Partners, Friends and Lovers
Chapter 15 Part 2
By Katherine Lehman

The nice thing about Mother Minnie's place being older was that there were always little tasks that needed doing. Usual household maintenance repairs that Minnie didn't always know how to do herself or have the money to pay someone else to do. They were things she kept for Levon to do whenever he came to visit.

Levon smiled to himself as he fixed the sagging screen door. All it took was a tightening of the screws in the hinges. Not a big job, and definitely not something he minded doing for his grandmother; any more than he minded fixing the leaky faucet, caulking several windows or installing a new switch for the living room ceiling fan.

Levon put the tools neatly back in the toolbox that had belonged to his grandfather. He patted the metal lid fondly. His grandfather had been dead for more than twenty years, but Levon still missed the man.

Some times he wondered how different his life would have been if his grandfather hadn't died when Levon was so young. The former Texas Ranger would have been able to keep Levon Sr. from beating the crap out of his son, would have given him a permanent refuge.

Levon shook his head. No point in dwelling on what might have been. It was a useless exercise, and he wasn't prone to self-pity. He wasn't going to start now.

"You need help with that?"

The question caught him unaware; he hadn't heard Joe walk up. Levon was proud of himself for not flinching at the sound of Joe's voice.

"Nope." Levon looked up from where he was crouched near the toolbox, smiling at his lover, hoping Joe hadn't noticed that for a moment he'd frozen. "Wasn't that hard ta fix."

"You got more jobs to do?"

Levon shrugged, rising to his feet. "Mother Minnie is probably addin' ta the list as we speak."

Joe laughed softly. "Did you ever cross everything off the list?"

"Not that I recall." Levon shook his head, smiling easily. "Kind of an ever growin' thing."

Joe nodded in understanding. "You got time to help me with my physical therapy?"

"Sure." Levon had expected Joe to ask him at some point. He had thought about offering, but hadn't known if he should or not. Levon was still feeling his way through things.

Last night had been the first good night's sleep he'd had since Joe had gotten shot. No nightmares---just a solid eight hours that left him feeling more confident and settled than he'd been in a long time. But he was still wary of getting too close, of hurting Joe even accidentally, of saying the wrong thing or doing something stupid.

"Sarah...she give you a list?" Levon cleared his throat. "Stuff she wanted you ta work on?"

"Yeah, I got a list."

"You gonna cuss when we do this?" Levon asked. The exercises were bound to hurt. Joe hadn't ever been shy about verbalizing his reaction to discomfort in the past.

Joe blinked, clearly not expecting that question. "What?"

"You know how Mother Minnie feels about swearin'." Levon casually shrugged one shoulder. "Might want ta pick a place where she can't hear if yer gonna let loose."

Joe frowned, before nodding. "You think your room would be private enough?"

Levon considered the suggestion. Mother Minnie was in the kitchen and probably would be there for another hour or so. With the door closed to his room the sound shouldn't travel too far. And if she did hear, the closed door would be ample proof they'd done their best not to offend her.

"My room it is." Levon picked up the toolbox. "Just let me put this away and I'll be right there."

Levon considered dragging his feet, delaying the inevitable, but dismissed the idea. If he took too long, Joe would come looking for him. And he didn't want Joe to think he wasn't willing to help out. He wanted Joe to get back up to full speed as soon as possible. He just wasn't looking forward to being in a position where he'd naturally cause Joe pain---however necessary it might be.

Levon sighed. Hopefully Sarah wouldn't have included anything too difficult in her list. A day ago he was ready to rip her face off for just doing her job, and today he wished she was here so he wouldn't have to. He rolled his eyes, not amused by the irony.

Levon made his way quietly to his room. He tapped lightly on the door before entering, not wanting to startle Joe by just walking in unannounced. Levon slipped inside, shutting the door behind him.

"You ready?"

Joe nodded. He was wearing an old t-shirt Levon recognized as one he occasionally worked out it. The shirt was nearly thread bare and stretched out; it was likely very comfortable and didn't restrict Joe's movements.

Levon arched an eyebrow when he spotted the small dumbbell sitting on the floor. "You brought that?"

Joe shrugged, looking embarrassed. "Minnie said to pack for a few days."

Levon chuckled. "Gotta hand it to you, boy, you definitely know how to pack for all occasions."

Joe glared at him, but the look was laced more with amusement than anger. "Shut up."

Levon just grinned. "You got yer list?"

Joe gave him another dirty look, but handed him a piece of paper. Levon gave it a quick glance. Nothing he didn't have at least a passing familiarity with. Most shoulder injuries seemed to have the same basic set of therapeutic exercises, and Levon had enough of his own over the years to recognize the standard set of movements.

Levon nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay, let's do this thing."

Joe huffed out a soft breath of laughter. "It's not going to be that bad."

"Well, not for me, no." Levon shrugged, looking away. "I'm just the guy makin' you do all the hard stuff."

Joe reached out to lightly caress Levon's cheek with one knuckle. "And I appreciate it."

Levon bit his lower lip, hesitantly making eye contact. "You sure about this?"

"Sure enough for both of us."

Levon smiled. "Kind o' getting to be a standard answer for you."

Joe grinned, leaning in to give Levon a light kiss. "I don't mind."

"All right then," Levon kissed Joe back, "let's start at the top of the list and work our way down." He fixed Joe with a firm look. "You tell me if it gets to be too much. Ya hear?"

"I'll tell you if it's too much."

"Good." Levon nodded. "From the top it is."

They started with a few simple warm up exercises. Levon was pleased with how easily Joe handled those. No sign of pain or hesitation. It made Levon feel more confident and comfortable touching Joe.

As the exercises got progressively more difficult, Joe started to curse. Softly first but with growing volume as pain, residual weakness and tenderness made themselves known. Levon kept a close eye on him to make sure the discomfort level wasn't excessive and that Joe wasn't pushing too hard. Sarah had listed the number of repetitions for each exercise, but Levon figured those were more like guidelines than absolutes. He also figured Joe would attempt to do twice as many as Sarah had suggested, no matter what he'd said earlier.

"Ten," Levon counted firmly, before preventing Joe from doing another.

"I can do--"

"Can, but you ain't gonna." Levon shook his head. The muscles under his hand twitched involuntarily. "Your hand is shaking."

"Damn." Joe frowned, clearly surprised by that bit of information. He carefully set the dumbbell on the floor.

Levon lightly rubbed Joe's arm and shoulder, seeking any excessive heat the same way he would for an overworked horse. "You pack any liniment?"

"Yeah." Joe muttered, looking down, disappointment and frustration readily apparent in his body language.

Levon placed a knuckle under Joe's chin gently forcing his head up. "Hey," he smiled, "only yer second day, boy. Nothin' ta be upset over."

"It's five pounds," Joe protested, giving the dumbbell a disgusted look.

"And in a few weeks it'll be fifteen." Levon caressed Joe's cheek. "You know how it works."

"Doesn't mean I like it."

Levon laughed. "Don't think anyone is gonna ever make the mistake of thinking you like this."

Joe's lips curled in a wry smile. "Shut up."

"You want a massage?" Levon asked, already knowing the answer.

Joe arched an eyebrow. "Have I ever said no?"

"First time for everything."

"Not today there isn't."

Levon grinned. "Where'd ya put the liniment?"

Joe pointed to his bag, before finding a more comfortable position to sit on the corner of the bed. Levon found the small, unlabelled tube in the side pocket. He wasn't sure exactly what the stuff was but suspected it was some high end, better smelling version of Ben-gay. Levon knew it was good for sore muscles, having used it a time or two himself.

He squirted a dollop into his hands, rubbing them together to warm the gel. Levon watched Joe remove his t-shirt, letting the man struggle with it himself knowing his lover wouldn't appreciate an offer of help. He understood it wasn't just about pride or being stubborn. Being able ta do the little things for yourself, Levon thought, is how ya prove yer okay.

He thought about asking Joe to lie down, but the bed wasn't really firm enough for a quality massage in that position. And it would be easier to work on Joe's sore shoulder with him sitting up.

"You ready?"

"Yeah."

Levon hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. He'd given Joe massages countless times before, soothing aching muscles when Joe had over done it at the gym or on the job. It would hurt some, but that wasn't intentional.

Levon moved to stand behind Joe. He started slowly, keeping his touch light. He noted any knots he felt for deeper work but didn't try to work them loose, knowing it would hurt less if he got Joe to relax more before he did. He smiled when Joe sighed softly.

"You have great hands."

Levon chuckled. "Have it on good authority rest of me ain't bad either."

Joe grinned, looking back over his shoulder. "Just a good authority?"

"The best." Levon gave him a quick kiss. "Feel better?"

"I will when you finish my massage."

Levon snickered. "Wise ass."

"You love me and you know it."

"Long as you know it," Levon squeezed one shoulder, resuming the massage.

He gradually deepened his touch, adding more pressure as he worked loose the knots he'd felt earlier. Levon listened carefully to Joe's breathing, using it as a guide for how much pressure to use, how long to focus on any one spot. He immediately pulled back when Joe flinched.

"It's okay, Cowboy," Joe said softly. "Just a little tender there."

Levon nodded, and reached for more liniment. It was a stalling tactic, one he was relieved Joe didn't call him on. When Levon was sure he could touch Joe without worrying too much about causing him pain he went back to working on Joe's shoulder.

Levon bit his lip, ignoring the moan Joe made when he hit another tender spot. He tried to soothe away that minor discomfort, relieved when Joe sighed deeply. Levon nodded to himself, pleased to feel the knot release, tension draining away from the muscles under his fingertips.

He continued working, finding the same enjoyment he always experienced when touching Joe. The solid muscle tone and smooth skin never failed to entice him, just begging him to explore the familiar, beloved territory.

When the temptation to taste as well as touch got the better of him, Levon kissed the back of Joe's neck. Joe hummed in appreciation, tilting his head to give Levon better access. It wasn't hard to locate the spot below Joe's ear that never failed to make him shiver. Levon sucked gently, before applying his teeth hard enough to leave a mark. Joe moaned softly, a low and breathy sound that made Levon hungry for more.

Levon missed being free to touch and taste Joe, to see his skin flushed with heat and desire, to hear him make those delightful sounds of pleasure. With Joe recovering from being shot, Levon had been hesitant to do too much. And with his family visiting, it wasn't like there had been much alone time for the two of them anyway.

"Missed you," Levon murmured against Joe's skin. "Missed this."

"Me too, Cowboy, me too."

Levon wrapped his arms around Joe, hugging him to his chest. Joe tipped his head back, resting it on Levon's shoulder before turning to place light kisses along the length of his jaw. The feel of Joe's soft lips against his skin made Levon shiver.

Joe leaned more heavily into Levon, forcing him to lie back on the bed. He turned, staying within the circle of Levon's arms. Joe smiled down at him.

"Hey," Joe whispered, eyes a warm aqua.

"Hey yerself." Levon smiled back.

Joe closed the distance between them capturing Levon's lips in a sweet kiss. Levon sighed, lips parting willingly under his lover's gentle assault. Their tongues met, greeting each other in a playful dance that was both new and familiar.

Levon moaned when Joe's hands worked their way under his shirt, fingertips brushing against his nipples. He arched his chest, trying to encourage more contact. When he couldn't get it, Levon pulled away from Joe's tempting mouth, huffing out a breath in frustration.

He wanted more skin against his and he wanted it now. Levon wiggled, trying to squirm free of his clothing. He sighed deeply when he finally succeeded in escaping his shirt.

Joe's hands felt wonderful; so warm against his skin, like firebrands. They raised goose bumps as they ghosted over his flesh. Levon shuddered, a low moan escaping when Joe bent his head to lave his right nipple. Levon's fingers tangled in Joe's dark hair, holding him in place as he applied lips, tongue and teeth to that sensitive nub.

"God...Joe..." Levon gasped when Joe shifted his focus to the left nipple while talented fingers played with the right. He bit his lower lip, struggling to contain little mewling noises of pleasure.

Joe raised his head, looking up at Levon from under impossibly long, dark lashes. His pupils so large his eyes were almost black. Joe smiled, feral and hungry.

Levon pulled in a shaky breath, instinctively responding Joe's heated gaze. He shifted, hips moving as he tried to get comfortable in the confines of his almost painfully tight jeans. Joe reached for his belt, undoing the silver buckle with practiced ease. Levon couldn't quite contain a whimper as Joe opened his button fly slowly.

Levon raised his hips, giving Joe room to push his jeans and boxers down and out of the way. A little wiggling and they were completely off.

"You need help with those sweats, boy?" Levon asked, hands already moving to hurry the process along.

He got sidetracked from his goal, fingers finding caressing Joe's ass more interesting. Levon loved the way those firm globes nicely filled his hands, the way the muscles flexed and clenched in response to his touch. He nuzzled Joe's neck, applying his teeth lightly before licking away the pain he caused. Levon grinned in reaction to Joe's breathy moan.

He sucked hard at the spot he'd bitten a moment ago. Levon was determined to mark Joe, to lay claim to his lover. There would be no mistake in the future---Joe wasn't a free agent, he was part of a couple. And he was damn sure going to stay that way if Levon had anything to say about it.

"Again." Joe growled, a low, rumbling sound. "Do it again."

Levon shivered. Joe knew, and he understood. Levon bit him again using enough force to bruise but not break the skin. He licked the spot before placing a whisper soft kiss there.

Pulling Levon closer, Joe whimpered. It was a small, needy sound that Levon loved hearing. It always gave him a rush to have proof he'd reduced his normally verbal partner to the most basic of noises, forcing him to communicate more through touch and action rather than words.

Joe rolled, laying completely over Levon, pinning him firmly to the bed with his weight. Levon's hips moved, instinctively thrusting against his lover. The soft terry cloth of the sweats Joe was still wearing created a delightful friction against his heated flesh. Levon sighed deeply, repeating the action.

Joe moved his hands, fingers tangling in Levon's hair as he held him in place and ravished his mouth. Levon surrendered easily, letting Joe have control of the kiss. He sucked on Joe's tongue, reveling in the taste and feel of him.

Levon's fingers flexed, clutching and massaging Joe's ass. He continued to rub against his lover, answering Joe's thrusts with his own. He sucked in a desperate breath when Joe finally broke the kiss, both of them panting.

"God." Levon hissed when Joe gave him a hickey, making a matching claim of his own.

Levon moaned as Joe continued to lick and nibble along the side of his neck. He trembled, hips thrusting in an erratic rhythm when Joe began lavishing attention on his right earlobe. It wasn't normally a spot that caused such an intense reaction, but right now it was the hottest thing Levon had ever experienced.

Everything felt so good, so right. He'd missed this, missed feeling so connected, missed the weight of Joe against him. Levon hadn't realized just how much until now.

His movements took on a frantic urgency as Levon continued to rub his groin against Joe. He moaned softly as Joe moved to match his thrusts, increasing their speed. He could feel Joe's breath against his skin as his lover whispered something over and over. He wasn't sure what Joe was saying, but he could understand the meaning well enough.

Joe captured his mouth again in a sloppy, wet kiss. Levon gasped, pulling in Joe's breath then giving it back to him. His tongue played with Joe's before rubbing against the roof of Joe's mouth. That caress earned him a delightful little shimmy so Levon did it again and again.

He could feel that tell tale tingle at the base of his spine, that little harbinger of the on coming wave. Levon didn't try to hold it back, wasn't sure he could have if he wanted to. He let his orgasm roll over him, muscles clenching so tightly it was nearly painful as he found his release.

Levon trembled in the aftermath. He buried his face in Joe's shoulder, breathing in the scent of his lover.

"You...okay...Cowboy," Joe panted, rubbing his cheek against Levon's hair.

"I'm good." Levon raised his head. "You?"

Joe smiled, kissing the tip of his nose. "Never better."

"Good." Levon sighed, eyes closing. He was fairly confident he could stay exactly where he was for the rest of his life.

"Levon?"

"Hmmm?"

"Think we might need to get cleaned up before Minnie starts calling us for dinner."

"Ya think?" Levon chuckled, opening his eyes.

"She's your grandmother." Joe grinned at him. "You really want her to see you au natural?"

"Accordin' ta her, she's already seen my bare butt more than once." Levon grinned back, shaking his head. "Why do people who changed yer diapers always gotta remind you they did?"

"No idea." Joe laughed softly. "But my aunts do the same thing."

"Maybe it's a woman thing," Levon suggested lazily, still not entirely convinced he really to get up any time soon.

"Well I want a shower." Blue eyes sparkled. "And I'd like you to join me."

"Should have started with that." Levon gave Joe a quick kiss. "Definitely good incentive ta move."

"Nice to know where I rank."

"Always at the top, Joe." Levon rested his forehead against Joe's. "Always."

Joe smiled softly. "You're the top of my list too."

---

Joe double checked Levon's bedroom, blue eyes touching on every flat surface, looking for anything he might have forgotten. He hadn't really packed that much or anything he couldn't live without if left behind, but making sure he had everything was an ingrained habit.

"Ya got everythin'?"

"Think so."

Joe reached for the handles of his duffle bag but Levon beat him to it, shouldering the bag with ease. Joe scowled. "I can carry that, you know."

"I know." Levon grinned at him, obviously not bothered by Joe's dark look.

"I am not an invalid."

"Know that too."

"Then why--"

"You saying I can't do somethin' nice for you just cause I want to?"

Joe blinked. "Of course not."

"Good." Levon leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. "I'm just going to cart your stuff ta the Jimmy. Not like I'm offering ta carry you."

Joe laughed. He held up his hands in surrender. "Okay. Have it your way."

"Thanks." Levon smiled warmly, eyes sparkling. Joe couldn't believe what a difference a two good nights of sleep and several good meals could make.

It hadn't just been good for Levon. Joe knew the last two days had been good for him as well. He felt better than he had since before he got shot.

We should have come to see Minnie sooner, Joe thought with a smile. Her home certainly offered a neutral, safe territory for them to reconnect and deal with everything that had happened. Not only that, but Minnie also gave each of them the sort of unconditional support that few of Joe's family could offer.

He wished he'd have thought to introduce Rosa to Minnie. Joe was sure they'd get along, although the same probably couldn't be said for his Aunt Teresa and Minnie. He couldn't see Minnie putting up with Teresa with even half the grace Levon had shown.

Of course, putting up with Teresa was part of the reason they'd ended up at Minnie's in the first place. Joe sighed silently as he closed the bedroom door behind him. Levon still had a tendency to flinch if Joe startled him or moved too fast when he was within arms length. And Joe knew his lover was second guessing himself frequently, leery of losing control and lashing out again. It wasn't something Joe genuinely thought Levon had to worry about, but he could understand Levon's fear of being anything like his father.

Joe knew Levon needed to talk about it more than they had. He thought Levon should see a professional, but knew all too well how even suggesting therapy would go over. Joe couldn't really see his very private lover spilling his guts to a stranger. Hell, Beaumont had been Levon's partner for years and there were still things she didn't know about him.

Joe had taken a few classes in psychology. He hoped that limited knowledge, combined with Levon's trust, would be enough for him to be able to help his partner work through his fear. Joe wasn't averse to asking for advice from a licensed therapist, especially when he didn't have to look any further than his own family for one. One advantage of having such a large extended family was the diversity of professions and level of expertise Joe could call on when he needed help.

Joe was certain it would be better to initiate any sort of conversation on the subject where Levon would feel more comfortable talking about it. Mother Minnie's place was a safe haven for nearly everything but talking about Levon's father. Even now, Joe knew Levon was still trying to protect her from knowing how bad things had been for him as a child. A wasted effort given what she'd told Joe when he arrived but Joe wasn't sure Levon needed to know that.

Minnie met them in the living room. She smiled, holding out a tin of what had to be home made cookies to Joe. She habitually sent little packages of home cooked sweets, and never let them leave without some treat.

"Thought you might like to have something to take with you."

"Thank you, Minnie." Joe leaned down to kiss her cheek.

"Thanks, Mother Minnie." Levon kissed her other cheek. "For everything."

She smiled at him, raising a hand to cup Levon's face. "You don't have to thank me for anything, Little Levon."

Joe stifled his smile when he saw the faint color rise in Levon's cheeks. He felt like it leveled the playing field a bit. It was only a week ago his Aunts were doing the same thing to Joe...making him feel like he was five and enjoying the sensation more than he thought he should.

"Y'all drive carefully."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"And call me when ya get home, ya hear?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Yer a good boy, Levon." She smiled at Joe. "You too, Joseph."

That endorsement never failed to warm Joe all the way to his toes. It was just so reassuring to have someone he genuinely respected tell him he was well thought of. Someone other than a family member who might feel obligated to say things like that whether they meant it or not.

"You take care of yourself, Minnie."

"Always do, Joe." Minnie patted his cheek. "You take good care o' my boy."

"I will."

He didn't see Levon roll his eyes but Joe would have bet money his lover did just that. Levon would readily admit to needing Joe in his life, but most of the time he baulked at the suggestion he needed Joe to take care of him. Joe didn't take it personally. He understood. It would be similar to admitting to being weak, something neither of them truly considered themselves to be.

Minnie followed them outside, stopping on the porch to watch them get in the Jimmy and back out of the drive way. They both waved. She waved back before heading back inside.

Joe sighed, settling into his seat. "We should come here more often."

Levon chuckled. "You sure ya want that?"

Joe rolled his head to look at Levon, frowning. "Why would I not want to see Minnie more often?"

"Could have sworn I heard ya complaining 'bout her cooking."

"What!!" Joe's mouth dropped open, staring at Levon in astonishment. "I never--"

"Why does everything she make have to taste so damn good?" Levon mimicked Joe's accent and inflection surprisingly well. "Did she bake another apple pie? I'm going to get fat eating all this. I'm telling you, Cowboy, my pants won't fit if this keeps up."

Joe laughed. He had said that.

Levon waved a hand. "I mean, I know you gotta worry about keepin' that girlish figure--"

"Girlish figure?" Joe snickered, before mock glaring at his lover. "Are you saying you don't like my figure?"

Levon gave him a considering, heated glance. "Oh, I like your figure. Like it just fine."

Joe stifled a shudder, trying not to reveal how much that rough drawl affected him. Having reconnected on a physical level at Minnie's, Joe felt like a junky constantly in need of another fix. He gave Levon a dirty look.

"You are an evil man."

Levon grinned. "You just noticing that now?"

"I've known that about you for awhile now." Joe shook his head. "Just keeps surprising me how much I like it."

Levon laughed. "You are so easy."

Joe smirked. "But I'm not cheap."

Levon reached over to take his hand. "Worth every penny."

Joe ducked his head, trying to hide his blush. "You are a hopeless romantic."

"Goes so well with being evil." Levon snickered. "Like beer and pretzels."

Joe laughed. He placed a kiss on Levon's knuckles. He'd missed this easy rapport. He'd forgotten how lighthearted and funny Levon could be.

Levon sighed softly, squeezing Joe's hand. Joe gave him inquiring glance, sensing a shift in his lover's mood, but not understanding why. He waited patiently.

Levon bit his lower lip. "You got therapy tomorrow?"

"Yeah." Joe raised both eyebrows, silently asking why Levon was asking when he already knew the answer.

"You want me to go along?" Levon's lips curled into a half smile, belying the earnest look in his eyes.

Joe smiled. "I always want you with me, Cowboy."

"Even when I get a little--"

"Even then." Joe squeezed Levon's hand. He actually thought recreating the situation that brought everything to a head might be a good thing. It would give them a chance to work through it a second time, ideally with a different outcome.

"I'll be on my best behavior."

"I have no doubts about that."

Until Levon had taken off at a dead run in the heat of the day, Joe had no idea his session with Sarah had bothered his lover as much as it had. The man might have been a little distant with her, less friendly than he usually was, but he wasn't rude to her. In hindsight, given how much mental and emotional turmoil Levon had been dealing with at the time, his restraint was actually rather impressive.

"Won't run off afterward either." Levon gave him a look, obviously knowing what Joe had been thinking. "Promise."

"Appreciate that, Cowboy, but I don't need you to promise anything." Joe raised their joined hands to place another kiss on Levon's knuckles. "I trust you."

Levon worried his lower lip again. "Still not sure ya should."

"Yeah, I know." Joe smiled softly. He'd be working on that, probably for some time to come. It is a good thing I'm a patient man, Joe thought, persistent too. "I have enough trust for both of us."

Levon sighed, nodding once. "Sorry."

Joe shook his head. "Nothing to apologize for, Cowboy."

Levon smiled. "I tell you lately that I love you?"

"Was hoping you'd show me." Joe waggled his eyebrows.

Levon huffed out a breath in a small laugh. "You are insatiable."

"Only for you, Levon. Only for you."

"Be sure it stays that way." Levon gave him a fierce look, before he winked at Joe. "Ya hear?"

"I hear and obey, Oh Master."

Levon grinned. "Now that, I could get used to."

Joe rolled his eyes. "I'm sure."

"Little bowin' now and again wouldn't be a bad thing either."

Joe snorted. "Keep dreaming, Cowboy."

Levon gave him a slant eyed look. "Bet I could give ya a good reason ta be on your knees."

Joe tried not to react to Levon's tone, the blatant innuendo, or the image both created for him. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. "I hate you."

"No you don't."

"Don't you forget it." Joe growled. He did a passable imitation of Levon's accent. "Ya hear?"

Levon dipped his head, a bit more color in his cheeks than there was a moment ago. "I hear."

Joe grinned. "I don't get the rest?"

Levon grimaced. "Not calling you Master, boy. So jus' forget that right now."

Joe licked his lips. Teasing could go both ways. "Oh...I'll bet I could get you to call me Master." His voice was husky when he spoke again, laced with promise. "Just takes a little effort."

"Stop that." Levon shook his head, gaze resolutely focused on the road. "I'm driving."

"So drive faster." Joe was looking forward to getting home---for more than one reason, but at the moment the thought of getting naked with Levon and making him howl like a coyote was certainly at the top of the list.

"I can do that." The Jimmy surged forward. "Be home before ya know it."

They'd better be. Joe shifted in his seat. Too long and they'd have to find some quiet spot by the side of the road. He grinned. That wouldn't be a bad alternative either.

---

Levon took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. It wasn't like he'd done anything in front of Sarah that he needed to be embarrassed about. There was no way she could have known what he was thinking the last time he'd accompanied Joe to his therapy session. At least he hoped she didn't.

Joe looked at him, eyebrow arched. "You okay, Cowboy?"

"Just feelin' a little stupid." Levon's fingers clenched the steering wheel.

"Don't worry about it." Joe smiled. "No one but me knows you came a little unglued."

"Think it was a bit more than that." Levon grimaced. While he was relieved Joe seemed intent on down playing the whole thing, Levon almost wished he wouldn't. He'd all but accused Joe of cheating on him, and then compounded that insult by hitting him. That was more than just 'coming a little unglued' in Levon's opinion.

Joe turned in his seat to face Levon. "Do you think other couples never fight?"

Levon snorted. "Not that naïve, Joe."

"So we had ourselves a fight." Joe reached out to cup his cheek. "It was stuff we needed to talk about. Clear the air and get our heads screwed on straight. It's not the end of the world. And it sure as hell isn't the end of us. Ya hear me?"

Levon turned his head to place a kiss in Joe's palm. "I hear ya."

"Good." Joe smiled gently. "And no one in there knows we fought. And they sure as hell don't need to know what we fought about. So, you have no reason to be embarrassed, or ashamed, or even to feel a little stupid."

Levon's lips quirked upward. "Ya sure about that?"

"Sure enough for both of us."

Levon knew that would be his answer. It was rapidly becoming a new 'thing' for them. And Levon found it decidedly reassuring that Joe could say it every single time without any hesitation, without any doubt.

He took a deep breath. "Okay...let's go do this thing."

Joe grinned. "Now you're talking."

They got out of the Jimmy and walked into the gym. Levon was still amazed by the diversity of equipment available. He wondered why the hell anyone would want to ride a bike that when nowhere. He'd never understood treadmills either. Although, given the heat and humidity that defined Houston, Levon could see the appeal of exercising in an air conditioned place. But he still thought it would be very boring in comparison to running his usual route. No dog to dodge that's for sure, Levon thought with a mental smirk.

This time of day the gym wasn't very busy. Levon thought that was probably why they'd made space for a physical therapy department. It would definitely make use of the equipment and justify having the lights on at two in the afternoon when most people wouldn't have time to utilize the facility.

The receptionist greeted them with a smile. "Good afternoon."

Levon tipped his head in acknowledgement of the greeting while Joe smiled and responded with a 'good afternoon' of his own.

"You're appointment is with Sarah?"

"Yes."

"She'll be right with you."

"Thanks."

Sarah showed up a few minutes later. She smiled brightly. "Hello, Joe. How are you feeling today?"

"I'm good, Sarah." Joe returned her smile.

"You kept up with your exercises?"

"I have." Joe rotated his shoulder as though proving his claim.

She smiled at Levon. "Hello, Levon."

"Ma'am." Levon raised two fingers to the brim of his hat. He forced himself not avoid eye contact or fidget.

"We should be done in about an hour if you want to come back." She gestured toward the small waiting area. "I'm afraid all the magazines are still out of date and they are working on the cable today."

Levon wasn't sure what to make of her suggestion. The last time he'd stayed and she hadn't said anything about him watching from the lounge. Had he seemed antsy to then? Maybe she thought he'd been bored or impatient. Levon ducked his head, feeling his face warm as it occurred to him that he might have made her nervous with this intense scrutiny the last time. Joe said he hadn't really noticed anything odd about his behavior, but maybe Sarah had caught Levon glaring daggers at her.

"Actually, Sarah, if it's all right with you, I'd like to have Levon watch." Joe gave her a charming smile. "He's been helping me with my exercises, so I thought it might be a good idea for him to keep up on what you're doing."

"Oh." She looked surprised by Joe's request, before nodding eagerly. "That would be great. It's not often we get people willing to learn how to help friends and family. Most seem to think it should be just the therapist and aren't interesting in hanging around. Or that they only have to do the exercises when they're here."

"We know better than that." Joe's smile turned rueful. "Benefit of past experience."

"I don't like to get repeat business." Sarah shook her head, wagging a finger at Joe.

"I'll do my best."

"I'd appreciate that." She waved a hand. "Follow me and we'll get started."

Levon followed a few steps behind, not wanting to get in the way. Sarah led Joe through the same series she'd assigned before, using a small hand weight, gauging his progress. She seemed pleased with how well he was doing, even though Joe was not happy working with such a light weight.

"You'll work up to more, Joe," she told him when he voiced his disappointment over how hard it was to be working with just five pounds when he was used to handling so much more. "It will just take some time."

Joe grimaced but didn't argue. Levon wondered if it sounded better coming from her than it did from him. Maybe it just carried more weight because she was a professional in the field. Or maybe it was because she could say all that and not sound like a hypocrite. Levon would have been trying to push himself as hard as Joe wanted to.

After finishing with the weight, Sarah handed Joe what looked like a heavy rubber band and demonstrated what she wanted Joe to do. Watching her work without insecurity and jealousy color his perspective, Levon could see why she routinely touched Joe. It clearly helped her to judge his level of effort and control his actions so he did the exercises correctly without hurting himself. Levon cocked his head to one side, frowning as Sarah continued to lead Joe through a series of moves the blond was completely unfamiliar with.

"Something wrong, Levon?" Sarah asked.

"No, Ma'am." He shook his head. "Jus'...don't have anything like this for Joe ta work with at home."

"The gym has some you could borrow. We have plenty." She pointed to the shelf where she'd gotten the bands for Joe to use. She smiled wryly. "Not many of my clients have their own equipment, or the inclination to use ours other than during their scheduled sessions."

Levon nodded. Seeing the various colors available, Levon asked, "They all the same?"

"Each color is a different resistance level. Yellow is the easiest, then red and green. Black is the least flexible."

Joe grimaced looking at the yellow band he held. Levon pointed his finger at him. "Don't pout. It's jus' like the weights. Ya gotta work up to more."

"Why is it you're never that sensible when it's your turn?"

"Because."

"That is not an answer."

"Was ta your niece." If he'd heard Emma say it once, Levon had heard it a hundred times. It seemed to be her standard reply to nearly every question.

Joe snorted. "You can't use a teenager's logic."

"Don't see why not." Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Pretty sure you have."

"I have not."

"Yeah, you have." Levon grinned, giving Joe a knowing look. He could name time, date and phase of the moon if need be. And Joe knew it.

Levon waggled his eyebrows. "Thought it was your shoulder that needed work, not yer memory."

Joe grimaced. "Shaddup."

Levon laughed softly. "I win."

"It's no wonder Emma liked you." Joe rolled his eyes. "You are her age."

"Yer just a sore loser." Levon snickered. He pointed to the band Joe was holding, looking at Sarah. "Can you show me what you were doing with that? Would help if I know what ta do when Joe uses that thing at home."

"Certainly." She smiled warmly at him. "Best way is to do it yourself. Grab one of the bands and I'll go through what I just did with Joe."

Levon reached for one of the yellow bands. Not sure how much resistance they actually offered, he figured it would be better to start off with the lightest one. He didn't have anything to prove. And there was no point in rubbing Joe's face in the fact Levon could use something harder than Joe was allowed to play with.

Sarah showed him how to do the exercises she'd just done with Joe. He hadn't expected them to actually be hard to do, and they weren't, but he could see how they could be. They worked the muscles in his shoulder and chest differently than weights, emphasizing control and flexibility rather than just strength.

"Shame they didn't have these when I messed up my shoulder."

"You hurt your shoulder?"

"Not recently." Levon waved off the concern he could hear in Sarah's question. "And not quite like Joe."

"You weren't shot?" Sarah knew they were both on the force, so it was a logical question.

"No. I wasn't a cop then." He shook his head as he realized just how long it had been. He gave her a wry smile. "Therapy's come a ways in fifteen years."

She laughed softly. "I should hope so." Sarah looked at Joe. "You up for a little more?"

"Sure."

She led Joe through a set of empty handed exercises. Like with the weight, Levon recognized most of them. He made note of how many reps she recommended. Joe would likely push himself to do more unless someone kept an eye on him, or the movements became too painful for him to continue. Getting to that point would be counterproductive and was best avoided.

Although most of the exercises had been relatively light and easy in comparison to Joe's usual work out, he was sweating and his breathing reflected the level of effort required. Levon could see faint lines of stress and pain forming around Joe's eyes. He was just about to say something, to stop his partner, when Sarah spoke.

"I think that's enough for today, Joe."

Joe frowned, shaking his head. "Just a few more."

Sarah gave him a pointed look. "Your shoulder already hurts."

"How--"

"I'm not new at this." She rolled her eyes. "I can tell when my patients aren't pushing hard enough, and when they are pushing too hard. And, you are pushing too hard."

"I'm not going to get better if I don't--"

"Too much too soon and you will never get better."

Levon appreciated her matter-of-fact, uncompromising attitude. He was glad he hadn't said or done anything on his last visit that would have put her at odds with him. It would take both of them to keep Joe in line. And he had a feeling she would have had no more trouble than Mother Minnie did when it came to putting Levon in his place. Levon fought down a giggle when it occurred to him he was better off being queer since he was piss poor at winning an argument when it came to women.

"You know...you are going ta get ta do all this tomorrow," Levon offered when it looked like Joe might try to argue with Sarah. Why he thought he'd win, Levon couldn't even begin to guess.

He held up the yellow band he hadn't bothered to return to the shelf. "We're even taking some of Sarah's toys home with us. Not like you can't play with them again."

Joe gave him a dirty look, but Levon could see the smile he was trying to hide. He grinned back, pulling that lurking smile to the surface.

"Yeah, okay."

Levon nodded. He knew better than to make a big deal of how easily Joe had given in. He also knew better than to think it was good sense. It was far more likely Joe's shoulder hurt like hell.

A few painkillers and a massage would fix that...at least temporarily. Time would be necessary for a permanent solution. Levon ardently hoped Joe's shoulder healed better than his had. Most of the damage Levon experienced occurred to connective tissue, while the bulk of Joe's injury involved muscle. Muscle usually healed better than tendons and ligaments...at least that's what the doctors had told Levon.

"I'll see you in three days, Joe." Sarah said, pulling Levon from his thoughts. "The same time good for you?"

"That's fine." Joe nodded.

"I'll write up what we did here today so you can continue to do the exercises at home." She pointed a finger at him. "You stay with five pounds, the band, and only as many reps as I tell you."

"Scout's honor."

Levon snorted. He wasn't going to tell Sarah Joe was never a scout. It didn't matter. Levon would make sure he followed orders.

Sarah wrote up the list for them, handing it to Joe. She looked him in the eyes. "Remember, you do only what is on here."

"Yeah."

Clearly less than happy with Joe's lackluster response, she looked at Levon. "You'll see that he does?"

Levon raised two fingers to the brim of his hat. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Suck up." Joe muttered as Sarah moved way to greet who was obviously her next patient.

"Not too sure she couldn't kick my ass, boy." Levon laughed softly, walking in step with Joe as they left the therapy area. "And with one wing in a sling, I'm sure she could kick yours. Can't blame me for going with the winnin' team."

Joe rolled his eyes. "Wuss."

"Hello, Pot." Levon grinned. "One call ta yer Aunt Rosa--"

"Shaddup."

"I win."

Joe chuckled. "You are such a pain in the ass."

Levon's grin grew wider. "But you love me anyway."

"Absolutely."

Levon held open the door for Joe. "And since we were both good boys, I think some sort of reward is in order."

"Oh?" Joe arched an eyebrow, blue eyes brightening. "And just what sort of reward did you have in mind?"

"Ice cream."

Joe gave a startled laugh. That was clearly not what he expected. "Ice cream?"

"Sure." Levon gave Joe a sly look, letting his voice drop a bit. "Were you thinking somethin' else?"

Joe snorted, lightly smacking Levon's arm. "You know I was."

"Guessing a little afternoon delight was more what you had in mind."

"Well, duh!"

Levon laughed, waggling his eyebrows. "No reason we can't have both."

"Now that's more like it." Joe nodded. "Thinking drive thru."

"You don't maybe want to get something for home?"

Levon had meant the question to be completely innocent, not realizing how it might have sounded until Joe stopped walking. He watched Joe take a slow, deep breath and swallow hard. It wasn't hard to picture exactly what Joe was thinking.

"Please, tell me you meant what I think you meant."

Levon smiled. Mother Minnie hadn't raised her any fools. "Absolutely."

Joe headed for the Jimmy. "Chocolate sauce?"

"Sure." Levon's smile turned coy as he unlocked the doors. "Can even have whip cream if ya want."

"God, Cowboy." Joe shuddered as he slid into the passenger seat. "You are an evil man."

"Pretty sure you knew that already."

"There's no reason for you to keep proving it."

"That mean you don't want the chocolate sauce?"

"Hell, no."

"Figured."

"Shaddup and drive."

---

Joe woke slowly. He instinctively reached for his lover, frowning when he encountered nothing but empty space. Joe raised his head to squint at the clock. He nodded to himself when he saw it just after five. It was close to Levon's usual wake up time. Joe felt his lover's side of the bed again, smiling to himself when he realized he could feel a trace of warmth. Levon hadn't been gone long.

Over the past two weeks Levon had been sleeping better. The nightmares had tapered off since their return from Mother Minnie's. Talking about them had definitely helped. And so had the time they'd spent together. Joe had convinced Levon that he should take another week off from work, something that had been surprisingly easy to do. They'd gotten back most of their usual rhythm during that time.

Joe rolled out of bed, stretching carefully. His shoulder was improving, but it still reacted badly to sudden moves. Therapy was helping, slower than he'd like, but he was trying to practice patience.

His shoulder wasn't the only thing he was practicing patience with. Levon no longer flinched at sudden movement or loud noises. And he didn't hold himself still, as though he was afraid to move, when Joe got close to him. But Joe hadn't made much progress in getting his lover to talk more about what happened. More often than not, Levon simply clammed up or walked away.

So far his best chance of getting anything out of Levon was when his lover first got up. Joe had no idea why the early morning should make the man more approachable, less apt to avoid him and the issue, but so far it was the only time he'd found that he could get anything out of Levon at all. And he had to be cautious not to ask too much or push too hard. The last thing Joe wanted was a repeat of what caused the situation in the first place or making Levon pull away again.

Joe yawned, scrubbing a hand over his face. "Why the hell couldn't I fall in love with a night owl?"

He turned on the bedside light, squinting at the sudden illumination. He hated the brightness, but he detested stubbing his toes even more. It was easier to find his robe and slippers with the light on.

He shivered, pulling on soft, warm flannel robe he'd assumed ownership of. He shook his head. "Getting soft," Joe muttered to himself. It was either that or he was getting old. There was definitely a time when the current temperature wouldn't warrant any extra clothing.

He slid into his slippers before padding out of the bedroom. Joe took a deep breath in the kitchen, savoring the smell of fresh brewed coffee. He poured himself a mug, adding a little sugar and cream. He took a sip, sighing softly, grateful Levon had learned how to make coffee just the way Joe liked it.

Joe headed out the back door, cup in hand. He was not surprised to find Levon on the swing, a cup of coffee of his own steaming in the early morning chill. Levon raised an eyebrow at him.

"At this rate, gonna make a morning person out of you yet."

Joe snorted, sitting down next to Levon. "Don't bet on it, Cowboy."

Levon nodded agreeably. Joe could tell he was hiding a smile behind the rim of his coffee mug. He rolled his eyes. "Wise ass."

"I didn't say anything."

"You were thinking it."

Levon chuckled. "True."

Joe sipped his coffee. He knew if he waited long enough, eventually Levon would talk to him. It remained to be seen just how much he'd say. Baby steps, Joe told himself, were fine as long as they kept moving forward.

Joe sipped his coffee. He shifted so he was closer to Levon. He wasn't quite snuggling into him, but definitely sharing body heat.

Levon wrapped an arm around Joe's shoulders, smiling. "Thought you said it didn't get cold here?"

"It doesn't." Joe sighed. "I'm getting soft."

Levon chuckled before turning his head to place a kiss on Joe's temple. "Long as I'm here ta keep ya warm, it won't matter much."

Joe smiled. "Guess that means I need to keep you around."

Levon's expression sobered and he looked away. "You know...the last couple....you know I wasn't...I didn't mean ta push you away."

"I know that." Joe whispered, leaning in to Levon. It wasn't as if Levon had actively pushed Joe away, it was more like he'd withdrawn into himself at moments. But he could understand how Levon might view his actions differently.

"Was jus'...I spent most o' my life not wantin' ta be like my old man. And then, I did the one thing I swore I'd never do." Sorrowful brown eyes met blue. "Know you already said it was okay and ya weren't mad, that ya understood, but I'm still sorry I hit you. An' it scares the hell out of me that I might do it again."

Joe wanted to pump his fist in the air and shout 'finally', but forced himself to sit still. If he made a big deal out of this breakthrough it would be the last one he'd ever see. And past experience told him if he sat quietly, Levon might just keep talking.

"I jus' reacted, Joe. Didn't think about what I was doing. Jus' lashed out at you." Levon looked away. "It could happen again."

"It could," Joe agreed calmly. He wasn't going to pretend differently; it wasn't like Levon would believe him if he did. "But I don't really think it will."

"Why not?" Levon arched an eyebrow. "Weren't like either o' us knew it was gonna happen the last time."

"Well, for one thing, we are communicating. We're talking about stuff we should have been talking about then. If we keep doing that, we shouldn't have the same pressure build up."

"No need for a release valve?"

"Well...I wouldn't go that far." Joe smiled softly. They were both far too volatile to have things ever run smoothly all the time. "We'll probably still need something...just not something that has either of us blowing up at each other."

Levon nodded. "Could put up a heavy bag in the barn."

Joe dipped his head, agreeing with the idea, although, he knew anger wasn't the main reason Levon had lashed out at him. It was more the byproduct of fear and an instinctive need to protect himself, but brining that up wasn't going to further the cause. And having something for Levon, other than running, as a way to work off extreme emotion would certainly lessen Joe's worry.

"Maybe you could find a spot for a weight bench in there and some free weights too." Having some place for Joe to work out wouldn't be a bad thing either. He wouldn't mind not needing to pay for a gym membership. "A treadmill for rainy days would be nice too."

"Probably." Levon's lips quirked upward in a half smile. "Could just give you some chores around here. That would work as well as all those dumbbells and what not."

Joe shook his head. "Not the same, Cowboy."

"So you keep telling me." Levon snorted.

"And I'll keep telling you until you believe me."

"Could take a long time, Joe." Levon's tone was solemn.

"Yeah, I know, but we are going the distance. We are running a marathon, not doing the hundred yard dash." Joe smiled gently. "And you are worth it."

"Thanks." Levon gave him a quick kiss. "For everything."

"You're welcome."

They sat on the swing in companionable silence for several minutes. Joe sipped his coffee. He was content to wait and see if Levon would say anything more or not.

"Was thinking..."

When Levon trailed off, Joe prompted him gently for more. "What were you thinking?"

"Don't really want to come out at work, but would you mind if we told Chicken?"

Joe blinked. He hadn't expected that, although, in hindsight he probably should have. Off the force, Chicken was Levon's best friend, and the closest thing to a brother the blond had.

"You think he'd be okay with us?"

"Think so. No way ta know for sure until we tell him." Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Not sure I want him for a friend any more if he don't accept us." Levon sighed softly. "I'm tired of hiding from damn near everyone we know here."

Joe nodded slowly. When Levon had thought Joe had been killed, there weren't many people he could turn to who'd understand what he was going through. Annie and Beaumont, for all Levon's fondness and respect for them, were not people he'd go to for emotional support. Mother Minnie wouldn't live forever. And the more people who knew about them as a couple, the less likely either of them would feel marginalized when faced with someone like Joe's Aunt Theresa.

"You want to tell him together?"

Levon smiled shyly. "I'd like to."

"Good." Joe smiled back. "So would I." Levon had been there for him when Joe wanted to come out to some of his family. He wanted to be there for Levon.

Levon chewed his lower lip. "When?"

"Whenever you are ready."

"Was thinking...when we go back ta work." Levon made the question more of a statement. "Stop in when it ain't busy like we usually do."

Joe nodded. Between the lunch rush and the after work crowd Chicken's place was essentially empty. It wasn't uncommon for Levon and Joe to stop in then. If the big man made a scene there wouldn't be any witnesses. If Chicken didn't accept them...they wouldn't be going back. If he did, well they'd be in the right place to celebrate.

"Sounds like a plan, Cowboy." Joe caught one of Levon's hands and squeezed gently. "Just let me know if you change your mind." He didn't want Levon to feel he had to say something to Chicken, or that Joe was pushing. Levon had let it be Joe's call to tell his family, it was only fair for him to do the same. Whenever Levon was ready, Joe would be there to back him up.

"Thanks." Levon gave him another kiss before sitting back and taking a deep breath.

Joe could almost see his lover putting everything that was bothering him back into a mental box. He wished Levon would talk to him more, but he was coming to terms with the Texan's bits and pieces approach to serious things that bothered him. Two fairly large bits had come up this morning and that was more than Joe had expected.

"You about ready ta start the day?"

Joe snorted. "I am up and moving. That is starting the day."

"We're burnin' daylight boy."

Joe rolled his eyes, more amused than annoyed. "Did we have anything we had to do today?"

"Had to?" Levon gave him a slant-eyed look. "Nothing on our busy social calendar. But now that you are awake and had yer coffee, I was thinking you'd be up for letting me have my wicked way with you."

Joe grinned. "I don't need coffee for that."

"Really?" Levon gave him a sly look. "You bitched jus' the other day about not getting your coffee."

Joe laughed, punching Levon lightly in the arm. "That was after, Cowboy. Not before. And you only made the road tar you drink that day."

"Wasn't like I did that on purpose." Levon rolled his eyes. "Yer pot bit the dust."

"Doesn't matter." Joe shook his head, his grin playful. "You still owe me one."

"Do I now?"

"Yes, you do."

Levon smiled, licking his lips slowly. "Think I know how I can make that up to you."

Joe shivered. He loved it when Levon's voice got low and rough. He swallowed hard. "Oh?"

Levon leaned in to whisper in Joe's ear, his warm breath ghosting over Joe's skin raised goose bumps all over. "How about I let you take me for a ride? I'll let you go as hard and as fast as you wanna."

Joe's mouth went dry. Their lovemaking since his 'resurrection' and starting therapy, while very satisfying, had been slow and gentle. Joe missed more rough and ready, vigorous aspects of their sex life.

He swallowed hard. "You sure?"

"Sarah said you could start working yer way back inta yer normal routine." Levon nibbled Joe's earlobe. "Think that was normal for us, yeah?"

"God yes." Joe shivered.

"Well, then, what do ya say we go make a little noise this morning?"

Joe grinned. Levon didn't have to ask him twice. "Led the way, Cowboy."

---

Levon slipped his colt into its holster, settling the weight with a shrug of his shoulders. It felt a little odd to be wearing it again. He hadn't worn the gun for more than a week. There hadn't been any need while he was home with Joe. But it was time to get back to work so the gun was once more part of his daily routine.

"You about ready, Cowboy."

"Me?" Levon rolled his eyes. "You're the one who was primping in the bathroom for twenty minutes."

"I was not primping." Joe pointed a finger at Levon. "I was just---"

"Taking an ungodly long time to make sure ya looked good," Levon grinned. "Yeah, I know."

Joe glared at him but the look lacked any real heat. He fidgeted restlessly, fingers playing with the sling Sarah thought Joe should continue wearing for at least another week. She'd quietly told Levon she didn't think the sling was truly necessary, that Joe had made a lot of progress toward a full recovery, but it would serve as a visual and physical reminder that Joe shouldn't over do it. She knew Joe well enough to realize he wouldn't think his clearance for desk duty should be seen as a serious limitation.

"Leave it alone, Joe."

Joe grimaced. "I hate this stupid thing."

"It's only for a couple o' days, Joe."

"I don't think I really need to--"

"Yer Aunt Rosa said you promised ta do what the doctor and yer therapist says ya should."

Joe shook his head. "I should have never let you talk to her before hanging up."

Levon grinned. "Too late now."

It wasn't like Joe really had a choice in whether or not Levon spoke to Rosa . She wasn't the sort to take no for an answer, especially not when she wanted to make sure her favorite nephew wasn't going back to work too soon or trying to do too much too soon. Or when she wanted to know if Levon needed any help getting Joe to toe the line. It was nice having her on his side. Although, he knew she'd be on Joe's side working to make Levon do what the doctor ordered if he'd been the one hurt.

"It's going to be hard to work with this thing on."

Levon rolled his eyes. "You know as well as I do all yer gonna do today is talk ta people and deal with paperwork, which in yer case will be mostly signing your name." There would be dozens of forms related to Joe taking sick leave, insurance and whatever else Beaumont had put on hold until he was back to work.

Joe glared at him. "And just what will you be doing?"

"Pretty much the same thing." Levon admitted with a shrug. He wasn't happy about being stuck at his desk, but he didn't want to work a case without Joe either. So until Joe was ready for the streets, Levon told Beaumont he'd was willing to ride a desk. It wasn't like he hadn't done it before---he just usually bitched about it more.

Levon smiled. "Only difference is I'll have fewer people wanting ta talk to me." Joe had been back to the office only once since `returning from the grave'. There were going to be a lot of people who wanted to see Joe in person to find out how he was doing, check on his recovery, and just to make sure he was really alive.

Levon doubted Joe would get anything else done. And that was just fine for his first day back because even doing only that much would be exhausting. Not that he expected Joe would admit to that.

"You ready for this?" Levon asked. "Could always take another day."

"I do not need anther day." Joe snorted. "I'm going nuts sitting here."

Levon nodded, accepting Joe's decision. He couldn't really blame his lover. There wasn't much else Joe enjoyed that could be done with only one good arm. Daytime television wasn't worth watching. And even as much as Joe liked to read, it got old after awhile. At least Levon had things he could do around the house and barn to keep him busy.

"All right then." Levon smiled, patting Joe on the arm. "Let's go do this thing."

Joe laughed. "It won't be that bad, Cowboy."

Levon snorted. "I'll ask you if ya still think that when we're on our way home."

Joe frowned. "How bad could it be?"

Levon arched an eyebrow. He couldn't understand how Joe could be so smart and still be so damn dense at times. Levon's tone was bone dry as he pointed out, "Ain't every day ya come back from the dead, boy."

Joe looked at him, blue eyes showing his confusion. "But...it's been--"

"Won't matter." Levon shook his head, slipping on his denim jacket. He wouldn't need it later, but the early morning chill was enough to make him want the added layer.

"Lot o' people didn't see you the day you were there. They'll want to see for themselves yer alive. " Levon said, his tone matter of fact. "And everyone else is gonna want to know how yer doing. Will want to know if you need anything. Will be looking for more information than Beaumont gave when she told them what was going on."

"I thought you said you filled everyone in on what she'd left out?"

"Everybody who mattered, yeah." To Levon that meant their immediate coworkers---Legs, Esteban, Joe-Bill, Annie, and a few others. "Didn't see any need to tell the whole building."

Joe grimaced. "Which means the gossip and rumors will be running wild."

"Would have anyhow." Levon shrugged. As far as he could tell, no matter what the profession gossip and rumor were just part and parcel to working with people. And even with all the information made available to them, people would still exaggerate or assume there was more to the story than they were being told.

Joe sighed. "You'll stay close?"

Levon smiled, giving Joe a quick kiss. "They get to be too much, I'll kick their asses for you."

Joe smirked. "My hero."

"An' you can thank me tonight." Levon grinned, giving Joe a saucy wink. "So let's do this thing."

They'd already agreed to take the Jimmy. It was easier for Joe to get in and out of, and Levon preferred to drive it to taking the Cobra. He'd never really felt all that comfortable driving the sports car. In his mind it was always Joe's car. He felt like he was trespassing being in the driver seat.

Levon sighed silently, appreciating how right it felt to have Joe next to him, going to work, the way it was supposed to be. He held out his hand to Joe, pleased when his lover took it. It was a little thing, but Levon liked having the physical connection. He'd gotten used to being able to freely touch Joe over the past week. Levon wasn't looking forward to censuring himself at the office even though he understood the necessity.

They traffic was relatively light and they made good time getting to the office. Levon forced himself to let go of Joe's hand as they pulled into the parking area. He had to let go some time. It was better to make the break here.

Levon parked in his usual spot, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Getting out of the Jimmy, he let the familiar quiet of the garage, the scents and smells wash over him. Reisner was his second home, and it felt good to be back, especially with Joe at his side.

Out of habit Levon checked to make sure Joe was walking with him, relieved to find him exactly where he was supposed to be. When Joe was `dead' being anywhere with out him felt decidedly odd, but especially the precinct building. Even before they were lovers, Joe had been an integral part of Levon's work a day world. It was where they spent the bulk of their waking hours.

They took the elevator up to their floor. When the doors opened, Levon wasn't entirely surprised to see a banner hanging on the wall welcoming Joe back to work. He smirked, seeing the look on Joe's face.

"You were missed."

Joe chuckled. "So I see."

Heading for the bullpen, it looked like everyone in the building was there to greet Joe. Levon let his partner move a step ahead of him, creating some space that others could get close enough to Joe and welcome him back. Levon made sure Joe couldn't be completely surrounded, ready to intervene if anyone got to enthusiastic in their greeting. Joe's shoulder was healing well, but Levon didn't think it was ready for too many back slaps, light punches, or any other manly man sort of greeting. Fortunately, the sling was a blatant signal to be careful.

Levon noticed he wasn't the only one keeping an eye out. Legs and Esteban were watching almost as closely as he was. It was good to know he had back up if it was needed.

Levon tried not to listen to what was being said. He didn't want to hear comments on how nearly fatal the video feed of the shooting made Joe's injury seem. Levon already knew that footage, frame by frame, by heart. He wasn't having nightmares about it any more, and Levon wanted it to stay that way.

He also didn't want to hear about how awful it was thinking Joe was killed. It had taken him long enough to come to terms with Joe's `death'. He didn't want to revisit it, even secondhand. And he didn't want to snarl at people how little they knew of just how awful thinking Joe was dead truly had been for him. It wasn't something they needed to know. Levon had never said a word to his coworkers about how Caroline's death affected him; he wasn't going to talk about Joe's either.

He didn't care to rehash how the FBI had fucked up. Or how funny it was to have them taken to task for their stupidity. Or speculation on how involved Joe's family might have been since it was a mob hit man who'd done the shooting.

Levon closed the gap between them when he saw Joe's smile start looking strained. His partner was more comfortable with crowds than Levon, but even Joe had his limits, particularly when dispersions were being cast on his family.

"How `bout y'all let us get back ta work." Levon's tone made it clear it wasn't a request. "Not like Joe won't be here all day if you wanna stop by later and chat."

Having Beaumont step out of her office and second that sentiment kept any dissention to a minimum. It didn't hurt that Legs and Esteban were also shooing people away. Levon hoped most of them would not be back, but he was betting the majority would straggle back throughout the day.

"When you get settled, Joe, stop by my office," Beaumont said, gimlet-eye on those officers leaving the bullpen for wherever they belonged.

"I'll be there in a few minutes, Lieutenant."

She nodded, eyes moving to Levon. She smiled at him, tipping her head. "Looks like the time off did you good, Levon."

Levon raised two fingers to the brim of his Stetson. He hadn't been sure she'd agree to giving him another week off, although why he had any doubts Levon wasn't sure. It wasn't like she hadn't pushed him in the past to rest, to recover, to take some time and heal. And unlike the rest of the people who'd greeted them this morning, Joanne knew just how much Joe's `death' hurt Levon. She been there when Caroline was killed, and understood the full impact and just how much Levon thought he'd lost.

"Thanks, Cowboy," Joe whispered to him as they were finally free to sit down at their desks.

"Told ya I'd kick their asses for you." Levon smiled. He would have too, if it had proven to be necessary. There were a few he might still smack around just on general principle for being so stupid as to talk badly about Joe's family in front of him.

Joe tipped his head toward Beaumont's office. "Nice of her to back you up."

"Still think she likes you best," Levon said with a grin.

Joe rolled his eyes. "She does not."

"Does too." Levon respond.

"No more spending time with my younger cousins for you." Joe pointed a finger at him, looking more amused than annoyed. "They are a bad influence on you."

Levon stuck his tongue out at Joe. He was pleased when Joe laughed, the lines of tension around his eyes and stiffness in his shoulders fading away.

"I'll be back," Joe said as he got up and headed for the lieutenant's office.

Levon went to the break room for a cup of coffee. It would be the first of many he was sure. Paperwork was hardly exciting. He poured a cup, breathing in the familiar, heady aroma. Joe might hate the coffee at the office, but to Levon it was just perfect.

Levon settled in at his desk, trying to studiously ignore what was going on around him while he focused on getting files organized and finalized paperwork for closed cases. His eyes kept drifting toward Beaumont's office watching for Joe. He knew it was stupid to worry about his partner. It wasn't like he was in trouble or in any danger, but Joe hadn't been out of his sight for nearly two weeks. Levon had gotten used to having him within easy reach.

Levon relaxed when Joe headed back to his desk. He looked up, silently asking if everything was okay as his partner sat down.

"Nothing to worry about, Lundy."

Levon nodded. He hadn't expected any problems, but it never hurt to make sure. Joe gave him a quick smile before reaching for a pile of papers stacked neatly in his inbox. His partner's smile faded and he sighed heavily.

"I hate paperwork," Joe grumbled.

"Could be worse."

Joe raised an eyebrow. "How do you figure that?"

"We could still be using clay tablets." Levon shrugged. "Bettin' those suckers got real heavy faster than paper does."

Joe chuckled. "Probably messier too."

"Probably," Levon agreed with a grin.

He eyed the clock, betting with himself how long it would take before someone appeared to talk to Joe. He was only off by three minutes when a patrolman stopped by Joe's desk. Levon subconsciously followed the conversation as he worked, not really paying attention to what was said as much as he was monitoring Joe's reaction and tone. As long as nothing upset Joe, Levon didn't plan to interrupt or interfere.

Over the next few hours a steady stream of people stopped by to talk to Joe. By noon, Levon wondered if Joe was as tired of answering the same damn questions over and over as Levon was hearing him do it.

"You wanna grab some lunch?"

"Only if we are leaving to do it."

His partner's tone and expression confirmed Levon's earlier musing. He stood up and stretched, trying to ease the stiffness sitting most morning at his desk had caused. "Heard there's a new place just a few blocks from here. Could walk over there."

Joe frowned, standing as well. "Walk?"

Levon shrugged. Walking anywhere wasn't really his thing, but he knew Joe was undoubtedly feeling restless. Levon certainly was. He could do with stretching his legs a little. And some fresh air, even if it came with Houston's heat and humidity, would be welcome.

"You afraid of some exercise?" Levon asked, giving Joe his best innocent expression.

Joe snorted. "That 'butter wouldn't melt in my mouth' look only works on people who don't know you."

"So you say." Levon settled his hat in place.

"You think I'm wrong?" Joe walked in step with him as they headed for the elevator.

"Not wrong. Just biased." Levon smirked. "Not like everyone knows me the way you do."

"No one else better know you the way I do." Joe growled.

Levon ducked his head, hiding a shy smile. "That's not something you need ta worry about, boy."

"Good." Joe pressed the button for the elevator. He grinned when the doors opened immediately. It was rare that the elevator appeared so quickly. "Our lucky day."

"Not sure it offsets all that paperwork." Levon stepped inside the car.

Joe followed him, blue eyes glancing round the empty space. He leaned against the doors when they closed, grinning. "I don't know, Cowboy, having this little bit of privacy could balance the scale a little."

Levon arched an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

Joe stepped closer, body brushing Levon's as he forced the blond against the wall. He leaned in, capturing Levon's mouth in a soft kiss. Levon sighed, mouth opening under the gentle onslaught.

They were always careful not to do much at the office. It was just too risky. Of course, the risk also made for a nice turn on.

The ding from the elevator, announcing the change in floor broke them apart before the kiss developed into more. The doors did not open, and they traded sheepish smiles recognizing just how lucky they were not to be discovered. They stepped apart, facing the doors. There was no point in pushing their luck.

"We'll finish that tonight."

"Definitely."

When the doors opened, they quickly stepped out, trying to avoid the people looking to get on. For reasons Levon couldn't quite understand the first floor always seemed to have a more people waiting for the elevator than any other. And they were always impatient about getting on.

"You'd think there was never gonna be another," Levon muttered as he made sure to shield Joe's injured shoulder from the half dozen people anxious to get in.

"There is only one, you know," Joe whispered back. "If they don't get this one, they'll be stuck here."

Levon laughed. "Like cattle milling around in a feed lot."

"Just missing the guy with a prod." Joe agreed with a grin.

"Don't think they'd let us use one o' those."

"Pity."

They waved to the desk sergeant before heading outside. Levon took a deep breath, enjoying being outside. He saw Joe do the same. His partner might still be a true city boy, but he had definitely come to appreciate fresh air. Or at least air as fresh as it ever got in Houston.

Levon's stomach growled. Having had nothing but coffee all morning, he was hungry.

"Guess we better see about getting that beast fed."

"S'what we left for."

"True enough." Joe nodded. "Tell me this place offers more than barbeque."

"You'll like it. Trust me."

"Always do, Cowboy." Joe smiled, lightly bumping Levon's shoulder. "Always."

Levon ducked his head, hoping to hide the pleased flush he knew was warming his face. "C'mon then, sweet talker, lets go get somethin' ta eat."

"Led on, Lundy."

---

Joe kept a wary eye out for Levon as he discreetly rubbed his shoulder trying to massage away the dull ache. After three days back to work, he'd managed to get Sarah to agree to let him stop wearing the sling. Levon had argued against the idea, but Joe had been adamant. He hated having his movements restricted. The last thing he wanted was to get an 'I told you so' look, or worse, have Levon actually say it.

"Ya want I should get yer sling out of the Jimmy?"

The quiet question came from behind Joe, startling him. He flinched, shooting a dark look over his shoulder. He should have known his partner was so close; the sneaky bastard was all too good at being quiet when he wanted to be. Joe wasn't surprised to know Levon had the damn sling nearby.

"I'm fine." Joe growled.

Levon moved so he was in front of Joe, one hip leaning against Joe's desk. He held out a bottle of over the counter painkillers. It wasn't like a little soreness wasn't expected after his physical therapy appointment, and it wasn't as though Levon didn't know how long it took to fully recover from a gunshot wound, but Joe stopped himself from reaching for the proffered bottle. He was reluctant to admit to any weakness.

"Takin' two isn't any worse than if you was admitting to a headache." Levon arched an eyebrow. "Unless you got something more going on I should know about."

Joe took the bottle. "I hate it when you get all logical and reasonable on me."

"Don't worry," Levon grinned, "it doesn't happen all that often."

"Often enough." Joe muttered, fighting back a grin. It always felt good to have this sort of banter between them.

"I'll be reminding you that you said so the next time yer going on about me being pigheaded and stubborn."

"How is it you can hear me whisper when I don't want you to, but when I'm yelling at you to help haul in the groceries you are deaf?"

Levon gave him a cheeky grin. "Jus' lucky, I guess."

"Luck has nothing to do with it." Joe asserted with confidence. It was a skill, of that Joe was sure, one his lover honed every chance he got.

Levon laughed softly, pointing a finger at Joe as he sat down at his desk. "Don't think it's any different than when I try ta get you up to help me with the horses."

"That is different," Joe stated.

"How do you figure?" Levon asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Because you always ask when it's the ass crack of dawn."

"You saying you'd be more agreeable if I waited until noon?"

"Hell no." Joe laughed. He enjoyed watching Levon work with the horses, admired the grace and beauty of them, but he didn't have any desire to really be up close and personal with the big animals. And as far as he was concerned muck stalls was best left to someone with more experience.

Levon smirked. "I win."

Joe rolled his eyes. He downed two painkillers with a swallow of lukewarm coffee, grimacing at the taste. He should get a fresh cup, but that would mean going outside and across the street. He didn't feel like going to that effort.

Levon pulled a file out of his inbox. He sighed heavily, trading a look with Joe. They were both heartily tired of paperwork. It would be another week, probably two, before Joe was cleared for more than desk duty. He would have felt guilty about being the reason Levon was riding a desk except that Joe didn't want his partner going anywhere without him.

"You ever think there would be so much paper involved when ya signed up for this job?"

Joe smiled wryly, shaking his head. He hadn't known there was any paperwork involved when he'd decided to become a cop. If he'd known, being a lawyer might have been a more appealing career.

Levon sighed again. "We should invest in paper. God knows people aren't ever going to quit using it."

"Could think of it as job security."

Levon snorted. "That what they calling a pain in the ass these days?"

Joe laughed quietly. "One name anyway."

He pulled a file from his own inbox. His first day back had been the singularly least productive one Joe could remember ever experience. He hadn't gotten anything done but talk to people. Nearly everyone on the force had made a point of stopping by to say hello and get a good look at him. He was damn glad that circus hadn't been repeated.

Joe opened the file, frowning as he read the name. Everything else he'd looked at today had at least rung a bell, but this one didn't sound even vaguely familiar. Levon said he hadn't worked on anything new while Joe had been out on sick leave. His partner wouldn't have lied to him, but it wasn't like Joe to forget a case either.

"You remember Kingston?" Joe asked, hoping Levon could explain.

"Not ours."

"Come again?"

"That one isn't ours." Levon sighed, looking up from the file he'd been studying. "Ya just need ta check that everything the DA needs is in the file. Anything not there, you'll have to bounce it back ta whoever was the lead. Should say who that was on the top somewhere jus' like ours do."

Joe raised an eyebrow. He couldn't remember ever going through another team's paperwork before. "And I'm doing this because?"

"Cause ours were on top and you probably got through 'em all."

Joe rolled his eyes. Levon's answer was good enough in the literal sense but it didn't explain how these files ended up in Joe's inbox. He hated it when Levon would answer the question asked, but not give Joe the information he really wanted. It was like some sort of test.

"And?" He asked impatiently, demanding further details.

"Beaumont wanted ta make sure we had enough ta do so she told the other teams ta pass anything not essential off ta us 'til we're back on the field duty roster."

Joe scowled. Busy work. Not even their busy work. He mentally cursed.

"I hate desk duty."

"Well, it's not forever."

"It will just feel like it."

Levon grimaced. "Always a little ray of sunshine, aren't ya, boy."

Joe hid his smile. Things were definitely back to normal for them at the office--at home too. Levon was sleeping through the night. He no longer flinched away or hesitated to get close to Joe. They were talking more about what had happened...albeit in bits and pieces, but at least they were communicating, and it seemed to be helping.

"Do me a favor, will ya?"

"What?"

Levon handed him a sheet of paper. "Decipher those hieroglyphics."

The sheet that looked like it had been torn from the little notebooks most detectives carried around with them. It wasn't uncommon for original case notes to be included, although most got typed up into something more formal. Joe raised his eyebrows as he stared at the incomprehensible script. "Even my handwriting isn't that bad."

He handed it back. "Who wrote that?"

"Daniels." Levon frowned at the file. "Think it was from when he broke his hand."

That would explain it then. "Pass it back to him." It wasn't like it was their case.

Levon nodded, closing the file, tossing it into his out basket. He picked up his coffee cup, taking a healthy swallow.

Joe grimaced watching him. "I don't know how you can drink that sludge."

"Practice."

Joe looked at his own cooling cup and shook his head. Maybe now would be a good time to marshal the energy to go across the street. A little fresh air and stretching his legs wouldn't hurt. His ass was going numb.

"I'm going to go get a cup of coffee."

"Want company?"

"Nah. Think I can handle it, Cowboy." For a moment, Joe thought Levon might argue, but the blond just nodded slowly.

"Bring me back a cup?"

Joe nodded. "Will do."

He headed for the stairs, preferring to get a little exercise and really stretch out his legs. He managed to stop himself from looking over his shoulder for Levon. It felt decidedly odd for him not to be there.

Joe shook his head. They'd been in each other's back pockets for nearly two weeks. And while Joe didn't really mind, it wasn't normal for them to be constantly within arms length of each other. It would do them both good to spend a little time apart.

Joe checked in with the desk sergeant before heading out. He looked both ways, assessing traffic and then crossed the street. Joe couldn't quite stop himself from looking over his shoulder, eyes glancing upward to the floor he knew Levon was still on.

"Get a grip on yourself, Joey." He muttered to himself. He didn't need to see Levon to know he was all right. And he could get a cup of coffee without having Levon along to hold his hand.

He ordered his favorite flavored latte, getting a tall regular for Levon. Normally Joe ignored the pastry counter, but today he felt like indulging himself. He resolutely refused to think of it as a reward for being able to go somewhere on his own without breaking into a cold sweat.

He bought a bran muffin for himself. It was the only reasonably healthy in the case. And he got a gooey chocolate éclair he knew Levon would appreciate. Joe smiled. Maybe he could use it as a bribe to get Levon to agree to eating something green and leafy at dinner. It wouldn't be the first time Joe had tried to do just that.

Coffee cups safely held within a cardboard carrier and his treats in a bag, Joe headed back. He checked the street twice, and a third time before he crossed. Since his partner had been hit by a car, Joe had become doubly wary of this intersection, almost superstitiously thinking it was the location to blame for Levon being hurt. The drunk driving the car had no idea how lucky he was that Joe hadn't been around to see to his arrest. The man wouldn't have come away unscathed. He might not have come away from the encounter alive.

Joe nodded to the desk sergeant. Normally he'd stop and talk for a few minutes, but he was anxious to get back upstairs. He knew it was irrational to feel uneasy out of sight of his partner, but he couldn't help it.

Joe breathed a sigh of relief when he made it back up to their floor. Glancing around for Levon, Joe wasn't surprised to see him standing near the windows. It was both annoying and reassuring to know Levon had probably watched to make sure he'd gotten to his destination and back safely.

Joe walked over to Levon. "Anything interesting out there?"

"Only thing worth looking at just got a lot closer."

Joe felt his face warm. Levon smiled, lightly bumping Joe's shoulder with his. "Which one o' those is mine?" He pointed at the coffee.

"One on the left."

"Thanks."

"Got you a snack too."

Levon grinned. "You do love me."

"Oh maybe just a little."

Levon laughed. "Gimme."

Joe held the bag out of reach. "Not until you agree to eat something green and leafy with dinner."

"That's extortion."

"Call it what you want." Joe smiled. "Not getting it until I get your word, Cowboy."

"I don't even know what it is." Levon shook his head. "I might be getting the short end of the stick here."

"Trust me, you'll like it."

Levon sighed. "Not fair."

"I don't usually play fair."

"True." Levon chuckled. "One of the things I like about you."

"So...deal?"

"I promise to eat whatever vegetable you make to go with dinner." Levon held up his hand. "Long as it ain't green beans. Hate them damn things and you know it."

"Fair enough." Joe handed him the bag.

Levon looked inside, brown eyes lighting up with delight as took out the treat Joe had gotten. He grinned. "Definitely fair."

"You are so easy."

"You should be grateful for that." Levon bit into his chocolate éclair, handing the bag back to Joe.

Joe pulled out his muffin. It didn't look as good as the éclair he'd gotten for his partner. If they'd been at home, he'd have taken a bite of Levon's. At the office it was better to play it safe and stick with the treat he'd gotten. He ate his muffin and tried to pretend he didn't want something else.

Levon gave him a knowing look. "Shoulda just catered to your sweet tooth and been done with it."

"Shaddup."

Levon grinned, taking another bite of his éclair. Joe looked away, not wanting to see that satisfied, blissful expression he knew his lover would be sporting. It was far too tempting...more so than any confection could ever be. He must have been insane to buy that thing for Levon. He knew better.

"How much longer do we have to be here?"

Levon sipped his coffee. "Could probably leave in an hour and no one would raise any eyebrows."

"And if we didn't care what anyone thought?" Joe asked. It wasn't like they were slackers. They were doing other people's paperwork at this point; it wouldn't matter much if it waited one more day.

Levon shrugged. "Could leave now."

"You want to play hooky?"

"Hell, yes." Levon laughed. "Was thinkin' you'd never ask."

"Why didn't you say something?" Joe glared at him.

"Didn't want you getting pissy."

"Why would I--"

"I know you." Levon shrugged. "You'd have thought I was suggestin' you weren't up to our usual ten hour days."

Joe rolled his eyes but didn't protest. It was a battle he couldn't win. Mostly because he already knew Levon was right.

Levon smirked, taking another bite of his éclair. Joe gave him dirty look before grinning.

"Asshole."

"Yep."

Levon licked the last of the chocolate off his fingers. Joe had to look away. It was wrong on so many levels to find a perfectly innocent action such a turn on. He told himself to never, ever, buy something like that for Levon again unless it was going to be eaten at home.

He cleared his throat. "So you ready to leave now?"

"Ya sure you don't want to stay and work our way through more paper?" Levon smiled, obviously teasing. "Gotta be an entire acre of old growth waiting for us to saw it down."

Joe laughed, imitating his lover's tone and drawl when he answered. "Let's get the hell out of dodge."

Together they headed back to their desks. Joe powered down his computer, ignoring Levon's smirk. His archaic typewriter didn't require any time at all to shut down. He just turned it off.

"One of these days, Cowboy, you are going to have to get with the times."

"You go one day without cursing that thing, and I'll get one."

"I don't curse at it every day."

"Oh yes, you do." Levon smiled, setting his Stetson on his head. "Jus' cause I don't react to all that mumbling under yer breath you do, doesn't mean I don't hear it."

Joe resisted the urge to stick his tongue out. "I ought to make you promise."

"Promise what?" Levon asked as he walked with Joe to the elevator, both of them still carrying their coffee. It was too good to simply leave behind.

"If I can go one day without cursing at my computer you'll get one."

"Has to be a day were here and yer using it." Levon hit the button for the elevator. "Won't count if it's a day we're in the field and ya don't even turn the thing on."

Joe nodded. It wouldn't be fair to count a day when they weren't in the office.

"Cursing in another language still counts as cursing." Levon stepped into the elevator, taking a sip of his coffee.

Joe blinked, following his lover. He hadn't expected Levon to make that condition. It wasn't like his partner would even understand what was being said if he slipped in to Thai.

"Tone is the same even if the words are different." Levon grinned, accurately reading Joe's expression. "What's the matter? Afraid ya can't do it?"

"I can do it."

Levon held out his hand. Joe shook it. He wasn't entirely surprised when Levon pulled him in for a kiss. They'd snuck in several over the past few days whenever they got a moment alone.

Joe sighed, enjoying the flavor of coffee and chocolate in his lover's mouth. He could easily get used to having these moments of intimate connection during the day.

They quickly broke apart when the elevator dinged, and the doors opened. Joe hoped like hell they didn't look guilty or suspicious when a uniform got on. Given the causal greeting they got, he figured they didn't look like they'd been doing anything that might raise eyebrows.

Joe shook his head. As good as it felt, they had to stop taking chances like this. Levon gave him a sheepish, apologetic look. Joe returned it. Levon wasn't the only one to blame; it wasn't like he hadn't been a willing participant.

They stepped off at the garage level. Joe patted Levon's shoulder, squeezing once, wanting to make sure his partner understood Joe didn't blame him. Levon nodded once, giving him a half smile.

"Gonna have ta watch that."

"Yeah," Joe agreed with a sigh. It was better to put a stop to it now...before they got caught. "No more at the office."

"No more," Levon raised two fingers to the brim of his hat.

Joe both loved and hated that they were in agreement. He shook his head. Being sensible sucked.

"Good thing we got no rules at home." Levon grinned brightly, opening the driver side door of the Jimmy.

Joe laughed, getting into the Jimmy. He put his coffee cup in the holder next to Levon's. "Little ray of sunshine aren't you?"

"Don't always have to see the cloud, ya know."

Joe snorted. "Just easier to spot most days."

"True enough." Levon started the Jimmy, backing out of their parking spot. "We got any other rules we should be thinkin' about?"

No hanky panky at the office was the most important one Joe could think of. It wasn't like they had any real issues at work...usually. In another week or so, they'd be off desk duty and things would be back to normal. But with the offer out there, Joe gave the question serious consideration.

He bit his lower lip. Maybe some rules for home wouldn't be a bad idea. They'd already made a few changes in light of what had happened, but they hadn't made any sort of formal agreement.

"You think maybe we could have some rules for home?" Joe asked quietly. It was possible Levon hadn't meant the offer to be quite so open ended.

Levon gave him a quizzical look as he merged with traffic. "Like what?"

Joe pursed his lips. "Well, I know we'd agreed to talk about stuff...but maybe we should set a time and place to do that." They'd gravitating toward talking on the porch swing in the early hours of the morning, more because Joe knew it was a good place and time to get Levon to open up than because of any true agreement.

"You think we need to?"

"I wouldn't mind not having to be up at the crack of dawn to talk to you."

Levon chuckled. "Wuss."

Joe glared at him. "I'm serious, Levon."

"Yeah, I know." Levon sighed. His fingers flexed around the steering wheel. "It's jus'...kind of like us startin' the day together like that."

"I like starting our day together too. But I'd rather not start so early." Joe reached out to take Levon's hand, entwining their fingers. "And I'd rather we did it on purpose rather than just being something accidental."

Joe wasn't going to admit his getting up early to sit on the swing with Levon was deliberate. He knew Levon would feel guilty if he thought Joe had been getting up early simply because it was the only time he could get his lover to open up even a little.

"You want me to wake ya up every day?" Levon gave him a hesitant smile.

Joe squeezed his hand, lips curling upward. "It's almost habit now."

Levon chuckled. "Almost?"

"Would rather stay in bed in cuddle." Joe shrugged. "Can't blame me for that."

"No, can't blame you for that."

"You think maybe we could make a rule about starting a day that way?"

Levon gave him a sly look. "Thinkin' we start every day that way, we won't ever make it ta work on time."

Joe sighed. Levon had a point. Cuddling had a tendency to lead to more..a lot more. He shook his head. "We can cuddle without having sex."

"We can?"

"Yes, we can."

Levon frowned. "Ya sure about that?"

"No," Joe admitted, "but we'll never know if we don't try."

"True." Levon gave him a sly look. "Might have ta start at my usual wake up time...just in case."

"Not be a bad idea." Joe chuckled wryly. At least that way if their cuddling lead to more, they could still get to work on time. "Give us a chance to practice."

"Practice makes perfect."

Joe rolled his eyes. "I've heard that."

"If...ah...if we need ta talk," Levon cleared his throat, "you okay with still doing that on the swing?"

"Definitely." Joe raised Levon's hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the knuckles. If that was where Levon felt the most comfortable, Joe wasn't going to deny him that; especially not when just opening up at all was hard enough for him to do. "Whenever and wherever you want, Cowboy."

"Thanks."

It wasn't he sort of thing Joe thought he should be thanked for, but he simply nodded, accepting the gratitude.

"Any other rules you think we should add?"

Levon shook his head. "Not right now, but don't mean something won't come up later."

"Usually does," Joe agreed, "but we'll be able to handle it. Together."

"Together." Levon smiled shyly, squeezing Joe's hand.

So far, there hadn't been anything they couldn't handle. God knows they had plenty of opportunity to test themselves and admittedly things didn't always get dealt with smoothly, but nothing had been impossible for them to deal with. It didn't hurt that both of them were determined to hang on to what they believed to be the best thing in their lives...each other.

Joe sat back in his seat with a soft sigh, closing his eyes. There was still a lot of ground they needed to cover...and really, if they were lucky, that's how it would always be. Their relationship had been evolving for years; Joe fully expected it to continue to do so for a long time to come.

"Wake me when we get home, will you?"

"And here I was thinkin' I'd just leave ya in the Jimmy."

Joe opened his eyes to give his lover an affectionate glare. "Asshole."

"What?" Levon gave him a playfully affronted look. "I'd even crack the window a little."

Joe snorted. "It's a good thing I love you."

"Yeah, it is." Levon grinned. "Love you too."

Joe closed his eyes again, only to open them when Levon told him resting up was a good idea.

"Oh?"

"Plan on making up for us not being able ta do anythin' at the office when we get home." Levon waggled his eyebrows, voice getting husky. "Going to need your stamina, Boy."

Joe's throat suddenly went dry as he imagined just what that might entail. He shook his head. Like he could sleep now. He gave Levon a disgusted look. "You really are an asshole."

"That mean you don't want me ta have my wicked way with you?"

"Hell no." Joe laughed. "That means you should drive faster."

"Thinking we had this conversation before."

"Yeah." Joe grinned. "Liked how it ended the last time."

"Did ya now?"

"I did."

"You looking for a repeat?"

"If you're up for it," Joe licked his lips, feeling his face warming at the obvious pun, "sure."

"Where you're concerned, I'll always be up for it."

"Oh that's just...awful." Joe laughed, amused that Levon had continued with the pun.

"You started it." Levon snickered. "Besides, jus' because it's silly, don't mean it ain't true."

"Then why the hell are you still driving so slow?"

"Good question." Levon deftly maneuvered around a slower vehicle, and floored it.

Joe smiled. His shoulder might not be 100% yet, and things might not be completely back to normal, but they were both well on their way. He couldn't really ask for any more than that. Life was damn good and he intended to enjoy it for as long as possible.