A/N: Alright- monster chapter ahead. But my wit gets the best of me while writing these lighter scenes, sigh. And yay, I broke the 100 review mark! So thanks. And although I've been falling back on review replying- writing seems to be taking over, so I hope you don't mind- I want you to know I love all of my reviews. And some of them made me cry last time, you guys are really just too great. So go ahead with the fluffy chapter of fluff.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Just borrowing.
"I hate paperwork day." Lish laid her head back, her hair spilling onto my desk as she slouched down in her chair, looking at the ceiling. Across from us, Dick snorted, glaring out the windows that lined one wall.
"I hate snow." He muttered, pulling another form across his desk with a sigh and flipping it open.
"I hate the two of you whining." I muttered, pushing Lish's hair out of my way and finishing off my last form with my signature. "Just shut the hell up. It's almost Christmas, and the snow is not an inconvenience- it's in the holiday spirit. Bitch about it December 26th- not today. And Lish- if it will shut you up, I just finished my stuff, I'll help you with yours." Lish sat up, turning her chair with a grin.
"Oh I love you Alex! Here." She pulled half of her pile off her desk and threw it on mine.
"Do you people feel a pathological need to talk? Some of us are working here." Conner complained from his corner and we all turned.
"Whatever Conner- just because you can't talk and write at the same time doesn't mean we have to suffer." Dick shot back, throwing his own pen down on top of his pile. "Done!" Raising his arms in a victory motion, he twirled in his chair a bit. "Here Eames, hand me some of Lish's. The less time we spend doing this-"
"The more time you can play with me later. Wait- that came out too dirty." Deates' voice issued from the doorway and we all turned towards him. I jumped up, giving him a fierce hug.
"Andy! Are you back for good?" He had been gone for almost five weeks now. I had visited him a lot in the hospital, where he insisted that since he had bled all over me, the least I could do was get on a first name basis with him. Once he was released, we had taken turns on our days off, going to see him and updating him on the shop news.
"You know it." He grinned, stretching his arms out and glancing around. "To think I was looking forward to seeing this shit hole. What are you doing?"
"Paperwork day." Lish, Dick, Conner and Jeffs answered with a groan.
"And you can help with that- falls under light duty." I teased, pulling him further into the room. "So go grab some paper."
"I'm suddenly feeling very weak. Where's the light? I can't see.." His waved his hands out in front of his face and I shoved him into a seat.
"Uh huh. Here you go. Feel your way through these." I grabbed some sheets from Conner's desk, throwing them in front of Andy who groaned. Seating myself back at my desk, Dick and I started work on Lish's forms. Jeffs had finished and was now helping Conner finish his off- he and Lish were always the slowest. Lish was slow because she always got distracted doing the paperwork. Joe was just plain slow though- it was rather amusing watching a grown man plod his way through the work.
"Have I mentioned that I hate paperwork day?" Lish's tone was close to a whine and I rolled my eyes.
"Look- first off- it's going to take less than an hour to finish. We'll be out of here at a normal hour for once- and it's Christmas! Cheer the hell up." Lish rolled her eyes at my cheer, glaring at me.
"Says the person who is getting laid regularly. You shut the hell up." She muttered and I frowned at her.
"What happened to Wall Street guy?"
"Well, Wall Street guy decided that my hours were an inconvenience to him- and I decided he was a dick. No offense, Dick." She laughed and I shook my head. Lish had dated about four guys in the last six weeks. Joe remained clueless, carrying on with his previous pattern of one night stands and nothing beyond a third date. According to him- three dates was all he needed.
"None taken. Hey- if we're finished early- we should go to Swift for a few holiday drinks. I think we've earned it." Dick spoke in a distracted tone, but all of our heads lifted at the suggestion.
"And I'm back- that a good enough excuse to drink." Andy added with a grin and a waggle of his brows.
"What about Mike?" Lish spoke up. "Who's gonna go tell her?" I snorted under my breath and earned a glare from Dick. Dick and I had been working solo for five weeks, and I had learned a lot from him- and about him. Like the fact that he and Mike were together- not that he told me that, but after five weeks of observing their interactions unaccompanied- and therefor undistracted, I had figured it out fairly quickly.
"I will." Dick responded before I could, and he stood placing the finished pile in front of him on Lish's desk, and strolling out. I finished off the last page in front of me, and leaned over Lish's shoulder, doing the same. She frowned and continued writing.
"I don't get why you two are so damn fast."
"It's a method. It's called- are you ready- you may want to take notes. Multitasking. See- I can do things, like follow conversation and talk and plan my week and -" My tirade of sarcasm was cut off by her glare and muttered 'I hate you.' Glancing around, I leaned back, watching everyone. Joe was concentrating on his work, writing with a serious expression. On second thought- maybe it was a good thing he and Lish weren't clicking- I hated to think what their household bills would look like. An unbidden image of he and Lish buried under a pile of bills cause a smile to cross my face. Andy was going through his desk, every now and then looking over his shoulder at me and winking or making faces. Jeffs was quiet as usual- but again in the last five weeks I'd learned still waters run deep. Jeffs was that awkward, geeky kind of guy who was quiet, and didn't talk a lot but when he did get going had nothing but interesting shit to say.
I was in an extraordinarily good mood for a few reasons. One, we started our holiday time off tomorrow. It was only three days, but it wasn't our precinct's turn to be on call this year. Things really slowed down around Christmas – so we rotated years – with seven divisions covering the whole city, we had two on call each year. Then we only work every third Christmas. Two – things has been going fantastically well for me lately. Work was good, life was even better. I spent more time at Bobby's place than my own lately- a fact which Lish teased me about all the time. She had even taken to calling his place first, before she even attempted mine. He was still very private, but I was very patient, more than he knew. I smiled to myself and started humming under my breath.
"Eames, I swear if you don't stop singing god damned Christmas carols, I'm going to pull my gun out and shoot you." Conner glared over at me, and I grinned at him in response, humming more loudly. It had taken a few weeks for him to get over the awkwardness between us- but we were finally getting there. It was nice to know I didn't have to tiptoe around him any longer. In front of me, Lish threw her pen down and twirled in her chair.
"Finally! Whoo hoo. Now I need a drink! Something with lots of vodka or tequila or both." She rolled her chair back, turning so she faced the front of my desk. "So- you still taking him to meet the family?"
"Yes." I answered with narrowed eyes. "It's less a choice on his part and more a demand on my mother's. Last time I was home she said if I didn't bring him, she wouldn't let me in the house. It's just Christmas Eve anyway. He's got plans for Christmas day." Plans which he hadn't really elaborated on, actually. I almost would have assumed work- but I knew that his squad was off as well. Sean had mentioned that in passing. I didn't press him for details though- when he was ready to tell me, he would, and me asking annoying questions wouldn't help any.
"Still- meeting the parents Alex. That's big." I rolled my eyes at her expression – a mix of respect and awe.
"Yes it was- when we were fifteen Lish. It's not that big of a deal-"
"Whatever. You love him- if you didn't you wouldn't be taking him home. I know- I sure as hell wouldn't subject anyone to my family if I didn't think they might actually have to deal with them for the rest of their lives." I shrugged, looking away from her and she laughed. "Oh you so love him." She danced from side to side, singing the words badly. At that moment Mike and Dick entered the room, glancing around. Andy looked up with a smirk.
"Wow guys- that took a lot of – uh convincing." I laughed out loud, and he grinned over at me with a wink. Mike glared at him, but her expression softened as she walked over to his desk.
"Shut the hell up. And welcome back you big asshole." He stood , pulling her into a hug that she withstood awkwardly. Snickers spread through the room- Mike wasn't exactly a hugger. "Alright- get off me. Are we leaving or what? I cannot wait to not see this place for three days."
There was a flurry of activity as we all stood, pulling on coats and scarves. I wrapped my scarf around my neck, pulling my coat on top of it and finally pulling my hat over my hair. Andy sidled up to me, putting an arm through mine. "You look like you're twelve Heidi. What is with the hat?"
"It's frigging cold idiot. And maybe the reason you all complain about the cold so much is none of you dress weather appropriate." I glared at Dick in particular , whose only concession to the weather was a thicker coat. He never had gloves, or a scarf- let alone a hat.
"I don't need that shit Eames. I'm a man!" He lead the way outside, only to shove his hands in his pockets and jump a bit. "Fuck, when did it get this cold?"
"Right around, I don't know.. winter, dumbass?" Mike laughed as she strolled by him. We walked down the street in a large group, causing people to jump out of our way and yell obscenities at us, with the impression that they were muttering. Dick and Joe would laugh, yelling things like 'Merry fucking Christmas to you too' and purposely stepping in new people's paths. Lish walked with Jeffs behind Andy and I, shaking her head at their childish behavior.
When we entered Swift, it was crowded. It was a popular bar, especially amongst cops. It was quiet, or loud, depending on the day, and was just a really great 'good old boys' pub. We grabbed a large booth, crowding into it, brushing snow off our coats and laughing. After ordering drinks – beer for the boys mostly, and Mike – and margaritas for Lish and I- we settled in, looking around.
"Seriously- I don't get it. Why do girls drink cold things in winter?" Joe was looking to Jeffs for a confirmation, but he just held his hands up and shrugged. Lish and I glared at him good naturedly.
"First of all- not all girls order 'cold drinks.' Secondly , are you drinking a hot toddy? Beer is cold too idiot." Lish shot back at him with a raised brow. I laughed slightly, shifting as our drinks were placed in front of us.
"Oh shut the hell up – all of you kids." Mike butted in, raising her glass. "To a happy holidays. And to another year of work- in which hopefully we'll get more bad guys." We clinked glasses and drank, and Andy raised his glass again.
"And to Mom and Dad. We kids appreciate you, even if we never show it." He nodded to Mike and Dick as he spoke and the rest of laughed and drank while they glared at him. He put his drink down with a 'who me?' expression and laughed. " Oh come on- it's the worst kept secret around here." Mike shot him a deadly look, and then her look changed to surprised as all of us- even Jeffs, nodded along.
"It really is guys. Who are we gonna tell? Get over it already." Jeffs spoke up quietly and we all shouted an agreement, as Dick glanced over at Mike with a shrug. Andy clapped Jeffs on the back with force, causing beer to slosh over the rim of Jeffs' glass.
"See? He don't speak much but when he does- it's the truth." Jeffs blushed and we all laughed loudly drawing attention from other tables. Mike just rolled her eyes, shifting in her seat.
"So how are you all adjusting to the- what did you call them Eames?" She cocked a head at me and I grinned.
"I believe it was- help me out here, Dick- god damned useless pieces of crap? Is that right?" I laughed lightly and Dick nodded. Mike was referring to the cell phones the department had issued out to all OCCB units and detectives. They were like frigging bricks, strapped to us all the time- even though half the time they didn't get a signal. But supposedly, it kept us in contact with the department at all times. Personally I preferred it when if they couldn't page us, they didn't get us.
"Oh they're great." Joe spoke sarcastically. "Nothing better than being able to be called into to work at any time. Who wouldn't want that?"
"I feel a need to drink to that." Dick spoke, draining his glass of beer. "And now- since I'm first finished, I get second round. Thanks a lot Conner. What is everyone having?"
A round of answers echoed from the table, and I requested coffee. I never drank more than one or two drinks. It was a combination of a really terrible experience as a teenager – I had to have my stomach pumped which was something I'd rather not repeat – and growing up with an alcoholic in the family. After the first few group outings though, they never even teased me about it anymore. Besides which- at my size, one drink was more than enough to warm my blood and relax my body.
Lish's elbow dug into my side and she nodded towards the front of the bar. "Alex- isn't that Bobby? Who's he with?" I glanced in the direction she was pointing with a frown. It was him and he was with another guy- but not one of his co workers. This guy was good looking- with shaggy black hair and a grin. He was smaller than Bobby- but what shocked me the most was the fact that they seemed very comfortable with each other. The guy had Bobby laughing, and they leaned across their table to hear better, grins on their faces.
"I don't know." I answered Lish finally, and she tugged on my sleeve.
"Well let's go find out- his friend is cute." She grinned and I shook my head. "Why not?"
"Because- it's not polite to just bust in on him like that and-"
"Alex, it's not 'busting in' if you're his girlfriend and your bringing your fabulously beautiful friend with you." I laughed at her description, shaking my head again.
"No." She pouted in response, making eyes at me.
"Come on- he's cute and I need a man."
"You do not need a man- you go through them like-"
"It's not my fault you took the only good one I knew. It doesn't matter anyway- Bobby just spotted Dick and his huge ass tray of drinks." I glanced over, seeing that it was true. Ever alert, Bobby noticed Dick and his eyes began to scan the bar. His gaze followed Dick to our table and he grinned, waving me over. "Oh look, he wants us to come over." Lish spoke quickly, dragging me to my feet, and grabbing her drink from Dick's tray. "We'll be right back boys." She winked, and pulled me along behind her over to the other side of the bar.
"Alex!" Bobby grinned, standing and glancing down. "Lewis- this is Alex and one of her co workers, Lish." Lewis- the friend with the cars, I remembered – stood, shaking Lish's hand and eying me.
"Nice to meet you Alex- Bobby here talks about you all the time-" He was cut off by Lish's laugh and Bobby pulling him away from her.
"That's Lish actually- this is Alex." Lewis looked at me in surprise and I smiled, holding out a hand. He shook it, muttering an apology and glancing down, embarrassed - as Bobby stole two chairs from other tables with an easy charm. Once we were seated, Lewis apologized again.
"I'm sorry- it's just- you look like, and she- It was a mistake." He blushed a bright red, and Lish laughed, leaning close to his shoulder.
"It's alright, I know I'm not Bobby's usual type." I laughed at his discomfort and he seemed to relax.
"Hey I don't have a type-" Bobby protested and I rolled my eyes. "I don't." He insisted. Putting an arm around me as he pulled my chair closer to his. "Lewis here- has been my friend for years- since we were kids in fact."
"Really?" Lish arched a brow, looking at Lewis again with renewed interest. "What do you do, Lewis?" She smiled and he blushed harder.
"I uh- restore cars. I have a shop and we specialize-"
"You own it?" She asked with interest and I laughed slightly under my breath, as Bobby took advantage of their distraction to tuck my hair behind my ear and kiss my temple lightly.
"Uh oh." He whispered in my ear. "Looks like Lewis is being hit on by a BMW." I laughed, looking down as his chuckle echoed in my ear. Lish continued to talk to Lewis- who after a few minutes started talking in earnest, apparently getting over his embarrassment. He was actually quite a funny guy- and I realized why Bobby had been laughing earlier. After a few minutes though, Andy came sauntering over, pulling up a chair.
"My first day back and you go and steal my girl Goren. It wasn't enough you had her for the last few weeks? All to yourself-" He grinned good naturedly, pulling my chair closer to his and his face filled with mirth.
"I beg to differ Deates." Bobby rose a brow with a grin, taking a drink of beer. "She was always over at your place on her days off- a less secure man would have been upset." He teased and Andy laughed loudly.
"Less secure huh?" he grinned, glancing over his shoulder. "Look girls- the boys get antsy when you aren't around for our amusement. Why don't you two join us?" He spoke to Bobby and Lewis in a jovial tone, and Bobby glanced at Lewis who was staring at Lish.
"Alright- but just for a bit. I don't want to intrude-" Bobby stood as he spoke, and Lewis followed his lead. Andy made a disbelieving sound at Bobby's statement.
"Please the more the merrier. Plus we go on a system where everyone buys a round. You two just save me money in the long run." He laughed leading us across to the larger table, where Jeffs was busy acquiring two more seats. Once we arrived, Andy stood for a moment. "Alright you all know Goren- this is his friend- uh-" he glanced back and I laughed out loud.
"Lewis." I supplied, shoving Andy into his chair. "How many rounds did you buy?" I whispered in his ear as I did so, and he flushed and shrugged angelically. Straightening, I shook my head. "Lewis restores old cars- he did Goren's. Lewis this is our sarge, Mike- and next to her is Dick. Then there's Andy- who fails to introduce himself wherever he goes- next to him is Joe and that's Jeffs." After making quick introductions, I sat myself down in front of my coffee and Bobby and Lish took the seats on either side of me. Lish indicated that Lewis should sit next to her and I giggled under my breath.
"How are things of at NEU, Goren?" Dick spoke with a grin and Bobby shrugged.
"Usual. We had a fairly big bust last week- netted quite a few front runners and some cooks." Bobby spoke in a modest tone, and I glanced over at him, knowing that he had been undercover for two weeks before the bust he spoke of. It had been a rough time for him- he spoke even less than usual and often only saw me in the middle of night when he slid into bed, only to be gone before I even woke.
"I heard about that- sounded rough man." Joe spoke from across the table and Bobby shrugged, pulling my coffee toward him , picking up sugar packets and opening them one by one and pouring them in. When he had finished, he slid it in front of me and I smiled my thanks.
"Just the usual. It's been crazy lately- lots going down."
"You've been with NEU, what? Over three years now?" Dick asked in curiosity, glancing at Bobby as he took a drink. When Bobby nodded Dick smiled slightly. "You moving soon?" I was startled by Bobby's nod in response, but I managed to keep the shock off my face.
"I'm going for a detective position with Homicide. Won't know til the new year though." Dick nodded, taking another drink and leaning forward.
"That's great man. You'll do well, I think." Mike leaned forward beside him, putting a hand on his arm and glancing at me.
"Enough shop talk." She spoke in a loud tone. "I came here to get drunk off my ass and forget about what we do- remember?"
"You never get drunk off your ass Mike." Dick grinned back at her. "You always complain too much in the morning." At which statement Joe and Andy made various noises, none of them too appealing. "Joe-" Dick glared at Conner to shut him up. "It's your turn to buy. And get Alex another-" He glanced at my frown and laughed. "Come on Heidi- it's freaking Christmas- I think it can be a two drink night. We'll take care of you." He laughed with a wink and I shook my head, smiling back at him.
"Heidi?" Lewis spoke in a confused tone and Lish laughed.
"That's Alex. When she started work she had some long ass hair- practically down to her waist- we had to cut it off her, but the name stuck. Actually almost no one here is going by their real name. We're nicknamers, what can we say? For example- Jeffs is actually Thomas Jefferson- apparently his parents hated him-" She laughed and Jeffs flushed at her words. "Dick is actually-"
"Don't you dare Lish, I will kill you." Dick spoke in a menacing tone but Lish laughed and Mike leaned forward.
"Ulysses. Ulysses Richards- so you can see why he doesn't mind Dick. And I'm Michaela- but Mike for short- and Lish is actually Alicia. The only ones who escape the nicknames are Andy and Joe. Cause- well they're an Andy and a Joe- you really can't do to much to that." Dick shoved her as she spoke, but she just laughed, finishing her beer.
"You are so not-"
"Finishing that sentence? And we all thank you for it Dick." Andy spoke loudly over Dick and the group laughed. Conner chose that moment to return with drinks, passing them around. Seating himself, he leaned over Jeffs, and addressed Lewis.
"So- cars huh? I've seen Goren's Charger- it's a sweet ride. What's your favorite?" Lewis and Joe began discussing various cars, as Lish watched with a glare. Bobby leaned in close to my shoulder, whispering in my ear.
"This should be entertaining." I smiled in response, leaning back.
"Like dogs with a bone. My vote's with Lewis though- Joe never paid attention to Lish before today- why start now?" Bobby frowned at my words, turning to me fully as chatter crossed the table.
"So- we're still on for your parent's tomorrow night? You don't think they'll mind that I can't make Christmas day?" he frowned and I smiled, placing a hand on his cheek and leaning closer to him.
"It'll be fine Bobby." He nodded, watching as I spoke in his ear softly.
"Do you mind?" His eyes were watching mine intently and I felt a flush of heat crawl across my skin, which I forestalled with another drink of the margarita Joe had brought back for me.
"No- Bobby. It's not your family- it's mine. One night may be all you can survive." I grinned wryly and he leaned in closer, an expression of concern on his face.
"About the detective thing- I was going to tell you. My Captain just recommended me this week- I didn't know-" His voice was hesitant and I pulled back with a smile, looking into his eyes.
"Bobby- it's not a bad thing- it's a great thing. Really." I reassured him, before Dick yelled loudly about us paying attention. I groaned, rolling my eyes slightly and turning toward the table. Taking another drink I smiled at Dick to show I was paying attention and he laughed, mouthing 'as if' to me.
I opened my eyes, wincing at the bright light streaming through the drapes. The next thing I noticed as that my mouth felt like it was stuffed full with cotton. I rolled out of the bed, hitting the floor and crawling toward the door. On my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and find some miracle cure to become human again, I heard Bobby's soft laughter. "I hate you." I muttered as I crawled onto the blissfully cold tile of the bathroom. I frowned, memories from last night rushing back to me.
"I have tylenol, water and fresh coffee." He spoke from the doorway and I pulled myself up to the sink.
"Alright, I love you." I spoke before taking the tylenol and water from him and downing them. Running the water I brushed my teeth, almost moaning in the delight of a fresh mouth. When I finished, I turned to him with a frown. "What the hell happened last night? I could have sworn I didn't drink that much-"
"Dick, Joe and Andy thought it would be hilarious if they bought you doubles instead of singles. They didn't find it so funny when I was threatening to kick their asses- but it was too late then. You were wasted. Thankfully though- you made it here in one piece. How are you feeling?" He rubbed a hand along my back as he spoke, keeping his voice low- a fact I appreciated immensely.
"Like crap. Like really pissed off crap. And I'll kick their asses myself on Sunday. Idiots. Now I have to deal with my family and be hung over. I'm going to hurt them." I muttered, walking halfway up the hall before realizing I had no clothes on, except my socks. Glancing down I frowned, and turned back to the bedroom. Bobby's laughter echoed after me and I stuck my tongue out at him. Re emerging in my favorite pajama's – worn flannel pants and a tank top- I wandered back to the kitchen. "Care to explain that?" I asked as he handed me coffee and we sat down. He split the paper up, handing me half with a smile.
"You were sick when you got back- and you kept saying you were hot. Kept taking your clothes off- and I told you it wasn't good for you to lay naked in the bathroom- but you just said you weren't technically naked since you had socks on." I lay my head down on the table at his words, moaning.
"This is why I don't drink." I groaned, lifting my head only to take sips of the hot coffee.
"It wasn't that bad-" He spoke with a smile and I attempted to glare at him. "Well- it's not like you wouldn't have wound up here last night anyway- It was just earlier. However, Lish and Lewis seemed to hit it off- they were going to grab something to eat when we left. She'll probably call you later." I nodded with another moan, and he returned to reading the paper.
"What time is it?" I mumbled, and he glanced at his watch before responding.
"Eleven. So we still have a good four hours before we need to get to your parents. Why don't you go get a bath, or a shower, whichever will wake you more?" I nodded, lifting myself from the table with a groan. He seemed much calmer about meeting my parents today, whereas I was a nervous wreck. I wasn't worried about family reaction- my mother knew how important he was, and she would have groomed everyone else- one thing my mother was was a good ally. If she was already in Bobby's corner- everyone would follow. Stopping suddenly, I leaned down, and kissed him quickly.
"Thanks for taking care of me." I smiled and he nodded with a bemused expression and a chuckle.
"Kisses are great thank you's, but you know what's better?" His voice was teasing and his hand drifted across my back to my rear. I slapped his arm with a smile.
"Bobby- it's the baby Jesus' birthday!" I spoke in a scandalized tone and he laughed.
"No that's tomorrow." He pulled me down onto his lap with a laugh and kissed me roughly, winding his hands through my hair. I moaned into his mouth and shifted slightly.
"Oh all right then." I spoke breathlessly as his mouth traveled lower. "How about we conserve water then?" I grinned and he stood up with a nod.
"Know what's a great remedy for headaches?" He muttered and I laughed as he carried me down the hallway – my momentary worry about my family gone.