Everything on this page is fiction. Any resemblance or reference to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Takes place about a month after part seven. It isn't absolutely necessary to read the previous chapters, but it does help. This is just a light piece, a little more exploration of the boys relationship...no owies, no big confrontations. The angst muse took the month off.

Partners, Friends, and Lovers
Chapter 8
By Katherine Lehman

I never thought I'd say that I was happy to be in Houston. Never say never, I guess, because I was definitely happy to be back. Seeing the sign for the city limits was like getting a glimpse of heaven. Pulling into the turn off for the ranch was even better.

I'd just spent the last four days in San Antonio. Which, ordinarily, I wouldn't have objected to. I mean, it wasn't Chicago, but it is a very beautiful city. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it does have an excellent Italian restaurant, and several above average restaurants that specialize in oriental cuisine. All were up to my exacting standards.

San Antonio has an old-world look to it. It feels totally different from Chicago or Houston. The pace of life seemed slower, more relaxed, than other cities I'd been to. The architecture and atmosphere made me feel like I'd left the U.S. and stepped into another country. It was a wonderful, old romantic place. Which just well and truly sucked because I couldn't enjoy it. I was there alone. My lover, my partner, my best friend, the one person who's company would have made being there worthwhile, couldn't be there with me.

One of our cases got just a bit too much local press coverage. The lawyers wanted a change of venue, hoping for an unbiased jury. The judge decided on San Antonio. Guess he figured it was far enough away from Houston that the jury pool would be ignorant of the case. Since I'd been the primary investigator for that one, they picked me to go testify.

Our boss, Lieutenant Joanne Beaumont, didn't see the need for both Levon and me to go. And neither one of us could come up with a really good reason for why she should send us both. She doesn't know that we're more than just partners and friends. At least not yet, since even with Annie's help, we haven't come up with a plan for how to tell her without having her split us up. Our number one priority is that we continue working together. Her knowing that we are lovers... well, it takes a back seat. Besides, even if she did know, she'd want an "official reason" to send both of us, and we didn't have one. So I went solo.

Unlike Levon, I don't enjoying being on my own. I'm simply not a solitary person. Part of my upbringing I suppose. Being constantly surrounded by family, I was never alone as a child. Even as an adult for that matter, I spent a large part of my life constantly in the company of other people. Shipping me off to San Antonio, by myself, was a bit like sending me to my room. I hated that as a child and I don't really care for it as an adult.

I spent most of the time sitting in court worrying about my partner. I didn't want him on the streets without me. He takes too many risks if someone isn't there to watch him. He accuses me of doing the same thing. Says he has to watch out for me or I'll get myself killed.

Joanne mentioned that she planned to loan him out to SWAT while I was gone. My partner is the best shot on the force. The SWAT team leader, Captain Carl Jenkins, has been trying to recruit Levon for years, but with little success so far. He told Joanne he wanted Levon to give some pointers to his new marksmen. Taking out paper targets and teaching rookies wasn't dangerous, but I worried anyway.

What if Jenkins finally convinced Levon he should transfer to SWAT? I couldn't handle not working with him. I'd be a basket case worrying about him every day. And the whole idea of getting a new partner just made me sick to my stomach. What if while he was just "helping out" SWAT they got sent out on a call? Would the team back up my partner as well as I would? Would they be able to read him well enough to know what he was going to do? What if he got hurt? The man was so good at hiding pain they might not know he was injured. Was some one making sure he consumed more than sugar and caffeine? On his own, Levon's dietary habits tended to go straight to hell. He either eats next to nothing, or eats stuff so loaded with fat and cholesterol you can almost hear his arteries hardening.

I was so lost in those thoughts that I honestly have no idea what went on in court despite sitting there for three solid days waiting to testify. I couldn't tell you if the Assistant DA did well or not. Hell, I couldn't even tell you what the perp's lawyer was using as a defense. I managed to get my head in the game when I was finally called to the stand, but other than that I have absolutely no memory of what went on in court.

The worst part was, the whole time I was there I couldn't sleep worth a damn. I have gotten used to sleeping with Levon. I missed curling up to him, feeling his warmth, hearing him breath. I missed being able to watch him fall asleep, seeing him relax and feeling him snuggling in close to me. I would even wake at Levon's usual ungodly hour expecting to feel a gentle kiss and soothing, reassuring touch as he left the bed to tend to his horses. I know it's weird, but I think I missed his scent most of all. It was something I'd come to associate with being loved, with comfort and home. It was like a blanket of contentment that wrapped itself around me the minute I walked in the door at the ranch. No way in hell a hotel room could ever measure up to that.

We talked every night, but talking to him over the phone just wasn't the same. I missed seeing the smile I could hear. I missed watching those beautiful brown eyes sparkle. Always a tactile person, I missed being able to just touch him as we talked. Nothing major... just a hand on his shoulder, a pat on the leg... little stuff that I do without even thinking about it. I really, really missed watching the light play through his blond curls, and running my fingers through that yellow silk. I wanted to be able to lean over and kiss him, to taste those lips I could no longer seem to live without.

We covered a wide range of topics when we talked. Horses, food, sights I'd seen in San Antonio, mutual friends, Mother Minnie's health, weekend plans, how well the game that night was played, mundane details like paying bills and sorting through the mail, remodeling plans for the house, investment possibilities, and messages left by my family on the answering machine or at work... anything and everything was fair game. It one of the reasons I always enjoy our conversations.

Even when I'm in town, we try to connect like that every night, usually at the dinner table. To really be able to talk to one another was something I'd never managed to achieve in any other romantic relationship, yet with Levon it is so easy. Something about the kitchen just seems to encourage our conversations. We connected there on a level that simply didn't seem possible anywhere else.

Since I wasn't there, I had made a point of asking how his day went. It wasn't something I normally had to ask, and it felt decidedly weird to be in a position where I really didn't know what had happened during his day. I had to rely on his perception of things, which to date have never matched mine. It makes us a good team that we can see the same situation differently, come at things from diverse angles, but over the phone it's frustrating trying to understand what went on when I only have what he'll tell me to go by. Sometimes getting information from him is like pulling teeth.

He was enjoying teaching the rookie, but he was also bored with it. It wasn't like working a case. I could sympathize, but I was secretly thrilled to know he was bored. If he was bored that meant he wasn't on the streets. Being bored meant he wasn't involved in anything he'd need back up for. I was relieved to hear that he still didn't want to work with SWAT, and I was in no danger of losing my partner to them.

He'd ask how the case was going, and I told him it was fine. At least I thought it was fine. Hell, I didn't really know, but I didn't want to tell him I'd been spending so much time worrying about him that I didn't had no idea if we were winning or losing.

He always said that he hoped they wrapped it up soon, and that it would be good to have me home. He never said he missed me, at least not directly. I didn't say it to him either. Guess both of us are afraid of sounding too needy. Stupid. I need the man like I need air, but I'm afraid to say it. We never hung up with out saying I love you, though. Ever.

Despite the fact that I didn't get out of court until five, I headed for home. I wasn't spending another night tossing and turning when I could be sleeping with Levon. Or not sleeping as the case was more likely to be. I might not be able to say I missed him, but I could show him. I tried calling the office, but he'd already left. Tried to catch him at the ranch, but he must not have gotten home yet or was out in the barn. So I left a message on the machine letting him know I'd be home tonight. Come hell or high water, I was not spending another night alone.

I had figured it was a three-hour drive back to Houston, and I'd be at the ranch in time to have a late supper with Levon. Unfortunately, I hadn't counted on there being a major accident along the highway. Two semis and five cars piled up blocking traffic heading both east and west. Traffic was backed up for more than two hours. I was tempted to take out my guns and shoot a few people, but I managed to control myself.

As soon as I got free of that mess, I put the gas pedal to the floor and left it there. Nice thing about the Cobra... it might not have any trunk space, but she could fly when I asked her to. Nothing like a nice flat, straight stretch of highway to find out just how fast she could go. Even though I never let the speedometer dip below 90, I still didn't get to the ranch until almost ten o'clock.

I couldn't help but smile when I saw that Levon left the porch light on for me. I grab my stuff and head for the door. I shake my head when I realize he didn't bother to lock the door. Even though it makes me feel warm all over knowing that he left it unlocked for me I am still going to have to say something to him about doing that. It isn't safe.

I hang my keys on the hook by the door, slip out of my shoes, and set my bag down. I can just barely hear the TV in the living room, and except for the hall light, the house is dark. I sneak in, trying not to make much noise, wanting to surprise my lover.

My breath catches when I see him sound asleep on the couch. He is lying on his side, one leg drawn up, the other fully extended, snuggled in tight against the back of the couch. He's wearing the flannel robe that I've more or less claimed as mine. His feet and what I can see of his lower legs are bare. Knowing he probably isn't wearing anything else under that robe, I can feel myself getting hard.

I walk over to him. I spot the remote lying loosely in his hand. I use it to mute the TV before carefully perching on the couch next to him. I stare at his face, memorizing every feature, each little detail. His normal pale gold skin tone is silvered in the blue light flickering from the TV. His high cheekbones are casting faint shadows. I trace the clean line of his jaw and his straight nose with my eyes. I spend several minutes just taking the beauty of his thin, but decidedly kissable lips. I take in the faint lines around his eyes that crinkle when he laughs. His hair is a riot of blond curls that frame his face. He doesn't think he's beautiful, but I discount his opinion on that score. To me he looks like a fallen angel.

I reach out a hand to gently brush an errant curl off his forehead. I can't resist the urge to run my fingers through his hair, reveling in the feel of those silken strands. He says my name with a quiet sigh and shifts slightly, pushing into my hand like a cat encouraging someone to pet it.

I lean forward slightly, and breathe deeply. His scent is like an exotic perfume, a unique blend of fragrances. I have never been able to name them all. There is usually leather, from either his gun holster or horse riding equipment. There is almost always a clean sweat scent that in the heat and humidity of Houston is nearly a constant. I can pick out faint traces of his soap and shampoo. I was surprised to learn he uses products with a vanilla nut fragrance. I used to associate that with potpourri or cooking, but on him, it is a subtle, faint musk, and very appealing. There is something else that I have never been able to identify that is uniquely Levon. It reminds me of sunshine and the fresh taste of the wind that blows off Lake Michigan in the winter. Don't know how else to describe it.

I reach to untie his robe, pulling it open slightly so I can see all of him. I was right. He isn't wearing anything else. His long, lean form is exposed for my eyes like a feast. Not an ounce of extra flesh on him anywhere. I swallow hard as my eyes take in his elegant lines and his beautiful ass which is only partially revealed because of his current position. The well-muscled thigh of his drawn up right leg modestly hides his genitals from me.

I let my hand ghost over his chest. As always, I am enchanted by the way his skin feels. So warm, soft and smooth. No one has ever felt as good to me as he does.

Levon stretches slightly, arching into my touch, but doesn't wake. Good. I don't want him to wake up just yet. I haven't had my fill of just looking, or touching. When he wakes up, he'll want to touch me. That isn't a bad thing. It's just distracting. I find myself getting lost in his touch, and I want to enjoy the way he feels before that happens.

I move my thumb to gently caress one dusky pink nipple. I am rewarded with another sigh from Levon, and a faint peaking of that little mound under my thumb. His nipples are very sensitive, and I have to be careful not to pay too much attention to them. I let my hand drift up and down his torso, delighting in the quiet sighs and moans I get in response to my touch.

I gently caress his hip and thigh, trying to encourage him to stretch out and reveal the treasure hidden there. The muscles twitch under my hand, and I enjoy the solid feel of them. Even though I work out regularly with weights, and run every other day, I don't have the same type of definition in my legs he does. My muscles are more developed, powerful, some would say sculpted, while his have that long, lean, refined look similar to a dancer's. He isn't bulky, or over done, just beautifully proportioned.

I feel the flex of his thigh as he straightens out his leg. I move my hand to gently cup his balls, enjoying the feel of the wiry, dark blond curls that they are nested in. His cock is growing hard and I watch as it fills out. I stroke it lightly, teasing it to filling out even more.

Unable to resist any longer, I lean in to kiss him and his mouth opens for me. We are sharing a breath before I dive in to taste him. Love the way he tastes. My tongue immediately begins mapping that well loved territory. He sucks on my tongue and I moan into his mouth. His hands come up to cup my face, and tilt my head changing the angle, deepening the kiss.

Pulling back, I look into lovely brown eyes heavy lidded with both sleep and passion. He smiles at me, and strokes my cheek. He shifts a bit so he's now lying on his back.

I knew the kiss would wake him. Just like in the story. "Hey there, sleeping beauty."

"Hey there, yerself." His voice is husky, a little rough. I shiver hearing that tone. It gets to me every time. He stretches slowly, languid, and I suck in a breath caught off guard by the surge of lust I feel just watching him.

"Thought I was dreamin'." Again that wonderful raspy voice sends a shiver down my spine.

I smile. "Was it a good dream?"

He sighs softly. "Yeah. Got even better wakin' up." He reaches out with one hand to caress my arm, then up to cup my face. "Didn't mean ta fall asleep."

"You were waiting for me?"

Levon nods. "What time is it?"

"Almost ten."

"You just git here?"

"Yeah. Got stuck in traffic for a bit." I lean into his touch, enjoying the feel of his fingers ghosting over my face. His touch feels even better than I'd remembered. "Was an accident on the highway."

"You okay?"

I open my eyes, not even realizing I'd closed them. I can see the concern in his. They were no longer sleepy or quite so dark with passion.

"I'm fine. Happened before I got there. Just had to wait out the clean up." I don't want him to worry, and I don't want to disrupt the mood that had been building between us.

His eyes roam over me, checking for any damage, before he believes me. He doesn't take my word for it anymore than I am likely to take his. Neither of us are ever willing to admit to pain or injury.

"You hungry?"

"Very." I lean in for another kiss. "But not for food." I plunder his mouth for a second time. I stretch out full length, letting my weight rest on him, enjoying the full body contact and the feel of him against me. His hands work in between us, trying to undo the buttons of my shirt. I brace myself on my elbows and lift up a bit to give him better access. He jerks the tails out of my pants, and I moan softly when those wonderfully talented, incredible hands of his start moving over my chest and back. He some how manages to do feather light caresses, and a massaging touch at the same time.

Levon pulls away from the kiss and hugs me hard, wrapping his legs around me. He nuzzled my neck, licking and biting lightly as he goes. He starts moving his hips, grinding against me. I gasp at that friction. It feels so good. I find myself effortlessly matching his rhythm.

"Need to... get my... pants off." I manage to gasp out. I don't want him to let go, but I won't be able to finish getting undressed if he doesn't. Haven't come in my clothes since I was a teenager, and I'm not about to again, if I can help it.

Levon unwinds his legs from around me and I feel bereft when he does. I quickly strip out of the rest of my cloths. I am wrapped up in his warmth again in almost no time at all.

His tongue is lapping at my chest like a cat eating cream. I arch my back trying to get closer to that warm, rough heat. His hands are busy roaming over my back, and then gently kneading my ass. It feels so incredibly good.

I want to immerse myself in Levon. To taste, touch, see, to smell, everything. I want the surround sound experience. I like hearing his breathy little cries as I move my hands over his chest and begin rubbing his nipples. They peak into hardness almost immediately responding to my caress. I dive in for another kiss, drinking in the taste of him, our tongues engaging in a lazy duel.

I raise my head to catch my breath, and look at him. His skin is now flushed, and seems to glow faintly in the flickering light provided by the TV. His pupils are so dilated that his eyes look black. I swallow hard, trying to regain some level of control.

Levon smiles seductively at me and drops a hand to stroke my leaking cock. I block his hand and shake my head. "You touch me... and I... won't last. Want this... to last." I pant, unable to control my breathing. I can't believe I am so close already.

Levon shrugs one shoulder. His smile is soft, inviting. "Can always do it again, Joe. Just keep practicin'... till we get it right."

I chuckle at that. "Practice makes perfect."

"Exactly." Levon's smile gets a little wider. He reaches out and again I block his hand.

"Want to... want to come inside you, Cowboy." I want to bury myself in him. To be totally immersed in my lover is what I need. I need that in the worst way.

"Please? May I?" I always have to ask. I never want to assume that it would be okay, to just take him for granted. Having been on the receiving end, I know how pleasurable it can be, but I also know how vulnerable it can make you feel.

Levon pats my chest. It is a gesture of comfort, reassuring. "For you, Joe, anything." It warms me all over to know he trusts me so much. That he loves me that much.

Levon points to the coffee table. And I glance over, noticing for the first time the bottle of lube sitting there. "Sorta figured we might not make it ta the bedroom."

I lean down and place a quick kiss on the tip of his nose. "Smart. Very smart man."

"I know." He chuckles. That chuckle quickly becomes a moan when I bend down to suck one of his nipples. His hands come up and run through my hair, massaging my scalp. Feels so very good when he does that.

I blindly reach for the lube. I quickly coat my fingers and ease one digit into Levon's tight heat. He sighs softly and begins to fuck himself on my finger. I let him do that for a few minutes before inserting a second finger. Carefully loosening him up. I struggle for control. I don't want to hurt him by rushing this.

Three fingers in and I brush his prostate. Levon shudders once, his whole body seems to vibrate. His head tips back, exposing the pulse point in his neck. I can't resist sucking on that spot. He shudders again, and I growl, wanting to mark him as mine. I don't care if anyone sees that mark. Hell, I want them to see it. He's mine.

I remove my fingers and Levon whimpers, a faint sound of loss and distress. "Easy, Cowboy. Easy." I lube my dick, careful not to touch myself any more than necessary. I wasn't kidding when I told Levon I didn't think I'd last. I pinch the head of my dick just hard enough to ease myself back from the brink a little.

With one long, slow, sensuous roll of my hips, I slide home into my lover's heat. I hold myself there, letting him adjust. He wraps his legs around my waist, and keeps me still for an endless moment. I only start to move when he moves. Slowly rolling my hips in and out, enjoying the feel of being so totally connected to Levon. This was the surround sound experience I'd been craving for the past few days. There was nothing between us. We were as close to being one as possible.

Levon hand runs down my arm until he captures my lubed fingers. He entangles our fingers, rubbing his over mine, coating them with the left over lube. I understand why when he reaches around and begins letting his fingers rim my hole. He slides one finger in and I shudder. God!! I hadn't realized how good that would feel. Buried deep in Levon and having him inside me at the same time was mind blowing.

"Sweet Jesus." I moan loudly. Totally lost in the sensations. "Feels good... God, Cowboy... so good. Love the way... you feel. Been dreaming... wanting this... for days."

I start pumping harder and faster. His fingers follow my every move, sliding in and out. I can feel those little tremors starting in Levon that herald his coming orgasm. I reach a hand between us and stroke his cock. I jack it once, twice. Those little tremors graduate to full body shudders.

"Joe... Joe... I'm... almost there... so close... I'm gonna... JOE!!."

Levon's fingers brush my prostate, and I just can't hold back anymore. Levon's own climax and corresponding internal contractions send me over the edge. I'm coming hard enough to see stars.

I collapse on his chest, and lay there listening to his heart while I try to catch my breath. I can't believe I was over thirty before experiencing sex this good. I mentally correct myself... the sex was never as good because I really never loved anyone quite the way I love Levon. We never had just sex, ever. It was so much more than that.

He gently caresses my arm, running his hand from shoulder to elbow over and over. His touch is almost hypnotic, and I snuggle in closer. I'm still buried deep within him, and I'm not ready to let go yet. I could just stay like this forever. I feel Levon tip his head to nuzzle my hair. I smile at that. Feels nice. I am as near to being boneless as humanly possible.

After a while, Levon shifts slightly. I'm not fat, but I'm no lightweight either. Supporting all my weight is bound to be uncomfortable after awhile. We should probably get cleaned up anyway. Reluctantly, I move to ease away from him. Levon tightens his grip, halting my movement.

I tilt my head to look up at him. His eyes are closed, and he looks totally sated, practically asleep. I go to move, and again he stops me. I tap a finger against his chest to get his attention, and he opens his eyes. "You wanna take a shower with me?"

"Sure." He doesn't move at all other than to close his eyes.

I grin at that, and tap his chest again. He opens his eyes once more. "I meant take one now."

He takes a deep breath. "kay." It comes out as more of a sigh than anything else.

I manage to get to my feet, and offer him a hand, helping him off the couch. He makes it to his feet, but leans against me. He tucks his head under my chin, wraps his arms around me, and snuggles in close.

He whispers so softly, I almost can't hear him. "Glad yer home. Missed you."

I am speechless for just a moment, stunned. I hadn't expected that. I give myself a mental shake and get my brain working, "Missed you too, Cowboy."

I return his hug, pulling him in even closer. He snuggles in to me, and I revel in the feel of him, warm and solid. When he moves to pull I way, I find myself reluctant to let go. I sigh softly when he shifts out of my embrace.

He snags the remote from where it got lost among the couch cushions and turns off the TV. I wrap an arm around him and together we wonder down the hall to the bathroom. Flipping on the bright lights makes both of us blink a little owlishly.

I unhook the chain to my pendant and lay it carefully on the vanity. Levon, with his back to me, shrugs out of my robe and hangs it on the hook on the door. When he turns around, a dark purple bruise on his upper right arm and shoulder stands out in harsh contrast to his light gold skin tone. I hadn't noticed it earlier because the dim light in the living room and the robe he'd been wearing hid it rather well.

"What happened here?" I ask as I point toward the bruise.

Levon shrugs. "Nothing."

I raise an eyebrow. "Nothing doesn't leave bruises."

Levon rolls his eyes at that. "Ain't no big deal, Joe."

"So tell me what happened then?" I keep my tone firm. It's the only way I'll get an answer.

"Joe..."

"Tell. Me. What. Happened." I'm not going to let this go, and he knows that.

Levon scowls at me, but gives in and tells me what I want to know. "Kid I was workin' with wanted ta try out some o' the older weapons. Was bound and determined ta use 'em all. Tried ta talk 'im out of it, but he wouldn't listen."

He shakes his head, whether in disgust or disbelief, I'm not sure. Levon rolls his shoulder slightly, wincing as he does it. My eyes narrow seeing him wince. His right shoulder is more sensitive to injury ever since he hurt it playing football in college. I know he can't sleep on his right side because of it, and that it often bothers him more than he admits.

Levon's mouth quirks up slightly. I recognize that mischievous expression. "One o' them rifles kicks like a mule. Gotta brace yerself for it. Didn't tell the kid that though. Knocked 'im on his ass first time he fired it."

Serves him right, I thought a little viciously. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just a bruise." Levon grins. "Hit my target dead center."

Naturally. Levon's grin widens a bit. "Won a hundred bucks on that shot too."

Both my eyebrows go up. Levon isn't the type to gamble. He's far too careful with his money. "You made a bet?"

"Yep. Kid thought he knew it all. Told him that he still weren't as good a shot as I am. Wasn't braggin' mind, just the truth."

I nod my head at that. I knew he wasn't bragging. If this kid had been as good as Levon then Captain Jenkins wouldn't still be trying to get my partner to sign on with SWAT.

"I got more than ten years experience of the force. And I been shootin' guns since I was five. Handled damn near every kind of firearm at one time or 'nother. But he seemed ta think none of that mattered. Reckon he thought he could kick my ass."

"So... you decided to prove him wrong?" I tried to sound disapproving, while just barely hiding a smile. My partner isn't one to let a challenge like that go unanswered.

Levon shrugged, unapologetic. "Kid needed ta be taught a lesson. Figured it might stick better iffen I hurt more than his pride."

I shake my head at that. Leave it to my partner to only make a sure bet as a lesson and not for profit. I adjust the water temperature before I motion for him to get in the shower. I step in behind him. "When did all this happen?" He never said anything about this when we talked on the phone.

"This afternoon."

Ah. Missed him at work and then got stuck in traffic. So, he wasn't keeping things from me because this is really the first time we've had to talk all day. Although, I suspect that he probably wouldn't have mentioned being bruised, if I hadn't made it home tonight. The bet... most likely. The bruise... definitely not.

"Anything else happen today that I should know about?" I ask as I reach for the soap and begin lathering his back.

Levon let his head fall forward at my touch, so when he spoke his voice was muffled slightly. "Legs and Nate finally got a break on the Carson case. Looks like they might be able ta put that one ta bed soon."

"Good." Legs and Nate had been working that case for the past two weeks. It was an ugly kiddy porn ring. About time they had a break in it. I move my hands, massaging his neck and shoulders, before gliding down to his lower back.

"Joe-Bill and Esteban are gonna keep workin' with Vice fer 'nother week. Hopin' somethin' will pan out by then or they're gonna call it off."

That was a drug case. I hate drug cases. I'm not sorry we didn't get called for that one. I kneel down to wash his legs and ass. He leans forward and braces his arms against the wall, letting the warm water cascade down his back. I love seeing him like that. Someday I am going to convince him to let me photograph him naked.

"Joanne spent the day meetin' with the brass. Monthly stuff. Jus' the usual. Ya know how much 'em all day meetin's piss her off. So I jus' stayed out o' the office as much as possible."

Joanne never came back from those monthly meetings in a good frame of mind. Nearly everyone made a point of avoiding her for a bit until she was back to normal. I plan to keep my head down tomorrow in case she was still angry and looking for someone to take it out on. I hate getting chewed on, especially when I haven't actually done anything wrong.

I get back up and tap his shoulder. "Turn around." He sighs and pushes off from the wall, turning around as he does. I lather his chest and abdomen, careful of the bruise on his shoulder. I see him flinch slightly at my touch, despite my care.

"Hurts?"

"It's okay."

I snort at that. I study the bruise. It doesn't look bad, but being his right shoulder... that is enough. I make a mental note to ask him about it again tomorrow.

I work my way down his arms to his hands. I kneel again to wash the rest of him, taking care to remove all evidence of our recent love-making.

Levon reaches down to help me back up. He leans in and places a soft kiss on my mouth. It was a simple thank you. Before we'd gotten together, I never realized how many different ways you could be kissed. Levon seemed capable of expressing an endless array of emotion through a kiss. It was an entire language, and through diligent practice, I was gradually becoming fluent.

Levon turns us so that now I'm under the water. He takes the soap, and begins lathering my chest. I love the feel of his hands. Like his kisses, his touch can convey so much. It isn't sexual at the moment, but rather relaxing, soothing, familiar. I know he is memorizing me. His hands follow contours and muscle lines, the same way I mapped him with my eyes earlier when I was just looking at him on the couch.

I close my eyes so I can enjoy this more. He manages to find tension spots and sore muscles, gently easing away those aches and pains. I've never told him but I sometimes think he missed his calling. The man would make an outstanding masseuse. Just as well, I couldn't stand to let him touch someone else. I'm way too possessive for that.

He taps my shoulder, and I open my eyes. "Turn around so I can do your back."

I was so lost in his touch, I never even noticed he'd finished with my front. I turn, letting him work his magic on my back. I can't help but moan at how good that feels. His hands work their way down my back, my ass, my thighs and calves. God, that feels so good my skin tingles.

It gets even better when reaches around me to grab the shampoo. There is something so damn intimate about having him wash my hair. I've never been able to figure out what exactly. I mean, I don't feel like that when my hairdresser does it, but with Levon...I don't know. I just feel so loved, cherished even, when he does it. All part of the magic in his touch.

The water is starting to cool when we finally get out. I shiver slightly at the temperature change, reaching for a towel to dry off. Levon, as usual, is done before me.

"Ya didn't say if you got dinner. Ya want somethin' ta eat?"

"Nah. Just wanna go to bed." I am suddenly feeling exhausted. The long drive and the last four nights of little sleep are catching up to me.

Levon studies me, his head cocked to one side. I'm not sure what he sees, but based on the little frown that appears, it can't be good. "You have trouble sleeping while you were gone?"

I shrug. I've never really told him that I can't sleep well when he isn't there. It isn't the sort of thing guys say to one another. I wrap the towel around my waist, and turn toward the mirror. I see him smile, and he leans forward to wrap his arms around me. Our eyes meet in the mirror.

"Yeah. Me too." He says softly before kissing my shoulder. He lets go and heads for the bedroom. The man never ceases to surprise me.

I put my pendant back on before grabbing the blow drier. I don't really style my hair; I just want to dry it off enough that I don't soak the pillow. Knowing Levon is waiting is all the encouragement I need to be quick.

I hang up the towel and join him in the bedroom. He's already under the covers, curled up on his left side. I slide in behind him, wrap an arm around him, and spoon in close. He snuggles closer to me, and I sigh in satisfaction. I nuzzle his neck and let myself simply enjoy being next to him

He raises a hand to pat mine. "Sweet dreams, Joe."

Oh, indeed. Sweet dreams. Back where I belong, how could I have anything else?

"Love you." He whispers. I can tell he is just barely awake, but then so am I.

I kiss his shoulder. "Love you too, Levon."


I wake up at my usual time, in the same position I feel asleep, on my left side with Joe spooned in close behind me. I just lay there for a few minutes enjoying the feeling of having my lover back where he belongs. Bed seemed way too cold and empty without him there. I slept on the couch most of the time he was gone.

I shift slightly, trying to pull out of his hold. He mumbles something, and tightens his grip. Boy is never real keen on lettin' me go first thing in the mornin'. I try again, and manage to slip out of his arms. He makes this little sound of loss, a kind of an unhappy sigh, when I do.

Joe moves one arm as though he's searching for me. I hand him my pillow, and he pulls it in close. I lean down to softly kiss his temple, and run my fingers through his hair. Love being able to do that. His hair is as dark and soft as a raven's wing.

He still seems a bit restless. "Shhh... it's early yet. Go back ta sleep." I whisper in his ear, like I do nearly every morning. I run my fingers through his hair again, and he settles right down.

I know my way around the bedroom like I know the back of my hand, so getting dressed in the dark is a piece of cake. I slip on a pair of my old jeans, and grab a T-shirt out of the dresser. Pulling on my shirt makes me clench my jaw against the pain in my shoulder. It's stiff and sore this morning like I knew it would be. Bruises always seem ta hurt worse the next day. Have to make sure I don't let Joe know that or he'll get all mother hen on me.

I head for the kitchen and start my coffee. I grin a bit thinking of how much Joe hates my coffee. I like it strong, and just a little bitter. Don't know why, but I always have.

I didn't say anythin' when he brought that little coffee maker ta the house. Figured every man oughtta be able ta have one thing in his day be just the way he wants it, even somethin' as simple as a cup of coffee. Truth is, I was tickled that he planned on spendin' enough time here that he'd need his own coffee. Hell, I even learned ta make it the way he likes it. I want him ta feel welcome here. I want him to feel comfortable here. Because, I really don't think I could handle spendin' the rest of my life the way I spent the past few days.

While Joe was gone, I spent a lotta time in the barn. Took care o' patchin' the roof and the corral fence. I gave the whole place a thorough cleanin', top ta bottom. Put Fooler through her paces just ta make sure the old girl still knows her stuff. And I worked a lot with Gabe. He's really comin' along. Between working with the horses and takin' care of maintenance type stuff, I was able to keep busy so I wouldn't miss Joe too much. Well... leastwise I didn't think about missin' him all the time, jus' whenever I quit movin'.

While he was gone, I kept lookin' over my shoulder expectin' him ta be there. I kept expectin' ta hear him commentin' on stuff or point out somethin' I mighta missed. I musta caught myself turnin' ta say somethin' ta him at least twenty times a day 'fore I remembered he weren't there.

In a way, it was a good thing I was workin' with SWAT. Wasn't part of my normal routine, so it didn't feel quite so weird ta not have Joe there. The one day I spent in Reisner without Joe, I musta been asked a hundred times, "Where's LaFiamma?" Guess I'm not the only one who expects him ta be with me.

When I get the chores taken care of, I wonder back in the house for my second cup of coffee. I take it with me to the back porch. I set the cup down on the rail, and do a few stretches to work loose my shoulder. Hurts like hell, but it gets easier after a bit. Best to do this where Joe can't see me do it. He'd likely have a mouthful ta say 'bout takin' care o' myself. He'd really be pissed if he knew that it took more than one shot from that damn rifle ta bruise me. Had ta prove to the kid that my first shot wasn't just dumb luck. Shot ten rounds and kept the spread under three inches.

I rinse my cup, start Joe's coffee and then grab a fast shower. Ain't nearly as nice as the one we shared last night, but it'll do. The hot water works out the last bit of stiffness in my shoulder.

When I lather up ta shave, I catch sight of the mark Joe left on my neck last night. Remember him doin' it, but I didn't realize it would be quite so visible. Short o' wearin' a turtle neck there ain't no way I'll be able ta hide it. To damn warm ta wear one o' those this time o' year. Would raise just as many questions as the hickey. Ah well, nothin' ta be done 'bout it now. Hell, most everybody will just think I got lucky. I smile and wink at my reflection. I did get lucky, jus' won't be the way they think.

I get dressed for work, careful to be quiet so I don't wake Joe. I sit down on the bed next to him, and just watch him sleep for a bit. The man is so beautiful. His hair is all mussed from sleeping. His long dark eyelashes are feather light against the fine-grained skin near his eyes. There is a faint shadow of morning stubble darkening his chin and cheeks, making the rest of his skin seem so incredibly smooth in contrast. My fingers itch ta touch, but I don't want ta wake him.

His lips curl up slightly, smiling at what, I don't know. Must be dreaming 'bout somethin' good. I want to taste him. Just a little. Can't help myself as I lean in to kiss him. He moans into my mouth, and I let the kiss get deeper, more intense. Not run away passion yet, but it could get there real easy. Best not to start if I can't finish, so I pull away 'fore it gets out of hand.

I see his eyes open. They look almost indigo in this light. The color of his eyes changes so often, it reminds me of a kaleidoscope I had as a kid. Can never get enough of looking at them or into them for that matter. I've seen his eyes change to an icy blue when he's angry, a slate gray when he's hurt or in pain, a sky blue when he's in a good mood, to deep almost Caribbean blue when he's really happy. I like 'em best the way they are right now... so dark they're almost black.

"Mornin', Joe."

He takes a deep breath and stretches. "Morning." He mutters, still more asleep than awake. He snuggles into my pillow, shifting closer so that most of his weight is resting against me, and closes his eyes.

I smile. Not a morning person my partner. If I sat still for a few minutes he'd be asleep again in no time. Normally, I'd set the alarm clock for him, but I don't really think he'll need it today. Just want him ta know I'm headin' out.

"I'm gonna head inta work."

He opens one eye, glances at the clock, then back to me. He frowns slightly, eyebrows pulling down in confusion. It's a good hour before the time we normally leave. "Wha--? Now?"

"Yeah"

"Give me fifteen minutes." He starts to sit up, and moves to throw back the covers. I reach out ta stop him, placing my hand on his chest and pushing him back down.

"No hurry, Joe. Ya can sleep in if ya want. Only one expectin' ya ta be home last night was me. Won't surprise anybody if ya don't show up 'til 'round lunchtime. Wasn't gonna set the alarm clock, but I didn't jus' wanna leave without tellin' ya I was goin'... an' well, I... I wanted a kiss 'fore I left."

I shrug and look away, feeling sort of guilty for wakin' him. Figured he didn't sleep too good while he was away. Saw how tired he looked last night. Reckon he could probably use a few more hours 'o snooze time. Didn't mean ta bother 'im. Shoulda known better, but he just looked so sweet layin' there. I just wanted a little taste ta get me through the rest o' the day. 'Specially after doin' without for the past few days.

He puts a knuckle under my chin and forces me to look at him. "S'okay. Wouldn't want you to leave without a kiss. Wouldn't want to start my day without one either." He moves his hand to bury it in my hair, and pulls me in for another kiss. This one isn't soft or gentle. I somehow end up lying on top of him trying to suck out his tonsils. He flips us over and pins me down while he ravages my mouth.

When he moves his hands to start stripping me out of my clothes, I capture his wrists ta stop him. "Can't, Joe... can't. I gotta be in... early today."

He growls against my neck. "Why?"

"Last day I'm working with SWAT. Jenkins wants ta run through some drills with the kid. Gotta be there. Sorry."

He sighs and drops his head to my chest. "Not your fault. Just bad timing."

Can't argue with that. Timing stinks. I pull him in as close as the blankets bunched between us will allow. I run my fingers through his hair, and down his back, just enjoying the feel of him.

He raises his head again, and kisses me. It's sweet, a tease. "You really gotta go?" He's using that tone he gets when he's tryin' ta convince me ta do things his way. He lowers his head to suck on my earlobe. I shudder, wanting to just stay here with him in the worst way. Unfortunately, I can't.

"Yeah. I really gotta go."

Only time available at the shootin' range was first thing this mornin'. Jenkins scheduled this drill three days ago. If I'd known then that Joe would be home last night, I would tried for a different time, or told Jenkins I couldn't make it. As it is, I gave the man my word that I'd be there. My granddaddy told me a man is only as good as his word. And a man's word is only good as long as people know he'll do want he says he will.

Joe nibbles at my neck, letting his hands roam over me. "C'mon, Cowboy. Stay."

I push his hands away. "I can't."

Joe lets go and rolls off, putting his back to me. I can't see his face, but I know he's pouting. Reminds me of a little kid when he does that. I spoon up behind him. "Now don't be that way."

"What way?"

I can feel him stiffen, not pulling away from me exactly, but definitely putting some distance between us. I close my eyes. Patience. I need patience. One thing about Joe... he is never shy about letting me know how he feels. Sometimes, his emotions are as changeable as his eyes. Goes from playful to pissed in two seconds flat. Makes a body dizzy tryin' ta keep up.

"You know I'd rather stay with you. You know that, right?" I would never want him to think otherwise.

"Then why don't you?" He says that so softly I almost miss it.

"Gave the man my word." Joe relaxes, the tension sort of just draining away. He knows I take my promises seriously. Haven't broken one yet, and I don't plan ta start now. "Tell ya what... I'll make it up to you."

"Yeah?" He sounds interested, still disappointed, but interested. "How?"

"I'll take ya anywhere ya wanna go for lunch. You pick the place, an' I promise not ta say anythin' 'bout it. I'll even let ya order for me."

Joe is always trying ta get me ta try eatin' new stuff. I liked the Thai stuff we tried. The Greek place we went to was really good. And the food at the French restaurant he talked me inta was okay, even if the waiters were snotty. Didn't care for the Indian place he talked me inta. Don't really ever want to eat there again. So, on the whole, I haven't been sorry for lettin' him "broaden my horizons" as he puts it.

Just ta sweeten the deal, for both of us, I offer something more. "Iffen Joanne's in a better mood, I'm pretty sure we can talk her inta given us the afternoon off. Still got time on the books that we need ta use."

Brass issued some kind of decree that detectives could only get so much over time a month. Tryin' ta save money and said we had to claim comp time instead o' overtime. Problem was the job weren't really a forty-hour a week kind of deal. So Joe and I almost always max out our overtime pretty quick, and we usually have more comp hours than the brass allows. Gotta use that up or someone upstairs starts bitching.

I nuzzle his neck. "We can come back and finish this then. I'll spend all afternoon makin' it up to you."

He rolls over to face me, blue eyes searching mine. "I'm holding you to that."

Oh yeah, like I planned on objecting. I smiled warmly at him. "No problem."

He kisses my cheek, and just that quick, I know I'm forgiven. He's no longer upset. Amazing. Must be a trick ta that I never learned.

"Go play with your guns, Cowboy. I'll meet you at Reisner for lunch." He gives me a seductive smile. "And we'll have dessert back here."

I give him a gentle kiss. "Lookin' forward to it, Joe." I roll off of the bed, and head for the door.

"Levon?"

"Yeah." I turn back to face him.

"How's your shoulder?"

"S'okay. Little stiff, but not bad." I should have known he'd ask. I rotate it smoothly to prove it to him. Glad I worked out the kinks earlier or I wouldn't have been able to pull that off.

"Don't make anymore bets."

I smile. "Hadn't planned on it."

He nods in satisfaction. "Good."

I turn away again when he calls me back once more.

"Levon?"

"Yeah."

"I love you."

I smile over my shoulder. "Love you too." I let my eyes roam over his naked form, lingering in places, drinking in the sight of him. Man has the body of a sculpted Greek god. He's all taut, nicely defined muscle under silky smooth skin. Makes my mouth water just looking at him.

"I'll show you just how much I love you later." I force myself to leave now before I give in and spend all day just nailing him ta the mattress.

I use the drive to the shooting range to rein in my thoughts and get my body back in line. Shoulda known getting anywhere near Joe was a bad idea. It's just too hard to control myself around him. Don't have that problem at work because most of the time we both keep our minds on the job. But at home... well, all bets are off. Minute we step out of the work a day world, I just want ta grab on ta him and never let go.

Carl Jenkins meets me at the door to the shooting range. He's shorter than me by a good four inches, but what he lacks in height, he makes up for in girth. Not fat, just... square. I'd swear the man's bicep is as big 'round as my thigh.

His hair is gray, and has been since he was twenty-five. I've known him almost from the day I joined the force and other than his hair color, you'd never know the man was pushing fifty. He can work most of the rookies under the table, and often does just to prove to them that the "old man" still has what it takes to do the job.

He nods to me, and then frowns looking me over more closely. He grins and raises a hand to his own neck, gently rubbing where I know the hickey I saw this morning is showing on my neck. "Good night?" He leers suggestively as he asks.

I smile slightly. "Very." I don't say anything else because it's really none of his business. "Kid here yet?"

"Yep. He's inside." Jenkins waggles his eyebrows at me. "Someone I know?"

"Doubt it." I'm not going to tell him it was Joe. 'Sides, it ain't really a lie. I don't think Jenkins and Joe have actually met.

"Ah, c'mon Lundy. Gimme a few details here. Tall or short? Blonde, brunette, or redhead? Eye color? Good looking or just so-so?"

I sigh. I just know he isn't going to let me go until I say something. "Tall. Dark hair. Blue eyes. Body ta die for and a killer smile. More than just good looking. Drop dead gorgeous."

Jenkins grins. "Think she'd be interested in meetin' me?"

I chuckle at that. I don't bother to correct the assumption that I was with a woman. I just shake my head. "Likes 'em lean."

Jenkins puffs up like a banty rooster as we walk into the building. "I am lean."

I give him a sly glance. "Suuure ya are."

"I am. Just big boned. Not an ounce a fat on me."

He is right about not being fat. I shrug. "Likes 'em tall."

He snorts. "Yer not that tall. 'Sides, the best stuff comes in small packages."

Not sure exactly what to say to that. "Likes 'em blond."

"I could dye my hair."

I laugh. "You been gray fer longer than I've known you. Ya don't even know who you're tryin' ta meet and yer ready ta dye yer hair?"

He chuckles. "Doesn't matter. Anyone who has you lookin' this relaxed an' happy would definitely be worth meetin'. Boy, yer all but whistling."

I duck my head, immediately embarrassed that he can tell how good having Joe back makes me feel. I'm suddenly aware that I have an extra spring in my step and I'd been smiling at nothing ever since I'd left the house. He's right... I am all but whistling.

Jenkins slaps me on the back. "It's good ta see ya like that." Sounds almost fatherly when he says it. Given how long he's known me, I shouldn't be surprised by that, but I am.

"Nice ta know ya found someone who makes ya wanna howl like a coyote. If ya know what I mean?"

Joe does a damn sight more than make me howl, but I'm not tellin' him that. Conversation about my love life mercifully comes to a halt when we get to where we're supposed to put the kid through his paces. His scores are already showing improvement over his initial run. Kid had ta be a good shot or Jenkins wouldn't have even considered him for a position on his team. There was really very little I could show him that time and experience wouldn't improve.

I suspect that Jenkins just wanted me ta work with the kid so he could gauge just how good he really was. Wouldn't be the first time Jenkins has used me as a sort of benchmark for one of his guys. I don't mind. Gotta test 'em somehow.

Takes about three hours ta run through all the drills that Jenkins had planned. Everything from shooting stable targets, moving targets, pop up drills, to a real life simulation. The simulation was something new. They had video of different hostage situations, with the camera angle from a sniper's point of view. There was a tricked-out rifle which let you aim and line up your shot and decide when to take it and fed everything back to a computer. Then the computer ran the probabilities for you giving you the likely outcome would be based on your actions. Thing was pretty cool.

"Wanna try it?" Jenkins offered.

I know I looked like a kid just being offered a chance at a new toy, but I didn't care. "Yeah. I'd like to give it a shot."

"I'll have them run a new sim for you. Wouldn't be fair for you to do the same one the kid did. 'Specially since you've already seen it."

Jenkins set it up. Found myself looking through a scope at gunman who'd taken the passengers of a bus hostage. I took stock of the situation, sort of absorbing who was doing what and where. I took a breath and let it out slowly. I focused on the gunman, ignoring everything else. I took my shot when he poked his head out the window ta yell at one of the cops standing outside the bus.

It reminded me of huntin' prairie dogs. Had to wait for them ta pop outta their holes, but sooner or later they always did. Just had to be patient and wait for yer opening.

My shot was a clean hit right ta the head. Had it been a real situation I would have dropped him instantly without losing a single hostage. Made for a nearly perfect score. They deducted four points because I never gave the negotiator time to talk. I'd taken the gunman out in three minutes, twenty-five seconds.

Jenkins whistled, impressed. "Damn. Are you sure you don't want to join SWAT?"

"Positive." I hand him back the rifle. I glance at my watch. "I gotta go. My partner is supposed ta be back inta town sometime today. Need ta get back ta the office."

"Anytime you change yer mind about working with me, jus' holler."

"Will do." I nod to him and the kid and head out. There really isn't anything at the office that I need to take care of. Well, other than tryin' ta sweet talk Joanne inta lettin' me and Joe have the afternoon off.

I park the Jimmy in my usual spot. I notice that Joe's car is back where it belongs. I'd missed seeing it there. Seeing that empty space was a huge reminder that Joe was gone.

Course, seeing Joe leaning back against the door, is an even more welcoming sight than his car. He looks great, lounging there with his sunglasses firmly in place, hiding his eyes, his arms crossed over his chest. Reminds me o' those ads ya see tryin' ta sell cars... drape a sexy looking man or woman against the car, and it is supposed to be irresistible. I didn't give a rat's ass about cars, but Joe, well he's always been irresistible in my opinion.

I hop out of the Jimmy, and I know I'm wearing a stupid grin. Oh well, it isn't like he don't know how I feel about him. "Hey, LaFiamma."

He grins. "Lundy."

I glance at my watch. It's only eleven. "Didn't think you'd be in until noon?"

Joe shrugs. "Figured if I came in early I could let Beaumont know what happened with the case, and ask her about takin' this afternoon. Figured I had as good a shot as you would at convincing her."

I raise an eyebrow. "She say yes?"

"Yep."

I laugh at his lousy accent. Boy, will never sound like a Texan. "This mean I don't have ta go upstairs?"

"She's still pissed at the brass. Joanne said, and I quote, 'Was their stupid rule about overtime in the first place. Bastards don't have the sense God gave a rock. You have too much time on the books, so let's make the boys upstairs happy. Take the rest of the day if you want.' I took that to mean that we could leave when you got here."

"We're goin' for lunch now?"

"I know you didn't eat breakfast, so eating lunch early won't be a problem for you." He drops his head a little so he can look at me over his sunglasses. He's got that look. The one he gets when he wants to jump all over me about the fact that I don't eat regular meals. I just eat when I get hungry, and I usually just grab whatever's handy. Never really gave it much thought. Course, Joe doesn't really care ta hear that.

Hoping to deflect a potential lecture I ask him, "Where we goin'?"

"The Imperial Palace. It's a Chinese place."

"Okay." I like Chinese. We've eaten at other Chinese restaurants. Went to one when Sully was here. I'm relieved he didn't pick anything too off the wall. Not too big a risk eatin' Chinese. Least I won't be totally unprepared. "You drivin'?"

"Nice day to go topless." I can't see his eyes, but if the rest of his expression is anything to go by he's looking me over. I can feel my face getting warm. You'd think I'd be old enough ta not to blush anymore. Sort of the curse of being blond, fair coloring doesn't give ya much ta hide behind.

Well, two can play that game. I return his look. "We still havin' dessert at home?" I let my voice dip a bit, let it get husky. I know what that does to him.

Joe shifts against the car. He says yes like it's the only word he can get out at that moment. Call it petty, but I love knowing I have that effect on him.

I sashay over to the passenger side and step over the door. I manage not to smile when I hear Joe sigh heavily. I know he's gonna say something. He can't help himself.

"You can't just open the door?"

"Could. Easier this way."

Joe gets in and fires up the car. "How hard can it be to open a door, Lundy?"

I shrug. "Didn't say it was hard ta do. Jus' said this was easier."

He shakes his head "Lazy."

"Efficient." I grin. Joe mutters something in Italian. I don't have a clue what he said. One of these days I'm gonna have to learn some of it just so I know whether or not I should be insulted.

In almost no time we're pulling in to the restaurant parking lot. It's early yet, so the place isn't busy with the lunch time crowd. I hate crowds. Too many people, making too much noise, standing too close... it gets overwhelming in a hurry. Never seems ta bother Joe, but being surrounded by other people makes me nervous. Makes me feel sort of claustrophobic. Always has. I've learned ta control it out of necessity, but if I can avoid crowds then I do. Reminds me of a quote. Not sure who said it but it went something like, "that which can not be avoided must be endured." Words I've lived by for more years than I care to think about.

Joe starts talking to the maitre'd in Chinese. I couldn't even begin to guess what it is they're saying, but knowin' Joe, I'd be willing ta bet he's asking for a certain table, or wine, or just plain grillin' the guy about who the chef is, where the guy trained, and what ingredients he uses. He does stuff like that whenever he visits a new place, and so far nobody's complained about him doin' it. Boy, is real picky about what he eats and how it's cooked.

I amuse myself by watching the fish in the aquarium, waiting for him to decide if we are really gonna eat here or not. It's relaxin' just ta watch the fish hanging out, doing their thing. I'd thought about getting a fish tank once or twice. But, after I killed Sully's, I figured it wasn't worth it. Be a death sentence ta the little fellas makin' 'em come home with me.

Joe taps my shoulder and tips his head toward the seating area. Guess that means the place passed muster. Good thing, cause I'm hungry.

We sit down at a small booth in the back almost completely hidden by an elaborate oriental screen and potted plants. Place is empty, we could have sat anywhere, but Joe evidently wanted a place more private. He doesn't usually pick a place quite so hidden. Makes me wonder if he's got something on his mind. I shrug mentally. Just have to wait and see. If Joe's got something ta say I'm sure I'll hear about it when he's ready.

A waiter hands us menus and fills our glasses with water. I glance at the menu and realize it's all in Chinese. With a shrug I hand it to Joe. He raises an eyebrow at me. "Told you ya could order for me. From the looks of that, yer gonna have ta."

He smiles. "Must have thought we both spoke the language. Anything in particular you want?"

"Somethin' hot. Spicy." I have no problem with hot stuff. Love it in fact. Joe can't understand how I can eat a lot of the stuff I do. I just figured being raised on it had something ta do with it. An' I've had hot Chinese stuff before. It isn't the same as Mexican... not bad, just different.

Joe nods, and looks over the menu. When the waiter comes back he places our order. I don't bother to ask what he got for me. I'll do that when it shows up. I won't eat it until I know what I'm puttin' in my mouth. Joe thinks I ought ta try it, that telling me before hand will just make me not want ta eat it. Last time I let him order for me was at the Greek place we went to last month, I refused to eat until he told me what it was. I threatened ta get up an leave if he didn't tell me. Joe knew I was serious, so he relented and told me what it was. Some kind of sheep or goat dish. Don't rightly remember which, but it was good enough that I cleaned my plate.

The waiter brings by two glasses of wine. "What is this?"

"Plum wine."

"Hmm." I pick it up, and sip it. It's sweet, almost too sweet. Not really sure if I like it. I don't really care much for wine. Like beer better, but Joe likes wine, and since he ordered, wine it is.

"It will taste great with your hot dish. Trust me."

I smile. "I always trust ya. So what did ya order fer me?"

"General Tso's Chicken. Told them to spice it as much as they wanted so it should be hot enough for you."

I've had that dish before. I like it. Only thing I like better is Kung Po Chicken. "What did you order fer yerself?"

"Moo Goo Gai Pan."

I chuckle, wondering, if it will taste as funny as it sounds. When the meal comes, I surprise the hell out of Joe by not only asking for chopsticks, but also being able to eat with them.

"You never told me you could eat with chopsticks." Joe's tone is slightly accusatory.

"You never asked."

He gives me that look. The one that lets me know he isn't happy with what he calls my non-answers. He didn't believe me when I told him that I don't do it on purpose. Not really. Sometimes, yes, I do it to tease him, but most of the time, I honestly don't think about it. I'm just not in the habit of being chatty about myself.

"So when did you learn to eat with chopsticks?"

"Freshman year in college. One of the guys on the team was a real fan of Chinese. He insisted that we all had ta learn how ta eat it right." I laughed. "Got more food on the floor than we did in our mouths. Sort of endin' up as a challenge. Prove ya could do it. Eventually, we all learned how ta eat with 'em."

"The whole team?"

"Yep. Ate Chinese every Friday night for almost two semesters."

Joe laughed. "Took you that long?"

"Me... no. For the whole team, yeah." I shook my head remembering. "Our center lineman, Jerry, couldn't seem ta figure it out. Thought he'd starve ta death before he got a handle on it."

"Starve? It was only one night a week."

"Yeah, well, Jerry tipped the scales at 280. I swear that boy ate more in one meal than I did all week. And the deal was that all we got was Chinese and chopsticks. Couldn't have anythin' else."

Joe chuckled. "So it was do or die?"

"Exactly. Don't think Jerry ate Chinese ever again after he managed to figure out chopsticks."

"So... do you like what I ordered?"

"Next to Kung Po Chicken, it's my favorite. Like Mongolian beef too."

Joe shot me a dirty look. "I should have asked you what you've had before. You are supposed to try something new."

"I am tryin' somethin' new. Never had plum wine before. An' you were right about it bein' good with a hot dish."

Joe snorted. "Not the same thing."

I shrug one shoulder. "Don't see how it's all that different."

Joe mutters something in Italian again. I can't help but laugh. "Ya know, all that mumbling might be more effective if ya said it ta me in English."

When Joe had first come down from Chicago, he was so easy to get a rise out of. Was like everything I said or did got an immediate reaction out of him. He'd lash out real fast then sometimes physically, sometimes verbally. Boy, had a lot of hurt and anger he needed ta work through. Being exiled from Chicago really stuck in his craw. And I admit, sometimes I pushed just to see him get all wound up. Figured if he didn't blow off some steam he'd end up killin' someone or just hurtin' himself. I was a safer target than some poor unsuspecting bastard on the street.

Now, he isn't as likely to strike out, and he doesn't have as much anger to work off, but I still like to needle him. It's fun ta tease him. I like knowing I have an effect on him. Guess old habits don't really die they just mutate into other things.

Conversation wanders around a bit like it always does. I swear there is nothing we can't talk about. I loved Caroline dearly, but she and I were never on the same wavelength the way Joe and I are. We walk in step without thinking about it. Sometimes I finish his sentence for him, or he'll know what I'm going to say before I even open my mouth. And lately, we seem to be speaking simultaneously, like we did when we met with the Chief. Should freak me out, but it doesn't. Kind of like feelin' so connected.

Joe starts playing with the pendant I gave him. Sure sign he's nervous about somethin'. If I'd known when I gave it to him it would be such a tell, I think I'd have given something to him from the day I met him. Since we're about done eating, I reckon he's ready to get to whatever it is he wanted ta say that made him pick a nice private place ta do it. I might need ta give him a little push ta get him started.

"Wanna tell me what it is yer worried 'bout?"

"What makes you think I'm worried?"

I reach over, and cover the hand playing with the pendant. "This."

Joe hangs his head. He whispers softly. "Damn. Gotta stop doing that."

"S'okay. You only do it when you got somethin' heavy weighin' on your mind. Ain't like you do it all the time. So are you gonna talk ta me?" I sip my wine, trying to be casual. If I stay calm, odds are so will he. Don't want to make whatever is bothering him worse. "Somethin' happen between when I left this mornin' and now?"

"Not exactly." Joe reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box. "You remember me asking you for Sam's phone number?"

"Yeah."

Sam was the silversmith that made Joe's pendant. I worked out the design and Sam made it. Turned out ta be a real work of art. Not that I had any doubts. I'd seen Sam's work before. Joe asked me a while ago about talkin' ta Sam... to have something made. Figured it was for one of his relatives. I know how much he loves his family, and he is always sending little things to them or getting things from them. With all the nieces and aunts he's got, I reckon findin' something unique for each of them must be a bit of a challenge. A hand made, one of a kind piece of jewelry, would probably be just the thing.

I nod toward the box he set on the table. "That what you had him make?" Don't know why that would upset him, lessen Sam didn't make what it was Joe had in mind.

Joe nodded. "Came in the mail today." Joe shifted a bit and ran his fingers through his hair. "You know how much I like my pendant, right?"

"I know." Joe is real fond of the pendant I gave him. Wears it all the time. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled that he did. Means a lot to me that he wears a tangible proof of how I feel 'bout him.

Joe takes a deep breath. "Well, the thing is... I wanted... to give you something... that you could wear that would be for you like my pendant is for me. Talked to Sam about what he thought you might like. I mean... I can't draw so while the design was my idea, the details were, more or less, all his. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm not sure, if it's something you'll like or not. I mean you don't usually where any jewelry, well, other than your watch. I don't want you to feel obligated to wear it if you don't like it and-"

I raise my fingers to his lips to halt all this nervous babble. "Does it look as good as you thought it would?" I pull my hand away letting him answer.

"Better."

"Do you like it?"

"Yes."

"Can I see it?"

Joe looks a little sheepish at that. He carefully opens the box and offers it to me. Nestled in black velvet is a silver cuff bracelet. I pick it up, turning it over so I can see all the details.

The widest point is in the center, roughly an inch and a half, before tapering down at either end to barely a quarter of an inch. There is a slightly raised oval that fills the center. Inscribed in the oval, are the same interlocking, scripted L's that are a perfect match of the ones on Joe's pendant. The diamond cutting makes the L's flash and sparkle every time I move the bracelet. Bracketing the oval are two rearing horses, outlined in gold relief. They are so well done, I expect to feel the wind that lifts their manes and stretches out their tails so that they curve toward the narrowed edges of the bracelet. I would not have been surprised to see those horses toss their heads or hear them whinny. I let my fingers run over the smooth finish. It feels as good as it looks.

I look up to meet Joe's pensive blue eyes. I've been quiet too long. I don't give a shit that we're in a public place, he needs reassurance, and I know just how to give it to him. Hell, the place is mostly empty and we're pretty well hidden here. I lean over and kiss him deeply and thoroughly. I slide closer until I'm all but sitting in his lap. Finally we've got to come up for air.

Joe grins at me, eyes sparkling. "You like it?"

I slip it on my right wrist with ease, grinning when I notice how well it fits. I lean into to whisper in his ear. "I love it. Thank you."

I smile, and let my eyes roam over him a bit. His face is flushed, and his eyes are bright, all trace of nerves have vanished. God... but he is so beautiful. "What do you say we go home and I show you just how much I like it?"

"Sounds like a great idea, Cowboy."


We ended up at my apartment since it was closer than the ranch. I smile thinking about how we barely made it in the door before disrobing each other. I'm pretty sure there are clothes scattered from the front door, across the living room and up the stairs. Making love is a great way to spend the afternoon.

I sigh and stretch slightly, careful not to disturb Levon. I'm not really ready to wake up yet, but I need to shift positions a bit. Usually I'm the one wrapped around him, but at the moment he is snuggled in tight behind me, his right arm resting possessively across my stomach. I can see his bracelet glowing faintly in the late afternoon sunlight. The silver looks incredible next to his pale gold skin.

Warms me all over to know he liked it. I was so worried that I'd made a mistake in having it made for him. After I saw it, I couldn't wait to give it to him. Partly because I was worried he wouldn't like it and I wanted to just get the whole thing over with and partly because I was almost sure he would like it and I wanted to see him wearing it. Must have been how Levon felt when he gave me the pendant.

I wanted him to have something tangible, some visible, lasting proof of my love for him. It's not the same thing as a wedding band, but it was as close as we would probably be able to get. Mutually exchanging tokens of love is really all the whole ring thing is about. Well, that and making promises to each other. We've already made the verbal commitment, several times. Besides, a ring isn't what I wanted. I wanted something that was, well, was him. Something extraordinary.

Shortly after Annie found out about us, I went to her for advice. I figured that she and Levon had been friends for years, and she was observant enough of his likes and dislikes that she could steer me in the right direction. I wanted to get something for him that was as perfect as the pendant he got me. I'm still not sure how he figured out that would be a good gift. It wasn't like I wore any other jewelry, or made any obvious statements of preference. Maybe someday I'll ask him.

Annie told me that even when he was married Levon rarely wore his wedding band. Not surprisingly he did it for practical reasons. Working with your hands, you are too likely to get it caught on something and lose a finger. I had a cousin that happened too. I needed to give him something he would wear, and could safely wear no matter what he was doing. Something suitably understated so as not to draw undue attention. Annie suggested a bracelet.

Talking over the design with Sam, I knew I wanted the same L's that were on my pendant. The flame was my family symbol, so I needed something that represented Levon. When Sam suggested the horses, I knew they would be perfect. Putting the design on a cuff bracelet rather than say as charm on a link chain, was also Sam's idea.

I don't know if Sam knows we're a couple or not, but he seemed pretty casual about the whole thing. Didn't sound surprised at any rate that I was having it made for my partner. And he told me he'd send it to me as soon as he was finished. For some reason, I thought it would take him more than three weeks to do it. Maybe he did it as a rush job.

I can feel Levon beginning to stir behind me, and I shift in his arms enough so that I can face him. He snuggles in closer to me with a quiet sigh. I place a tender kiss on his temple.

"Love you." I whisper.

"Love you, too."

His voice is rough from sleep, and soft enough to let me know he might just go back to sleep if I don't move. Not moving, just lying here, enjoying being wrapped up in my lover seems like an excellent idea. It's not like we have to be anywhere or do anything. I pull him in a closer to me, and settle down to go back to sleep.

The End

Everything on this page is fiction. Any resemblance or reference to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.