Author: Mara
Challenge Fic: Challenge submitted by Karen
Pairing: Warrick/Jim
Rating: FRAO
Summery: Someone is leaving gifts for Jim. He has a secret admirer. Can Jim figure out who it is?
Category: Humor, Romance, First Time, Drama
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. All are owned by Jerry Bruckheimer and CBS. No copyright infringements are intended.
Warrick had been seriously depressed recently and it was getting worse. Nick, for the life of him, couldn't figure out why. Warrick wasn't talking about it. Nick had tried to get him to open up, but he wasn't getting anywhere - Rick was being stubborn, as usual. Warrick remained tight lipped and getting more depressed by the day. Nick didn't think it was because of Warrick's pending divorce. He and Tina had mutually agreed to the split and the divorce would be final in another week or so. Warrick had told him that he hadn't really been in love with Tina. So, the divorce was actually the best thing for both of them. Nick knew the real reasons behind the marriage in the first place. It was because of him and his damn kidnapping. The incident had caused turmoil for everyone, but it hit Warrick hard. He freaked out and did a really stupid thing. He married a woman he wasn't in love with, just so he wouldn't end up alone.
When Warrick and Nick had first become friends, Warrick told him that he'd been with both men and women. It wasn't really a shock to him. Anyone as gorgeous as Warrick had to have both sexes chasing him, but he always believed that Warrick mostly went for women. He'd never seen him flirt with any of the men at work or any out in public. So, Nick never really gave it much thought after that. It wasn't until recently that Nick started thinking about it again. And then, it was only after something he'd witnessed in the break room.
It was about five days into Warrick's depression, and he and Nick were sitting at the table in the lounge drinking coffee. Warrick had been silent and moody the entire shift. It was becoming a pattern. Warrick hadn't said two words the whole time they'd been on break. Nick was starting to get really worried. He'd never seen Rick this despondent, but Warrick wouldn't tell him what was wrong. Nick finally stopped pushing. It was only making Warrick angry.
As Nick sat there and brooded along side his best friend, Jim entered the scene. He walked in and smiled at him and Warrick. They all exchanged their usual pleasantries and their usual bullshitting. Nick watched Warrick through the whole exchange, and low and behold, Nick saw a real smile grace Rick's face. But that wasn't all, Rick's voice got low and seductive as he traded smart ass remarks with Jim. His eyes dilated and Nick could almost feel the heat radiating off of Warrick. He was like a completely different person. Gone was the depressed and sullen man, who'd been keeping him company for close to a week now. Nick watched the banter between Jim and Warrick. He couldn't believe it. His best bud was flirting with a man, and Jim Brass, no less. It was a miracle. The difference was like day and night, that is until Jim left, and Warrick's bleak mood returned full force. Nick thought about it for a while longer and he was able to trace Warrick's bad mood back to when Jim had been shot. That really was the beginning of it. Jim's shooting, was the start of Warrick's down hill slide.
******
Two days later, after thoroughly contemplating the situation, and watching his partner closely, Nick came to the conclusion that Warrick Brown was love sick. Obviously, Warrick needed some help or at the very least some advice, but Nick wasn't sure how to broach the subject with Rick. Really, what did he know about picking up a man? Absolutely nothing, but he was still willing to try and help. He couldn't let Warrick go on this way. His partner was on a path of self destruction. Nick knew he had to intervene, somehow--someway!
******
Warrick was in the lab processing some results when he heard the commotion. He went out in the hall to see what was going on. Jim Brass and the sheriff were going at it, loudly. The argument seemed to be about a recent case and the sheriff wasn't happy about the way it had been handled. The suspect got turned loose on a technicality and Brass was being blamed for it.
Warrick wanted to kick the sheriff. Jim had only been back to work for a couple of weeks. After being shot, Jim didn't need this kind of stress. The sheriff noticed Warrick watching and moved the argument into Jim's office. A few minutes later, he exited and Warrick went to see if Jim was all right.
"Jim, is everything ok?" Warrick asked concerned.
"Fine, it's fine. The sheriff is just pissed, cause we lost the suspect. He was right, though. The whole thing was handled badly, but hopefully we can pick the bastard up again, and this time I'll make damn sure everything goes by the book."
"Yeah, but - you sure you're ok? You shouldn't be stressed like this."
"Thanks, Rick, but I'm ok, really. Don't worry."
"All right. If you say so. Um, you want to go grab some breakfast?"
"Not today, Rick. The sheriff gave me a splitting headache. How about a rain check?"
"Sure, no problem. Get some rest and I'll see ya tomorrow."
"Great. I'll catch ya later, Rick."
******
Warrick was getting ready to go home when Nick found him. He immediately noticed Warrick's intense frown. So, he gently tried to get Warrick to talk.
"Hey, Rick. You look a little perturbed. Everything ok?"
"Yeah, Nick. I'm just pissed at the sheriff. He was yelling at Jim tonight and that's not good for him right now. Shit, he's only been back two weeks. He don't need that kinda stress. The sheriff should've known better."
"Is Jim ok? Why was he yelling at him?"
"Over the Brandon case. Remember, the suspect got off on a technicality."
"Oh, yeah. I remember, but I don't think that was Jim's fault. That case began before Jim returned."
"I know and that idiot sheriff should've known it too. He gave Jim a migraine. I asked him if he wanted to go get something to eat, but his head hurt too bad. So, he said he take a rain check."
"Well, that's good. At least, you asked him out." Nick said with a smirk.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means, you need to do more than ask him out. You need to let the man know how you feel."
"Nick - what the fuck are you babbling about? You've completely lost me."
"Have I now? Why don't we go grab something to eat and We'll talk about it."
"I'm not hungry, Nick."
"That's my point! You can't eat. You can't sleep and you mope around all the time. We need to fix this before you explode. Come on - I'll buy."
"I don't know what you're talking about, but I'll go with you, just to shut you up!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
******
Breakfast was interesting. Nick watched as Warrick swirled the food around on his plate. He seemed to be creating some kind of design with it. When he was done it kind of looked like a face with a frown.
"I didn't spend my hard earned money on breakfast, so you could make art with it. You haven't eaten a bite. You're gonna get sick if you keep this up, man."
"Sorry, Nick, but I told you I wasn't hungry."
"I'll bet you'd have eaten it if Jim had accepted your invitation."
"Are you gonna start that crap again?"
"Yup! I don't know why you're being so stubborn about this. For God's sake, and yours, just tell Jim how you feel and ask him if he wants to go on a real date with you. What's the worst that can happen?"
"You're crazy, Nick! I'm not about to ask Jim out on a date. What's the worst that can happen, my ass! Jim could go off and knock the shit out of me, or just outright have me fired for sexual harassment. Worse yet, he might never speak to me again. He never liked me that well to begin with. We've gotten to be pretty good friends. Do you really think I want jeopardize that? Hell, no! And I'm not in love with him, anyway. I don't know where you come up with these harebrained ideas!"
"Are you quite through, bro? I hope so, cause you're gonna listen to me. Man, I saw the way you reacted when Jim got shot. You were terrified and you've been depressed ever since. But lately it's gotten a lot worse. I know you're trying to be tough and all, but I don't think you have to be. I've seen the way Jim looks at you. There's such an expression of longing in his eyes. I'd almost bet - he feels the same way about you. If you don't want to come right out and tell him how you feel, well, be subtle. In fact, I've got an idea." Nick said with a brilliant smile.
"Oh, God. I know I'm gonna regret this." Warrick sighed and covered his face with his hand. "Let's have it."
"Great! Now, have you ever done the secret admirer bit. I think it's a really cool idea. You could leave little gifts for Jim anonymously and we'll see if he can figure it out. Hell, he's a detective. So, we'll put his skills to the test, but you'll have to be very discrete. We don't want him to figure it out too soon, but we do want him to get it eventually. So, leave a little clue with each gift--something that might subtly remind him of you. Whatcha think?"
Warrick had been staring opened mouthed at Nick and now he was just shaking his head in disbelief. Nick had really gone off the deep end this time. This was the stupidest idea Warrick had ever heard and he proceeded to tell Nick that.
"You've gone loco, boy. I'm going home and go to bed. So, when you find out where you left your mind - you let me know." Warrick began to ramble out loud, not necessarily to Nick, but just in general. "First he wants me to ask Jim on a date and tell him I love him. Stupid fucker's trying to get me killed. Now he wants me to turn stalker. The boy ain't right- never been right. I'm going home before I have to hurt him. Dumb shit!"
Nick grinned, as he watched Warrick walk away. Nick thought, ‘There's no hope for the hopeless.' Well, if Rick wouldn't help himself then he'd do it for him. At least, the first time. Nick knew he could get Warrick to cooperate. Warrick never backed down from a challenge, and even though the stakes were higher - Warrick could come out the big winner in the long run.
Nick made a stop at his favorite gift shop before going home. He purchased a lovely jade paperweight. It had a Chinese dragon etched into it. Nick thought it would be the perfect first gift. Jim was forever doing paperwork and Nick never noticed a paperweight on his desk.
******
As Warrick got ready for bed, he thought about everything Nick had said. It was nuts! It would never work. Warrick really didn't believe that Jim felt that way about him. Nick was probably wrong, as usual, but Warrick's mind wouldn't let go of it. ‘What if he does love me?' Warrick thought as he drifted off to sleep.
Warrick ground his hips against Jim as he watched the older man pull off his own shirt and then he let his hands explore the writhing body beneath him. He kissed Jim's face; his eyes, his cheeks, his forehead, and his nose. He trailed kisses down Jim's chin and throat. He felt Jim tugging at his shirt, panting his name. Once the shirt was off, Jim flipped Warrick over. He leaned down and kissed Warrick hard. Warrick could feel the other man's tongue thrusting in to meet his in a passionate duel of need and desperation. Warrick could feel the heat between them building to a fiery crescendo.
Jim kissed a long wet trail down his chest. He engulfed a nipple in his mouth, laving it with his tongue. He repeated the process on the other nipple. He kissed down Warrick's stomach and removed the younger man's black jeans. He struggled briefly with the fabric, but finally got them off.
He nipped at the inside of Warrick's thigh. He purposely ignored the hard shaft and leaned down to nuzzle Warrick's balls. Warrick heard himself make a pleading noise and Jim decided to take pity on him. Jim engulfed Rick's hard cock. He slid his mouth up and down the rod, making Rick moan uncontrollably. Warrick threaded his hands through Jim's hair, not pulling, just holding on. Jim pulled back and with a feline's grace, crawled up Warrick's body to kiss him. Rick wrapped his muscular arms around Jim, pulling their bodies into direct contact.
Warrick then flipped his lover over onto his stomach. He kissed his way down Jim's spine. He felt Jim arching into the small, wet teases that Warrick was bestowing on him. Warrick massaged Jim's cheeks, parting them slightly. He slid his tongue slowly and gently into him. Jim moaned, dropping his head down onto his folded arms.
Warrick stopped and turned Jim over onto his back. Warrick fumbled in the bedside drawer for something. Then he entered Jim, a cool, slick finger, stretching. Then another finger and another. Warrick slowly and patiently stretched him. He heard Jim whimper when his fingers receded, knowing it left him with an empty feeling. Soon enough, Warrick entered him, filling that emptiness completely. They began a slow rhythm, moving together. Warrick used one hand to balance and the other to hold onto Jim's aching shaft. A tension was building in them both. Their cries intensified and echoed through the room. Warrick was pounding into Jim, striking his prostrate with each blow. The powerful explosion shook them both as they each reached their peak. They collapsed together onto the bed, exhaustion setting in.
Warrick reached out to pull Jim close, but found nothing but his pillow. As the haze, from his dream and his orgasm, started to wear off - Warrick began to cry. He eventually cried himself back to sleep.
When Jim entered his office the first thing he noticed was a jade paperweight. It was sitting on his desk. He went over and sat down in his chair. He looked at the paperweight. It had a beautiful red dragon etched on it. He then, picked it up and rolled it from hand to hand. He wondered where it came from and he thought that maybe Gil had bought it for him. It was very nice and looked expensive. There was a little card sitting next to it. It read as follows:
Jade has been used as a sacred stone for centuries. It is known to bring serenity, wisdom and balance. It vibrates in harmony with the heart chakra. It, unlike any other stone, opens the heart chakra to love energy. It was given by lovers as a statement of their love and devotion. Jade is well known for it's erotic properties and the enhancement of sexual performance.
The Chinese red dragon denotes success and accomplishment. It was used throughout the culture as a symbol of conquest. The red dragon brings the fulfillment of the heart's desire.
Jim wasn't sure, but this really didn't seem like something Gil would do. Jim certainly wasn't Gil's heart's desire and vice versa and he'd never left him a gift before. He stared at the paperweight in his hand. There was something about the jade. It reminded him of something. Oh, yeah - It reminded him of Warrick's eyes. Jim was still kicking himself for turning down Rick's breakfast invitation. He really wanted to spend more time with him, but yesterday's headache had been a killer, and Jim had gone straight home to bed. He felt a lot better today and so, Jim vowed to ask Rick out as soon as their shift was over.
Jim had been thinking about the path his life had taken. The shooting had brought things into perspective. He'd come very close to dying and he knew he needed to make some changes. Throughout, the course of his recovery, the one constant was Warrick. He'd been with him from the beginning, from the time he was shot to the day he was released. He was at the hospital more than anyone else and Jim believed that Rick's presence helped to speed his recovery. In truth, over the last few years, Jim had developed a deep love for Warrick. It was gradual and he never even noticed it until he woke up in the hospital and found Warrick sitting by his bedside. Jim didn't think that Rick would ever feel that way about him, but - he was in the process of getting a divorce. So, maybe there was hope after all. 'Yeah, right.' Jim thought. 'And pigs have wings.' Jim sat the paperweight back down on his desk and started going through his case files. He absentmindedly stroked the paperweight every so often, and thought about Rick.
******
As the night wore down and dawn approached, Warrick sat in the break room, sipping his coffee and brooding about his stupid dream, from the previous day. He wanted Jim so badly, it was starting to mess with his mind. He got up to get a refill when Nick entered. Nick was wearing a silly grin. The one that told Warrick - he was up to something.
"Ok, Nicky - what have you done now?"
"What - no, how ya doing? Glad to see ya, nothin? Just - what have you done? That's real nice, but you'll be thanking me soon enough."
"Fuck! I knew it. You couldn't leave well enough alone. If you left that man an anonymous gift.... I'm... I'm gonna kill you, Nick."
"Relax, bro. All I did was put a really nice jade paperweight on his desk. It had a little card with it, stating the meaning of jade and the red dragon symbol that was etched into it. It's beautiful and very tasteful. There was nothing to indicate who left it."
"You're depraved, Nick. If Jim starts asking questions - I'm gonna tell him you did it. So, there! Uh.... What does jade mean?"
"Um, it's a symbol of peace and tranquility and harmony, and the dragon means success." Nick replied, looking a bit flushed."
"Yeah, what else?"
"Nuttin."
"Nuttin, huh? Then how come you're blushing, Nicky?"
"I don't blush, man, but it might have said something about love and erotic powers, or conquest. I don't remember it all."
"You SHITHEAD!" Warrick shouted. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"Is there a problem guys?" Jim said upon entering the break room and noticing that Rick looked pissed as hell."
Nick grinned, "No problem, Jim. Rick's just being his usual stubborn self. How ya doing? Is your headache gone?"
"Yeah, Nick. I feel fine tonight. I was just looking for Rick. Um... I was going to ask you if you wanted to have breakfast with me? I'm sorry I couldn't make it yesterday."
"Sure, sounds great. I'll go change and meet you out front." Warrick said with a smile.
"Nick -- would you like to come along, too?" Jim asked without much enthusiasm.
"No, man. I've got other plans, but thanks anyway."
"Well, if you're sure. I'll go finish filing my paperwork and I'll meet you in the parking lot. See ya in a few, Rick"
"Yeah, I'll be right there." Nick could see the excitement written all over his partner's face and he gave Warrick a sly wink as Jim left the break room.
"Stop that shit, Nick! This is not a damn game. I don't think Jim would appreciate us playing with him. He's been through hell and you're acting like a teenager, playing childish games."
"I'm not playing. This is for real and since you're too chicken to tell him how you feel - somebody's got to give you a push. Just, go and have a good time. Flirt a little or a lot, cause either way, Jim wants you!"
"You don't know that, Nick."
"Well, you're right. I wasn't sure, but I am now. He wants you, man --- bad! So, whatcha waitin for. Go, and in the meantime, I'll be thinking up another gift for Jim."
"Don't! I can think of a gift myself. Thank you very much." Warrick said as he turned his back on his partner."
As soon as Rick left, Nick burst out laughing. This was gonna be good. He had Warrick, hook, line and sinker. He knew it was too much of a challenge for Warrick to resist. He just prayed that he was right about Jim's feelings, other wise his best friend could be seriously hurt.
******
Warrick and Jim laughed and joked their way through breakfast. Warrick took Nick's advice and tried a little flirting. Jim didn't seem to mind one bit. In fact, Warrick thought Jim was doing some flirting of his own. It was fun and this was the happiest Warrick had been in some time. However, Warrick wasn't willing to push it. Not just yet. He was still insecure and not all that certain - how Jim really felt about him. He was going to take it slow and steady.
"So, tell me, what were you and Nick fighting about?" Jim asked, slightly amused. He'd seen the way the two of them carried on and wasn't really concerned about it.
"Nick's stupidity. You know, the boy ain't right." Warrick laughed.
"Yeah, I know. He does have a penchant for trouble. What did he get himself into this time?"
"Ah, nothin really. He just wants to drag me along with him into his stupidity, but I got it covered. I can handle Nicky."
"I'm glad somebody can. Nick's middle name should've been trouble with a capital T, but ya gotta love im."
"Oh, I do, but he's fuckin irritating sometimes. He's way too concerned about my love life. I told him he should worry about his own and stay outa mine, but he never listens."
"I think he's just trying to help, but I can see your point. How are things? Are you seeing any one?" Jim asked, clearly interested in Warrick's answer.
"No. It's too soon. My divorce just became final. I got the papers Monday."
"I'm sorry... are you ok with it?"
"I'm fine. It was the right thing for both of us, but enough about me. How about you. Are you seeing anyone?"
"You've got to be kidding. Who in their right mind would date me?"
"I can think of a lot of people that would date you. Don't be so hard on yourself. You've got a lot to offer." Warrick stated with conviction.
"Right, if you say so, but I might just have a secret admirer." Jim said with a hint of a smile.
"Why? What would make you think that?" Warrick asked.
"I found a jade paperweight on my desk. I'd never seen it before and it came with a little card. At first, I thought maybe it was from Gil, that is, until I read the card. There's no way it was from Gil."
"What'd it say?"
"It said that jade was given by lovers to represent love and devotion. It's suppose to have erotic powers and enhance sexual performance."
"Ha, no... I don't think it was from Gris." Warrick laughed.
"Definitely not. Oh, well -- I'm not a detective for nothin. I'll figure it out eventually. Anyway, it was probably a fluke."
"Well, I got to get going. I have to run a few errands before I go home. I really enjoyed this. Let's do in again, ok?" Warrick asked hopefully.
"Sure, but next time I'm buying. No arguments. I'll see ya
tonight."
"Ok, get some rest." Warrick smiled as he watched Jim leave the diner. He wasn't seeing anyone. Warrick was more than a little relieved. And Jim seemed rather pleased about his gift. This might be fun, after all.
Warrick made one last stop before heading home. He went to a specialty store that catered to personalized coffee mugs. They had a large selection of police mugs with badges on them. He picked out a mug in a warm chocolate color. It matched Warrick's skin tone perfectly and it had some gold marbling through it. The badge on the front was an exact replica of a Las Vegas police captain's badge. He asked the clerk how long it would take to have Jim's name and badge number imprinted on it. The clerk stated that if he was willing to wait a few minutes, he could do it on site.
So, Warrick waited and when he left he had a personalized mug, that said. Captain Jim Brass, LVPD, badge #R9197. Warrick was pleased with his handy work. Jim loved his coffee and he really did need a new mug. His old one had seen better days.
******
Jim Brass was a little surprised, to say the least, when he entered his office and found a new coffee mug sitting on his desk. It was really nice. It had his name and badge number on it. Ok, so it wasn't a fluke. He really did have a secret admirer. This was becoming intriguing and his curiosity was peaked. He knew it had to be an inside job. Not just anyone could get into his office and only the people he worked closely with - would know his badge number. 'Hmm, maybe Catherine.' he thought. 'No, not a chance.' He wasn't Catherine's type. The gifts were thoughtful and somewhat masculine. At the moment, though, it had him baffled. Who would be leaving him gifts? Jim decided to keep a closer eye on his office and start asking questions. Maybe the receptionist had seen something. It was a place to start, anyway. So, Jim took off hell bent on interrogating the unsuspecting receptionist.
******
"Hey, Rick. Wait up." Nick called to Warrick.
"Nick, where ya been?"
"Out on a case with Greg. We just got back. Where are you going?"
"I'm done and callin it a night, or morning. How long are you gonna be?"
"I still got some lab work to do. It's gonna be awhile yet. How'd your date with Jim go?" Nick asked, grinning like a fool.
"It wasn't a date, you moron. It was just breakfast with a friend."
"Really, well, I guess - then - you don't want to know what Jim's been up to?"
"What?"
"I'm not sure I should tell you. You're being a real jerk."
"Nick, if you don't tell me right now - I'm gonna bust you upside your head."
"God, you're cranky! All right, already. Me and Greg were just talking to Sally. She seemed upset. So, we asked her if she was ok and she told us that Brass had given her the third degree. Apparently, someone's been sneaking into his office and leaving little presents. She mentioned a jade paperweight and a marbled coffee mug, that had Jim's name and badge number on it. Now, of course, the paperweight I knew about, but the coffee mug was a surprise. You've been busy... haven't you? By the way, the mug was a great idea."
"You didn't tell Greg about this, did you? Cause if you did - I'm gonna put my foot up your ass!"
"No, man. I ain't told nobody. So, relax. Besides, even if I did, Greg would go along with it. He'd think it was hysterical."
"I'm warning you, Nick."
"Oh, please! Get real. Like I was saying, Jim's asking a lot of questions. Sally's not the only one he's talked to. I'm telling ya, bro - the chase is on. He's chomping at the bit, to know who his secret admirer is. Whatcha gonna give him next?" I think a couple of more things should do it and don't be too subtle on the last one. We do want him to figure it out, right?"
"You're enjoying this way too much, Nick. But, yes - I want him to figure it out. I've decided to go for it and see where it leads. I was on my way to look for him when you jumped me."
"You need any help thinking up another gift?"
"I thought you had lab work to do. You'd better get at it, Nicky. Times a wastin."
"Yeah, I know what you're up to. You just want Jim all to yourself. Well, so be it. I'll see ya. Call me later and let me know how it goes."
"I'll be sure and do that, Nick." Warrick said with a smirk. "You want me to call and let you know if I get laid, too?"
"Yuck! Don't even go there."
"Hey, you started it. Anyway, I'm gone. See ya."
"See ya." Nick couldn't get the mental image of Warrick getting laid out of his head, but it really wasn't as bad as he had initially thought. He might even be able to get used to the idea.
******
Warrick searched the building, looking for Jim, but it was not to be. It seemed, Jim had been called away. So, Warrick would just have to wait until tonight to see him again and maybe make another date. Uh.... no... not a date. Just two friends hanging out.
Warrick didn't go directly home, though. He was beginning to enjoy shopping, especially for Jim. His foray took him into an upscale jewelry store, but it had other items as well. Warrick noticed a beautiful letter opener in the window. It was silver, and it had garnets and opals set in the handle. Warrick thought it'd be perfect, because the gems - were his and Jim's birthstones. Garnet for Jim, who was born in January and opal for Warrick, who was born in October. It turned out to be a little pricey, but Warrick didn't care. It was exactly what he wanted. The clerk was more that happy to help him. He even gift wrapped it for him. Warrick left the jewelry store extremely satisfied with his purchase. Jim would love it.
The next night, Warrick stealthily slipped into Jim's office and laid the beautifully gift wrapped box on the desk. He made sure he wasn't seen and then he slipped back out just as quickly.
******
Jim was tired. It had been a long exhausting shift. Bad guys were everywhere tonight. Jim was heading for his office and the bottle of scotch, he had stashed in his desk drawer. The blue iridescent box caught his eye immediately and he thought, 'damn, I'm really popular - three gifts in less than a week.'
All thoughts of drinking, suddenly left his head. He was too excited now. He sat down and carefully opened the beautifully gift wrapped box. Inside was a stunning silver letter opener. It had some gem stones set in the handle. Garnets and opals. This was interesting. Garnet was his birthstone. That had to be the significance. So, since garnet was his, who did the opal belong to? He didn't know, right off hand. He wasn't even sure what month opal belonged to, but he was damn sure gonna find out.
When Jim entered his office the first thing he noticed was a jade paperweight. It was sitting on his desk. He went over and sat down in his chair. He looked at the paperweight. It had a beautiful red dragon etched on it. He then, picked it up and rolled it from hand to hand. He wondered where it came from and he thought that maybe Gil had bought it for him. It was very nice and looked expensive. There was a little card sitting next to it. It read as follows:
Jade has been used as a sacred stone for centuries. It is known to bring serenity, wisdom and balance. It vibrates in harmony with the heart chakra. It, unlike any other stone, opens the heart chakra to love energy. It was given by lovers as a statement of their love and devotion. Jade is well known for it's erotic properties and the enhancement of sexual performance.
The Chinese red dragon denotes success and accomplishment. It was used throughout the culture as a symbol of conquest. The red dragon brings the fulfillment of the heart's desire.
Jim wasn't sure, but this really didn't seem like something Gil would do. Jim certainly wasn't Gil's heart's desire and vice versa and he'd never left him a gift before. He stared at the paperweight in his hand. There was something about the jade. It reminded him of something. Oh, yeah - It reminded him of Warrick's eyes. Jim was still kicking himself for turning down Rick's breakfast invitation. He really wanted to spend more time with him, but yesterday's headache had been a killer, and Jim had gone straight home to bed. He felt a lot better today and so, Jim vowed to ask Rick out as soon as their shift was over.
Jim had been thinking about the path his life had taken. The shooting had brought things into perspective. He'd come very close to dying and he knew he needed to make some changes. Throughout, the course of his recovery, the one constant was Warrick. He'd been with him from the beginning, from the time he was shot to the day he was released. He was at the hospital more than anyone else and Jim believed that Rick's presence helped to speed his recovery. In truth, over the last few years, Jim had developed a deep love for Warrick. It was gradual and he never even noticed it until he woke up in the hospital and found Warrick sitting by his bedside. Jim didn't think that Rick would ever feel that way about him, but - he was in the process of getting a divorce. So, maybe there was hope after all. 'Yeah, right.' Jim thought. 'And pigs have wings.' Jim sat the paperweight back down on his desk and started going through his case files. He absentmindedly stroked the paperweight every so often, and thought about Rick.
******
As the night wore down and dawn approached, Warrick sat in the break room, sipping his coffee and brooding about his stupid dream, from the previous day. He wanted Jim so badly, it was starting to mess with his mind. He got up to get a refill when Nick entered. Nick was wearing a silly grin. The one that told Warrick - he was up to something.
"Ok, Nicky - what have you done now?"
"What - no, how ya doing? Glad to see ya, nothin? Just - what have you done? That's real nice, but you'll be thanking me soon enough."
"Fuck! I knew it. You couldn't leave well enough alone. If you left that man an anonymous gift.... I'm... I'm gonna kill you, Nick."
"Relax, bro. All I did was put a really nice jade paperweight on his desk. It had a little card with it, stating the meaning of jade and the red dragon symbol that was etched into it. It's beautiful and very tasteful. There was nothing to indicate who left it."
"You're depraved, Nick. If Jim starts asking questions - I'm gonna tell him you did it. So, there! Uh.... What does jade mean?"
"Um, it's a symbol of peace and tranquility and harmony, and the dragon means success." Nick replied, looking a bit flushed."
"Yeah, what else?"
"Nuttin."
"Nuttin, huh? Then how come you're blushing, Nicky?"
"I don't blush, man, but it might have said something about love and erotic powers, or conquest. I don't remember it all."
"You SHITHEAD!" Warrick shouted. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"Is there a problem guys?" Jim said upon entering the break room and noticing that Rick looked pissed as hell."
Nick grinned, "No problem, Jim. Rick's just being his usual stubborn self. How ya doing? Is your headache gone?"
"Yeah, Nick. I feel fine tonight. I was just looking for Rick. Um... I was going to ask you if you wanted to have breakfast with me? I'm sorry I couldn't make it yesterday."
"Sure, sounds great. I'll go change and meet you out front." Warrick said with a smile.
"Nick -- would you like to come along, too?" Jim asked without much enthusiasm.
"No, man. I've got other plans, but thanks anyway."
"Well, if you're sure. I'll go finish filing my paperwork and I'll meet you in the parking lot. See ya in a few, Rick"
"Yeah, I'll be right there." Nick could see the excitement written all over his partner's face and he gave Warrick a sly wink as Jim left the break room.
"Stop that shit, Nick! This is not a damn game. I don't think Jim would appreciate us playing with him. He's been through hell and you're acting like a teenager, playing childish games."
"I'm not playing. This is for real and since you're too chicken to tell him how you feel - somebody's got to give you a push. Just, go and have a good time. Flirt a little or a lot, cause either way, Jim wants you!"
"You don't know that, Nick."
"Well, you're right. I wasn't sure, but I am now. He wants you, man --- bad! So, whatcha waitin for. Go, and in the meantime, I'll be thinking up another gift for Jim."
"Don't! I can think of a gift myself. Thank you very much." Warrick said as he turned his back on his partner."
As soon as Rick left, Nick burst out laughing. This was gonna be good. He had Warrick, hook, line and sinker. He knew it was too much of a challenge for Warrick to resist. He just prayed that he was right about Jim's feelings, other wise his best friend could be seriously hurt.
******
Warrick and Jim laughed and joked their way through breakfast. Warrick took Nick's advice and tried a little flirting. Jim didn't seem to mind one bit. In fact, Warrick thought Jim was doing some flirting of his own. It was fun and this was the happiest Warrick had been in some time. However, Warrick wasn't willing to push it. Not just yet. He was still insecure and not all that certain - how Jim really felt about him. He was going to take it slow and steady.
"So, tell me, what were you and Nick fighting about?" Jim asked, slightly amused. He'd seen the way the two of them carried on and wasn't really concerned about it.
"Nick's stupidity. You know, the boy ain't right." Warrick laughed.
"Yeah, I know. He does have a penchant for trouble. What did he get himself into this time?"
"Ah, nothin really. He just wants to drag me along with him into his stupidity, but I got it covered. I can handle Nicky."
"I'm glad somebody can. Nick's middle name should've been trouble with a capital T, but ya gotta love im."
"Oh, I do, but he's fuckin irritating sometimes. He's way too concerned about my love life. I told him he should worry about his own and stay outa mine, but he never listens."
"I think he's just trying to help, but I can see your point. How are things? Are you seeing any one?" Jim asked, clearly interested in Warrick's answer.
"No. It's too soon. My divorce just became final. I got the papers Monday."
"I'm sorry... are you ok with it?"
"I'm fine. It was the right thing for both of us, but enough about me. How about you. Are you seeing anyone?"
"You've got to be kidding. Who in their right mind would date me?"
"I can think of a lot of people that would date you. Don't be so hard on yourself. You've got a lot to offer." Warrick stated with conviction.
"Right, if you say so, but I might just have a secret admirer." Jim said with a hint of a smile.
"Why? What would make you think that?" Warrick asked.
"I found a jade paperweight on my desk. I'd never seen it before and it came with a little card. At first, I thought maybe it was from Gil, that is, until I read the card. There's no way it was from Gil."
"What'd it say?"
"It said that jade was given by lovers to represent love and devotion. It's suppose to have erotic powers and enhance sexual performance."
"Ha, no... I don't think it was from Gris." Warrick laughed.
"Definitely not. Oh, well -- I'm not a detective for nothin. I'll figure it out eventually. Anyway, it was probably a fluke."
"Well, I got to get going. I have to run a few errands before I go home. I really enjoyed this. Let's do in again, ok?" Warrick asked hopefully.
"Sure, but next time I'm buying. No arguments. I'll see ya tonight."
"Ok, get some rest." Warrick smiled as he watched Jim leave the diner. He wasn't seeing anyone. Warrick was more than a little relieved. And Jim seemed rather pleased about his gift. This might be fun, after all.
Warrick made one last stop before heading home. He went to a specialty store that catered to personalized coffee mugs. They had a large selection of police mugs with badges on them. He picked out a mug in a warm chocolate color. It matched Warrick's skin tone perfectly and it had some gold marbling through it. The badge on the front was an exact replica of a Las Vegas police captain's badge. He asked the clerk how long it would take to have Jim's name and badge number imprinted on it. The clerk stated that if he was willing to wait a few minutes, he could do it on site.
So, Warrick waited and when he left he had a personalized mug, that said. Captain Jim Brass, LVPD, badge #R9197. Warrick was pleased with his handy work. Jim loved his coffee and he really did need a new mug. His old one had seen better days.
******
Jim Brass was a little surprised, to say the least, when he entered his office and found a new coffee mug sitting on his desk. It was really nice. It had his name and badge number on it. Ok, so it wasn't a fluke. He really did have a secret admirer. This was becoming intriguing and his curiosity was peaked. He knew it had to be an inside job. Not just anyone could get into his office and only the people he worked closely with - would know his badge number. 'Hmm, maybe Catherine.' he thought. 'No, not a chance.' He wasn't Catherine's type. The gifts were thoughtful and somewhat masculine. At the moment, though, it had him baffled. Who would be leaving him gifts? Jim decided to keep a closer eye on his office and start asking questions. Maybe the receptionist had seen something. It was a place to start, anyway. So, Jim took off hell bent on interrogating the unsuspecting receptionist.
******
"Hey, Rick. Wait up." Nick called to Warrick.
"Nick, where ya been?"
"Out on a case with Greg. We just got back. Where are you going?"
"I'm done and callin it a night, or morning. How long are you gonna be?"
"I still got some lab work to do. It's gonna be awhile yet. How'd your date with Jim go?" Nick asked, grinning like a fool.
"It wasn't a date, you moron. It was just breakfast with a friend."
"Really, well, I guess - then - you don't want to know what Jim's been up to?"
"What?"
"I'm not sure I should tell you. You're being a real jerk."
"Nick, if you don't tell me right now - I'm gonna bust you upside your head."
"God, you're cranky! All right, already. Me and Greg were just talking to Sally. She seemed upset. So, we asked her if she was ok and she told us that Brass had given her the third degree. Apparently, someone's been sneaking into his office and leaving little presents. She mentioned a jade paperweight and a marbled coffee mug, that had Jim's name and badge number on it. Now, of course, the paperweight I knew about, but the coffee mug was a surprise. You've been busy... haven't you? By the way, the mug was a great idea."
"You didn't tell Greg about this, did you? Cause if you did - I'm gonna put my foot up your ass!"
"No, man. I ain't told nobody. So, relax. Besides, even if I did, Greg would go along with it. He'd think it was hysterical."
"I'm warning you, Nick."
"Oh, please! Get real. Like I was saying, Jim's asking a lot of questions. Sally's not the only one he's talked to. I'm telling ya, bro - the chase is on. He's chomping at the bit, to know who his secret admirer is. Whatcha gonna give him next?" I think a couple of more things should do it and don't be too subtle on the last one. We do want him to figure it out, right?"
"You're enjoying this way too much, Nick. But, yes - I want him to figure it out. I've decided to go for it and see where it leads. I was on my way to look for him when you jumped me."
"You need any help thinking up another gift?"
"I thought you had lab work to do. You'd better get at it, Nicky. Times a wastin."
"Yeah, I know what you're up to. You just want Jim all to yourself. Well, so be it. I'll see ya. Call me later and let me know how it goes."
"I'll be sure and do that, Nick." Warrick said with a smirk. "You want me to call and let you know if I get laid, too?"
"Yuck! Don't even go there."
"Hey, you started it. Anyway, I'm gone. See ya."
"See ya." Nick couldn't get the mental image of Warrick getting laid out of his head, but it really wasn't as bad as he had initially thought. He might even be able to get used to the idea.
******
Warrick searched the building, looking for Jim, but it was not to be. It seemed, Jim had been called away. So, Warrick would just have to wait until tonight to see him again and maybe make another date. Uh.... no... not a date. Just two friends hanging out.
Warrick didn't go directly home, though. He was beginning to enjoy shopping, especially for Jim. His foray took him into an upscale jewelry store, but it had other items as well. Warrick noticed a beautiful letter opener in the window. It was silver, and it had garnets and opals set in the handle. Warrick thought it'd be perfect, because the gems - were his and Jim's birthstones. Garnet for Jim, who was born in January and opal for Warrick, who was born in October. It turned out to be a little pricey, but Warrick didn't care. It was exactly what he wanted. The clerk was more that happy to help him. He even gift wrapped it for him. Warrick left the jewelry store extremely satisfied with his purchase. Jim would love it.
The next night, Warrick stealthily slipped into Jim's office and laid the beautifully gift wrapped box on the desk. He made sure he wasn't seen and then he slipped back out just as quickly.
******
Jim was tired. It had been a long exhausting shift. Bad guys were everywhere tonight. Jim was heading for his office and the bottle of scotch, he had stashed in his desk drawer. The blue iridescent box caught his eye immediately and he thought, 'damn, I'm really popular - three gifts in less than a week.'
All thoughts of drinking, suddenly left his head. He was too excited now. He sat down and carefully opened the beautifully gift wrapped box. Inside was a stunning silver letter opener. It had some gem stones set in the handle. Garnets and opals. This was interesting. Garnet was his birthstone. That had to be the significance. So, since garnet was his, who did the opal belong to? He didn't know, right off hand. He wasn't even sure what month opal belonged to, but he was damn sure gonna find out.
Jim turned to his computer and typed in the keywords, opal birth stone, and this is what he saw:
October birthstone opal
October, the opal was for October. He then pulled up personnel records and went through each one carefully. Two police officers, one detective, three lab techs and Warrick Brown, were all born in October.
Warrick Brown! Jim did a double take and his heart skipped a beat. There was no way! It couldn't be Rick! It was impossible, but still, Jim dared to hope. He knew Warrick's birthday was in October, but it had slipped his mind and he'd never paid attention to birthstones. He went over his breakfast conversation with Rick, but found nothing to indicate that he was his secret admirer. No one had seen anything, at the office, out of the ordinary. So, it had to be someone, who the staff was used to seeing, going in and out of his office. This was going to drive him insane. He had to find out for sure if it was Warrick.
"You SHITHEAD!" Warrick shouted. "Why are you doing this to me?"
Those were the words, Jim recalled, that Warrick had shouted at Nick, just as he'd entered the break room. Warrick told him later at breakfast that Nick was too concerned about his love life. Could it be? Well, he wasn't going to count his chickens before they hatched, but he was going to go and find Rick. It was time for another date, if Rick was willing.
******
Warrick was in the locker-room getting ready to go home and wondering if Jim had found the letter opener, yet. He was deep in thought, when a smoky voice, close to his ear said, "Hey, Rick."
Warrick jumped, slightly startled, and turned to see Jim smiling at him.
"Sorry- didn't mean to scare you. You looked far away. What were you thinking about?" Jim asked.
"Hey, Jim. It's ok. You didn't scare me. Um- I was just thinking about this case I'm working on. What's up?"
"Well, I've been looking for you. I thought maybe you'd like to go have breakfast? Remember, I'm buying this time. But, if you're tired - we can do it another time."
"No, no- I'm not that tired. I need to wind down a little, anyway. It‘s been a long night. Breakfast sounds great, but you don't have to buy."
"I told you, it's on me this time. If you're ready, let's go."
"Oh, I'm more than ready. Ah- I mean.. yes, I'm ready. Lets go." Jim noticed that Rick seemed really nervous this morning and he'd caught the slip about being more than ready. Maybe, just maybe, Jim was right about Warrick, but he had to be absolutely certain.
At breakfast, Jim noticed that Rick was a little quieter than the last time. He seemed almost afraid. Why would Warrick be afraid? Warrick was the epitome of beauty. At least, he was to Jim. So, he tried to draw him out more. Jim turned the conversation to his secret admirer. He wanted to gage Rick's reaction and see if he could get some more clues.
"Hey - remember, I told you someone left me a jade paperweight and that I thought it was probably a fluke. Well, I got two more gifts this week."
"Really?" Warrick feigned surprise. "What were they?"
"A really nice coffee mug with my name and badge number on it and a beautiful silver letter opener. I think it was expensive. It had gemstones in the handle. This is really getting bizarre. I can't imagine who'd be leaving me gifts."
"Have you asked around?" Warrick questioned, knowing perfectly well that he had.
"Oh, yeah. I asked the receptionist and some other people and nobody saw anything. Strange, huh?"
"Very! Maybe you should put a hidden camera in your office." Warrick suggested. "You might be able to catch the person on tape. I could ask around discretely for you. They might talk to me." Warrick remained cool as a cucumber.
"Yeah, those are some good ideas, but I don't really want to waste department funds on a camera. But, if you want to ask around, that's ok. You're right.. they might talk to you easier than me. Are you sure you don't mind?"
"No. I don't mind at all. My curiosity is getting the better of me. I want to know who's leaving you presents." Warrick gave just a slight smirk.
"Yeah, think how I feel. I've never had a secret admirer before and I must admit, it's kind of flattering. I'm not usually the object of someone's desires."
"Well, you should be." Warrick blurted out before he could stop himself and then looked away fast.
Jim couldn't help but smile. There was definitely something in Warrick's demeanor. He had slipped twice tonight and Jim was beginning to believe that Rick really was his secret admirer. He'd give it a few more days and see if anything else turned up on his desk. And then, he'd spring into action. Jim thought, ‘maybe I should have a little chat with Nick.'
******
That morning, Warrick lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. He just couldn't sleep. He now had the feeling that Jim was suspicious. It was the birthstone that tipped him off. That had to be it. Warrick wasn't sure what his next move should be, but he wanted to leave Jim another gift - something more personal this time. He could almost hear Nick whispering in his ear, "How about some chocolate body paint, bro?" And Warrick laughed out loud at the thought. He was still thinking about it when sleep finally took him away, and his dreams that morning were filled with love, lust, sex and chocolate body paint.
When Warrick awoke, he still had several hours before the start of his shift. He considered calling Jim and asking him to dinner, but he changed his mind. It would just add to Jim's suspicions. After all, they'd just had breakfast together. So, Warrick decided to go shopping instead. He still didn't know what he was going to get Jim, but maybe something would grab his attention, like the letter opener had.
Warrick ended up at the mall. He'd had dinner and browsed through several shops, but still hadn't found anything that caught his fancy. He looked around for another half hour, or so and was about to give up, when he stopped in one last shop.
This was a novelty store and it had all sorts of romantic items. Warrick wasn't sure about this. Some of the things were just too blatantly sexual, but Warrick kept looking. He approached the counter. Something on the wall behind it had caught his attention. It was some kind of scroll. Warrick asked the clerk what it was and he explained that they recreated famous love poems on parchment paper. The clerk showed Warrick a book, listing all the poems they had. This was what Warrick was looking for. Something romantic and personal, but not too over the top. He picked a poem, one of his favorites. He didn't know if Jim appreciated poetry. But, at least, the poem he'd picked, was short and to the point. The clerk had it printed, in calligraphy, on parchment paper and then rolled it up and tied it with a burgundy silk ribbon. Warrick saw one more item in the case at the counter and he told the clerk, he'd take that, too. Warrick had the clerk print up a card to go with it and he slipped it inside the little gold box.
Warrick made it to work with a few minutes to spare. He covertly made his way to Jim's office and scanned the area before entering. He laid the scroll and the small gold box, containing the other item, on Jim's desk. Then he hurried out and headed to Gil's office to get his assignment.
******
Meanwhile, down in the locker-room, Jim and Nick were engaged in conversation. Jim had been telling Nick about all gifts he'd been receiving. Nick was just soooo surprised.
"Wow, man, that's amazing." Nick said wide-eyed. "And you have no idea who's doing it?"
"No. I don't have a clue, Nick. You haven't seen or heard anything, have you?"
"Nope, not a thing, but I sure will keep a look out. I'll let you know, right off, if I find out something."
"Thanks, Nick. I'm surprised Warrick didn't tell you about it. I mentioned it at breakfast the other morning. He said he would quietly ask around."
Nick stuttered "Ah- well- um, I haven't seen Rick. He'll probably tell me later."
"Oh, I'm sure he will, Nick. I'm sure he will."
"Ah, I got to go, Jim. I'll talk at ya later."
"Sure, Nick." Jim was smiling as Nick rushed out of the locker-room. Nick Stokes was a great guy and a good friend, but he couldn't tell a lie to save his own life. He did blush very prettily, though. Jim was almost positive, that Rick was his secret admirer. It was just too much of a coincidence. No one else with an October birthday was close to him and that coupled with Nick's behavior was almost enough to convince him. Almost, but not quite. He just had to be sure.
Jim left the locker-room and went straight to his office. Warrick should be in the building by now, and so he was anxious to see if there were any more little surprises waiting for him. He wasn't disappointed, either. There on his desk lay some kind of scroll and next to in sat a little gold box. Jim decided to open the scroll first. He removed the silk ribbon and unrolled the scroll. He was amazed at what it said:
It lies not in our power to love or hate,
For will in us is overruled by fate.
When two are stripped, long ere the course begin,
We wish that one should love, the other win;
And one especially do we affect
Of two gold ingots, like in each respect:
The reason no man knows; let it suffice
What we behold is censured by our eyes.
Where both deliberate, the love is slight:
Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?
Poem by Christopher Marlowe
Jim sat down hard and took a shaky breath. He couldn't believe his eyes -- a love poem. Something in his mind clicked. He remembered, once, that Warrick had said, he liked poetry. Jim was almost too stunned to open the gold box, but after composing himself, he finally managed to get it open. Inside was gold heart keychain, correction, half a heart. Jim picked up the keychain and looked at it. It said I lov- the other half of the heart was missing. Jim looked back inside the box and noticed a card. He picked it up and this is what it said:
I give half my heart to you.
Know that the rest of it, is
Yours for the taking, if you
want it. This is not a joke!
Jim never supposed that this was a joke - not even from the beginning. The gifts were too well thought out and expensive. Whoever left them was very serious and Jim's wildly beating heart led him to the truth. No one, but Warrick, would know him so well. Jim thought back on all the times he'd spent with Rick after the shooting. He recalled the soft looks and gentle touches. He remembered the fear and concern, he saw in the depths of those green eyes. He might've even seen the love, if only - he'd looked a little deeper.
******
Nick was roaming the halls looking for Warrick, when he finally spotted him in one of the labs. He rushed in, looking rather flushed. Warrick sat up and took notice.
"Something wrong, Nick? You look like the devil's been chasing you."
"Nah, but I've been looking all over for you. I think Jim is onto us. He asked me a whole lota questions, earlier, but I did a good cover up job. So, don't worry. I think I convinced him that we don't know nothin."
Warrick rolled his eyes at Nick. He knew how convincing Nick was when he was trying to lie. So, now, Jim probably knew exactly what was going on. Warrick just smiled.
"What, man? I swear I didn't tell him nothin."
"I believe you, Nick, but the game is almost up, anyway."
"Whatcha mean?"
"I mean - that I'm about to let the cat outa the bag. And if you've been wrong, all this time, about Jim's feeling for me, then I suggest you prepare yourself for my funeral."
"Ah, man- I'm not wrong. He loves you."
"You really believe that, Nick?"
"Yes I do, and deep down so do you. Am I right?"
"Uh, maybe. I guess.. he does seem to care for me, but I'm not sure what he'll think after he opens his latest gift."
"Ooh, what did ya get him."
"You're gonna think it's silly, but it's the only thing I could think of."
"Damn, man-. What? I won't think it's silly. I promise."
"I bought him a custom made scroll with a famous love poem written on it and a half a heart keychain. I have the other half in my pocket."
Nick desperately wanted to laugh, but somehow managed to hold back. A love poem for Jim Brass, that was too funny.
"Ah, what was the poem?" Nick swallowing his laugh, asked.
"It was by Christopher Marlowe. It's really short but meaningful, ya know."
"Yeah, sounds- great. What about the keychain - let me see it?"
Warrick pulled the keychain out of his pocket and showed it to Nick. He explained to Nick about the card he had put in the box with it. Nick thought that was priceless and grinned madly at his best friend.
Just outside the door to the lab, Jim Brass watched Warrick and Nick as they talked. He heard snatches of what they were saying, but couldn't really make it out. It wasn't until Warrick pulled something gold and shiny out of his pocket, that Jim's breath caught in his throat. There dangling from Warrick's fingertips was half a gold heart. The other half, that rightfully belonged to him. And by God, he was going to have it and everything else that went with it.
Jim Brass slowly backed away from the lab, being careful not to let Nick and Rick see him, and made a bee-line for the parking lot. He had things to do in order to get ready for a special evening. Warrick was off tomorrow and so was he, and if everything went according to plan, Jim would have Warrick writhing beneath him, before the night was over. Then again, maybe he should take it slow. He didn't want to frighten the man, but, after all, it was Rick who'd started this in the first place. Jim would just have to play it by ear and see how things progressed.
Life really was funny. Who would've ever thought that the most beautiful creature on the planet, would fall in love with the likes of him. Jim still wasn't sure this was real, but he'd seen the keychain dangling from Rick's fingers. A stray thought struck him. ‘What if it was Nick? Nah, it couldn't be.' That would be just too absurd. Jim knew deep down that it was Rick. He could see it in his eyes and Jim loved him back with all his heart. He was going to plan a special evening just for the two of them, and he was going to be just as devious about it as Rick had been.
******
Warrick was getting ready to leave work, but he tried to find Jim first. He asked around, but no one had seen him. Sally finally told Warrick that she'd seen Jim leave the building earlier and that he looked like he'd been in quite a hurry. Now, Warrick started to worry. He still wasn't sure if Jim had feelings for him or not. What if he didn't? He would end up looking pretty foolish, or worse, what if Jim was mad? Warrick entered the deserted locker-room and went to his locker. When he opened it there was a card inside. It looked like an invitation of some kind. He opened it and read what it said:
"Don't make any plans for this evening!
Love, your secret admire."
Warrick was stunned over the whole thing. Could the card really be from Jim? Maybe Nick was playing a prank, but he really didn't think Nick would do that. And when he finally made it home, he was so wound up that sleep was a long time coming. Warrick's mind was in a whirl and his self doubts kept seeping into his dreams. He tossed and turned the entire morning, and woke up around noon with little energy. He knew he had to try and get some more sleep. Something was planned for this evening. He just didn't know what or with whom. His nerves were paper thin at this point and the wait might do him in. He didn't even know what time this event was taking place or where.
After showering and dressing, Warrick fixed himself some lunch. He really didn't feel like going out. So, he decided to just stay home and watch some TV. He fell asleep on the couch and when he woke again it was almost four p.m. He got up and headed to the kitchen, but he was sidetracked by the doorbell. When Warrick opened the door, there was no one in sight. He looked around and noticed something sticking out of his mailbox. It was a single red rose and it had a card attached to it. It read:
"I'll pick you up at eight.
Love, your secret admirer."
Warrick was thoroughly confused. Who was picking him up at eight? It couldn't be Nick. He had to work tonight. Warrick's heart began to beat out of control. 'Oh, God! Could it be Jim?' Warrick thought. He wasn't sure, but who else would it be. All Warrick really knew for sure was that he had a date with someone at eight o'clock. He'd just have to wait and see and, in the meantime, try and get his nerves under control.
Warrick was in the bedroom getting ready for his mystery date. It was around six o'clock, when he heard the doorbell, once again. He knew it was too early for his date. So, he hurried to the door and hesitantly looked out the peep hole. Standing on the porch was a delivery man, holding a package. Warrick opened the door and signed for the package. He couldn't begin to imagine what it might be. He took the package over to the sofa, sat down and removed the lid. Inside, to his surprise, was a beautiful miniature, crystal piano. The little tag said Genuine Austrian Crystal. It was truly beautiful and Warrick loved it. There was another card inside the box and when Warrick read it he smiled. It said:
"You have become the music of my soul.
Love, your secret admirer."
It was just like Jim - short, sweet and to the point. It had to be him. Warrick was positive and his anticipation was building with each passing second. He wasn't sure how he was going to keep it together until eight o'clock. He went back to *trying* to get ready, but it wasn't easy. He was too excited and the wait was becoming excruciating. Time was passing way too slowly for Warrick's liking, but eventually the clock struck eight. Right on cue, the doorbell rang and Warrick sprinted to answer it. He paused for just a second to get his breathing under control, and peeked out the peep hole. Sure enough, there was Jim and Warrick's heart did a little dance.
A grinning Warrick opened the door and let his, hopefully - soon to be, lover in.
"Hey, there, Jim. You look good."
"Hey, yourself and thanks. You look gorgeous!"
"Ah, thanks. This was quite a surprise, and the piano - I assume it was from you."
"Yup. Do you like it?"
"Oh, I love it. It's beautiful and I liked the card, too. That was very sweet."
"Hmm, sweet, huh? I don't think anyone has ever called me sweet before, but if you say so."
"I say so." Warrick said beaming. "Would you like a drink?"
"No thanks. I think we should go - if you're ready. I've got a full evening planned. I hope you didn't have other plans. I know I didn't exactly give you much advanced notice."
"That's ok. I was just going to stay in and watch the tube. This is definitely better."
"Great!" Jim said smiling.
"Where are we going." Warrick questioned, but Jim would have none of it.
"You'll just have to wait and see. But, I think you'll like it." Jim seemed rather pleased with himself.
Warrick got in the passenger side of Jim's car and when Jim took his keys out of his pocket, Warrick noticed that they were on a half a heart keychain. He smiled to himself, because he knew the jig was definitely up. Jim knew exactly who his secret admirer was, now and so did he.
"Where are we going?" Warrick asked, the curiosity killing him.
"The suspense is really making you crazy, isn't it?" Jim teased. "But you're not a control freak or anything, are you?"
"Okay, so I'm not big on surprises. I've never gotten many good ones."
"Can't argue with that. But your luck is about to change," Jim added, turning into the parking lot of the Stratosphere.
"Why are we at the Stratosphere?" Warrick asked, excitedly.
"Because we have dinner reservations at Top of the World."
"You're kidding? It's take weeks to get a reservation here. How'd you get one so fast?" Warrick asked, very impressed.
"Hey, I've got connections. I just called in a few markers." Jim smirked.
"I'm not sure I'm dressed well enough for Top of the World."
"You look gorgeous, Babe. I'll be the envy of the entire restaurant. Come on - don't be nervous. Let's go."
Once inside, they took the elevator up to the Top of the World. The place really did live up to it's reputation. It was amazing and elegant. Rick had always meant to come here, but he'd just never made the time. They were shown to their table near the windows and they looked out on the breathtaking view of Vegas.
Dinner was wonderful. Warrick ordered the colossal shrimp and scallops, while Jim had the prime rib. Their meal was cooked to perfection. Jim was extremely attentive and the conversation was light and humorous.
"Tell me, Rick - how'd you come up with the secret admirer bit?"
"Well, the truth is, Nick came up with it."
"Nick?"
"Yup. It was all his fault." Warrick laughed. "He said I was too chicken to ask you out. So, he told me to be subtle. He said leave him some little gifts and see how long it takes him to figure it out. I just couldn't resist."
"How long did you think it would take me to figure it out?" Jim asked with a devious grin.
"Actually, not long. I think the letter opener pretty much gave it away. Am I right?"
"Oh, yeah. Opal for October. You're the only one with an October birthday that was even a remote possibility. I had a passing moment of absurdity, where I thought it might be Nick, but I quickly let that go. Nick wasn't born in October. But, I want to know why you didn't just ask me out?"
"Honestly, I was afraid. Nick was right. I was too chicken and I didn't really think you'd go out with me. My relationships never seem to work out and I didn't think you'd be interested. I mean... it's not like you ever gave me any indication that you might want me in that way. It didn't really hit me, until you were shot, how much I cared about you. I was terrified that you were going to die. So, Nick finally pushed me into making a move - right or wrong."
"Well, I'm sure as hell glad he did. I'll let you in on a little secret - I've wanted you for a while now, ever since we were in L.A. together. You know, that last night that you came to my motel room, I almost asked you to stay, but I just couldn't find the courage to do it. It's not like you ever gave me any indication either. For a long time I thought you hated my guts and I really, really -- didn't like you." Jim grinned.
That last statement didn't seem to sit well with Warrick. He looked positively crestfallen. "You really didn't like me?" he asked, softly.
"Damn, couldn't stand the sight of you." Jim said laughingly. And, of course, you know I'm lying like a dog. You pushed all the wrong buttons, or maybe they were the right buttons. I just couldn't tell the difference. It wasn't until the trip to LA, that I figured out *why* I'd always been so hard on you. You drove me crazy, because I wanted to make love to you so badly. I Just figured I never get the chance. So, the next best thing was trying to be your friend. And then, I got shot! That threw a monkey wrench into the whole thing. When I woke up and found you at my bedside, I didn't know how I was gonna get by with just being your friend."
Warrick was smiling again, almost to the point of glowing. "Well, now you don't have too." Rick grinned.
Jim raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about this, Rick? I'm not the most even tempered person in the world. I tend to get cranky sometimes and you're just coming out of a divorce. I know it couldn't have been easy for you. My divorce was a nightmare."
"You think this is some kind of rebound thing?" Warrick asked, mildly irritated. He knew it wasn't because of his divorce. He'd wanted Jim even before he'd married Tina.
"It's not that far fetched, Rick. Rebound flings happen all the time. I just want you to be sure, because if this happens - I plan on keeping you."
"I'm gonna hold you to that. So, now - I'm gonna tell you a little secret, too. If you had asked me to stay with you in LA, I would've said yes. If I'd ever thought you wanted me, I never would have married Tina. This is not on the rebound! I've wanted you for a very long time." There was no doubt that Warrick was serious. Everything showed in his expressive eyes, that, at this moment, were filled with love and desire. It made all of Jim's blood rush straight to his nether regions.
Jim smiled an almost sappy smile. He was about to grab the brass ring and hold on for dear life. He decided, right there and then, that this ride was definitely worth taking. Going back was not even an option.
After dinner, Jim smiled and asked, "Are you ready for phase two?"
"This was wonderful. You mean... there's more?"
"Oh, yeah. I've got something special planned. We're going someplace where we can get up close and personal."
"Oh, now I'm intrigued. You're not going to tell me, are you?"
"Not a chance! You'll just have to wait and see. You're not the patient type, are you, Rick?"
"Well, no... not always. But, I'll try my best."
When they pulled into the parking lot at Gypsy, Warrick's mouth was hanging open. He just couldn't believe it.
"Jim, you do know this is a gay club?"
"I've been around, Rick. I know what it is. What, you don't want to go in?"
"Ah, I didn't say that. I just never thought you'd want to go to someplace like this."
"And what's wrong with this place?" Jim asked amused. "It's got exactly what I want. A dance floor, where I can hold you close."
Warrick was ecstatic, beyond words. He never pictured himself dancing with Jim, but he was rapidly warming up to the idea. Warrick always loved music, but he'd never been all that enthralled with dancing. The thought of Jim's body pressed up close to his, was playing havoc with his hormones. He felt like a sex crazed teenager, at the moment.
They entered the club and found a table near the bar, but still close to the dance floor. Warrick didn't know how they'd gotten so lucky. That is, until Jim winked at the bartender. Boy, Jim really did have connections. It seemed he had them everywhere. He wasn't crazy about Jim winking at the guy behind the bar, though. He gave Jim a little irritated look, but Jim just grinned at him.
They ordered their drinks and settled in. Gypsy had a great dance floor and some of the best music around. They sat and watched the activities around them, soaking up the atmosphere. Finally, after a few minutes, a slow song began to play. Jim took Warrick by the hand and led him out onto the dance floor.
They reached the dance floor and began to sway gently to the music. "This is nice." Warrick was quiet a minute, relaxing into just moving a little with the easy beat of the music. Jim's arms were around his waist, and Warrick's hands were on Jim's shoulders. It didn't feel nearly as wooden as he thought it might've, being their first dance, and all. It all felt good. It felt like home. He knew he'd been using their height difference to avoid eye contact with Jim, but now he made the effort to change that. There was something more intimate in that eye contact than there could have been in a kiss.
"It's better than nice," Jim said, his voice sounding a little husky. "It's been the best evening out I've ever had."
Warrick smiled and held Jim a little tighter, lowering his head so he could nuzzle the side of Jim's cheek. Jim turned his head just slightly and there lips chastely brushed each others. Warrick felt the jolt of electricity and his knees went a bit weak. Just then, the music wound down. Gypsy had a live band that night and the saxophonist announced the musicians were taking a short break.
"I guess we should go back to the table," Warrick said, since neither of them had moved, and most of their fellow dancers were leaving the floor.
"Can't let that wine go to waste," Jim responded, seeming a bit disappointed that a special moment had passed with the cessation of the music.
After a few minutes, and some more wine and casual conversation, the band headed back up onto the stage.
"Looks like the music's going to start up again."
"Let's get out there," Jim said, standing again, as the band began to play another slow song.
"This was a great idea, Jim. Now I get what the lure of dancing is."
"Anything has a lure when you're doing it with the right person," Jim replied, holding out his hand, smiling brightly when Warrick readily took it, and they moved out to the dance floor hand in hand like so many of the other couples.
As the music played Jim and Warrick were completely enraptured by each other. They held each other close and Jim lightly stroked Warrick's back. The club was so warm and smoky. Warrick wasn't sure if he wanted to break the magic of their close embrace to look into Jim's eyes, but the pull was to powerful, and he did just that. Their eyes met and locked on one another. A moment later, the song still playing, Jim pulled Warrick down a little, and Warrick put up no resistance. He let his feelings guide him and all his rational thoughts were lost to the moment.
Their lips met, and true to his passionate nature, Jim didn't wait more than a heartbeat before his tongue slid out to test the waters, to see if Warrick was as swept away by the moment as he was. Despite the butterflies in his stomach that felt more like a flock of wild seagulls, Warrick threw himself into the kiss, giving it all he had. He opened his mouth for Jim and sent his own tongue on an expedition into uncharted waters. The kiss was long and sizzling, and better than anything Warrick could remember. Of course, his capacity to remember his own name was shaky right then.
Just before the music ended, their lips separated from one another. As wonderful as the kiss had been, the look that followed it, reached down into the pit of Warrick's soul and found where he lived and breathed.
"Maybe we should take a little break, have a little sip of wine," Warrick suggested. Jim nodded.
"Good idea." Jim smirked. "Otherwise, they might get more of a floorshow than they bargained for."
As the evening grew late, Jim pulled Warrick close and whispered in his ear. "Are you ready for phase three?"
"More than ready. Especially, if it has anything to do with getting naked." Warrick smiled sheepishly at Jim.
Jim grinned at Warrick and replied, "I think that can be arranged."
"Great! Your place or mine?"
"Neither."
"Huh?"
"You'll see." Jim said, with a sly wink of his eye.
"Oh, here we go again. More surprises." But, Warrick was finding out that he really did like surprises. Especially, when they came from Jim.
When they pulled up in front of the Paris Las Vegas, Warrick was speechless. The valet took Jim's car keys and the doorman ushered them into the hotel. Jim completely bypassed the hotel front desk and made his way to the elevator, with Warrick following close behind. Once in the elevator, Warrick gave Jim a questioning glance, but Jim just looked up at the ceiling and whistled a happy tune.
Warrick started to laugh. This was the most incredible date he'd ever had and it wasn't over yet.
When they arrived at their room, Jim pulled out a card and inserted in the door. When Jim opened it, Warrick was breathless. The room was amazing, done all in European furnishings. It had a king size bed, a bar and an entertainment center. On the table were a dozen red roses and a chilled bottle of champagne, with two crystal flutes.
Jim went over to the champagne and popped the cork. He poured a glass for Warrick and one for himself. He smiled beguilingly at Rick, "So, you like the room?"
"Oh, yeah. This is fantastic, but you should've let me know. I didn't pack an overnight bag, because I didn't know I'd be staying anywhere over night."
"Your overnight bag is just through that door." Jim replied casually, trying his best to look innocent, but it wasn't working."
"And, tell me, how did you get my overnight bag?" Warrick asked, his voice laced with humorous suspicion.
"Umm, I had just a tiny bit of help from a mutual friend."
"Let me guess, Nicky?"
"Yup, Nicky."
"That boy is too much. He not only conspired with me, now he conspiring with you. Who's side is he on, anyway?"
"I believe, he's on our side." Jim said as he removed the champagne flute from Warrick's hand and sat in on the table. He reached up and pulled Warrick down for a languid kiss. He just couldn't wait another second. He lust was raging out of control, at this point, but he was determined to take it slow. He wanted this to be a night Rick would never forget.
Warrick closed the small distance between them, pulling Jim closer. Their lips met and pressed against each other, their arms slid around each other's bodies and mouths opened, the kiss deepening. Jim wasn't quite prepared for the surge of desire he felt from Warrick, a growing hardness between them, Warrick's hands grabbed his shirt and pulled it out of his pants, then slid under it, and up his back. If he'd been a woman with long nails, he'd have left fiery trails in Jim's skin. As it was, everywhere the eager fingers touched seemed to burn in their wake.
Finished being responsible or conservative, Jim pushed Warrick's jacket off his shoulders and when it had fallen to the floor, worked the buttons of Warrick's shirt, never allowing their mouths to separate. He managed to pull Rick's shirt off one shoulder and partway down his arm before Warrick ceased cooperating and went back to pulling at Jim's shirt. Faced with a bared neck and shoulder, Jim left Rick's mouth and moved to his neck, sucking and kissing his way toward Rick's shoulder.
"Bed," Warrick gasped before Jim covered his mouth again, thrusting his tongue deep inside.
They stumbled a bit awkwardly and very hastily to the bed, falling onto the it, still tugging at stubborn clothing, kicking off shoes, and all the while barely missing a beat in their hungry shared kisses. Lying atop Warrick, Jim finally came up for air and looked into Rick's eyes. There was a little wonder there, a little fear, but more than anything else, there was love, and there was that something special that Jim always saw in Rick's eyes, just for him.
"I love you, you know," Jim said, unable to resist holding that eye contact a bit longer.
"I know," Warrick replied, laying his hand on Jim's cheek. "I love you even more than I thought I did," he admitted, smiling when Jim pressed his hand closer against his cheek. "I spent half an hour picking out the right shirt," he said, and Jim laughed out loud then, appreciating the thought but glad the shirt was in a pile next to the bed, and he was able to feel Rick's skin pressed against his.
"Is this okay?" he asked, one hand on Rick's belt buckle.
"It's better than okay. No limits," Rick added.
"No limits," Jim agreed, before divesting Rick of his pants and boxers in one smooth move. He didn't offer Rick any resistance when he returned the favor, and they were finally able to lie there together, struggling to get as much skin against skin as possible.
Jim found himself smiling into the eager kisses they were sharing as their legs tangled together and their hands explored places off-limits, until now. Even Rick's hand sliding over his hip, fingertips skimming near the seam of his buttocks on its journey down to the back of his thigh didn't unnerve him the way he feared it would. Warrick was making love to him everywhere he could reach, and no place in particular.
Rick's mouth found Jim's nipple, licking and sucking it, startling him with the intensity of the sensation. He reached down and gripped Rick's hard cock, pumping it, loving the way Rick's head tilted back as he gasped, his heart touched by a stray tear that was trickling from the corner of Rick's eye. He kissed it away, pressing his forehead against Rick's for a moment, waiting to share a gaze, then smiling until Rick smiled back. All that distracted Jim from that wonderful moment was when Rick's hand wrapped around his cock, mirroring the pumping motion his own hand was making.
The physical sensations were intense and amazing, and all the love he'd felt was missing, in all the years of meaningless encounters, was right there, shining back at him from two bottomless green eyes. He felt himself heading for an explosive climax, and he stilled Warrick's hand. He wanted this to last a long time, but most of all he wanted to be encased in the moist heat of Rick's body.
Jim nuzzled Rick's ear and softly whispered, "I want to be inside you, Rick. I've never wanted anything more."
Warrick answered enthusiastically, "Oh, God... Yes! Please, Jim, make love to me."
Jim didn't need any more encouragement than that. He slid down Rick's body and nipped gently at Warrick's inner thighs. He ran his thumb over Rick's heavy sac, pulling a moan from his lover. Jim spread Rick's legs a little further apart and ran his tongue gently around the rim of Rick's opening. Warrick began to writhe as Jim's tongue penetrated his tight entrance. Rick was making the most delicious sound he'd ever heard. It was spurring him on, until finally, he reached for the lube he'd stashed earlier in the night stand.
Warrick groaned in disappointment when Jim's probing tongue left his tight passage. Jim lubed his fingers as quickly as he could, not wanting to be away from Rick's heat for a moment longer than necessary. He gently inserted one finger and searched relentlessly for Rick's sweet spot. He knew he'd found it when Rick cried out his name. "Oh, God... Jim! Please, hurry! Need you!"
"Soon, baby. Soon! Got to make sure you're ready." Jim pushed in with two fingers, this time, scissoring them back and forth. When he was sure Rick wasn't in pain, he inserted a third. Rick screamed, "Now, God.. Now!
Jim removed his fingers and generously lubed his cock. He propped a pillow under Warrick's behind and spread his legs wide. Jim lined up his cock with Warrick's entrance and did a slow slide into Rick's welcoming heat. Rick gasped and tensed for a second. Jim stilled his momentum and held until Warrick adjusted to the invasion. It wasn't long, though, before Rick had his legs wrapped around Jim's waist, pulling him in deeper. Jim gave a tentative thrust, just grazing Rick's prostrate and was rewarded with a breathless moan. Jim angled just a little bit more to the left and thrust again. "Oh, fuck, yes... Jim! That's it! Feels sooo goood!"
Each thrust went deeper than the one before it and Jim was desperately trying to maintain control. He knew it couldn't last much longer. Warrick's shouts were reaching a fevered pitch. "Faster, harder... please, Jim!
Jim complied and sped up his thrusts to a blistering pace. He had taken hold of Rick's cock, stroking and twisting it in time to his thrusts. He was so close, just one more thrust at this pounding pace would certainly do Jim in.
Warrick surprised him by coming first, the sounds he made a combination of pleasured gasps and little sobs, as if the intimacy was something he'd almost physically needed and had been denied too long. Jim opened his eyes and watched Rick come. It was more than he could take without joining him, crying out as he released his seed deep inside of Rick's body.
When their shared climax had passed, Jim pulled Rick into an almost desperate embrace, wanting to be so close that they nearly melted into one body. He loved the feeling of Rick's embrace matching his own strength. It was an amazing thing to hold and be held at the same time, to not be quite certain who was holding whom, and not caring. He wanted to share that thought with Rick, to tell him everything he felt, the way he did about so many things, but the words just weren't there.
"I love you, Jim," Warrick said, his voice hushed and a little muffled against Jim's neck. "It's always been you," he added. Jim hugged him impossibly tighter, unable to respond with anything but kisses, on Rick's cheek, his neck, his shoulder.
"Just so you know," he finally said, his voice husky, "I've love you, too, always. Even from the beginning, I loved you."
Jim released his hold on Rick and rolled over. He reached up and turned the light on over the nightstand. From under his pillow he pulled out a small black box and handed it to Rick.
Rick couldn't believe he was getting another present. He'd received so many over the course of a few hours.
He slowly opened the box and looked at the beautiful gold bands, channel set with opals and garnets. He smiled at Jim, but his eyes held a question.
Jim smiled and said, "One for you and one for me... if you want it?"
Rick removed the gold bands and held one out to Jim. The other he placed on Jim's ring finger. Then he held out his hand to Jim, who placed the other ring on his finger. They sealed their love with a kiss and when they came up for air, Jim was smirking again. "You didn't read the card inside the box, Rick."
Warrick thought, 'this should be good.' he pulled out the card and read the words out loud. "I love you. Guess who?"
Rick laughed and pulled Jim into a hug, before stating emphatically. "I know who! There's no more guess work involved.
The End
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