Disclaimer: I only own the story specific characters I created. The originals belong to Cecily von Zeigesar and The CW.
Charlotte and Eddie slept in the morning after the Bass Industries Charity Gala. When they woke, Eddie did his best to distract Charlotte from what had ended their previous evening, namely her rude ex-boyfriend's smoke filled poker party.
"Good morning," Charlotte felt Eddie's lips trail along her collarbone.
"It's a very good morning waking next to you," he brushed his lips along her cheek.
"Sap," she teased.
"Hey, you love me now," he shot her a disapproving look, "None of this sap business."
"Maybe I should take it back now that I know what a sap you are," she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Good luck," he pressed his lips against hers.
She hummed against his lips. "Let's just stay in bed all day."
"Tempting," he hovered above her, "But we'd miss out on some holiday fun."
"Oh?" she raised a curious brow.
"You planned yesterday's festivities. Today is my turn."
"I'm in," she pushed away the bed covers and motioned to get out of bed.
"No need to rush," he reached for her shoulder, pinning her under him. "It was a late night. I think we're due a bit more time of rest."
"Rest, huh?" her eyes sparkled.
"Rest," he pressed his lips against hers again.
Emerging from the bedroom a short while later dressed for the day, Charlotte could hear the commotion in the dining room. Eddie steered her towards the kitchen where Collette and Brice were sitting at the counter, sipping coffee and talking about what they'd be doing for the day. Barty was sitting at Collette's side, enjoying the rubbing she was treating him too.
"Devon's gone," Brice told Charlotte as Daniella quickly poured cups of coffee for Charlotte and Eddie. "He was chased out quite early."
"Thanks, Dani," Charlotte smiled at her housekeeper, "And thanks for getting the cleaners here so quick."
"Dorota is a miracle worker," Daniella smiled.
"Yes, she is," Charlotte smirked.
"I'm asking lots of questions and taking copious amounts of notes as I go," Daniella assured her employer. Though she'd only been with her employer for a short amount of time, she had become quite fond of her and was eager to prove her worth.
"Ask my sister for a raise already," Brice encouraged his sister's housekeeper. From what he'd observed so far, she was earning every cent she was being paid and then some.
"Hey, she's well compensation," Charlotte scowled at her brother.
"I really am," Daniella snickered and slipped away to tackle her daily tasks.
"I really like her," Collette told Charlotte as she watched Daniella leave the room.
"I got quite lucky," Charlotte nodded.
"Christmas Eve tomorrow," Collette stated, "Are the costumes all sorted?"
"Costumes?" Eddie eyed Charlotte curiously.
"Every year since we were kids, Mom and Dad have brought us to the children's hospital to bring some Christmas cheer to the sick children. When we were younger, we'd just play with the kids while Mom, Dad, and the rest passed out presents and Dad read the Christmas Carol. As we got older, we started playing parts in Santa's entourage," Charlotte explained.
"Parts," Brice snorted, "We're elves, Charlotte."
"Elves?" Eddie repeated.
"It's as atrocious as it sounds," Brice bobbed his head, "Pointed shoes, constricting green tights, the works."
"Leggings," Charlotte and Collette responded in unison.
"Leggings, tights, there is no difference," Brice scowled at them.
"You're right," Charlotte bobbed her head, "No matter how much you gripe, Mom still insists on all of us suiting up, and you'll continue to do so without complaint."
"I'm sure Mom has a costume all ready for you," Brice told Eddie. "You'll probably fill out Uncle Nate's tights quite nicely."
"Don't be silly, Brice," Collette nudged him, "I'm sure Blair has a fresh outfit for Eddie."
"How bad is this going to be?" Eddie gulped nervously.
"This is a right of passage," Collette added, "If you survive the holiday hazing, you're accepted for life."
"Is that so?" Eddie chuckled, "How'd Devon do?"
"Oh, he was never invited," Charlotte rolled her eyes, "Honestly I never wanted him to be…Says a lot about what I thought of our relationship. Lettie is the only outsider who has been allowed in."
"The first holiday sets the tone," Collette laughed.
"Does it matter that I've experienced other holidays with the Bass family?" Eddie asked.
"Oh no, you've experienced Christmas Day," Collette snorted, "That's just an appetizer."
"Stop freaking out my boyfriend," Charlotte scowled at her friend, "It's not that bad."
"Says someone who has grown up with all the experiences," Collette replied, "I loved it all from the very beginning. My family wasn't big on holiday celebrations, so the Bass celebrations were a welcome change."
"My family celebrate the holidays, but not on the Bass level," Eddie replied, "We just did the Christmas tree, exchange presents, and have a special meal."
"Oh no, that's not us," Charlotte shook her head.
"I know," Eddie wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "It's an entire host of events throughout the season. I certainly enjoyed yesterday."
"It's Eddie's turn to dazzle me," Charlotte leaned over and pressed her lips against his.
"You'd better be up to the challenge," Brice replied, "Christmas is the biggest deal in our family."
"More than up for it," Eddie replied.
"Dress warm," Eddie advised Charlotte as they prepared to leave for their mysterious afternoon activity when she disappeared into her coat closet.
Charlotte selected her warmest winter coat, a puffy red one that came all the way to her knees. She rifled through her coat closet drawers to find her black and white checkered gloves and beanie to complete the winter outfit.
"Is this warm enough?" Charlotte emerged from the closet and threw out her arms dramatically.
"I certainly hope so," he leaned in and kissed her nose before glancing at her feet, "Are those boots going to be warm enough?"
Charlotte glanced at her feet and the stylish booties she had on. They were very similar to the ones she'd worn the previous day during their window display tour. They'd been out for a few hours then and her toes had been a bit chilled even though she hadn't said anything. She didn't want chilly toes to be the buzz kill today, so she returned to the closet and pulled out alternate footwear, proper wool lined, brown leather boots.
"Better," he ushered her towards the elevator.
"Where are we going? The North Pole?" Charlotte's eyes sparkled with the eagerness she felt over Eddie's mysterious plans.
"We'll save that for next year," he reached for her gloved hand and gave it a squeeze.
Emerging from the building, they grabbed a taxi and Eddie whispered their destination to the driver before settling back in the seat with his hand resting lightly on her thigh. It was such a simple touch, not even connecting with any piece of skin, but Charlotte could feel the current of electricity unlike anything she'd ever felt in her life.
"Last night keeps replaying in my mind," Charlotte admitted.
"Really, which part?" he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"The part where you said you loved me," she touched his chin with her gloved hand. "I know my parents love me and my brothers and my friends, but with you, it's so different. I feel like my heart is beating a hundred miles an hour. If this is how my parents have felt about each other since they were in high school, I don't know how they haven't keeled over from a heart attack."
"Conditioning," Eddie chuckled.
"This doesn't feel at all how I thought it would feel, and not in a bad way," she told him.
"Hopefully better," he gave her a heart stuttering smile.
"A million times better," she agreed.
They drove for what felt like forever. Charlotte started to feel a bit restless as they appeared to be driving out of the city.
"This is going to be one expensive cab fare," Charlotte told him, "If I'd known, we could have arranged for a fleet vehicle."
"Since when is a Bass concerned about money?" he teased.
"Seriously," she eyed him, "We can call for a fleet vehicle to take us back later."
"We'll negotiate when the time comes," he sent her a wink.
Pulling up to a bustling parking lot, Eddie helped Charlotte from the car before he paid the cab driver their fare.
"Are you sure we're going to be able to catch a cab back?" Charlotte watched as the driver drove off. She truly had no clue where or how far outside the city they were.
"Come on," he tugged on her arm with a confident smile. In truth, he'd already arranged for their transportation home.
Charlotte willingly followed him as he weaved them through the crowd of people. She was becoming more and more curious as they walked up to a ticket booth where Eddie quickly produced tickets he'd purchased prior to their arrival.
"You're just full of surprises today," they stepped through some sort of turnstile and through a tunnel. Charlotte suddenly gasped at the sight before her. In all it's glory, a life sized castle constructed entirely of ice was majestically lit. "What is this place?"
"Greenwald's Castle," Eddie replied, "They do this every year. I'm surprised you've never heard of it before."
Music of the season filled the air as people wandered around the alleys of shops surrounding the ice palace. The smells of hot cocoa, fresh baked cookies, and evergreen trees hung in the air.
Charlotte's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "This place is amazing. How have I not heard about this? How has Daddy not heard about this?"
"Good question," they approached one merchandise stand and browsed a bit before moving onto the next stand.
"Is the ice castle open to explore?" Charlotte wrapped her arm through Eddie's as they wandered.
"It's the reason I had you dress extra warm," he bobbed his head, "I hear it gets a bit cold inside."
"How about some hot cocoa first?" she suggested when they passed a stand selling it.
"Good idea," they got into line. When Charlotte reached to pay for the hot cocoa, Eddie quickly halted her. "This day is my treat."
"So if I find a diamond bracelet I must have, you're willing to be on the hook for it?" she raised a curious brow.
"If you can find a vendor here who sells diamond bracelets, I will absolutely buy it for you," he chuckled. He was pretty confident she wouldn't find anything close to what she was describing. The highest dollar value of anything for sale they'd found so far was a hundred dollars.
"I'm making this my mission for the day," she accepted the cup of cocoa from the vendor and took a healthy sip, whipped cream lingering on her lip. Eddie couldn't resist bending in to kiss her, making sure to lick the whipped cream away as their lips met. When he pulled away, she tugged at his jacket to keep him close. "I really like kissing you."
"Is that so," he smiled and pressed his lips to hers again.
"Really, really like it," she mumbled against his lips.
"Drink your cocoa, then we can tour the castle before scouring the village for your diamond bracelet," he pecked at her lip one more time.
"Deal," she took another gulp of the warm liquid. Though she could feel it's warming effects, it wasn't nearly as effective at warming her as Eddie's kisses.
They walked through the vendors while they finished their cocoa and then cued up to wait their turn to tour the castle.
"Not quite as spectacular as the Hamptons Castle, but quite impressive nonetheless," Eddie noted as they wander through the castle made entirely of ice.
"It's beautiful," Charlotte turned circles as she took in her surroundings, her eyes falling on the crystal chandelier. The temperature inside the castle was dramatically lower than outside. She was most grateful Eddie had insisted she change her boots. "How did you hear of this place?"
"You're going to think it's a bit silly," he chuckled, "I asked my mother to help me find a special place to take you to celebrate the holidays that you'd never seen before. She's had this place in her files for awhile in the event your father was looking for some new traditions."
"I think we should keep this as our tradition," she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him.
"Deal," his arms immediately wrapped around her waist to keep her close for a few moments more before they moved on to the next room in the castle.
Leaving the village, there was a Bass fleet vehicle waiting for them. They hadn't found a diamond bracelet, but they did find a crystal ornament they had engraved with the year and their initials. Charlotte was intending to add it to the tree when she got back to her apartment.
"Courtesy of your mother?" Charlotte lifted a curious brow and motioned towards the vehicle.
"Trick of the trade," he sent her a wink without actually answering her.
"Is having your mother on speed dial a trick? If so, I have that same trick up my sleeve" Charlotte slid into the vehicle with a snicker. "This village is the perfect addition to my holiday traditions."
"Our holiday traditions," he slid in next to her. She instantly snuggled against him, enjoying the warmth of the vehicle and their shared body heat. It wasn't an overly chilly day, but as the afternoon went on, the cold began to penetrate the layers of clothes they were wearing.
"You don't have to join us tomorrow at the hospital if you don't want to," Charlotte offered.
"I really don't mind," Eddie assured her, "We used to go to a soup kitchen after dinner on Christmas Day to volunteer. I like the idea of giving back."
Charlotte beamed at him in response.
Returning to Charlotte's apartment, silence was the only thing to greet them.
"Brice, Lettie," Charlotte called out as she shed her coat and gloves. "Barty?"
"Hmm, did they say they were going out?" Eddie took Charlotte's coat and hung them both in the closet.
"Not that I remember," Charlotte frowned. "I haven't checked my phone though. Maybe they sent me a message."
Sure enough Brice had sent her a message that they were having dinner with Collette's mom and boyfriend. Barty was being entertained by Aiden in their parents' penthouse. They were supposed to retrieve him when they got home.
"Looks like the cleaners earned their money," Eddie moseyed into the dining room to see everything had been put back to rights after the previous evening's uninvited festivities. There wasn't even the fainted trace of smoke lingering in the ear.
"Thank god," Charlotte smiled, "Let's go up and see what the family is up to."
"Lead on," Eddie wrapped her arm in his.
"Hey, Barty," Charlotte was greeted by the dog when they stepped off the elevator. "Are you behaving for Mom?"
"He still likes my shoes," Blair emerged with a chewed up shoe in her hand. "It's been so long since we had a dog in the house, I forgot to keep the door to our closet closed, so I guess I share part of the blame."
"Uh oh," Charlotte laughed, "I bet Dad already has a new pair on order for you."
"I'm sure he does," Blair bent down and kissed the top of the dog's head. She was long passed being angry with the family pet. If she was honest, she missed having a dog in the house like crazy. She was half tempted to tell her husband she wanted another one, but Barty's noshing of her shoe reminded her of the responsibilities that came with the companionship. Barty loved up against Blair's calves in response. "What brings you up?"
"We came home to an empty apartment and a message to retrieve Barty," Charlotte told her mother.
"You came up just in time for dinner," Blair replied, "Are you hungry? Your brother's been cooking up a storm."
"Sure, if he's made enough for two more," Charlotte bobbed her head after a quick glance at Eddie to see if he was game.
"Let's find out," Blair wrapped her arm with her daughter and led her into the kitchen with Eddie and Barty following them.
"Hey, Char, how was the Christmas village?" Aiden asked his sister when she entered.
"Oh my god, it was incredible," Charlotte gushed, "How did Daddy never take us?"
"I think we have plenty Christmas traditions," Blair smiled. "Speaking of traditions, Eddie, would you like to join us tomorrow at the hospital? We go to the children's wing every year and hand out gifts, read the Christmas Carol and spread as much holiday cheer as possible."
"If you're sure I won't be in the way," Eddie replied.
"You couldn't possibly be," Aiden chuckled, "I've baked several dozen cookies today to bring along. Oh Mom, I checked with the nurses' station about food allergies like you suggested. Good call on that. There were a few children with some specific allergies, but I worked my magic around those. Everyone should have a few cookies they can enjoy without setting off an allergic reaction."
"Good," Blair rose up on her toes to give her tallest child a kiss to his cheek.
"Hey, Bro, is there enough dinner for two additional stomachs?" Charlotte climbed onto one of the bar stools to watch him work.
"More than enough," Aiden assured her.
"Good. I'm starving," Charlotte gave a dramatic response.
"Where's Dad?" Charlotte realized her father was missing from the impromptu family gathering.
"Shopping," Blair rolled her eyes, "Your father has waited until the last possible minute this year to do his holiday shopping."
"That's not like him," Charlotte frowned, "He probably just thought of something else he wanted to give you at the last minute."
"Perhaps," Blair shrugged. "Have you finished your shopping, Eddie?"
"Finished a few weeks ago," Eddie bobbed his head, "Thanks to the wonders of the internet. I managed to find a few moments to finish after my brother and I got a good start weeks ago."
"How is the father-to-be?" Blair asked.
"Excited," Eddie replied, "We all are. It's going to be a fun holiday next year having a little one crawling around and being spoiled rotten."
"Oh yes," Blair bobbed her head, "Christmas became a lot more special after we added children to our celebrations."
"Yes, I remember," Eddie smiled.
Blair was hit by the memories of the holidays she'd celebrated with little Eddie Fraser. Never in a million years did she expect to be celebrating with an adult Eddie Fraser who was also her daughter's boyfriend. Blair's maternal instincts kicked in as she wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders. She smiled when she felt her daughter lean into her embrace. Her relationship with her children was what she was most proud of in her life, miles beyond her success in the fashion business.
"Need any help, Aiden," Eddie rolled up his sleeves.
Aiden whipped around to look at Eddie. He'd been cooking for his family for years, never once had anyone offered to help him.
"He's good, Aiden," Charlotte chimed in, "He doesn't have quite your talents in the kitchen, but he won't slow you down either."
"Is that a vote of confidence or not?" Aiden looked to his sister in confusion for a moment before deciding to give Eddie a few simple tasks, simply to gage his level of competence in the kitchen.
"Men cooking and women watching, now isn't this a switch," Blair slid onto the stool next to her daughter.
"About darn time if you ask me," Chuck entered the dining room just in time. As always, his first greeting was targeted towards his wife, laying a tantalizing kiss on her lips. Charlotte merely rolled her eyes, thankful Aiden and Eddie's backs were turned.
"Seriously?" Charlotte finally broke up their amorous moment. "We do have a guest in the house."
"With his back turned," Chuck laughed and kissed the top of her head.
"Eddie, turn around so they'll stop," Charlotte requested.
"Nope, I'm not playing that game," Eddie continued to focus on his task, "I've been around them enough to know that's a dangerous endeavor."
Chuck and Blair continued to laugh.
"Did you get your shopping done?" Charlotte decided to change the subject, "Way to wait until the last minute, Dad."
"Just a last minute few gifts," Chuck assured his daughter, "And it wasn't so much shopping as it was waiting until the last minute to pick up what I'd already purchased. I've learned not to keep gifts in the house I don't want someone to peek into. Someone has been known to give into temptation, even when they're wrapped."
Blair and Charlotte both attempted to look innocent, but they were clearly caught with their hands in the cookie jars.
"Seriously?" Eddie turned abruptly to eye his girlfriend.
"Oh yeah," Aiden laughed, "Dad took Brice and I out shopping one year. We came home and several of the gifts under the tree for both Mom and Charlotte had small tears in them, enough to give them both good ideas what they were getting. He almost took back every present."
"We learned our lesson," Blair gave her daughter a coy smile.
"Yeah, to be sneakier about it," Aiden snorted.
Chuck responded with a hearty laugh. They had a good laugh about it now, but he'd been quite mad at his wife and daughter at the time. It was one of the few times Blair had to suck up to him and shower him with thoughtful gestures.
"How's dinner coming, Bro," Charlotte slid from her chair and approached, "I'm getting hungrier by the minute."
"With my new sous chef, dinner will be ready sooner," Aiden pronounced.
"Good," Charlotte reached into the saucepan with her finger for a taste, neatly avoiding the wooden spoon seeking out to smack her hand in response.
"So impatient," Aiden scowled at his sister, "We're five minutes away from dinner. You're going to wait and like it…Go set the table or something."
"Set the table?" Charlotte repeated, "Were you raised in a different household? The table has been set for an hour already."
"Then go sit at the table," Aiden waved her away, "We'll be there when it's ready."
"I think that's your brother's not so polite way of saying – get out of his kitchen," Blair tugged her daughter into the dining room, the amusement shining on everyone's faces. Charlotte didn't for one minute take her brother's teasing seriously.
Eddie was a bit taken aback by the normalcy of conversation at the Waldorf-Bass dinner table. There was a comfortable banter back and forth, but the conversation topic itself was so mundane, so regular. It could be happening anywhere with any other family.
"You're quiet," Charlotte nudged Eddie when her parents' attentions were on something her brother was saying.
"Just taking it all in," Eddie replied.
"Not what you were expecting of a Bass family dinner, is it," she gave him a knowing smile. Her parents ears picked up their conversation and refocused their attention on the young couple.
"Are we boring you, Mister Fraser?" Blair's eyes sparkled in amusement.
"Hardly," Eddie snorted in reply, "Just a bit surprised by it all. I've always had this image in my head of what it was like to sit at the Bass dinner table, with fancy china, crystal stemware and such. I always envisioned everyone in their formal attire. Instead it feels a bit like the family dinners I grew up with."
"Sorry to have disappointed you," Blair laughed.
"Not disappointed at all," Eddie assured her, "Relieved actually."
"Relieved?" Blair raised a curious brow.
"I'd be too worried about my manners and making sure my posture was correct to enjoy the meal," Eddie replied.
"Come on, Eddie, you've eaten with us dozens of times, you know us," Blair responded.
"I guess better than I thought," Eddie bobbed his head.
Charlotte reached under the table and gave his thigh a squeeze, her eyes bright with happiness.
After their meal, Eddie insisted on doing the dishes despite Dorota's insistence it would be handled. Not wanting her boyfriend to go it alone, Charlotte found a dish towel and dried.
"You're getting so many bonus points right now with Dorota," Charlotte ran the linen cloth along the dish.
"Yeah?" he raised a brow.
"Oh, yes," Charlotte laughed, "Dirty dishes always seemed to be the bane of her existence. She was always muttering about picking up random dishes we left around the penthouse as kids, usually a few hours after the food was consumed and whatever remnants had turned to glue on the dish."
"You mean Charlotte Bass isn't perfect after all?" his eyes went wide in mock surprise.
Charlotte bumped him with her shoulder before adding, "It's smart to get on Dorota's good side. She's as important cog in in the Bass household."
"I'm well aware," Eddie smiled, "She's like family to all of you."
Charlotte set her dish aside and rose up on her toes to claim a kiss. Eddie's fingers slipped from the dish he was washing, it clanked back into the sink as he wrapped his soapy fingers around Charlotte's waist, pulling her tighter against him. Charlotte released a soft moan as her arms wrapped tight around his neck, the sparks of attraction threatening to ignite in likely the most inappropriate of places. Realizing quickly where they were and what might happen if the wrong person walked in, they reluctantly separated.
"To be continued," Charlotte muttered to herself as she picked up the dishrag and attempted to concentrate on drying dishes like he'd previously taught her rather than the hum of want coursing through her at the moment.
The pair finished their task in silence. Eddie brought Barty down to Charlotte's home while Charlotte made the rounds with her parents and brother to say their evening farewells.
Charlotte found Eddie sitting by the fireplace in her living room with Barty's head in his lap, a book at his side and pillows at his back.
"Planning a sleepover?" Charlotte joined him on the floor.
"Barty was keeping me company until you joined me," Eddie scratched the dog behind the ears, much to the dog's delight.
"Such a good boy," Charlotte kissed the top of the dog's head.
"Only two more sleeps until Christmas, are you excited?" Eddie leaned back against the pillows and pulled Charlotte to lay against him.
"Yes," she bobbed her head, "I like having you all to myself for the last couple of days, no competing priorities."
"My priorities have been completely reset," he ran his fingers through her hair. "I promise you things will be different when the office reopens."
"Good," she caressed his chest lightly, "I hated watching you work yourself to the bone."
"It was my fault," he confessed, "I was taking on more than I should at the office. I was trying to prove myself."
"You have nothing to prove to anyone, Eddie," Charlotte stroked his chin lightly, "Dad wouldn't have brought you back from London if he didn't think you were capable."
"I wasn't trying to prove anything to your father or even my coworkers," his emerald eyes bore into hers.
"Me," she swallowed hard as his meaning hit her.
"We're different, Charlotte," he bobbed his head slightly, "Bass Industries has been practically gift wrapped for you since you were born. I wanted to show you that I could be your partner when the time comes for you to take over."
"Partner," she smiled. The term suddenly made all the sense in the world. When the time ultimately did come, they could work side by side and run Bass Industries together. "Eddie, I want you to listen to me because I'm only going to say this once. You have nothing to prove to me or anyone else. You are the most amazing man I've ever met…"
"Aside from your father," he teased.
"Aside from Daddy," she laughed, "I love you."
"I love you," he ran his finger softly along her jaw, guiding her lips to his. "Here I had this entire idea about reading to you beside the fire, but now all I want is to wrap you in my arms for the rest of the evening."
Charlotte could see the desire in his eyes. She thought briefly about her Christmas gift idea and perhaps giving it to him early. What she wouldn't give for it to be Christmas Eve?
"What's on tonight's menu?" Charlotte motioned her eyes towards the book.
"I found this is a used book store when Justin and I were shopping a few weeks ago," he picked up the book, "It's a collection of classic romantic poetry. I thought maybe we could read them together."
"I love that idea," she replied.
Eddie took her acceptance of the idea to mean she still wasn't ready for their relationship to move to the intimate level. Though he was a bit disappointed, he loved her too much to complain. He opened the book and selected the first poem he wanted to read to her. They went back and forth reading stanzas to each other until Charlotte's eyes grew heavy as she fell asleep against him.
"Good night, my love," Eddie whispered into her ear after he carried her to bed.
TBC…