Chapter Eight: Panic!

A/N: This is the first of two closely connected chapters...as opposed to some of the other chapters which were stories in their own right. The idea was too big for just one chapter. The next one is giving me some trouble, but I'll have it done as soon as I can. :)

He stands in front of her desk, hands jammed awkwardly in his pockets.

She looks up at him with a weary glance. "Yes, Carlton?"

"O'Hara, could you...?"

She waits but he doesn't continue.

"What?" she presses hurriedly; it's almost the end of the workday, so she can't help it if she is just a little impatient.

"Never mind."

But he doesn't move away from her desk.

"In exactly five minutes, I'm going home, Carlton. So if there's anything you need, you better ask now."

He sighs heavily and collapses into a nearby chair. "I need your help."

Juliet blinks slowly. Carlton isn't usually the type to ask for help, and he's got this desperate look in his eyes that freaks her out. This must be serious. "What's wrong?"

"Elizabeth's birthday is coming up and I don't know what to get her."

Juliet smiles with relief (she thought maybe he had finally killed Shawn and wanted help disposing of the body, or something like that). "When is it?"

"Uh...two days from now?"

Her relief melts instantly. "Ugh, why did you put it off for so long, Carlton?"

Carlton looks away. "I thought it would be easy to figure out what to get her..."

Juliet sighs. "Well, I guess I can try to help you. First off, as far as you can remember, has she been hinting for anything in particular?"

Carlton thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "Last time it was ever mentioned, she said she didn't want me to get her anything. But I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to ignore that, right?"

Juliet laughs. "Yeah, that's probably a safe bet. That means it doesn't have to be anything too extravagant, but I'm sure she'd still love to know you were thinking about her."

"So...?"

"Well, let's look at all the things she likes..."

"Shooting," Carlton offers hopefully.

"True," Juliet agrees. "She also loves reading, though."

"Movies..."

"So, has she mentioned wanting any books or movies that have come out recently?"

He thinks for a long moment, trying really hard to remember any books or movies she may have alluded to, but he comes up short. "I really don't think so."

"Jewelry is usually a safe bet..." Juliet attempts.

"The only jewelry she ever really wears are earrings..."

"New earrings then, maybe?"

"Maybe..." says Carlton, not entirely convinced that jewelry would be the best present for Elizabeth.

He stands and runs a hand awkwardly through his hair. "I guess I should check out the store. I'll look until something...just jumps out at me, I guess..."

But he doesn't move. He just looks at Juliet with a lost expression on his face.

She sighs. "You want me to come with you, don't you?"

"Oh, thank God." says Carlton. "I thought I was actually going to have to ask you."

Juliet rolls her eyes. "I'll go, in case you're wondering."

"...I thought we established that already..."

"You did. I wasn't quite there yet."

"Oh. Well. You're there now, right?"

Exasperation. "Yes, Carlton."

"Good."

When they finally reach the local department store (where they figure they'll have the best variety of possible presents), they head to the most likely sections first. Carlton looks over the books, but none of the titles jump out at him. Juliet loses herself among the women's clothing department, thoroughly distracted when she finds an ultra-cute pair of shorts she'd like to keep for herself.

They reconvene at the jewelry department. Juliet hovers over the options, posing questions to Carlton. "Does she like silver or gold? Maybe a necklace instead of earrings? What do you think about that?"

It all looks pretty pointless to Carlton. Jewelry might be a safe bet, but it isn't the best bet.

And he wants the best.

Lassiter leaves O'Hara to her musings over the jewelry and finds himself wandering among the electronics. He scans DVDs without much interest. He may not be a hearts-and-frill kind of guy, but he can't help but think that buying her a movie – even one she really wanted – would be decidedly unromantic.

He looks over the various shelves of items. Elizabeth likes technology, but she doesn't need an iPod or a stereo or anything for her computer. She doesn't even need a digital camera; she bought one for herself a month back.

He's almost giving up hope when he sees it.

Carlton knows without a doubt that this is what she wants.

"O'Hara?" he calls out. "O'Hara I've found it."

Juliet appears at his side almost instantly.

"What?" she asks, looking excited.

He nods to the section of items just in front of him. She looks over and raises an eyebrow. "Definitely has potential...you sure this is what she would like, though?"

"Yeah. I saw her looking at prices of them online awhile back. And it's perfect, isn't it? Not too flashy, but something she actually wants and can use?"

"It's a good idea, Carlton."

"You really think so?"

"Yeah. Yeah I do."

A/N: I feel pretty happy bringing Juliet back into the mix. :) And yes, you will find out what he bought her. Reviews are fantastic, as always.