CSI universe short prompts

92 - Martin Fitzgerald /Danny Taylor

Martin Fitzgerald shifted nervously in the hallway, adjusting his tie. He'd been dating Danny Taylor for several months now, and it was finally time to meet Danny's family. The anticipation weighed on him like a lead balloon.

Danny opened the door, grinning. "Martin, come on in! They're all excited to meet you."

Martin stepped inside, taking in the cozy living room. The air smelled of freshly baked cookies, and the walls were adorned with family photos. Danny's parents sat on the couch, their eyes curious but welcoming.

"Martin, this is my mom, Linda," Danny said, gesturing to a woman with warm brown eyes. "And my dad, Robert."

Martin extended his hand, trying to appear confident. "Nice to meet you both."

Linda smiled. "Danny's told us so much about you. We're thrilled to finally meet the man who's stolen our son's heart."

Robert chuckled. "Danny's always been a bit dramatic. But we're glad he found someone special."

Martin's nerves eased a little. "Thank you. I feel the same way about him."

Danny's younger sister, Emily, bounded into the room. "You must be Martin! Danny talks about you all the time."

Martin chuckled. "I hope it's all good things."

Emily winked. "Mostly. But he did mention your cooking skills. Can you make lasagna?"

Martin grinned. "Absolutely. It's my specialty."

As they sat down for dinner, Martin felt the warmth of family enveloping him. Danny's mom asked about his childhood, and his dad shared embarrassing stories from Danny's past. Emily peppered him with questions about his job at the FBI.

"So, Martin," Linda said, sipping her wine, "how did you and Danny meet?"

Martin glanced at Danny, who blushed. "Well, it was a stakeout. We were tracking a suspect, and Danny accidentally spilled coffee all over my case files."

Danny laughed. "Yeah, I thought he was going to arrest me for destruction of evidence."

"But instead," Martin continued, "we ended up bonding over terrible coffee and late-night surveillance. And the rest is history."

Robert raised his glass. "To unexpected beginnings."

They clinked glasses, and Martin felt a surge of gratitude. Danny's family was nothing like the dysfunctional units he'd seen in his line of work. They were genuine, loving, and accepting.

After dinner, as Martin helped Linda clear the table, she whispered, "Danny's lucky to have you. We can see how much you care about him."

Martin blushed. "I'm lucky too."

As the evening wound down, Danny walked him to the door. "So, how'd it go?"

Martin grinned. "Your family is amazing. And Emily wants my lasagna recipe."

Danny kissed him. "I knew they'd love you. Welcome to the family, Martin."

And in that moment, surrounded by laughter and love, Martin knew he'd found something precious—a place where he truly belonged.