Disclaimer-I don't own NCIS New Orleans or it characters.
A/N-I have marked this as complete but I am not sure. Should I leave it a one shot or do more? Let me know what you all think please.
That time of year had come again that Meredith Brody hated, annual leave. The thought of time with her parents was just to depressing to even consider but they were the only family she had. As she started to wind things up ready to go she looked across at her parter Chris LaSalle who was doing the same thing as she was. The whole team was booked for 2 weeks off, orders from on high since they had done nothing but work for 6 months without a break. The only difference between her and Chris was he seemed happy to be packing up. Looking over at Dwayne Prides desk she saw he had all ready shut his computer down and was filling away the last bits off his desk. Even he looked happy to be getting out of here.
"What you guy's got planed then, anything interesting or fun lined up?" Merri asked both men.
"Laurel has said she wants to spend some time with her old man so I get to spend 2 weeks on a beach somewhere with my baby girl. No idea where the hell we are going but I don't care as long as she is happy" Pride told Merri as he put the last files away and locked the cabinet up.
"What you got planned Christopher" Dwayne asked as he sat on the edge of LaSalle's desk.
"I get to spend 2 weeks with the family which as far as I know means at least 1 week camping".
Now she really was depressed, that meant she had 2 weeks to fill up and both men were away so she couldn't drop by for something to do. Chris sensed something wasn't right with his partner so he put the last few files back on his desk and went and stood next to Brody.
"What's up? You seemed sort of peeved at the fact you got 2 weeks holiday".
"I am fine really it's just, well Pride gets to go sun it up with his daughter and you got your family and here I am stuck with 2 weeks of completely nothing. The thought of a day with my parents is a no-no never mind 2 weeks. At least I can spend my time finding out all about the town and do the tourist type stuff I guess".
As she spoke she packed away the last of her stuff and shut down her computer. When she finished speaking she saw Chris had pulled out his phone. She turned to leave so he could make his call in private but he caught her wrist and stopped her from walking away. Glancing back she looked at him about to ask what he was doing when he started to speak in to the phone.
"Hey Tricia, listen is it ok if I bring someone with me when I come over. She's a friend and she's at a loose end"
Now Merri was listening, who was Tricia and who was the friend he was on about. Then it dawned on her who the friend in question was and she was just about to protest when she heard Chris saying bye and put the phone back in his pocket.
"All sorted, you get to spend a whole 2 weeks with the LaSalle family and the many cousin's l have" .
Merri just stood there shocked. One minute she was spending 2 weeks on her own and the next she was spending it with her partner and his family going camping and god only knew what else. She went to open her mouth to protest and say it really wasn't necessary but Chris stopped her before she could start.
"No arguing now, it's all sorted. Now we just got to get you home and packed" Chris told Merri as he dragged her towards the doors and his car.
Once they arrived at Merri's house both got out the car and walked up to the house together.
"Just make yourself comfortable, you know where everything is. If you tell me where we are going l can pack the right stuff? Merri shouted at Chris as she walked up the stairs to pack her stuff in the big duffel bag she had grabbed out the hall closet.
"Pack stuff that you feel comfortable in, lounging round stuff you know. Maybe a few outfits for going out for a meal in but not to fancy, the stuff you wear for work looks just fine on you. Make sure its warm as it can get a bit chilly at night. If you got a sleeping bag bring that too but if not a got a spare. That's all l can think of, I've been packed a few day's now so am all done".
Just as he finished making the coffee Merri could be heard dragging a very heavy bag down the stairs and along the passage floor. Leaving it at the front door as she passed she followed the smell of coffee in to the lounge, just in time as Chris set the cup's on the table and sat on the couch. Merri sat down next to him and picked up her coffee taking a sip, just how she liked it.
"I will have to keep you around, you make a mean coffee just the way l like it" Merri said flashing Chris that amazing smile she had that seemed to light up her whole face.
"We aim to please ma'am" Chris replied in that very sexy Alabama drawl of his that sent most women weak at the knees.
They sat drinking their coffee whilst Chris gave her a run down of all the people she would probably meet when they got there. He wasn't sure himself till he arrived who was there but he would do the introductions then. When they finished their coffee Chris asked if she was ready and had everything she needed as it was a 5 hour journey and they weren't coming back for a hair dryer. Merri thumped Chris just before he feel about laughing.
"Well let's go then, l can't wait to go home. I can show you the town and where l grew up. May even take you on a tour of the great Alabama university". Chris told her as they walked to the door and he picked her bag up to carry it to his car. Leaving Chris to carry her bag she locked up and went to join Chris who was standing waiting at the passenger door to help her in the car. Once in the Chris started the car and drove straight home, eager to get under away and start his vacation.
At Chris's house they both went in the house. Chris grabbed his bag from behind the door and took it to the car while Merri excused herself to the bathroom. When she came out Chris was standing with his spare sleeping bag in his hand waiting at the front door to lock up.
"Come on we got to hit the road, want to get there before its dark if we can" Chris grabbed hold of Merri and pulled her out the door.
Gaining her balance again she waited for Chris to lock up and followed him to the car. As he threw the spare sleeping bag in the trunk with the bags Merri climbed in the car and started to adjust the seat. She saw the way Chris looked at her when he got in so told him
"If l sit in this seat for a 5 hour journey l am sure as hell going to be comfortable doing it".
Chris just shrugged and started the engine. He didn't care what she did with the seat but she better hurry up and do it as he wanted to leave. Finally after 5 minutes spent messing around she was finally ready. Flooring the gas they shot off down the street for the a road trip to Alabama.
2 and a half hours in to the trip and Chris was sat whistling away. He seemed to get happier, if that was possible, the closer they got to his home town. Merri had no idea what to expect when she meet Chris's family. Other than her own parents who the worst example ever she had no idea how normal families got on. The closer she got to Chris's home town the more nervous she became. She hoped they liked her and that they could accept her crashing in on their family time. Pulled from her thought's she noticed the car had stopped and they were parked up at a gas station.
"Rest room and coffee break, then back on the road" she heard Chris say as the driver's door shut behind him as he exited the car.
Chris was out the car and in the shop before she had even realized. Climbing out the car she stretched and followed Chris inside. Chris was getting coffee and what looked like snacks to eat while he drove. Heading for the rest room she knew he would make this stop as quick as possible so he could get back on the road and home. After finishing in the rest room she came back to the car and found enough junk food to feed 4 people as well as 2 large coffees. After climbing in and doing her belt up they were back on the road and in between eating and drinking coffee Chris would drop in bits of info about his town and his family.
He seemed to be drawing on some energy force that his home town was sending out because after an hour or so he had done nothing but talk and laugh and share stories with her about home and his family. It was nice seeing this side of her partner, he was always happy and cheerful but this was way more. Looking over at him as he told another tale of his childhood she realized how cute he looked when he laughed. His laugh was catching and the more stories he told she found herself getting caught up with his tales and laughing along with him.
They had spent so long talking and laughing that she didn't realise they had arrived in town till Chris started to point out a few places as they drove past. A few minutes later they were pulling up outside a house and Chris had switched the ignition off.
"Come on, let's see whose's home to meet us" Chris said as he opened the passenger door and held out his hand to help Merri out the car.
Taking the hand that was offered she climbed out and stood looking at the house in front of her. There was toy's in the front yard and the sound of children playing could be heard coming from somewhere either in the house or the back yard. Turning she walked to the trunk to help Chris with the bags but found him standing next to her with both their bags in his hands. Without saying a word he was away up the path leaving her to catch him up.
Instead of using the front door he headed over to the right of the house to a path that led round the back. As they rounded the back of the house she was hit by a loud sound of people shouting and screaming and she watched as people appeared from what seemed like no where and her partner disappeared under a mass of bodies. After a few moments Chris re-appeared as the people slowly let go and one by one backed away. It was then they noticed her standing slightly back from everyone else. Chris reached round and grabbing her hand pulled her forward so she was level with him and started the introduction.
"Everyone this is my partner and good friend Meredith Brody. Merri this is just some of the family" he gestured to the people in front of him.
One by one he went round and introduced each person, which included at least 5 cousins and their partners and children. Just then the back door swung open to reveal a women who was about the same height as her with dark hair and dark coloured eye's just like Chris's. Everyone looked up at the same time and smiled when they saw the look on the women's face and the look on Chris's face when they saw each other.
"Christopher get you butt up here and give your momma a hug now,am 'gettin' to old to be climbing these stairs" the women shouted down.
Chris nearly broke in to a run getting up the stairs to meet the women at the top of them.
When he reached the top he engulfed the women in his arms making sure he placed a kiss on her cheek. They stayed like that for a minute until she saw Merri standing watching them.
"Well who's this pretty woman you brought with you Christopher, do I get an introduction"
Breaking the hug Chris turned and gestured for Merri to come up. Walking up the stairs Merri suddenly felt very nervous again. Chris sensed this and stretched out his hand to her. Taking it she walked up the last few steps and stopped in front of him and his mom.
"Momma this is Meredith Brody, Meredith this is my momma, Meredith and l work together at NCIS momma, she's my partner and looks out for me"
Next thing Merri knew she was sweeped in to a hug by Chris's mother. Feeling slightly out-of-place she gently hugged the women back. When they broke apart Merri stepped back and looked between Chris and his mother.
"Very pleased to meet you Mrs LaSalle,you son's a fine man with impeccable manners. You must be very proud of him" Merri said watching a red blush flash across Chris's cheeks.
"Less of the title, it's Edna to all my family and while you stop here your family. You eaten yet? We saved some supper as we weren't sure what time you would get here" asking both Merri and Chris at the same time.
"Great am famished,come on lets eat" Chris said taking Merri's hand and hauling her through the back door in to the kitchen.
Within minutes there was a spread of food placed on the table for the 2 of them and before she could say thank you Chris was all ready filling his plate up and tucking in. People had started to come in from the yard and Merri noticed out the corner of her eye their bags had been brought in and were disappearing down the hall. They were left to eat in the kitchen on their own while the others went in to the lounge. For someone who had stuffed his face with junk food while driving, Chris was still able to finish off 3 plates of food.
Finally after second helping's herself they were both full and stood to clear away this dishes.
"Leave that be, I'll do that. You go get settled in, its been a long day for you both and you got an early start tomorrow. Go on l will see to this" Edna said as she sent both of them out the kitchen and in to the hall.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs Merri tried but failed to stifle a yawn. It had been a long day and she didn't realize how tired she was till now. Letting Chris passed she followed him up the stairs and along the landing till they came to a door with a little plague on bearing the name 'Christopher'. Pushing the door open Chris stepped aside and let Merri enter first. They were obviously in his childhood room judging by the posters and college banners hung about the room. Merri stood looking at the picture's of a much younger Chris that were framed on the shelves. He was just as sexy then as he was now and no doubt just as charming back then. Looking round more it was then she noticed a problem.
"Chris, both our bags have been put in here. I know were partners but do your family think we are partners in that sense as well?".
Chris disappeared from the room and ran downstairs to the kitchen. She heard part of the conversation about to many people in the house and making the best of it for one night. Not liking how that went she hoped he had a better solution when he came back in. Entering the room she noticed he didn't meet her gaze.
"You take the bed and I will grab the floor, seems the house is slightly full and its only till morning" shifting from the balls of his feet to the heals to avoid having to look up.
Merri turned and looked at the bed, it looked like a slightly small double bed. Walking over to Chris she placed her hand on his arm and spoke
"I am sure we are both adult enough to share a bed Chris, it's your bed and l will not have you sleeping on the floor. Like you say it's only till morning so I am sure we can manage".
With that she turned and grabbing her bag she started to root around for her wash stuff and night-clothes. After emptying half her bag she found what she wanted and disappeared out the door to the bathroom. Chris stood in the middle of his childhood room with a smile slowly spreading across his face .Here he was at home and was about to spend the next 2 weeks with a very beautiful and attractive women. By sheer luck he got to share his bed with her, if only for one night. He was going to be a true gentleman and show her some of his award-winning charm and see what happened. You knew know, he may get her to bend or even break that golden rule of hers, only time would tell.
Just then he was brought back from his day-dream as Merri walked back in the door.
"Well that's me ready, you want the window or door" indicting to the bed as she dropped her stuff back next to her bag.
"I'll take the window if that's okay with you" he asked as he bent down and removed his shoes. Standing up he removed his t-shirt and was about to remove his pants when he stopped.
"Hope you don't mind but I only sleep in boxer's" removing his pants and tossing them on the floor as he spoke.
"Doesn't bother me" Merri said making sure to look at him as she answered just so she could see him and rake her eye's over what she could most defiantly say was a very sexy body.
Chris jumped in to bed and lay on his back,pulling the blankets over himself and lay waiting for her to get in. Merri switched the light off and climbed in to bed making sure not to bump in to Chris when she lay down. They both lay there is silence looking at the ceiling not sure what to say or do. Turning on to her side facing away from Chris she snuggled under the blankets saying good night as she closed her eyes and waited for sleep to claim her. Chris heard her saying night and mumbled the same back as he turned and faced the lay there as still as could be hoping he would fall asleep fast.
The next morning Merri woke and a few things came to her all at once. The first was the smell assaulting her nostrils. If she was right there was bacon and egg cooking in the kitchen. The second was how warm and safe she felt. Snuggling back against the firm,warm body she found herself wrapped in she didn't want to open her eye's. Wait one minute, firm warm body! Very slowly she opened her eyes and that was when she remembered where she was and most importantly who she was snuggled up to. It was more than snuggled up to as well, his firm well muscled arms were wrapped around her and their fingers interlocked. There was no telling where one pair of legs started and the others finished as they were linked with each other. How on earth did this happen? She had no knowledge of anything after she fell asleep. Somehow during the night their bodies had moved towards each other and they had stayed that way till now. This was not how she expected to wake up but it could have been a lot worse.
Chris had been awake for a while, he tried getting back to sleep but it was no good. The women he had wrapped up in his arms was very distracting. When he woke up he was a little confused to find Merri all snuggled up in his arms. After the shocked wore off he decided that the best thing to do was take total advantage of the situation. He pulled her closer in to him and was happy to feel her snuggle in. Lying very still he didn't want to move in case he burst the bubble and Merri woke up and moved away. He'd had a few girl friends in his time so was no stranger to waking with a women in his arms. Yet this time felt different for a few different reasons.
The first being he was not sure if the women in his arms wanted to be there. Second was when he snuggled with his previous girl friends he never felt he wanted to do it long term. He felt different about Merri, he wasn't sure if he could explain it. He couldn't shake the feeling that he would be happy if he woke up like this every day, with this one women in his arms till he drew his last breath. Resting his head closer to the back of hers he inhaled deeply. He wasn't sure if he would ever get to do this again so he wanted to remember every last detail. How she felt in his arms, how her hair smelt, how soft her skin felt, how well there fingers fitted together. He burned in to his memory all of this information because he knew when Merri woke she would pull away and they would be just good friends as always.
She had to move and face the situation she was in. Letting go off Chris's hands she turned over to face him, keeping her eye's closed till she rolled over. She wasn't sure if he was awake but she guessed her moving would wake him. Sure enough when she finally opened her eye's Chris was awake and staring at her. She locked eye's with him and was taken a back by the sheer force of the emotions playing across his face and in his eye's. If she was reading him right then she saw a mix of happiness, trust, loyalty but most of all love.
Closing her eye's at the turmoil she now felt, she did the only thing that made sense to her slightly confused brain. She snuggled even deeper in to his embrace, burying her face in his chest. Snaking her arm round him she held him tight as if afraid he would disappear. They lay still like this for several moments as they both processed what was happening.
Chris was in total shock, he was speechless. When Merri turned to face him he expected her to make a joke about their situation and get up. Yet here she was now snuggled deep in to his chest and her arm round his waist. He had to open and shut his eye's a few times to make sure he was awake and this was not a dream. When he realized he was wide awake and that Merri was most defiantly lying in his arms he wrapped his arms a little tighter around her and closed his eye's. He could now admit to himself that yes he most defiantly was falling in love with this beautiful, smart, funny, sexy, kick ass women. Leaning forward he placed a gently kiss on her head and stayed there, with his lips resting where he kissed her.
Merri felt the kiss on her head and the fact he left his lips resting their. His breath played across her hair and scalp causing goose bumps. She shivered slightly at the sensation making Chris hold her a bit tighter if that was even possible. These feelings she had for the man who had her so tightly in-cased in his arms were new to her. She had been in love before once but this was something else. The connection she felt between them was deeper than she thought possible. He was a strong,compassionate, funny, caring and sexy as hell guy. He could have his pick of women as she had seen at work when the women drooled over him. Yet here they were in his childhood bed wrapped up in each other's arm's tighter than snails to there shell's. She had sworn to herself never to mix work and pleasure in case it went wrong but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't help the way she felt. A lone tear escaped her eye, rolling down her cheek and landed on Chris's chest.
Chris felt the tear on his chest and pulled back a little at the same time as using one of his hands to slot under her chin and raise her face so he could see. He looked down at her when he finally got her to look up. He watched to see if there was any doubt on her face as he slowly tipped his head towards her. Locking eye's with her's he ever so gently brushed his lips across hers, savoring there first kiss. She returned the kiss with a gently tug on his bottom lip with her teeth. They both drew back a little and smiled at each one knew what the future had in store for them but they had 2 weeks together to just be themselves. They could relax and get to know each other on a whole new level. From now on they would face the world as friends,partners and more importantly lovers.