Jacob, looking at his son with one eyebrow raised.
JJ smiled, "I made him, he was drinking too much coffee, so instead he drinks cocoa since there is less caffeine in it but enough to remove the headaches caused by the lack of caffeine in his system."
"How can someone drink too much coffee?" asked the female blond, taking a sip of the cocoa.
"My minimum since June was two liters a day," replied Drake as he picked up a cinnamon roll and taking a bite, "Hey, Jason where did you come up with the idea for the cinnamon buns?"
The brunette looked up at Drake from his seat at the table, "It is actually on the cinnamon bun container, except they said to bake the buns in a wreath shape but it was too late for that."
They all sat and began their breakfast as one by one everyone entered the kitchen. Mrs. Parker was at first disgusted by the green icing until she was told that Jason made the cinnamon buns. She was also shocked to hear that Drake stopped drinking coffee, and than promptly asked if he still got drunk with his buddies.
"Well since Ryo moved in with Dee, Ted and I can no longer go over to his place to drink. Ryo doesn't like a drunken Dee. Besides I think JJ wouldn't appreciate me going to a bar and getting drunk, and since he is letting me stay here, it is probably best that I not make him mad," replied Drake with a smirk, he had just destroyed half of what his mother's disliked about him: Smoking, Alcohol intake, and Coffee intake. All that was really left was a wife and grandchildren, and at this point Drake was pretty sure he would never have a wife. Glancing in the direction of his dragonfly he smiled. Remembering Jason, he smiled wider depending on what Jason decided- his mother might get a pseudo-grandson.
Having gone to the living room once they finished their breakfast, with Mimosas in hand, Jason quickly depleted the inflatable mattress. Todd and Drake wrestled the sofa back into a sofa. JJ brought the used sheets to the hamper in the bathroom, while Sophie Peter and the younger Todd pulled the coffee table and armchair back into place. Everyone stood by the Christmas tree they wished each other a Merry Christmas and drank the Mimosas before situating themselves on various pieces of furniture.
Todd threw a red Santa hat at Drake who was sitting on the arm of the armchair that was occupied by his partner, "Drake why don't you do the honors?"
With an overly dramatic sigh, the blond hair was covered in the Santa hat, and the man made his way towards the Christmas tree, brushing away an eager young red-head's fingers. Eyeing a small rectangular box Santa-Drake smirked, "If my quitting coffee and cigs, not to mention cutting back on the alcohol intake didn't shock you I am sure this will. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad this is from me and JJ."
Handing the present to his mother she looked the box over and than looked at her son. Her fingers deftly removed the paper as she shot a questioning gaze at the lilac haired man, "It is a nice sentiment Honey but why is it from both of you we just met him yesterday?"
At that moment her eyes fell to the Los Angeles Skyline coasters, "This Thanksgiving I went to LA with Jemmy to visit his family and I said you wanted coasters and he helped me pick out the design."
Picking up the closest present he handed it to the young Todd, and once every one had a present they opened it and thanks were given than Drake past out another round. Slowly all the presents were given out and Drake was faced with a pile of his own presents.
Briar upon seeing her I 'heart' LA t-shirt actually hugged her uncle and his friend, since they had put a bit of thought into the gift. Jason who came out with the least amount of gifts was still happy he especially loved the posters from Drake and JJ for his new room; one was a scantily dressed man dripping with sweat on the note it said 'form JJ' and the second was a busty blond in a bikini and the note said 'from Drake, P.S. please don't unroll in front of my family.'
The younger detective had received two tie boxes one from Jason and the other from Drake. The teen motioned for JJ to wait until Drake open the companion tie. Blue eyes shot a quizzical look upon seeing the deep green tie with small blue dragonflies covering it. There was a card that had said that Drake would explain later and that there was another present for him that just hadn't arrived yet.
The much anticipated ties from Jason were opened the reactions were priceless JJ's eyes bugged out as he held out the black tie than in red lettering said 'Seme'. Blue eyes glanced over at Drake who was poised once more on the arm of the chair. Confused grey eyes looked at his own black tie with the pink lettering that said 'Uke'. A glare was sent to the laughing brunette, a quick glance around the room hailed confused looks from everyone except a knowing smirk from Briar.
Jemmy groaned, she was a goth yaoi fangirl. He raked his brain for the most gothic yaoi manga he could think of, looking at the girl, "Pathos? Madness?"
She nodded with a huge smile, "Another good one is Under Grand Hotel."
The room was filled with more confusion as reddish-brown eyes laughed, "The ties are a Japanese gag gift, and JJ and Briar are discussing Manga."
"Oh you mean those comics she likes to read?" asked Sophie.
The grey, blue, and brown eyes of Peter, Briar, and Jason glared at Sophie as all three stated, "It's called Manga, but if you must Japanese Graphic Novels!"
There was a long pause, before everyone started to laugh. All questions over the presents the detectives received where forgotten except by the elder detective. JJ caught his partners gaze and mouthed, 'I'll explain later.'
There was a knock on the door, the detective glanced at the clock and then rushed to the door. Opening the door they were greeted by a smiling old lady, a man holding a large pot and a disgruntle girl with dyed black hair carrying a large bag. Drake immediately took the turkey from Joseph and brought it quickly to the kitchen, while JJ introduced everyone.
Placing the pan with the turkey on the counter, Drake decided to bake the rolls first since the directions said that it would only take about twenty minutes. Taking out his red potatoes and asparagus he started to prepare the vegetables.
After JJ went through the introduction everyone seemed to watch the two girls decked in black. Ashley's hazel eyes met the blue of Briar's as they took in the appearance of each other.
"My Chemical Romance?"
"Coheed and Cambria?"
The simple stating of two bands allowed the girls to realize that they were on the same page and they would get along. Heading off to the far corner of the living room they began to talk (which consisted of very little words and much staring into space).
Ms. Ellis moved into the kitchen followed by JJ so she could instruct the boys with the turkey. She told them about the plastic meter that showed when the turkey was done. She also handed them a baster and explained that they needed to take the juices in the bottom of the pan and cover the turkey every fifteen to thirty minutes so that the turkey would not be dry. Lastly she explained that she did not cook the turkey all the way that there was about an hour left until it was done.
While Drake was learning the fineries of turkey basting, JJ was looking through his box of fine china, crystal and his silverware set (That was his mothers but she had two (one large and the other small) and she didn't want to store the large one herself so she gave it to JJ). There was 24 of everything (three sets of the same design), and half of the contents confused the young detective.
Looking at the large silver plates that seemed to be made of plastic, JJ had no clue on what to do. Ms. Ellis glanced over and smiled kindly, "Here dear, let me show you how to set the table with the china. Those silver platters are kind of like placemats. Than atop it comes the dinner plate, followed by the salad plate, and since there is no soup you don't use the bowl. To the left of the place setting above the platter is the wine glass, and water glass. Above the center of the platter is the dessert spoon and to the right of that is the dessert plate. To the left place the dinner fork, and on the far outside the salad fork, and on the right is the knife."
(A/N: Since people always discredit this: the glasses go on the left, since most people are right handed they are less likely to knock a glass over on the left than the right. Do not question me I went to finishing school and read both American and British etiquette books).
Ms. Ellis explained simply with an example of each piece she then explained that one eats top to bottom, outside to inside. That after each course its corresponding dishes needed to be removed from the table. The simple white china with gold trim along with the rest of the crystal and silverware needed to be hand washed.
She than left the two men to their cooking, going back into the living room to socialize. Ms. Ellis shocked the Parker's once more since she told them that Drake did her laundry and grocery shopping.
Jemmy took out a few eggs and put them in a pot to hard boil, for the beginnings of his chef salad. He used the table to cut up the cucumbers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and apples (which were socked in lemon water to keep from turning brown).
Having placed the turkey and asparagus in the oven and the red potatoes cut in fourths on to boil, Drake put the rolls in a bowl. And at that moment Peter walked into the kitchen.
The young blond seemed to fidget, and his cheeks were flushed with a sort of confused embarrassment, "Uncle Drake, can I… ah… talk to you."
"Sure Peter, what about," smiled the blond as he busied himself with various cooking details.
Peter took a deep calming breath, "First I would like you to know that I have no problem with you being gay," Drake turned to the boy wide eyed, "what I mean is that I know what the ties mean (thanks to Briar), and well I have no problem with it or you not coming out with it to the rest of the family."
A shocked Drake could only nod and mumble, "Okay, and what did you need to ask?"
"Well you see I woke up last night, and well Jason was holding me and-" started Peter.
The dragonfly took the initiative to explain to the boy, "You see Peter, Jason he likes to seek warmth in his sleep and meant nothing by it. I admit I am the same way and have done it to your Uncle many a time."
"Well it is not like that, its-"
"Oh, so you are wondering if you may be gay?" interrupted JJ
Drake growled, "JJ let the boy speak"!
"Well it is that too, but I was only going to say that, at first I was shocked and then I don't know I found it unbearably comfortable. I liked the feeling, it wasn't… ah… arousing or anything, just comfortable, and I fell easily back to sleep," replied Peter blushing.
The room fell silent the only noise being the eggs that were boiling. Drake turned off the burner and than sighed, "Peter you are a cuddler. An ex-girlfriend of mine was one as well. She said it was a platonic thing where one only wished for human contact more often than not."
"On the question of your sexuality only time can tell, you can also experiment to see if you like guys or not. Now I am not saying you should jump into bed with every guy you meet, but more like kissing. Jason would actually be good at helping out but he went through some rough things lately and it may not be the best time. But if you like, you could discuss it with him."
The grey eyed teen nodded, "Thanks Uncle Drake, Uncle JJ." With those words the blond turned and went back to the living room. The adults were all talking together; sitting on the sofa, Todd Jr. was playing his new hand held videogame, and Briar, Ashley, and Jason were watching some of the shounen-ai anime Jason received for Christmas on a laptop. And that is where he went, sitting next to his sister.
Angry grey eyes turned on JJ as he shelled and cut the eggs, "What do those ties mean?"
JJ nervously rubbed the back of his head, "You see, mine 'seme' is reference to being the one on top in a gay relationship. And yours 'uke' refers to the partner who is on the bottom in a gay relationship."
"So seme means you're the guy, and uke means you're the girl?" asked Drake.
"Yes, you could say that. I personal don't like that translation, because being uke doesn't mean you are any less a man. For example you wouldn't think that Ryo is any less a man because he is typically the uke. It really is a matter of preference whether you are seme or uke, and it is not uncommon for a couple to switch," explained JJ, as he finished setting the table.
The blond nodded his head as he checked on the turkey, it was done. Removing the turkey and setting it on top of some empty burners, he turned off the oven. Draining the water from the potatoes he mashed them up a bit without removing the skins. Adding a sick of butter and cream he mashed it together, leaving a few hunks of potato. Then he added a container of sour cream and mixed the concoction. Placing the lid on the pot to keep it warm he motioned for JJ to follow him into the living room.
Under the Christmas tree were the three remaining presents for the Ellis'. Picking up the presents the detectives handed them out. At that moment Ms. Ellis gave the detectives their own presents, a home knitted blue sweater.
Moving in to the kitchen, everyone stared in awe of the table the white table cloth, the Christmas run down the center the fine china and crystal, and the soft candles glowing. They all sat down except the two detectives, eagerly awaiting the meal.
"So first we have a chef salad made by JJ, and we also have some wine; Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio and for the kids we have sparkling cider," said Drake as the salad and dressings were passed around the detectives went around pouring the requested wine of each guest.
After the salad was finished the young detective removed the dishes while Drake removed the stuffing and carved the turkey. Placing all the food on ornate platters, or bowls, and the hollandaise sauce in the gravy boat since no gravy had been made.
Light chatter filled the air as the food was passed around. A peace fell on the occupants of the room when Sophie looked at her brother, "I'm rather impressed bro, and this food is not only edible but also great tasting!"
"Well the turkey and stuffing is Ms. Ellis'," replied Drake as he doused all his food with hollandaise sauce.
The kindly old lady placed down her fork and smiled, "Yes it is dear, but you must remember the last leg of the cooking, and you two did a fine job; the turkey isn't too dry or anything but perfect."
"Yes Drake and you must tell where you got this hollandaise sauce," praised Margaret Parker, before eating a piece of asparagus with the sauce.
"Actually it was your recipe Mom," replied Drake.
There was a pause before Briar spoke, "Oh, you mean the one that Grandma kept burning?"
"Oh yeah, that was when she got all mad and told Uncle Drake to go buy some since he soaks his food in it. But he was broke so he tried to make it himself, and Grandma never knew!" exclaimed Peter.
Drake chuckled, "Don't be like that Peter you helped me out and the sauce was wonderful because of it."
"Where was I?" asked the young red-head.
His father answered, "Taking a nap you were only three at the time."
The table quieted down after that as they began to finish off the last of the vegetables. Once everyone was full, Sophie and Mrs. Parker offered to clean up so that Drake and JJ could relax before heading into work in little over four hours.
They all talked about random things, it was a comfortable conversation that included everyone. When the dinner dishes were done Mrs. Parker brought out her plum pudding, and Drake retrieved some Neapolitan ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry), for those who did not like the pudding.
After serving the dessert, things settled down a bit. And soon all the children were off enjoying themselves and packing their things. Sophie dropped her spoon with an expression that said she had just remembered something very important, "Oh! Drake I forgot to mention Briar and Peter will be attending a private school here in the city starting not this spring semester but the next."
"Well that is very good for them, but why not in the fall?" asked the blond brother.
Sophie nodded and swallowed her bite of plum pudding, "You see they had to test into this institute, and they want them to start in the spring. Todd got in as well but his scores were at the lower end of the scale, so it would be a bit tough for him. So he decided to not go."
"What Sophie is trying to say Drake, is would it be possible for them to live here in the city with you? We would send a check every month for their living costs," said the red-headed man.
Grey eyes widened for a moment and then he thought about this proposal. He wouldn't mind them staying with him, but he currently has no room for two children in his apartment, "Soph I would love to, but I would have to see about living arrangements, currently I don't have the room for Briar and Peter. I'll get back to you though."
Once again the Parker women cleaned up as they all said good-bye to the Ellis'. Looking around the living room the two detectives only noticed two of the four children, Peter and Jason were missing.
The detectives found the two in the master bedroom sitting on the cot, that Briar slept on, with Peter in the caramel teen's arms. With a sigh the two men moved to sit next to the teens who were trying to separate.
JJ held up a hand to stop the two, "No, it is all right, we understand. I don't know if your mother or father would understand though. I do not mind you two being close, but I am not offering you two free range for sexual activity, got it?"
When the boys nodded Drake continued, "Now I have news for all of you, which I believe is pretty good news. I was thinking of moving in with JJ, if that is all right with him, so that Joseph can have my old apartment next to his mother. And so then Jason will be staying with the two of us, and most likely switching schools, am I right? And lastly it has been requested that Peter will be living with me when he starts his new high school in a year. Now how does all that sound?"
The elder detective was promptly glomped by his partner as three people said, "Good!"
Looking at the two younger males JJ questioned, "So did you figure it out yet Peter?"
The young blond shook his head, "Nope, but I defiantly like cuddle."
The elder blond chuckled and ruffled his nephew's head, "And Jason? I thought that you would be a little less apt to do something like this."
"Well I'm not ready for a relationship or anything, but this is comforting," replied Jason.
Glancing at his watch the young detective realized that it was about time for the Parkers and McCloud's to be leaving so that Drake and JJ could get to the precinct. Leaving the bedroom they found everyone was retrieving their shoes and coats. Saying their good-byes the apartment became quiet only leaving three.
Striping the bed in the spare room, the detectives helped set up Jason's room. The phone rang and Adams answered it figuring it was his parents calling to wish him a Merry Christmas, and he was right. They were currently docked in Honolulu so they had decided to call him. They chatted until Drake tapped JJ on the shoulder to say it was time for them to head into the precinct.
After staring at his computer screen for four hours straight grey eyes started to hurt. So Drake began to look over the evidence again. Flipping through 'The Coffee Lover's Book' from back to front, he found the page that belonged to the Angello twins. It was a rip off of the Double Mint Gum commercial but still entertaining: Double your pleasure, double your fun, double the flavor with double shot cappuccinos.
Slowly making it through the book he found every victim except the Abraham's, Emily Gregory, and Ace Pearson. Making it to the front of the book he glanced over the news articles about George Miller and the Diner on the Corner.
The blond head shot up to look at his partner, "JJ!"
"What Drake?" replied the tired lilac haired detective looking at the clock and seeing that it was about one in the morning.
Grey eyes smiled, "Come, and get some coffee with me."
"Drake! You quit remember, if you are going to quit quitting than why do I have to go downstairs with you?"
"You think I am going to quit quitting with that horrible mucky water?" Drake asked throwing JJ's jacket at him, he put his own on and then picked up the book he was previously flipping through, "besides we have to return this book."
Walking into the Diner on the Corner, the first thing they noticed was that Lindsey was the only waitress working that night. Walking up to the counter Drake smiled, "Hello Ms. Abraham, working by yourself this evening?"
The bleach blond turned around and smiled, "Detectives! What can I do for you? And yes, you see Lydi was given a month off for trauma."
"I'm sorry to hear that, about your co-worker. We are actually here to return 'The Coffee Lover's Book', and I was also wondering if I could get a cup of coffee black," replied the elder detective.
"Sure thing detective, could I get you anything else? Or how about you Detective…"
"Adams" provided JJ.
Lindsey smiled, "Could I get you anything Detective Adams? Coffee?"
Blue eyes replied, "I don't drink coffee," the waitress frowned, "often, but I'm fine tonight. I'll just look at the menu."
"That sounds good," said Drake, "I'll have the coffee and I'll look at the menu too."
Handing the men each a menu, the waitress smiled, "Sit wherever you like. I'm just going to place this in the office, than I'll be right over with that coffee."
"Thanks," replied the detectives as they took the menus and chose a seat near the back where JJ spoke with Jason that morning they first met.
They sat in silence for a few moments, eyes scanning the menu. Blue eyes finally looked up trying to catch the grey eyes that were currently reading the menu, "Drake what are we really doing here?"
The blond seemed to not hear his partner, "Look, Jemmy they have Belgium Waffles."
A white coffee cup and saucer were placed on the table in front of Drake. Said man leaned back and held his menu to the waitress, "Ah! I think I'll have the Belgium Waffles with strawberries," Drake slowly lifted his mug to his lips, a slow smirk graced Lindsey's lips before she turned her attention to JJ, before Drake took a sip he put the mug down, "here you have a hair on your uniform."
Drake picked the hair off Lindsey Nicole's uniform and smoothed out her collar. There was a shrill ring and the blond cursed looking at the message on his cell phone. Cursing under his breath he dug out his wallet and placed a couple dollars on the table. Standing up he said, "JJ we got to go now. Sorry Ms. Abraham, but cancel those waffles." Before anyone could reply; Drake tipped back his coffee drinking it all before he dashed out the door to his car, JJ on his heels.
Author's Note: prepares resurrecting potion I know your all going to kill me. And if you aren't going to kill me, than I'll tell you that the general consensus is that Lindsey is the murderer. So was it good or bad give me your opinion please, either way one thinks is fine, Merci!
Na
