Disclaimer: I am not connected in any way with the creators of any of the CSI shows. (I wish I was though, so Danny and Lindsay would get together already.) These are just my mind's version of the events that transpire on the show.

I would like to state that the events in this story are purely imaginary, and that if they do bear any similarity to any person, thing or event, it is by accident. I mean no harm and if anyone intends to sue me, I can guarantee that you won't get anything from me because I make a pathetically low salary and own nothing of great value. :D

It had already started snowing in New York.

Time had flown by rather quickly and before the girls knew it, the NYPD Christmas Ball was a week and a half away.

Stella realized with a panic that the girls had yet to go shopping. Thankfully, there was no one in Mac's office but him when she stormed inside.

"Mac Taylor!" Stella fumed, planting her hands squarely on his desk.

Mac looked up, surprise evident in his face. "What's up, Stella?"

Stella crossed her arms in front of her chest and said, "When can the girls and I have our day off?"

Mac's face registered nothing for confusion. "Why do you need to have your day off together?"

Stella threw up her hands in exasperation. "Mac! Don't you remember? I requested if Cassie, Lindsay and I could take a day off together to go shopping for the NYPD Christmas Ball?"

Mac's face cleared and he smiled. "Oh, that. Yeah, I took care of that already." He shuffled some papers on his desk and asked, "Didn't I tell you?"

Stella rolled her eyes. "No, you didn't."

Mac smiled again, "Alright, then." He stopped fussing around with the papers and leaned back in his chair, "Stella, remember when you asked me if you could have a day off with Cassie and Lindsay? Well, I fixed it already and you guys can have your day off together tomorrow."

Stella's face broke out in a wide smile. "Thanks, Mac." She strode purposefully out of his office to go back to the break room and tell Cassie and Lindsay the good news.

As soon as Stella left his office, Mac quickly reached into his drawer and hastily filled out the forms that cleared Stella, Lindsay and Cassie for the next day.

Stella came back into the break room, a satisfied grin on her face. "It's all set."

Lindsay exchanged an amused glance with Cassie. The girls had been sharing lunch in the break room, gossiping over McDonald's take out when Stella had looked at the calendar, let out a horrified gasp and stormed out of the break room. "What's all set?"

Stella rolled her eyes. "How could people forget?" She answered, "The NYPD Christmas Ball is next Saturday."

Lindsay's face cleared in understanding, "Oh, yeah. Dammit! That's next week already? I have nothing to wear!"

Stella threw up her hands in triumph. "See? Now you see what I mean!"

Cassie interjected, holding up a slightly soggy French fry, "Hold up! What is this ball thing anyway? All the lab techs are gossiping about who's going with who." She rolled her eyes. "It's like traveling back in time to high school."

Lindsay laughed as she explained, "Every Christmas, the mayor's office hosts a really big party for all members of the NYPD. According to Stella, it's always a really big thing, but this is the year they decided that it would be strictly formal."

Cassie munched on the fry, thinking thoughtfully. "Formal, huh?" She grinned mischievously at Stella. "Do the guys know this?"

Stella pointed her finger at Cassie. "No, and I got dibs on telling them." She rubbed her hands together with glee. "Oh, the look on those guys' faces when they find out…"

"When they find what out?" said a very distinctive New York accent from behind them. A hand shot out and grabbed one of the fries that were left of the huge pile that Stella, Lindsay and Cassie had ordered.

Hawkes entered from behind Danny and stood next to the stool where Cassie was perched. He leaned closer to give her a quick kiss before he reached forward to grab some food from the center of the table.

Hawkes looked at the mirth dancing in Stella and Cassie's eyes and shot an apprehensive glance towards Danny, but he was too busy kissing Lindsay hello to notice.

Hawkes reached out and casually smacked Danny on the shoulder. This broke the kiss and Danny looked at Hawkes in annoyance. "What was that for?" He rubbed his shoulder, "Y'know, he's been a lot meaner since he started seeing you." He glared at Cassie, "What have you been doing to Hawkes?"

Cassie laughed and said, "Oh, wouldn't you like to know what I'm doing to the Doc…" She smiled slyly as she leaned against Hawkes, who had a smug look on his face.

Stella and Lindsay howled with laughter as Danny looked slightly nauseated.

Hawkes brought the conversation back to the matter at hand by slapping Danny's shoulder again. "Hey, Messer, focus!"

Danny growled, "What? That's twice today that you've hit me, Hawkes."

Hawkes gestured to the women and said, "See, Stella here's looking a little too happy. Kinda tells me that there's something we don't know."

Danny pulled Lindsay against him. "What don't we know, Montana?"

Lindsay smirked, "Oh, I better let Stella tell you."

Stella grinned, "Remember the annual NYPD Ball?"

Danny replied, "Yeah, what about it?"

Stella drew her words out. "Well, it's formal tie," she said, emphasizing the last two words, earning horrified looks from Hawkes and Danny.

Hawkes groaned, "We have to dress up?"

Cassie confirmed with a smile, "In a tux, no less."

Danny grimaced. "Dammit. Montana, do we have to go to this thing?" he whined, sounding like a sulky, very adorable six year old boy.

Lindsay reprimanded him, "You weren't paying attention to the last staff meeting Mac called weren't you?"

Danny frowned, "No, why?"

Lindsay sighed in exasperation and said, "He said that although we are all on call on that night, attendance is mandatory cause the mayor expects to see all of us there."

Danny cast a pained glance at Hawkes, "Looks like unless someone dies on that night, we're not getting out of this one," he muttered glumly.

Hawkes sighed in commiseration. Then he brightened, "Does Flack know this is black tie?"

Stella smirked again, "Nope. I told Jordan I'd be the one to tell him." She patted both Danny and Hawkes on the arm. "Don't worry. I'll make it worth your while. Both your dates will look incredibly amazing on that night."

Danny and Hawkes took the time to mull over the idea of their girlfriends getting all dolled up for them.

Danny smiled and hugged Lindsay, whispering in her ear. "Well, I guess if you're dressing up for me, Montana."

Stella smiled knowingly. "Speaking of which, Mac said the three of us can have the day off tomorrow. So, let's meet at Danny and Lindsay's tomorrow at ten AM?"

Cassie and Lindsay both nodded. Then Lindsay realized something, "Wait. Why our place? There are no nearby stores."

Stella smiled mysteriously. "You'll see. It's a surprise." She started to walk out of the break room, saying as she left, "Don't forget to call Jordan, Linds."

Promptly at ten the next morning, Stella, Cassie and Jordan found themselves standing in front of Danny and Lindsay's door. Fortunately, Jordan managed to get the day off as well, so the girls had an entire day of shopping ahead.

A minute later, the door opened to reveal Danny in a rumpled white shirt and gray NYPD sweatpants. He was yawning as he let them in.

"Make yourselves at home. Lindsay's still in the shower, she said she'll be right out." With that, Danny headed back into the bedroom sleepily, banging the door shut behind him.

Jordan muttered, "Well, ain't he a bright ray of sunshine in the morning," making Cassie and Stella laugh.

Stella surveyed the apartment with interest. "Wow, this place changed since I was last here."

Jordan observed, "I guess Lindsay put that feminine touch in this place."

At that moment, the woman in question breezed out of the bedroom. Lindsay was dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a sweater.

"Hey!" she greeted. "Was Danny being a grouch again?"

Cassie nodded. "Yep. Grouchy as a bear."

"Sorry about that," Lindsay apologized. "He got called to a case late last night. He just got home two hours ago."

Stella smiled reassuringly, "No problem, Linds. We've all been there." She glanced at her watch. "Let's get going?"

The three other women nodded and as they headed out, Lindsay said, "I'll be out in a minute, I'll just get my purse."

Lindsay strode back into the bedroom where she found Danny sprawled out on the bed, his face buried in her pillow. She smiled gently as she walked closer and planted a kiss on his ear, waking him up.

Danny opened one eye. Lindsay smiled again and said, "We're leaving now, okay? Get some rest," she combed her fingers lovingly through his messy blond hair. She leaned down to kiss him one more time. "I love you, Danny."

"Loveyoutoo," Danny mumbled, already falling back asleep, hugging Lindsay's pillow, which still carried her scent.

As the girls stepped out into the brisk cold of New York City, bundled up in thick coats, Lindsay asked Stella, "So, Bonasera. Where are you taking us?"

Stella looked seriously at her friends. "Okay, but you have to promise me you won't tell anybody about this."

Jordan, Cassie and Lindsay all mimed various actions that meant they weren't going to say a thing.

Stella started her story, "About five years ago, I met this guy who makes a living auctioning off used dresses from movie stars and he lets me get first pick at really, really low prices."

Cassie stared at her excitedly, "Seriously, Stel?"

Stella nodded her head vigorously, "I'm not kidding."

Jordan whistled, "This is so cool."

Lindsay chuckled, "What are we waiting for then? Lead the way, Stel."

Stella laughed and the four women headed down the street.

About twenty minutes later, Stella led them down a small alley in a one of the middle class neighborhoods of New York. They stopped at a small door that looked like the back entrance of a club.

Stella reached high on the doorframe and pressed a bell that was discreetly mounted in the wood. Moments later, there was a shuffling sound behind the door and a male voice called out, "Who's there?"

Stella called out, "It's me."

The door immediately opened and a petite, rotund man held out his arms, "Stella! It's been so long!"

Stella leaned down to press an affectionate kiss to the man's cheek. She proudly introduced him to the three other women. "Guys, this is Stefano Suarez, one of the kindest and most talented designers that will take Manhattan by storm. Stefano, these are my friends, Lindsay Monroe, Cassie Simmons and Jordan Addison."

"Pleasure to meet you ladies," Stefano beamed. He grasped Stella's hand firmly and pulled her inside, calling out to the others to follow them. "Come in, come in."

Jordan, Lindsay and Cassie followed Stella and Stefano inside. They went up a dark, narrow wooden staircase that eventually led up to a large airy studio with racks and racks of beautiful gowns.

Lindsay looked around her and breathed, "Oh my lord." Beside her, Jordan was staring wide-eyed at the assortment of clothes around them.

Cassie was like a kid in a candy store, she didn't know which way to turn first. The dresses were segregated by colors and shades and it created a beautiful rainbow of taffeta and satin and silk and lace and oh dear lord, she knew she would start drooling soon.

"Stella," Cassie called out in a choked voice.

Stella turned around and smiled in amusement at the expressions on the faces of the three other women.

Cassie continued in the same choked voice, "I now worship the ground you walk on."

Stella and Stefano let out twin peals of laughter. Stefano spoke up, "Well, go on girls, take your pick." He patted Stella's hand affectionately, where it was resting on his arm. "I know Stella would never bring random people in here, so you three must be really good friends of hers and any friend of Stella's, I'm glad to help."

Lindsay, Cassie and Jordan slowly wandered to separate corners of the studio, delving into the selection enthusiastically.

Stefano then urged Stella, "Go ahead, love. Pick something out that will dazzle that man of yours out of his head."

Stella laughed and kissed Stefano once again on the cheek, "Thanks, Stef. You really are an angel." She disengaged herself from Stefano and started towards the racks.

An hour later, Stella, Lindsay, Cassie and Jordan had all picked out stunningly beautiful dresses for each of them. Incredibly, none of the dresses they picked required any adjustments, as each fit them perfectly, as though it was specifically made for them.

Jordan chose an emerald green dress that was cut high in the waist and made her petite form look even more delicate. The dress had a sprinkling of beads that made the dress shimmer with every move. The simple halter straps emphasized her bare shoulders and the smooth skin of her upper back. She thought to herself, Don's going to love this dress.

Cassie on the other hand, chose a strapless white number with a puffy princess skirt that was vaguely reminiscent of something that Audrey Hepburn wore in a movie. The magic of the dress was in the fabric, a pearly white satin that highlighted Cassie's smooth skin and cat-tilt brown eyes. Doc's gonna go crazy for this one, she realized giddily.

Lindsay's dress was classically elegant, a brocade silk strapless number in a deep shade of red that made her brown hair and eyes look softer and her skin more luminous. The dress was deceptively simple, with a skirt that fell to the floor in graceful lines, but when Lindsay saw it, she knew that she wanted Danny to see her in this dress. This is it. This is the perfect dress, Montana.

Stella's gown made her look like a Greek goddess. The shimmery champagne colored fabric was a perfect complement to Stella's wild brown hair and intelligent green eyes. The long, slim cut of the dress made her look vibrant and beautiful, exactly like what she was, a woman of the elements. If this doesn't make that man look, then I don't know what will, she decided.

Stefano was gazing at all of them, his hands clasped together in front of him. "Ladies, you look beautiful." He held out his hands to Stella, who came to him in a warm embrace. "Thank you, Stef," she whispered.

He patted her back lovingly, "Anything for you, love." He brushed a tear from his eye. He was touched by the starry eyed gazes of the four women as they imagined that special man looking at them in those dresses and he shared their excitement.

"Stella, my pet. Ordinarily, I charge a minimal fee for these dresses, but darling," he sighed enviously. "I can see how much this means to all of you, so consider this my Christmas present." He smiled, "And whoever these men are, they're very lucky."

Stella didn't miss the glance shared by Cassie, Jordan and Lindsay, or that special smile that bloomed on the younger women's faces and she felt a glow of happiness.

The three women moved towards Stefano to engulf him in grateful embraces, "Thank you so much," Lindsay spoke, holding Stefano's hand in genuine affection. "You don't know how much this means to me."

"Or to us," Jordan added, while Cassie smiled at Stefano.

Stefano modestly brushed aside the women's thanks. "I know that when your men see you, they will burst with pride." He gallantly said, "I have never seen women more radiant or beautiful in those dresses, and you know what," he leaned forward and whispered, "I've learned that it's not the dresses, sweethearts." He paused for a moment and finished with a knowing smile, "It's you, and that special glow you get when you think of the man you're wearing that dress for."

Soon after leaving Stefano's wonderful studio, the women had a quick lunch, then spent the rest of the afternoon hitting the stores for accessories and shoes that will do their gorgeous new dresses justice.

By five-thirty PM, they were at Danny and Lindsay's apartment, where they decided to extend the girls' day out.

All four women collapsed on the couch, surrounded by garment bags and shopping bags filled with shoes, make-up and other accessories.

Cassie whistled, "I haven't shopped like that in years."

Jordan agreed, "Me neither. I feel like it's been ages since I went shopping with a bunch of friends."

Lindsay smiled at Stella, "Thanks again for introducing us to Stefano, Stel."

Stella waved away the thanks, "It was my pleasure. Plus, I really had a great day with you guys." She stretched on the couch. "But, damn, I'm exhausted."

The other three girls burst out laughing.

"Okay, so what do you guys say? We call for take-out and watch chick flicks?" Lindsay suggested.

Jordan and Cassie grunted their assent, both of them rummaging through the mountain of bags to inspect the purchases of the day.

Lindsay chuckled and asked Stella, "I guess those two are in. What about you, Stella?"

Stella nodded as well, "Count me in."

Lindsay picked up the phone and began dialing. She placed an order in one of the most delicious Chinese places in New York, one of her and Danny's favorites.

Thirty minutes later, the girls were digging into their take-out and chatting about their day. They discussed possible hairstyles, and decided to get ready together at Stella's place and ask the guys to pick them up there.

Stella said, "Which is good, cause Mac figured we deserved a treat and he hired a limo driver to take all of us to the hotel."

Cassie squealed and said, "I am so glad I moved here. Mac's so much nicer than my last boss," she finished, taking another bite of a shrimp dumpling.

Just then, Lindsay heard a key turn in the lock and Danny stepped inside the apartment, shivering slightly from the cold air.

Lindsay got up and walked over to him. "Hey, Messer. How was your day?" she asked before giving him a kiss.

Danny shrugged out of his coat and hung his keys on the hook near the door. "Slow day today, just caught up on paperwork. You guys couldn't have picked a better day to go shopping, Montana."

He caught sight of the mountain of paper bags that now littered their living room and his eyes widened incredulously, "What did you guys do, buy all of New York?"

Lindsay laughed at that and tugged on his hand. "Hey, ladies. Guess who's here?"

Cassie, Jordan and Stella looked up from their take-out containers and waved to Danny. Danny said hi to them and asked Lindsay, "Listen, since you girls are going to be hanging out here, do you mind if I go down to Flack's place?"

Jordan interjected, "Yeah, Don mentioned something about a game."

Just then her phone rang and she checked the caller ID, a smile breaking out across her face. "Speaking of Flack himself," she said as she answered the phone. "Hey, Don." She listened for a while. "Yeah, I'm here at Danny at Lindsay's. Yeah, he's here. Hold on for a minute." She looked at Danny. "He wants to know if you're coming over."

Danny looked at Lindsay, who shrugged and said, "Sure. We'll just stay in tonight." Danny gave Jordan the thumbs up and she went back on the line. "Yeah, he's on his way. He and Lindsay just need to make out for a while. Oof…" she said, as Lindsay threw a pillow at her. "Yeah, I'm just going to stay here at Danny and Lindsay's. Me and the girls are eating take out and watching My Best Friend's Wedding." She nodded her head and said, "Okay, I'll call you later. Bye."

She looked at Danny and smirked. "The guys are waiting for you. They're all there already."

Danny glanced at his watch. "Perfect. The game's starting in an hour. I have enough time to take a shower and change." He turned back to Lindsay, "Sure it's okay?"

Lindsay grinned and said, "Danny, it's fine. We talked about this already, remember."

He grinned back at her, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I remember." He gave her a quick kiss. "I'm going to leave you ladies for now."

Lindsay swatted him playfully on the bottom as he turned towards the bedroom. She walked around the couch and plopped down next to Stella who had watched the exchange with mild amusement.

Fifteen minutes later, Danny emerged from the bedroom, dressed casually in a dark green pull-over and jeans. He leaned over the back of the couch and tilted Lindsay's head towards his so he could kiss her good-bye. "I'm going, Montana. Lock the door after me, okay?" He tugged on her hand and she followed him to the door.

Outside the door, Danny wrapped his arms around her and gave her a long, thorough kiss. "Did you guys have a good time today?"

Lindsay nodded, "Yeah, it was a great day. But you're going to have to wait until the party to see the dress."

Danny chuckled and said, "I don't even get to see the dress?"

Lindsay grinned at him and said, "See, we kinda made a pact to keep the dresses a surprise, but I promise you, you'll love it." She pulled his head down to hers and kissed him again.

Afterwards, she reluctantly pulled herself out of his arms and gently pushed him down the hall. "You better go. I don't want you to miss the first part of the game. Say hi to the guys from us okay?"

Danny chuckled and said, "Okay, Montana. I love you."

Lindsay smiled as she said, "I love you too, Messer. I'll wait up for you, okay?"

Danny said, "You don't have to."

Lindsay replied, "I know I don't. I want to though."

Danny smiled softly back at her. "All right, I'll see you later then. Don't forget to lock the door." He walked briskly down the hallway and soon rounded the corner to the elevators.

Lindsay sighed dreamily as she re-entered the apartment. Stella, Cassie and Jordan took one look at her and started giggling and pelting her with the pillows from the couch.

So, I hope you guys liked this one. :D Wait for the next one, which might be a bit shorter, but will show the guys' night out. And of course, the highly anticipated NYPD Christmas Ball.

Let me know how you found this one okay? Thanks for all the great reviews and I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you again!:D