SYNOPSIS: What happens when Lee and Amanda get caught under the mistletoe?

TIMELINE: Takes place during all four seasons of SMK.

RATING: PG

TYPE: Tried to stay within canon.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sandy put out an idea on the smkfanfic list about how Lee and Amanda would have dealt with ending up under the mistletoe together during each of the four SMK seasons. This is my response to her challenge. Thanks for the idea, Sandy!

Thanks also go to my team of beta-readers, especially to Dotty for helping me out of a sticky spot. You guys are the best!

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

Season 1

The festive atmosphere in the bullpen was heady. Everyone was having a wonderful time celebrating. After all, if asked, they all would have been of the opinion that a little fruitcake, a little eggnog, and a little seasonal goofiness were much preferable to being out in the snow dodging bullets.

All, that is, except Lee Stetson. He hated Christmas. Or at least he said he did. He would've much rather been out dodging bullets than standing around trying to share the spirit of a season he'd much sooner forget. The look on his face said, "I'm barely tolerating this, so leave me alone."

But there was one person in the room determined to ignore that look. Amanda King, housewife, mother, and part-time civilian help at the Agency, couldn't believe anyone didn't like Christmas. She was determined to bring the spirit of the season to the elusive Scarecrow, whether he liked it or not. He didn't like it.

"Amanda, I do not want any fruitcake," an exasperated Lee told the annoyingly happy woman by his side.

"But, Lee, it's really very good. I've tasted it and it's got just the right amount of rum baked in, and the choice of candied fruits is quite delicious. I really must get this recipe. How about some sugar cookies? Here's a cute one decorated just like Santa. Or how about some cheese and crackers, or some eggnog? Oh, I know! I seem to remember that you like these pastries, or..."

As her voice droned on, a crease appeared between Lee's eyebrows while the muscle in his jaw twitched. He wasn't going to say something he'd regret later. He wasn't. Sighing, he finally said, "Amanda. Enough. I'm not hungry. Don't you have some more gifts to pass out?"

Suddenly, from across the room a chorus of "Kiss, kiss, kiss!" erupted. Startled to realize all eyes were on them, Lee and Amanda both looked up. Unknowingly, they had worked their way around the buffet table and had wound up in the doorway to Billy's office. Hanging strategically over their heads was a sprig of mistletoe.

The blush rising up Amanda's face was in stark contrast to the look of exasperation on Lee's. Amanda was probably the last woman in the room he'd have chosen to be in this position with. But, he had a reputation to uphold. He was a ladies' man, through and through. Maybe this could be fun, after all! The thought of embarrassing her with a kiss seemed like a nice reward for the last half hour of pestering.

A look of devilment creeping into his face, he looked down at the still blushing Amanda and said, "Well, we can't disappoint the crowd, now can we? Spirit of the season and all..."

"Um, yeah," she said, shifting her weight from foot to foot, "I guess it is a tradition, after all, and I wouldn't want to be guilty of breaking tradition, and..."

Interrupting yet another bout of rambling, Lee swooped her into his arms and delivered a kiss that had been known to weaken women's knees. Amanda was no different. Her determination to remain unaffected by the kiss slipped away and she found herself returning his kiss, her lips softening under his. She let out a tiny gasp as he broke away, barely maintaining her upright position. Seeing the smile on his face, a smirk that reminded her of the cat that ate the canary, she fought for control and smiled at the cheering spectators. She wasn't going to let them see how much the kiss had affected her.

"Well, Lee, I'd better finish delivering my gifts. Merry Christmas," she said as she turned away.

"Yeah, Merry Christmas, Amanda," he replied. Watching her walk across the bullpen, a rather thoughtful look on his face, he reached up and absently stroked his lips. His reaction to the kiss surprised him. He wouldn't have thought a housewife from Arlington could kiss like that. Hmm, maybe he would have a glass of eggnog, after all.

Season 2

The festivities in the bullpen were as uproarious as usual. Any opportunity to put aside the day-to-day dangers of their chosen profession was a welcome one. Of course, some were better at letting go than others.

"Billy, why is attendance at the annual Christmas party mandatory? I'd rather be working on those reports I'm behind in," Lee said as he paced Billy's office, running his fingers through his hair.

"Lee, relax. It's a holiday. Have some eggnog and get into the spirit. That's an order," the Section Chief finished sternly, his slight smile belying his words. Every year was the same. Every year he had to deal with his favorite agent's dislike of the holiday season. He smiled broadly as he saw Amanda making her way across the crowded bullpen. Maybe she could help him coax some Christmas cheer into Lee.

Seeing Billy's reaction, Lee turned to see Amanda approaching. His frown turned into a rueful smile. He wasn't sure if he was up to dealing with Amanda's holiday cheer, but he was getting used to her perpetual presence in his life, and her smile of greeting was somewhat infectious.

"Merry Christmas, Lee; Sir," she said, poking her head into the office.

"Merry Christmas, Amanda," Billy replied. "I have an assignment for you."

"An assignment? But, Sir, it's Christmas Eve, I was just stopping by to deliver some gifts, and then I have to go finish my shopping, and pick up the goose I ordered from the butcher, and there's more to do at home before Aunt Lillian gets here, and..."

"Relax, Amanda, it's an easy assignment and shouldn't interfere with your plans," Billy interrupted, enjoying the look of consternation on Lee's face. "I want you to take this partner of yours under your wing. He seems to have forgotten the spirit of the holiday, and I'm sure you'd be just the person to remind him," he finished, his smile even broader.

"Well, sure, Sir, if you think I should. I could actually use some help," she said, not quite sure what to make of the look on Lee's face.

"Billy! This is ridiculous. I don't need to tag along running Christmas errands with Amanda. I still have that stack of reports to finish up and..."

"Lee, those reports aren't due until after Christmas. Quit making excuses and go enjoy yourself. The office party will be going on for another hour, and then I expect you out of here, with Amanda," he finished, the gleeful look on his face causing Amanda to stifle a snicker.

"Come on, Lee, it won't be that bad," she said, hooking her arm through his to lead him out of the office. "You can help me get the goose from the butcher's, and then we need to go..."

Billy chuckled to himself as the door closed behind them. He knew there was a reason he'd put those two together.

As Lee and Amanda entered the bullpen they were greeted to a chorus of "Kiss, kiss, kiss!" Startled, the two looked up at the sprig of mistletoe hanging just outside Billy's office.

"Oh, no, not again," Lee said, rolling his eyes at Amanda.

Smiling shyly at her handsome partner, Amanda said, "Well, Lee, it looks like you do have a Christmas tradition, after all."

"Yeah, I guess I do. Well, we'd better not disappoint our fans." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating the noisy onlookers.

"Um, yeah, I guess not." Amanda felt a blush creeping up her face as she looked up into his hazel eyes. Her heart sped up as she saw him lean closer to her and she quickly closed her eyes in anticipation.

Looking down at the woman who'd so intruded on his life for the past year and a half, he was surprised at how nervous he felt. Determined to hide his racing pulse from the onlookers, he bent down and swiftly captured her soft lips. Startled at the response he felt as she returned his kiss, he pulled away and cleared his throat nervously. "Merry Christmas, Amanda," he said over the clapping of the crowd.

"Merry Christmas, Lee," she replied, her blush returning as she heard the response of the crowd. "Our fans seem pleased."

"That they do. Well, Amanda, I guess not all Christmas traditions are bad," he replied with a wink.

"No, Lee, not bad at all."

END PART 1