Very short fluffy holiday ficlet. Enjoy :)
Title: Softer side
author: Cindy Ryan
spoilers: 1x8
category: oneshot, postep
author's notes: Since they didn't give us a winner of the greens-off I picked one :)
"This was a good after dinner tradition you started."Loretta commented as she sat next to Pride near the head of the table.
"Got tired of charades."Dwayne replied with a grin as he watched his daughter play the family piano. "Everyone seems to enjoy the music."
"Those two certainly are."Loretta pointed out with a smile as she inclined her head to the end of the courtyard.
Dwayne's smile widened as he watched his two junior agents dance. He wasn' t sure who was teaching who but from the laughter it seemed to be going well.
"Meredith's been a good fit."Dwayne commented as he took a bite of pumpkin pie.
"Yes and she's brought out her partner's softer side. Been years since I've seen Chris with his dancin' shoes on."Loretta said.
"You made Sebastian the winner to keep the peace, didn't you?"Pride commented with a knowing grin.
"Maybe,maybe not."Loretta replied quietly even though they were the only two left at the table. "I didn't want something as simple as greens tearin;' apart a good partnership."
Dwayne laughed. "Want another piece of pie, Loretta?"
"Depends you havin' one?""The medical examiner asked.
"Another thanksgiving tradition...have to have extra pie."Dwayne responded as he reached for the knife.
"Count me in."Loretta commented as she held up a plate.
"Who taught you to dance?"Meredith asked as Laurel played a slower waltz type song.
"My Aunt Laura."Chris replied watching his footwork. "She made sure all the kids in the family knew how to dance."
"Sounds like a smart woman."Meredith commented.
"She'd like you."Chris responded with a smile. "Even if your greens need some work."
"There was nothing wrong with them."Meredith protested with a laugh.
"They were good just not winnin' material."Chris replied as he spun Meredith.
"Neither were yours."Brody pointed out.
"Streak has to end sometime."Chris grumbled.
"This was probably one of the best thanksgivings I've ever had."Meredith commented sincerely as Chris moved them farther towards the back of the courtyard.
"Since we're usually workin'...we try to make the meal special."Chris stated.
"Good idea."Meredith replied quietly.
"You okay?"Chris asked as they moved back towards the center of the courtyard near the fountain.
"Just thinking how lucky we all are."Meredith commented. "Now show me your aunt's favorite dance that she taught you."
"How do you know I haven't already?"Chris asked with a grin as Laurel switched to a faster beat of music.
Meredith matched his grin. "Because I know you, Chris LaSalle."
Chris's smile only widened as he led Meredith into another dance. As the dancing and music continued well into the night Meredith couldn't remember ever having so much fun.
end