Title: Scenes from a Courtship

Disclaimer: Not mine, I'm just playing.

Summary: A series of scenes from Sam and Martin's relationship. In the same universe as "A Long Weekend."

Rating: If you are old enough to use the internet you are old enough to read this.

Chapter 11

A special thanks to Claire and "she who wishes not to be named" for beta reading.

The Prom

Allison and Sam had a great time picking out a prom dress. They found something that looked wonderful and sophisticated on her, but not so daring that it made Roger (and Martin when she modeled it as his place) uncomfortable. Sam had every confidence in Allison's ability to stay out of trouble. She did however have Allison program every possible number for both her and Martin into her cell in case of an emergency. She figured that in an emergency they could get to her sooner since she was in the city, that she might call them sooner, and that leaving with them would look a little less like being picked up by mom and dad.

When prom night rolled around, Sam and Martin were supposed to go out for the evening with Danny and his relatively new girlfriend Maggie. Friday at the office, it was clear to Sam that Danny and Martin were in working together to go spy on Allison. They suggested only restaurants near the hotel where the prom was. Sam finally declared that entire quadrant of the city off limits.

Maggie, a lovely social worker, was teasing Danny and Martin about their attempted prom spying. "You guys are so funny, the last thing that poor girl is you guys showing up. Were you planning on introducing yourselves as federal agents and flashing guns?"

The slightly shamed face hang dog looks on Danny and Martin's faces indicated they were planning to do exactly that. Maggie and Sam just laughed. Sam said, "I think this level of over protectiveness indicates a misspent youth. I think you owe us stories about your proms."

Martin said, "I resent that! Mary Catherine, my girlfriend senior year in high school, planned the whole night. It was quite special. We ended up at Paul's family summer house after the dance."

Sam sensed a story in what Martin said. She asked, "So if Allison spent her prom the way you did you would approve?"

"Of course not, Ally is way too young too . . . nevermind," replied Martin. "Besides it was different for . . ."

Sam jumped in and said "Martin if you say guys, you are sleeping on the couch tonight."

A blushing, stammering Martin replied, "I think I'll just quit now."

Danny was about to jump in and defend Martin, but one look from Maggie and he realized that nothing he could say would be a good idea. He really liked Maggie. He cared more about what she thought of him than of any other girl he dated.

After dinner, the four decided to go dancing. They were having a great time. About 1 am just as they were heading out the door, Sam felt her phone vibrate. She picked it up only to find an upset Allison on the other end. She was only a few blocks away so the four of them went to get her.

The group of four moved quickly and soon they came up to a tearful Allison in front of a club with the bouncer. Martin burst out "Ally what the hell are you doing here? You are underaged!" Sam elbowed Martin and said to Allison "What's wrong honey?" A tearful Allison said that her friends and her date all went in easily since the were 18, but Allison wouldn't be 18 for a couple of months. Her friends had said she should use someone else's school id and even brought one for her. The bouncer of course didn't buy it and didn't let her in. Her friends all scattered inside in fear of trouble.

Danny and Martin were all set to go in find her friends, especially her date, and read them the riot act for leaving Allison there. Maggie and Sam talked them down at Allison's insistence. Martin talked to the bouncer, who was happy to turn Allison over to three FBI agents and a social worker. Since Allison wasn't trying to buy alcohol, the club didn't care.

Danny and Maggie took said goodnight and headed off. Sam, Martin, and Allison caught a cab back to Sam's place. As soon as they got inside Sam's apartment, Martin opened his mouth like he was about to launch into a lecture. Sam cut him off and said "Martin, why don't you call Roger and let him know we have Allison and that she will spend the night here? Allison, why don't you go take a shower and take your make-up off? I'll find some pajamas for you. Then we can talk."

Martin called Roger. Then he went to Sam's room to change into something more comfortable. Sam was in there doing the same. "Martin," she said, "I think that we need to remember that we are not Allison's parents. Let Roger come up with a punishment. Let's stick to a few words about fake ids and let her tell us about her prom. She knows she screwed up. I'd like her to come to us with stuff. I know I could have used someone in my life when I was her age who understood me and didn't launch straight into the riot act, even if it was deserved."

"O.K," said Martin. "I'll try it your way."

Sam and Martin head into the living room. Martin flipped on ESPN to see if he could catch some sports scores. Allison walked into the living room in Sam's pajamas with damp hair. "Sam, Marty, I know I screwed up. I just wanted to do what everyone else was doing, but it wasn't real smart. I'm sorry. I hope I didn't wreck your evening."

Martin replied, "I'm sorry that I started to yell. I just worry about you. I'm glad you called us. We were just heading home when you called."

Sam said, "You can always call if you need us. I'll save the lecture for your father, but I did want to tell that while people don't act like it, using a fake ID especially using a fake ID to buy alcohol, which I know you weren't doing tonight, is a crime. It can have serious consequences. It's not like getting caught cutting home room or smoking behind the gym. Now, tell me about this dance?"

Allison replied, "Thanks you guys. I won't do it again. As for prom it was really great until the end." Then she launched into a description of what everyone wore that confused Martin. He went back to watching ESPN, watching Sam and Allison chat.

A little later, Sam and Martin were snuggling into bed together; Martin planted a kiss on Sam's forehead and said, "You are really great with Ally. You have a knack with teenagers."

"Thanks," replied Sam.