DISCLAIMER: it's not mine, well okay, the imaginary stuff is mine, but if its popular culture or any kind of copyright it's not mine, simply borrowed for pure exercise of the imagination…
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: : Stuck on You : :
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Lindsay arrived home to another bouquet of flowers. She promptly threw them away. It was the same almost daily. She was not going to get back together with him, no matter how many bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolates and signing plush animals he sent. Nope. She knew better.
Tonight Lindsay was going to do what she hadn't been able to do in months…nothing. She was going to spend an evening doing nothing but hanging out with her roommate, it had been awhile since they both had a night off, and they were going to just spend the night in pj's watching old movies and talking. Chick flicks were the way of the night. Loving men that they knew would never-ever come around.
They laughed their way through How to Lose a Guy, and Jenna kept comparing the Ben in the movie to the Ben she had recently started dating. Then they put when Harry met Sally on and the conversation flipped over to Lindsay, Kevin and his gifts, and her next conquest.
When Sally began falling apart because Joe had decided to get married, Lindsay licked the spoon from her pint Cherry Garcia Ice cream and said, "You know, Kevin is going to marry the next girl he meets, and I will not be Sally."
"Did you two break up because of marriage?"
"No, just dumped him like the sack of shit he is." She smiled.
"He seemed like such a sweet guy though." Jenna said sarcastically. She made up her mind about him, and now that THAT rebound was out of the way Lindsay could really get on with her life.
"Yea, real sweet." Lindsay gritted out as she took another spoon full of ice cream.
"Linds what happened." Jenna asked, concern pouring out of her eyes.
"He went all 1950 on me, jealous as hell at Flack and Messer, and well..." She sighed as she pulled up the sleeve of her yellow 49's thermal shirt exposing her slightly bruised arm.
"Shit Linds, did he hit you?" Jenna asked getting up and looking at her friends wrist and then at the rest of her body.
"No, just grabbed my wrists, Danny interrupted before anything else could happen. But after Danny left I swear the guy wanted to hit me, I ended up giving him a nice knee to the groin."
"Good for you Linds, but seriously, these bruises, and why the hell did Danny leave you?"
"I told him too, I could handle Kevin on my own, and I didn't need Danny getting hurt because my ex is a jealous s.o.b." Jenna gave her an incredulous look. "Don't look at me like that Jenna, I was safe."
"Alright, well the bastard is gone?"
"Done for."
"Okay. And you're okay."
"Seriously Jen, I'm fine. I dumped the guy and learned I hate opera all in the same night, plus I made Messer blush and just a little uncomfortable." Lindsay showed with a tiny gap and a tweak of the fingers. She voice was almost gleeful. She got Danny Messer to look twice.
"Linds, you have a thing for him don't you."
"No, I don't." Lindsay said defiantly.
"Oh really so how did you make him uncomfortable?"
"I had to go to the crime scene right from the Opera; I was in that dress I wore to Rick's wedding."
"Oh that's a good dress."
"Yea, yea it is, Let him get a peek." Lindsay smiled.
"Seriously Linds, you're falling for him."
"Am not, will not, I'm not even his type. He dates blondes with big boobs, no offence."
"None taken."
"He goes for native New Yorkers. That is not me."
"Maybe that's why he might fall for you. You're different."
"His mother says I'm too good for him." Lindsay laughed.
"You've met his mother?" Ice cream almost came out of Jenna's nose.
"No, god no, she called the phone in the office, I answered, several times. Nice lady, think she has hit him upside his head enough to get through to him." Lindsay laughed.
"Good lord Linds, you're gonna fall hard for this guy."
"Nope. Not gonna happen." Lindsay shook her head, and popped a cherry into her mouth.
"If you say so honey." Jenna laughed and tossed a piece of cookie dough back.
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"Hey" Lindsay said greeting the big boss man. They were on their way into the morgue for a visit with Sid.
"You guys on the music promoter?" he asked adjusting his bag.
"Like glue." Danny joked with a smirk. Mac let out a laugh, and Danny's smile grew. He looked at Lindsay who had a "you did not just say that look" on her face. She looked at Mac then back to Danny. His smile was shit-eating, he made the stern boss laugh.
"He doesn't think that's funny." She shook her head and smile playing across her lips, he's humoring you. His smile shrunk slightly and hers grew.
"You don't know him like I do." Danny told her following her into the lab, Mac wasn't one to humor people. But oh if he only knew. A few weeks at Mac's place, she knew more. Period.
"Keep telling yourself that Messer."
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The room went blue, Danny and Lindsay slid on a pair of orange glasses each, they started at different sides and bumped into each other at the middle, it was quite tight with the wall sitting on the table. Danny put his hand on her waist to steady and move around Lindsay, it was an innocent little touch, but one that warmed her body. Little did she know that Danny's fingers too were tingling. Even if he felt more lab coat then body, the thing was freaking huge, you'd never know there was a body under there. Shaking her mind of the little touch, she focused back on work, and noticed something Danny had missed. A smear in the glue. Pulling off the poster on top of the smear, they found a handprint, only it was too smudged to get anything out of. However, they did find a new theory to run with. And some new thoughts and feelings about the other csi in the room.
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Lindsay was following up on some paper work from a previous case when her phone went off. Mac needed her down at the firing range for some help. That's strange, we're not even working the same case. She folded up her paper work and headed downstairs. When she arrived, she put on some protective ear wear and walked down to the end of the range where Mac was set up firing a bow and arrow. He took a shot and was nearly perfect.
"Another weapon you're an expert with. I don't know whether I should be impressed or worried." She said as Mac turned to her.
"Hold Fire!" he called out and the range grew silent allowing them to take off their ear wear. "Your turn. This bow and arrow is identical to the murder weapon." He said as he made to hand the bow off to Lindsay. She stepped forward apprehensively. She placed her eye and ear protection on the counter and turned to Mac.
"Mac, I've ne-never fired one of these before." She told him, a little worry evident in her voice.
"Exactly, you are perfect to add context to the evidence."
"Which is?" she asked as she watched him load an arrow.
"Jaguar blood, make me think the shooter is a hunter, but the suspect, Sienna, works a desk all day." He said glancing over the bow and arrow one more time before directing her to where to put her hand.
"So it stands to reason if I can use this so can Sienna." Lindsay questioned/stated as she took aim.
"Give it your best shot." Lindsay let go and watched the arrow sail across and hit in the middle ring of the target.
"Whoa, that is awesome!" Lindsay exclaimed at the adrenalin that pumped through her, it was one of those highs like a roller coaster, realizing she was still at work she checked herself, "and easy, I think Sienna could have done it."
"So do I." agreed Mac as he took stock of his CSI's amateur skill.
"Can I have another?" Lindsay put her hand out. Mac simple smirked,
"I think you've proved the point." He smiled as he leaned back grabbed another arrow and handed it over to her.
"I know." She said as she loaded and took aim this time just barely missing the bull's-eye. "Ha gotcha." She laughed as she set the bow down.
"You done?" Mac asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow. He half-expected Lindsay to shot him out of arrows. Lindsay smiled back
"Got to go out while, I'm ahead."
"Nice, now get back to that case."
"Yes, sir." Lindsay quipped before disappearing around the corner.
"And don't call me sir." He called after her. Knowing she was joking. That girl had a bounce in her step and knew how to lighten up the mood. Mac shook his head and started cleaning up. Yea, hiring Lindsay was a very smart move.
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"Can you not talk to us like we are children." Came the voice of a young woman with a guitar case in hand. Looking up the more boisterous band member was about to pick a fight with Gus Drood, a nice suspect if they could you know get evidence that went that way.
"Gus, you got a minute?" Danny asked, the bald man.
"You got business with me?" he asked while he adjusted his tie, "cause otherwise, I gotta get going."
"You missing a button?" Danny asked, the question didn't really need an answer it was plainly evident that he was missing a button. Gus made a show of feeling his shirt for said button.
"Yea, Why?"
"I think I might have found that button. Do me a favor, hold on a second." Danny said heading around to the passenger side of the truck.
"This is bordering on harassment." Gus called after him.
"Eh heh, you know what don't tempt me." Danny smiled through, as he opened the door to find the button. Gus' attention turned to Lindsay, or more her ass as she bent over finishing packing up the guitars they had borrowed from Runyon's. She felt eyes on her and turned around. Caught Gus in a very appreciative gape, (at least she knew she still had it) he gave her 'the nod' as they called it in high school and college. She gave him a very forced smile and gagged a little when she turned back to the car.
Danny had come back and moved Gus' tie. "Heh heh, it's an exact match, this button to your shirt, want to tell me how it ended up on the body of a dead guy."
"Maybe it fell on him, ask yourself this why would I kill some random guy on the street, to what end?"
"I don't know, maybe cause he's pushing a band, and you're pushing a band right next door to where his body was found."
"If you're gonna arrest me for killing this guy then do it, otherwise, I'm about to sign the deal of a lifetime, and I'd like some peace."
"I bet you take a piece out of everyone you meet given half the chance. You can go." Gus strutted away and Danny let out a little growl, groan, whatever you want to call it. He was tense. Lindsay came up next to him.
"Nice guy." She deadpanned. Danny chuckled, humoring her a little, and well laughing. Lindsay's sarcasm worked, he loosened up a bit.
"If you say so Montana, I got his number if you really want it." He smirked at her.
"Nah, I just lost the last rebound jerk, you can keep it Messer." She patted his shoulder and went to sit in the passenger seat.
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Lindsay was almost done when with her paperwork when Danny entered the bullpen. They worked in silence for a few moments before Lindsay spoke
"Hey Dan, you got any plans for tonight?" Danny looked up and smiled at her,
"Nothing that can't be changed, why?" he actually did have plans with Cindy tonight, however he could blow off a chick flick with that flake if the offer was good enough.
"Feel like grabbing a drink somewhere?"
"Sure Montana, you gotta place in mind." He said wrinkling his brow a little bit, this was a bit odd for her, but alcohol with Lindsay who he knew little about, talked just about the right amount, and was by all accounts interesting. Yea that trumped a bad movie for $30 and company that well was a bit dull. He really had to get around to dumping Cindy. Or you know he could just be a man and quit calling her back.
"Yea, uh, here." She handed the address over to him.
"Cozy's huh?" he smiled, "Does the name have anything to do with the atmosphere?" he winked.
"Shut-up and I don't think so, just meet me there in half an hour." She laughed pushing herself out of her seat and heading to drop her paperwork off with Mac before heading to the locker room.
Wow did she really just asked Danny out? No, it wasn't a date, she was going to show him up a little bit. "You don't know him like I do." Comment just challenged her. Yea she probably wouldn't know as much as a guy who had been working with him for four years, but she had lived with him for a whole 10 days. She quickly fixed her hair and make-up before grabbing her bag and leaving her gun. She left, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and headed over to Cozy's.
She found a seat that allowed the stage to be seen but also hidden from the stage. She really didn't know how Mac would feel about her and Danny showing up there. A slinky, super skinny waitress came up to her to take her order, the woman had way too much makeup and perfume on.
"Can I get ya something to drink?" she asked not really caring. Yea the minute Messer gets here she's gonna be hanging around like none other Lindsay thought bitterly, holy shit, where is that coming from, hes a coworker, hes an ass, he's late, he would be.
"Uh, yea, can I get a zinfandel, and my friend will have a beer, uh. Budweiser."
"ok,' that'll be up shortly." The girl placed both in front of her a few minutes later. Mac had taken the stage and the band had started playing. Lindsay kept one eye on the door and one eye on Mac. A second later Danny walked through the door and looked around for a second, simply nodding when the host asked if he was meeting someone. Their eyes caught and she waved him over. With a nod he made his way over sitting across from Lindsay.
"Sorry I'm late." He said as he sat.
It's okay, I got you a beer."
"Thanks, so what's up?" it was in no way normal for her to instigate a gathering.
"Just something I thought you might be interested in." she smiled.
"Jazz music? That's me." The song ended and the room started to clap, and they joined. Lindsay's smile grew, here it comes. Danny was about to say something when he heard a very familiar voice fill the room. "I'd like to thank Miss Carol Williams, our special guest."
Danny turned in his seat and looked at the stage. There Mac sat in a sweater and jeans with a bass in his lap. No way!
"Get outta here." Danny said turning back to Lindsay, she had s giddy smile on her face. "How'd you know he played?" Danny asked completely flabbergasted.
"Figured it out." She explained leaning forward ever so slightly. "the way he held the bass in the lab I could tell he knew about guitars, I knew he had a standing appointment on Wednesdays, it could have been a shrink, or yoga, but I went with the music option." She smiled at him proudly and he had to admit she had done good.
"I'm impressed."
"Maybe you didn't know him as well as you thought." They stared at each other for a moment as the music continued to play and Danny had to admit that she was right, but he still had a better read on Mac than he did on her. He wondered if she would always continue to surprise him or if he would eventually come to know everything about her. He was not sure which one he preferred, finding that both options intrigued him for completely different reasons.
"Is there anything else I can get you?" the waitress asked, her tongue darting out to lick her lips and he was perplexed as he watched Lindsay roll her eyes behind the waitress' back. She was a young attractive woman and she was not shy about checking him out. She smiled at him brightly and rested her hand on his shoulder.
"No thanks, I'm good right now," he replied and looked at Lindsay with curiosity as the waitress sauntered off. "What was that about?" he laughed
"What was what about?" she asked pleading the fifth, before taking a deep gulp of wine, her brow crinkled in annoyance.
"The eye roll, why'd you do that?"
"Nothing, why what's up?"
"Don't try and play that with me Monroe."
"Nothing, just a little embarrassing to witness." she told him with a chuckle.
"What's that mean Monroe?" he asked raising one eyebrow
"Come on, Messer, she was practically undressing you."
"You are nuts," he scoffed and reached for his beer.
"Pah-la-ease, the moment that waitress saw you, I disappeared. See, she's still staring at you," Sure enough, their waitress was making eyes at him. "We could be on a date for all she knows, yet." Lindsay gestured her hand toward the waitress who was attempting some sultry bedroom eyes and failing miserably.
"A date, huh? I suppose it could be one. It's hard to tell, though." he joked.
"Hah Messer. Yea you wish." She quipped back. Finishing her drink. "Bet it will take me forever to get another drink from her."
"Well, let me help you then," he winked at her and signaled for the waitress' attention and in a flash she was at their table. "My friend would love another drink, please."
"Your friend?" the waitress responded, giving Lindsay a sidelong glance before smiling seductively at Danny. "Not a problem at all, hon. Chardonnay, right?"
Lindsay shook her head, smiling. "It's a zinfandel, but I'll take a New Castle instead."
"Sure," the waitress replied, her eyes staying on Danny who smiled easily. He glanced at Lindsay who scrunched up her nose in disgust and rolled her eyes again and he chuckled.
"Thanks, sweetheart," he told the waitress and waited until she had reluctantly walked off to another table that was signaling to her before he leaned in to Lindsay, smiling slyly. "If I didn't know better, I would say you're jealous."
"Sure, Messer," she laughed.
"I think you are," he pushed.
"You must have had a few drinks before you got here because you are having some sort of hallucination," Lindsay replied sarcastically, "It looks like Mac spotted us." He had to commend her for her quick change of subject and decided to not push the jealousy issue. He turned to watch Mac walk towards them, having just finishing the last set. He nodded in greeting when he reached the table.
"I can't say I ever expected to see you two in here," Mac said
"Hope you don't mind," Lindsay said her cheeks flushing a little.
"Not at all," Mac replied, smiling slightly, "It speaks volumes about your skills that it only took you a few months to figure it out. How long have you been working for me, Danny?"
"Hey, just because you never saw me here doesn't mean I didn't already know," Danny tried to defend himself and he heard Lindsay snort.
"Of course," Mac said, trying to suppress a laugh; Lindsay's snort was the icing on the cake, "Well, I'm gonna grab some water, you two hanging around for a little while?" he was greeted by shrugs.
He patted Danny on the shoulder and waved to Lindsay before he headed towards the bar. Danny watched his retreating back for a moment, wondering what the sparkle in his boss's eyes had been about. This night was definitely turning out to be a revelation when it came to his co-workers. Not only did Mac do something fun like play in a band, Danny swore that it had been a twinkle of mischief he had seen in his boss's eyes.
"So," he said, clearing his throat slightly, "Do you want to stay?"
"Head to Sullivan's?"
"Sure. In a minute, lets watch Mac's encore."
The song was ending. Lindsay's eyes were darting around the room, taking in the atmosphere. It was a nice place but then she saw him. Kevin, why the hell would that jack ass be here. Danny noticed Lindsay stiffen up a bit.
"Linds, what's the matter." Danny succeeded in catching her attention; he never calls her anything even resembling Lindsay.
"Kevin's here." She said grabbing his beer and taking a swig of it.
"As in the ex who.." Danny trailed off and gestured to her wrist which was still slightly bruised.
"Yea, shit he's, coming over here."
"Aright, don't freak out Montana, I got ya covered, let's get outta here." He smiled slightly trying to calm her down. He helped her on with her coat before he slipped on his own coat.
"I'll be right back Linds, I'm gonna take care of the bill." He said jogging to meet the skinny waitress. He was trying to be quick about it, but the girl just kept trying to flirt, Lindsay let out a slight laugh and shook her head as she turned away from the exchange. When she turned she came face to face with Kevin.
"You know Lindsay I always knew you two were and item, behind my back too, what kind of whore are you."
"Kevin, we're not an item, we are here, watching our boss perform, and if I'm a whore you have got to be the prudest man in New York, and that is just sad."
"You bitch." He said raising his hand however, Mac had come up behind him,
"I would put that hand down son, you have already bruised her, and unless you want assault on an officer, and on one of my CSI's I would suggest you take off." Mac said in a stern marine voice. Kevin dropped his hand and turned around to face Mac.
"And who the hell are you?"
"I'm her boss, a marine, and as Lindsay pointed out earlier, have mastered many weapons, now walk away." Mac said. Kevin did as he was told and headed toward the bathroom.
"Thanks Mac." Lindsay said her eyes downcast.
"Linds, don't think on it."
"He's been here awhile, and obviously drunk." Mac said, he glanced around. "Where did Danny go?"
"Just to pay the bill real fast, and then Kevin, and.."
"Hey, Lindsay, you impressed me today with the archery, and now standing up to that jerk like you did, I've already said it once today, hiring you was a good decision, and I want you to keep that in your mind, and forget whatever the hell that Kevin creep said to you. You obviously dumped him for a reason." How Mac knew, that would remain a question. Mac smiled. Lindsay smirked and nodded, just as Danny came back.
Danny had just finished with the annoying waitress and as he turned he saw Kevin raise a hand to Lindsay, he was ready to jump in, when the waitress grabbed his arm, "So can I get your number?" he gave her a side glance and shook his head, and tried to make his way through the bar back to Lindsay and Mac. He heard Mac tell Lindsay he was glad he hired her, and to forget Kevin, Danny then slipped in.
"God I'm sorry Montana. If it's any consolation, you were right again" He said, coming into her eyesight. She gave a weak smile,
"Haven't you figured out I'm always right." Lindsay joked
"Danny, do me a favor and get her home.' Mac smiled, as he noticed Kevin come out of the bathroom.
"Mac, I'm a big girl."
"Actually Linds, you're surprisingly small." Danny said glancing over her. That earned him a glare from her and a slight chuckle from Mac.
"Watch it Dan, she's taken out a few suspects, you wouldn't be an issue." Mac laughed. Danny held up his hands in defeat earning a smile from Lindsay. "Aright, Monroe, let's get outta here. Night Mac." Danny said. Placing a hand on the small of Lindsay's back to guide her out. "Night Mac" She smiled, letting Danny lead her out.
Once outside Lindsay let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding inside. "You alright Linds?" Danny asked her again.
"Yea, yea I'll be fine, since when does Kevin drink I don't know, but.."
"Yea, so home?" He asked clapping his hands together. Lindsay shot him a look.
"Sullivan's I need a good drink."
"A'right Sullivans. I gotta tell Flack Mac plays in a band."
"So did you get her number?" she smirked as they walked towards the bar.
"What who?" Danny asked sidelined by a question out of context "The waitress?" Lindsay let out a light laugh and nodded. "Oh god no, seriously Montana I have better standards than that." She laughed at his face full of disgust. She followed it by a shiver, which prompted Danny to pull her into him, and gently wrapped her under his shoulder. They fell silent for the next few blocks before they came to the bar and separated. After all, it wouldn't look that professional, he had a girlfriend, and she was the new girl from Montana. But oh the rumors they could spread.
"Ey, it's about time you two showed up." Called Flack seeing the last two CSI's enter the bar.
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Danny walked her up to the front door of her building she unlocked the door, and then turned to Danny.
"Thanks for walking me home Danny, and for well, Kevin and…" Danny couldn't take the nervousness mixed with sadness he saw in her eyes, he pulled her into a hug. "No worries Montana, I'm glad to do it. And remember what Mac said, you are always a good decision, and, Mac isn't the only one who thinks so." He whispered in her ear and pulled her tighter, before loosening the hug and gently kissing her on the cheek before turning and walking down the stairs and down the sidewalk. He turned back to see her staring at him. "And go inside already it's freezing out here." He called back to her, and he swore she rolled her eyes at him. He just smiled and turned to leave for a main street to grab a cab when he bumped into Connie.
"I saw that Danny." She said in her aged and knowing voice.
"Saw what beautiful?" Danny asked
"Don't try to sweet talk your way out of this, I saw how you held her, that peck, that look on your face. You're falling for that girl."
"Aw Connie, you know you're the only girl for me." He tried to defer her, knowing she may very well be right, he was not about to admit to that.
"Guess I'm gonna have to switch my attentions over to Mr. Flack now, I just lost you." Connie joked.
"Laugh it up Connie, you get inside too, it's cold, and I don't need either of you two getting sick." Danny gestured her inside.
"If you say so Mr. Messer. But think on what I said." He smiled and waved her off. Once he saw that she was inside as well, he rounded the corner and was out of sight. Connie made it inside right as Lindsay was stepping into the elevator. Lindsay had seen Connie and held the door open.
Connie stepped into the elevator she took in Lindsay's appearance, she had a slight flush to her face, it could have been from the cold, but it also could have been from the kiss. The girl looked happy.
"Good night tonight Lindsay?" Connie smiled
"It had its moments, but for the most part yea."
"It seemed to end well for you." She smirked. Lindsay blushed slightly, "Just as I suspected."
"What, Danny was just trying to cheer me up."
"Well a kiss from him would cheer me up as well."
"We did not kiss." Lindsay laughed.
"No he kissed you and you stood there stunned. You're too cute sometimes."
"Haha, you're a riot Connie."
"Oh I know.": She laughed as they reached their apartments.
"Night Linds, enjoy those dreams tonight."
"Again, haha, night Connie." Lindsay let herself into her apartment and set off to get ready for bed, she changed into an extra large shirt from college and a pair of cheeksters and socks, grabbed a glass of water, plugged her phone into the charger beside her bed and fell into the marshmallow heaven that it was. She wrapped herself up, and shut her eyes, thinking blissfully about the day, about how much fun she had had with the bow and arrow, about showing Danny up, about Flack's little I've had sex with a lot of women line to Stella that she had overheard. About Danny's hand on her back, about his smile, about his voice in her ear, about the feeling of his lips on her cheek, and about that smirk once more, how is it that one smile could be her undoing.
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"So she showed you up?" Aiden laughed. "I may have to meet this girl." Danny had called Aiden back to his apartment. (she had left a message earlier)
"Yea well, after Mac's band finished, we both had a bit of a buzz and didn't feel like ending the night so we went back to…"
"Oh Danny, no! She's a coworker, that almost never works."
"Easy killer. We went back to Sullivan's where we bumped into the rest of the team."
"You gossiped about Mac's band." Aiden supplied knowing him far too well.
"Okay, yes, but come on that kinda info needs to be shared."
"So, did you have a good time? Do you like her?"
"What? No." He was adamant about that. Aiden stayed silent. Danny listened for a few moments, and he began to falter. "Okay yes."
"and you liked it."
"maybe."
"Maybe? Danny you are half way on your way to falling for that girl, by this time next year you'll be a couple."
"Please!" Danny laughed. "You said yourself it never works."
"Eh, what do I know I burnt out." Aiden shrugged.
"Aiden. This girl and I hate, ok we don't hate, but we did hate each other. We are complete opposites, she takes her shoes off at suspects homes. She has pretty decent manners, she goes to the opera."
"And how do you know that?"
"DB the other night pulled her away from a date or something. Girl looks damn good in a dress; has some legs on her."
"And you have the hotts for her."
"Nah, just saying she ain't bad to look at."
"You got a look down her shirt didn't ya."
"Well, she bent over."
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A/N: ends idk, not sure about this chapter, let me know…