Baby it's cold outside. Neric all the way. December 10th. A dance rehearsal in preparation for the NCIS Christmas party sees Melissa, Nate, Eric and Nell dancing down in the gym as Callen and the team watch. Nell's point of view.
'Hetty wants us all down in the gym.' Melissa states as she enters Ops.
'What us?' Eric seems surprised, turning in his chair.
'Yes us, the team includes you,' Melissa confirms. 'Don't ask me why it appears that's top secret.'
'Intriguing.' I'm intrigued. Hetty appears to be up to something. I swivel in my chair and stand up and walk towards Melissa with a smile. Melissa smiles back as I join her before we both face Eric.
'Do I have to?' Eric moans. I glance at Melissa who rolls her eyes before leaving. She seems sympathetic to my plight. It seems I get the task of convincing Eric to leave Ops again… Why do they always think I'll fare any better?
'Yes Beale.' I answer him offering him my hand and he reluctantly joins me by the doors. He takes my hand and we wander down to the gym.
The team are all down the gym when we arrive. Sam, Callen and Melissa are by the machines. Melissa is sat on the press bench while Callen and Sam lean next to the machine that I can never remember the name of. Kensi and Deeks are sat on the mat and Hetty stands behind them. Nate is sat under the basketball hoop. He arrived back last night and it's good to have him back. I miss Nate. He's been my best friend since college although he now shares that title with Eric and Kensi.
'So we're all here what's going on?' Callen is first to breach the subject. We all wait for Hetty's reply.
'As you are all aware the NCIS Christmas party is around the corner…'
'Party!' Deeks shouts. He gets punched in the arm by Kensi for his troubles. Hetty raises an eyebrow before continuing. Melissa laughs.
'… It is imperative that you all can dance the slow dances. Your team has been chosen to represent the Office of Special Projects.'
The guys all look terrified by the thought. Melissa doesn't seem bothered. Eric just looks awkward. Nate shrugs as I look at him. Kensi rolls her eyes.
'Oh no… dance lesson.' Melissa states shaking her head and Hetty rounds in on her. She shouldn't have said that! Thanks Melissa!
'Miss Createn is that a problem?'
'Are you going to go all dictator like you used to when I was a kid? Back straight. Keep posture, keep your head level….' Melissa points to prove her point. Callen and Sam try not to laugh next to her.
'We have a volunteer! We'll start with a waltz. Nate stand up you need practice.' Hetty calls and Melissa sighs but stands up none the less.
'You call the dances I'll the music then.' Melissa jokes walking towards the CD player. Hetty is quick to realise though and moves to block her path. It's going to be a battle of wills that I somehow know Hetty will win.
'Oh no you don't Miss Createn!' Hetty bats her hand towards Melissa who dodges.
'OK OK.' Melissa backs off, her hands in the air in submission and re-joins her partners and Nate by the machines.
'Agent Blye, Detective Deeks. Eric, Nell. Mr Callen, Mr Hanna you can sit this one out.'
Callen takes a quick breath and laughs as we all pair off as instructed. Kensi and Deeks stay on the mat. Eric and I move closer to the exit while Melissa and Nate move furthest away from Hetty. It's probably for the best, Melissa has lead Nate away from the rest of us. She's aware as we all are that he has two left feet. I don't envy her. I step towards Eric and stand opposite him as he watches Melissa talk to Nate. Nate's quick to try and pull away but Melissa does what she does best and quickly reassures him that he can do it. He's visibly reluctant to believe her but allows her to manoeuvre him into position and audibly starts to count out loud. Callen and Sam are watching keenly.
'I'm sorry!' Nate apologises loudly.
'Ouch!' Callen comments as Nate steps on Melissa's foot.
'That hurt!' Sam adds.
'Callen, Sam shut up!' Melissa calls over.
'Ok, let's try again. 1…2…3…4' Melissa stays relaxed.
'Take 10!' Hetty calls minutes later. Nate falls to the floor as Hetty leaves the room. Melissa is quick to dive to the cd player and change the cd to one she has in her bag. Deeks and Kensi watch from their mat as she does. Nate smiles as the cd starts to play.
'2005 Pendleton.' Nate remarks standing up. Melissa shrugs.
'2006 actually Nate.' Melissa answers before she starts to sing along. Nate joins in on the second line.
I really can't stay
But, baby, it's cold outside
I've got to go away
But, baby, it's cold outside
This evening has been
Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice
I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
Nate grabs Melissa's hand with a smile and she pulls away. She turns away facing Eric and I with her hands behind her back. Nate is also smiling as he grabs her hand and twirls her.
My mother will start to worry
Beautiful, what's your hurry?
My father will be pacing the floor
Listen to the fire place roar
So really I'd better scurry
Beautiful, please don't hurry
But maybe just half a drink more
Put some records on while I pour
The neighbours might think
Baby, it's bad out there
Say what's in this drink?
No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how
Your eyes are like starlight now
To break the spell
I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
Melissa waves a finger as Nate stands next to her and then moves closer as he sings.
I ought to say no no no, sir
Mind if I move in closer?
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
What's the sense in hurting my pride?
I really can't stay
Baby, don't hold out
Oh, but it's cold outside
I simply must go
But, baby, it's cold outside
Melissa bounds over to us and then faces Nate again. Eric puts his arm around me and I lean in, resting my head on his shoulder. I shiver from his touch.
The answer is "No"
But, baby, it's cold outside
This welcome has been
How lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm
Look out the window at that storm
Melissa points to Kensi and I as she moves around the room, closer to Nate who is now stood by Callen and Sam. Melissa then points to Deeks as she says brother with a wink, Deeks smirks.
My sister will be suspicious
Gosh your lips look delicious
My brother will be there at the door
Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
Ooh your lips are delicious
But maybe just a cigarette more
Never such a blizzard before
I've got to get home
But, baby, you'll freeze out there
Say, lend me a coat?
It's up to your knees out there
You've really been grand
I thrill when you touch my hand
But don't you see
How can you do this thing to me?
There's bound to be talk tomorrow
Think of my life-long sorrow
At least there will be plenty implied
If you got pneumonia and died
I really can't stay
Get over that hold out
Oh, (baby) but it's cold outside
They both end the song sat on the bench press and we all clap. Melissa laughs.
'Well that took me back…' Nate comments.
'Doesn't it just? We had Uncle Mike to thank back then.'