Thankful

Author's Note: Short bit o' super fluff that popped in my head this morning.

Disclaimer: Usual applies.

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Melissa placed a final bowl on the table as she sat down and beamed at the man across from her. The nearby counter and table were both loaded with full dishes.

Looking around at all the food he said, "You outdid yourself, Mel. But, there's no way we'll ever be able to eat all of this."

She smiled. "You know I love to cook for you and don't forget, Eric is coming over later so I'm not worried about leftovers."

He laughed as they began filling their plates. "What are you thankful for this year, Mel?" he asked.

Melissa set down her fork and looked at him. "I'm so thankful for the plane crash."

"What? You can't be serious. Why?" he asked, completely puzzled. "We had to fight so hard to survive. Food, water, shelter, fire...not to mention battle disease, injuries, storms. Several of us had very close calls, if you remember correctly. How could you possibly be thankful for that?"

Melissa looked him in the eye and replied, "Think about it. That plane crash brought me you. I mean, do you think we'd have ever gotten together if we hadn't been stuck on that island five years ago?"

"Well..."

"You didn't think you were good enough for me...or that you deserved anything good in your life. You barely spoke to any of us 'spoiled, rich kids'," she said, using air quotes. "If we hadn't been thrown together and forced to survive on that island, I wouldn't have found my strength and you wouldn't have realized what a good, worthy person you are. And you would have never asked me out. By the way, I'm also thankful you kept your word and called me when we got back."

Jackson smiled. "Me, too. I guess you're right." Melissa cocked an eyebrow at him. "Okay, okay! You are right, as usual." He sighed and added, "My life would be very different right now if I hadn't gone on that trip and learned to trust people and open up. And found my best friend."

"So, what are you thankful for, Jackson?"

He gazed thoughtfully into her eyes for a few seconds then said, "I'm thankful that a shy, clumsy bookworm asked a bad-ass gangster to go on a camping trip to a place that sounded like something on a Chinese takeout menu. I'm thankful that said camping trip completely changed my life for something better than I could have ever dreamed." He picked up his glass and raised it toward her. "Most of all, I'm thankful for you, Mel."

Melissa clinked her glass with his and said, "I'm thankful for you too, Jackson." They each sipped their wine then Jackson leaned forward and kissed her softly.

"I'm also thankful you said yes."

"Me, too," she smiled. "Happy Thanksgiving, Jackson."

"Best one, ever."

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A/N: Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.