Trecebo and Only Me have combined forces for good to bring you....

CHIRSTMAS WISHES

“Has he announced it yet, then?” the newcomer asked eagerly as she jostled her way through the crowd.

“No, not yet,” someone whispered and was shushed by his neighbour.

“Shhh. He’s reaching into the bag…”

A collective gasp circled the room as every elf strained forward to eagerly hear what Santa was going to announce. This ceremony had become the highlight of their Yuletide season. Held on December 1st it represented the true meaning of Christmas; a chance to reconnect with one of their special clients whom they had lost to adulthood.

Each year, Santa reached into his sorting sack of grown-up names and drew out the name of someone who needed a special dose of Christmas magic this year. The magic saw to it that they all remembered the child now grown; every visit, every gift, the triumphs and the tears. It was always exciting to see the dear child in adulthood, though often disappointing.

“Has he pulled it out yet? I can’t see!” complained a young elf at her elbow.

“Here, let me give you a leg up,” the newcomer said kindly. “He’s just pulling out the name now.”

They all watched as Santa looked at the gilt edged parchment. He nodded his head, smiling in remembrance and then looked out into the crowd. “This is going to be a very special Christmas indeed,” Santa told them, holding up the card for everyone to see. The words magically sailed off the page and grew into a shimmering neon-lit billboard flashing a name they all knew and loved. Their minds were flooded with memories, both happy and sad and they waited eagerly for Santa’s next announcement.

“Dewberry, I think. Yes Dewberry, I think you’re the best match.”

“Oh my goodness, that’s me!” the newcomer squealed excitedly, toppling the young elf she was holding onto the ground. “Sorry. Excuse me. Let me through please. That’s my name Santa just called.” Dewberry made her way to the front of the hall and stood bashfully next to Santa. She was still a terribly young elf for this kind of honour.

Santa squeezed her shoulder warmly. “You’ll do just fine,” he told her, passing the parchment into her hands. “Remember, your assignment is to make our Special Client’s Christmas wishes come true.”

....

Three weeks later, Dewberry sat down on the staircase of a quiet apartment building, scratching her head as she stared at the parchment once again, watching the memories repeat across the paper. Why does she need my help? It’s four days until Christmas. She’s doing fine. Her shopping’s done, she’s been to several parties… hasn’t gotten to do more than hang a wreath on the door, but there’s still time. She watched the pictures on the paper. Such a happy childhood... a close family. What could she possibly need from me?

A voice interrupted her thoughts. “Mom, I’m sorry. We got a last-minute case, and it’s not something I can just drop. I know this is the only chance Dave and Mark have to be here this year. I’ll try to stop by later, if it’s not too late when we’re done. Give the kids hugs for me, and tell them I’ll mail their gifts as soon as I get a chance.” The call ended with a heavy sigh as a young woman trudged up the stairs.

The elf watched her pass, then pull out her keys in front of a door, unadorned except for a now-empty wreath hook. She sighed again. “I swear, I’m gonna put an alarm on next year’s wreath. Maybe Myles can recommend something.” The woman got the door unlocked and went inside.

Pop! With a little elf magic, Dewberry found herself a comfy spot on the sofa and settled in to observe for a bit. She conjured up a cup of hot cocoa as she listened to the woman putter around the apartment, talking to herself softly.

“Stupid criminals...they just have to go and spoil it for all of us...I haven't had time to decorate, time to shop, time to do cards...” A tear rolled down. “This is my favorite time of year, when everything seems so full of hope and...I just can't seem to find it this time.” She switched on her radio to hear the strains …oh tidings of comfort and joy... “Yeah, that's what I really want. Comfort and joy.” She snorted softly. “One thing I will not be getting a dose of during this little seek-and-snoop.”

Heaving a deep sigh, she went to change into thermal underwear for the chilly sting that had drawn them out this frosty night.

Dewberry vanished the now-empty cup with a snap of her fingers and leaned her chin on her hands. Ahh… now I understand. No time to enjoy her favorite time of year, no family around this time, only her work. There's got to be some way to bring Christmas to her...

The elf watched her come back out of her bedroom and grab her coat. Her cell phone rang again. “Williams. Yeah, Jack, I'm out the door right now. Tell ‘Frick and Frack’ to keep their long-johns on.” Her voice faded as the door swung shut and her footsteps faded down the stairs.

Joined forces for good, a? <grabs a cup of coco and sits back to enjoy the ride>

Oh this is so cool!!!! I love that you 2 are writing together - its so cool!!! i cant wait for more

*vicky jumps up and down on her sofa again, and realises she may have to get a new one soon, or find another chair to sit on when reading!! also thinks she may to completely stop taking cough syrup as it seems to have strange side effects on her! *

Ok...got the fire going...my blanket...and a nice cup of cocoa....

Ready whenever you are.

Interesting though...with this focusing on Tara.... :wipe glasses: ....would have expected Myles...unless he comes in later....hmmmm.....

Very good start, Trece and Onlyme !

I'll get my hot chocolate !

Do you have one for me, two?

Great job, gals. Can't wait to see you dump wishes on Tara!

Jill

As she drove to the set-up van, Tara mumbled under her breath. “They’d better keep quiet tonight. I wish they would really listen to people for a change, instead of just spouting off.” Tears gathered in her eyes. “If those two give me grief about my Christmas cheer, I'll...I'll...” She dashed the traitorous drops away.

Counting to one hundred, the petite blonde calmed herself, letting the frustration drain away. “I can do this. They won't get to me. I can do this. Comfort and joy...comfort and joy...” Plastering on a smile, she exited her car and went into her "home" for the night.

“Nice of you to join us,” Myles drawled as she took her place in front of the computer.

Tara gave him a look, the tension flashing back. “Not all of us have the luxury of being completely outfitted at all times without depending on their laundry schedule,” she retorted.

He raised a brow at her; usually his teasing got a look from her, but not the annoyance he felt tonight. Fortunately, Bobby saved him from trying to come up with a witty comeback.

“Easy, mate. Lay off the little sheila. After all, we could be stuck here with Jack making eyes at Sue all night.” That comment earned him a resounding whack on the head. “Hey! What was that for?”

“You...you...” her anger boiled over, causing her to sputter. She hunched over behind the monitor, fingers flying over the keyboard. If they can't be civil and just be real for once, then I'll tune them out.

Perched high in a corner, Dewberry looked on with great interest. She could see the blue bonds of light that flowed between her Special Client and these two... Frick and Frack? Was that what she said their names were? Slowly, an idea formed. Comfort and joy, really listening...can't be that hard to manage, right?

She reached into her pocket and an pulled out the parchment, double checking her instructions. A smile crossed her lips as she pointed to the tall, darker-headed man. You will be able to really listen and bring her joy.

And you... Her glance narrowed at the blond-haired man. He seemed cold on the outside, but inside... Ah. There it is. You will truly hear her and bring her comfort.

A gust of wind rocked the van, causing the lights to flicker.

Okay, I don't have a fireplace, but the hot chocolate is in the cupboard. I'm set and ready to read.

This is great so far. Can't wait to see what's in store for Tara from those two...

I'm so excited....another fantastic story to read.

kav

This is double trouble if I've ever seen it.....can't wait to see what mischief you come up with!!!

the possibilities are endless...I'm loving it, keep going!!

Great idea of both of you

I can't wait to read more, hot chocolate with wipped cream is waiting for me

A gust of wind rocked the van, causing the lights to flicker. Tara stared at the computers, but they hadn't lost a byte of data. Her gaze turned to Bobby and Myles, both of whom were rubbing at their ears.

“You guys okay? That was weird.”

Two different shades of blue looked at her in astonishment as she spoke. Bobby coughed to cover up his confusion. “'S'cuse me, Tara. What did you say?”

With a hint of impatience, she repeated her words. “I said 'Are you guys okay? That was weird.' Got it now?”

He saw her say the words; he even heard her say them. But in his mind it came out as: “What is with the ear thing? It was just wind. Geez, pay attention.”

Myles was better at schooling his reaction, but he was as confused as Bobby. He also had heard Tara ask if they were okay, and comment that it was weird, but now, underneath, almost as an echo, he heard her voice with different words: “A little wind, and suddenly he's deaf, too. Wake up, already.”

Steel blue caught the perplexed look on his fellow agent's face, veiled as it was. A brown brow went up. You, too?

A slight nod, combined with a glance at their companion. Then Myles shrugged slightly, as if to say “no idea.”

Clearing his voice, the Aussie responded. “Yeah, right. Got it.”

“Hmmmm.” The noise was one they had heard many times before, the one that accompanied the spouting of information. “Here we go. It looks like our man is receiving visitors of the not-so-wise men variety.”

“Okay. The stupid jerk who is keeping me here with you two is having more fun than I am with some other lame idiots who have nothing better to do this close to Christmas than to mess with my time.” Bobby gulped, again coughing to cover up his shock.

Myles was wearing his contemplative look, his lips pressed together and his eyes narrowed slightly. “This imbecile and his cohorts... just what I don't need tonight.” His mind was awhirl. What is going on? How is it that I can hear what she's saying, yet I hear it differently as well?

“He's opening the storeroom doors. There is a big crate and several bags. They are opening one of the bags.” She pounded on the keyboard, commanding it to zoom in. “It looks like...dope...no, sparklies...no, it's dope.”

Broad shoulders moved behind her as he heard “Finally, some action. Maybe this jerk will do something worth me being here. Is that white stuff drugs...looks like it could be jewelry...no, it looks like drugs...”

“Here, lemme take a look-see.” Blue eyes narrowed as he watched the trio. “You called it, Tara. It's both. Take a look, Myles. We might get to go home early, thanks to our eagle eye here.”

The Harvard grad moved behind her on the other side. “Don't count on it. We still have to be able to tie Jennings in directly. He's not here yet.”

“My bet is he'll show. That's a lot of nose candy sitting there. He's not gonna let some lower drongo do the deal.”

“Then I guess we're still here,” Tara commented, a bit tightly. “I should have gotten a latte on my way here.”

“Just lovely. It's bad enough I'm stuck with you two, instead of with my brothers, who will only be here tonight, without this twit taking his sweet time in getting here. Let's just get this over with so I might get an hour with Mark and Dave this year.”

Myles shook his head a bit; he was starting to adjust to the “double-hearing,” but he hadn't expected to be delving deep into his teammate's psyche. It left him feeling a little uncomfortable, as if he were a voyeur into her privacy.

A crease deepened in the Aussie's forehead as he tried to internalize the double meaning of everything Tara said. Suddenly, he found himself willing Jennings to show up so Tara could cut loose to see her brothers. A movement at the corner of the storeroom pulled his attention. Dimples flashed as a big grin appeared. “Looks like you might get your wish after all, sheila. Look who just showed up.”

The petite blonde blinked at her friend's comment, but concentrated on magnifying the shot. As the picture ran thru the enhancement program, the identification database pinged, showing a solid match. “YES!”

As she relayed the information to the teams on standby, the men prepared to go in and make the take down, each with her words ringing in their ears.

“Finally, something goes my way!”

I absolutely love it!!!! Double...or triple talk.......whatever it may be. They are getting it by the boatload! Can you patent that gust of wind???? I could make good use of it!!!

Okay......catch the bad guys, and on with the story!!!

OHHHHHHHHH Tidings of Comfort and Joy.....................

Jill

Wow this is cool!! But I get the feeling Tara isnt goin to like havinng her thoughts broadcasted.

WOW this is wonderful.....your minds are scary...but brillant...

Just found this one. I love the idea of you two teaming up, Trece and OM, should be a great ride! And what an excellent idea of Myles and Bobby being able to hear what Tara is really saying. Such a new story idea. I look forward to more. Carry on!

Hmmm? Jedi mind tricks....


















Maybe Yoda was really an elf.

but I hope Tara never finds out that they can hear her thoughts!!!! And it could get pretty embarrassing depending on what those thoughts are!

kav

Could get embarrassing for the boys, but interesting for Tara depending on what she hears!! All depends on what Bobby really thinks in his own head ... and how polite he is about it!!!!

You both hit exactly what I was thinking.

Great idea! Ver original!

Alright now ladies....with two of you writing this thing I would expect quicker posts. OK, can I restate that.....I just WISH for quicker posts. I have a feeling that Bobby and Myles being able to hear Tara's thoughts in going to lead to some "interesting" situations!

lol - sorry...

***************************************************************

The next morning, Bobby staggered into the Bullpen shortly after Myles arrived. Tara was working at her desk, the file from the night before open. He blearily looked her direction.

“Coffee?” he croaked.

“Is that an offer, or a dying request?” she replied with a bit less impishness than usual.

He flinched at the underlying meaning. Does anyone else hear that? He looked around the room to see Sue busy at her computer, Lucy at her filing cabinet and Jack on the phone. Only Myles was trying to hide a smirk behind his report folder.

A cup of hot “joe” was pushed into his hand. “Nice catch on that Jennings case, you two.” D grinned at Bobby before turning to Myles. “The Attorney General's office has plenty to charge him with. And,” he looked over at Tara, “thanks to you, we have it all on tape, close-ups and all.”

“All in a night's work.” Myles raised his coffee cup in salute. “And did you have a pleasant evening after we took care of the ruffians, Miss Williams?”

She looked up, startled. “Yeah, uh… yeah, thanks.”

“If you can call the five minutes I got with David before he got an emergency call and had to catch a life-flight chopper back to Raleigh, and the bare hour with Mark before he had to catch the red-eye back to Dallas a ‘pleasant evening.’”

Bobby nearly choked on his coffee, and Myles leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

The Harvard grad really didn’t think much about family gatherings at Christmas anymore; his own family’s get-togethers now amounted to a business meeting, though he and Anne had made plans this year to spend Christmas Eve away from their parents. Since his grandparents had passed away two years back, there was no more “Christmas at the Cape” to look forward to. Last year had been stilted and depressing.

D's voice brought them all back to attention. "The bad news is...we still have to do all the paperwork and get it to the AG's office before it closes. So, unless someone decides to do something, we are here for the day." He clapped his hands together and rubbed them. "Let's get cracking."

Bobby downed the rest of his coffee, the dark brew jarring his system to life. He stood to stretch, long arms getting tangled in the dangling Christmas decorations.

"Bobby, it took me several hours to get those just right." "Robert Manning, don't you dare mess up my hard work!"

He lowered his hands in surrender. "Honestly, sheila, I was only...."

"Save it." Her reply was curt. "Save it."

Myles reached over and tapped the Aussie's arm. "It's ok,” he said quietly. It's not you. Not really."

Steel-blue met gray-blue. Speaking without moving his lips, the dark headed man mumbled, "I know. It's just...bonzo. Wait? You hear her, too?"

Myles gave him a slightly exasperated look. "I thought we figured that out last night. Yes, I can hear her, too. I don't know why, but we both can."

"Oy, mate." He rubbed his face wearily.

"Just don't let it get to you personally. I doubt she realizes it. We're getting pure Tara right now." He smiled a little. "And she's strung tighter than a trap net on the dock in July."

The Aussie gave him a blank look. "A what on the where?"

"A lobster trap." Myles regarded him as if he were daft. "The net is stretched tightly in them, and the heat from the summer sun..." he trailed off. "Never mind."

"Need more coffee." The taller agent went over to the pot, pouring the last of the brew and downing it on a single swallow. Shaking his head, he burped, drawing looks of horror/amusement from the rest of the Bullpen.

"You okay there, Crash?" Jack tried to hide a smile.

Myles leaned against his desk with a smug grin. "You're not the only one who can draw blank stares with obscure colloquialisms, Koala Boy."

Amber eyes peeked over her monitor. "Which one?" The Bostonian repeated his remark and Tara smiled. "I actually know what that means. It comes from the upper fishing regions, where lobstering is widely..." She trailed off, seeing the stares in her direction. "What? Do I have broccoli in my teeth?"

Bobby snorted and Jack rolled his eyes at his friends. Myles shook his head.

Dimitrius was smiling, but he brought them all back to the present. "Come on, guys," he chuckled. "Let's get this report done before lunch."

* * *

That was funny. Great job! Now what's going to happen?

obscure colloquialisms anyone?????
stone the crows!!

Why do I get the feeling we are just getting into the top layers of Tara's mind -- what's going to happen as more and more is exposed? I think Myles and Bobby are handling it admirably though -- I'd be on edge every second!

kav

PURE DEAD BRILLANT...

Brilliant idea and a fantastic start to this story!

I'm hooked!

Sairs

That is getting interesting ... and poor Tara doesn't know ...

“Luce.” Bobby caught up with her at the elevator; she was taking a stack of expense vouchers down to Randy Pitts.
“Got a sec?”

Lucy glanced at him. “You have until that elevator door opens. I’m not getting another call like that from His Royal High-ness because these vouchers aren’t on his desk five minutes ago.”

“I’ll go along as your bodyguard then.” He grinned as the doors opened, and motioned her in with a flourish. “I need to pick your brain about something.”

* * *

“You’re joking, right?” Myles leaned on the table in the conference room and eyed Bobby warily. “And exactly how is this supposed to get her back into her Christmas cheer and out of our heads?”

"Trust me, mate. I have it on good authority that this is one of her favorite things to do with her brothers for the hollies. Since she didn't get to see them for long, I figure we could cheer her up." Blue eyes flashed as the Aussie leaned back in his chair. "Come on. It'll be fair dinkum."

The blond agent rolled his eyes. "And who is your 'good authority'?"

"Lucy."

Myles sighed. "I was afraid of that."

"Oh, come off it, Myles. Who has all the low on what's in the office? The coffee queen..."

"I know. That's why I said that's what I was afraid of." He smiled slightly. "All right, but I'm strictly audience, and I'll spring for dinner to make up for it. Fair enough?"

"Fair enough." Knowing that others would be looking for them, the pair exited the conference room, one headed for the Bullpen and one down the hall.

"And where shall I tell our illustrious leader you have wandered off to?"

"I have an errand to run. I'll be back in twenty."

* * *

Bobby and Myles playing Tara's brothers ... very creative

I looking forward to more ...

ME2

ohhhh....
I have to wonder if Bobby and Myles knows what
they're getting into

what are they up too?

and will this help Tara or amke her feel worse for missing her brothers...only time and posts will tell

Interesting developments, I'm wondering what Myles and Bobby are planning, as Ails said, "only time and posts will tell"!

Sairs

Interesting, to say the least. I am a little nervous as to what these two have up their sleeves, though....

khsingle71 stone the crows would be an australianism which kinda means 'well i'll be' or 'thats amazing' or 'Strewth' [ oh look another australianism!!!] i hope this helped!

Not sure if it should be or or or Guess I'll just have to wait until the next post to see what's going to happen.

kav

Wonderful.. I love it.

Love this. Can't wait to see what Bobby and Myles have up their sleeves...or rather what Bobby has up his sleeve and is dragging Myles into...

Trecebo and Only Me, I'm loving it so far!! I'm excited that you two are writing together!!

The hearing Tara's thoughts along with what she actually says is ingenious!! Can't wait to see where this will take us!! What does Bobby have up his sleeve???

Joy

(Knocking on computer screen) Hello? Are y'all still there? The last part of the story was added over three days ago.... Hello? :whistle:

What? Me impatient? Nah, never! I don't know what you're talking about....

Wow...three days. Sorry bout that. Will add to it shortly.

Previously on CW: "I have an errand to run. I'll be back in twenty."


* * *

"What are you doing?" Myles had opted for the cafeteria today, so he was back at the Bullpen early.

Bobby shrugged. "I saw she hadn't done her desk yet, and I missed seeing her cheer." With a flourish, he planted the fuzzy green Mickey-Santa pen in her pen holder. A rosy Goofy elf perched jauntily on her monitor.

Myles stuck his head back out into the hallway, scanning the crowd coming back from lunch. “I assume you’d prefer she think it was done by elves?” he said quietly.

"Oh, too right!" He quickly laid the rest of the goodies in his desk drawer and sat down.

The blond agent chuckled, leaning on the doorsill and folding his arms over his chest. "She's not coming yet; I was merely ascertaining whether you wanted to know if she was."

"Ah." Bobby nodded. "And that would be ‘Elf-is’ to you, thank you, thank you very much," he said with a grin.

"Oh, no. You're not." Myles groaned, mock-horror on his face. "Tell me you are not..."

"That's right. The King is in the building..." Doing the traditional Elvis arm and hip moves, he launched into 'Blue Christmas,' much to the Bostonian's chagrin.

"Heaven help us." Myles glanced into the hallway again. "Oops, here she comes. If you don't want to get blamed for this explosion of red-and-greenery, might I suggest we retreat in the other direction."

No sooner had they gotten out the north door than Tara came in through the south. She stopped and stared. “What on earth…?”

She took in the little touches of Christmas that had suddenly appeared on her desk. A new mouse pad with Mickey and Minnie as Santa and Mrs. Santa, a red and green mouse, the green fuzzy pen and the smiling Goofy on her monitor; it was as if someone had read her mind. The petite agent sat and stared at the computer screen, a big smile on her face. A pattern of gently falling snowflakes adorned the wallpaper. "Thank you, Santa," she whispered.

Perched on one of the filing cabinets, Dewberry smiled, flicking her fingers to tuck the errant piece of tinsel back into Bobby's desk drawer. Nice job, guys. Keep up the good work…

Awwwww, that was sweet Bobby!

Bobby, you are definitely "The King"!! And, Dewberry, thanks for your help as well!!

Joy

Sweeter than a candy cane. Great job, Bobby.....and Myles too...after all, you did keep watch!

Jill

Awwwww..... Now that was definitely worth the wait. Good job, boys.

And good job Trece and OnlyMe.

Guys ... just too sweet !!!

* * *

The rest of the afternoon was more paperwork, but the mood seemed lighter. Sue, refilling her coffee, leaned over to Tara. “That’s just what we needed,” she said. “I was missing your traditional ‘redecoration’ of your desk. But when did you find time for it?”

The computer tech shook her head. “I didn’t,” she replied. “It was like this when I got back. I thought maybe you and Lucy had done it.”

“Not us.” Sue glanced around the rest of the Bullpen. “You think maybe…?”

“Are you kidding?” Tara snorted delicately. “This bunch? They’re all so clueless, I doubt they even know the difference.”

“So, who’s got plans for this evening?” Bobby raised his voice to include the entire group.

“Nothing lined up yet,” Jack replied. “What you got in mind?”

“Well, since we've managed to impress dire Lord Pitts, I thought we could head for MacGill’s before we vanish for the hollies.”

“MacGill's? Isn't that the place that makes a big deal about their 'Christmas Karaoke Fest'?” Dimitrius asked.

“Yeah. I thought I would do 'The King' for the King...thank you, thank you very much.” A swivel of hips brought wolf whistles from Lucy and Tara.

Sue frowned. “I'm not sure how good of company I'd be in a place like that. It's not like I'm going to be able to hear anyone singing.”

Myles waved to get her attention. “You'll be the most fortunate person there, believe me,” he quipped.

“I heard that, you Ivy-League boomer.”

“Besides, half the fun is watching the audience react,” smiled Lucy.

“Ok, I'm in,” Sue said. “And it sounds like Lucy is, too.”

“I think Donna and the kids are free. We'll come for a bit, just to see the King do his thing,” D slid across the room, his Elvis impression a fair imitation of Bobby's.

Jack laughed. “Now how can I pass that up? Just promise me this won't turn into an 'Elvis-fest'.” He grinned at Myles. “There's some people I just can't take that from.”

“Very funny,” the Harvard grad countered. “I shall be reprising my 'Colonel” role and staying safely off the stage, thank you very much.” He finished it off with an actually half-decent Elvis impersonation.

“What about you, sheila? You game?” Dimples peeked in the petite agent's direction.

Tara sighed. “I don't know - I was finally going to get the stack of Christmas cards on my dining room table done...”

“Well, that's what Sue and I were going to do tomorrow morning before we head over to the shelter. Why don't you bring yours, we'll all do them together, and then you can come with? Make it a full girls' day out.”

Tara smiled brightly. “Now that sounds like a great idea. I'm in for tonight, then.”

***

A/N: Karaoke anyone? Is Elf-is in the HOUSE? Stay tuned....