Tiny Dancer

27 - May

AN: Happy Holidays, guys. Technically this chapter has a holiday, though, not one we are near. I hope you guys enjoy this pretty fluffy family bonding.

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Early May

Tuesday

After Allen didn't bother to show up for Vivian's recital and a mention over Friday dinner that he also didn't attend Noah's baseball games Rossi decided that Allen was a deadbeat father. And that didn't settle right with him.

So, one Tuesday, Rossi did a speed run through his paperwork and 'snuck' out of the office to pick Nora up at regular dismissal instead of having her stay over. He then ran them home to change. Rossi quickly traded his suit and polo for jeans and a navy-colored t-shirt.

Rossi had shared his plan with Penelope who, in true fashion, went the extra mile and ordered Nora an outfit for the occasion. He didn't mind too much. For once, he wanted to be a bit extra, and Nora was very keen on dressing up.

By the time they were done, Nora was decked out head to toe in navy and baseball-themed clothes. The completing step had been Rossi, with a shaky hand, panting the outline of a heart on Nora's left cheek and '#10' on her right cheek in black face paint.

"What do you think?" He asked, holding up a little handheld mirror for Nora.

"Good," She replied with a bob of her head. "Noah be surprised?"

Rossi smiled. "Most definitely. You ready to go?"

"Pom-Pom?"

Rossi chuckled. They were going all out. "They're in the bag," he said, pointing to the most masculine bag he'd been able to find. He'd discovered after their New York trip that pockets were not big enough to hold extra snacks, water, sunscreen, and everything else too. Thus, making a bag very necessary.

"Okay," Nora said as Rossi helped her down from the stool. "Ready to go."

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Arriving at the ball fields, Rossi spotted Erin and the girls first. It was Nora who drew their attention, "Erin!"

Erin turned around just in time as Nora ran into her legs and wrapped her a hug. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We thought Noah could use a fan club," Rossi replied. "You know I used to be quite the good ballplayer back in the day."

Erin took a few moments to process before fitting her own cheeky grin. "Yeah, 60 years ago."

"Hey, I'm not that old, yet."

The girls giggled. "Where is Noah?" Nora asked, scanning the surrounding area.

"He's in the dugout getting his equipment on. His team is on the field first," Erin explained.

"Catcher, right?" Rossi asked.

"Yeah." She looked down at Nora. "Did Dave paint your face?"

"Yep."

"It looks good. Noah's going to love it."

Nora grinned. "Really?"

"Defiantly," Erin replied. "Now, where do you guys want to sit?"

"Top!" Vivian said before anyone else could suggest somewhere. "It has the best view." She didn't wait for a reply before starting the climb up to the top of the bleachers.

"Okay, Alysa, can you help Nora. We'll be up there in a minute," Erin instructed.

Alysa took Nora's hand and followed Vivian at a slower pace. Rossi waited for them to get halfway up before speaking, "I hope I didn't overstep."