Christmas Angel. Nell persuades Eric, Melissa, Aiden, Sam, Nate and Callen to help her when she volunteers in a soup kitchen over Christmas. Featuring Melissa as Mrs Santa Claus, Aiden as an elf and Callen as Santa. December 21st. Melissa's point of view.

I look up from my laptop and Marco as my phone rings and I look at the caller I.D. Nate, that's strange.

'Who is it?' He asks on screen.

'Nate. Hey I'll skype you back.' I look back at Marco back on the screen.

'Talk later.' He answers as he disappears after ending the call. I answer my phone.

'Hi Nate what's up? It's Sunday please tell me we haven't got a case.' I greet him.

'Hi Melissa, no not got a case. I need your help…'

'You need my help?' I ask.

'Well Nell does…' Nate informs me down the line. 'We're at a soup kitchen volunteering and we need a Mrs Santa Claus and Nell mentioned you might be able to help?'

'Did she now?' I laugh. She did mention that but didn't ask me to join in. I figured it was something she and Eric had planned to do together and I didn't want to intrude. 'Where you too and who's we?'

'1430 Pacific Ave, Long Beach, The Long Beach Rescue Mission. Me, Nell, Eric, Sam and Callen. I'll be with you in 5 minutes please say you'll help.'

She's roped in Callen and Sam too? That blows my theory of it just being her and Eric out of the window.

'Right, fine but I better go get changed then. See you in 5.'

Nate arrives 5 minutes later. I'm darting towards my door as he knocks it. He's visibly surprised as I open the door. I don't think he was expecting me to be ready.

'Hi.' He looks at me taking in the costume. A red and white velour dress with shawl and hat. I've got white tights on underneath and my black heels.

'Come on, we better get to Nell's rescue.'

'Thank you.' Nate offers as we walk back to his car and drive off to the soup kitchen.

We arrive at the soup kitchen and get out the car. I quickly step inside to find where Nell wants me. I follow the sound of excited chatter to the main hall with Nate a few steps behind me. I stop as I look around the hall. A Christmas tree stands proud by the stage. There's a counter leading into the kitchen area with a queue of people waiting for food. I notice Sam, Eric and Nell serving. I give a quick wave and Nell moves to greet me. They all smile as they realise it's me. I move towards her passing tables where many of the homeless are eating or chatting. Nell hugs me as we reach other.

'Excuse me,' A little girl interrupts pulling at my dress. 'Mrs Claus?'

'Yes sweetie,' I look down at the girl and move to squat down to her level. She must be 5 or 6. She points at Santa and his elf. Is that Callen and Aiden?

'Your elf scares me but I want to talk to Santa could you come over with me?' The little girl asks and I take her hand with a smile throwing an apologetic glance in Nell's direction. Nell simply winks and then heads back towards the kitchen. I'm guessing she wanted me over with Callen and Aiden anyway.

'Of course little lady.' I walk over with her to Callen and Aiden and she's happy to sit on Callen's lap. I stand next to Aiden but I'm still holding the girls hand.

'Hello there little one, What's your name and what would you like for Christmas?'

'My name is Caitlyn Santa and please could you stop my mommy crying? It makes me sad when I hear her crying. Can you make her smile just once this Christmas?'

It's heart-breaking. I squeeze the little girls hand without meaning to. Callen seems shocked. He hasn't said a word. I immediately dread what is going on his head. I'm aware that G spent most of his time growing up in foster care and this might have just made his emotions raw.

'Can you point your mommy out to me Caitlyn?' I ask taking control, squatting down again as she points to a middle aged woman over by the tree talking to Nate.

'Well I have a way that you can make her smile little one…' I've noticed the craft table. There's a few children making snowflakes and a slight change in plan from writing a letter to Marco has given me inspiration.

'Yes Mrs Claus.' The girl looks at me. Callen and Aiden do too.

'Why don't you go over to the craft table and make a snowflake and when you're done write on the back why you love your mom and give it to her? That's sure to make her smile.'

'Good idea thank you Mrs Santa Claus!' The girl bounces off Callen's knee and bounds away happy. Callen sighs loudly.

'You really are after my job.' He jokes.

'You seemed to be struggling.' I shrug and Callen simply looks at me.

'Thank you.' Callen thanks. I know it's hard for him to admit he needed help but he is in thanking me.

'Nicely done Miss Createn,' Aiden the elf praises and I turn to face him.

'It's Melissa Aiden, no need for formality. I'm only ever Miss Createn when Hetty or Owen are around.'

'Well… Now I have your permission to call you Melissa I will. I didn't want to get beaten up.'

'Why would I beat you up?' I smile as I look at him and he takes a step back.

'Ummm…'

'Spill it Cadet Sergeant Hanna!' I prompt with authority but quietly enough so that only Callen, Aiden and myself can hear.

'You beat up Marco Triton and he's your friend. Broken jaw they say. And Uncle Callen said…'

'Oh that was an accident and what they didn't tell you was that I injured myself with that punch.' I interrupt.

'How's everything going?' Sam asks as he joins us, closely followed by Nell and Eric.

'Your son is standing on formality thinking I would just randomly punch someone for calling me by my first name. Didn't you tell him it was ok to call me Melissa?'

'Yeah.'

'No.' Aiden states at the same time looking at his father. I look at the pair of them. Sam looks down so I know Aiden is telling the truth.

'Sam! You'll get coal in your stocking this year.' I punch him in the arm. Nell, Callen and Eric snigger but are silenced by a glare from Sam. Aiden moves to stand behind me slightly. Nell is snuggles into Eric's side, as if Eric could protect her. I shake my head.

'And what did Uncle Callen say that made you think that?'

'Aiden don't it's a trap.'

'Coal in your stocking too. I'm not some big ogre you know?'

'Umm no… You're Mrs Santa Claus?' Eric unhelpfully points out and the others laugh.