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Erin had tried to cancel Christmas, but since CJ vetoed her decision to cancel, she gave in and saved her "reign of terror" for another time. He won this battle, as per usual, which left her to have no other choice but to make a firm decision on what it was she would give him for Christmas. She had gone back and forth on what to do for him, but ultimately, she kept wanting to do something for him and for his two boys as well, even though she still had yet to meet them. Arrangements had been made and a UPS styrofoam cooler and certified envelope arrived addressed to CJ on Christmas Eve. Atop the white cooler was a stamped label that read "Open on December 25." Within the cooler was three pounds of deli meat on dry ice that CJ had previously mentioned to her as being the best. With the added mention that it would be a long time until he could be in New York City again, she did the 'extreme' thing and brought a bit of New York to him. Within the envelope were a note written from the box office, not in Erin's handwriting, that read: Enjoy a weekend with your boys!, three airline tickets to Clearwater, FL and three tickets to attend Spring Training games on March 6, 7, and 8th against the Pirates, Astros and Nationals for CJ and his sons. Erin had confirmation of their hotel arrangements in her email and printed, placing them in an envelope with "Merry Christmas" written on the outside of it. Handing it to him with a smile to her face, she was sure that she had taken care of almost everything that the three would need to enjoy themselves in the Tampa area for a weekend of baseball.
CJ Luciano
- getting that delivery that morning, nothing could have prepared him for the contents within. Feeling like she had almost outdone him for once not to mention showing incredible attentiveness upon that lunchmeat comment and knowing he would definitely put it to good use as well as a little bonus points for her with his mother. The tickets were equally impressive and he knew he’d tell them all about it later. Grabbing his phone, he shot her a text; “Wow, this is impressive. You out C.J.’ed me.” he sent, smirking slightly. “You are still coming tonight, right?” he asked, knowing they had discussed spending Christmas together as a family. Meeting his kids and his mother together at once, knowing it would be incredibly nerve wracking for her but with the holidays, everyone was promised to be on their best behavior. Not to mention he couldn’t stomach leaving her alone during the holiday season. “You can help me finish up my wrapping and by help me, I mean do all of it.”
Erin Lindsay
-When the text alert came through on her phone, she stood up from the sofa, pausing the movie she had been watching and instantly smiled at his phrasing. With a bite to her lower lip at his second comment, she took a deep breath before starting to reply to him.- Out C.J.’ed you? That’s a new one. Has it ever been done before? Yeah, I’ll be there, unless you change your mind, which is completely okay and totally respected. –She pressed send, then realized she had not responded to the last part of the message, sending a quick follow up behind her first.- You realize I have like zero experience in that department? I’ll be your moral support and tape passer.
CJ Luciano
-“No. You’re not getting out of this.” he shot back, possibly the quickest text ever composed as she seemed to mention whether he’d want her there or not. Having waited long enough for this moment especially. “You are going to have to get good at it because I’m playing a drinking game. Every time I lose the tape or scissors, I’ll take a shot. I’m going to be fucking wasted.” -he shot back before he was dragging the food into the kitchen, packing it away. Explaining to his mother who was well along on dinner. -
Erin Lindsay
-Taking a quick look at the time, she barely had time before a text came back to her phone in record time.- Okay, okay, I’m not trying to get out of anything. I’ll be there. With bells on. –After reading his next text, she instantly burst into laughter, unable to even attempt containing it.- A drinking game. I could see drunk C.J.? I think I like it. May lose the tape on purpose. Haha! -After sending the text, she set her phone down and started getting ready to leave, her nerves starting to mount a little, but trying to keep them mostly in check as she knew this was not the time to chicken out.-
CJ Luciano
- "I always get drunk on Christmas eve" he informed her through another text before he shoved his phone into his front pocket. Being pushed out of the kitchen per usual his attempts to help where he slipped into the living room. Spotting his boys there already cleaned and in nice shirts, knowing it was time to go take a shower and don one himself. He checked his watch, knowing he'd have enough time as he slipped into his own room. Getting shaved (with the exception of his new pornstache, of-course) showered and dressed, out of the door in record time as he forced his way into the kitchen. Insisting on helping his mother out with a few last things by the time the correct time rolled around.-
Erin Lindsay
-The struggle that occurred in the bathroom was a real one. Should she go as she normally went, little to no makeup, hair in a ponytail or loosely brushed, or put more effort into it and risk being picked on by the boyfriend. Ultimately, she wanted to make a good impression, even at the risk of C.J. picking on her for it. An hour later, she was dressed nicely and had a slight curl to her hair, a little more make up than usual, the necklace he bought her for her birthday and a pair of diamond stud earrings in her ears. She quickly sent a text that simply stated ‘On my Way’ and headed out the door. Her bag in the backseat, not able to remember if it was intended to be an overnight, she was prepared just in case. A half hour later, she parked in his driveway, reliving the first time she had stayed over at his place, sitting in the car, half deciding if she could go through with such a step in their relationship. ‘Here’ she texted, taking a deep breath and stepping out of the car, heading to the front door.-
CJ Luciano
- he checked his watch again, beginning to get a little nervous that she'd not show up at all. Not that he could blame her, he knew it was nerve wracking but he wouldn't be much of a fan of being stood up at his own house on Christmas Eve. He began to slightly doubt that "on my way" text as he slipped a bowl of salad onto the large table, he got the next text. "Good timing." he heard his mother state as they were just getting everything onto the table, tucking the kitchen towel into his slacks pocket as he went to the door past the living room where his kids sat quickly destroying the room with various toys and Christmas cartoons blaring. Opening the door, he stepped out onto the front step. Closing it behind him as he met her there.- Hey, beautiful. -he stated, flashing her a smile as he saw her, knowing she had put a little more effort into this occasion and almost able to feel the nerves radiating off of her.- Glad you could make it.
Erin Lindsay
-As she reached the steps, seeing the door open, she took a deep breath. His greeting to her, though standard for them, sounded so different to her, followed by his being glad she could make it. A smile came to cross her lips, her hand reaching to his with a nervous grip to his hand that said things she wouldn’t speak of.- It was either this or accept the invitation from my mother and her new husband, and that wasn’t happening. –She shook her head no to match her statement, lifting her eyes to meet his, immediately noticing the new stache he was sporting on his face.- I didn’t know it was a costume party. –She teased, immediately feeling a little more at ease as she tilted her head to the side, muffling a laugh.- Last chance. You’re sure that you… that we… are ready for this? -With a nervous bite to her lower lip, she kept her eyes on his, not trying to back out, but wanting to be positive that this was truly what he wanted, knowing that it had been something they had discussed, but wanting to handle it with so much respect for him.-
CJ Luciano
- giving her hand a gentle squeeze, sensing the strength of her grip as he heard her statement about her mom that made him smirk softly.- Glad to have offered a backup option. -he teased, hearing her statement about his stache that immediately had him reaching up to graze the bit of scruff.- I guess i wanted to test your dedication. If you are really into me enough to be with the mustache guy...-he stated with a laugh, shaking his head as he pulled her into him hearing her question. His arms slipping around her shoulder as he pressed his lips to her forehead.- I'm positive. What better excuse, right? Christmas is supposed to be about family. You're part of that now. -he stressed, glancing down to meet her eyes before nodding.- you ready? Food is all done and what not and I'm starving.
Erin Lindsay
-She shook her head at the idea of him ever being a backup plan, stepping into him as he pulled her close. With a nod to her head, she agreed to his reasoning, though still slightly struck by the last bit though she had heard it before.- My dedication shouldn’t need to be tested. I’m here, after all. –She argued, already knowing that if she wasn’t devoted to him, she would never take the step to meet his family.- Yeah, I’m ready… but first. –She lifted one hand to the side of his face, lifting to her toes and bringing her lips to his in a quick exchange.- For luck. –She flashed a full smile up at him, lowering back to her feet and nodding her head.- Yep, now I’m good. Let’s do this.
CJ Luciano
- pressing his lips back to hers as he opened his eyes in time to catch that smile, laughing softly as he gave her a nod. Knowing to rip the bandaid off for her nerve's sake as he kept his hand on hers, using his other to open the door. Backing within as he guided her inside. Releasing her hand if only to reach up and take her jacket. The door closing drew the attention of both kids, one sitting on the floor and the other nearly upside down on the couch.- Don't worry, act natural. -he teased as he glanced down towards Erin, watching them slowly begin to stand up to approach.- Erin, this one is Bash. My youngest. -he added as he approached before glancing up towards his 7 year old who was in the process of slipping off of the couch and trying not to fall.- and that is J.J. -he added, brushing his fingers over the head of his youngest who said hello, greeting her before bashfully dipping in back of his leg.-
Erin Lindsay
-Once inside, she slipped from her coat at the guide of C.J.’s hands, immediately face to face with what his living room actually looked like during the day. For a split second, she felt fear shoot through her as she was face to face with his boys with absolutely no backing out. Her work as a detective had her comfortable with children to a degree, and stood as her only reference point in the matter, but these boys weren’t in distress, nor had they been caught in a bad situation, which were the types of children she was accustomed to being with. She didn’t need to save them, or even help them. As C.J. introduced them to her, she naturally smiled to them individually.- Hey guys, it’s nice to meet you both. –She shifted her eyes from J.J. to Bash, who seemed to be using his father as a shield.- Let’s see… Bash, you must be at least ten and J.J.? I’m going with fourteen. –She smiled, giving them a slight wink from her eye, using a tactic she used on a regular basis within the precinct.-
CJ Luciano
Atleast. Look at this thick scruff coming in. -reaching back to graze his thumb against Bash's cheek, teasing the 5 year old who smiled in response. His older son being the more social of the two and frankly less afraid of women than Bash who had less experience then J. who typically knew how to use his dimples to his advantage in a way that was nothing less than impressively natural. Rubbing over Bash's shoulder in attempt to make him more comfortable, he glanced up to see his mother approaching. In her early 50's and seeming typically less than.- and this is my mother. Nat De Luca. She's not cool enough to be a Luciano. -he teased with a wink, glancing down to see if Bash agreed with him as Erin was greeted with the typical hug and the kiss on a cheek that went without saying in the Italian household.-
Erin Lindsay
-Erin’s entire focus had been on meeting C.J.’s children and what a step that was, but in the instant the woman emerged from the kitchen, Erin felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She could not joke her way through meeting his mother. Never, in her life, had she met a parent of anyone she had ever dated, and somehow had not given the situation the proper attention beforehand that it deserved. A smile stayed to her lips as she started to stretch out her hand to the woman who immediately embraced and pressed a kiss to her cheek.- Oh… -Erin could not hold back the expression as she lightly brought her hand to the back of C.J.’s mother, a small laugh to her lips at just how improperly she had judged the situation.- It’s a pleasure to meet you. –She spoke as she stepped back and met the woman’s eyes with her own, her smile easily read as nerves pushing through as the young cop felt slightly overwhelmed by it all.-
CJ Luciano
- reading her nerves once more as she met his mother, he couldn't say she blamed her. His mother was an intimidating woman to even those who had met her. She was a New York woman through and through and that edge had never quite left her. Not to mention she was the daughter of one of the most well-known bosses of the Genovese Crime Family of New York. He flashed a gentle smile to his mother who drew back from the hug. "I was a Luciano once and believe me, it wasn't so cool then" she reminded him, he smirked softly and nodded. "Yeah, I remember." he added with a chuckle. Glancing down towards Bash slowly pulling out from behind his leg. He side stepped, putting her coat on the nearby rack only to cause him to clutch onto his leg and nearly move with him. Reaching back after a moment to pull him into his arms. His mother audibly complaining about him babying him too much.- See that? You've been in the house for barely 2 minutes and she's already giving me hell. -he teased, offering her his free hand to guide her towards the kitchen table. Glancing over towards his oldest.- c'mon, let's eat.
Erin Lindsay
-Watching the interaction between C.J. and his mother was every bit what he had previously described it to be, though nothing quite compared to watching it first hand, drawing a truthful smile to Erin’s lips. Her nerves still present, but easing as the moments ticked by. Taking his offered hand in her own, she stepped with him towards the table, eyeing the interaction between himself and his kids. She had imagined what it must look like a thousand times over, but absolutely nothing came close to bearing witness first hand.- Maybe she took your advice of acting natural? -She asked, teasing him as they approached the table. The food already laid out, she surveyed the spread, instantly reminding her of the first actual Christmas Dinner she had ever seen at the Voight home when she was sixteen.- This looks amazing. –She commented, turning to C.J. with a grin.- This is you or your mom’s doing? -She had to ask, already knowing a taste of his culinary skills that blew her own out of the water, but truly taken back by just how much food there was on the table.-
CJ Luciano
- “It was me.” his mother nearly sang from the kitchen where she had retreated to get something, he nodded his head. Gesturing his thumb back towards the kitchen.- What she said, but I helped. -he stated honestly, reaching the table where he pulled Bash onto the seat closest to the head of the table on his left, Erin’s place would be at his side on the right while he took up head of the table. Standing behind it to pull out the chair, gesturing for her to take a seat.- after you, what can I get you to drink? Wine? Beer? Pick your poison.
Erin Lindsay
-A small laugh instantly left Erin’s lips at his mother’s taking claim over the meal from the next room. With a nod, she acknowledged C.J.’s statement of helping with dinner, taking to the seat he gestured to for her. Once seated, she looked across the table to where Bash sat, trying to decipher how she could get the young boy to open up a bit, but ultimately seeing enough of herself in his demeanor, she left well enough alone. Turning her attention to C.J., she looked up to him, thinking quickly.- Wine is good. –She nodded, knowing it would take the edge right off, as well as go nicely with dinner.-
CJ Luciano
Wine it is. -he stated, guiding her chair in and leaving them alone for a moment, knowing his oldest was quickly adjusted and a loaded conversation ready to go off but his youngest was harder to ease into things. More shy and seemingly more fearful of females in general. Returning a moment later with the two Batman cups that he slipped onto the table for the two of them before setting the wine bottle down. Popping open the cap as he poured her a glass as well as some for himself and his mother. Taking a seat at the head of the table where he sat back.- and now we wait for her to decide she wants to sit down. -he stated honestly, raising two brows and drumming his fingers playfully against the back of his other hand as his arms crossed his chest. Side eying the kitchen before glancing back towards Bash.- Say “chop, chop, grandmah. I’m a growing boy.” -he told Bash who smiled, getting out the ‘chop, chop’ part at least making it hard for C.J. not to laugh as his mother finally sat down.-
Erin Lindsay
-Her eyes shot to C.J. as he mentioned they would wait for his mother to join them. She couldn’t imagine what else she was doing in the kitchen, as the table already seemed so full, but said not a word, honestly still taken back a bit by the entire experience. As Bash’s voice spoke up to beckon to the grandmother, Erin’s eyes lit a little, a smile to her lips as a small laugh released from within. She brought her eyes in C.J.’s direction, as if to say that he was absolutely adorable without saying a word out loud. As his mother joined them at the table, Erin was again struck by her presence. Taking a deep breath, her hands in her lap, her top lip lifted slightly as the smile formed to her face and a whisper to her lips in C.J.’s direction- Thank you for this. –She spoke honestly, before the meal could be consumed, knowing that although it had been huge for her to be there, it had been equally as huge, if not more so, for him to welcome her to partake in such a family event.-
CJ Luciano
- reaching out for her hand, he gave her a gentle squeeze.- Our pleasure. -he stated, glancing down the other side of the table towards his mother before flashing Erin a gentle smile. The layout of the table structure always relied on the head of the table to begin eating though it wasn't something he quite enjoyed as he released her hand briefly. Helping his boys get some of the appetizer food on their plates as well as getting a bowl of the hot soup for Bash all together, pushing it forward on the table so he wouldn't spill it while he slid the salad bowl in Erin's direction to be passed over. Grabbing the soup where he helped himself. Always having soup and salad with every big meal like this.- though it's not too hard to impress a woman who lives off of frozen meals. -he added with a wink in her direction.-
Erin Lindsay
-Taking the salad bowl and serving herself a small amount into her dish, she passed it down, then heard his comment about frozen meals, instantly bringing her to cut her eyes in his direction. She could only imagine what his mother must think of a woman that didn’t cook for herself, living off frozen meals and ice cream.- Hey! -She shook her head, knowing there was just no defending the accusation as it was absolutely true for any time that she was not with C.J.- Okay, it might be true, but still. –She shook her head at him, a smile to her lips, in complete awe of a family sitting together for a meal, each seeming to want to be there. Even in the Voight home, she had not experienced anything quite like it. Lifting her napkin from beside her plate, she placed it against her lap.-
CJ Luciano
Maybe Santa will do you a favor and leave you some home cooked, frozen foods in the freezer.—he teased with a wink, watching the salad make the rotation and naturally taking out a large amount so he had both soup and salad in abundance and taking a forkful of food as he glanced over towards his boys. Bash still concentrating on mastering keeping the soup on his spoon while his hand seemed to twitch with the desire to do it for him, looking back at his mom as if on cue before flashing her a smirk.- Might have to sit on my hands. -he teased before looking towards J.J. dropping a piece of salad on his lap. Picking up his own fork, stabbing a piece of salad that he brought to his mouth.-
Erin Lindsay
Maybe I’ll just start eating dinner over here and then it won’t be an issue. –She flashed a quick smile in his direction, her way of letting him know she was feeling more comfortable with each passing moment or she never would have made even the slightest mention of such an occurrence. As others started to eat, Erin followed suit, lifting a fork of salad to her lips, her eyes slipping to the little boy that sat across from her. His struggle with the soup tugged at Erin’s heart strings, though it wasn’t her place to help him. She easily took notice of C.J.’s desire to do the same, before taking another bite of her salad. J.J.’s spill followed, again leading her to want to help him, but refraining as it was not her place. There was an instinct that seemed to kick in a bit, though had nothing to do with any amount of academy training she had received. Leaning to J.J., she took liberties to whisper to him.- If you slide it under, it’s a little easier. –She then did just that with her own salad, not pressuring him to do the same, with a small smile in his direction.-
CJ Luciano
- by the end of the meal, the boys had scattered off to the living room by the time the expresso was being brought out. A traditional part of the meal and helpful to keeping him awake, knowing he would need it to finish all the wrapping he had been procrastinating on. Noticing Erin had gotten a lot more comfortable by the time the pot had been brought out and coffee mugs.- one shot of this stuff and it’s like gasoline in your veins. -he teased, pouring her a cup, one for his mother and another for himself as his mother sat closer to him on his other side. A platter of cannolis infront of him which his mother forcefully put onto his plate, putting it back infront of him making him side-eye her.- I’ll get there…tomorrow. -he teased, not sure he’d be able to find the room.
Erin Lindsay
-Completely full, Erin watched as a cup was placed before her. She eyed C.J. as if to say she could partake in nothing more, but in turn, she lifted the mug to her lips. The platter of cannolis taunted at her, tempting her, but already knowing there was no way in hell she could eat another single thing.- It was all fantastic. –She commented to the adults at the table who had prepared the meal, her last compliment to them both on possibly the fullest she had ever been in her life.- Tomorrow may be too soon. –She grinned, looking over at C.J., feeling his pain on that one.- I might be ready to eat again on New Years.
CJ Luciano
I have a feeling I’m going to be taking a lot of these into work with me. -he stated honestly, gesturing towards the tray before the plate got pushed against him further. He eyed her carefully, even C.J. knowing better then to not listen to her as he picked it up. Still sighing lightly as he glanced over towards the kids in the living room.- I think that food coma will carry them to sleep pretty easily. Took them outback to play football earlier. Little did they realize my evil plan. -he teased, taking a bite of the cannoli.-
Erin Lindsay
-Instantly grateful that his mother was not pushing cannolis in her direction, she nodded, knowing the guys in the unit would be tearing into the food as if they had never eaten before.- You know they love it when you bring food. –She grinned, shaking her head.- Only time that place is quiet, I swear. –At his mention of the kids, she turned and looked at them playing in the livingroom, bringing her eyes back to C.J.’s- You have it all, you do realize this right? They’re amazing. –She truly meant her words as she lifted the mug again.- You could be on your own tonight, since my own food coma could be kicking in soon. –She teased, knowing she wouldn’t bail on him, but couldn’t pass up the chance to taunt him with her threat.-
CJ Luciano
Me not eating this entire plate of food is good for business, Ma. I take it into work, they taste them. Come to De Luca’s for more. See? My every thought is of you. -he teased, reaching down to unbutton his pants to allow himself some breathing room in the moment, smirking at his business attempt that only had his mother shaking her head at him. Hearing her statement about his boys, he smiled softly with a nod.- I know, they are good kids. Trying to keep ‘em like that. Good, self-sufficient kids…-stressing the sufficient part as it was difficult for him not to baby them as evident by the night’s dinner, he glanced back towards his mom.- though sometimes I think if it was up to me I’d still spoon feed them but…but you are not getting off anywhere. Santa has his work cut out tonight. -he stated, gesturing towards his bedroom where he had the stuff hidden in the closet. ‘Rumor has it that Santa went overboard to.’ his mother added leaving C.J. to nod his head.- Santa always goes overboard and I’m sure Santa’s mom helps…except Santa's mom abandons him at the hardest part of the whole thing.
Erin Lindsay
-Erin could clearly see that the kids were good kids without him even mentioning it. She hoped that this would be the first of many interactions between herself and them. As the conversation turned to the ‘Santa work’ of the evening, she just shook her head, wondering what on earth she had agreed to.- I can hold the tape while I’m asleep. Just position my hand just right. –She commented, a laugh to her lips as she nodded to his mother.- Santa go overboard here? I can’t even fathom it. –She teased, easily seeing that C.J. would totally spoil them if his school shopping trip had been any indication. Letting out a small yawn, she quickly lifted her hand to cover her mouth, shaking it off.- Oh, that’s not a good sign. –She grinned, taking another drink from the cup, hoping his promise of gasoline would hold true.-
CJ Luciano
Santa happens to be the King of overboard. -he remarked honestly, taking a mouthful of his expresso before hearing her yawn which had him raising a brow. Reaching out for the pot to refill her cup.- oh no, you don't. -he stated, watching his mother yawn a moment later bringing him to yawn himself.- goddammit.
Erin Lindsay
-As the contagious legend of the yawn came to pass around the table, Erin could not even keep from laughing.- I say naps. Santa can take care of his own. –She teased, reaching over and placing her hand under the table against C.J.’s knee, holding herself from saying something far too perverted to say in front of his mother, but finding a way to gesture to him just the same to make her words make sense.- You’re going to have to find a way to stay awake. –Another yawn struck her just as her last word released from her lips.- I on the other hand… not so much.
CJ Luciano
You know, of all things for you two to bond over, it shouldn't surprise me that it's about leaving me out to dry. -he stated, looking at the two of them equally amused with one another as he took another mouthful of his expresso, feeling her against his knee having caught on himself. Glancing out towards the living room and the boys, J. rapidly fading out while Bash still fought it.- in a house full of 'em.
Erin Lindsay
Maybe if you hadn’t procrastinated so badly… -She bit her lower lip, stopping her from finishing the very true statement, though knowing that some of that procrastination may very well have been at the fault of her own.- Oh, not much longer on the little one. I give it… eight minutes. –She waged her bet, finishing off the last of her cup, returning the now empty mug to the table, flashing a smile in his direction.- You are going to let me observe you putting them to bed, right? -She asked, knowing that he had to recall that she found his parenting completely hot.- I will stay super quiet and won’t even say a word.
CJ Luciano
Maybe if I had some help I wouldn't procrastinate. -he teased, narrowing his eyes on hers before hearing her estimate on Bash, nodding in agreement as he finished his cannoli.- If even that. -he confessed hearing her question about him putting them to bed bringing him to nod his head.- if you'd like, I mean...looks like it's going to be in two trips though unless I can load them ontop of one another without waking them up which isn't likely...-he remarked honestly, glancing over towards his mother who was already standing up to put away left overs.- don't worry about it, Ma. I'll get it. -he stated honestly, finishing the bit in his cup.-
Erin Lindsay
-Erin sat quietly for just a moment, processing the situation and just what C.J. had stated about what putting the boys to bed would look like. As his mother stood up and started to the kitchen, she brought her eyes to his, not speaking for a moment as she continued to size things up. Her hand remaining to his knee, she gently squeezed against his trousers before speaking quietly.- Or, if you wanted to make one trip… I could help you. –Her offer was genuine, though she was prepared for him to deny it. She certainly didn’t want to push things to too much too fast, but she was also greatly immersed in this amazing family atmosphere and didn’t want it to end so abruptly.- Unless you think stacking them is the best idea… and I’ll just help your mom?
CJ Luciano
No, you can help me. If you can take little man, I'll take J. - hearing the sound of the water running as his mother attempted to do the dishes.- I swear, woman. Make me get up. -he teased, tone clearly playful as he got a kitchen rag thrown his direction that fell into his lap. He stood up with a light smirk, feeling there was still some left in the expresso container.- Go sit down and relax, Ma. I got this. -he stressed, having clearly been joking about the stacking part as he glanced over. Seeing Bash had finally drifted off.- We'll give them a few more minutes to make sure they are really asleep. -he explained, grabbing a few of the plates where the water started running again anyway.-
Erin Lindsay
I can do that. -The idea of helping C.J. take the boys to bed brought a full-genuine smile to her lips, her only concern that Bash would wake up and somehow freak out that she was carrying him, but she was trusting C.J. on his decision. As she rose from the table, assisting in the clearing, she paused a moment, deep in her own thoughts. After a moment, she walked forward to the kitchen, bringing in a few plates from the table, stealing a private moment with him in the kitchen.- I’ll wash and you dry? -She offered, placing the plates on the counter and turning to look to him. Her eyes drifting up immediately, a relaxed smile to her lips.-
CJ Luciano
Sounds like a plan. -he stated in response to her wanting to dry as he washed, flicking a bit of warm water at her playfully before turning it on hot. Pouring some dish soap on the sponge where he got started on the stuff already in the sink and not yet battling the other stuff on the countertop. Working assembly line style as the leftovers were packed up and he cleaned. Passing a dish her way before working on the next. Whistling to himself.-
Erin Lindsay
-Working together to make light work of the after-dinner mess, she took the dishes from him one at a time and did her part. Leaning her head against his upper arm, she cut her eyes up to him.- What are you whistling about? –She asked, certain it couldn’t be some whistle while you work thing, seeing as she had only seen him whistle during key times that she could remember and none of them involved work.-
CJ Luciano
Well you're not talking and i have to entertain myself somehow. -he stated honestly, raising a brow as she seemed to think he was up to something when perhaps for once, he wasn't. Going back about his work as his eyes cut back to the sink.- man can't whistle in peace in his own house. Women. -he teased, scrubbing a particularly rough dish before washing it under the water and handing it over.- Give me something to talk about and not whistle about and I won't have to whistle at all.
Erin Lindsay
Well, we could talk about what that is on your face. –She teased, taking the next dish from him and moving along with their work.- Or we could talk about how you were right and I had nothing to be nervous about. –Keeping her head against his upper arm, she did her best to make his part of the dishes a little bit harder as she refused to budge from her spot.- Or we could talk about how this was the greatest night ever, or we could talk about the fact that you may never get me out of your house again, or about the weather, which is freaking cold, in case you hadn’t noticed. –She shot a grin up to him.- Or you could just whistle and I’ll just do my job and be quiet.
CJ Luciano
Dude, I know. My nipples are wearing my shirts thin from how cold it’s been. -he stated, wishing he was kidding and somehow having taken that out of everything she said. Eyeing her curiously though, he raised a brow.- as for the first part, I’m shaving it tonight. I kind of just wanted to piss you off but…you’d never have to leave if you didn’t want to. One day. -he seemed to promise, leaning over to kiss her forehead. Hearing his Mom behind him.- As fun as I am to live with, big guns De Luca back here would like to slide into her position of normal grandmother someday and get her own place, ain’t that right? -he asked, loud enough for his mom to hear as she poured the rest of the expresso in one of the cups before it went into the sink. ‘That’s right. Someday I’ll be able to bring guys from speed dating back to my place.’ Immediately groaning at that answer, C.J. was disgusted.- Come on…really? I just ate…
Erin Lindsay
-Before she could respond to a word he had said, he was engaging his mother again, giving her a hard time to which she instantly reversed it on him, bringing a grin to Erin’s lips. She was sharp, Erin would give her that, and it was now easy for her to see where C.J. got it from. Seeing him in his fully natural element was something she would not soon forget.- Maybe I should have bought you new shirts for Christmas instead? -She teased, turning to look to his mom, nodding her head with a grin.- Or set yourself up one of those online dating profiles. I hear those work well. –She glanced in C.J.’s direction, her grin firmly in place.- Could always introduce her to Hank. –She shook her head at her own joke, turning her attention back to the dishes.- Kidding. I’m kidding.
CJ Luciano
Don't encourage her. She's decided she's going to pick up some young kid in his 20s. Swear to God, Ma. You bring home a guy younger than me and I'll set his spot at the dinner table with a bib, bottle and plastic spoons. -he called to her, hearing her laugh in response, shaking his head as he watched her. Finishing up the stuff in the sink in a few minutes, knowing that should his mother have any impediment with the potential someday stand-in, she would have voiced it by now but she was eager to be able to do her own thing. Not that he blamed her.- Oh yeah, introduce her to Voight. That'll work out well as long as she doesn't mention the bodies in the freezer. -drying his hands, he pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before pulling back from the sink.-
Erin Lindsay
Yeah, that’ll work handsomely. –She shook her head, certainly not bold enough to attempt hooking Hank up with anyone, as she knew there surely was no one that could quite handle that man aside from his late wife. Stealing the towel from his hands, she dried the countertop beside the sink.- You should be nice to your mother. –She commented out of place, having already decided that the woman was a god send before ever meeting her for all she did to help C.J. with his kids and the freedom that she allowed them together by being with her grandchildren.- Your Santa duties await. –She reminded, faking a yawn though she was no longer tired.- My nap awaits. –Slipping her hand into his for a moment, she lifted her chin to look up to him.- Boys to bed. Me to bed. You to Santa?
CJ Luciano
I am being nice to my mother, I'm just being honest. She seems alright now but she's crazy, I promise you. -he stated, hearing her laugh in the other room, a tell tale sign as she slipped into the kitchen and he heard her suggestion. He met her eyes before shaking his head.- Yes, boys to bed, Me AND you to Santa. Yes, I like that version better. -he stated, giving her hand a gentle squeeze to guide her out into the living room. Looking at Bash positioned easily while his job would not be such a simple task picking him up without waking him up.-
Erin Lindsay
Yeah, I hear ya. –She teased, following him to the livingroom and looking down at the boys asleep, a smile easily forming to her lips. Letting go of his hand, she stood over Bash, biting gently at her lower lip before looking over to C.J. then back down at the sleeping child. She slipped her arms beneath him, cradling him in her arms, then standing fully, supporting the small child against her. She turned, not heading for the stairs until C.J. did, as she had never been upstairs and did not know where the boys’ room was. She dared not speak, just looking to C.J. with a smile to her lips that he would let her not only watch, but partake in taking his boys to bed.-
CJ Luciano
- watching her manage Bash, he had to lean down to scoop J over his shoulder. Glancing down to see if he had woken him up but not seeing his eyes open. Dimples still managing to flare even when asleep as he glanced towards Erin, gesturing her to follow up the steps where he went to the last door on the left amongst two others, opening it where he flipped on the light revealing the kid's room. Both sharing a room for the meantime. Two beds along either side in a cop theme room that was obviously aptly chosen.-
Erin Lindsay
-Carefully taking each step to the second floor behind C.J., Erin rounded the corner into the bedroom, careful not to hit Bash’s head on the door frame, knowing it would be the first and last time she would ever be allowed to help him take the kids to bed if she did so. The theme of the room brought a grin to her face, bringing her to think for just a moment what her own life could have been if her parents had given half a shit of what C.J. put into his kids. Shaking the thought, she carried Bash to his bed, leaning over and using one hand to pull back his blanket before resting the small body against the sheet, slowly maneuvering her hands out from beneath him and pulling the blanket over him, retreating to the doorway of the room.-
CJ Luciano
- pulling down the blanket for J., he slipped him into his own bed. Laying him down carefully and pulling the pillow behind his head as he pulled up his blanket. He leaned over, pressing a kiss to his forehead before doing the same for Bash, watching her in the door way as he slipped out himself. Closing the door carefully behind him.- Mission accomplished. Well done. Most difficult mission yet. -he teased, pressing his knuckles to hers before slowly retreating down the steps.-
Erin Lindsay
-Watching as he tucked his kids in, she stood silently, as promised, a smile to her lips as she watched him kiss each of his boys goodnight before joining her outside of the now closed door. She kept quiet as they headed down the stairs, herself only a step behind him. As she stepped off of the last step, she linked her finger through his back belt loop of his pants.- By far, coolest thing I’ve ever seen. –She commented, leaning her forehead against his back.- And so completely hot, just so you know.
CJ Luciano
Hot? Really? -still having a hard time believing that that was a fitting adjective in that moment, feeling her against his back. He laughed softly, stopping in the living room to turn around and face her. His mother still in the kitchen allowing them a moment as he reached out. His hands finding his shoulders, giving her petite stature a gentle squeeze.- I'm glad you feel comfortable though. He'll come along and be up your ass in no time. He's a little scared of women. -he explained honestly, pressing his lips to the tip of her nose.- but I know you are the right person to help him with that.
Erin Lindsay
Incredibly. –She smirked as he turned around, knowing he couldn’t get it and she had no way to explain it. It just had to be accepted for what it was. As his hands found her shoulders, she released her hold at the back of his pants, feeling his kiss to her nose that brought a smile to her lips.- It’s all good. He can do it in his time and I’ll do it in mine too. –She smiled, admitting that it would take a while before she could consider herself truly comfortable with his children. Lifting her hand to the back of his neck, her eyes locked to his.- So we should go get your Santa on? I practiced my tape holding skills and I must say, I’m pretty good at it.
CJ Luciano
and you'll have all the time in the world. -he stated honestly, knowing this wasn't just about his kid getting used to her but vice versa. He knew it was a big adjustment but the fact that she was willing to go down the journey in the first place was nothing short of impressive and appreciated. Feeling her against the back of his neck, he found himself laughing.- So you think. -he stated, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before pulling back as they walked towards his room, hearing his mom still cleaning up the kitchen and eventually the living room to it's usual pristine only to be ruined the next day. He left his bedroom door open as he walked to the closet, opening it where bags were literally spilling out and onto the floor.- I don't label anything for them unless it's clothes, the toys and what not belong to both of them so there is nothing to worry about as far as labeling goes.
Erin Lindsay
-Following him into the room, she watched as he explained his labelling process, almost surprised by his approach to it all. She nodded her head slowly, giving him mental props for the genius way of handling the gifts. Walking over to his bed, she sat down on the edge and held out her hand.- I don’t do labels. I do tape. –She teased, finally giving up the act.- Okay, okay, I’ll do more than tape. –Looking over at the mass of items in his closet, then glancing back to him, her eyes widened.- Hey hun? Did you get anything done before today? -She looked as if she were in pure shock at the pile of bags.- Shit. –She shook her head, closing her eyes for a minute.- You have elves coming to help us?
CJ Luciano
No and no. -he stated upon the question of if he had anything done and about the elves.- just put the elves to bed, remember? -he asked honestly, beginning to pull everything out of the bed.- I have a method. I get all the big stuff done and then everything doesn't suck so much after the big stuff and the weird shaped shit. -he explained, unbagging it all before beginning to separate it. Pulling the wrapping paper from the top of his nearby desk with a pair of ssiscors and some tape.-
Erin Lindsay
And I was nervous about dinner. Silly me. –She commented, stepping over the pile and sitting down on the floor, pulling her knee height boots from her legs, tossing them out of the way, criss crossing her socked feet as she leaned back against the end of his bed.- Okay, it’s totally cool. We’ll have this done in… an hour? Two? -She asked, having no idea how long this would take, as she had never attempted such madness.- Tell me what to do and I’m all over it. If I can take down a 250 pound man at work yesterday, on the run even, then I can totally tackle a simple gift wrap session.
CJ Luciano
- managing to sort it all before he slipped into the kitchen, returning with a bottle of whiskey and two shot glasses. Suggesting he wasn't kidding about his drinking game as he set it down far enough away from them to not knock it over but close enough for it to be near. He sat down infront of her, grabbing a gift for him and a gift for her as he rolled out the paper. Pulling himself up on his knees as he got started with that first gift. Careful of his corners in excellent craftsman ship.-
Erin Lindsay
-When he returned to the bedroom with whiskey and shot glasses, Erin looked up with a grin to her lips.- And now I understand why drinking is involved. –She mentioned as she grabbed for the bottle and both shot glasses, setting them each up with a shot as she watched him working some skillful magic with the paper.- That doesn’t look that hard…. –She mentioned as she looked down at the gift he had placed before her, downing her shot before even touching a roll of paper, watching him as she studied his ways as to replicate them on her own.-
CJ Luciano
You really have never wrapped anything before? -he asked, having a hard time believing that as he held the roll of tape between his teeth. Pulling off a piece to plant a side down.- It's official, I'm dating an alien. -he teased, spitting out the tape as he slipped that one done gift to the side.-
Erin Lindsay
-Watching the surprise plastered to his face, she shrugged her shoulders.- You aren’t dating an alien! -She argued, unrolling a roll of paper before her to do as he had done.- Your birthday gift came in a gift bag. If we were bagging this shit, I’d be done by now. –She added, bringing the scissors to the paper and cutting a straight edge to the size she imagined would cover the gift.- Christmas in my house wasn’t like this, hun. It involved whiskey, yes, but other than that… -She shook her head, not wanting to disclose to him what her life had actually looked like before Hank.-
CJ Luciano
I know that but I figured somewhere between childhood and now, you'd get a little wrapping experience. -he stated honestly, slipping the second gift onto the rolled out paper and doing what she had done, cutting the piece.- that's alright, I enjoy your alieness, makes you easy to impress. -he teased with a wink.-
Erin Lindsay
Gift bags. I tell you. Gift bags. –She reminded him, the truth of every gift she had ever given as something about measuring and folding to make things appear seamless just wasn’t something she had ever been brave enough to attempt.- I’m not an alien. –She argued again, pulling a piece of tape from the dispenser, taping one end of the paper down, folding the other around the gift, leaving a gap in the back that brought her to laugh.- Just fire me now.
CJ Luciano
You are an alien. -he argued back, having to laugh at how cute she sounded arguing with him. Eying the gap in her gift, he shook his head.- Here, take a patch. -he stated, cutting off a square piece of paper that he tapped onto the side.- tada, all fixed. -he stated with a smirk, folding up another side before he finished up his 2nd gift.- slacking, woman. Slacking.
Erin Lindsay
Am. Not. –She continued to argue, determined not to give up on this one. She watched as he fixed her wrapping job, having to grin at his abilities, meaning he must have done the same at some point in time.- Look at you, the fixer! -She laughed as she watched again as he did the sides, attempting to do the same, but finding herself to need eight pieces of tape to do it justice.- BAM. One down. Forty million to go. That’s what’s up.
CJ Luciano
There we go, hun. You'll be a professional in no time. -he stated honestly, working on his other one as he cut off. Momentarily patting his lap to find the tape, realizing he didn't find it as his eyes narrowed and reaching for his shot.- Where the fuck did I put that. -he asked, cocking the shot back before wincing, finding it underneath his wrapping paper.-
Erin Lindsay
-Watches as he reaches for the shot glass, laughing to herself as his text from earlier was true. She grabbed the bottle of whiskey and filled both glasses again.- You drink when you can’t find something and I’ll drink before every gift. I’m going to have to use Uber to get home tonight. –She laughed, tossing back her shot and starting another gift.-
CJ Luciano
You are stuck with me tonight, ladyfriend. Got news for you. -he stated honestly, getting back to his wrapping as he finished up a few more gifts.- and if you play your cards right, I'll think about letting you go home tomorrow night.
Erin Lindsay
-She cut her eyes at him as he used the word on her.- Oh? -She asked, finishing the next gift without nearly as many issues, but still not quite to his expert level.- You keeping me? -She asked, reaching for another shot, a grin to her lips.- If YOU play YOUR cards right, I might let you keep me.
CJ Luciano
Come off it, you know I can keep you. -he pointed out, raising a brow at her choosing to lie to him like that. Watching her with that shot, he kept himself going with the presents.- I mean...I'm pretty awesome, let's be honest.
Erin Lindsay
Mhm. I’ll drink to that. –She grinned, taking another shot before looking over at him.- You are pretty awesome. –Taking another gift, she placed it on the paper, continuing through a couple more without venturing to the bottle, picking up speed a bit.- I’m the lucky one. I know.
CJ Luciano
- losing his tape again.- motherfuck...man, seriously...-growling softly, taking up his second shot and cocking it back, swirling it through his mouth before swallowing.- I make out pretty good in all fairness.
Erin Lindsay
-Unable to resist the set up, she reached over, gently gripping his thigh in her small hand.- I can attest to you making out pretty good. I might even say better than pretty good. –She bit her lower lip, withdrawing her hand with a smile to her lips as she returned to the gift in front of her, setting it off to the side.-
CJ Luciano
You are lucky my door is open right now...-he mentioned right now, whispering as he watched that bite on her bottom lip, shooting up a brow as he still heard his mom cleaning up the other room, shaking his head at her with a grumble.- and of-course that gifts for my children are in front of me.
Erin Lindsay
-Finally feeling some of the effects of the shots she had taken, she grinned, feeling dangerously flirty.- How exactly does that make me lucky? I think that makes me very Unlucky. –She nodded her head, her decision made.- Or maybe you’re unlucky. Or lucky. –She shakes her head, struggling to make sense of it.- No one is getting lucky. –She nodded, laying back on the floor, her hand over her face dramatically, a laugh to her lips.-
CJ Luciano
Oh yeah? -laughing considering that made no sense at all and she was definitely feeling it when he was not. Watching her lay back making him shake his head.- Alright Scarlett O'Hara. -he added, grabbing a nearby stick bow. Sticking it onto the front of her shirt before going back to wrapping.-
Erin Lindsay
-Sitting up, the bow actually sticking to her shirt for a minute, she laughed, moving her hand to his arm, tugging at him.- ONE just ONE minute and then I PROMISE I’ll go back to wrapping. I promise. –The bite to her lip right on cue as she looked from his eyes to his lips then back to his eyes.- Completely PG, maybe PG-13, and under sixty seconds.
Fiiine. -he stated, feeling her against his arm. Leaning in, allowing her to lean in and fill the gap.- don't even try slipping me the tongue though. I'm not someone whose innocence you can take advantage of. -he stated with a wink.-
Erin Lindsay
-Leaning in to him, she heard his terms which instantly prompted her to drop her mouth open in shock.- No tongue? I said PG13, not G! -She complained, sticking out her lower lip in a full on brat pout.-
CJ Luciano
- laughing softly, he leaned forward and nipped against her bottom lip between his teeth with a tug. Dirty tactics against his own rules.-
Erin Lindsay
-Feeling his teeth against her lip, she brought her hand to the side of his face, pulling herself a little closer to him, yet not pressing her lips to his, knowing she could not agree to his terms, still pouting as best she could.-
CJ Luciano
- smiling softly as their lips lingered in such close proximity, eyes still open as he watched her after releasing her bottom lip.- I was kidding, you know.
Erin Lindsay
-A small grin crossed her lips as he confessed that he had been kidding.- Oh, so now you want the tongue? Am I getting this right? -She teased, not giving him the opportunity to answer before pressing her lips against his.-
CJ Luciano
Mmm...-he hummed teasingly in response, pressing his lips back to hers without much complaint as he kept his hands pressed to the floor alongside of him.-
Erin Lindsay
-Bringing her other hand behind his neck, she moved closer, her tongue trailing at the part of his lips then quickly retracting, breaking her lips from his with a grin on her face.-
Just remember, no roll over minutes. -he told her honestly, tapping his watch playfully before kissing the tip of her nose.- I love you. -he stated, reminding her of the obvious.-
Erin Lindsay
-Leaning her head to the side, her grin turned to a smile.- I love you too. –She stole his lips once more, bringing her hand to his chest, pushing him back from her, the smile still to her lips.- Get on it, Santa.
CJ Luciano
- laughing as she pushed at his chest, he fell back dramatically against the ground.- help, life alert. I've fallen and cannot get up. That means you have to do the wrapping. -he stated, knowing it was a stretch but worth the shot.-
Erin Lindsay
-Instantly bursting into laughter at his dramatics, she shook her head.- Pass me my phone and I’ll call it in! -She teased, reaching over for his hand.- Roll an ambo to… -She teased, slipping into her ‘radio voice’ that she would use to call things in.- I’m not doing all the wrapping! -Eyes him, looking him up and down as he laid out on the floor.- I’m pretty good at Unwrapping though.
CJ Luciano
- smirking hearing her pretend to call it in, he glanced towards her before shaking his head.- no unwrapping til it's done. -he reminded her with a wink, still not yet moving from the floor. Tucking his hands behind his head as if he was getting comfortable.-
Erin Lindsay
-Pulling back, she crossed her arms across her chest, trying to decide what to do next. Finally, she grinned, feeling almost like a teenage girl in a boys room with the door standing open and his mom down the hall.- Oh? -She asked, leaning over him, pressing her lips against his again, taking advantage of his position.-
CJ Luciano
- his hand found the back of her neck as her lips pressed to his. Pushing his back a little harder in a firm kiss before he pulled back. Hands down at his sides on the floor gesturing for her to give him a minute as he pushed up, nearly army crawling to push the door before sliding back to where he was.- sheer laziness right here.
Erin Lindsay
-Releasing a sigh as he broke his lips from hers, she moved away and watched as he shut the door, his comment bringing a grin to her lips as she reached over for the bottle of whiskey.- Too bad it takes effort to lock it. –She added with a grin as she poured two more shots.- You realize you may have just halted all wrapping progress by providing us with that privacy?
CJ Luciano
No, that's why I didn't lock it. I know then it's all over. -he stated honestly, knowing himself fairly well at this point as he forced himself back up and to the wrapping. Whining all the while.- I should just hire someone for this...there have be professional wrappers out there. You'd have to be careful with the job description though "I thought you were looking for professional rappers."
Erin Lindsay
Or next year you wrap as you buy or invest in gift bags! -She laughed, downing her shot and returning to the gifts, pulling off pieces of tape, pressing them to her nose, finding a faster way than struggling with the tape dispenser at every turn.- Maybe if there was a professional rapper while the wrappers wrapped then we could dance and drink and unwrap instead!
CJ Luciano
I don't dance, Erin. We went over this. Then again, i don't think you remember that conversation...much less twerking. -borrowing a piece of tape from her nose for his own wrapping, folding up an edge before the other and sealing up the sides.-
Erin Lindsay
I can totally twerk! -She added, indicative of the fact that she was now slightly plastered, gasping as he stole tape from her nose, replacing it with another piece as she continued on her gift.- I have skills, boyfriend. –She added, having no recollection of the first time.-
CJ Luciano
Believe me, I didn't believe it the right time but I know now. -he stated honestly as he passed that gift on, starting on his next one. Now clearly picking up his pace, just wanting to be done before taking a shot for shits and giggles to try to achieve the level of loseness that she was on.-
Erin Lindsay
You better know. –She laughed, watching him take a shot, resisting the urge to take one mid-gift. Joining the paper in the middle, she taped it up, putting more tape on her nose to do the sides, finishing it off and grabbing another.- I could have been a professional and then we wouldn’t have met and then you would have been super sad and been partnered with someone else, like Burgess or Dawson and had a boring, boring life.
CJ Luciano
So boring. -barely able to keep a straight face with each new addition of tape to her nose.- then I would have had to find a dating site to meet napoleon-complexed and incredibly attractive female cops that put tape on their nose. Do you know how difficult those are to find in the market? -he asked, seemingly serious, cocking a brow.-
Erin Lindsay
-Nodding her head, she went along with every word.- I do know! They just don’t exist, CJ! -She announced, grabbing the whiskey and taking another shot.- I mean, just think though. If I had followed that calling, I could have been your CI! -She joked, something she would never have joked about sober.- The pay was alright as a CI. It would have been better as a twerker. Are there people that get paid to twerk? YOU. YOU paid me to twerk! -She laughed out loud, putting tape on his nose-
CJ Luciano
Here, let me help you. -he stated, pulling the tape from his nose and teasingly attempting to put it on her lips before he pulled back with it and used it to close up another gift, shoveling it to the side before the next coming through assembly line smile.- You wouldn't want to be my C.I. though, I can't sleep with those. I mean I couldn't technically sleep with my partner either but that's way less frowned upon than C.I's and all given the wiggle room and choice of morality.
Erin Lindsay
But you almost did. That one time. Almost. –She nodded, again something she would never have joked about.- Wait, did you just try to tape my mouth shut? Do you want me to shut up? I never. –She shook her head, returning to the gift in front of her, struggling with the scissors to cut a straight line.- I mean, tape could be fun, but over my mouth? -She asked, flashing a grin in his direction.-
CJ Luciano
Yeah, it could be fun. I could put the tape over every major airway. -teasing her further with a wink, shaking his head upon the suggestion of sleeping with his partner.- but no, I never did. She wanted it but I don't give in...-he teased, watching her trying to cut straight which didn't quite turn out but too amused to stop her.-
Erin Lindsay
-While trying to straighten her cut, she shaved off more paper, but still wasn’t quite getting it there.- You want a dead girlfriend? Oh, then you’ll make me a lampshade! I remember! -She laughed, tossing the scissors onto the floor carelessly.- I quit. I give up. The paper is broken! Wait… who wanted what? The CI? What was her name? -She tapped her finger against her thigh.- NATALIE!
CJ Luciano
Who? -he asked, pretending like he had no idea what she was talking about though he clearly remembered, Choosing not to as he shook his head, watching her toss down the scissors which was probably for the best.- no drunk scissoring. -he stated, laughing at the alternate meaning of that as he still worked at his own gifts. One after the other, noticing the pile slowly dwindling.-
Erin Lindsay
-Clearly giving up on wrapping, she caught the alternative meaning of his choice of words, instantly turning her head to look at him.- Oh? No drunk scissoring? Damn shame. –With a grin to her lips paired with a raise of her eye brows, she moved over behind him, looking over his shoulder as he attempted to wrap the next gift.- Whataya got against drunk scissoring?
CJ Luciano
I don't have anything against it. I just don't do it. Maybe you should call this "Natalie" woman you are so fond of for all that. -he added, hardly able to hold back his smirk as he used air quotes and all, feeling her slipping behind him in attempt to finish up.- I'm sure she'd love it.
Erin Lindsay
Natalie? I don’t want to do anything, much less see that.. –She bit her lip, shaking her head no.- WE could do it. Seriously! I’ll be super careful and you just have to do the same because… in case you didn’t know this… -She brought her lips to his ear, whispering as her lips brushed against his lobe.- You’re really big.
CJ Luciano
- hearing her speak against his ear, he smiled softly. Possibly the words every man wanted to hear, he nodded his head slowly to not disrupt the presence of her mouth.- Yeah, I know. That's why we can't scissor. It'll get in the way. -he pointed out, finishing up yet another gift and picking up one of the last few.-
Erin Lindsay
-Taking the opportunity to graze her teeth against his ear, she kept her tone low.- It won’t get in the way, it’ll be in, all the way. –She corrected, her words certainly nothing like what she would have soberly spoken to him. Slipping her hand to his shoulder, she moved her hand along his arm, tugging at the crook of his arm.- Come on. It’ll take like… twelve minutes.
CJ Luciano
C'mooon Erin. -he sighed as that first statement literally had him dropping the tape, completely disorienting him from the game he was attempting to play but being beat at his own tricks. Feeling her against his shoulder, hearing her statement making him laugh.- when I'm done and all this is tucked into the living room. -he stated honestly, nodding at his own terms as they were impressive.-
Erin Lindsay
-Grinning at the tape drop, pleased with her flirting tactics and their obvious effects on him, she refused to let up.- OR you could give me my twelve minutes now, and I’ll let you tuck something somewhere and I might let you bring the tape. –Relentlessly tugging at his arm, her lips finding their way to the side of his neck in an attempt to aide her persuasion.-
CJ Luciano
- inhaling deeply as she was clearly testing his ability to hold out in these moments. Any other time, he would have given in by now but he had clearly decided he was going to get this finished up for his kid's sake before he allowed himself his own rewards.- 12 minutes though? you are ambitious...-he teased, feeling her still at the side of his neck as he glanced to meet her eyes.- You are a punk. -he added, finishing up that last gift.-
Erin Lindsay
-Sighing, she let up, pressing her hands against his shoulders and pushing herself to a standing position behind him, walking to where the whiskey bottle and shot glasses were still laid, filling a glass and taking the shot before replacing the glass to the floor.- No, I’m a loving girlfriend who wanted twelve minutes. You are a punk. –She argued with a nod of her head and a smirk to her lips.-
CJ Luciano
Oh, wanted? Past tense? Hm...damn shame, might have given up 13 too...-he teased, feeling her giving up on him as he slowly pulled himself to his feet. Smirking softly at her as he began to drag out an arm full of the gifts to the living room to arrange them under the tree.-
Erin Lindsay
-Standing in almost shock that he could just walk out, she shook her head, bending down and picking up several packages, carrying them out of the room behind him, placing them on the floor near him, then returning to bring more to him, figuring if she couldn’t get her twelve minutes, she might as well be somewhat helpful seeing as she had quit the wrapping gig.-
CJ Luciano
- laughing at her reaction, not necessarily one suggesting that he wasn't interested but knowing once he completely gave her the green light that all hope for productiveness went out the window for that night. He couldn't afford to not have it all done and thus was left arranging what he had under the tree, making a few more trips to collect it all there in its entirety. Left standing in the living room, feeling like he was forgetting something before shaking his head. Not speaking too loud so his kids could hear him somehow.- Mom did the stockings, think
Santa is done for the night.
Erin Lindsay
-After all of the gifts were brought to the living room, she stood back, just watching him as he arranged the gifts under the tree. On his feet, his words brought the flirtatious grin to her lips as she nodded her head and stepped forward to him, taking his hand in her own.- So does this mean I get my twelve minutes now? -Tilting her head to the side, the grin turned to a smirk as she glanced from the tree to him.- When you’re done with this tree, we should take it to my apartment. –She bit her lower lip, nodding her head slightly, leaving her intentions to him to figure out.-
CJ Luciano
Yes, yes. Your 12 minutes...-he stated, watching her step in front of him. Knowing his mom had already slipped off to bed from how quiet the house was. Hearing her statement, he had to raise a brow.- when I am done arranging the tree or when I am physically done with the tree? -he asked curiously, obviously confused and trying not to smile but failing as a result of the indenting dimples suggesting he was both confused and amused as he pulled her towards him. Arms slipping around her shoulder, pressing his lips to her forehead.-
Erin Lindsay
-His agreement to giving her the twelve minutes that she had been so patiently waiting for brought light to her eyes as he pulled her closer, his lips to her forehead in what would have ordinarily felt like a sweet moment, but instead only furthered her cause. Boldly moving her hand between them, she brought her hand against him, molding his pants to his form as she answered.- No, when you’re done with it. Before you throw it away? I promise, it’ll be worth it. –Lifting her chin, she cut her eyes up to him, a full smile to her lips.- And then I’ll take twelve more minutes under it. Capiche?
CJ Luciano
Mmm...-he seemed to hum in a low growl as he now understood what she was suggesting, feeling her hand against his groin making him smile softly.- all else fails...could also try to get a lunch break when no one's here as well. -he offered, raising a brow.- but I will make sure this tree gets to your place personally even if I might have to find a way to get it through your window. -he teased with a soft smirk, leaning forward to press his lips to her full lips.- Into the batcave, yeah? -he asked, gesturing towards his bedroom door.-
Erin Lindsay
-Not in the slightest surprised by his kiss, she attempted to hold onto it a moment longer before his lips broke from hers.- Might have to do the lunch break thing at least one more time. –She nodded, keeping her hand against him, applying pressure through her palm, now unable to stop herself as he made no attempt to cease her actions against him.- You better hurry. It’s been hours… days… months! -She laughed as quietly as her drunken state would allow, taking a step back, gripping him through the fabric as if to bring him along with her.-
Absolutely. -agreeing with the suggestion of the lunch break bit, he knew soon once he put his notice in, they might not be working together but it would definitely open up a lot of possibilities for them as far as lunch breaks went. Feeling her still pushing against him, rapidly hardening at her persuasion. Allowing her to guide him along as they made it to the bedroom. Closing and locking the door behind him.-
Erin Lindsay
-Her eyes remaining to his as she attempted to walk backwards to his bedroom, trusting that he would not let her run into the wall along the way, she paused at the door as he shut and locked the bedroom, recounting her words from earlier.- You realize you may have just halted all progress by providing us with such privacy? -She bit her lower lip, shaking her head no.- Or you may have just sped up the process a bit. –She nodded her head, thinking that sounded more like it as she finally released her hand from him, moving both hands to the waist of his pants, pulling him towards his bed.-
It should have sped up the process unless you are some kind of sexual deviant and get off on potentially getting caught by someone's mom...-he teased as she pulled him towards the bed, his hands finding the bottom of her shirt as he took a step back until he could sit on the end of the bed. Pulling that shirt up to access her bare abdomen, pressing his lips to her stomach.- speaking of which, I might have to make you sign a statement of consent and all since you've been drinking. -he teased with a wink.-
Erin Lindsay
-Standing before him, her eyes drifting down as he placed a kiss to her mid-section, prompting her to move both hands to the back of his head as he lifted his eyes to hers.- Oh? I consent. Take it as my verbal signature. I solemnly agree to absolutely anything, as long as it is with you. –She smiled, using her hands against the back of his head to bring her lips to his, positioning herself between his legs. A bite to his lower lip, tugging at his lip for only a moment before releasing him.- Or maybe you promised me drunk C.J. and you are far from it, so we should fix that first? -She shrugged playfully.-
CJ Luciano
- giving up a low growl at her bite to his bottom lip, meeting her eyes as she pulled back and he met her eyes.- You can try but I mean...I ate. A lot...and it's just absorbing right into my stomach. -he stated honestly as his hands passed down her bare sides under her shirt. Glancing down towards the ground, he looked back up towards her.- grab me the bottle and we'll give it a go, no promises though. -he offered, perking a brow.-
Erin Lindsay
-Taking a deep breath to the touch of his hands against her skin, weighing her options as she stood before him, she took a step back, turning and picking up the whiskey bottle, without regard for the shot glasses. Returning to her claimed place before him, she turned and took liberties to sit on one of his legs, uncapping the bottle and bringing it to his lips.- Fast, remember, we’re speeding up progress here. Get after it. –She nodded, persuading him, partially for her own benefit and partially because she now wanted another drink herself.-
CJ Luciano
- watching her bring the bottle to his lips, he pressed his lips to the opening of the bottle. Allowing her to tilt it back as he chugged down a few mouthfuls, pulling back only when he thought he had done the trick and feeling his throat burning for mercy. - Think I just cleared out my sinuses. -he commented, clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth as his arms slipped around her waist as she sat against his leg, pulling her better to his lap.-
Erin Lindsay
-The longer he drank, the broader the smile on her face became.- Impressive. –She commented, easily moving more fully to his lap, turning the bottle to her own lips. Lifting the bottle back, she took a decent shot, but did not attempt to rival the self-torture he had just done to himself. Bringing the bottle back down, she lightly shook her head with a crinkle to her nose.- More? -She asked, bringing the bottle close to his lips, trailing the rim against his lips.- You know you want more… -She teased.-
CJ Luciano
I do what I can. -he teased, though still clearly feeling the burn, watching her take the shot making him eye her in response.- that was weak. -he teased before she pressed the bottle to his lips making him smirk.- sure. -he stated, pressing his lips firmly back to it to take another few mouthfuls before pulling back.- alright, I think I'm good. i'll be asleep in about 5 minutes at this rate.
Erin Lindsay
-As he took another drink from the bottle, she gasped.- Weak? I’ve been on it all night! -A laugh to her lips, she retracted the bottle from his lips, stealing the taste from his lips momentarily, bringing the bottle to the side of her face, turning out of the kiss with the bottle to her lips.- You just want me drunker. –She proclaimed, not arguing with the idea as she lifted the bottle back, attempting to do as he had done, taking several mouthfuls before she lowered the bottle, turning and burying her face against his neck as the burn radiated down her throat.- Shit… -She complained, taking a deep breath.-
CJ Luciano
- feeling her at his neck having gotten her fill, he smirked as his arms tightened around her.- clears your breathing right up, huh? -he asked, pressing his lips to her temple before shaking his head.- No, I don't need you anymore drunk. Matter of fact, I'm getting a little jealous of that bottle. it's getting more action than I am. -he reminded her as his lips trailed her jawline.-
Erin Lindsay
Uh huh… -She agreed breathlessly. The mention of jealousy brought a grin to her lips as his own trailed her jawline.- YOU get jealous? I have yet to see it. –She whispered, her eyes closed lightly as she pressed her lips against the flesh of his neck.- Tell me about it. –She added as she continued to hold the bottle in one hand, her other hand tugging at the collar of his shirt in an attempt to give her access to his shoulder.-
CJ Luciano
I get plenty jealous. -he stated with a smirk, knowing that to be true. All anyone needed to do was look back upon the Severide debacle but he'd let her think otherwise. Feeling her against his shoulder, he reached out to steal the bottle from her.- i think you have had enough ma'am. I'm cutting you off. -he teased, taking the bottle from her hand to take another swig.-
Erin Lindsay
-As the bottle left her hand, she sighed as she watched him take another drink though she knew the purpose was to be getting him drunk, not increasing her own consumption that had already been more than enough.- So I’m weak and then cut off? Hmph. –She complained, a grin to her lips to show her complaint as invalid.- You have nothing to be jealous of, boyfriend. –She reminded him, though the idea of him getting jealous at all was a turn on in itself. Slipping her hand to the side of his neck now that she no longer held the bottle, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his as she tasted the alcohol on his lips with her tongue.-
CJ Luciano
- he smirked at her as she mentioned him not having anything to be jealous of as that wouldn't quite stop him. His smirk concluding as she leaned into press her lips to his, his own eagerly waiting hers as his lips parted. Allowing her tongue access to his own mouth as he met her. Their taste similar yet uniquely the own that moment despite the liquor coating. His free hand slipping up for the side of her neck.-
Erin Lindsay
-His taste lacing her tongue, she breeched the threshold of his lips, rolling her tongue against his own. The pads of her fingertips pressing against his neck as she moved her hand to the back of his neck, drawing herself closer as she used her other hand to find the bottle in his other hand, taking control of it as she leaned to her side, keeping her hand to the back of his neck and refusing to break the kiss as she placed the bottle on the floor beside his feet.-
CJ Luciano
- feeling her shift and the bottle being moved from his hands. One eye peaking open to watch her and assure it landed to a good spot before his arms locked around her, pulling back down to him as he laid back against the bed. Feet still on the floor but at least reclined back as he pulled her over his chest.-
Erin Lindsay
-Her position changed at the will of CJ’s direction, she twisted against him, moving one leg to either side of him. Her lips to his, her tongue aimlessly exploring against that of his own, she pressed one hand to the bed beneath them lifting herself from him as she quickly tore her lips from his own, changing positions yet again to a sitting position atop him, looking down to him with an uninhibited smile to her lips as she moved her hands to his shirt, making her intention of disrobing him clear.-
CJ Luciano
- feeling her leave his lips, the burning temporary removed. He reached up for the side of her face as he met her eyes, feeling her against his shirt as he waited for her to sweep it up. Smirking at how long it was taking her tonight.- anytime you are ready. -he added with a wink.-
Erin Lindsay
-Noting his impatience, a surprised look took to her face as she looked down at him.- Oh? You got a date later? Need me to get one with it? -She teased as she pulled his shirt up, swiftly maneuvering it free of him completely and tossing it to the floor behind her as she brought her hands to the waist of his pants, quickly unfastening them.-
CJ Luciano
Yup. My girlfriend is expecting me. -he added with a certain grin as he reached up to allow her to pull his shirt off. Feeling her at his jeans as his own hands found the bottom of her shirt. Distracting her briefly to pull it up and over her head before his hands slipped down her slim hips. Blatantly eying her over as she remained straddling him.-
Erin Lindsay
Girlfriend? -She asked, suddenly doubting if she would like this game between them or not, her own jealousy written clear to her face as she slid from within the confines of her own top, moving from atop of him and pulling at his pants, more aggressively than usual.- Maybe I should slow down then, keep her waiting even longer. –She smirked, bringing her hands to her own waist, unfastening her pants and slipping them down her legs slowly, her eyes not leaving his.- Slower even?
CJ Luciano
- leaning up on his elbows as she slipped from him. Watching her against his jeans before removing her own, having a hard time keeping his eyes on hers. He smiled softly, absently tracing his tongue against his bottom lip where he shook his head.- no, no slower. -he stated honestly with a quick smirk. Leaning back up in a seated position despite her otherwise push, reaching for her hand to lure her back to him.-
Erin Lindsay
-Taking his outreached hand, she stepped forward to him, a whispered word to her lips.- Good. –A smile took her face as she reversed the roles on him, bringing her free hand to the side of his face, her thumb at his jawline as she leaned in close, her lips barely brushing his as she whispered.- You are so fucking gorgeous. –Closing her lips to his, she held not a one of her typical reservations thanks to the aide of the whiskey within her system, allowing her to be completely free with him.-
CJ Luciano
- feeling her against his lips, anticipating her kiss and her taste as he heard her statement. He smiled softly as their lips met. Arms slipping around her waist to pull her back towards him against the bed, not leaving her much of the option as his lips slowly slipped from hers. Hands passing over her sides and hips.- isn't that the same line I usually use on you? -he asked honestly with a soft laugh as he was usually the one telling her how gorgeous she was. His lips passing down over her jawline as he slowly turned them over. Slipping her onto her back to pull ontop of her.-
Erin Lindsay
Maybe I just thought you should know. –She responded, easily moved at the command of his hands, laying now on her back and looking up to him, fairly certain he had two sets of eyes and unable to decide which to focus on.- I can take it back if you’d like? –She asked, moving her hand against his face, finding the contour of his cheek in order to determine which set of eyes were to be focused against.- It won’t make it any less true, but…
CJ Luciano
Yeah, take it back. -he stated, curious to see if she'd actually do it as he felt her hands against his cheeks as his eyes narrowed on hers. Seeing just how much that alcohol was affecting her as it was surging through his own veins at this point as he leaned forward. Pressing his lips firmly back to hers before nudging his nose against hers. Hands slipping up to find the back clasp of her bra in the meantime.-
Erin Lindsay
-Silenced momentarily by his lips to her own, her hand slipping to the back of his neck. Drawing her legs up on either side of him, her body naturally reacting to his.- Take what back? –She asked, her lips remaining against his own, unable to bring herself to break her lips from his own. Lifting her back slightly from the bed, she held onto him as she allowed him to work at her bra clasp.-
CJ Luciano
- feeling her holding onto him as his hands unclasped her bra, hands finding the straps over her shoulders to suggest she was good to lay back down before he was humming against her lips. Now too easily distracted with the feeling of her legs against his hips.- Nevermind. -he muttered with a smile against her mouth, guiding her bra down her arms before his lips trailed to the corner of her mouth before her jawline and the side of her neck.-
Erin Lindsay
Mhm –She agreed, a grin to her lips as she took his nevermind to mean that she had won. Slipping from the confines of the bra, she leaned her head slightly to the side as his lips trailed from her own. With a bite to her lower lip paired with a slight lift of her hips as his lips touched the side of her neck, she sighed, her eyes closed as her hand remained to the back of his neck.- You make me crazy. –She confessed, tightening her grip against his neck with her fingertips.-
CJ Luciano
and why is that? -wanting to get her to speak for him tonight in that familiar tone that he enjoyed so much, his lips trailing further down the side of her neck and over her collarbone. Briefly dipping to her shoulder before he was trailing back down. Kissing over her breasts as his hands passed greedily over her sides and hips and down over her thighs clutched around his waist which rocked naturally against her.-
Erin Lindsay
-In her drunken state, there was nothing holding her back from being more vocal than usual with him, though the pressure between her with each rock of his hips hitched her words lightly, causing her to emit light moans between words as she wanted nothing more than to feel him within her in that moment.- I don’t know why you do it. You’ve always done it. You have this thing, this way, you just make me want more. –Overstimulated by his hands to her flesh, his lips to her skin, she whined beneath him.- No, need. You make me need more. I just. I want all of it. All of you, not it. Well, it, but you.
CJ Luciano
- blatantly lifting his head to smile at her upon that last statement, having a hard time not laughing from how cute she was. He pressed his lips firmly to hers before he shook his head.- guess the cat is out of the bag now, you just want all of it. -he teased as his hands slipped down to push down her panties at the sides.- for some reason, i'm okay with that. -he stated against her lips, teeth finding her bottom lip.-
Erin Lindsay
-Her own smile returned to his, though she was unsure if she was really getting her thoughts conveyed to him properly. Feeling the tug of his teeth to her lower lip, her eyes set to his own.- I do want all of it. I want you. I want everything. –A seemingly selfish phrase that was loaded with all of the emotions that she could not put words to, her hands falling to his back, her fingers lightly working at his muscles as she attempted to massage him.- What do you want? -She asked in her familiar raspy tone.-
CJ Luciano
- feeling her against his back, listening to her speak making him lightly groan in protest.-Don't start with the bedroom voice. -he stated honestly, pressing his lips firmly to hers as his own hips withdrew between her legs, giving himself a few inches of space to guide down her panties as far as he could with her legs locked around his waist.- that'll get you into trouble fast.
Erin Lindsay
What are you talking about? –She asked, unaware of any bedroom voice that she was being accused of. With a grin to her lips, she felt him slipping her panties down to a certain point, managing to lift her leg through the fabric on one side.- I didn’t do anything. –She protested, stealing his lips for her own once more, trapping him to her lips with a hand to the back of his head as she brought one leg completely to wrap around his mid-section.-
