As I sit here in my chair, awe-inspired by the Christmas one-shots out there, I ponder where my true loyalties lie in pairings. So here goes my first try at an EC relationship. It's happy, yet sad. I do not own CSI:
Miami at all. Blasted writers' strike…
That Holiday Cheer
She saw him in the office still, his eyes staring down at what appeared to be a photograph of him and a loved one he knew so dearly. It pained her heart to see the sadness in his eyes of melodious green, the muscles that showed the softness contrasting to the exterior roughness of a CSI. She missed him sometimes. He wasn't really a joker anymore- after the accident months ago, it seemed almost impossible to get out the laughter again. She wanted him to smile at life.
Calleigh Duquesne wandered over aimlessly to Eric Delko, her Southern drawl slipping into her voice. "Eric, you okay?"
Eric Delko glanced up and smiled slightly. Calleigh Duquesne. Was she a woman or what. The Southern beauty charm of hers still held true in his mind that he would take her away to some place where they could live together, get married, or something like that fantasy. But she was Jake's now, and he wished he could have made a move sooner than later. He called her when in Brazil; she offered comfort to him for anything he needed. And that was only a year ago. "I'm fine, Cal. I'm just…"
"Missing her," she finished, looking at the picture of what appeared to be a young Eric and his sister Marisol. She was right on top of her brother, who was grinning from ear-to-ear. They looked so happy together from twenty years ago… only ten years and twelve years old. "You miss Marisol again, don't you?"
He simply nodded, tears beginning to fill his eyes. "The second Christmas without her, Calleigh. I'll never forget those times when she was always making horrible jokes at the table on Christmas Day, and we'd be laughing about it for hours. It doesn't seem right to have a Christmas without her again."
Calleigh wrapped her arms around her best friend. "Eric, I know you miss her. She was a sweet girl. Times change, but memories don't. You have got to keep that holiday spirit, though. Christmas is a time for celebrating, and that's exactly what we're going to do. We are going to celebrate her time with you and now in heaven… together."
Eric blinked and looked down at Calleigh. "But I thought you were spending this year with Jake…"
"Eric, I see Berkley every single day of the week!" she laughed airily. It sounded like music to his ears. "He's not gonna suffer if I spend one day with you by a Christmas tree and some gifts. And if he does, well then…" She smirked. "I might have to ditch him."
He laughed again. "I guess so."
The two were silent for a moment. Eric looked at the edge of the cubicle in which they were standing in. "Mistletoe."
Calleigh smiled. "It's always used for something special, isn't it?"
Eric leaned over slightly and pressed his lips against hers. She didn't want to break away from this moment; she wished it'd last a lifetime. Never had Jake kissed her like this. Not in a restaurant, not on the doorstep, not ever. Eric was so into it with her. She loved him as a friend… but it was definitely turning into something more. Finally, he parted his lips and stared into her eyes deeply. She sounded hoarse. "Dinner at my place?"
"I'll cook something up," he managed to reply.
Calleigh Duquesne smiled. "I'll drive."
They walked out of the cubicle together, holding hands. Eric Delko's mind was whirling- that little spark was his newfound holiday spirit.
One he could share with the person he truly loved.
Man, I know this should be longer, but I'm in a bit of a hurry wrapping gifts. And this is my first true EC piece. I love reviews, guys! Thanks for reading!