Disclaimer: The names of all characters contained here-in are the property of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, CBS, etc. No infringments of these copyrights are intended, and are used here without permission.

Characters: Martin/Sam, with appearances by the rest of the team.

Rating: PG

AU maybe? Just a complete piece of X-mas fluff. Although it takes place season 3, this isn't Malone v. Malone. There are hints but this is my alternate office party. Maybe, more of what the actual show should have been like, heh. I make no apologies about the pure brainlessness of this. Fluff is fluff and as such, this is puffy, soft, cuddly nothingness. However, if you're looking to judge me on a single piece of writing, I beg you to reconsider this one and maybe choose another...

"Why?" he asked.

Martin was puzzled by the sudden declaration by his girlfriend, Samantha Spade. She merely shrugged her shoulders and chuckled.

"You haven't been to the staff party in 2 years, at least. Why the change?" He was still pushing. He just couldn't understand. Since he had been in New York, Sam hadn't attended a single staff function. Now she wanted to go to the Christmas party. In truth, Martin had been looking forward to not going. He was secretly pleased that he and Sam could spend it alone, without interruptions since everyone else would be there and not working either.

He had made his appearance at every function in the past just because he felt he should. Now, there were more important priorities than pleasing his father and kissing OPR ass. He glanced suspiciously at the blonde agent as she breezed past him and into the bathroom.

"Why shouldn't I go?" she asked, obviously amused by his confusion. She grabbed her toothbrush out of his cabinet. He stood in the doorway, watching her brush her teeth.

"I never said you shouldn't go. I'm just curious what changed."

She smirked at him, toothbrush sticking out the side of her mouth. He couldn't help a small smile from forming on his lips. She took the toothbrush in her hand and spit into the sink, purposely making the loudest sound she could. He was unfazed. She took a gulp of water. Swishing the water around in her mouth, she stared at him staring at her.

"You know, I'm really starting to wonder about you," he said apprehensively but with a smile. She blinked at him, her cheeks full of water.

"Wonder what?" she asked innocently as she spit out the water.

"About your fragile mental state." She gave him an enigmatic smile and wiped her mouth. "And I wonder why you've said barely anything except ask questions tonight."

She brushed past him again, without saying a word and made her way into the living room. She took a seat on the sofa and switched on the TV. Martin sat down next to her. Her gaze was focused intently on the screen. The nightly news flashed away. He stretched an arm over the back of the sofa. Neither said anything.

Then the news went to commercial.

"Why is it so weird that I want to go to the Christmas party?" she asked suddenly, turning to him.

He thought for a moment. He could swear he had already explained it. "Because you haven't been to one since I've known you. It just seems strange for some reason."

She tucked her bangs behind her ear and looked down at the coffee table. She shrugged again. "I don't know. I just feel like changing things. I mean, it's about time I stopped hiding from FBI social functions." She let out a long sigh, sounding sad. "I just never felt a desire to go before. All those people, prying into what's supposed to be your personal life. I just, I don't know. I feel like it now. Don't you want to go?"

He pulled her against him. She sighed again and relaxed in his arms.

"I'll go if you want to go."

"I really do."

He kissed her softly on the top of her head as the news returned from the commercial break.

At work the next day, Danny approached Vivian, Samantha, and Martin who were sitting around the conference table. He pulled up a chair.

"So who's coming tonight?"

"Tonight?" Sam inquired.

"Yeah, the Christmas party, Sam. Remember?"

She laughed quietly. "I know. I'm coming."

Vivian and Danny stared at her with the same disbelief as Martin had the night before. Danny didn't say anything in response. Martin watched the gears turning in his coworkers' heads.

"Really?" Viv finally asked.

Sam nodded, grinning to herself. Viv smirked and glanced over at Martin. He smiled and turned away. As far as he knew, Viv only suspected something between himself and Sam. She had good instincts but he wasn't about to confirm her suspicions. Danny had missed the exchange between Martin and Viv. He was too busy trying to figure out why exactly Sam had decided to attend. He had seen her and Martin on the balcony a few weeks ago but nothing since. Sam started to squirm under his scrutiny.

"Are you?" she asked, distracting him.

"Sure am," Danny exclaimed. "Wouldn't miss it. You've gotta see Anderson when they start playing "Run, Run, Rudolph". He's a lean, mean dancing machine."

The agents all laughed at the image.

The jingle bells clanged against the glass doors as Martin and Sam entered the New York FBI's lobby. Each unit had their own little festive gatherings. Tonight it was the Missing Persons Unit and a few other small units that helped them out and worked on the same floor. Sam thought it would have been easier to just have a big gala for the whole FBI but this was more special. Martin knew what to expect. He adjusted his navy blue hoodie as they entered.

The strains of Christmas carols wafted into the elevator as they arrived on the 23rd floor. Before the doors opened Martin gave Sam's hand a quick squeeze and then dropped his hands back at his sides. She smiled to herself. As the doors dinged open, they slipped into their professional work masks and joined everyone else in the bullpen. The casual atmosphere of the gathering was unfamiliar to Sam. She only spent time out of work with Martin, and occasionally other members on her tight team. Seeing other agents who she worked with on a daily basis, drinking and laughing, was strange. She felt out of place, but a few spiked eggnogs would probably change that. She approached Viv, leaving Martin to schmooze by himself. Viv was talking with two agents from the Investigative Support Unit. She joined them.

"Agent Spade," said one of the agents. Sam couldn't quite remember his name. "Long time, no see."

"Sure is," she responded unsure of when the last time she had seen him. Viv saw her hesitation.

"I'm surprised you actually came," she commented. Sam smiled.

"I said I'd be here…So here I am, and thirsty as ever!"

Viv chuckled. Sam looked around the room quickly.

"Where are Danny and Jack?"

Viv scanned the room as well, pointing Danny out among a small group of women in the corner. He was obviously the main attraction. "I'm not sure where Jack is. Last I heard he was coming but I haven't seen him yet. Is Martin here?"
Sam looked at Viv curiously for a moment, trying to gauge if there was a hidden meaning in her question. "Yeah, I think I saw him talking with some senior agents from BSU."

"Oh okay," Viv said.

"Well, I'm just gonna go get a bit of eggnog. See ya in a bit," Sam said, excusing herself from the conversation and giving Viv a quick pat on the back. She and the ISU agents resumed their previous conversation.
On her way to the eggnog, Danny intercepted Sam.

"Hey Hotstuff," he chimed. She backed up quickly in surprise and smiled at him.

"Hey!"

"You came!" He was grinning and Sam was confused.

"Yeah, I did. Is that such a shock?" She was partly amused by the reaction to her attendance.

"A little."

She cocked her head, suggesting he continue. He shrugged.

"It's nice. You look nice," Danny said without further explanation.

"Why thank you. You look very nice yourself. I like the shirt," she complimented and touched the black button-down shirt he was wearing. To an outside observer, they would be flirting. And that's exactly what Sam wanted it to look like. That way, if she slipped up with Martin, it would just look normal. She grinned to herself and Danny caught on.

"Are you serious? Why are you smiling?"

She shook her head. "Nothing! No, I mean it. It's a nice shirt."

The banter continued between the two agents until Martin came up to them, two eggnogs in his hands. He had a similar smile on his face, looking amused at Sam and Danny.

"For me, Fitz? How considerate," Danny joked. Martin laughed and handed it to Sam. The three agents continued the conversation until Danny's cell phone rang. Sam groaned.

"No work tonight please," she mumbled to herself.

"Hey Jack."

Both Martin and Samantha's ears perked up as Danny talked with Jack. He flipped off the phone and glanced at his friends.

"Jack's not coming."

"Why?" Martin asked.

"Family stuff. Guess it's just us. I'm gonna go tell Viv." Danny moved away from them and wove through the crowd towards Vivian. Sam and Martin glanced at each other. She took a sip of the eggnog, then choked. She coughed a few times.

"It's strong," she explained. Martin tested it as well.

"Certainly is. I have a feeling there's going to be some karaoke tonight if everyone is drinking this."

Sam giggled at the thought, looking around the room for possible agents that would step up to the challenge. The idea amused her greatly.

A few hours had passed and Sam was actually enjoying herself. There were a few brief moments that she wondered what exactly Jack was talking about when he said "family stuff". She assumed it was divorce related. But that subject was not something she particularly felt like dwelling on. She felt the alcohol swirling in her brain and turning her cheeks warm. And it was obvious everyone else was feeling it as well. If anything, Danny was drunk on atmosphere. He was entertaining all the ladies tonight. Sam knew he hadn't had any of the rum eggnog but he was excited all the same. It lifted her spirits about the holidays. Martin too was taking it easy, or so it seemed. He was content to stand back and observe the antics of other agents.

Suddenly "Run, Run, Rudolph" filled the office. There was a chorus of hoots and chants for Anderson to dance. Anderson stumbled forward as everyone gave him space. Sam now knew why "Run, Run, Rudolph" was the main attraction of the night. Whether or not Anderson's moves could be considered dancing was not important. The fact was, he was a riot. She couldn't help laughing out loud, along with everyone else.

When the "dance" ended, there was a round of applause. Soon a small karaoke machine was rolled out and the real fun began.

The karaoke lasted for a while before agents began to filter out slowly. Among the first to leave was Vivian. She had to get home to Reggie. It was a school night after all. She said her goodbyes leaving Sam, Danny, and Martin as the only agents from MPU. Danny was able to tear himself away from his fans long enough to sit down with Martin and watch the horrible karaoke. Sam had disappeared.

"So, having a good time?"

Martin shrugged. "Not as good as you, I'm sure."

Danny laughed, patting Martin on the back. "Yours'll pick up later on," he smirked and avoided Martin's curious glare. Martin let the comment drop and sipped his eggnog again. Sam returned, bumping into the desk. She tripped but caught herself just before falling on her face. She decided to take a break. She sat down beside Danny with careful concentration.

"Party's dying down, huh?" she slurred slightly, squinting at the mass of agents crowding Ferguson and Yelle who were singing up a storm. The floor moved under her. She grabbed for a glass of water.

"Looks that way," Martin agreed, noticing her flushed cheeks. Her hair fell around her shoulders in loose curls. She had removed her jacket a few hours ago when the temperature had seemed to rise. She was wearing only a white tank top and jeans. He felt his own cheeks heat up as he studied her. She laughed at Yelle, apparently distracted for the moment. He shifted in his chair trying not to stare at her. Danny followed Sam's gaze, smiling at the antics of the other agents.

Martin stood up, blinking. "Well, I think that's a wrap for me. I'm gonna head home." Sam and Danny both turned to him. Danny sensed where this was going.

"Okay, man. Have a good one. I'll see you tomorrow. I have a brunette beauty over there to sweet talk."

"You too. Later," Martin said as Danny walked away. Sam focused on Martin, noticeably with much effort.

"Leaving?" she asked.

"Yeah. I think that's what I said," he grinned at her. "You need a ride home?"

"What?" She looked confused.

"A ride, Sam. You know, those things with wheels driven by sober people that help drunk people like you get places without hurting yourself."

"I'm not drunk!" she exclaimed much louder than she had planned. Nearby agents glanced over at her quickly. She pouted and leant closer to Martin. "Just buzzed. A teeny bit." She paused again. "A teeny, tiny bit."

"Sure. So you want one?"

"A what?"

He laughed. "I'm taking you home."

"I'm fine. Honestly."

He studied her. Other than being more flushed than usual, she did look quite sober, but that could be deceiving. He was surprised that she wanted to stay at the party. "You sure?" He wasn't convinced.

"Yeah, yeah. Fabulous!" She gave him an exaggerated wink, beaming.

He took her arm after that comment. "Never in three and a half years have I ever heard you use the word "fabulous". You are drunk." She struggled weakly but wasn't really that interested in staying at the party and struggling any harder would most likely cause an accident. She really just wanted to play with Martin. He dropped his grip on her as they began walking away. She hit her knee on a chair, tripped, and knocked it over with a loud crash but kept walking without a word, pretending she didn't notice. She had large smile plastered on her face. He was amused by her mood.

"How much eggnog did you have?"

She shrugged. "Two, three maybe."

"You're a liar," he stated with a grin as they walked to the elevator. He knew it had to be more than that. Tripping over her feet, she turned to him as they waited.

"You know Martin, I may be very slightly inebriated but I can still count to three, thanks. It's not that foreign a concept yet." She smirked at him. He was just trying to get a rise out of her. "I did go to college after all." She looked him over and then moved closer. "You are just trying to make excuses to take me home."

"How perceptive, Sam." He stared straight ahead. Both of them were trying not to laugh. She broke first. Her stifled giggles escalated into full-fledged laughter. He had no idea why she was laughing so hard, but that made the entire situation funnier to him. He couldn't hold in his own chuckles. It was nice to laugh with her. It was such a rare occasion when she would actually laugh out loud. The elevator opened and they entered. Martin pressed the button.

Her laughter subsided as the elevator doors closed. "Thanks."

He looked at her, unsure of where that came from. "Why?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. For coming tonight."

He held back the bawdy response that immediately sprang to his mind. Before he could formulate a better reply, she continued. "I never really liked these kind of things, or the holidays in general actually. Everyone's so happy. So happy. I could never really find anything to be merry about. Even once I got to New York." She seemed to stare off for a moment. When she continued, her voice was low and small. "Is having an affair with your married boss really something to celebrate while you sit alone in some ugly Gramercy apartment watching lame Christmas specials and eating left over takeout at 1 AM? I didn't think so."
Martin knew she wanted to talk but she would probably shut up as soon as they hit the ground floor. After being together for 8 months, he knew that on the rare occasions she felt like spilling pieces of her personal history, it was best to let her vent. He hit the Stop button. She didn't notice.

"I mean, even before that, there was nothing that was very cheery about the holidays. My family seemed to drop off the face of the earth from June to March. I might get a call around my birthday in the spring but no well wishes at Christmas. Not even a card from my mom. But I guess it's like that for a lot of people. You probably had a huge family dinner and screaming kids and stockings. The whole kit and caboodle."

He shrugged, marvelling at how easy it was for her to make him feel guilty for his upbringing, even if she didn't mean to.

"Sometimes it was like that, sometimes it wasn't." He looked away.

"Well, anyway, it's not like we had much of that. It was hard enough convincing my mom and her boyfriend-of-the-month to buy a stupid candy cane instead of a pack of cigarettes. And to top it all off, cookies!"
She stared off into space. Martin was puzzled. "Cookies?"

"Yes cookies! You eat them. They taste good."

"I know what cookies are, Sam." He was just confused how her monologue abruptly switched from a commentary on her past Christmases to cookies.

"Well then?"

She stumbled against the side of the elevator as she turned to face him again. He quickly placed a steadying hand on her arm.

"What's wrong with cookies?"

"Nothing!" she said exasperatedly. "That's the problem. You know the thing that really turned me off Christmas party last year was the cookie thing. I like cookies, very much. And then when we were talking about the party the day before, Viv said that someone had left some really good cookies over near the coffee and so I went over there to get one and Jack had just taken the last one. Do you remember that?"

He couldn't say he did. He didn't really pay much attention to Jack's dietary habits. Sam didn't even wait for a response.

"It doesn't matter. It just really pissed me off. Because once he walked away, I looked at the box and it said there were 40 cookies. But there were none for me! I mean, c'mon, there weren't even 40 people on the floor that day. And Viv had obviously had some, and Jack had, and Danny would have as well. Did you?"

"Um, I don't know." He honestly couldn't remember.

"Well, it was just kinda rude, you know? I dunno. Jack eating that cookie really pissed me off. I just didn't want to go to a party that wasn't going to save me cookies. It obviously was big reason I didn't go." She looked very upset by the memory. "I wanted a cookie," she whined.

Martin couldn't really believe her muddled logic for the reason she didn't go last year. It clearly made sense to her. But he had no clue how not getting a cookie and going to a party were interconnected. He had a feeling there was something else involved in her decision but she was obviously not in the right frame of mind to truly remember the real reason. The cookie story would have to suffice.

"Did they have cookies tonight? Did you get any?" he asked, trying to steer her away from the topic of Jack eating too many cookies last Christmas.

"Yeah. Too many." She paused. "I had some when you were off cozying up to the lab rats. Why do you think I needed so much eggnog to wash them down?" She smirked at him.

"So now it's the cookies' fault you can't walk a straight line?"

"Indeed." She giggled again. He couldn't help the smile from spreading across his face.

"Okay, so now you've got that cookie-hate out of your system, and I am fully convinced you belong in an asylum, if not a zoo, would you like to go home?"

"Zoo?"

Martin sighed. Sam had seemed to miss the point of his question but she still had a childlike smile across her face. "Never mind,

Sam. You ready to go?"

"Yeah." She leant over and pushed the Stop button again and the elevator lurched back to life. The rest of the elevator ride was spent in silence.

There was a clunk and a swish as the doors opened into the FBI lobby. The lobby was empty except for the night security guard. The main entrance was closed off as other guards had either gone home or were on rounds. The guard on duty directed them to the alternate exit. Martin put a hand on her back to steady her as they walked down the quiet corridor.

"Did you have a good time?" she asked out of nowhere as they walked.

He looked down at her. "Yeah, it was good." She smiled and looked around the decorated hallway.
She stopped short. Martin looked at her curiously. She pointed above them. Hanging on the ceiling, randomly in the middle of the hallway, was mistletoe. She grinned.

"It's…uh…Pretty," he stated hesitantly. They were in the middle of the FBI building. Cameras were bound to be everywhere. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"You do know the purpose of mistletoe, right?"

"I sure do. I also know the purpose of security cameras." He wasn't purposely trying to kill the mood, he just wasn't sure that it was the best idea.

"I'm sure Darrell doesn't care." She moved closer to him. It didn't take much for her to wear him down. He slipped his hands under her jacket around her waist.

"Merry Christmas, Sam," he whispered as he leant down to meet his lips with hers. She tilted her mouth to move flush against him, allowing their kiss to deepen. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck, pulling him closer. He pulled back for a moment to look at her. She mirrored the smile that was on his face. She tugged his mouth back to hers, kissing him harder. They stood kissing in the corridor of the New York FBI office for long minutes.

Unbenounced to either agent, another person had just come through the doorway at the end of the corridor after being let in by another guard. Jack Malone had come to pick up a few documents after the meeting with his attorney just to be greeted with the vision of two of his charges locked in a loving embrace. He felt awkward and stepped into an alcove as they finally parted and continued towards the exit, hand in hand. He watched as she wrapped a scarf around her neck and donned her toque, smiling at her companion. Jack continued to his office, head down, further depressed by the confirmation of his suspicions.

Outside, the snow was beginning to fall. Sam laughed as she caught snowflakes on her tongue and Martin hailed a cab. He smiled at her. She quickly came up and kissed him again briefly before returning to her snowflake catching.
For the two agents standing on the snowy New York sidewalk, it was certainly going to be a merry Christmas this year.

End.