AN: This is a slight crossover with CSI:NY but it's considered AU for both JAG and CSI:NY. I'll explain any CSI:NY characters that will appear like I would an OC. I'll be working on it this whole week before I have to go back to college so I hope to have a few chapters for you guys this week and then I'll be working on it here and there once I get back down there.
Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez sat staring out into the crowd of dancers at the bar Commander Rabb had chosen for the JAG outing. As the Latin music penetrated the bar he glanced over at the other occupants of the table. Admiral Chegwidden was looking as relaxed as was appropriate for a commanding officer in the presence of those under his command, the Roberts had chosen to take a break after Lt Bud Roberts had stepped on his wife's toes a multitude of times, and the final member of JAG still sitting was Lt Loren Singer looking like she wanted to dance. After an internal debate where his good sense lost he got up and walked over to the pariah of JAG
"Would you care to dance, ma'am?" Victor asked holding his hand out to the blonde woman as the most recent song came to an end. She stared at his hand for a moment before looking up at him as if questioning his motives in her head.
"Yes, thank you, Gunny." She finally decided placing her hand in his hesitantly.
They stepped onto the floor and he placed his left hand on the middle of her back, holding her left hand in his right while she placed her right hand on his shoulder. They kept an appropriate distance between them and their eyes locked as the first strains of a tango began. He watched as Loren's eyes seemed to light up and she smiled just slightly in joy at the song and he smiled back. He'd never seen the normally closed off Lieutenant showing such openness or smiling.
He led her across the floor and she followed his moves easily never once faltering. Her gaze clearly offered a challenge when she realized he wasn't giving his all and he gave a slight smile before making his moves faster and slightly more complicated. She only raised an elegant eyebrow at him and he once again accepted the challenge. This cycle continued until the final note. Only when the applause broke their bubble did he gently pull her up from the dip they had ended in both flushed, panting, and grinning, gazes locked. He held onto her hand as they both took a bow before releasing it and placing on the small of her back to lead her off the dance floor.
All of the JAG members had returned to sit or stand around their table when the two dancers returned. They looked on slack jawed at the change in the two most closed off people at JAG HQ. They were both still grinning as their eyes nearly sparkling in their happiness. Loren's hair, which she had let down this evening, was mussed and tangled from the various spins, dips, and mild lifts.
"I had no idea you could dance, ma'am." Gunny said still grinning.
"I was required to learn several styles of dance growing up." Her smile dimmed and she again became closed off and Gunny resolved to make her smile again.
"That was fantastic!" Commander Rabb said staring slack jawed at the two. They both blushed and said their 'thank you's as other members of the staff expressed their surprise and enjoyment at the impromptu dance.
The night continued on as it did every other outing for everyone except Lt Singer and Gunny. The two sat near enough to the Admiral that he could testify that nothing inappropriate had occurred but far enough away that he couldn't hear everything that they said.
"Miss Loren, Miss Megan, if you two can't stop squirming and start paying attention I'm going to have to hold you back after class." Miss Claire said glaring at the twin nine year olds. Miss Claire had graduated from the Academy last year and had returned to teach dance there after an accident a few months ago.
"Sorry, Miss Claire, but Mac's coming home today…"Loren started.
"And we're really excited to see him!" Megan finished for her twin both bouncing up and down on their toes. Miss Claire's face lost its stern look as she crouched down in front of the younger girls.
"I know you girls are excited but it's unlady like to bounce or squirm like a toddler. It's also unsafe to express your excitement at seeing someone in such a public way. If one of these other boys or girls were an enemy they would instantly know the best way to hurt you is through your brother. You have to school your expressions. It's not bad to experience and show emotion it's just not safe to do so in such a public area. Understood?" Miss Claire said looking between the two.
"Yes, ma'am." They answered together both looking down at their toes.
"I'm excited to see him too, we graduated together and he's my friend too." Miss Claire winked at the two and the three shared a quick smile before she schooled her features and went back to teaching.
"Boy on the floor!" Came the call from the common room and was echoed by every girl on the floor. Megan and Loren shared a grin and ran into the common room and into the arms of a nineteen year old man wearing the uniform of a United States Marine.
"Hey, munchkins!" He called kneeling on the ground and wrapping an arm around each of them in a bear hug.
"We missed you lots and lots." Loren mumbled into his chest.
"It's horrible here without you." Megan said also mumbling into his chest.
"It can't be that bad, now it'll be your birthdays tomorrow and I brought a surprise for each of you." Mac said pulling back and letting go of the girls in order to reach over next to his rucksack on the floor. He returned with two small, pink cardboard boxes. Loren and Megan each opened one and pulled out a cupcake. Mac put a candle in each and lit it with his lighter.
"Happy birthday, Angel, Honey. Make a wish." He whispered as they closed their eyes and blew out their candles. As they did Mac silently made a promise to himself to get them out of the Academy as soon as possible.
The Academy was a four story building - not including the basement - outside Washington D.C. It was an orphanage where orphans were trained and educated instead of adopted. The basement was used as a training area for simple physical workouts, hand-to-hand combat, and the use of knives and guns. The first floor was dedicated to the kitchen, dining room, and the office and living quarters of the Director. The second floor was the class rooms, offices, and living quarters of the four other teachers on staff. The third floor was the girls' dormitory where the staircase opened up into a large, comfortable common room with four doors off of it leading to bedrooms. The first bedroom was for 4-9 year olds, the second for 10-13 year olds, the third for 14-18 year olds, the fourth was for girls who returned on college breaks, military leave, or on a break from a mission. Each room was equipped with a bathroom and beds for five girls except for the graduates' room which had two bathrooms and beds for twenty. The fourth floor was the boys' dormitory and was set up identical to the girls'. No one had ever left without permission from the Director.