Disclaimer: Yeah, if the paperwork saying I own Bones is anywhere in these boxes then I'm screwed. But I'm positive it's not since I don't own it...in this world.
Jenheir1: That particular category of smut belongs to CrayonClown with her story Smutty Side Dishes ;-). You should see what she does with Pineapple ;-P Cupcakes does in fact deliver to the lower forty eight states ;-) so go ahead and order some =P. I think the holidays are about family and friends, no matter where they are.
Silver Maker: Those music synchronizer thingies can be bought at Lowes =P they're only about 75.00 /snort did I just say only? Yeah, /snicker they are going to be in so much trouble...for a VERY long time bwuhahahahaha!
AngelBach: No need to feel sheepish there are little facts like that spread out over seven years and unless you go back and watch again on a regular basis you're not going to remember everything. Shhh, I watch a lot of Bones or I look it up if I'm not sure.
Nertooold54: I did gain weight writing it LOL Eh, they're young ;-)
ArielBrennan: Yes, he did LOL in future stories I'm thinking about bringing in the guys family members slowly =D Well, here's the ball, Christmas dinner you'll have to wait for.
Guest1: Expect the unexpected from me =P LOL
Thank you for your reviews! I know I say it everyday but I really do mean it EVERYDAY!
Chapter 55 - The Christmas Ball
Legates' eyes blinked open to find Michelle draped over him like a blanket. Interesting, she wasn't usually like this. He ran his hand gently down her back and smiled when she let out a satisfied sigh. She snuggled closer and snuffled against his chest. She burrowed closer to him and he chuckled at her attempt to get closer. She let out a grunt and snuffled again, making him laugh. She cracked her eye and glared at him.
"What you laughing at?" She mumbled in a playfully grouchy tone.
"You," he said, running his hand down her back and cupping her hip in his hand.
"Why are you laughing at me while I'm sleeping?" She mumbled, trying to roll off of him.
"Because you make funny noises when you sleep. You snuffle," he said, holding her tighter so she couldn't move.
"Well if you didn't smell so good I wouldn't snuffle," Michelle mumbled. Legates chuckled and Michelle mumbled something.
"What was that?" Legates asked, squeezing her butt making her jump and squeal.
"You keep squeezing that and you're going to make me get naked and I don't think you want that right now," Michelle murmured, her eyes picking up a golden glint.
"Never stirred the paint but I'm always up for something new," Legates said with a grin. Michelle gave him a confused look.
"I've never had sex with a woman...you know...during," he said, waving his finger towards her. Michelle's mouth fell open and she giggled, shaking head.
"No, Baby, it's not that. I finished with that yesterday. However, I haven't been to get my waxing done yet," Michelle said, snickering.
"Ahhh," Legates said, blowing a raspberry on her neck.
She giggled and wiggled around on top of him. Their heads jerked towards the door at a quick knock and the door being pushed open. Tanya walked in and put her hands on her hips. Legates buried his face in Michelle's neck and groaned in frustration.
"Hey hey," Tanya said, sitting down on the end of the bed, her legs draped over top of Legates'.
"Baby, I'm going to shoot your friend," Legates growled into Michelle's neck. Michelle let her head drop so his face was in her hair and her face was in his neck.
"Okay," Michelle agreed, snuffled again and let her eyes drift closed again. Legates waited and then started laughing, Michelle had gone back to sleep.
"No, she didn't," Tanya huffed out her voice full of laughter.
"Yeah, she did," Legates said with a grin.
Tanya grunted and stomped from the room. Legates let his eyes slide closed and a grin crossed his lips. He was thinking about going back to sleep when the door was flung open again.
Il dolce suono mi colpi di sua voce!
Ah, quella voce m'e qui nel cor discesa!
Edgardo! Io ti son resa, Edgardo, mio!
Fuggita io son de tuoi nemici.
Un gelo me serpeggia nel sen!
Trema ogni fibra!
Vacilla il pie!
"Go away, Dwayne," Michelle whined, not even looking.
Techie smirked at Michelle's mistake. Legates cracked his eye and groaned. He glared at Techie who stood in the doorway with his arms spread wide after his performance.
"Who the hell let him in," Legates bellowed towards the living room. Andrea stood behind Techie wearing a smirk.
"We figured we'd come find out what we're doing today," Techie said, laughing.
"Ungggh," Michelle said, pulling the comforter over her head.
"Are we having a party?" Tanya asked, bouncing into the room and flopping down on the bed.
"Gerroffe me," Michelle grumbled from under the covers.
Legates' eyes flew wide as he felt a hand sneaking down his thigh. Techie let out a rumbling laugh and Tanya's eyes flew to Legates. He was wearing a large smirk and his eyes were twinkling. He suddenly yelped and sat up so his back was on the headboard. A giggle came out from under the covers. Legates grinned at the people squeezed into Michelle's room. Lifting the covers, Legates peered under the comforter.
"Baby, those are cold and I don't like them where you put them," Legates said, laughing.
"Make them go away until I've had coffee," Michelle grumbled, her head now lying on his thigh.
"You heard her, either go away or get her coffee," Legates said, still wearing a smirk.
"You get up and get her coffee you lazy bastard," Tanya said with a smirk of her own.
"Her head is below my navel, I'm not going anywhere," Legates said, shrugging. Michelle giggled, Andrea groaned and Techie spun on his heel.
"Someone show me where the coffee is," Techie bellowed.
Tanya snickered when Dwayne pointed towards the kitchen. Techie started digging through cabinets and Dwayne finally decided to get up and help. A few moments later Techie came back carrying coffee.
"You don't bring me coffee in bed," Andrea pouted.
"There's no way for me to answer that without getting into trouble so I'll just pretend I didn't hear it," Techie muttered as he handed Legates the cup of coffee. Legates took it and took a swig with a grin.
"That wasn't for you," Techie barked.
Legates held his finger up and grinned. Michelle's head shot out from under the covers. She scrambled up and snagged the coffee. Techie snickered and Legates shot Michelle a grin. Legates waved everyone towards the door and smirked. Tanya grumbled and left the bed.
"I've spent more time here," Tanya mumbled as she walked towards the door.
Ten minutes later, Legates walked past the living room and into the kitchen. Coming back to the living room he sat down and sipped his coffee.
"So is every guy in your Unit all muscly?" Tanya asked, her eyebrows raised in question. Legates smirked and shook his head.
"Martinez is not in my unit. But to answer your question my Unit maintains their physical fitness," Legates said, taking another sip of coffee.
"Some better than others," Andrea said with a grin.
"Martinez is a Green Beret and he maintains his fitness level, Tanya," Michelle said, walking past towards the kitchen.
"Thank you," Tanya called in thanks to her unanswered question.
The group finally managed to make it out the door and down to the harbor for the holiday market. The four of them spent the day shopping and looking at handmade crafts. After watching the parade that made its way to the docks, the four watched the sun set over the Potomac and waited. Then in a burst, boats began to drift towards them, strung with lights that reflected off the darkness of the water below them.
At the end of the evening they went their separate way with Michelle and Andrea agreeing to meet on Tuesday to finish their Christmas shopping and to buy their gowns for the ball. Michelle and Legates settled into a routine over the next week. He would be gone when she woke up but he always left a note either on the pillow next to her or on the table next to the bed. On the day of the ball, Legates returned to the dorm and Brittney let him in.
"Michelle left this for you," Brittney said, handing him a note.
Pick me up at the J.W. Marriott across the street from the Reagan building. Room 702. Bring Green Bean ~ Michelle
Legates chuckled at her reference to Martinez. Carrying his uniform to the bedroom, he pulled out the ironing board and iron from her closet. He shook his head and chuckled. Her iron and ironing board weren't packed but everything else had slowly made its way into boxes over the last week. After hanging his class A up, he called Martinez to give him a heads up. Legates hung up the phone and headed to the shower.
Across town at the Marriott, Michelle let the hot water roll down her body with a sigh. The irritation from her recent waxing had disappeared, her holiday shopping was finished, and tonight she was going to a ball. She heard Tanya grunting in front of the mirror.
"What are you doing, girl?" Michelle asked, her voice choked with laughter.
"Yeah, yeah, you think it's funny? My hair is so thick and curly I can't do anything with it. And it needs to be up with this dress. Arggh," Tanya almost wailed.
Michelle tutted, rinsed off, turned off the water, reached out and pulled a towel into the shower. Wrapping it around herself, Michelle stepped out of the shower and sighed at Tanya. Walking out of the bathroom, Michelle briskly dried off and put on her robe. Walking back to the bathroom, she looked at Tanya and snickered.
"Did you bring that padding thing?" Michelle asked with a smile.
"Yes, but I don't know what you plan on doing with it," Tanya muttered.
"Go get a chair," Michelle told her, pointing towards the door.
While Tanya went and got a chair, Michelle started applying some of her makeup. When Tanya came back Michelle gestured for her to sit. Tanya watched as Michelle pulled her hair into a lovely Audrey Hepburn chignon.
"I hate you," Tanya said, standing up and moving towards the bedroom to get dressed. Michelle chuckled as Tanya walked away.
Legates stood in front of the mirror smoothing shaving gel across his face when he heard a knock on the bedroom door. Sighing, he walked to the door and opened it a crack to peek out. Seeing Martinez he stepped back and let the other man into the room. Walking back to the bathroom, Legates started shaving.
"Damn, her dorm room is better than ours," Martinez said, moving around the room inspecting the items that had yet to be packed.
"She pays more for it too," Legates muttered, as he carefully dragged the razor down his face.
"Do you know how to tie a bow tie? I can never get this thing right," Martinez called to Legates.
"Yeah," Legates answered, trying not to laugh at Martinez.
Forty minutes later, the two left Michelle's dorm room and headed to the J.W. Marriott. After arriving and parking the truck, Legates and Martinez entered the lobby then rode the elevator to the top floor. When the doors of the elevator slid open, they stepped out and looked down the hall. Martinez whistled there were only six doors on this floor.
"Your girl has money apparently," he said in a low voice.
"Never really talked about it," Legates shrugged. They walked to the correct room and Legates knocked on the door. Tanya opened the door and a grin split her face.
"Tasty, men in dress uniforms," she said, stepping back. A wide, happy, grin spread across Martinez's face and Legates snickered at his expression.
"Thanks for taking the vegetable here," Legates said, pointing to Martinez.
"Dude, I owe you big time," he mumbled.
"Actually you owe me," she smirked.
"Tanya Sabbatino, meet Sergeant -" he paused and looked at Martinez, "what the hell is your first name?"
"Robert," he supplied.
"Tanya, meet Sergeant Robert Martinez. Martinez, this is Tanya Sabbatino," he introduced them.
"Nice to meet you," she said, grinning.
"Very nice to meet you as well," he returned politely.
Martinez raised one eyebrow at her and she grinned. She closed the door and walked towards the bedroom. They noticed that her blonde hair was smoothed into a very classic and elegant look. Her makeup was soft and pink as not to clash with the royal blue of her velvet gown. Martinez watched the velvet move with her frame as she walked away from them.
"Holy shit, dude, she's hot," he said, swallowing nervously.
"And mischievous as shit so watch yourself," Legates warned.
"Heh," Martinez replied.
Legates looked up as Michelle entered. Her bangs were parted on the side and smoothed down on the top of her head then fell into large ringlets that surrounded her face. Small teardrop diamond earrings swung from her ears. Her deep red gown had a v-shaped neckline that was sexy yet classy.
A small light chiffon cape of sorts draped from the shoulder straps of the dress. Just under her bust a wide band of material ruched and beaded into a belt of sorts causing the layers of chiffon in the skirt to softly drape to the floor. A light golden eyeshadow was swept across her lids and her lashes were long and black making her eyes look larger with just a hint of gold.
"Just let me put my shoes on," she said.
Legates closed his mouth with a snap and he eyed the shoes on the floor near the couch. The red satin sandals had four inch heels and rhinestones across the toe strap. Legates closed his eyes and imagined her legs wrapped around his waist with her wearing nothing but those shoes. Snapping his eyes open, he looked down at the shoes again.
"You are wearing those?" He asked, pointing to the shoes.
OH MY GOD, his brain screamed as he looked at the shoes. She looked at the shoes then fluttered her eyelashes at him.
"Yes, is there a problem with them?" She asked him, mentally smirking at what would be running through his mind all night long.
"Other than you will probably break your neck, no," he lied so the others wouldn't realize what was going on. She snorted and sat gracefully on the couch. Picking one up off the floor, she slid it on her foot.
"It's okay, sweetie. I'm a big girl I think I can handle it," she laughed.
After sliding the second one on to her foot, she stood just as gracefully as she sat. The chiffon on the bottom of her dress swayed gently.
"Lipstick," Tanya reminded her.
"Shit, right. Be right back," she said, moving back towards the bathroom.
Legates and Martinez watched in stunned amazement as she walked to the bathroom. From behind her Legates could see that her hair had been twisted into a low loose bun that was held in place with a pair of black chopsticks that had sparkling ruby butterflies on them.
"You know we bitch about having to wear bow ties and I think we got the better end of the deal," Legates muttered, his hand dropping to his thigh and idly scratching.
"Ever heard the term beauty is pain?" Tanya said, laughing at the men. Michelle returned with a deep red lipstick that matched her dress perfectly in color on her lips.
"I don't think that color will look good on me," Legates pouted.
Michelle pursed her lips and walked towards him. Leaning towards him, she placed a soft kiss on his lips and stepped back. Legates turned and looked at Martinez who shook his head.
"There's nothing there dude and you had better get your kissing in now. You know the rules," he chastised.
"I know I know," Legates pouted again.
Michelle smiled, turned and picked up her black velvet stole and purse. Wrapping her black stole around her shoulders and arms, she looked over at Tanya. Tanya picked up her own blue velvet stole and wrapped it over her shoulders and arms.
"I feel like I'm wearing a tablecloth," she said.
Michelle dug through her purse and nodded when her hand hit her key card. Snapping the clutch closed, she ushered everyone out.
"Dear, that is velvet so it would be a curtain not a tablecloth," Michelle said, laughing. She pulled the door closed and Legates tucked her hand in his elbow.
"Don't touch me, weirdo," Tanya said, smacking at Martinez's hands. She took his arm with a teasing smile. Michelle heard the teasing in her voice and sighed.
"She's teasing, Green Bean, don't get all offended," Michelle said.
Tanya snickered at the nickname Michelle had given him. Tanya bounced and clapped her hands switching from an elegant young woman to a bouncy teenager in the blink of an eye. They rode down the elevator and walked across the lobby waiting for Tanya to tell them what she was so excited about.
"Yes, Tanya?" Michelle asked in a laughing tone.
As they exited the hotel lobby a swift gust of cold December air caused Michelle's dress to swirl around Legates' legs.
"I figured out how you both will pay me back," she said. She began humming as she walked away.
"Absolutely NOT!" Michelle said, coming to an abrupt halt.
Legates came to a stop when her arm tugged his. They stood at the edge of the road waiting for traffic to clear. Snatching her arm from Legates', she crossed them and tapped her foot. The men shot her a questioning gaze and she glared at Tanya.
"You told me you'd do what I asked if I went to this military thing with Martinez. That was the agreement," Tanya said, shaking her finger back and forth at Michelle. Michelle shook her head and let out a sigh.
"I will agree but only if you agree to be available for two more occasions of my choosing," Michelle bargained.
"Done. Let's go," Tanya agreed and dragged Martinez across the road.
Michelle and Legates followed them across the street. When they reached the other side Martinez was standing with his arms crossed.
"She said how we both would be paying her back," Martinez pointed out.
"I'm pretty sure that it's the same event but as to what exactly you'll be doing I have no idea," Michelle said calmly.
"Are you going to tell them or shall I?" Tanya said with a smirk.
"You have it saved in your Youtube favorites so you tell them," Michelle snapped.
She stepped away and covered her eyes with her hand. Legates raised an eyebrow then turned and frowned at Tanya. She grinned and dug in her clutch for her phone.
"Well, see Michelle over there had a rather nasty breakup. Anyway, every year the cheerleading squad does a caroling food drive for the local group homes," she said, tapping her phone.
"This particular year Michelle decided to try to get over her breakup the normal college way by drinking. Yeah, she forgot she was supposed to be there. So, I call her and five minutes later she shows up. The squad gets up there and does their kick line," she said, flashing the phone towards them they saw a bunch of young college women wearing a short Santa tunics with the big black belts, Santa hats and red high tops. They were doing the Rockette kick line and smiling.
Legates spotted Michelle and she seemed okay. And the song ended the girls were jumping around and cheering. Then they heard the sound of a song and Michelle groaned. They watched on the phone as she stepped up to the microphone and started to sing the Eartha Kit version of Santa Baby. She swiveled her hips and put on a show that was sure to draw the males' attention. When it ended both men turned to look at Michelle. Her face was flushed and her hand was still over her eyes.
"You are going to be doing that?" Legates asked, pointing to the phone.
He saw her head shake, hand still over her eyes. Both men started laughing as it sank in that Michelle was going to do that. Michelle snatched her head up and glared at them. Tanya snickered and nodded her head.
"Oh funny is it? Well guess what, boyos? You two are going to... no wait you know what? Both of you and your units are going to help," Michelle snarled. Turning, she stalked off towards the entrance. Legates grimaced and jogged to catch up.
"Michelle, wait," he called, catching up to her. He reached out and gently grasped her arm.
"Hey," he said, turning her to face him.
Her face was scrunched and he could tell she was trying not to cry. She snatched her arm from his grasp and waved her hand in front of her eyes.
"What are you doing?" He asked confused by the hand waving.
"Trying to dry the tears before they fall dammit. My mascara will run. I didn't think I'd need water proof," she fussed. He let out a sigh and cupped her face in his hand.
"Why are you going to cry?" He asked, stepping closer to block the wind.
"It's stupid," she said. She could hear the other two approaching.
"No it's not," he said.
"Look, I don't want to talk about this okay. Let's just go and enjoy your holiday ball," she said, giving him a slightly watery smile. He frowned and cocked his head.
"For now. We'll talk about this later," he said firmly.
She shrugged and turned towards the other two. Legates hooked his arm in hers and they walked together into the building. Michelle took a deep breath, swallowed her embarrassment and walked with Legates into the atrium ballroom. They stopped and Legates pulled out his invitation and presented it. The private scanned it nodded and ushered them towards the receiving line. General Henderson turned to the next arrivals and pasted a smile on his face.
"This is Michelle Welton and she is escorted by Corporal Legates of the 75th Regiment 3rd battalion," the private informed the men.
"How are you? We're so glad you could join us," Henderson said, bowing politely over Michelle's hand.
"Ahh, Corporal Legates. Have you spoken with Special Agent Booth lately?" Henderson asked politely. Janine who was standing to the right of Henderson looked at him in surprise at Booth's name.
"Not lately, General, but I do believe I will be seeing him at Dr. Saroyan's Christmas dinner later this weekend," Legates replied. Henderson smiled and nodded.
"Give him and Tempe my best won't you?" He said in a little less formal tone. Legates gave him a clipped nod. They moved through the receiving line until they reached General Carter. Carter clasped Michelle's hand.
"Michelle, how is your mother? Doing well I hope?" He asked solicitously. Michelle smiled up at him and nodded.
"Yes, she is doing well. How is Rhianna doing?" Michelle asked her eyes concerned at the poor girl's plight. Rhianna had visited Brennan a few times while Michelle had been at the lab for her paper. The poor girl had seemed so lost.
"Things are getting better but it will take a while longer," Carter said. The line was building so Michelle moved on quickly and through the rest of the line.
"God, that was too easy," Legates said, letting out a huge sigh.
"Wha?" She said, turning to look at him.
He led her to the coat check and dropped off her stole. As they were walking back towards the doors of the actual ballroom they ran into Martinez and Tanya.
"Okay, okay, I'll do whatever you want," Martinez said. Michelle snorted and rolled her eyes.
"Famous last words," she muttered.
They followed the Private near the door to their table. As they sat down they saw that Techie and Andrea were already seated. Andrea's light gray gown draped over one shoulder and fell in satin pleats from the beaded waist line just below her breasts.
"I may have gotten us into some trouble," Legates mumbled. Techie looked up sharply and narrowed his eyes.
"Legates, what the hell did you do?" Techie asked sharply, worried that his friend had pissed off a General.
"I uh," he rubbed the back of his head, "may have laughed at Michelle."
"What the hell does that have to do with me?" Techie asked, raising one eyebrow.
"I got ticked and both Legates here and Martinez will be getting you to go to a caroling food drive," Michelle said in a flat tone. Andrea let her eyebrow rise but a slow smile spread across her face.
"Shouldn't be a problem. Who is it for?" Techie asked calmly. Andrea shot him an approving smile at his charitable attitude.
"DC area group homes," Michelle replied.
"Yeah, I don't think the guys will mind. When and where?"
"Tomorrow night at the plaza at the college," Michelle replied.
"So, we just show up?"
"Bring something for a traditional holiday dinner," Michelle said softly. Techie gave an abrupt nod and stood up.
"Be right back. You want anything?" He asked Andrea as he placed his hand on her shoulder. She reached up and squeezed his hand.
"Yes, please," she said.
He walked over to the bar and Michelle turned her narrowed eyes on Legates.
"I'm in a lot of trouble aren't I?" He said tentatively, his face uncertain.
"Well, later when I tell you everything you can decide whether you are in trouble or not," Michelle said, after pursing her lips.
"In trouble with the little lady?" Romero smirked at Legates.
Michelle narrowed her eyes at the young man and he sat back. Techie sat down, handed Andrea a drink and rolled his eyes.
"I swear by all that is holy. Romero, we've had this discussion about pissing her off before. I'd think you would have learned from your last run in with her and Legates' reaction to it. If I were you I'd leave the two of them alone," Techie said.
Romero glanced over at her and smirked. Michelle shot a questioning glance at Legates and he frowned at Techie for opening his mouth. He knew he'd have to answer her question later.
"There's nowhere for her to hide a weapon on her person tonight and he wouldn't dare do anything stupid in front of the generals," he said, laughing. Michelle sneered at him and crossed her arms.
"I have two on me. Well, technically three but we'll call it two," she told him challengingly.
Andrea's eyes skimmed Michelle's form and silent listed places the woman could hide weapons. Legates let out a sigh and eyed her frame looking for them. Shaking his head, he looked at the ceiling. Henderson and Carter were standing near the head table speaking. Henderson's eyes spotted Michelle smirking and Legates looking at the ceiling in irritation.
"Those two remind me of two others," Henderson stated. Carter's eyes skated in the direction of Henderson's nod. He spotted Michelle and Legates and he chuckled.
"So where are they?" Romero asked, crossing his arms and glaring.
"Guess," she said softly in challenge.
"Obviously you've got one up your skirt," he said. She nodded in affirmation but did not reach for it.
"Are you going to show us?" He asked her for proof.
"I think not," she said calmly.
Legates snorted and shot her a lecherous look. She batted her eyelashes at him then propped her chin on her laced fingers. Looking at Romero, she waited. He eyed her again and shook his head.
"I don't see where else you could hide one," he stated.
She reached up and tugged on the butterflies on the end of the hairsticks. Romero watched as a two six inch blades slid from their black sheaths that held her hair in place. She showed them to him and then slid them back into place. Andrea's eyes widened in astonishment. Techie chuckled at his fiance's astonishment.
"I want some of those," Andrea said, pointing.
"Tell you what, we'll get you a permit to carry a concealed weapon then I'll buy you some okay?" Techie said, shaking his head with a chuckle and shooting Michelle a wink.
"Do you want anything from the bar?" Legates asked Michelle with a smile. She wrinkled her nose and cocked her head then shrugged.
"An Aria Extra Dry please," she said with a smile. He returned a moment later, carrying a flute for her and a glass of something she couldn't identify for himself.
The group at the table sat bored through the toasts and usual military hoopla. Michelle pasted a smile on her face and tried not to get a glazed look in her eyes. She realized the speeches were over when a plate was placed in front of her. She looked down and almost went cross eyed at the fish on her plate. Legates groaned as he realized a mistake had been made. He picked up her plate and switched it with his. Her head jerked back and she looked at him. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it quickly when he shot her a look.
"Nice try, I do know you're allergic to fish and I would prefer for you to be here rather than a hospital," he said, waving his fork at her. She nodded and pushed her salad at him as well.
"Wait, that's a Caesar Salad there's no fish in it," he said, pushing it back.
"High end restaurants and caterers use a high end dressing that has anchovies in it," Andrea said, beginning to eat her own salad. He shook his head and sighed.
"Fine, but you get my dessert," he bargained with Michelle. Michelle snickered and turned back to the steak on her plate.
"Wait, you're allergic to fish? Aren't people normally allergic to shellfish not fish?" Davis said, poking at his own fish. Michelle looked up at him in confusion.
"Pretty much if it's edible someone somewhere is allergic to it. Fish and shellfish are distinctly different families of seafood," she said, cutting into her steak. She paused to look at everyone before taking a bite. Realizing the conversation considered closed, they began to eat.
"So how is Sarge handling this?" Brown asked, waving his fork between Michelle and Legates. Legates looked up and froze like a deer in headlights.
"Oh shit. You didn't? He's going to kill you, Legates," Davis said, laughing behind his hand.
"No, Booth knows I'm seeing Josh. Josh is just remembering that he has yet to have a conversation about his forehead tattoo with Booth," Michelle said, taking another bite of her steak.
Andrea leaned around Techie to get a better look at Legates' forehead. Her face scrunched in confusion at his smooth forehead. Techie leaned over and whispered in her ear for a moment. She put her hand up, covered her mouth, swallowed then giggled behind her hand.
"You didn't?" She asked, looking over at Michelle. Michelle swallowed the bite in her mouth and let a slow smile spread across her face.
"I did," she affirmed, making Andrea laugh again.
"Oh man, I forgot about that conversation," Legates almost squeaked at the imminent beating looming in his future. The men at the table bawled in laughter and Romero just looked confused.
"Wait, I don't understand," Romero said.
"Legates over there is dating a family member of one Sergeant Major Seeley Booth," Techie said, smirking at Legates. Romero choked on his salad, took a huge gulp of his scotch and immediately regretted it.
"Are you," he gasped, "an idiot? You're dating a family member of a sniper with the longest perfect kill shot."
Legates sighed and started pushing his food around on his plate. Michelle put her hand on his thigh and squeezed.
"The most Booth will do is threaten," Michelle said calmly. She picked up her wine and took a sip.
"Didn't think you were much of a wine drinker," Legates pointed out, desperately trying to change the subject.
"Cam, gave me the basics so that if I found myself at one of the Jeffersonian shindigs I wouldn't get wasted. You can nurse a champagne or sparkling wine better than most drinks," she said, shrugging again.
"So, what is that?" He asked pointing to her glass.
"Sparkling wine," she replied. He shook his head and snorted at her answer. Michelle saw the waiters moving around the tables after the plates had been cleared.
"Absolutely no way in hell I am eating two of those," she said, pointing to the huge slices of pie going by.
"Aww, are you scared you're going to get fat," Legates teased.
"That's exactly what I'm scared of. I spend enough time at the gym and eating two slices of that means another hour on the elliptical," she muttered.
"Amen to that one," Andrea murmured quietly. Legates snorted and took a sip of his drink.
"You weigh what? A hundred and fifty pounds?" Davis said, taking a swig of his own drink. Michelle's eyes narrowed and her mouth twisted down on one side. Andrea raised her eyes to the ceiling in what looked to be a plea for help.
"I do not discuss my weight," Michelle sniffed demurely. Legates choked back a laugh at Davis' suggestion.
"Davis, you do not try to guess a woman's weight. It's a sure way to offend her," Techie told him.
"Definitely not a hundred and fifty," Legates muttered. Michelle turned and raised an eyebrow at him. He held his hands up defensively and shook his head.
"Less much less," he clarified. She shot him a glare and turned to her own slice of pie.
"Now if she doesn't discuss her weight how the hell would you know that?" Romero asked in an interested tone.
Legates dropped his forehead into his hand and shook his head back and forth. Michelle took a bite of her pie and ignored Romero. Legates looked at Romero and gave him the 'are you stupid' look.
"What?" He asked and Techie half groaned half laughed.
"I'm not explaining it," Techie said, taking a bite of his own pie.
Michelle chewed, swallowed, put her fork down, and tapped the corners of her mouth with her napkin. Setting the napkin down on the table, she pinned Romero with a glare.
"Is she going to?" Andrea whispered the question to Techie.
"Yep," was his reply.
"What they are refusing to tell you is that Josh would know my weight because I have on multiple occasions sat on top of him," she said, shooting him a smile. Andrea smirked and shot Techie a look.
"Okay, note to self, Green Berets are stupid," she muttered. Romero glared at her and slammed his hand on the table.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," she said, standing up and picking up her clutch. The men stood and she moved around the table towards the bathroom.
"Wait for it," Techie murmured to Andrea who watched in fascination. Michelle paused in front of Romero who was still glaring.
"I was sitting on top of him naked, Romero," Michelle said in a low tone, tapping him on the chest with her clutch.
The men sat down as she passed the next table. Legates shot Romero a smug grin and took another sip of his drink. Andrea wore a wide smirk of appreciation for Michelle's forwardness. The men around the table were choking back their laughter and a flush crawled up Romero's neck.
Michelle pushed the bathroom door open and found a gaggle of women standing around. Walking to the counter, she opened her clutch, pulled out her lipstick and set the clutch on the counter. She leaned in and was applying her lipstick when Tanya strolled in and walked over to her.
"So, what happens now?" She asked Michelle as she leaned in to check her mascara.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Michelle said, shrugging.
"Well, Martinez is a very interesting guy," Tanya told Michelle with a grin. Michelle smacked her lips together, swiped the edges of her lips and locked eyes with Tanya.
"Be nice to him and don't hurt his feelings. I don't want to have to deal with him," Michelle said firmly.
"Oh he's a big boy," Tanya said. Michelle shook her head, jammed her lipstick in her purse and made her way back to the table.
The men stood as she approached and Legates pulled her chair out. She sat down and smiled at his gallantry. As they sat down the DJ in the corner began to play some music and an occasional couple drifted to the floor. Andrea and Techie were among the couples drifting across the floor.
Over the next few minutes, the lights in the ballroom began to dim and Michelle looked around. She could see that the men and women at the head table began to leave. She looked around and saw the men and women chatting at their tables. As the second song started to play Legates stood up and extended his hand.
"Dance with me?" He asked her with a grin.
She placed her hand in his and stood. He led her to the dance floor and wrapped his arm around her waist. Pulling her close, they began to sway. She listened to the music and frowned.
"Are we seriously dancing to this?" She asked him in a muted tone.
He chuckled and pulled her even closer. He started humming at her temple and she snuggled as close as she could. There was no room for the Holy Spirit between them.
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
He sang softly near her ear. She cocked her head and smiled at him.
"You like Elvis?" She asked in a reserved manner.
"Mmm hmm," he agreed between verses.
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
Michelle relaxed into his embrace and swayed with him. He slowly spun them around the floor. A few of the older couples were on the dance floor but they were the only young pair.
"You know for someone who sings about love so much, Elvis didn't have good luck with it," Michelle whispered. She didn't want to break the spell that seemed to be wrapping around them.
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can't help falling in love with you
for I can't help falling in love with you
As they spun around the floor, Legates noticed the other guys had joined them on the floor and were dancing with their dates. The song finished they paused for just a moment then separated. He led them back to the table and they sat down together.
An hour and a few dances later, Michelle blinked her eyes sleepily at Legates. He chuckled and glanced at the clock.
"Are you going to turn into a pumpkin on me?" He asked her with a smile. She shook her head no, slowly.
"Tanya is a pumpkin. I turn into a mouse," she said quietly.
He chuckled and stood up. Digging in his pockets, he pulled out his keys. He looked at Techie and gave him a questioning look. Techie reached his hand out, hiding his astonishment. Legates didn't let just anyone drive his truck. Andrea looked between the two a slight hint of confusion on his face.
"Conditions," Legates said, pulling the keys back from Techie's outstretched hand.
"They are?" Techie asked with irritation
"You make sure Green Bean and Tanya get home. He rode with me. Second, you pack me a weekend bag and bring it to the hotel across the street," Legates said, shaking the keys. Techie grinned at the conditions.
"Sure, no problem," he agreed quickly.
"One scratch, just one," he threatened.
"I wouldn't dare," Techie promised with his hand over his heart.
"Where you going, Legates? You're not supposed to leave before your commanding officer," Romero said, glaring at Legates and pointing at Jameson.
Legates remained silent and extended his hand. Michelle put her hand in his and stood. She picked up her clutch and stepped towards Legates.
"I need to let Tanya know I'm leaving," she said. He nodded, stood where he was, and waited.
"Legates, are you ignoring me?" Romero almost growled at him. Legates turned to face Romero and leaned on his knuckles.
"Romero, where I am going is none of your business. If my Unit or Jameson needs to contact me they know how to get a hold of me," Legates said in a soft snarl.
He saw Michelle approach from the corner of his eye. Standing up straight, he turned to face her with a smile. She smiled and tucked her hand in his elbow.
"I should be there in a few hours," Techie said. Legates lifted his hand in a salute of acknowledgment.
They stopped and retrieved her stole then slowly left the building. When they stepped outside the December wind bit through her clothes making her shiver.
"Come on, let's get you inside again before you freeze," he said.
They quickly walked to the edge of the sidewalk and stopped. The fates were with them as the light changed quickly allowing them to cross the street. They entered the hotel and were followed by a gust of wind.
A/N: Okay let's see what hints I want to give for tomorrow...articles of clothing, eyelashes,
two questions, possessions, Derrick, Tyrell, a chat, makeup rituals, coupons, turkeys in the snow, salami, sleepy shopper, TMI, pinning, straps, front seat, inhaling, a foreign language, a manager and cranberries.
A/N2: The hair sticks were completely my idea but they would be plausible. I'm sure there's a knife maker somewhere that could make them. Hell if you are a knifemaker make me some ;-P. Michelle's dress I found on the internet but my computer won't load the link. I'll post it in the blog but I make no guarantees that it will are some interesting links on the blog today!