THE GREAT NINE-NINE THANKSGIVING

It was a Friday morning at the precinct. The bullpen was decked out with Thanksgiving decorations—turkeys, autumn leaves, and garlands as Charles walked in, heading straight for Y/N and Terry.

"Hey guys, happy turkey day!" Charles exclaimed, his face lighting up as he set his briefcase down. "Have you checked your emails yet?"

"No, why? Did 'Beige Boy' magazine finally get back to you?" Y/N asked hopefully, opening up her emails.

Charles shook his head disappointedly, "No, it's an invite to a Thanksgiving barbecue hosted by Commissioner Raymond Holt. 'Your presence is requested.'" He pointed to his phone.

"Oh, no way!" Y/N's face lit up as she read the invite, her brows furrowing as she continued. "'...Take exit 23B, then turn left at the maple tree. Drive exactly 2.3 miles and turn right onto Elm Street. My house is the 5th one on the right, marked by a blue mailbox. Please park only on the even-numbered side of the street...'" She read.

"Damn." Terry's head cocked back at the ridiculous instructions.

"It looks like it's going to be a pretty formal event for a barbeque," Charles scanned the email.

"Yeah, I mean, nothing screams formal like the font Comic Sans," Y/N pointed out, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Oh!" Charles' brows raised. "Do you think Jake is going?" He changed the topic.

"Probably," Terry bobbed his head. "The event was sent to ninety people—and one dog." He pointed out. "So, yeah, Jake's definitely in there."

"Great, this calls for my best tweed suit," Charles beamed as he rubbed his hands together. "I'm talking full-on bow tie and everything!" He chimed.

"Wow."

"I know," Charles sighed happily, "I just love Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble, gobble, am I right?" He added as he took a seat at his decorated desk.

~

With the afternoon approaching, the detectives couldn't contain their excitement about Holt's Thanksgiving barbecue.

Meanwhile, in Nat's bedroom, she worked on setting up the green screen while Tyler adjusted the camera. The pair exchanged awkward smiles and brief, sidelong glances before Tyler's phone beeped with a notification, breaking the tension.

Tyler looked at her screen, "Mac just messaged me. He'll be arriving late," She notified.

"What? No," Nat grumbled, spinning around to face Tyler as the green screen fell. "We need him here to shoot this kiss scene. Did he at least give you a time?"

Tyler examined the message, "No, but he did include a black square with a question mark in it," She pointed out, her brows knitting at the symbol.

"Ah, dang it to heck." Nat shook her head with a sigh. "Looks like we're playing the waiting game for Mac." She gave a casual shrug, trying to mask her stress. "No worries."

She had several worries.

~

Several hours had now passed, and with the afternoon sun setting, Tyler and Nat were still waiting for Mac. They checked the camera multiple times, adjusted the green screen, and eventually settled into making friendship bracelets.

In another room, Y/N and Rosa were busy getting ready for Holt's Thanksgiving barbecue. Rosa stood in front of a mirror as Y/N was in the bathroom, "Hey, gorgeous, should I wear the leather jacket with the bloodstains or the one without?" Rosa asked.

Y/N peeked out from the bathroom, "Hmm, go with the clean one." She nodded with her decision. "It's a fancy event."

"Good call, you're so smart," Rosa said, switching her leather jacket. "Alright, ready to roll?" She pulled her curly hair out from the back of the jacket.

"Yep, let's bounce!" Y/N replied before strolling into the bedroom as her phone chimed with a notification. She glanced at the screen. "Oh, boy. My Duolingo bird is crazy. 'Looks like you forgot your Spanish lesson again. You know what happens now!'" She read aloud with mock horror.

Rosa chuckled, "You're learning Spanish?"

"Yeah," Y/N shrugged, her cheeks lightly blushing, "I thought it might impress you."

Rosa cracked a soft smile and walked over to Y/N, "It does." She cupped Y/N's face gently and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "But you impressed me years ago with your natural, awkward, anxiety-ridden charm."

Y/N giggled giddily, "I thought so." She said, before her voice dropped to a flirty whisper. "Gusano."

Rosa's eyes narrowed, "You just called me a 'worm.'"

Y/N's face flushed a bright red, "Whoops." She chuckled awkwardly. "I was aiming for 'beautiful.'" She bared her teeth.

Rosa's lips curved into a knowing smile, "I thought you said you were learning Spanish."

"Exactly," Y/N replied, trying to recover her composure, "I said learning. Not that I was good at it."

"Dork." Rosa rolled her eyes but her smirk betrayed her. "Right, let's go."

As they walked to the door, Y/N reached out and slipped her hand into Rosa's, their fingers naturally intertwining. Rosa grabbed her bike keys from the counter on the way.

~

With Rosa and Y/N on their way to Holt's house, Jake and Amy arrived. They parked on the even-numbered side of the street before getting out and adjusting their outfits as they noticed people already at the event.

Amy's eyes widened, "Oh no, are we late?"

Jake glanced at his Ninja Turtles-themed watch, "Nope, everyone's just super-duper early, Ames." He reassured.

"Oh, phew."

They approached the front door, where a crowd had already gathered. The room buzzed with conversation and laughter, with light Thanksgiving decorations. Jake scanned the room for familiar faces before finally spotting the back of Terry's bald head.

"Ter-bear!" Jake bellowed, practically sprinting across the room.

Terry spun around, his face lighting up, "Jake! Amy!" He exclaimed, spreading his arms wide.

The three hugged tightly, "Oh, muscles," Jake marveled, laughing as he pulled back. "I forgot how you always make me feel like a tiny human!"

Terry chuckled, clapping Jake on the back, "I've missed you guys! How has everything been?"

Amy smiled, "It's been a whirlwind, but it's so great to catch up." She joined the conversation.

As the three chatted, they caught up on each other's lives. Jake and Amy shared updates about their kids. Luna, now sixteen, had been deeply engrossed in her role as the debate captain, leading her team to multiple victories. Mac, a year older than Luna, had been busy with his skating and acting in his girlfriend's school film, alongside their friend, Nat.

Terry filled them in on his children. He talked about Cagney and Lacey, who now work at the Ninety-Eight precinct. Both have been thriving in their roles. Although, they both want to transfer to the Nine-Nine. He also mentioned his other daughter, Ava, who is currently in college studying early childhood education.

~

As the Thanksgiving festivities kicked off at Holt's house, back with the directors, Tyler glanced at her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, and the absence of Mac was becoming increasingly noticeable.

"Still no word from Mac," Tyler reported, checking her phone. "Perhaps, we should postpone the scene until tomorrow?" She suggested.

Nat glanced up from her handmade bracelet collection, "Yeah, that's a good idea." She agreed with a disappointed nod. "Plus, I'm out of letter beads—this bracelet just says the letter 'H'." She added.

Just as Nat showed Tyler the bracelet, Tyler's eyes narrowed with a sudden idea, "Actually, we could utilize this time to practice the kiss scene ourselves." She proposed.

Nat froze, "What?" Her eyes widened. "You want to... practice the kiss scene with me?" The color drained from her face as she struggled to process the sudden shift.

"Correct, although, we will stop before actual kiss." Tyler continued, with a confident nod. "I just need to practice the dialogue and blocking so I am ready when Mac finally arrives." She elaborated.

"Sounds good." Nat's cheeks turned a reddish-pinkish tone.

~

Back at the Thanksgiving barbecue, Holt and Kevin stood side by side at the grill. Kevin turned the brussels sprouts while Holt carefully basted the turkey wings as soft music played around them.

Kevin glanced at his husband, "Raymond, these brussel sprouts are almost ready. Should I start on the vegetables next?"

"Yes, Kevin." Holt nodded. "We must ensure all dietary preferences are catered to. The vegetables should be grilled for precisely five minutes on each side."

Kevin smiled as he picked up the tray of veggies and placed them on the grill, arranging them neatly, "Who knew that you'd find grilling so relaxing?"

"Well, the controlled application of heat, the precise timing, and the methodical turning of the food. It's akin to an art form." Holt responded, seriously.

"Spoken like a true artist, Raymond."

~

Meanwhile, inside the house, Rosa and Y/N finally arrived.

As they stepped into the living room, Y/N looked around and exclaimed, "Whoa! This place is super packed! I mean, there's no way ninety people are here." A dog darted between the guests' feet, weaving through the crowd.

"And one dog," Rosa added.

As Y/N gently waved the dog off, Amy and Charles emerged from the crowd, "I think Jake went off this—" Amy began, her words trailing off as she spotted Y/N and Rosa right in front of her. "Y/N! Rosa!" She exclaimed.

"Ames!" Y/N squealed, her excitement bubbling over. She practically leaped towards Amy, pulling her into a tight hug.

As Y/N and Amy embraced, Charles' arms opened and he called out, "Ro-ro! Come to Papa!"

Rosa raised an eyebrow as she walked over to Charles. She gave him a quick, affectionate hug, "Charles." She acknowledged him, stepping back.

"Hey, has anyone seen Jake? I just know he's looking amazing right now!" Charles asked.

"Nope, we just got here." Rosa shook her head.

"Vi una ardilla," Y/N replied.

Amy's face puzzled as she tilted her head slightly, "Wait, what?" She questioned, while Charles looked even more out of it.

Rosa crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, noticing the confused looks, "Y/N's trying to learn Spanish," She deadpanned. "But, uh, it's... a work in progress," She added with a slight shrug.

Y/N looked slightly embarrassed but was determined to correct herself, "Lo siento. Estoy confundida." She gave a sheepish smile.

Amy raised an eyebrow, her confusion deepening, "You just told us you're pregnant."

"Oops—" Y/N started, her face turning red.

"Congrats! You're glowing!" Charles beamed, completely missing the point.

"No--"

Rosa couldn't help but smile at Y/N's flustered attempt, finding it endearing, "Alright, Charles, let's go grab a drink. Amy, what are you having?"

"Apple cider, please." Amy raised her hand.

"Got it," Rosa noted the drink before turning to Y/N. "Sorry, bug, nothing for you—you're 'pregnant' now," She teased before walking away.

"No, wait!" Y/N called after Rosa and Charles. "It's fine—my mom drank when she was pregnant, and I turned out perfectly fine! At least bring me a vodka soda!"

~

As Charles and Rosa approached the food table, Terry was stationed there, munching on pretzels. He looked up as Holt arrived, carrying a platter of grilled brussel sprouts.

"Commissioner Holt!" Terry greeted, his mouth full of pretzels. He quickly wiped his hands on a napkin before grabbing a sprout. "These look amazing."

Holt placed the platter down, "Captain. Terry. It's always a pleasure to see you."

"Same here," Terry smiled. "Want a pretzel?"

~

As the evening wore on, the guests fully embraced the Thanksgiving spirit. Amy and Y/N settled into a corner of the living room.

"So, how's the Nine-Nine been? What've I missed? And don't leave out any details!" Amy asked.

Y/N chuckled as she took a sip of her soda, "Alright, where do I even start? How about this—" She reached into her bag and pulled out a binder. "Super-cool organized binder I made just for you!"

"No way!" Amy declared, her eyes widening.

"Way!" Y/N practically bounced in her seat. "It's got everything—case updates, juicy gossip, even a section called 'What I ate for lunch'. You're going to love it!"

Amy's face lit up with pure delight as she took the binder from Y/N's hands. She eagerly flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the neatly organized sections. "This is amazing! You actually made a binder?"

"For sure!" Y/N smiled. "I wanted to make sure you stayed in the loop and didn't miss a thing."

Amy flipped through the binder, "What is 'Miniature Model Madness'?" Her eyebrows knitted.

"Oh, that's when Charles went through this strange phase where he spent an entire month building miniature models at his desk," Y/N recalled with a nod. "I now have multiple miniature models of myself doing various work-related things," She added.

Amy let out a soft laughter, shaking her head in disbelief. She then closed the binder with a smile, clearly touched by the gift, "I've really missed you, Y/N."

"I've missed you too, Ames," Y/N replied, her eyes softening. She pulled her best friend into a hug, holding on for a moment longer.

~

In the next room, Charles weaved through the crowd, "Hey, has anyone seen a tall guy with brown curly hair and puppy dog eyes that could melt your heart?" He asked, but everyone just shook their heads. "Damn," He muttered.

~

Over near the stairs, Jake and Rosa stood in a small pocket of space. Standing against the wall, Jake waved his plate slightly, showcasing his Thanksgiving snacks.

"...Oh, totally! Holt outdid himself this Thanksgiving," Jake said with a broad smile, gesturing to his plate.

"Yeah, Holt's thanksgiving is done." Rosa bobbed head head, leaning against the railing.

Jake's gaze flicked toward the bathroom door as it swung open. His eyes widened with urgency, "Rosa, I gotta make a quick pit stop. Nature calls!"

Rosa's face twisted slightly, "Dude, too much info. Go." She muttered.

Jake gave a quick wave and headed off. As he rounded the corner towards the bathroom, he called back over his shoulder, "Oh, and Nat is awesome!"

The party noise and chatter drowned the last part of Jake's sentence. Rosa watched him go, a hint of confusion in her eyes as she shrugged and turned back to her drink.

~

At the food table, Terry was now savoring every bite of a grilled apple pie as Jake passed by, he gave Terry a quick wave before heading into the next room.

A few moments later, Charles approached the food table, "Hey, have you seen Jake?" He scanned the room for the boy.

"He just went that way." Terry pointed in the direction Jake had taken while still enjoying his pie.

~

Nearby, in the bathroom, Jake was intensely examining his reflection in the mirror.

"Am I balding? No way. Not my perfect, luscious locks!" Jake ran his fingers through his hair. "I refuse to believe it. Not today, hairline, not today!"

As Jake continued his hair inspection, the bathroom door swung open, and Y/N stepped in, her smile broadening as she saw him, "Hey, Jake!" She greeted.

Jake whirled around, his face breaking into a grin, "Y/N/N!" His face lit up as he pulled her into a tight hug. "Long time no see."

Stepping back, Jake noticed their matching friendship bracelets and pointed at them, "Hey, look at us, we're still rocking these bracelets after all this time." He signaled.

"Hey, yeah." Y/N also noticed. "Look at us!"

"Look at us." Jake echoed.

"Look at us," Y/N repeated, as the pair chuckled. "Man, I knew you'd be floating around here somewhere. What are the crazy odds I'd find you in the bathroom?"

Jake's grin widened, turning slightly to show off his hair, "Well, it's perfect timing! I need a second opinion—am I balding or what?"

~

As the Thanksgiving celebrations carried around them, Amy and Rosa sat side by side on the couch, each lost in their own thoughts while sipping on their apple ciders. The lovely chatter and clinking glasses of the party buzzed in the background, but Rosa, who preferred to drinks in silence, seemed content to enjoy this quiet moment with Amy.

~

As Rosa and Amy started to chat, in the next room, Jake and Y/N were now engrossed in a game of chess. The room was filled with the sounds of karaoke, as s guests took turns belting out their favorite Thanksgiving songs.

Y/N glanced up from the board, "Hey, what are the chances Gina's gonna show up tonight?"

"Hmm, nine out of ten," Jake answered confidently as he moved his piece. "Checkmate."

"Ay, ventana!" Y/N grumbled in defeat, mixing up her Spanish, once again.

~

Back at the grill, Holt was arranging the self-service Thanksgiving food platers. As he worked, Blue scrambled over to his feet.

"Patience, Blue," Holt glanced down at his corgi. He set aside a small portion of turkey and crouched to place it on the ground for Blue.

Blue quickly gobbled up the turkey, his tail wagging with delight.

~

As the night dragged on, Charles was still on the hunt for Jake. After making what felt like his hundredth lap around the house, he was ready to give up. But then, almost by accident, he wandered into the kitchen.

"Hello, Charles," Jake said, his back still turned, sounding like he'd been waiting for this moment.

Charles' eyes lit up as he finally found his best friend, "Jake! Whoa, how did you know it was me without even turning around?"

Jake turned around with a grin, "Honestly, I tried that on a few other people, but they weren't you. But hey, nailed it this time!"

Charles grinned from ear to ear, practically glowing as he looked Jake over, "I knew it—you look amazing tonight! Like a young Bruce Willis, but with better hair!"

Jake chuckled, opening his arms wide. "Thanks, Charles! Now come on, bring it in!"

Charles didn't need to be told twice. He darted forward and pulled Jake into a big, hug, "I've been looking for you all night, Jakey! I was starting to worry you'd been kidnapped by the Swedish Mafia again. I'm so glad I found you." He pulled back, still beaming. "You know what this calls for?"

Jake raised an eyebrow, "What, Charles?"

"Thanksgiving karaoke!"

Jake laughed, but there was a pause, "I don't know, Boyle... Aren't we a little old for that now?"

~

Jake and Charles stood to the side of the dining room, microphones gripped tightly, while a handful of guests watched from their seats. The karaoke machine started to blare the tune of 'The Turkey Song'.

"'Turkey time, it's the best time of the year! Got the stuffing, gravy, and cranberry cheer!'" Jake sang his heart out.

"'Feasting on turkey, mashed potatoes galore! Don't forget the pie, we'll eat 'til we can't eat more!'" Charles duetted.

~

While Jake and Charles put a show on, Nat and Tyler stood across from each other on the green screen. They had their scripts in hand, Nat reading Mac's lines and Tyler reading for herself.

Nat took a deep breath, as she met Tyler's eyes, "Okay, are you ready?" She tried to mask her nerves with a smile.

Tyler nodded, "Certainly. We've got this."

Nat looked down at the script and began, "I didn't think you'd come back."

Tyler's gaze softened, "I couldn't stay away. Not after everything we've been through." She glanced up from the script, her eyes locking with Nat's.

As they continued, their eyes remained locked, and the connection between them deepened. Nat's heart raced as she gazed at Tyler.

Tyler was so pretty. So pretty that even the moon looked back at her.

Their faces were just inches apart, and the air felt charged with something unspoken. Tyler's fingers brushed lightly against Nat's hand, sending a jolt thought both of them that made everything else disappear. The lines they were supposed to say seemed distant and unimportant now. All that mattered was the connection between them, the warmth they shared, so close they could feel each other's breath.

Nat's breath quickened, "So, what happens now?" She questioned.

Tyler's hand gently cupped Nat's cheek, the touch sending a shiver down Nat's spine, "We'll figure this out together," She reassured. "We always do."

Their faces were so close that Nat could feel the warmth of Tyler's breath against her skin. The anticipation between them was electric, making the moment feel more charged. Slowly, they leaned in, their lips hovered just a breath away from each other.

Just as Tyler was about to call the scene, the doorbell rang, cutting through the charged silence. Both of them jumped slightly, and Nat's eyes flew open, "I'll get it." She said with urgency as she reluctantly stepped away from Tyler.

As Nat hurried to the door, Tyler stood still, her heart was racing. The warmth of Nat's touch lingered on her cheek, and the intensity of their almost-kiss replayed in her mind. It had felt more than acting. But how could that be? She was with Mac, she liked Mac and she wanted Mac only.

Tyler tried to shake off the feelings, telling herself it was just the scene. But she couldn't ignore the way Nat's gaze made her feel. Confusion tugged at her. She cared about Mac, but something shifted with Nat. The line between acting and reality felt blurred, and it left her questioning everything. "Oh, no..."

~

Back at Holt's Thanksgiving barbecue, he and Kevin had just finished arranging the self-service plates. Holt took a moment to address everyone.

"Attention, everyone," Holt called out, commanding attention.

As the crowd hushed, he continued, "Thanksgiving is an occasion for reflection and gratitude. It is a time to recognize the importance of those who contribute to our lives in meaningful ways. Today, we gather not only to enjoy a meal but to acknowledge the relationships and support that enrich our lives."

He looked at Kevin, his gaze softening, "I am profoundly grateful for my husband, Kevin, whose steadfast support and dedication are a constant source of strength and happiness. I am also thankful for our friends and family, whose presence makes our lives more fulfilling and enjoyable."

Holt's gaze moved across the room, taking in Jake, Rosa, Y/N, Amy, Charles, Terry, and the other guests. "Each of you plays an integral role in our lives, and I value the time we spend together and the contributions you make to our collective well-being."

He paused, allowing the words to resonate. "So, as we proceed with our meal, let us remember to appreciate the connections we have and the joy we find in each other's company. The food is ready, so let us enjoy this feast and the company we are fortunate to share. Happy Thanksgiving."

With that, the crowd responded with applause, and the guests eagerly moved toward the buffet to enjoy the Thanksgiving barbeque.

~

With Holt's Thanksgiving toast over, Nat was behind the camera, ready to capture the scene. Mac and Tyler stood on their marks, ready to shoot.

"Alright, scene twenty-seven, 'The Kiss,' Take one... action!" Nat snapped the clapperboard impatiently in front of the camera, eager to get through the scene.

"I didn't think you'd come back," Mac began, his tone was flat and his gaze was distant.

"I couldn't stay away. Not after everything we've been through." Tyler's eyes met Mac's, but there was no connection.

As they leaned in, their movements felt stiff and mechanical. Their faces drew close, but the air between them stayed flat, devoid of any real connection. When their hands brushed, it was purely functional, just an adjustment in position, with no spark at all. The kiss that followed was brief and unremarkable.

Nat watched through the camera lens, trying to push aside the glaring difference between the lifeless scene before her and the vivid memory of her almost-kiss with Tyler. The lack of chemistry between Mac and Tyler, both on and off screen, was painfully clear.

"Cut... that's a wrap,"

~

As the Thanksgiving festivities wound down and the guests began to trickle out, Rosa made her way over to her wife, who was lounging on the sofa, watching the remaining few slowly filter out.

Rosa leaned against the armrest, "You ready to get out of here, mama?" She asked.

Y/N looked up, her eyes softening as she took in her wife's presence, "Yep, I'm ready," She murmured, rising slowly from the sofa. Leaning in close, she whispered, her voice sultry, "Cuando lleguemos a casa, te voy a besar por todas partes." The words rolled off her tongue smoothly.

Rosa's breath hitched, and her eyes narrowed in surprise, "Damn, you actually nailed it," She said, pulling Y/N closer with a smirk. "Cuando lleguemos a casa, te voy a mostrar lo que realmente significa 'besar por todas partes." She whispered.

Y/N's eyes widened, and she looked at Rosa with a confusion. "Wait, what does that mean? I'm not up to that lesson yet."

~

As Rosa chuckled at her wife's reaction, they wandered into the front room where Jake was having a conversation with Holt.

"Thanks for the invite, Commish. This Thanksgiving has been amazing." Jake said with genuine gratitude.

Holt met Jake's gaze. He placed a firm, reassuring hand on Jake's shoulder, "I'm glad you could make it, Jake," He said warmly.

Holt then turned to address the rest of the group, "Thank you all for coming and making this evening memorable. Your presence truly means a lot."

As Holt's heartfelt words resonated with the group, the front door creaked open one last time, "'Sup, homies and homos!" Gina greeted, throwing peace signs.

"Gina!" Jake shouted, his face lighting up. The rest of the group was equally excited.

~

With Gina's arrival, the group quickly got back into the Thanksgiving spirit. They caught up and enjoyed each others company. As snow began to fall, it felt like the old squad was finally back together.

"To the Nine-Nine!" Terry raised his drink.

"Nine-Nine!" Everyone cheered, clinking their drinks together.

~

Note:

Charles is a bi icon and he doesn't even know it!

Published: 7/9/24