The Louisiana sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the city of New Orleans. The French Quarter bustled with its usual vibrancy, but amidst the crowds and music, two former NCIS agents were about to reunite after years apart.
Brody stood near the Jackson Square fountain, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. She had left the NCIS team years ago, but New Orleans had always held a special place in her heart. Adjusting her sunglasses, she took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She hadn't seen Chris Lasalle in years, not since that fateful case that led her to take a different path.
Lasalle, on the other hand, approached the meeting spot with a confident stride. His cowboy hat perched jauntily on his head, and his signature grin spread wide as he spotted Brody. He had kept in touch with the old team, but seeing Brody again felt like reconnecting with a piece of his past he sorely missed.
"Well, I'll be," Lasalle drawled, a twinkle in his eye. "Meredith Brody, in the flesh."
Brody turned, her face breaking into a smile. "Chris! It's been too long."
They embraced, the years melting away in that brief, heartfelt moment. Stepping back, Lasalle tipped his hat. "You look great, Brody. How've you been?"
"Thanks, Chris. You haven't changed a bit," Brody laughed. "I've been good. Busy, but good. What about you? Still chasing bad guys?"
Lasalle chuckled. "You know me. Can't stay away from the action for too long. But enough about work. Let's catch up over some beignets. What do you say?"
They walked towards Café du Monde, slipping into an easy camaraderie as if no time had passed at all. Settling at a table, they ordered coffee and beignets, the sweet smell mingling with the city's distinct aroma.
"So, what's new with you?" Lasalle asked, leaning back in his chair.
Brody sipped her coffee, considering where to start. "After I left NCIS, I took some time to travel. I needed a break from everything. Ended up doing some consulting work, which was a nice change of pace. But, lately, I've been thinking about coming back to law enforcement."
Lasalle raised an eyebrow. "Really? What brought that on?"
"I guess I missed the sense of purpose," Brody admitted. "Helping people, making a difference. It's hard to walk away from that for good."
Lasalle nodded, understanding all too well. "It gets under your skin, doesn't it? I've been thinking about making some changes myself. Maybe taking on more of a leadership role, mentoring new agents."
"That sounds perfect for you, Chris. You've always been great at bringing out the best in people," Brody said sincerely.
Lasalle smiled, touched by her words. "Thanks, Brody. Means a lot coming from you."
They continued to share stories, laughing over old cases, and reminiscing about their time with the team. The sun set, casting a deep purple twilight over the city, but neither of them noticed as they caught up on lost time.
Eventually, the conversation turned to the people they had both cared about deeply. "Have you heard from Pride?" Brody asked.
"Yeah, he's doing well. Still running things, of course. The team's in good hands," Lasalle said. "And Loretta, she's still the heart of the place."
Brody smiled, feeling a pang of nostalgia. "I miss them. Maybe it's time I paid a visit."
"You know they'd love that," Lasalle said. "And so would I."
Brody reached across the table, squeezing his hand. "Thank you, Chris. For this. For being here."
"Anytime, Brody," Lasalle replied, his grip firm and reassuring. "Welcome back."
As they stood to leave, the night air cool and refreshing, they knew this reunion was just the beginning. Old friends, reunited, ready to face whatever the future held—together.
Brody and Lasalle stepped out of Café du Monde into the bustling nightlife of the French Quarter. The city was alive with the sounds of jazz, laughter, and the occasional street performer drawing a crowd. The vibrant energy of New Orleans was infectious, and it felt like no time had passed since they last walked these streets together.
"How about a stroll down Bourbon Street?" Lasalle suggested with a grin. "Just like old times."
Brody laughed, linking her arm through his. "Lead the way, cowboy."
They walked side by side, their steps in sync, as they reminisced about their favorite haunts and the countless nights they had spent chasing down leads and enjoying the city's charm. As they passed familiar landmarks, memories flooded back, each one sparking a story or a shared laugh.
"So, Brody," Lasalle began, after they had been walking for a while, "what's really brought you back to New Orleans? It's more than just missing law enforcement, isn't it?"
Brody sighed, her gaze distant. "You know me too well, Chris. It's a combination of things. I needed to figure out who I was outside of NCIS, and I did. But in doing so, I realized how much this city, and the work we did, meant to me. I've been feeling this pull to come back and see if there's still a place for me here."
Lasalle nodded thoughtfully. "I get it. Sometimes you need to step away to see things clearly. But I think you'll find that there's always been a place for you here, Brody. With the team, and with me."
She looked up at him, gratitude and warmth in her eyes. "Thanks, Chris. That means a lot. What about you? Any big changes in your life?"
Lasalle chuckled. "Well, aside from considering a leadership role, not much has changed. Still chasing the bad guys, still enjoying the simple pleasures of life in New Orleans. But, I've been thinking about settling down more. Maybe even starting a family someday."
Brody raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Wow, Chris. That's a big step. Anyone special in your life right now?"
He smiled, a little shyly. "There's someone, yeah. Her name's Emily. She's a nurse at the local hospital. We've been seeing each other for a few months now, and it's been... nice. Different, but in a good way."
"That's wonderful, Chris. I'm happy for you," Brody said sincerely. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."
As they continued their walk, they found themselves drawn to the waterfront, where the Mississippi River flowed serenely under the moonlight. They stood by the railing, the city lights reflecting off the water, and shared a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts.
"You know," Brody said softly, breaking the silence, "I think I've made up my mind. I want to come back to NCIS. If there's a spot for me, that is."
Lasalle turned to her, his eyes bright with excitement. "You're serious? That's fantastic, Brody! Of course, there's a spot for you. We'd be lucky to have you back."
She smiled, feeling a sense of peace and certainty. "I'm serious, Chris. It's time to come home."
They stood there for a while longer, savoring the moment and the renewed sense of purpose that came with it. Eventually, Lasalle checked his watch and let out a low whistle. "It's getting late. How about we grab a drink to celebrate?"
"Sounds perfect," Brody agreed.
They headed to their favorite bar, a cozy spot tucked away from the main hustle and bustle. As they walked in, the bartender greeted them with a knowing smile. "Long time no see, Brody. Welcome back."
She smiled, feeling truly at home. "Thanks, Joe. It's good to be back."
Lasalle ordered their drinks, and they settled into a booth, continuing their conversation late into the night. They talked about the future, their hopes, and the adventures that awaited them. The bond they shared had only grown stronger over the years, and now, with Brody's decision to return, it felt unbreakable.
As the night drew to a close, Brody raised her glass. "To new beginnings and old friends."
Lasalle clinked his glass against hers, his eyes shining with pride and affection. "To new beginnings and old friends."