Well, I decided to combine Christmas with New Year's because they are just so close and tend to be celebrated together. Plus, it worked for what I had planned. If you don't like it, please let me know. The combining thing is just for this occasion… I think.
Christmas and New Years
Dress? Check. Jewelry? Check. Hair done? Check. Shoes? Check. Make-up? Check. Decorations? Check. Food? Well… kinda. Calleigh was in the center of her kitchen going through her mental checklist for her party. It was a family tradition to throw a giant Christmas Eve party. 40 people, beef tenderloin, and numerous sides (most of which are brought by the guests) would be around the table. Everybody typically left by 11:30. It would be one hell of a night, and easily worth the work it required. Calleigh had already put Sam in her room with his food so that he wouldn't distract from the event. The doorbell rang, and panic set it. It was…. 5:30! That is an hour before the guests were supposed to arrive!
Rushing to the door, Calleigh calmed herself and then placed a relaxed smile on her face.
"Need any help?" Eric asked, and immediately saw the relief flood across his girlfriend's face.
"I will love you forever if you help!" Calleigh teased.
"And if I don't…?"
"You will still be loved, just not nearly as much," Calleigh teased.
"Haha, ok. What do I do?"
"Set the table please! I have the silverware set out. The plates and decorations are done, but I haven't done that yet…"
For the next forty minutes Eric helped with the pre-party preparations. Setting the table, putting the beef in the oven and all of the other chores he did seemed to please Calleigh in the most amazing way. Simply saying "yes" and then doing as she asked brought a dentist-worthy smile to her lips.
"Ok, done. We have 20 minutes to spare…" Calleigh exhaled before collapsing on the couch. Her cheeks were flushed from all of the preparations, and a natural glow lit her face.
"Well, that was fun!" Eric teased, good-natured as always.
"Yah, now we just have to wait for the party. That is when the real fun will happen!"
"Of course, so who all is coming?"
"My family… yours…. A few of my girlfriends… some of your friends…and that should be it."
"By my family you mean…?"
"Mom, dad, siblings, spouses, children, and a few Aunts and Uncles…" Calleigh answered. Eric's mom had helped her with Eric's half of the guest list.
"So, like, all 500 of us that live in the Miami area?"
"More like all 22."
"Haha, ok. Remind me to tell my mom to stop helping you with parties. She likes them way too much. It isn't healthy," Eric joked. He knew Calleigh loved parties too.
"Nobody from the lab though?"
"No, they had plans made already. Well, maybe Horatio. He said, "I might stop by if I'm in the area'"
"I'll expect him then," Eric stated.
"Is your mom coming?" Eric asked. He knew how strained their relationship was.
"No."
"You know what?"
"What?"
"You would make a great dad, or husband. You are very helpful, and know how to follow directions." Calleigh stated. It was a semi dangerous statement to make, but she knew that he could take the deep conversation.
"There is more to it then that…"
"True, but it is a good base."
"You think?"
"I do," Calleigh rested her head on his chest and listened to his steady breathing. The gentle rise and fall of his chest was very comforting.
The doorbell rang, and the first few guests arrived. Calleigh took the coats of Eric's mom, dad, and two aunts and uncles.
"Merry Christmas!" Calleigh exclaimed before Mrs. Delko hugged her and kissed her forehead.
"Sweetie, this is lovely. Thank you!" She said to Calleigh, and then moved on to her son. Mid-way through greeting the other Delko's the doorbell rang and her father, brother, and his wife and kids arrived. Headlights came around the corner, and another car pulled up!
"Hey sis!" Her brother said, and then the niece and nephew hugged her legs with surprising strength.
"Hey!" Calleigh answered, and then gave a smile to her father. They were still on slightly stressed terms, but things were getting better.
"Well look it's your sisters and their families!" Calleigh said to Eric. They seemed to have crammed into a single car.
"Welcome!" Calleigh said, and then gently moved everyone towards the living room where the appetizers were set out.
"Where should we put this?" Calleigh's brother asked, holding out a salad.
"Um... in the kitchen. Here I will take it," Calleigh said. Everybody else handed their food to her, and she took it all into the kitchen for the meal. When she returned, she saw her girlfriends coming in through the front door, and Eric's pals behind them.
"Well lads, here she is!" Eric said, hugging Calleigh and squeezing her against him.
"I'm jealous!" One of Calleigh's friends exclaimed in remark to "the boyfriend."
"Well she is the only one for me," Eric said smoothly. All of the girls awed and Calleigh went up and hugged him.
"You got a hottie," One of Eric's friends exclaimed.
"A hottie with a body that's right," Eric replied, and kissed Calleigh. Everyone laughed at this.
After chitchatting for a fair amount of time everyone went towards the dinning room for dinner to begin. The men and children sat down while the women carried to food to the table. Eric sat at one end of the table, and his father sat opposite him. It was quite crammed, even with the kids sitting around the TV with some willing adults to supervise them. Calleigh took her seat on Eric's right side and Mrs. Delko said grace.
"The beef is excellent!" Mr. Delko sad, which gave Calleigh immense pleasure.
"Thanks, your son helped," Calleigh replied.
"Not much," Eric added. The conversation and eating continued until the plates were nearing empty.
"Cal, is this man good enough for you?" Calleigh's father asked her.
"Of course," Calleigh replied. She knew that he had met Eric before and approved. He probably just wanted to put on a show. Eric's parents loved Calleigh, so that shouldn't be a problem.
"What is her favorite color?" Mr. Duquesne asked Eric.
"Besides black, which is only partly a real color, green." Eric answered easily.
"Favorite book?"
"The Book Thief."
"Band?"
"Evanescence."
"Ok, you pass. Welcome to the family," Calleigh's dad said with a chuckle. Everybody else chuckled awkwardly. "Welcome to the family" was too forward. Calleigh glanced at her father's glass to confirm that he had iced tea, which he did.
"Thank you sir."
"Calleigh, you have been part of our family for a while now I do believe…" Mrs. Delko stated.
"But we'll give you a test anyway, just to make sure that you pass," Mr. Delko stated. It clearly was in a father's unwritten book of rules to have a test for their child's dates.
"What is Eric's favorite activity?"
"If he has to be on land he like to go running, but swimming or diving are his first pick's." Calleigh answered calmly.
"What's his favorite movie?"
"Inglorious Basterds."
"You pass with flying colors angel," Mrs. Delko said.
"Thank you," Calleigh said gracefully.
"So, enough of the tests. Dessert time?" Eric said, in a not-so-subtle attempt to relax the atmosphere.
"PLEASE!" The kids yelled. Apparently they were eavesdropping.
"Ok, follow Uncle Eric. I'll get it," Eric said, then took the kids into the kitchen.
"I'll see if they need help," Calleigh dismissed herself.
When she walked into the kitchen she quickly backed out and partially his herself behind the wall. Eric was playing with the kids like any good father should. He wouldn't let them like the icing off the adult cake, but he was keeping the kids plenty entertained. First he closed his eyes and cut the first slice in the kid's cake "Samurai Style." Then he called them each up and had them try to do so to cut their own slice. Most kids peaked, but a few didn't. Nobody cut all that well, but it was adorable to watch.
"Ok kids, go eat your cake." Calleigh walked into the room and said once each kid had gotten a slice of cake. The kids all rushed out to go back to the TV and eat their cake.
"That was so sweet," Calleigh said.
"You think? I tried."
"You did excellent. Much better than I could have done…" Calleigh drifted off. She was afraid that she would make an awful mother. It wasn't in her nature to be silly and open.
"Nah, you're great with kids. I've seen it," Eric said.
"Maybe I can be a bit fun..." Calleigh said before she swiped her finger on the cake pan and ran her icing-covered finger on Eric's nose.
Eric laughed and rubbed icing on her nose too. "Ha, payback!"
"No problem, more sweets for me." Calleigh teased. She ran a finger on her nose and ate that icing before licking Eric's nose and eating that icing. "Yummy."
"No fair!" Eric said. He got more icing on his finger, and was about to like that when he got another idea. He rubbed icing on Calleigh's lips and kissed them before she could lick the icing off of her lips. He ended up pushing her against the counter and getting pretty into it.
"Ew! They are kissing!" One kid said to the two other kids flanking him. Apparently he had been trying to sneak back for more cake. The kids quickly ran off and Calleigh and Eric separated abruptly.
"That's for later," Calleigh said. They cut the adult cake and served the slices before returning to the dinning table with their own pieces of cake.
"Eric was great with the kids," Calleigh announced.
"So that's what you were up to. Spying on me watching the kids, I wondered," Eric teased.
"I couldn't help it." Calleigh said, with a sheepish smile. The friends and family laughed and small talk resumed. After everyone had finished eating groups began to leave. Finally it was just Calleigh and Eric.
"Finally, It's over." Calleigh said. Eric's mother had stayed to help clean up, so all she had to do now was put the dishes away. When she walked into the kitchen she saw that Eric had already put the dishes up. Only one dish remained. It was the cake pan, with the extra icing dumped into it.
"Now is later," Eric said with a smile before the fun began.
~ This is rated T~
The next morning Eric awoke and saw a beautiful blonde head against his chest. This was one of his favorite sights in the whole world. He kissed her head and then left the room as quietly as he could, in order to not wake her.
He fixed coffee and pulled out the tamales his mother had brought the night before for their Christmas morning breakfast. They were heating in the oven when Calleigh walked out. She was in a delicate nightgown that clung to her in all the right places.
"Merry Christmas," Calleigh said.
"Merry Christmas to you too babe," Eric said. He poured the coffee and pulled out the tamales.
"If you want it the way we do, eat your tamales and drink you coffee black. It's an unbelievable combination," Eric said. Calleigh did as she was instructed, and sure enough Eric was right.
"Cubano?" Calleigh asked. Eric knew she needed coffee and food first thing in the morning.
"Of course."
Breakfast was silent for the most part, but it was also very peaceful. Each knew what the other needed, and gave them their space. After all, it was early in the morning after a late night. After breakfast they walked into the family room and sat down on the couch. Calleigh changed her position so that she was lying down with her head on Eric's lap. She was exhausted after last night, but content none the less. Eric strokes the delicate blonde head and hummed a soft tune.
"Ready for presents?" Calleigh asked. The spark in her voice indicated that the coffee had kicked in and she was officially awake.
"How could I not be?" Eric asked rhetorically. Calleigh went into her bedroom in her top drawer and pulled out the full stocking she had gotten for him, and Eric went to a closet where he had stored her stuffed stocking the night before.
"Let's rotate pulling out items," Calleigh said once she got back and saw her man sitting there.
"Sounds good to me, but you go first." Eric said, being the gentleman.
Calleigh reached in and pulled out a CD from her favorite band, and thanked Eric before putting it in the CD player to play. Eric went next and grabbed some boxers with handcuffs all over them.
"I thought it was fitting, with you being a cop and all," Calleigh explained.
"It's fitting in other ways too," Eric alluded, which made them both laugh.
It continued like this until they each had one thing left in their stockings. Calleigh had received a gift card to her favorite store, Cubano coffee beans, some sexy undergarments, a teddy bear, and make-up. Eric was given some DVD's, diving gear (he constantly broke his), a gun-cleaning kit (which was so Calleigh), a bag of chocolates, and a cross necklace.
"One thing left, be careful," Eric instructed Calleigh. She gently reached into her stocking and pulled out a medium sized wrapped box. The unwrapped the paper and hesitated for a moment before opening the box to reveal a necklace. It had a gold chain with a pendant attached to it. The pendant was made of diamonds and pearls and was in the shape of a heart.
"That is gorgeous," Calleigh whispered. She was in shock at the gift. It was clearly expensive and unbelievably thoughtful of Eric.
"It's for a gorgeous girl."
"Thanks for the flattery," Calleigh teased. "Now it's your turn."
Eric pulled out a small envelope, and opened it. Inside he was two tickets to a football game that he was dying to see. He had tried to buy some himself, but they had been sold out.
"No way Cal! How did you get these? They are impossible to get!"
"A girl has her tricks. I thought you'd like to have some quality guy time," Calleigh said.
"These are awesome!" Eric nearly screamed.
"I'm glad you like them," Calleigh said. She had gone to a lot of work to get them, and it had definitely paid off.
They spent the rest of the day at home relaxing. In fact, that's how they spent the 5 days until new years. They had the time off from the LAB because they were lucky enough to get some of the night shift to take their shifts for extra pay. Night walks on the beach, eating out, and early morning jogs in the cool air brought pleasure to their life. Each day they made sure to get out of the house and do something, otherwise they would go insane. They knew that their week was building up to a grand ending: New Year's Eve. They were going to go to the CSI New Year's party and have a blast.
The day of the party they both slept in. Mid-way through the week that had switched to staying at Eric's place to change things up a bit. Calleigh had brought everything she needed for the party. Eric was in his suit and had his hair combed in 15 minutes. Calleigh needed a bit longer to get ready. Eric "helped" her put on her midnight blue dress. It had a fairly deep v and low back, but wasn't too out of place for a work party. She put the necklace on that Eric had given her, and was pleased to see that Eric was wearing the cross necklace she had given him. She put pearl earrings on and straightened her hair. After twenty minutes, which seemed like forever to Eric, she had applied her night make-up and they were ready to leave. Calleigh and Eric took separate cars. Nobody at the lab knew about them dating, and they weren't ready for that to happen yet.
During the twenty-minute drive to the building Calleigh player her favorite songs and even sang aloud which was very unusual for her. The spirit of the New Year seemed to seep into everyone, even through Calleigh's concrete walls. Eric drove in silence with his mind drifting towards the situation at work. It really was awkward sometimes. He arrived at the building and took the elevator to the large conference room where the party would be help. Opening the door, the smell of delicious food and women's perfume greeted him.
"Hey, hey! Look who's here!" Ryan said when Eric walked up to his room.
"Hey man," Eric said.
"Does the infamous player Eric Delko not have a date?" Cooper asked.
"I wouldn't say player…" Eric said, evading the question. He didn't officially have a date, but Calleigh was his secret date.
"BS," Cooper replied.
"Sorry man, I agree with Cooper," Ryan said.
"Thanks guys," Eric said just as Horatio came up.
"Welcome Mr. Delko," Horatio said.
"Nice to you here," Eric replied.
"Who else has to arrive?" Ryan asked.
"I believe Ms. Duquesne is absent," Horatio replied.
"Not anymore," Calleigh said as she walked up to the group. Natalia, Alex, and Maxime followed her.
"Here is our lady cult," Eric teased.
"That's not very nice," Calleigh replied.
"Let's eat," Horatio suggested. The group flocked towards the buffet that had been set up for the party. After filling their plates with food the group went towards one of the many round tables that were decorated with confetti and streamers in red, white, and blue. Each table had 5 chairs set out.
"We will find another table," Valera suggested and Cooper followed her. Horatio, Ryan, Natalia, Calleigh, and Eric sat down and waited for the toast to be given. After everyone seemed to be seated Stetler rose and tapped his glass with a utensil.
"Well, it has been a big year for us CSI's. I hope that this coming year is prosperous and enjoyable for us all." Rick announced. Glasses of champagne clinked and the feasting began. The TV on the wall played Time Square's dropping of the ball ceremony. The 5 main CSI's ate their dinner and made small talk.
"What's everyone's New Year's resolution?"H asked.
"The typical, to lose 10 pounds," Natalia announced.
"That's not necessary," Calleigh said politely and truthfully.
"I want to get a girlfriend," Ryan said. He had had some recent troubles with finding ladies.
"I want to help my dad more," Calleigh said. Her comment was followed by silence, because nobody really knew how to respond.
"That's sweet of you," Eric finally said. "I want to learn how to cook my mother's secret tamale recipe," Eric said. Calleigh smiled slightly at this when she remembered their Christmas morning breakfast.
"What about you H?" Eric asked.
"I want to be there for Kyle," Horatio said. For the amount of hours he worked, he really was being a great dad for his newfound son.
The dinner continued until most people had cleared their plates. Calleigh excused herself to go to the restroom and Natalia quickly followed.
"Girls always travel in packs. It's awful," Ryan said and the other two men laughed at this.
Natalia caught up to Calleigh and made her move. "So, no date tonight?" Natalia asked.
"I'm flying solo. The same for you?" Calleigh asked.
"Sadly," Natalia answered. The two girls went to the restroom, washed their hands, and then began to fix their make-up.
"What do you think of him?" Natalia slid her phone over to Calleigh. Calleigh looked down and saw a picture of a fairly attractive man.
"He's pretty good looking. Why?"
"He was going to be my date, but had to cancel because of a family thing," Natalia replied.
"Good for you! I look forward to meeting him," Calleigh replied enthusiastically. The two girls hugged each other and began to put their makeup away.
"Any possibilities for you?" Natalia asked Calleigh on their way back to the table.
"Not at the moment," Calleigh lied.
The girls sat down and resumed dinner. Dessert had been served when they were in the restroom but the men had been kind enough to get a slice of cake for Natalia and Calleigh.
"This is really good," Natalia said once she took the first bite of her cake.
"It is," Ryan said. "So… what did you two discuss in the bathroom?"
"You, Ryan, and Eric," Natalia lied. It was too good of an excuse to bother them and she just couldn't pass it up.
"Well what did you say?" H asked.
"We bet about who would win in a fight," Calleigh said.
"The results were?" Eric asked.
"Horatio first, Cooper second, Ryan third, and Eric last," Natalia said. She knew this would bother everyone except for H who she didn't want to piss off. He was her boss after all.
"Unfair!" Ryan nearly yelled.
"Calm down wolverine. We all know you can kick ass… well the ass of a bunny anyway," Eric joked.
"Hey! You were last! Don't give me that," Ryan countered.
"I believe it was a joke," Horatio said.
"Oh, right…" Ryan said which made everybody laugh. Then the lights dimmed and everybody quieted down.
"TEN, NINE, EIGHT…" came from the speakers and everybody joined in the countdown for the ball dropping.
SEVEN, SIX, FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE!" The ball was dropped and everyone cheered.
"Happy New Year!" Was yelled and everybody hugged each other. It was a moment of joy and of peace.
"Let's go," Eric said and grabbed Calleigh's waist. Everybody was too distracted with the screaming to notice their disappearance for the time being.
They walked out into a dark hallway that was a few minutes away from the party room.
"Happy New Year," Eric said, and pulled another box out of his pant pocket.
Calleigh opened it, and saw a pair of earrings that matched her necklace. Once again, she was swept off her feet by her boyfriend's kindness.
"You're a dear," Calleigh said. She wanted to put them on immediately, but the CSI's would notice once she came back that she had changed earrings. It was their job to be observant. She kissed Eric gently and felt his hands slide down her dress towards her butt. She let him have s squeeze and then she took a step back. They were at work, and it wasn't the time or place.
"Tomorrow," Calleigh vowed.
"I know," Eric said. He kissed Calleigh once more, and then led her back to the party room. She was glowing the entire way back, and once she got in the room she still couldn't get the giant grin off of her angelic face.
The party was still in full swing. Everybody was talking, drinking, and enjoying the moment. It was nice to see everyone relax for once.
"I think that I'm going to head home now. I need my precious beauty sleep," Calleigh announced.
"Night!" The team answered.
Eric followed with the same excuse fifteen minutes later. On the drive home all he could think about was how Calleigh radiated that night. He had made her truly happy, which was a victory to him. The way she looked in her dress and the way her eyes sparkled couldn't escape his thoughts.
Calleigh drove home overwhelmed with emotions. Eric knew her, and knew how to please her. This was equally joyful and shocking to her. She knew he cared for her, but now she had a better glimpse as to how much he really loved her. Calleigh wasn't used to being cared for; she had always had to take care of herself. He really was a great guy. . . When she opened the door to Eric's house Sam leapt on her and began to lick her legs.
"Hey boy! Aren't you just the cutest puppy ever?" In response Sam barked, which the neighbors probably hated. She sat on the couch and cuddled with Sam waiting for Eric to come home.
"Do you approve of Eric?" Calleigh asked the innocent puppy when the front door opened.
"I think he does," Eric said.
"I do too," Calleigh said.
Eric joined them on the couch, and grinned.
"You two looked so cute," Eric said.
"We try," Calleigh answered and Eric laughed.
"You don't have to try at all," Eric replied and kissed her. The dog bounded off of the couch knowing that his space was going to be filled. Sure enough, Eric and Calleigh fell asleep together on the couch minutes later.
I started this before Christmas and forgot about it until now. I didn't have time to edit it because I was in too big of a hurry to post it. I will get to work on Valentine's Day (which I was unable to do on time) as soon as I can. It may or may not be the last chapter, please let me know what you want.
Reviews are appreciated!
~Katherine~