Disclaimer: I obviously don't own NCIS:New Orleans.
A/N: So as the summery says, this is going to be where I put random drabbles or ficlets. This one was written immediately after tonight's episode (1x17 ) and is meant to be a 'missing scene' that takes place before Brody takes Pride the sandwich. It's just a little thing with Loretta and Brody.
Meredith paced from one end of the empty autopsy table to the other with her arms crossed. When having a dilemma about what to do about one of the team she'd gotten into the habit of visiting Loretta. The M.E. knew both Pride and LaSalle pretty well and always had a few words of wisdom to pass on. Today was one of the days where she could use some of those wise words and experience.
"I'm worried about him," she confessed as she continued to pace back and worth. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Loretta smile softly before it faded back into a slightly saddened expression. "I don't know what to do though. LaSalle says we just need to go along with what he says. I'm fine with backing Pride up, but he's not acting like himself."
Loretta sighed and moved closer to the autopsy table, stopping on the opposite side. She placed both hands on the surface and leaned against it for a moment without replying right away. "I've seen Dwayne do this before. He pushes people away, isolates himself..."
"Obsesses," Merri commented knowingly.
"Yes." The M.E. pushed off the table and walked around to stand next to her, putting a stop to the pacing. She leaned back against the table, crossed her arms, and stared a spot on the floor. "I can't really give you all that much advice, Merri. Just be there for him. Make sure he knows that you're there for him, that he can rely on you." Loretta scoffed and glanced sideways at her with a half-smile. "If you're feeling lucky you could try getting him to eat something."
Brody nodded thoughtfully. "I can do that."
"I have no doubt you can," Loretta replied with another warm smile.
"Thanks, Loretta," she said earnestly. She had a pretty good idea what to do now and got the gist of what the M.E. was saying. She just needed to reassure King and get him to open up a bit. And make him eat too. She headed towards the door with a new determination and a new mission.
"Anytime, Merri. Take care of him."
She paused in the doorway and looked back at the M.E., brows furrowed in concern. "You think he'll be alright?"
Loretta tapped her fingers on the autopsy table for a moment, her other hand propped on her hip, as she considered the question. "I think he will. Just as long as his friends stay close."
She nodded lightly in understanding before turning and making her way out of the room. She had a sandwich to make and a friend to look after.