I Loved Her First

Nell had barely sat down and started to catch her breath when Randy walked up next to her. "You game to dance?"

She would never turn her brother down. "Sure." Nell dropped left hand into Randy's right and they made their way onto the dance floor.

She couldn't quite make out the DJs words until they were on the floor. "—first man in your life, 'cause this is I Loved Her First."

Randy met her gaze and grinned.

Nate turned to Callen. "He totally requested that, didn't he?"
Callen nodded. "Yep, he did. Think he's trying to make a point?"

Both men glanced toward Eric, as he watched Nell and her big brother dance.

Look at the two of you, dancing that way,

Lost in the moment, and each other's face.

So much in love, you're alone in this place,

Like there's nobody else in the world.

Randy expertly steered Nell around the dance floor in a lively two-step waltz. Eric found himself watching the pair constantly, even though he knew other people on the dance floor.

I was enough for her, not long ago.

I was her number one, she told me so,

And she still needs the world to me, just so you know,

So be careful when you hold my girl.

Randy flawlessly turned Nell so that they were back-to-back before twirling her effortlessly around him. While it was a less complicated move than many they had performed on faster songs, Callen was drawn to the quiet, smooth expertise the pair executed it with.

Time changes everything, life must go on,

And I'm not going to stand in your way.

Eric couldn't help but smile as he watched Sam dance with his daughter, but he kept being drawn back to Randy and Nell.

I loved her first, I held her first,

And a place in my heart will always be hers.

Nate could have sworn Randy looked straight at Eric before returning his gaze to Nell, smiling softly.

And I prayed that she'd find you someday,

But it's still hard to give her away,

I loved her first.

Randy expertly twirled Nell out and under his arm, the pair keeping perfect step as they moved side-by-side and then back into a ballroom hold.

How could that beautiful woman with you

Be the same freckle-faced kid that I knew,

The one that I read all those fairy tales to,

And tucked into bed all those nights.

Callen watched Randy's face as he and Nell waltzed. It was equal parts brotherly love and quiet angst at the realization that his baby sister was all grown up.

And I knew the first time I saw you with her

It was only a matter of time.

I loved her first, I held her first,

And a place in my heart will always be hers.

Nell seemingly melted further into Randy's protective hold as the song progressed. Eric noticed (to his relief) that she wasn't trying to hide how much she had missed him any more. It always gave him a dull ache in his heart when he caught Nell studying a picture of Randy longingly.

Someday you might know what I'm going through

When a miracle smiles up at you.

I loved her first.

Randy held Nell in a tight hug for a second before whispering something in her ear and leading her off the dance floor. "I'm beat," Randy sighed. "Better call it a night." Nell hugged him briefly before heading toward the water cooler.

Randy looked at Eric, and the young Tech held the Marine's gaze for a long second. "She's yours, Eric." Randy's look told Eric that, deep down, he wasn't just talking about dance partners.

"I'll take care of her," Eric replied solemnly.

Randy paused for a minute before solidly shaking Eric's hand. "Thank you."

Eric let his gaze drift over past the water cooler, watching Nell as she conversed with Kensi. He was reminded of the last words he heard before Randy found him. Maybe someday.

Eric glanced toward Nell again and smiled slowly. Yep, someday.

xxxxxx

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