partners12

Partners

Lennie watched as Annie re-racked the balls. They were playing in her tournament-quality practice room. Before retiring, she had been one of the top-ranked women billiards players on the pro tour. And now, after retiring from the NYPD, Lennie was about to make his debut on the pro pool circuit. There was an event being held at the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City at the end of the month. The extra money he'd gotten from Mike's insurance once his death was classified as job-related meant he wouldn't have to worry about income for a good long while. So he took a couple thousand to enter the tournament. The prize money if he finished in the top 10 was pretty good, but he was realistic enough to know that playing tournament was a lot different from the pool hall hustling he was used to. He hoped his skill would hold him in good stead, but there was no telling. So he was grateful to Annie for letting him practice against her, as she gave him advice about the tournament environment.

He took the break, easily sinking a couple of balls. OK, he had solids. His eyes quickly sought out the yellow "one" ball, and sorted the rest in order. One by one, they fell into pockets exactly as planned. But although the five ball went in, he didn't get enough backspin on the cue to bring it back where he wanted it for the six. Damn. Ok, if he couldn't get the shot, then he'd do his damndest to make sure Annie couldn't get it on her shot either.

Annie chuckled as she approached the table. "Oh, very good, Lennie. VERY good." She turned around and did the same thing to him. "But two can play at that game."

Lennie made a face and studied the table. At first glance, it looked like she had left him without a shot. But Lennie had been practicing something sneaky for just such a situation. He shot right-handed, but had been practicing left-handed. He wasn't quite ambidextrous, but there was a fairly straightforward left-handed shot that might just work. What the hell � he decided to go for it, switching the cue to his left hand and lining up the shot. Annie watched wide-eyed in amazement as he sank the recalcitrant 6-ball.

"Lennie Briscoe! I didn't know you were a switch-hitter!"

That elicited a strangled snort from the peanut gallery. Lennie looked up to see that Munch and Fin had slipped in while he'd been concentrating on the shot. He'd left instructions at the bar to let them � and Ed � in to the private room when they got there. Munch was obviously the source of the rude sound, the laughter evident in his eyes.

Annie just looked at them, as if wondering what she was missing �

Lennie just laughed and shook his head. "I got all kinda surprises up my sleeve, Annie. Shootin' left handed is just one of 'em." He looked directly at Munch as if emphasizing the source of Annie's comment.

Annie looked back and forth between them and decided she didn't want to know. "OK, enough practice for tonight, Lennie. Go have fun with your friends." With that, she shooed them all out of the private room.

The three men headed toward the bar and took up residence in a booth, Lennie sitting facing outward so he could see Ed when he arrived. Although if they had just caught a case late in the day, it could be a while. A waitress brought their drinks, and they ordered some snacks.

Lennie took a deep drink from his club soda and sighed. "I can't believe it's all over. Crossley. Of all people."

Munch gave a sardonic smile and nodded. "Sometimes the universe actually doles out some poetic justice. Although I hear Crossley tried to say it was a police conspiracy to get 'even' for his charges against Logan all those years ago."

Fin laughed. "Yeah, right. But you know, there might be something to it. I hear Lt. Van Buren took a lot of pleasure arresting the chump."

Lennie smiled. "Yeah, she would. You know, I don't think she ever stopped thinking of Mike as one of 'her own.' This wasn't the first time she tried to get him back. She told me she tried when Rey Curtis left, too �" Lennie got quiet as he thought about how differently things might have turned out if Mike had come back as his partner 7 years ago. Or would they have just gone on hiding behind their masks, never admitting their feelings for each other, so close, and yet so far away? His heavy sigh worried his companions.

After a quick look at his partner, Munch reached out and laid his hand over Lennie's arm. "Don't go there, man. What was, was. Can't change that now."

Lennie took a deep breath. "Yeah, I know." He placed his other hand over Munch's, squeezing gently, then pulled away. "I'm ok. Just glad it's over. And glad Mike went out a hero." A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "And you're right, John. Here's to poetic justice." He raised his glass and the others joined him in the salute.

"So how did you get Mrs. Krolinsky up from Jersey so fast?"

Fin grinned. "Soon as we found the badge and gun in Freeman's house, I knew it was all over. Called her right away."

"He was goin' nuts not being able to tell her where Joey was all this time," Munch chimed in. "Regular old softie, when it comes to families, that's my partner."

Lennie had to laugh at the sour look Fin cast at his partner. "Oh, come on, Fin, you know he's right. I could see it in your face when you brought her in."

Fin turned his displeasure toward Lennie. "Great. Now I gotta take this crap from you too?"

Munch laughed. "Oh, give it up already, Fin. So Lennie, you really entering the tournament in AC?"

Lennie nodded. "Already sent in my buy-in. Nice setup they got; they even throw in a free room for the contestants. At least I get a couple of nights of 'luxury' for my money!"

"So what do you think your chances are?"

Lennie shrugged. "I really have no idea. It's a whole different world. Annie seems to think I'll do ok, but I don't know � but what the hell. It's worth a shot. If it works out, I could have a whole second career. And actually KEEP the money this time!"

Munch groaned, thinking of his own alimony payments. But before he could make a comment, the waitress appeared with a mountain of buffalo wings, and they dug in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three hours had passed, and there was still no sign of Ed. The evening had passed pleasantly enough, but now Lennie was getting more and more fidgety, checking his watch every 10 minutes or so. Munch was beginning to wonder if there was something going on here. Or maybe something about to start? // Not unless Green actually SHOWS //

He was just about to say something about calling it a night when the door opened and Ed walked in. He had to bite back a smirk at the look of relief and anticipation that settled on Lennie's face. He glanced at his partner; Fin noticed it too, and winked at him.

Ed spotted them and made his way to their table, sliding in beside Lennie.

"Hey, guys. Sorry to keep you waiting. I've been trying to get out of the precinct for the past hour and a half. Every time I thought we were done, Fontana managed to mess up some paperwork and have to start over, or some such BS. I shoulda' called, I'm sorry, I just kept thinking we were going to be done any minute � I swear, I think he was tryin' to keep me from meeting up with you, Lennie!"

Fin grumbled. "Man's got an attitude. Don't envy you havin' to partner with him."

Ed grinned. "Yeah, well, when you've had the best, anything less is an annoyance!" He punched Lennie's arm affectionately.

Lennie chuckled to hide his embarrassment. "Yeah, right. You just don't like having a partner who dresses better than you do!"

"Course not! I got a reputation to protect!" Ed's feigned indignation set them all laughing.

Their waitress noticed the new arrival and came by to take his drink order, returning a few minutes later with a draft beer. Ed took a long drink and sighed, leaning back.

"Damn, I'm glad that day is over. And even gladder that I've got tomorrow off! No dealing with Mr. Grundy."

Fin looked confused. "Mr. Grundy?"

Ed took another sip of beer and nodded. "Everybody knows a Mr. or Mrs. Grundy. Usually Mrs. The little old lady types who know who you should date, and who you shouldn't, and how you should live your life. Line from a book I remember reading as when I was in college: "Freedom begins when you tell Mrs. Grundy to go fly a kite."

"Here here!" Munch raised his glass in a toast to the sentiment they all could appreciate. Four glasses clinked together.

As they drank, Lennie's face got serious. He paused a moment, then raised his glass in another toast. "I never got to give Mike a proper Irish Wake. So now that it's all over, and that bastard Crossley is goin' down, and Joey is safe, I wanna propose a toast. To Mikey Logan; if there is a Heaven, I hope you're not too bored there!" A smile battled with the tears that stung at the backs of his eyes.

Once again, glasses touched. "To Mike!" came the chorus.

Draining his glass, Munch put it down on the table. "And with that, gentlemen, I think it's time we call it a night. SOME of us have to work tomorrow."

He nudged Fin, who finally caught on and hastened to leave the former partners alone. When they were gone, Ed turned to Lennie.

"You ok?" He could still see a hint of brightness in Lennie's heavily lidded eyes.

Lennie sighed. "Yeah. I'll miss him for a long time. But it's time to move on." He looked pointedly into Ed's eyes.

Ed hesitated; he didn't want to assume anything. "You sure, Lennie? I don't want to push you into somethin' you're not ready for �"

Lennie just smiled softly. "You're not pushing, Ed." His hand slipped over Ed's, just beneath the table.

Ed smiled. "So � what say we head back to my place?"

Lennie grinned. "I thought you'd never ask."

Both their cars were parked outside, so Lennie followed Ed back to his place, stashing the extra car in a nearby garage. It would cost a mint overnight, but at the moment Lennie wasn't worrying about money. He had other things on his mind.

Ed unlocked the apartment door and ushered Lennie in.

"Make yourself at home. I'll be back in a minute."

Lennie smiled, knowing the routine Ed was going through; get home, hang up the suit coat, lose the gun and badge. The almost ceremonial 'unbecomming' of a cop. It had taken him a long time to get used to not doing it anymore.

Lennie wandered around the living area, pausing to look again at the sculpture alcove. In a way, he envied Ed his apparent comfort with his own sexuality. Lennie would never have dreamed of displaying anything in his home that even hinted he was gay. Which was kind of funny, because nobody ever came there anyway. Once upon a time, Cathy might have stopped by, but she'd been dead 7 years now. So much death around him; Cathy, Mikey, all the victims over all his years as a detective. It really was time to change that. Time for him to start living. And loving. Something he'd denied himself for longer than he could remember.

"Lennie?"

Ed's voice and a gentle touch on his back brought him back to the present. He turned around to see his former partner as he'd never seen him before. Ed had traded the suit for a comfortable pair of sweat pants, and nothing else. The broad chest was sparsely dotted with tight dark ringlets, and a fine gold hoop sparkled against one dark nipple. The sight nearly took Lennie's breath away.

"Whoa �" Lennie sighed, almost unaware that he was speaking.

Ed grinned; he knew he looked good, and he was glad Lennie appreciated the show. He reached out, his fingertips brushing Lennie's cheek.

Lennie closed his eyes and sighed softly as Ed's thumb followed the fingers. The fingers wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer. Lennie leaned in willingly, and then the soft warmth of Ed's lips brushed against his own. It was only the barest of contacts, there and gone. But it ignited a fire in Lennie's groin which spread up his spine.

Lennie's arms came up, pulling Ed back to him, his lips eagerly seeking more contact. Ed was happy to comply, opening his lips to let Lennie in. Their tongues dueled, back and forth, exploring, tasting. Lennie's hands drank in the warmth of Ed's naked back, the feel of his skin.

The kiss went on for a long while, as they got lost in each other. Ed was the one who finally broke it, pulling back to look at his partner. "Why don't we get more comfortable?"

Lennie eyed the people-eating couch; if he sat down there now, he wasn't sure he'd get out again. Ed saw the direction of his glance and laughed softly. "I was thinking more like the bedroom."

"Oh!" Lennie grinned sheepishly as Ed took his hand and led him back to the bedroom.

The room was as beautifully appointed as the rest of Ed's apartment, from the cream-colored bedclothes to the beautifully framed photographs on the walls. Lennie noticed that the photos were all nudes, all of men somewhat past the prime of life. The photographer was quite skilled, treating his subjects almost with a reverence for the character that those life experiences had given each man. They were surprisingly beautiful. And sensual.

Ed had paused, letting Lennie look around. Now he came up behind him, wrapping his arms around Lennie's waist, and resting his chin on the older man's shoulder. "You like them?"

Lennie nodded. "Beautiful."

Ed smiled. "I'd love to do some of you."

Surprised, Lennie turned around. "You took those?"

Ed nodded, his pride in his work showing clearly in his eyes.

Lennie shook his head. "Damn. Talk about hidden talents!"

Ed grinned shyly. He couldn't think of anything to say, so instead he pulled Lennie closer and kissed him again, fingers working at the buttons of his shirt. They broke apart long enough for Lennie to shrug out of the shirt. Then Ed gently urged him down onto the bed, laying beside him, caressing his body as they kissed.

His hands slid through the soft gray curls that covered Lennie's chest, brushing over the dusky pink nipples standing at stiff attention. Lennie gasped at the unexpected contact.

Seeing Ed's grin at his reaction, Lennie decided two could play that game. He finally gave in to the desire to run both his hands up that powerful chest, his fingers almost involuntarily seeking out that tiny gold nipple ring, tugging gently on it.

Ed chuckled softly. "Wondered how long you could resist that �"

Lennie grinned at him. "Never woulda figured you for a piercing. But I like it." He tugged on it again, a little harder, getting a sharp intake of breath in response.

"So do I �" Ed responded, his eyes sparkling with pleasure.

Encouraged, Lennie focused all his attention on the pierced nipple, leaning over to lick at it, catching the ring in his teeth and pulling gently. As he worked at it, his hands slid over the flat stomach, reveling in the feel of warm skin. He'd been alone in his own skin for so long, he'd almost forgotten what it was like to touch someone like this.

Eventually, he shifted to pay attention to the other nipple, not adorned, but still beautiful. Ed's hands roamed over his back, holding him close. One hand found its way up his neck to bury itself in his hair.

And then suddenly Ed had rolled them over so he was on top, a triumphant grin on his face. "My turn!"

He kissed the very top of Lennie's forehead, then the tip of his nose, the hollow of his throat. Then sideways, along the line where neck meets shoulder, sending a shudder down Lennie's body and drawing a moan from his throat.

Lennie could feel Ed's body pressed tight against his, the hot hardness of his cock digging into Lennie's stomach. He was getting so powerfully turned-on that he wondered how he could ever last once Ed really touched him. And then he didn't have to wonder anymore, as Ed's kisses moved down his chest and his hands moved even further down. Lennie moaned as Ed's hand cupped over his tented slacks, rubbing softly.

Ed chuckled softly at his reaction. "Like that, don't you?" He shifted his grip, getting a feel for the length and girth of it.

"Oh, yeah �" Lennie's answer was more of a sigh than words.

More than anything, Ed wanted to see Lennie's face as he sent him over the edge into oblivion. He wanted to give his lover that joyous release. His own pleasure forgotten for the moment, he tugged at Lennie's belt and quickly freed the older man's straining cock from its prison. The sight of it set his mouth watering.

Lennie's eyes flew open along with his zipper. He watched, mesmerized, as Ed reached in and drew out his cock, his long, dark fingers wrapping around Lennie's pale skin. He groaned with pleasure. And then Ed was leaning over him again, kissing him while his hand gently massaged his cock. It was almost too much.

Finally, Ed pulled back and looked down at him. "Lennie?" he asked softly. "Do I need a condom?"

The question caught Lennie off guard. The only gay encounters he'd ever had were the occasional one-night-stand. Safe sex was de rigeur. He knew he was clean, he'd been tested after his last encounter. Which was frighteningly long ago in any event. But Ed had commented that he didn't like the casual scene. If they did this, it wasn't just for tonight. What would it be like to actually have a 'relationship?' Where he could relax and not worry about safe sex, because neither one of them would be sleeping around? Was he ready for this?

Lennie was amazed at how calm he was as he considered the question. He realized that after all, this was Ed. They already HAD a long-term relationship. Even if the sex part didn't work out, they'd still be friends. This wasn't some unknown he'd met in a bar. There was an underpinning of trust here. It seemed the simplest, easiest thing in the world to let their relationship develop in this new direction. Like a skilled jeweler cutting one more facet into an already beautiful stone. There wasn't anything to be afraid of.

"No, I'm clean."

Ed smiled down at him, glad that the trust they'd built on the streets extended to the bedroom. He bent down and kissed Lennie tenderly, all the trust between them being given form in that moment. Then he began trailing kisses down Lennie's body until finally his lips touched his swollen cock. He kissed the very tip, then worked his way down the shaft. Lennie's legs spread apart, letting him go all the way down to his balls, soft, gentle kisses. Then he worked his way back up, this time licking with just the tip of his tongue, finally teasing at the slit as the liquid began leaking out.

Now working with the flat of his tongue, Ed spread the fluid around the head of Lennie's cock. He looked up at the sound of a deep groan, smiling to see Lennie spread-eagled, the rest of his body limp with pleasure. Returning to his focus, he finally wrapped his lips over the head, sucking gently.

"Oh, GOD!" Lennie cried out as Ed's mouth enveloped him. Very slowly, Ed slid down over him until he had the whole thing in his mouth. He held it there as long as he could before coming up for air. A quick breath, and he repeated the movement, this time bobbing up and down instead of just staying all the way in. His tongue slid broadsides around as he moved up and down, driving Lennie crazy.

Lennie was breathing heavily now, a series of grunts, groans and moans dragged from his throat. Ed could see he was getting close, so under the guise of needing to breathe, he broke off for a moment. He kissed a trail back up Lennie's torso, finally claiming his mouth again as his hands continued stroking Lennie's cock. He gave Lennie just enough time to cool down a little bit, then worked his way back down and began again.

Lennie couldn�t believe the feelings coursing through his body. He had been so close when Ed had stopped, he'd been almost annoyed. But how could he be annoyed with kisses like that? And then that wonderful suction was back again, drawing him ever closer and closer to the edge. And again, just as he was about to leap over, Ed slowed down. Not as much this time, but just enough to forestall his explosion. A warm hand continued working him, keeping him right on the brink, but not enough to go for the glory. He realized Ed was grinning at him.

Raising one sardonic eyebrow, Lennie asked, "You're doing that on purpose, aren't you?"

Ed laughed. "You seem to be enjoying it �"

Lennie couldn't help laughing too. "Bastard �"

Ed silenced him with another kiss, then resumed his efforts. This time there were no games; he went for the gusto, and in a matter of minutes Lennie cried out as the explosion took him into a euphoric haze of pleasure. Ed eagerly milked him dry, swallowing wave after wave of his cream. When it was over, Lennie was reduced to a limp puddle of deep satisfaction.

Gathering the limp form into his arms, Ed snuggled close. Lennie sighed happily and settled his head on Ed's shoulder.

"Damn that was good!" he managed to murmur into Ed's chest.

They lay together for a good while, just enjoying the closeness. Ed's hands trailed lightly over Lennie's upper body, soothing, caressing. Lennie felt like he was floating on a cloud, safe and secure in Ed's embrace. But after a while, something started nagging at the back of his brain. // Oh, yeah. Ed. // He sighed and sat up, looking down at the beautiful man beside him. Who was still wearing those sweatpants. There was definitely something wrong with this.

Lennie reached down and ran a finger along Ed's cheek, smiling as Ed turned to kiss it, capturing it in his mouth, sucking it as he'd just sucked Lennie's cock. It was amazingly sensual. But Lennie didn�t want to get distracted now. He'd had his fun, now it was time to return the favor. Usually he approached this part of the evening as a sort of payment for his own pleasure, something he had to put up with unless he was willing to pay for sex, a line he'd never crossed. Although, thinking about it now, hadn't he paid after all, if only in kind? It had never meant anything to him.

But now, it did matter. He wanted to make Ed feel as good as he'd just felt. Not because he owed it to him; but because he WANTED to. The thought made him smile as his hand slid slowly down the exposed chest. He just loved the feel of Ed's skin and the hard muscle beneath with just the right amount of softness in between.

In their relaxing interlude, Ed's cock had dipped to half mast, but it quickly sprang back to life as Lennie's hand found it. Ed resettled, getting comfortable, spreading his legs to give Lennie better access.

Lennie didn't need any further prodding. He tugged at the drawstring, untying the bow which held the sweats in place, and slipped his fingers inside, pulling the waistband away from Ed's body and drawing downward. Ed lifted his hips, and Lennie drew the soft knit fabric down, sighing as he saw Ed's cock. He pulled the sweats all the way off, then bent down and without preamble took it into his mouth.

Ed moaned happily as Lennie sucked him. There was no such thing as a bad blow job; well, except maybe for that kid with braces back in high school. Although Ed could tell Lennie wasn't used to doing this quite so carefully; he didn't know how to intentionally make it last. He realized Lennie had probably never really had a male lover before; his technique smacked of the usual gay-bar 'quickie.' Even so, it still felt awfully damned good. It had been quite a while for him, too. But tonight he wanted more than a quick blow-job; this was special. He wondered how much experience Lennie had �

His hands caught Lennie's head, slowing his head-on assault on Ed's cock. "Easy, man. Not so fast."

Lennie looked up, startled by the sound of Ed's voice. He sat up, almost forgetting what he was doing. The look of distress on his face sent Ed into 'damage control' mode.' "No, it's ok, Lennie. I just� I was hoping maybe you'd � let me make love to you."

A hint of fear edged into Lennie's eyes. Before he even said it, Ed knew.

"Ed, I � uh, I've never � that is � "

Ed sat up, reaching to caress the craggy face. "Shh. It's ok, Lennie. I understand. You're not ready, I won't push."

The open affection in Ed's face touched Lennie's heart. He leaned over and pulled Ed close. This was so different from anything he'd ever felt before. It was special, and he suddenly found that he wanted to be worthy of Ed's affection. And further, he wanted the closeness, the power of a physical joining. He'd never wanted it before, but he did now.

He pulled back, looking into Ed's eyes. "No � I am ready, Ed. You just caught me off guard."

Ed's eyes narrowed with concern; he didn't want Lennie to 'give in' to him if it wasn't really what he wanted. "You sure, Lennie?"

Lennie leaned forward and rested his forehead against Ed's, one hand wrapping around his neck, holding them together. "I'm sure. I won't say I'm not a little scared, but I want to be with you. Please �"

Ed pulled away far enough to look into his eyes. He could see the fear, but there was something else now. Something tender and precious. He nodded. Lennie pulled him back into a kiss.

After a while, he pulled away and rolled over to fish around in his nightstand. Finding the lube, he grabbed it and turned back to Lennie, who was watching with a hint of apprehension. Ed pulled him into another kiss, then gently urged him to roll over. He ran his hands over the soft skin of Lennie's backside, kneading gently.

Lennie knelt on the bed, his ass in the air, as Ed's hands touched him in this most intimate fashion. It took an immense amount of trust to stay here like this; he doubted he could have with anyone else. But Ed's hands caressed him softly, tenderly, erotically. Hands pulled his cheeks apart and then fingers brushed tantalizingly over his opening, down over the backs of his balls, sending another shiver up his spine.

Hands and lips caressed his body, helping him to relax. Finally, Ed spoke softly.

"Lennie? I'm gonna start to open you up, ok?"

"Mff." That was all that came out with his head half buried in the pillow. Hearing no protest, Ed took one lube-coated finger and pressed against the opening. Lennie felt the fingertip slip inside, much like a medical exam. But the hand caressing his ass was anything but medicinal in it's touch. And then warm lips pressed against his skin in the small of his back as the finger probed deeper. A tongue trailed soft, wet patterns over the base of his spine as that long finger pushed all the way in, probing in a circular motion. The sensation lost all resemblance to a medical procedure as that probing touch found his sweet spot. A low moan escaped Lennie's throat.

Ed chuckled softly. "That's good, Lennie. Real good. I'm goin' for two now, ok?"

A grunt was all Lennie could manage at the moment, but it was enough. He felt Ed's finger withdrawing, and then suddenly there was a push and a second finger slipped in. It felt strange, now entirely erotic, as Ed worked the larger mass of two fingers in and out, going deeper with each thrust. Warm kisses against his back and Ed's other hand gently cupping his balls heightened the sensuality. Much to his surprise, Lennie felt himself getting hard again. He couldn't remember the last time he'd come twice in one evening. But it sure as hell felt like it was gonna happen tonight!

The fingers inside him began pulling apart, stretching him. It was almost painful, but not quite. The hand playing with his balls slid forward, brushing against his reawakening cock, drawing another groan of pleasure from his throat.

Ed looked down at Lennie, crouched on the bed before him, his ass in the air while his face was mashed into a pillow. Not the most dignified position in the world. But at the moment, to Ed, it was absolutely beautiful. The trust Lennie placed in him swelled his heart. And his cock. He knew he couldn't wait much longer, so he thrust hard one last time, aiming for the prostate again. Then as Lennie groaned with pleasure, he gently removed his hand and reached for a Kleenex from the nightstand. Once cleaned up, he placed both hands over Lennie's backside and slid them slowly up his spine, gently urging him down onto the bed. When he was done, he lay on top of Lennie's back, his cock nestled snugly between the cheeks. He kissed the neck and shoulders beneath him, rocking his hips gently so Lennie could feel his cock pushing against him.

His head now turned to the side, Lennie could speak. "Oh, god, Ed! I want � I want you. Do it, Ed. Make love to me."

Ed slid off his back and rolled Lennie to face him. He gently caressed the beloved face, then kissed him. As Ed sat up to reposition, Lennie started to roll back onto his stomach. Ed's hand stopped him.

"Uh uh. I want to watch you. Stay on your back."

Lennie looked up at him and nodded, his trust in Ed complete. He settled comfortably on his back.

Reaching for the lube again, Ed greased himself up and moved into position between Lennie's legs, lifting them up onto his broad shoulders. Lennie watched as Ed pushed into him, sending a ripple of pain through his body. But after a moment, the pain vanished and Lennie felt the most amazing sensation of fullness as he watched Ed's big dick slowly vanish inside him. He couldn't believe he took all of it.

Ed gazed down at him with eyes shining with love. This wasn't merely physical. Seeing Lennie opened up to him turned him on like little else ever had. And meant more, given all they'd shared over the years. He bent down, drawing Lennie into his arms, and kissed him, his cock buried as far as humanly possible.

They held tight, caught up in the moment. But finally the physical side overwhelmed the emotional, and Ed let go so he could begin thrusting, angling to hit that sweet spot. The tight hot channel felt so good gripping his cock, and the expression on Lennie's face gripped his heart. It just didn't get any better than this.

Lennie was nearly overwhelmed by the sensations gripping his body. The fullness deep inside him satisfied an itch he'd never before been able to pin down. Ed had found just the right angle so that almost every thrust sent a thrill down his spine. And just seeing that magnificent body looming over him, a thin sheen of sweat forming from his exertions, was a feast for his eyes. And then, just when he thought it couldn't get much better, Ed's hand wrapped around his now hard cock and began pumping in time with his quickening thrusts.

Ed cried out as the orgasm shook his body, filling Lennie even deeper with the hot liquid. The sight combined with the sensation was all Lennie needed to trigger another explosion. This one seemed to come from deep inside him, sending him straight to oblivion.

When he could see straight again, he realized Ed had collapsed on top of him and was holding him close. He turned his head to meet his partner's lips. He slowly realized they were still joined, but just barely. Ed kissed him again and gently pulled away, separating them, then rolled over onto his side. Lennie snuggled close, not wanting to lose the emotional connection. He let his fingers slide into the close-cropped dark hair.

"Thank you," he whispered, his hand tracing gently over Ed's face."

Ed kissed his forehead. "Thank YOU. That was beautiful."

Lennie felt more than a bit embarrassed at that. And yet, Ed was right. It had been beautiful. The kind of thing he'd always heard sex could be but had never truly experienced. His eyes drank in the view of the man beside him � his partner. Not on the job anymore, but now where it really mattered. Seven years, and he'd never realized this was possible. He let one fingertip wander gently over Ed's face, tracing the outline of his goatee.

Ed smiled at him, happy to have finally made this connection. "So � you stayin'?"

Lennie chuckled. "I don't think I could stand up right now if the building caught on fire."

Ed grinned. "Yes you would. And you'd help get everybody else out before you left. You're like that."

Lennie shrugged, not arguing. "Once a cop, always a cop."

Ed kissed him. "One of the things I admire about you. You never stood back and let the younger guys do all the work."

Lennie glanced around at the photos. "You got a thing for older guys?"

Ed's turn to shrug. "Kinda. Too many young studs out there are too full of themselves. Older men know who they are. They don't have to prove it all the time. Besides, I like a face with character. Much more interesting to look at."

Lennie had to laugh. He knew he'd been something of a looker in his day, but that day was long past. But Ed seemed to appreciate him for what he was now, and that was just perfect.

They lay together for a little while longer, not needing to say anything more. Finally, Ed got up and ducked into the bathroom to clean up. Lennie didn't want to move, but decided it would be good form to pull down the covers. When Ed returned, he ducked out for his turn at the bathroom.

Returning to the bedroom, Lennie couldn't help grinning at the sight of Ed sitting up in bed waiting for him. His dark skin looked luminous in the soft light against the cream-colored sheets. Lennie eagerly slipped in beside him.

"Hey Ed?" he asked sleepily as he settled his head on the broad shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"Any chance you got the last weekend of the month off?"

"Got Sunday. Why?"

"I'm entering the pool tournament down at Resorts in A.C. that weekend. Get a free room. Wouldn't mind sharing it �"
Ed grinned. "Well, I might just have to get sick that Friday �"

Lennie chuckled. "Just don't tell your partner where you're going."

Ed shook his head. "The where he don't mind. It's the who. And I don't care."

Lennie raised an eyebrow. "You're not gonna tell him, are you?"

Ed shrugged. "I don't know. If he pushes me too far, I might."

Lennie frowned, half sitting up to look his partner in the eyes. "Ed. Do me a favor. If you have to, tell Van Buren first. She'll watch your back. OK?"

The concern on Lennie's face hit Ed in the gut. It wasn't just him he had to look out for now; it was THEM. He tenderly caressed Lennie's cheek. "I'll be careful, Lennie. I promise."

Lennie looked at him, deciding if he really meant it. Finally, he nodded. "OK."

He settled back down, as Ed's arms held him tight. A kiss brushed against his forehead. He fell asleep with a soft smile still on his lips.

finis

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Disclaimer: These characters belong to Dick Wolf and NBC. I'm just borrowing them for fun, not profit.

Chapter 10