A/N: Ho Ho Ho! Merry Early Christmas. I'm feeling the spirit, channeling all my Gentile (non-Jewish) knowledge into this chapter. I should have just made them celebrate Hanukah, now that would have been out of canon!
I just want to say thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter. No holiday memories shared, but some brave readers opened up about losing a loved one in the past. My heart goes out to all of you, and I hope this silly little story provides some level of catharsis to all of you.
Many thanks to my beta, chisaii-kitty, for giving this the once over and making sure I did Santa justice.
Disclaimer: See every previous chapter. Nothing's changed.
It was a week until Christmas, and Sookie had just convinced Eric to buy a tree. She hadn't won the argument outright, however, which was obvious by the 2-foot tall artificial tree sitting atop his table. Still, she decorated it tenderly with garland, tinsel, and an assortment of ornaments that Eric found tucked away in a closet. She had just placed the angel at the top when he came back from walking Clancy. He released the dog from his leash and shucked off the heavy coat. Winter had finally found his precious city, the air was cold and the wind was bitter. Clancy didn't seem to mind and would keep Eric out far longer than he preferred.
As he hung up his coat, he flipped through the mail he had collected from the lobby. A small red postcard caught his eye.
"If I remember correctly, you have your picture taken with Santa every year. Why haven't we gone yet?"
"We? You would actually go to the mall with me to take your picture with Santa?"
"Who said anything about the mall? Just got a note from the groomers that Santa is making his last visit to the store. All animals and owners are invited to come down to have their photo taken. What do you say, should we take Clancy? His past Christmas was spent watching me get plastered out of my mind. I think he deserves a proper celebration."
"Oh my God, we have to! You owe it to him to meet Santa! Oh, we could get him a cute little outfit..."
"No. Clancy does not play dress up. He's not some pansy chihuahua, he's a ninety pound retriever. Very manly."
She turned to face Eric with a pout on her face. She knew he couldn't resist when she was pouting. "But if he's meeting Santa he needs to look his best. My parents used to dress me in some pretty heinous outfits for the annual picture. It's tradition."
He walked over to her, kissing her pushed out lower lip. "Not a chance."
If pouting didn't work, she would have to turn to plan B, a dirty trick with a hint of compromise. She rose up on her tip toes to kiss and nip his neck just the way he liked. "How 'bout just a festive collar?"
"You're not playing fair. Just a collar, nothing outrageous."
She celebrated with a giggle and a kiss to his lips. She wiped off her smile and replaced it with a solemn expression before placing her hand over her heart. "I promise to maintain Clancy's masculinity with his wardrobe choices for meeting Santa."
"Thank you, that's all I ask."
"Your outfit on the other hand..."
Waiting in line with the other dog owners at the groomers, Sookie could barely contain her excitement. She wasn't able to get Eric to don his holiday best, but she was able to negotiate him into a red sweater. She, on the other hand, was wearing a long sleeved shirt with Santa's sleigh being pulled by his nine reindeer over jeans, a Santa hat and jingle bell earrings that chimed every time she turned her head.
With a little convincing she was able to get Eric to concede to reindeer antlers for Clancy. Eric would have been more upset if Clancy wasn't enjoying it. The entire walk to the store, the dog had a spring in his step, holding his head high. The smile it brought to Sookie's face made it all worth it. Sookie had even convinced Amelia to get in on the fun. She had been far more accommodating, dressing Bob up in an elf's costume.
The three of them decided to pose for one picture. Bob was placed in Santa's lap, Clancy sitting at his feet, with Amelia on one side of his chair and Eric and Sookie on the other. With the most serious look she could muster, Sookie warned her two friends to smile pretty and the two pups to be on their best behavior. Eric stood behind Sookie, but when he tried to wrap his arms around her, she hit them away saying he would block the picture on her shirt. He settled for holding her hips.
The photographer snapped a few frames, and the flash must have startled Bob. He began to shake, and in fear, peed right on Santa's lap. He was immediately put on the floor while Amelia apologized profusely. The owners of the store stepped in to assure her it was alright, even expected when dealing with animals. They said that the company sent several spare outfits for Santa to change into in case of accidents. Just to be on the safe side, they ordered one of the more expensive photo packages.
They decided to take the dogs for a walk afterward. Sookie kept shooting Amelia angry glances, and finally she couldn't take it anymore.
"Sookie, are you mad at me?"
"Yes I'm mad! Bob ruined the picture!"
"No he didn't, the guy was able to get a few really good frames before the little guy let loose. The shot we ordered was really nice, so relax."
"Maybe if you didn't make him wear that stupid costume he wouldn't have done it." As soon as the words left his mouth, Eric immediately regretted them. Even Clancy looked up at him with a look that just screamed, "Dude, you're screwed."
"Both of you are assholes. I'm going to work early." With that, Sookie turned away from them to head to the subway that would get her to the bar. Eric handed Amelia the leash he was holding so he could run after her.
"Sookie, would you slow down? Wait, let's talk about this." He grabbed her and turned her to face him, noticing the tears that were threatening the spill in her eyes.
"I just wanted a nice Christmas picture. I always had to drag Jason to take one with me, and he would never smile because he thought it was stupid. Bill never even agreed to come along in all the years we dated. The last decent picture I have is from when I was six; it was the last one before my parents died."
"But Amelia was right, we got a good picture. Everyone was smiling and both dogs were looking at the camera. Everything in that one frame was perfect."
"Except for the stupid costumes."
"You have to admit, Bob looked a little silly. But look at Clancy, and you tell me that dog isn't ecstatic to be wearing those antlers."
"I thought he made a cute elf."
"Well, some dogs just weren't meant for costumes and cameras. Apparently, Bob is one of those dogs."
"Ugh. I guess I'm just overreacting. I just wanted one really great Christmas memory."
"Why don't you come by tonight after work and we'll make one."
"Now what's that supposed to mean?"
"You'll find out after work. Now stop being mad and give me a kiss."
He pulled her close to his body, kissing her lips to the point where he was concerned they might freeze together. He brought his hand up to hold her face, hitting her earring which began to jingle. She laughed, letting go of any anger she was holding on to.
"I really do have to get to work. I should go apologize to Amelia and head out. I love you."
"Love you too."
Amelia joined them, hugging her best friend to let her know all was forgiven. As soon as Sookie was out of earshot, she turned to Eric.
"Bob looked like an idiot. I completely agree with you. Little bastard peed on it so he wouldn't have to wear it again."
"At least you had the common sense to wait until after she left to say that. By the way, any idea where I can find a Santa's hat on short notice?"
Sookie was dead tired as she stepped off the subway platform, but each step closer she got to Eric's apartment, she began to perk up. She was banking on an awesome surprise and hoping for some good old fashion Christmas cheer. As she entered the lobby of the building, she flashed a smile at the security guard at the front desk. They had grown familiar with her and usually let her up to Eric's floor without calling up to him first. This time, Victor called her over.
"Mr. Northman wanted me to give this to you in case he fell asleep before you arrived. He didn't want to miss you," he pressed a key into her hand and sent her off with a wave.
As she rode up the elevator, her head was spinning. Was this key for her to keep? Had their relationship progressed to the point where they were giving each other keys to their apartments? Her too tired brain finally acknowledged that it was spinning things out of proportion and Sookie was determined not to think too much on it until she spoke to Eric.
She arrived at his door and knocked out of habit. When he didn't say anything and she didn't hear anyone coming to the door besides Clancy, she used the key to let herself in. The apartment was completely silent and Eric's bedroom door was shut. She peeked first into his study to see if he was writing, but it was empty. She silently made her way back to his bedroom, not wanting to wake him if he had fallen asleep. She opened the door, noticing that Eric had pulled a page from her book. There he was sprawled across the bed while holiday music was softly playing over his speakers, wearing nothing but a smile and a strategically placed Santa hat.
"Oh, Eric, what have you done?"
"I was going to go with mistletoe, but I thought it would be too obvious."
"Any other girl would be mortified, but I love it. Is that gingerbread I smell?"
"Mhm, it's amazing what scents they make for candles. Now come sit in Santa's lap and tell me everything you want."
She straddled his legs just below the hat, noticing how high it stood on its own. She played with the white pom-pom at the top while she thought about it.
"Well, I never got that pony I asked for when I was ten. But for tonight, I suppose I can settle for a mind blowing orgasm."
"Consider it yours. But first, you have to indulge me." He reached under the pillow and pulled out a bright red sleeping mask. Embroidered across the front in white thread was "Waiting for Santa".
"Where on Earth did you find that?"
"Party supply store. Found a few other goodies there too. But this was borrowed from a certain Santa obsessed girlfriend," he said, emphasizing his point by thrusting his hips causing the white fluff on top to bounce around.
He sat up, pulling her face closer to his and gently kissed her lips. He kissed a trail along her jaw up to her ear. He traced his tongue along its shell before whispering, "Wouldn't your fantasies coming true make for some amazing memories?"
She lost all ability to speak, so she answered by nodding her head in the affirmative. He pulled her shirt off her so it wouldn't disturb the blindfold once it was in place. He kissed each of her eyelids before sliding the band around her head, fitting it into place. He guided her to lay back on the bed. First to go were her sneakers, which landed with a thud on the floor. The unexpected loud noise startled her, and she jumped and gasped in surprise. Eric was worried she might not enjoy this as much as she thought she would. "If at any point you want to take the blindfold off, just do so. This is all about you, I don't want you to be nervous or uneasy about anything."
"Then don't make loud noises. I want this, Eric, please don't stop."
He slid his hands up her legs, stopping at the waistband of her jeans. He traced a finger from one hip to the other just underneath the band. He pulled the pants down her legs, softly placing them on the floor. He laughed when he caught a glimpse of her underwear; they were patterned with wreaths. He slid them down as well, letting them join her jeans on the floor. He ran his hands gently from her feet to her bra, removing it, tossing it to the growing pile of clothes. Now was time for the fun to start.
He wanted to start with his hands. He explored every inch of her flawless skin, alternating between using the flats of his palms and the very tips of his fingers. He never followed straight lines, keeping her surprised as to where his hands would appear next. By the time his lips connected with the inside of her wrist, she was moaning with every breath. His lips followed the same paths, covering her skin while savoring her sweet taste. He purposely avoided her most erogenous zones, must to her dismay. He moved up her body, to her neck, paying extra attention to all the spots he knew she loved.
"More, please," her body was trembling with want, seeking its own pleasure.
He reached for the long forgotten hat, letting the soft fuzz trail along her skin. He trailed it along her collarbone before softly brushing it against her breasts.
"What is that?"
"If you can guess right, I'll give you exactly what you want."
"Do it again, I want to feel it again." He let it drift from left to right, making sure it passed across her now tightly pebbled nipples.
"Is that your hat?"
"Technically, it's your hat. But I think that's close enough."
He lay over her, slowly entering her, much to her very vocally expressed delight. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, bringing the other to the most extreme pleasure possible. She wrapped her legs around his waist, bringing him even tighter to her body. He could tell she was close, and he knew he'd be right behind her. He ripped off the blindfold, the need to look into her eyes too great to bear. He felt her tighten around him as she screamed out his name, sending him toppling over the edge deep inside her.
As they lay together, trying to catch their breath, she looked over at him. "That was unbelievable. Way better than Amelia described it."
"I'm sure Amelia didn't get the full Christmas experience. It's amazing what a little holiday magic can do in the bedroom."
She glanced over the at empty condom wrapper and burst into a fit of giggles. The foil package was red with green writing, "Ho Ho Ho" completely covering it. She picked it off the bed and threw it at him.
"What kind of party supply store do you shop at?"
"One with a sick sense of humor. I'll tell ya, I got some weird looks from the clerks when I checked out."
"I'll bet. This is most definitely going at the top of my list of awesome memories."
"It's not even Christmas yet. I still have three days to make this your best ever."
"There's more?"
"You haven't unwrapped your presents yet. It can't be declared the best ever until you open them all up."
"Do I get a hint as to what you got me?"
"It's one of a kind, no one else in the world will have what you have. And that's just one piece of the puzzle. Do I get a clue as to what you got me?"
"It's one of a kind, but someone else will have what you have."
"Interesting. So tell me, what are we doing for Christmas? I'm assuming you want to spend it with family."
"You're part of that family circle now. Amelia and I are making Christmas Eve dinner at the apartment, then some of us are going to Midnight Mass. Jason and Sam will probably come over in the morning for a big breakfast after we all exchange presents. You are of course invited to all of that, but before you make up your mind, know that Pam has already committed to coming."
"Sounds like a perfect holiday. Certainly an interesting family dynamic."
"It's not perfect, but it's mine."
Eric woke Christmas morning feeling slightly sore. He realized suddenly why they never slept at Sookie's apartment when they spent the night together. Two grown adults cannot comfortably fit on a twin mattress, especially when one of those adults is nearly six and a half feet tall. Sookie on the other hand, was perfectly nestled into his side without a care in the world. He watched her sleep while trying to covertly find a more comfortable position without waking her. Her calm expression suddenly sprouted a wide smile.
"Eric?"
"Yes, lover?"
She cracked her eyes just a slit to look over at him. "It's Christmas morning. Time to find what Santa brought us."
She jumped out of bed, pulling a red robe over her Santa nightgown. She tried to pull him out of bed, but he resisted. "Eric, come on! Get out of bed and get dressed. It's Christmas. We can't stay in bed."
"I have ways of convincing you otherwise."
"None of that, come on, up! Now!"
"I am up, see?" He lifted the blankets to prove his point.
"You're not getting any until we all open presents. So the faster you get out of bed, the faster we get back in it."
"We still have to wait for Amelia and Pam to wake up, let alone your brother and Sam to get here. Get back in bed and we'll snuggle until everyone shows up."
Just to spite him, the doorbell rang as soon as the words left his mouth. She gave him a gleeful smile and ran out the bedroom door. She ran into their small living room, stopping dead in her tracks when she looked out the window, causing Eric, who was following her, to crash into her, nearly knocking them both to the ground.
"It's snowing. I've never had a White Christmas before!" She turned in Eric's arms with the brightest smile across her face. "This really is going to be the best Christmas ever." She pulled him into a kiss just to show him how happy she was. The doorbell started buzzing constantly pulling them out of their moment. Amelia picked that moment to come storming out of her bedroom.
"Oh, I have to stop messing around to answer the door while the two of you are making out in the living room? Seriously? We need a new doorbell, that is the most obnoxious noise ever."
"Amelia, look, it's snowing. White Christmas!"
Amelia looked out the window and the same childlike smile broke out on her face. "Oh my God, Pam, come check this out!"
"Unless it's snowing naked women, I'm not leaving this bed until I come. If you want to be a part of it, I suggest you get back in here!"
Amelia considered it for a moment before ducking back to her bedroom with a wicked smile. The buzzing returned, reminding Sookie to let her guests in. She opened the door to a very impatient Jason and Sam.
Eric had gotten the coffee pot brewing while the boys took their coats off, so by the time everyone had settled down on the couch to wait for Pam and Amelia, it was ready to pour. They didn't have to wait long for the twosome who were greeted by a round of applause.
Pam was practically beaming, "So, Ames here already gave me my present but what are the rest of you waiting for?"
Sookie bolted off the couch, passing all the wrapped bundles of joy to all her friends. There were even red and green rawhide bones for Bob and a visiting Clancy.
Sookie found exactly what she was looking for. As much as she loved her friends, what she really wanted from under the tree was her present from Eric. She found the large rectangle but noticed two smaller boxes with his handwriting on them as well, all addressed "To My Lover". She handed Eric his present, asking which she should open first. He pointed to the smaller box, letting her know to open them in size order.
She tore the paper from the gift, revealing a small velvet box. Opening it slowly, her eyes grew wide at the necklace it held. It was something she had mentioned in passing to Eric, her fascination with Carrie's nameplate necklace in Sex and the City. He had ordered one for her, as they didn't carry a rare name like Sookie in most stores. Her entire name sparkled from the embedded diamonds studded throughout.
"Oh, Eric, this is too much. But I love it. It's perfect. Thank you."
She gave him a kiss before opening the medium box. It was thin and she couldn't place what it might be. As she tore the paper, she was happy to see it was their photo with Santa in a sparkling frame. She laughed and showed it to Amelia, who was holding one of her own.
Next was the largest box. It was heavy, and again she had no idea what was inside. She looked over at Eric as the paper was torn off revealing a white box. He was beaming with pride, obviously proud of his selection. As she removed the top, it was hard to stop the tears from coming. It was a painting of a beautiful woman with a mysterious man in a long trench coat in the background. The woman had curves for days, long blonde hair and her wide brimmed hat was pulled over her eyes. The smirk on her lips held as many different emotions as the Mona Lisa's, changing in meaning depending on how you looked at her.
"Is this who I think they are?"
"Susannah and Danger. I met with the artist who does my cover work a little while ago. That is the original piece that will grace the cover of every copy of Danger is a Dame. And it's yours."
"Oh my God, I can't believe it. This is too much, you spent way too much on all this."
"Does that mean you don't want it? Because I know a huge number of fangirls that would kill for that artwork, not as many named Sookie so I might have more trouble getting rid of the necklace."
His poker face betrayed him, his expression let Sookie know he was just playing with her. Just to be safe, she clasped the necklace behind her neck and held the painting close. "Nope, they're mine. No take backs."
She pulled him to her for a kiss to show her appreciation only to have pillows thrown at her head by her disgusted brother. She blushed at forgetting everyone around her, urging Eric to open his gift. He opened the paper gingerly, knowing Sookie probably spent hours wrapping it just right. Behind the foil paper was a picture frame which held a photo of the two of them. It was a candid, neither were looking at the camera but the looks on their faces spoke volumes. She was smiling, obviously laughing hysterically while he looked down at her with complete love and devotion in his eyes. It was the look he saw on Hoyt's face when they were at the piano bar.
"Claudine snapped it at the bar a few weeks ago. She likes to think of herself as a budding photographer. I just fell it love with it and I knew you'd love it too. I know you're the kind of guy who has everything you need, and the money to buy anything you want. I went the sentimental route instead. I have the same print, I had to hide it when I knew you were spending the night."
"It's perfect. I love it and, more importantly, I love you."
"I love you, too." He pulled her in for another kiss, calling for another round of pillow throwing.
Presents were soon set aside as hunger settled over the group. Sookie and Amelia headed into the kitchen to make french toast for everyone while the rest of the group shared the spoils of the holiday. Soon the makeshift family had gathered around the table with the yule log playing in the background. As the snow fell softly all around them, it blanketed and washed away bad memories from years past, setting the perfect scene for a day full of bright hopes and expectations.
A/N Aw, yay! The ending was inspired by the massive snowfall we had here in NYC over the weekend. As of now, weather reports call for a White Christmas so for Sookie's sake I'm crossing my fingers.
Hopefully this helps set the mood for your own celebrations. Personally, my family will be going to an old friend's house on Thursday for tree trimming and amazing homemade Italian food. I'll also be celebrating the traditional Jewish-Christmas with a movie followed by Chinese food. I hope everyone has an amazing holiday!
