Hey guys, so as promised here is a series of one-shots based around LaSalle and Dodge/Talia. These can be read in any order and will span anywhere from the end of chapter ten to after the epilogue. This one takes place sometime after the epilogue.
Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS: New Orleans or the characters
"Please LaSalle" Dodge asked as she followed her adoptive father into the apartment. He had a day off today and the two had gone out for lunch as a result. "It's the biggest party of the year and everyone is going"
Danny had been the one to tell Dodge about the party in the first place, and had suggested she go. He had told her it would be a good way to meet other kids her age and an easy way to have a good time. Since hearing about it, Dodge had tried nonstop to get LaSalle to let her go.
"Talia," LaSalle responded, and Dodge could hear the sternness in his voice. "We've been through this. You aren't going to that party"
Huffing, Dodge stopped in her tracks and watched as LaSalle continued to walk further into the apartment. "And why not?" she asked. Despite living with LaSalle for awhile now, Dodge was still used to having her way.
Dodge stiffened slightly when LaSalle turned around to face her. "Talia, you aren't going. Those kinds of parties aren't safe and there is usually underage drinking. My answer is still no" he replied.
"I won't do anything stupid, I promise!" Dodge said, almost pleading now. It was risky pushing the subject, but Dodge had always been one to take risks even before she met LaSalle.
"Talia Grace!" LaSalle said, causing Dodge to flinch slightly. He never used her middle name unless he was being serious. "You aren't going, and that's final. Do I make myself clear?"
Crossing her arms over her chest, Dodge quietly mumbled "crystal"
"Talia, you okay?" LaSalle asked, knocking on Dodge's bedroom door later that night. It was about ten, and LaSalle knew she would still be up.
Not hearing an answer, LaSalle sighed. "Talia, I know you're upset still but giving me the silent treatment isn't going to make me change my mind" he continued.
LaSalle waited for a response once more, and after about two minutes he frowned. There wasn't even any sounds suggesting movement. Maybe she's just asleep. LaSalle thought, but he doubted that. Dodge was a night owl who often stayed up later than him.
"Talia, I'm coming in" LaSalle said, opening the door. The bedroom lights were turned off and it took a second before LaSalle's eyes adjusted to the light. When they did though, LaSalle frowned at what he saw.
Dodge's bed was empty, and it was very clear that she hadn't been in it since this morning. Upon looking further, LaSalle also noted how her window was open just enough that Dodge could slip her hands under and open it further.
Furious but trying to remain calm, LaSalle walked out of his adopted daughter's bedroom. He quickly grabbed his phone and truck keys before leaving the apartment. He should have known Dodge would sneak out to go to the party. She was used to making choices on her own and not being told 'no'. So it was to be expected.
Dodge waded her way through the overcrowded house, looking for Danny. All around her loud music was playing and teenagers were dancing, talking, and drinking. It was chaotic and while Dodge had initially disliked it, she was growing used to it.
"Danny, hey!" Dodge called out loudly as she spotted her friend sitting on a couch surrounded by other kids. His eyes were focused on the TV in front of them and as Dodge got closer, she noticed they were playing some video game.
"Hey Lia, grab a controller and sit down" Danny said, scooting over slightly to make room for Dodge. Smiling, Dodge sat down and grabbed a controller. She waited until the round was finished before joining in. It looked to be some racing game, but Dodge didn't know the name of it.
As they started the race, Danny looked over at Dodge. "I'm surprised you managed to convince LaSalle to let you come. I was positive he would say no" he stated.
Dodge scoffed, glancing over at Danny before returning her attention to the game. All around them, people were shouting and cheering them on. "He did. That's why I snuck out"
"No way. Talia Grace LaSalle, the kid that never does anything that can get her in trouble, snuck out? What a surprise!" Danny said, laughing. Dodge rolled her eyes in response.
"You're one to talk Danny. We both know Loretta wouldn't let you come to this party as well" Dodge stated. She knew Loretta and knew that the doctor would have told Danny no as well.
"Yes, but everybody expects me to sneak out" Danny responded. "Nobody would expect you to do it"
Shaking her head, Dodge returned her attention to the game. They were on the last lap, and Dodge was in the lead. Danny wasn't far behind though, and Dodge knew it would be a close round. However, within a few seconds Dodge had crossed the finish line first.
"Better luck next time, Danny" Dodge said, smile on her face as she stood up and handed the controller to someone else.
Shaking his head, Danny stood up as well. "Yeah, keep smiling 'Lia." he said, causing Dodge's smile to widen. "Anyways, I'm hungry. Want to come with me to find some food?"
Nodding, Dodge followed Danny through the crowd. The two had just made it to the snack bar when they heard a loud 'bang' come from the living room. Almost instantly the music stopped playing and everyone looked over to the door.
Suppressing a gasp of surprise, Dodge quickly hid behind Danny. "What is he doing here?" she whispered.
Standing in the doorway was LaSalle, and he looked furious. Dodge didn't need to be told why though. She knew why.
"I'm going to take a wild guess and say that he's here looking for you" Danny responded, and Dodge could hear the sarcasm in his voice.
"Danny, I have got to get out of here" Dodge mumbled. Without waiting for a reply, she crept out from behind her friend and began to wade through the crowd of kids. It wasn't too hard this time since most had stopped moving and were whispering among themselves.
"Talia Grace LaSalle!" LaSalle called out, causing Dodge to stop in her tracks. She turned around and came face to face with a very angry looking LaSalle.
Scratching the back of her neck, Dodge gave her adoptive father a sheepish grin. "Hey LaSalle" she said, trying to sound casual.
"Don't 'hey LaSalle' me. We're going home" LaSalle said, frowning. He then turned his attention to the rest of the kids. "And I suggest you guys do the same before I call the cops" LaSalle said, raising his voice so he could be heard.
Almost immediately the crowd of kids started making their way towards the door to leave. Eventually it was just Dodge, LaSalle, and Danny. Looking over at her friend, Dodge shot him a look that said 'help me'.
"Talia" Danny said, as he walked over to Dodge and LaSalle. "I'll pray for you"
Dodge was about to reply, but LaSalle beat her to it. "Danny, I suggest you pray for yourself as well. I called Loretta and told her where you were. She expects you to go home straight away" he said, fixing Danny with a stern look.
"Talia, what were you thinking?" LaSalle asked as he and Dodge walked into the apartment. He had calmed down significantly during the car ride home and though he was still angry at the kid, he was mainly disappointed in the fact that she had disobeyed him.
Instead of answering however, Talia shrugged and walked past him and into the living room. This caused LaSalle to frown as he followed her. "Talia, you know that shrugging is not an answer"
"Well what do you want me to say, LaSalle?" Dodge asked, snapping. LaSalle quickly shot her a warning look, letting her know that he didn't approve of her attitude.
"An explanation would be nice" LaSalle replied, sighing as he sat down on the couch.
Dodge didn't answer right away, but LaSalle was patient. He knew the kid needed time to gather her thoughts. After about a minute, Dodge started. "I wasn't thinking, not really anyway" she mumbled. "My only thought was I wanted to go to the party"
"Even after I told you no a thousand times?" LaSalle questioned. He already knew the answer, but he wanted Dodge to say it.
Nodding, Dodge continued. "Yeah. Even after you told me no. But you have to understand, LaSalle. I grew up on the streets. I'm used to doing things my way without anyone questioning it"
Shaking his head, LaSalle looked down at his adoptive daughter. "Talia, you know that's no excuse for disobeying me" he replied, sighing.
"I know that, LaSalle. But it doesn't make it any easier" Dodge responded, looking down at her feet. LaSalle could tell she felt guilty about the whole thing. "I'm not used to anyone taking care of me"
Sighing, LaSalle looked at his adoptive daughter. "Talia, look at me" he said softly. Once he had her attention, LaSalle continued. "I'm your father now, and it's my job to take care of you. It's also your job to listen to me when I tell you 'no'. It's not being me being mean, it's me trying to keep you safe. Listening to me isn't always going to be easy, but you got to try. You're going to mess up sometimes, and that's okay. But you got to try"
Nodding, Dodge didn't say anything for a few seconds. "Does that mean you'll let me off the hook this time?"
LaSalle smirked at Dodge, holding back a laugh. "Not quite, Talia. You're still in trouble" he said. He frowned however when he saw Dodge's face pale slightly. "It's nothing serious, but you do need to be punished"
"What are you going to do?" Dodge asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Obviously you're grounded for two weeks. So that means no phone and no going over to Loretta's to hang out with Danny or having him over here" LaSalle said, noticing how Dodge relaxed at that. "Also, because I can't trust you to stay put when you're told to, during your grounding you are coming to work with me every day so I can keep an eye on you"
Dodge opened her mouth to protest the last part, but LaSalle quickly shot a glare at her. Instantly, Dodge's mouth closed and LaSalle's gaze softened. "Alright, it's late kid and we both have to be up tomorrow. So get to bed" he said, standing up.
Dodge nodded and as she headed to her bedroom she looked back at LaSalle one last time. "Thanks LaSalle, for everything" she said before disappearing into her bedroom.
LaSalle smiled as he looked at Dodge's closed bedroom door. "You're welcome" he whispered before heading to his bedroom.
So there you have it, the first one-shot. I plan on writing these whenever I have time so updates can vary. Also, if you have any requests PM me them and I'll see what I can do with it :)