Unspoken Two - Autumn Skies

It was one of those days. The kind where you end up spinning your wheels on endless paperwork.

I had wanted to clock out for the past hour or so, but just before our shift ended, Simon called everyone in for a meeting. We crowded into the narrow conference room to listen to the latest updates on our benefits package. I gave my seat to Kate Thompkins, who squeezed in at the last minute. She probably thought I was trying to make points with her, but I was more interested in sitting as close to the door as possible. Connor finally caught me sneaking glances at the clock in the bullpen.

"Got a hot date or something, Jim?" she whispered to me.

"No. I just want out of here. Don't you?"

She rolled her eyes. "Too right. I'm not even covered by your bloody pension plan."

"Ahem." Simon cleared his throat and glared at us from the other end of the room.

We shut up and settled back. The only other person as restless as me was Rafe. I knew for a fact he had a date tonight and was just as eager to leave. I half-listened to the benefits administrator drone on about deferred compensation and kept an eye on my watch. Finally I heard the wrap-up line from Simon.

"Okay, that's it for now. Don't forget to take some of these forms before you..."

Everyone rose with a clatter. I was already out the door and down the hallway to the elevators.

I made one quick stop at Office Depot before getting home. At the front door, I stopped for a moment before putting my key in the lock. I heard a little bit of movement and smelled something hot and tomatoey in the air. Blair was probably heating up the rest of the spaghetti we'd had last night. I'd offered to take him to a restaurant tonight, but he said he preferred to eat at home.

I opened the door and stepped inside.

He was at the stove, stirring the sauce. He turned and grinned at me. "How was your day?"

I grunted as I hung up my coat. "More of the usual."

"That good, huh?"

I looked over at the living room. Everything was neat and tidy. There were no books on the sofa or papers spread out every which way on the coffee table or floor. I hated it.

I edged around the bulging backpack by the door and went to the refrigerator to pull out a bottle of water. After I took a long swallow, I leaned against the counter and watched Blair as he sliced a tomato into little wedges for a salad.

This was it. Our last night together. I was already missing him.

"I've packed less for a six-month field expedition," he'd said to me a few nights back. He had showed me the list of required clothing he had to bring. Everything was spelled out from white sweat socks and navy blue cargo pants to a mouthpiece, elbow and knee pads. He sighed as he looked over the mound of garments heaped on his bed, chair and floor.

I had helped him fold his clothes and uniforms and watched as he had zipped up his duffle bags and set them outside his bedroom door. A part of me wanted to tell him how much I was going to miss him, how desperately I cared. But he had just barely gotten his bearings back after cleaning out his office at Rainier. Now he was getting set to enter the police academy. How fair would it be for me to burden him at this stage with my feelings?

I thought about saying something again as I watched him toss the lettuce. "How about some wine?" I asked instead.

"Sure. Sounds good to me."

I pulled two wine glasses out and poured some merlot into them as he set the salad bowl on the table.

"So, what's the latest on Rafe and Jeannie?"

"It looks like they've hit it off. He's got another date tonight."

"I knew it." Blair smirked as he put some garlic bread in the toaster oven. "H is gonna owe me."

After listening to Rafe grouse about his latest dating fiasco, Blair had suggested he ask out Jeannie Duvall, a friend of his who worked at an art gallery. Henri swore up and down it would only end up like the last one, which naturally led to a bet.

"You're going to have to collect for me, while I'm gone," he added.

I nodded back as I handed him a plate. We sat down and started eating. He talked about his day and the latest events on the local news but I was more tuned into the comforting tone of his voice rather than his words.

"Hey. You there, with the garlic bread."

"What?" I looked up.

"If I've told you once, I've told you a million times, no spacing out over dinner."

"Whatever you say, dear."

Blair gave me one his long-suffering looks. "Just promise me you won't do that in front of Simon. He's gets touchy if he thinks you're ignoring him."

I winced inwardly. It was going to be a long haul. Sixteen weeks' worth.

Afterwards, we cleaned up the kitchen. Blair rechecked his list and stuffed a few more things into his backpack while I made a halfhearted attempt to watch TV. We both went to bed early.

I thought he'd be restless, but he slept steadily through the night. I went downstairs around one, and added my earlier purchase to his wallet. I tucked the phone card in front of his credit card. But when I returned to bed, I still tossed and turned, waking almost every hour straining to hear his breathing, his heart beating below, knowing as the minutes ticked by I wouldn't be hearing those comfortable sounds for a long time.

Finally I managed to doze off. It seemed like only minutes later that I heard the refrigerator door open and close below. Morning had finally arrived.

"Morning," Blair called out to me as I came downstairs. By the time I shaved and showered, he had breakfast ready. He had foregone his usual algae shake for scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and orange juice. If I picked at my meal a little, he pretended not to notice. I helped him wash the dishes afterwards, and if he lingered around me a little longer than necessary, I pretended not to notice.

Finally I couldn't stand it any more. I picked up my coat and keys stepped out of the door. "I'll see you, Chief."

On the second landing, I had to stop and close my eyes for a moment when I heard him whisper, "I'll miss you."

I could still hear him putting dishes away as I got into the truck. He planned on leaving midmorning, after the traffic eased up. He said it would be better if I left first. But I knew better. Neither of us wanted a prolonged good-bye.

It was harder than I could've imagined, to act as though everything were normal. To drive to work, park where I usually park, ride up the elevator to the seventh floor, nod at the people I worked with, sit at my desk and do my job. It took everything I had to pretend I was fine.

I think only Simon noticed I was slightly off-kilter. Thankfully it was busy in the bullpen, so there wasn't time for the usual chitchat. Megan and Joel were out interviewing witnesses -- there'd been a drive by shooting near Fifteenth and Del Mar late last night. Henri was on his way over to the DA's office to give a deposition and Rafe and Bob Witkow were interrogating a high school student who had been caught hiding his father's handgun in his school locker.

Everyone knew my partner was leaving for the academy. I just hadn't informed them of the exact date. We both wanted it that way: no dramatic good-byes, slaps on the back or big sendoff parties.

"It's no big deal," he had told me.

Yeah, right.

I looked up at the clock on the wall. Taking into consideration the traffic and distance, he was probably halfway to the academy by now. I was not at all pleased with his choice of location.

"You could try the one I attended," I had argued, when he first showed me his application forms. "Or even Bellingham."

"Don't you think we've been through enough?" he had asked quietly as I paced back and forth in the living room. "What's wrong with being low-profile?"

"The hell with low-profile. Newbury's, what, ninety miles away? I just don't see why you can't attend one that's closer."

"It's seventy actually." He pushed his glasses up on his nose and folded his arms. "Look, I think it'll be for the best. The further away from Cascade I go, the less attention I'll attract. I want to concentrate on my classes, not worry about blending in."

"What about meals and lodging?"

"It's all covered. They've got a facility for live-in recruits. We get meal allowances, even on the weekends. All I have to do is bring my own towels, laundry soap and toiletries. It'll be like living in the dorms again."

"Will you get your own room at least?" I asked hopefully.

He shook his head. "No. I'll be sharing it with another guy." Then he winked. "The women will be only a floor away."

"How convenient." Hearing that didn't make me any happier. In the end, I shut up and watched him shove all his forms into a manila envelope and seal it. He drove it to the post office the next day.

The phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Out of habit, I glanced over at the empty seat next to me. I frowned a little and answered. It was Serena, telling me the initial forensics results were back on the McGovern case. I thanked her and hung up. Booting up the computer, I got to work. Toward the end of the day, I noticed Simon standing in the doorway. He gestured at me with his head. I picked up my case files and headed for his office.

"Have a seat," he said. "Coffee?"

"No thanks, I'm good." I sat down.

He poured himself a cup and turned around to face me. He sipped it as I summarized the latest findings.

"So there were no witnesses to the shooting?"

"Apparently not. The bartender said McGovern left just a little after midnight, and that was the last anyone saw of him."

"He left alone, I take it."

"Yes."

Simon glanced down at the report. "Was he a regular at that bar?"

"Off and on. He didn't show up every week, but when he did, it was usually on a Friday or Saturday night."

"Any family?"

"Not in Cascade. His parents live in Oregon. I've already contacted them."

Simon shook his head. "That's too bad. The guy was only, what? Thirty-eight? Thirty-nine?"

"Yeah." David McGovern had been a computer engineer. He had been married once and divorced. According to his boss and associates, he'd been somewhat of a loner.

"I'm going to see his ex-girl friend next. I have a feeling she knows more than his co-workers."

"Good. Let me know if you find out anything." Simon laced his fingers together. "So, you want to tell me what else is going on?"

I blinked at Simon. "Excuse me?"

He leaned forward. "Yesterday, you acted like you couldn't get out of here fast enough, especially at that meeting. Today, you seem a little distant. Everything okay?"

I took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm fine, sir."

Simon gave me an impatient look. "Is it Sandburg?"

He obviously wasn't in the mood for any tap dancing. "Yeah, I guess you could say it is."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. He left for the academy this morning."

"What?" Simon looked surprised and miffed at the same time. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrugged. "It was his call. He didn't want anyone to make a big deal out of it."

Simon grabbed his cigar and chewed on it. "Damn that kid. He could've at least let us say good-bye."

"I know."

After a few more seconds Simon put his cigar down. "Well, what about you? How are you doing?"

"Like I said, I'm fine."

"Uh, what about, you know..." he gestured vaguely with his hand.

"My senses? They should be okay."

"Well, the next time you go out, take Joel or Megan with you."

I nodded back. "Will do."

Simon sat back and stared at me. He thought I'd make a big fuss over that, but Blair and I had already talked, or rather argued about it several times. In the end, I'd promised to behave in his absence.

"Are you sure you're all right with this?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"And Sandburg? Is he okay with all this?"

"He is."

Simon tapped his fingers on his desk. "Sixteen weeks at the academy, right?"

"Right. Sixteen weeks."

"Damn."

After that, he asked me if I wanted to grab a bite to eat. I surprised him again by saying yes. I wasn't particularly looking forward to eating alone. Since I wasn't up for fancy, we ended up at Monty's, a small diner that serves up great chili fries and chocolate shakes.

It was around eight o'clock by the time I made it home.

I could still smell Blair. His scent was all over the loft, not only in his room, but in the kitchen, and on the cushions and towels. I half-expected to see him come through the front door any minute, backpack over his shoulder and a smile on his face. Those days were gone though. Long gone.

I shed my jacket and looked at the answering machine. The light was flashing, which made my heart beat a little faster. It had to be him.

"Hi Jim, this is Kate Thompkins. I was wondering if you'd like to get together sometime this week. Give me a call if you're free. My home number is 555-2379. Bye."

I thought about her for all of a second, then hit the erase button. Kate was young and attractive, not to mention ambitious. I considered her a co-worker, not a romantic prospect. My interests were elsewhere: seventy-two miles east of Cascade, to be exact.

I wondered how he was doing, facing a new set of people, rules and regulations. He was preparing for a whole new way of life. A part of me knew he was ready to do this, and yet a guilty voice inside said, yes, but at what cost to the man you know and love?

Fuck. Ellison, you're such a coward.

I sorted through the mail, half-hoping he'd at least call and tell me he'd made it to Newbury intact. I finally turned the TV on and sat back to watch a movie, but it was hard to concentrate.

During the commercial, the phone rang. I got up and grabbed it. "Ellison."

"Hey, Jim, it's me."

"Blair?" I felt the tension start to ease out of my neck and shoulders. "How's it going? Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I wanted to let you know I got here in one piece."

"Good. You all settled in?"

"Yep. I walked around the grounds and took a peek at the classrooms. Let me tell you, it's like having a major case of deja vu."

I chuckled. "I'll bet." I asked him about the drive, his room and new roommate. Finally, I sensed him winding down.

"I think I'd better go. Hate to use up this card in one sitting."

Considering how much I missed his voice already, perhaps five hundred minutes wasn't enough. "I can always send you more."

"Thanks, man."

"Good night, Chief."

"G'night, Jim."

***

I marked my calendar at work. I put a tiny little number at the bottom corner of each page to remind myself how many days were left before he graduated and came home.

Eventually word got out that Blair was at the academy. People went out of their way to ask about him. It was unexpected, but nice. I hadn't realized how many friends he'd made in the department over the years.

After chewing me out for not telling them earlier about Blair's departure, Joel and Megan took turns accompanying me out in the field. It was less irritating than I'd expected, although it was hardly the same as having Blair next to me. Brown and Rafe occasionally asked to me go to lunch and Simon and I ended up eating dinner together at least twice a week.

Kate Thompkins was cordial but cool after I failed to return her call. I kept meaning to say something to her, but I was swamped with new cases. There had been a jewelry heist downtown which kept Joel and me busy most of the day. I stopped her in the hallway later and explained that I wasn't interested in pursuing anything at the moment.

She shrugged and said, "No sweat. If I'm not your type, I'm not your type." She emphasized the last word just slightly. Later, I heard her call me a stuck-up prick under her breath as she passed by my desk.

I've had worse names thrown my way and she was right about not being my type.

After work, I stopped by the grocery store. Shopping had fallen by the wayside until I found myself down to half a roll of toilet paper and an empty can of shaving cream. I stocked up on all the basics plus more water, beer, chips and frozen dinners. It was just my luck the elevator was out again. As I hauled all the bags up the stairs to the third floor, I heard the phone ring. I had to put everything on the ground so I could wrestle the keys out of my back pocket. I finally got to the phone by the third ring.

"Ellison."

There was no answer. I was tired, irked and not in the mood for games, but something told me to listen harder. I heard breathing, along with a familiar heart beat.

"Sandburg? Is that you?"

"Yeah, hi. Um, I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

"No. The elevators were out again. I just got home." I kept the receiver to my ear as I removed my jacket. Just hearing his voice calmed me down. I could feel the day's tension fade away as we talked. He asked me about my senses. I said they were fine but underneath it all, it felt like he wanted to ask me about something else. I didn't push and he didn't say.

As I put the groceries away, I thought about that strange pause in Blair's voice. He sounded tentative tonight, almost apologetic. For what though? For calling?

I went into the bathroom and tossed the old toothpaste tube into the waste basket and put a new can of shaving cream next to the sink.

He was part of my life, dammit, not an intrusion.

I thought about calling him back but realized he didn't have a phone in his room. In fact, he'd given up his cell phone several weeks ago, because he couldn't afford to hang on to it. He didn't bother to tell me about that either -- another thing that had ticked me off. The most I could do on short notice was get one of those phone cards and stick it in his wallet, just in case.

I went back into the living room and sat down for a moment to think. By morning, I had a plan.

After work, I stopped and checked out a couple of stores during the course of the week, gathering information and comparing costs. It was tedious, but in the end, I got a package deal that took care of everything.

In the midst of comparing calling plans, I kept finding hang-ups on the answering machine. Someone would call but not leave a message. At first I thought it was Kate, but she seemed to have moved on. According to Rhonda, she was dating an attorney. If that was the case, there could be only one other culprit.

I looked at the shipping box I'd left on the dining table. I'd gotten it so that I could mail Blair his brand new cell phone. I picked up the carton and folded it flat. This seemed like a good time to make a personal delivery.

Friday was hectic, but for once, I managed to turn in my reports on time to Simon. I went home, grabbed a bite to eat and packed a small overnight bag. Traffic eventually thinned out once I left Cascade. It felt good to be moving, to get out of the city and my rut for a while.

Maybe I should've been more nervous, but I wasn't. Aside from giving him the cell phone, I wanted to see Blair. To be with him and to finally let him know I how felt. If I had any doubts about how he truly felt about me, it had all been tossed out the window and buried after his press conference.

Asshole doesn't even begin to cover what I'd been to him during the course of that whole miserable time.

I planned to make it up to him. The sooner I started the better.

I finally reached the turnoff to Newbury. It took me another ten minutes to find the academy grounds. After speaking to security and showing them my ID, I parked my truck in the lot and looked for the live-in facility. I had made a copy of the map from Blair's orientation materials. The dorm wasn't hard to find. There were only a handful of recruits around. It was Friday night, and I imagine quite a few of them went home for the weekend or else went into town for some entertainment.

Unfortunately, Blair didn't have that option. I knew about his money situation. He had been very reluctant to ask me for anything, beyond helping him out with the basics: gas, insurance, credit card bills and food. Seeing the list of clothes, uniforms, textbooks and other items he had to buy for the academy had taken him aback. Simon and I managed to cover most of it, over his objections, but I wanted to do more. I wanted to take care of him permanently.

The third floor was pretty empty. I found his room, but he wasn't inside. I looked around. It hardly seemed fair for Blair to be cooped up in something so small and bland. His clothes were stacked on his chair and bed. It must be laundry time. I patted my pocket to make sure the little Nokia phone was still there.

As I waited, I saw something shiny on the little shelf by his bed. Ah, the phone card. He must have used it up by now. I squinted a bit and saw the sheen of fingerprints all over the smooth surface.

I smiled to myself. What I wouldn't give to feel his fingers all over me.

Finally I heard his footsteps. He opened the door and stepped inside, his eyes going all wide.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I could hear his heart suddenly thumping away double time as he set his laundry basket down.

I leaned against his desk. "You never call. You never write." He looked good standing there, in his regulation sweatpants and all. I liked the way he stared back at me even more, as though he'd suddenly been given a rare and valuable gift.

He took a breath and tried to sound nonchalant. "Did you at least bring me some more laundry soap?"

"Nah. I brought you something better." Me, and of course the little Nokia. I reached out and handed it to him.

"I went ahead and programmed a couple of numbers on speed dial for you." I had included my cell phone, the bullpen, the loft, even Simon's home number. "It's already hooked up to my account. You can call me any time now. Day or night."

I saw him start a little when I said "night." I moved closer and nudged him. "No more hang ups on the answering machine, okay?"

"Okay." I'd forgotten how cute he looked when he blushed.

"If you want to talk, just call."

Blair held the new cell phone in his hand and nodded at me. "Dial and call. Got it."

I knew he was a bright guy, but just to make sure he understood, I got right into his personal space. He backed up until his legs hit the bed. "Or, since I'm here, you could talk to me now..."

***

If getting the cell phone was a good idea, delivering it to Blair in person had been a sure-fire winner. I felt everything inside bubbling up as we kissed. Things we'd never discussed, never questioned or plain side-stepped was out into the open. Do you want me? Do you need me? Do you love me? I said yes to it all. Hell, for another kiss like that I'd bring him home-cooked meals every night.

We continued kissing until a door slammed loudly down the hall. He jumped a little and we stopped. We were both breathing hard and grinning like idiots.

"This probably isn't the best place to do this," he said quietly.

I had an answer ready. "How about we take this elsewhere?"

He traced the side of my face with his fingers. I hadn't seen him smile that brightly in months. "Let's go take a walk."

We got in my truck and I drove into town. I parked near the main strip. We got out and walked around. It was cool but pleasant and it felt good to stretch my legs. We talked in spurts, wandering up one block and down another, peering into shop windows.

I was so greedy for the sound of his voice, I said little, knowing he'd fill up the gaps with his chatter and his gestures. He told me about his classes and his instructors. Then he asked about Simon, Joel and the rest of the gang. We stopped by an ice cream shop and got cones. By the time we got back to my truck, it was a little after eleven. I had parked in the lot of a strip mall. All the stores were closed. There was only one other empty car behind us. I turned in my seat and put my arm along the back. Blair instantly scooted next to me. I loved feeling his hair against my cheek.

"What now?" he asked as he snuggled up under my chin.

"You want me to take you back?"

He sighed a little. "Not really. What about you? You driving back tonight?"

"No. I booked myself a room at a motor lodge." I kissed his forehead. "Want to stay with me?"

I felt his cheeks muscles move as he smiled. "Hope you packed an extra toothbrush."

"Yep. I did."

He laughed and slapped his hand against my thigh. "You sneaky bastard."

The White Oak Motor Lodge was about four miles from the academy. It seemed quiet enough, right across the street from a large park. I pulled in, registered, got a key and drove the truck to the end of the complex. We were on the second floor. I flicked on the room light and tossed my bag on the nearest chair.

Blair bounced on the corner of the bed. It was a king-size. He leaned back on his elbows and watched as I took my jacket off. I opened my bag and put my shaving kit in the bathroom before settling on the mattress next to him.

He was worrying the corner of his lower lip with his teeth. I put my finger against his mouth. "Are you having second thoughts?"

He grabbed my hand and nuzzled his face against my palm. His stubble scraped against my skin. "No. Not about us." He lowered my hand onto his stomach. "I just thought you should know I haven't done this a whole lot." He gestured at the bed. "I mean with a guy." He blushed again. "I have dated men before, but it never got quite this far."

"It's okay," I said, before kissing him softly.

"You have though," he said, looking at me.

I nodded. "A little."

"When?"

"Does it matter?"

"Not really. I'm just, curious."

I lay back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. "I experimented a little, after I got out of the army." Blair stretched out next to me and propped his head on his hand.

"I was in limbo, didn't have any more rules and regulations to follow. For once I was free to do what I pleased. I guess I wanted a chance to shake loose. Walk a bit on the wild side for a change."

"What about Carolyn?"

That question made me pause. "I finally decided to get my act together, with Jack Pendergrast's help. I thought it was high time I tried to fit in and be normal." I huffed. "So much for that."

"Hey." I turned my head to look at Blair. He smiled down at me. "I like you the way you are."

"I'm glad." I reached up, slid my fingers into his hair and drew his head down to mine. We kissed again, slowly. I explored his mouth with my tongue as his hands explored my shoulders and chest. I wanted to feel his skin on my skin, but I also didn't want to rush this. It was too important to us both to be hurried.

I could hear his heart thumping away, faster than normal. He was nervous. I broke the kiss and stroked his hair. "Am I moving too fast for you?"

"No. Yes. Kinda." He grimaced as he shook his head. "It's weird. I've been waiting all this time for this very moment, and now that you're here..." his voice trailed off and he looked a little uncertain.

"We have all the time in the world, Chief."

He buried his face against my neck. I turned sideways and gathered him in, stroking his back with my hand. He felt heavier and more muscular. His warm breath brushed against my skin. "It's late. Why don't we just get some sleep?" I brushed his hair away and whispered into his ear. "We don't have to do anything yet, but when you're ready, I have this recurring fantasy about you and some baby oil..."

He jerked and gasped loudly. I laughed and bit his lobe very gently before whispering a few more things I planned to do to him as he shivered and clutched at my shirt. I had a pretty extensive list in mind.

"You are so evil," he panted, after I finally let up.

"You have no idea, Chief." I reached over and squeezed his ass.

He yelped and bolted off the bed. "You just wait," he grumbled as he went into the bathroom.

I smiled as I peeled back the bedspread. I took my boots off and unzipped my jeans. I draped my shirt on a hanger. By the time he returned, I was in bed. He stared at me. I patted the covers.

He raised an eyebrow and went over to the wall to turn the lights off. It was dim, but not totally dark in the room. The street lights still shone faintly through the curtains. I could see him easily. He turned to face the bed and tugged on the hem of his sweatshirt, raising it over his head. I'd seen him bare, from the waist up from time to time. Usually in flashes though as he rushed from the shower to his bedroom. This time he allowed me to stare as he tossed his sweatshirt and tee shirt onto a chair. He put his hands on the waistband of his sweatpants and slowly bent forward as he lowered them to his ankles. When he straightened, I saw that he'd pushed everything off, including his boxers.

I swallowed as he padded over to me, lifted up the covers and slid in next to me.

"Hey," he whispered.

"Hey, yourself."

He was quiet for a moment, then the sheets rustled as he rolled onto his side and draped his arm across me. I heard a low, "Oh wow," as he traced my collarbone with his fingers and trailed a line down my chest to my stomach. His touch was light, like a breeze and my senses soared along with his hand. He skimmed up my side, across my shoulders and down my arm.

I caught his wrist and tugged on him until he rolled over onto his stomach. I ran my hand up and down his spine, slowly rubbing in small circles. I pressed along the edges of his shoulder blades, loosening knots in his muscles as he wriggled then stilled. I loved the feel of his warm skin.

"Jim?"

"Mmm?" By this point he was totally relaxed.

"Thanks for coming up here."

"You're welcome," I murmured. I kissed his shoulder and tucked myself next to him.

"G'night."

"Good night, Chief." I rubbed his scalp until his breathing evened out, slow and regular then I closed my eyes.

***

I opened my eyes slowly in the darkness. I should have been uneasy. This wasn't the loft, but the warm weight on my arm and the sound of soft breathing told me everything was all right.

I turned my head and nuzzled his hair. Blair sighed a little and shifted closer. We hadn't done anything serious, yet I felt ridiculously happy. I watched him sleep a while longer then settled down again.

When I woke, he had his arm and leg draped across me and was snuffling the side of my neck. "Morning, sleepyhead."

"Mmm." He yawned then opened his eyes. He looked at me and his mouth slowly curved into a shy smile. He raised his hand and traced the side of my face and jaw with his fingers. "So what's the plan for today?"

I slid my hand under the sheets and touched his chest, gliding my fingers through the soft hairs. "How about some breakfast, then we can walk around some more, maybe catch a movie later. Or we can take a drive."

"Sounds nice." He leaned closer and nudged me with his hip. "What about this?"

I caught his hand and kissed his fingers. "Like I said, there's no hurry."

"You don't mind?"

"No." Well, I did, a little, but I was more concerned about Blair's comfort level. "Tell me what you want."

He leaned in and kissed me softly. "I want you." He moved his hand lower between my legs. "And I want this." I gasped as he fondled me. He stopped and put his hand on my hip and squeezed. "But what I really want, is to do it right. I want our first time to be at the loft. In your bed."

Hearing that made my heart beat faster. "I can live with that." I tried not to sound too eager and asked, "When?"

"How about next weekend?" He grinned at my expression. "What? You don't believe me?"

"No, I just wasn't expecting it to be quite so soon."

He snorted at me. "Right. Like I'm going to wait another three months."

"We could hold off until you graduate."

"Are you serious?" He propped his head on his hand and stared at me.

"No." I pounced and poked his ribs as he laughed and thrashed underneath me. I stopped and waited for him to catch his breath. "How's this then? Why don't you come home at the end of the month?"

He poked me in the stomach with his finger. "All right, deal. But no more tickling."

"Or what?" This time I moved my hand lower, between his legs.

"Ack!"

The sheets and covers were all askew by the time we stopped wrestling around. His hair was all wild, and his face was flushed. I'd never seen anything more beautiful. I cupped his face in my hands and stroked his cheekbones with my thumbs.

"What?" He looked at me curiously.

"It feels strange," I finally said.

"What does?"

"Being this happy."

He tilted his head and smiled. "Get used to it." He put his hand on my chest, right over my heart. "I'll always be here. With you."

I put my hand over his. "Promise?"

"I promise."

"Forever?"

He laughed. "Whatever it takes."

"Good." I kissed him again, long, slow and sweetly. We had a new day ahead of us and I planned to savor every single minute of it.

The End.

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Notes: Newbury is a fictitious town.

Author's Acknowledgements: My deepest thanks to Dolimir for the beta, Patt for the wonderful photo montages and Lisa for encouraging me to write a sequel.