12

Friends and Lovers

Chapter 21

Genre: Romance

Rating: K with a dash of innuendo

Disclaimers: The usual—STFBEye characters belong to somebody else.

A/N: Yes! This is the last chapter of this story. Didn't make it in time for Christmas but just perfect for Valentine's Day. Thank you to everyone who's been following this story, and a special thanks to the reviewers, especially Colby and pryrmtn for being so faithful. It's your feedback that keep us writing. Thanks for taking the time to read and reflect. Oh yes, there is a part 2 but that'll be a while coming.

A/N2: You can thank my beta for keeping the characters in character. She let's me know when they're not behaving like themselves. Let's hear it for betas everywhere!

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Lucy paused in her trek to the kitchen at the familiar sight before her—Bobby and Sue in the entryway, engaged in their usual protracted goodnights. She mentally kicked herself—again—for actively pushing Sue towards Jack. She turned to retreat unobtrusively to her room, shaking her head at how blind she'd been to the blatant attraction between Bobby and Sue.

"Ow!" she cried as she bumped into the end table.

Bobby's head jerked up at the interruption, his expression distracted. His attention was clearly still focused on the woman in his arms.

"What?" asked Sue breathlessly.

"We have company," he remarked with a grin when he realized what had happened.

Rubbing her shin, Lucy apologized contritely, "Sorry for interrupting."

Placing two hands on Bobby's chest, Sue pushed him towards the door. "I think that's a sign that it's time for you to go home. I'll see you tomorrow."

"What a way to treat a guest in your home," complained Bobby. Grinning, he tossed a wave to Lucy. "Night, Lucy!"

"Night, Bobby!" called out Lucy.

Hand on the doorknob, he looked at Sue hopefully. "One for the road?"

She stared at him sternly, not quite managing to hide her smile. "Promise?"

He raised two fingers. "Scout's honor."

"All right," she relented. She tilted her face for a final kiss and found herself completely enveloped in his embrace.

"That should last me until I see you tomorrow," he said with a smirk when he finally released her. "Night, Sue."

"Good-night, Bobby," she said firmly as she closed the door. She couldn't suppress her smile before turning her attention to her roommate. "Are you okay, Lucy?"

"Fine, I just bumped into that table. You know how we've been saying we need to move it? Well, I think I will after today," she said wryly. She looked at her roommate with affection.

"What?" asked Sue as she bent down to grab her overnight bag.

"Nothing. I'm just really happy for the both of you."

Sue blushed slightly. "I must admit I'm pretty happy myself. He seems to have that affect on me."

"Now that that's settled, we better get some sleep. We still have work tomorrow. Another day, another dollar—and at Christmas time, we need every dollar we can get.' She smiled at Sue. "Good-night."

As Lucy turned to go, Sue called out hesitantly, "Uh…Luce?"

She stopped. "Yeah?"

Sue bit her lower lip. "Would you mind if I didn't go with you this weekend?"

"Does this have something to do with Bobby?" she asked perceptively.

Sue was apologetic. "I think everyone else has made plans for the long weekend. I'm not positive but I think maybe…." Her voice trailed off.

"Say no more," Lucy interrupted as she nodded sympathetically. "My Mom and Grandma will be disappointed, but no one should be alone at Christmas—least of all Bobby. I forgot Jack's going home and there's no Darcy this year." She stopped, forehead creased in consternation. "Did I really say her name just now?"

"It's okay," Sue smiled. "Thanks for understanding. Now I really am going to bed. See you tomorrow."

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Hallway

"How's your Christmas shopping coming along?" Lucy asked Bobby conversationally as they walked down the hall. "You got anything for Sue yet?"

"Not yet. Still thinking about it," he responded worriedly. Christmas was less than a week away. "Any ideas?"

Lucy shrugged. "Not really. Sue's not into things, if you know what I mean."

"As a matter of fact, I do know what you mean. That's what's making it so difficult," he sighed in frustration.

"Well, you still have a few days," she said as they entered the bullpen.

The office was buzzing in anticipation of the upcoming long weekend. A memo had come down saying employees could leave early on Friday provided there were no urgent cases and a skeleton crew remained. Bobby had volunteered to stay so the others could take advantage of the edict.

"Might as well. It'll be better than staying in an empty apartment," he mentioned to Jack and D as they stood by the coffee station.

"What about Sue?" asked Jack in surprise.

"She already made plans with Lucy to spend Christmas with her family."

Immediately D extended an invitation. "Come over on Christmas Eve. Donna and I would love to have you."

"No," Bobby said firmly. "I'm already coming over on Christmas Day. I'll be fine."

"Tara and Stanley are coming and Myles may be bringing Jan," D informed them. "I think he's been seeing her."

"I know he's been seeing her," stated Jack. "I overhead him asking her to go that ballet, The Nutcracker. She must've said yes because he looked pretty happy after that."

"What's up?" asked Sue as she approached the coffee station. Her gaze swept the assembled trio. "Looks like you're having a serious discussion. Care to share?"

"Myles has been seeing Jan Watson," Bobby informed her with a knowledgeable nod.

"Oh, that is important," she said gravely, eyes twinkling.

"Well, it is to Myles," countered Bobby. "We think he's smitten."

As Jack and D nodded in agreement, their attention focused on the appearance of two visitors—a man and woman—being escorted into the room by Lucy. She brought them towards Myles deep in discussion with Tara.

"Myles?"

"Yes?" he answered straightening up.

"These people would like to speak to you."

"Mr. Leland?" the heavy-set middle aged man asked as he extended his hand. "I'm Dan Santos."

"Dan Santos…do I…?" His puzzled frown was replaced with a nod of recognition. "You're the social worker for Danny Johnson."

"Right," he smiled. "The private detective you hired did the trick, Mr. Leland. He was able to locate Danny's younger sister." He gestured to the well-dressed woman with him who bore a striking resemblance to the mentally challenged man. "This is Amelia Turner."

She extended her hand as a dumbfounded Myles accepted it. "Mr. Santos told me of all the things you've done to help my brother. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it." She nodded at the social worker, "He says Danny is in a lot of trouble but he may not have to serve any time because of the circumstances. Either way, I came to let my brother know he has a home with my family and me."

"I'm glad for Danny's sake the private detective was able to find you, but where have you been all this time?" Myles asked pointedly.

Sadness swept over her countenance. "Our mother died when Danny was twelve and I was ten. There were no relatives willing to take us in so the state placed us in separate foster homes. By the time I was in a position to look for him, I found out there'd been a fire at that agency and most of the records were lost." She took a steadying breath. "When the private detective contacted me, I thought it was some kind of twisted joke until he showed me the picture of Danny. He looks just like our mother."

"Have you seen Danny?"

"Not yet. We're on our way there," she acknowledged. "But first, I wanted to thank you personally for your compassion and generosity. There aren't many people who would do what you did to help a stranger." She placed her hands on his arms to draw him down to her. "God bless you, Myles Leland," she said softly as she kissed his cheek.

Dan Santos held out his hand to Myles. "You know, Mr. Leland, in my job we see a lot of the negative side of society. What you did reminds me why I do what I do—that there's a lot of good in people, too. Thanks again for all your help. I'll let you know what happens to Danny. Merry Christmas."

Myles stood there, oblivious to the astonished stares of his teammates. He was pleased his efforts would give Danny a chance at a happy family life. Lucy's voice broke into his pleasant thoughts.

"You really hired a private eye to find Danny's sister?" asked Lucy in disbelief.

Myles nodded a little embarrassed his secret was revealed. "I knew the system would stop trying after a few days. They simply don't have the manpower to do that kind of search. Hey!" he exclaimed as Lucy walked over to kiss him on the cheek. "What was that for?"

"For showing us the Christmas spirit is alive and well in one Myles Leland the Third," she said simply. "Sometimes you surprise me, Myles—and this was definitely a good surprise."

"Well," said Myles inwardly pleased at the compliment. He pretended to straighten his tie. "After all, it is Christmas, and we Lelands understand the spirit of Christmas."

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A nice glow permeated the bullpen after Amelia Turner's visit, especially with the revelation that Myles was the reason that Danny Johnson would be reunited with his family. Bobby glanced up from a file when he realized Lucy was motioning him towards the door. He casually sauntered past Sue's desk flashing her a smile. Just as he cleared the doorway, Lucy grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side.

"What's up?" Bobby inquired curiously.

"You know how you said you wanted to do something special for Sue for Christmas?" Lucy whispered excitedly.

"Have you thought of something?"

"I just found out that the guy that was supposed to be the Santa for the Little Bookworm club cancelled—a family emergency. You," she said pointing to him with a smile, "you can be Santa."

"I'd be happy to help out but my signing is still extremely limited," he said regretfully.

"Doesn't matter," Lucy explained. "An interpreter can stand next to you and sign. You can say your hands are sore from making all those toys for the kiddies."

"That could work." Bobby beamed. "Sue'll love it." He frowned for a moment. "When does Santa make his appearance?"

"Tonight at seven." She looked at him critically. "You want this to be a surprise, right?" At his nod, she continued, "Then you're Carl Jordan."

"What?" asked a confused Bobby. "Carl Jordan in the RICO unit?"

"Yeah. I'll just tell Sue he agreed to be Santa so she won't know it's you. He's about the same height. He's a little heavier than you but we can disguise that with some padding," she said eyeing his waist critically. "Meet me at the clubhouse around six thirty and I'll help you with the costume."

As Lucy started to walk away, Bobby exclaimed worriedly, "Wait a minute! What exactly do I have to do?"

"Smile, give the usual Santa talk about being a good boy or girl, remind them reading is good for them because this is a reading club, and pass out the gifts. Each child is getting a book and a small gift. Throw in a few ho-ho-hos and you'll be fine," she assured him. "I'm gonna tell Sue I found a Santa for her!"

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Little Bookworm Club

"Boys and girls," announced the director of the program, "we have a very special visitor with us tonight. He came all the way from the North Pole to visit us. Who do you think our visitor is?"

Eager shouts and signs of 'Santa Claus' filled the room.

"You're right!" he confirmed happily. "And here comes Santa Claus!"

Cheers and squeals of delight were heard as a heavily bearded Bobby came bounding into the room shaking hands and tousling the hair of children as he strode past.

"Santa's hands are sore from making all those toys so he won't be able to sign to you," the director explained. "But we will have an interpreter to help Santa."

The children were excited but well behaved. Each one had a chance to sit on Santa's lap and share their Christmas wish. Bobby was thoroughly enjoying himself. As the last child got off his lap, Santa beckoned to the director and whispered a few words.

A huge smile appeared as the director heard the request. Straightening, he made another announcement. "It seems that Santa has one more gift in his sack for a good little girl. Sue Thomas, where are you?"

Sue looked startled while Lucy's mouth opened in delight at the unexpected announcement.

"Me?" Sue asked in stunned surprise.

"Hurry up, girl!" Lucy smiled. "Can't keep Santa waiting! He's a very busy man at this time of year!" She gave Sue a push towards Santa.

Reluctantly, Sue approached Santa as interested eyes followed her progress. She stood before him unsure of what to do just as Santa patted his lap and opened his arms. She hesitated for a moment, then sat down self-consciously. The children giggled with delight seeing an adult on Santa's lap.

"Have you been a good little girl, Sue?" asked Santa sternly. The beard and mustache made it impossible for her to read his lips. She had to look at the interpreter.

She nodded. "Yes."

"Then this is for you." He handed her a small square box. "Merry Christmas, Sue." And he kissed her.

The room erupted with squeals and shouts of laughter as the room buzzed with excitement about the surprising actions of Santa.

"Santa!" protested a flabbergasted Sue as she quickly stood up. Santa jumped to his feet and waved to the audience as he disappeared out the door.

Sue stood there in shock while Lucy came up to her.

"Seems you have some influence over Santa," Lucy commented. "Better wish for something extra special this Christmas."

Still stunned, she asked Lucy in bewilderment, "Why would Carl Jordan kiss me? Who is this gift from?"

"Is there a tag?"

Sue looked. There was none.

"You could ask Santa. He's in the side room changing," suggested Lucy.

"I think I will," Sue stated. The shock of Santa's surprising kiss had passed and indignation was setting in. "I'm going to give him a piece of my mind," she said firmly. "You can't go around kissing people you barely know just because you're Santa…I mean playing Santa."

Lucy smiled broadly as she watched Sue's determined pursuit of her quarry.

Sue knocked on the door sharply. "Carl? This is Sue Thomas. I need to talk to you." She raised her hand to knock again when the door was flung open and Santa enveloped her in his arms for another kiss.

"Wha…" she protested, pushing the pseudo-Santa away, perplexed that his arms and lips felt so familiar. Her confusion didn't lessen when she finally caught a glimpse of his face without the beard and mustache.

"Bobby?" Her uncertainty was apparent as she stopped struggling. "I thought…I thought…you're supposed to be Carl Jordan."

"A ruse formulated by Lucy and myself with the express purpose of doing something special for you this holiday,' he explained with a grin. 'When the other Santa couldn't make it, Lucy suggested I do it. I wanted to surprise you." He looked at her with a trace of trepidation. "Am I forgiven for the subterfuge?"

"I…I…uh," stuttered Sue still trying to absorb the fact that Bobby was here.

"'Yes' would be good," suggested Bobby tentatively.

She glared at him. "I'm thinking."

"Well, while you're thinking about it," he remarked pointing to her hand, "how about opening your present?"

She glanced at the little box she was still holding. "I forgot all about it when I stormed over here ready to give Carl a piece of my mind" she replied dryly. Momentarily distracted by Bobby's answering grin, she refocused her attention and quickly removed the wrapping to reveal a jeweler's box.

"Go ahead, darlin'," he urged her as she stared wide-eyed at him. "Open it."

Slowly she opened the lid to reveal a delicate heart shaped diamond pendant "Bobby!" she said breathlessly. "It's beautiful." She leaned in to kiss him as she murmured a heartfelt, "Thank you."

"Since I knew we wouldn't be together for Christmas," he said as a wave of misery swept over him. Forcing a smile, he continued, "I wanted you to have this before you left. Are you sure you like it? You can always exchange it and get something else."

"Like it? I love!" She took it out of the box and handed it to him. "Please put it on for me."

She shivered when his hands brushed her neck as he fastened the clasp. "There," he said turning her around. "Looks fabulous on you."

Sue slipped her arms around him. "Thank you, Santa," she said as she kissed him.

"That's what you get for being a good girl," he said grinning before returning her kiss.

Lucy quietly closed the door and shared a smile with the director. "She's thanking Santa for her gift."

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Bullpen

The rest of the week sped by quickly, too quickly for Bobby. By Friday, he found himself watching the clock, dreading the time Sue would be leaving. That time arrived just after two. He watched as Sue and Lucy were the last to clear their desks and gather their things. Tara had taken Jack to the airport so he could catch his flight home while she picked up Stanley. And once again, D had some last minute shopping to do for Donna's Christmas present. Bracing himself for the inevitable, he stood slowly, forcing a half-hearted smile as they walked over to his desk.

"Well, we're off," said Lucy. "Thanks for staying, Bobby, so the rest of us could leave early."

"My pleasure," he said ruefully. "Have a good time. I'll see you both on Tuesday."

"Merry Christmas," smiled Lucy.

"Merry Christmas to you, Lucy."

Lucy moved away to give Sue and Bobby a few minutes of privacy taking Levi with her.

They looked at each for a few moments, each reluctant to say good-bye. Finally, he uttered, "Merry Christmas, Sue."

"Merry Christmas, Bobby," she said softly tiptoeing to kiss him on the cheek.

He resisted the urge to throw his arms around her and hold her close. Instead, he plastered on a smile determined to hide just how miserable he really was. He had to clear his throat before repeating huskily, "Have a good time."

Not trusting herself to speak, she could only nod. Despite his smiling façade, Sue could see the unhappiness in Bobby's eyes. It took all her willpower not to blurt out her surprise.

Bobby managed a half-hearted smile raising one hand in a forlorn wave as Sue stopped at the doorway and turned for one last look. Then she was gone.

With a sigh, Bobby plopped himself back in his chair. Only three and a half days until he would see Sue again.

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Bobby took out his keys to enter his apartment when he noticed a light under the door. Had he forgotten to turn the lights off when he left this morning? He unlocked the door and cautiously opened it. A quick survey around the room revealed nothing out of place, nothing disturbed. The presents were still under the tree. In fact, he didn't recall seeing…

As he walked over to take a closer look, he became aware of a delectable aroma permeating his home. He paused, baffled at its possible source when he spotted Levi peeking from the side of the sofa.

"Levi? What are you doing here?" he asked in bewilderment. Levi? thought an astonished Bobby. If Levi was here, someone else should be here, too.

Flinging his keys down, he quickly strode to the kitchen. He stopped at the doorway, finding it difficult to process what he was seeing—Sue…in his apartment peering into the oven.

"Sue?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

Sue closed the oven door and turned it off, satisfied with the progress of dinner. She straightened and moved to retrieve the vegetables for the salad only to be startled by Bobby's presence. "Oh! I didn't expect you so soon!"

"What are you doing here?" he asked in confusion. "You're supposed to be with Lucy."

"Did you really think I would let you spend Christmas alone? Especially this Christmas?" She smiled impishly at him. "It wouldn't be…Christmassy."

Still speechless, Bobby was overwhelmed. He gripped her arms as if to reassure himself that she was really there with him.

Her brow furrowed at his response. "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to surprise you?"

That snapped him out of his daze. "No! No!" he protested. "It's a good idea…it's a great idea…it's a wonderful idea. It's just…it's just that I can't quite believe you're here." He stared at her still absorbing the fact that she was there with him.

"I'm really here, Bobby," she assured him quietly. She watched as the reality finally sank in and incredulity changed to joy. With a smile she said, "Why don't you get ready for dinner? The roast is just about done."

His hands caressed her face as he leaned down to drop a lingering kiss on her lips. "Funny, I don't feel hungry right now," he said huskily. With his arms firmly embracing a radiant Sue, he paused before kissing her again, "At least not for a roast."

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"When did you change your plans?" asked Bobby as they sat cozily on the sofa, his arm wrapped around her as her head nestled on his shoulder.

"Did you say something?" Sue asked lazily as she looked at him.

"When did you change your plans?" he repeated.

"When you asked me what I was doing this weekend. I couldn't let you to celebrate Christmas by yourself."

"Wouldn't have been much of a celebration," he replied truthfully. "Lucy must be disappointed."

"I'm sure she'll survive," she smiled. "Besides, she didn't think it was right for you to spend Christmas alone either."

"I think," he said as he gently stroked her face, "I think this may be the very best Christmas of all." He tilted her chin up to kiss her. "Thank you."

"Merry Christmas, Bobby," she smiled.

Leaning in to kiss her, he returned her smile and said softly, "Merry Christmas, Sue."

Finis