Tiny Dancer

25 - A Reunion

AN: If you like this chapter, I think you're going to like some of the coming chapters. Enjoy.

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Friday (Very early)

Rossi had never been happier to step off the jet. The team had wrapped up their case late Thursday evening and took no time to get everything gathered to head home. A long shower and his own bed were defiantly up there on Rossi's priority list. No matter how ready for those things he was, he made sure to be extra quiet as he put his key in the door. The last thing he wanted to do was wake Penelope and Nora at such a late hour.

Rossi was none surprised to find Mudgie waiting for him once he opened the door. He set his keys on the table and then used his free hand to give Mudgie a head scratch. "Hey, boy. Did you keep an eye on the girls for me?"

Mudgie wagged his tail and trotted to the den. Rossi decided to follow him and was glad he did. Under a pile of blankets, Nora and Penelope were fast asleep on the couch. The Lion King main menu displayed on the tv.

Rossi set his go-bag on the armchair and walked over to turn the tv off. "Who's there?" Penelope asked, slowly waking up.

"It's just me," Rossi whispered, turning on a lamp.

"What time is it?"

Rossi glanced down at his watch. "A little after midnight. How late did you two stay up?"

"Well, we started the movie around 6:30, and I don't remember seeing the whole thing, so not too late."

Rossi moved towards the couch. "How did she do this week?"

"Okay. We hit a few road bumps around Monday/Tuesday. But overall, for your first case away, it wasn't too bad. Strauss got her a map for her room so she can mark all the places you have cases. That seemed to help some."

"That's good," Rossi said. He'd have to remember to thank Erin for that and helping Penelope with picking Nora up and taking her to dance. "I'm going to get this one tucked in." He bent down and lifted Nora, who didn't seem to stir at the sudden change. "I'm sure you miss your own bed, but you're welcome to the guestroom again if you like."

Penelope stood up, wrapping one of the blankets around herself. "I'll take you up on that offer."

Rossi smiled as he followed her, turning at the top of the stairs to Nora's room. Nora only stirred once he set her down and started pulling the blankets around her. "Nonno?"

It was whispered and groggy, but it made Rossi's heart do a flip. "Yes, Bella."

"You're back?" Nora asked. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." He smiled. "Now I know you're excited, but it's bedtime. We have all morning to catch up."

Nora sighed. "Okay."

"That's my Bella." He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Sweet dreams."

"Sogni d'oro," Nora corrected with a yawn.

Rossi grinned. "Sogni d'oro."

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Later that morning, Nora found Rossi and Penelope sitting at the kitchen counter with pancakes. She walked over to Rossi and waited for him to pick her up. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Nora," He said, pressing a kiss to her head. "Did you have a good time with Penelope and Erin?"

Nora bobbed her head. "We finished costume."

"That's exciting." Rossi was impressed. He didn't know how Penelope found the time. "I can't wait to see it."

"Now?" Nora asked, twisting to look at Penelope.