Aftermath

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Disclaimer:  I do not own either of the Mission: Impossible series or any of the characters therein.  I receive no compensation or any other tangible benefit from this story.  I am just a fan who enjoys taking the team out for an adventure every now and then.  🙂

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WARNING:  This story is "slash" fiction, depicting a romantic / sexual relationship between Nicholas and Max.  I know that there are people who prefer not to read those types of stories.  If that's you, please don't read any further.  Please see my author's note for more details.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:  This is a stand alone story, with enough background information that it will make sense to the reader.  However, for further context, the mission which immediately preceded this story is called Abduction.

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Chapter 1

It was late when the team arrived at Jim's condo for the debriefing that the elder agent had insisted was necessary.  Thanks to the events of the past week, four local auto thieves as well as a multi-state drug smuggling ring had been neutralized. But Nicholas had been the pawn in a dangerous game - in the wrong place at the wrong time - and as a result he'd been lucky to escape with his life.

From the moment they'd realized he was missing till the moment they'd worked with law enforcement to bring the kidnappers to justice, the four teammates had been on their toes.  There'd been no chance to relax, no opportunity to explore the emotional impact of knowing one of their own was in danger.

Jim knew that was his task now; he had to know that the team had worked through these feelings and would be ready for the next mission.  Not only that, but he needed to know they were capable of moving forward though the team would be incomplete.  Nicholas' broken ankle would keep him out of commission for at least the next couple of months.

Debriefing was cathartic for all of them.  It gave the four of them a chance to express their concern about their friend and gratitude for his safe return, and it gave Nicholas an opportunity to verbalize his affection and appreciation for everyone who'd worked tirelessly to find him and bring him home.  At the end of the debriefing, Jim was satisfied.  Max had been a little more subdued than the others, but Jim knew that was just Max's way.

As the team dispersed, Jim asked Nicholas to stay a few moments longer.  He'd heard, and witnessed, the connection that the dark-haired agent had formed with one of his captors.  He was worried about Stockholm Syndrome, and Nicholas knew it.  With the kind of work the IMF was tasked with, any predisposition toward sympathy for the enemy would be extremely dangerous.  But after a few more pointed questions, it became obvious that his feelings had been unique to the situation.  Nicholas was grateful for Cindy's compassion and willing to give the young criminal the fresh start at life she had never had.

His smile a combination of relief and satisfaction, Jim leaned forward and patted Nicholas' leg.  "I think we're done here," he said.

"Did I pass?" Nicholas grinned, knowing the answer already.

Rather than responding, Jim just chuckled softly.  "Do I need to take you home?" he questioned, knowing that Nicholas was currently without a vehicle and that the cast on his left foot would make driving very difficult anyway.

Nicholas shook his head.  "Max is waiting for me," he answered.  He reached for his crutches and then patted his leader's shoulder fondly.

"Thanks, Jim," he said gratefully as he tucked a crutch under each arm and began to move forward.

"Do you need me to help you?" Jim asked.

"I've got it," Nicholas assured him.  But Jim still held the front door open for him, and watched as Max popped out of the driver's seat of his red sports car and hurried to the other side.  Gently, he helped Nicholas inside, then stowed the crutches in the backseat.  The two men waved to Jim as Max drove away.

*******

"So," Nicholas teased, once the two of them were alone in Max's car, "your place or mine?"

This was the first time Nicholas had been alone with Max, in private, since he'd been taken.  Because of that, the dark-haired agent expected his teammate to eagerly respond to the loaded question - to be ready for the opportunity to continue exploring the fledgling relationship they'd been working on since discovering their mutual attraction a couple of weeks prior.

Instead, Max remained quiet, pensive, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

"Max?"

The blond seemed to snap out of his trance and looked over at his friend.  "I'm sorry, Nicholas, did you say something?"

Nicholas smiled provocatively.  "I said, 'Your place or mine?'"

Max looked back at the highway and was quiet for another moment before responding.  "Well, we both have upstairs bedrooms.  It'll be hard for you to get up and down the stairs."  He glanced at Nicholas again.  "My couch is bigger."

The suggestion was purely practical, with not even the slightest hint of seduction in Max's voice.  Nicholas was confused, and a bit unsettled, but he decided to shelve further questions for the moment.  "Your place, then," he suggested quietly.

"All right," Max agreed, and the two men rode the rest of the way to Max's apartment in silence.

Chapter 2

"Sit tight.  I'll go get the door," Max ordered softly as he brought the red sports car to a stop in the parking space in front of his apartment.

Nicholas did as he was told.  Max quickly unlocked the door to his apartment, then dashed back to the passenger side.  He retrieved the crutches out of the backseat, then opened Nicholas' door.

Max's touch was gentle as he helped Nicholas get to his feet and placed the crutches in position.  Then he kept a steadying hand on his friend's back while Nicholas hobbled inside.  Nicholas knew that he was perfectly capable of getting there on his own, but he welcomed Max's comforting attention.

The blond agent eased his friend to a sitting position on the sofa, then proceeded to run around trying to make Nicholas comfortable.

"Let's get that foot propped up," Max suggested, as he carefully propped the casted foot on the nearby ottoman.  "Would you like a drink?" he asked, and without waiting for a reply went to pour Nicholas a scotch, knowing it was his drink of choice.

"Max."

Max placed the drink and the remote control on the side table.  "You hungry?  I'll go fix some dinner." And Max started toward the kitchen.

"Max!"

This time, the blond heard his friend's voice.  "Yeah?"

"Max, thank you,"  Nicholas said sincerely, "but that's enough for now.  Come here and sit with me."

Nicholas patted the sofa beside him, and Max obeyed, though he looked extremely nervous and didn't sit especially close.  This troubled Nicholas greatly, and he was determined to find out why.

"What is it, Nicholas?" Max questioned, refusing to meet his teammate's eyes.

"I was hoping we could pick up where we left off last week, before all this happened," Nicholas answered softly.  "Have you forgotten?"

Max looked at Nicholas briefly before averting his eyes again.  "No, I haven't forgotten," he said quietly.  "I just didn't know if you felt up to...anything." A pause.  "I didn't want to pressure you."

Nicholas smiled slightly.  "Max, my ankle might be broken, but the rest of me works just fine," he quipped.  Then his smile faded and his heart came up in his throat when Max didn't respond.  "Max, do you still want me?" he whispered.

"Of course I still want you, Nicholas," said Max, and there was hurt in his voice that he had suggested otherwise.  His ice blue eyes blinked nervously.  "It's just that...it's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it for me, Max," Nicholas pleaded, reaching out to squeeze his partner's hand.  "Please.  Tell me what's really bothering you."

Max sighed, and it was a moment before he answered.  "I can't get my brain to shut off," he shrugged.  "You know how tough it is being with someone when you're... distracted."

"Max," Nicholas breathed, his voice quiet but urgent.  He longed to pull his blond friend into his arms but couldn't quite reach him where he sat.  In that moment, Nicholas cursed the cast that had him confined to the couch.

"Talk to me.  Let me help you."

Max sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.  Then he scooted sideways until he was facing his partner, and began to speak.

"All of us have been taken by the bad guys at one time or another, but it's always been an expected part of the mission.  This time was different," he said softly, looking down at his hands.  Then he looked up again, his eyes locking with the soft brown ones of his teammate.  "And it scared the hell out of me."

Nicholas' stomach lurched in empathy.  "I was scared, too, Max," he admitted quietly, reaching out to squeeze Max's hand once again, "but I always knew you guys would find me."

Max shook his head.  "You were gone for two days before we realized it," he disagreed.  "The truth is, if they hadn't gotten greedy and made a ransom demand, we wouldn't have found you at all." Max dropped his head, and his voice dropped with it.  "Nicholas, I thought I'd never see you again."

"Max," Nicholas began, "it's okay."

"The whole time you were gone, I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from," Max continued, still not meeting Nicholas' eyes.  "Now that you're back, I'm scared that I'm still dreaming.  And I'm gonna wake up and you'll still be gone."

"This isn't a dream, Max," Nicholas assured him softly.  "I'm really here."

"You should have been here last Sunday," growled Max, "and I shouldn't have taken that flight.  Maybe then you wouldn't have been taken."

"Stop that," Nicholas chided gently, placing a finger on his partner's lips to silence him.  "You couldn't have known, Max.  You weren't even here.  Besides, it doesn't matter now.  I'm safe, and here at home with you.  And I'm not going anywhere."

At last, Max looked up to meet Nicholas' eyes again.  "Let me hold you, Nicholas," he said urgently.  "I need to feel you in my arms, to know for sure that you're really safe."

Nicholas felt the heat rise in his midsection at Max's suggestion.  "Lock the door," he ordered huskily, "and I'll prove it to you."

Chapter 3

Max locked the door, then quickly darted back to his partner's side.  Gently, he eased Nicholas' cast off the ottoman and onto the empty couch beside him, then he slipped in between the dark-haired man and the couch's other arm.  Stretching one leg out between Nicholas and the back of the couch, Max pulled his lover close to him and wrapped his arms around the shorter man's shoulders.

The embrace was tight, almost crushing, and Nicholas felt Max's body trembling slightly as he laid his head contently on the blond's chest.  Max kissed the top of Nicholas' head, then laid his chin tenderly where his lips had been just a moment before.  Nicholas could hear Max's heart beating quickly in his ear, could feel the gentle pulsing where Max was pressed against the small of his back.

"You know," Nicholas said breathlessly, feeling his middle swell in response, "I could take care of that for you."

"Not yet, Nick," begged Max, equally breathless.  "I just want to stay like this for a little bit longer."

Nicholas reached up and rubbed Max's arm lovingly, as the blond maintained a tight grip on his upper arms.

"Oh, Nicholas," Max sighed, his voice barely audible, "I thought I'd lost you for sure."

"It's all right, Max," Nicholas soothed, his heart plummeting to his stomach in empathy as he pondered how difficult it must have been for Max while he'd been gone, knowing he couldn't confide in anyone without disclosing the true nature of their relationship. "I'm here."

"I missed you," Max said tenderly.

Nicholas reached up to softly caress Max's chiseled jawline.  "Please, Max," he responded, "let me show you how much I missed you."

Reluctantly, the blond released his grip on Nicholas, who eased himself gingerly off the couch.

"Careful," Max warned, as Nicholas sat down on the nearby ottoman and smiled at his partner's concern.  He scooted the stool closer to Max, reached out his hand, and gently pulled the blond's face close to his.

Their lips met, and Nicholas' tongue teasingly explored his lover's mouth.  He felt Max's body arch with pleasure and deepen the kiss with a soft moan. 

Nicholas couldn't remember ever being kissed like that before - a kiss that poured in every ounce of anger, worry, and frustration from the past week, combined with the love and unbridled passion that burned deep within them both.  The result was electrifying, and their bodies reacted accordingly.

Still locked in the kiss, Nicholas' fingers began to fiddle with the buttons on Max's shirt, popping them loose one by one until his chest was fully exposed.  Then he gently broke the kiss and allowed his mouth to travel downward, tasting the smooth, supple skin of Max's upper body, becoming fully aroused himself at the faint scent of Max's cologne and the salty sweetness that lingered on his tongue.

Max lay back, stretching his tall frame across the couch, the bulge in his jeans protruding prominently.  He reached down to unfasten them, but Nicholas saw the movement and grasped both of his hands in gentle restraint.

"You just relax," he whispered, "and let me do the work."

"Are you sure you're up to it?" Max began, but Nicholas silenced him with another kiss and the last of his resistance fell away.

The dark-haired man hopped off the ottoman and onto his knees, ignoring the slight discomfort as his cast thumped against the floor.  Skillfully, he unfastened Max's jeans and slid them off the taller man's hips.  His hand found Max's expansive manhood, and he began to stroke and caress it tenderly while his mouth continued to travel south of Max's belly button.

As Max drew closer and closer to the brink of climax, Nicholas' mouth found where his fingers had been a moment earlier, and his tongue continued its loving caresses.  His own midsection pulsated in response against the constriction of his jeans, and somehow Nicholas hastily undressed himself without missing a beat.  Then his hands returned quickly to trace the outlines of Max's clearly defined muscles.  Finally, Max could hold on no longer, and with a shudder and a soft moan he let go.

The feeling of Max's body tensing up at the moment of release, and the husky sound of pleasure as it escaped his lips, were enough to push Nicholas over the edge without even being touched. As he felt himself coming, he reached for his lover's hands and held on.

As the tension began to settle, Max raised up and carefully pulled Nicholas back into his arms.  The two men lay there, silently clinging tightly to one another, for several minutes before either of them spoke.

Max was the first to break the silence.  "Maybe I am still dreaming," he said, his voice a sultry growl that threatened to take Nicholas right back to the brink., "but if so, I don't ever want to wake up."

"I love you, Max," Nicholas responded, still breathless.  "Thank you for finding me."

"I love you, too, Nick," Max reciprocated, "and I never want you to be away from me again."

Chapter 4

Nicholas and Max spent the night downstairs.  For the first couple of hours, they napped together on the couch where they'd made love.  But around midnight, Max woke up and realized it had gotten cooler in the house.  Carefully, he managed to slip out of his lover's arms without waking him and tiptoed upstairs to find a couple of blankets and a pair of pajama pants for himself.

Max tucked one of the blankets around Nicholas' still-naked form and planted a light kiss on the tanned forehead.  He wanted Nicholas to be comfortable, so he didn't try to wedge himself back onto the sofa.  At the same time, Max didn't want to be too far away.  So he made himself a bed on the nearby recliner and fell back to sleep.

The next morning, Nicholas awoke to the aroma of bacon frying in the kitchen - and the realization that beneath the blanket that covered him he was not wearing anything but that cast on his foot.  He sat up and looked beside the couch for the clothes he'd taken off the night before, but he didn't find them.  As he contemplated what to do about his predicament, Max came walking into the living room, shirtless but wearing silk pajama pants.

"Good morning, Nick," he smiled, leaning in for a light kiss.  "How are you feeling?"

"I feel great," Nicholas smiled back, "except for this damned cast."

Max's brow furrowed.  "Are you in any pain?" he asked quickly.

"Nah," Nicholas reassured him, waving a hand dismissively.  "It's just a nuisance." He looked up at his friend and lover curiously.  "How about you?" he asked quietly.  "Are you feeling better?"

"Much better," Max answered, sitting down on the ottoman and reaching for Nicholas' hand.  "Last night was amazing, Nick."

"It sure was." Nicholas smiled at the memory as he looked deeply into Max's blue eyes, rubbing his partner's fingers absently.

"Did you sleep okay?"

Nicholas nodded.  "Your couch is very comfortable, Max, but I think I'm going to have to figure out how to get upstairs.  I need a shower."

"The shower can wait," Max advised him.  "Breakfast is done."

"Okay, but need I remind you I've got nothing on under here, and my clothes seem to have disappeared overnight," Nicholas grinned.  "Am I supposed to sit at the table like this?"

Max shrugged.  "I wouldn't complain," he teased, and Nicholas' tanned cheeks turned a faint shade of pink.  Max threw his head back and chuckled softly.  "Oh, come on, Nick, it's nothing I didn't see last night."

"Max!"

"I'm just messing with you," he grinned, reaching over to grab a light blue robe lying across the back of the nearby recliner.  He handed it to Nicholas.  "Put this on, and let's have breakfast, and then afterward we'll grab that shower."

Nicholas peeled back the blanket, and Max gently helped him to his feet and held him steady while he put on the robe.  Then he grabbed the crutches, and he and Nicholas made their way to the kitchen.

After breakfast, Nicholas used his crutches to carefully ascend the stairs, one step at a time.  Max followed a step behind, keeping a hand on Nicholas' shoulder to keep him from falling backward.  By the time they reached the second floor, Nicholas was exhausted.

"Sorry that took so long, Max," he gasped, as he sat down on Max's bed to catch his breath.

"Don't worry about that," Max replied, plopping down beside him.  "Just promise me you won't try the stairs by yourself.  I wouldn't want you to fall."

"I may just stay up here for the next six weeks," Nicholas quipped, "and make you wait on me hand and foot."

"I wouldn't mind," Max shrugged.  "Just promise."

"Okay, Max." Nicholas was touched at his lover's concern.  "Now, about that shower."

"You okay?"

"I'm fine, Max.  Just got a little winded, that's all." He winked seductively at the blond.  "But you know I'm going to need your help."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Max grinned, and the two men made their way to the bathroom.

*******

The shower was unhurried, and refreshing for both of them, and afterwards Max helped Nicholas slip into the spare outfit he'd learned to always keep at his lover's place.  Then they began the tedious task of inching back downstairs. 

This time, Max went before him, sideways on the staircase, ready to catch his partner if he lost his balance.  It almost happened once, but the blond quickly reached out to steady him, and after a moment he was stable again.

"Nicholas?" Max hissed, his voice tense.

"I'm okay," the dark-haired man assured him.  "Let's just hurry."

After what seemed like an eternity, they reached the bottom step, and Max grabbed the crutches as Nicholas collapsed on the sofa.  The taller man quickly laid them aside and plopped down beside his friend, who was breathing heavily once again.

"Nick," he said softly, reaching into his pocket for his handkerchief and wiping the sweat that had popped out on the tanned forehead, "are you sure you're all right?"

"Yes," he gasped.  "The stairs are just really hard.  I guess my arms are still pretty weak.  I'll have to ask the therapist about that today."

"Well, you can't keep doing this to yourself for the next six weeks," Max said pensively.  "And you can't just stay on the first floor, without access to a bathroom or a real bed."

"So what do you suggest?"

"My staircase isn't wide enough for me to walk up it beside you," Max responded.

"And mine's even more narrow," Nicholas added.

"It might be fun to carry you," Max grinned, "but I wouldn't want to run the risk of falling with you." He looked at Nicholas, and his gaze grew somber.  "As much as I'd love to have you here, so I can take care of you, it might be better if you stay somewhere that only has one floor.  Or an elevator."

Nicholas nodded in concession.  "Well, Shannon's got an apartment just like mine," he mused.

"Grant's farmhouse has a downstairs bathroom," Max offered.

"Yes, but the bedrooms are all upstairs," Nicholas recalled.

"Jim's condo has a guest room downstairs," Max said quietly.

"I'm not staying with Jim." Nicholas' voice was adamant.  "I'd never get to see you."

"Come on, Nicholas, I'd come see you every day," Max teased, a grin curling across his face.

"You know what I mean," he countered, knowing that Max knew exactly.  "Maybe while we're out today, we can look at getting a hotel room till the cast comes off."

"Are you serious?" Max cried incredulously.  "Renting a room for six weeks will probably be expensive, Nicholas."

"If you'll stay with me, it'll be worth it," Nicholas responded, with a provocative wink.

"It's a deal," Max grinned broadly.

Chapter 5

The first stop on Nicholas' list of errands was an appointment with the physical therapist.  Before getting into his therapy routine, Nicholas explained how his arms had all but given out on him as he'd been going up and down the stairs in Max's apartment.

"Is that normal?" Nicholas asked.

"Unfortunately, yes," his therapist replied.  "From what you've told me, your arms were bound in the same position for several days.  This weakened your arm muscles, and it's going to take them a while to heal."

The therapist smiled at the dark-haired agent.  "Of course, the more you can rest your arms between therapy sessions, and stay off the crutches, the faster they'll feel better."

With that, Nicholas began his routine while Max read a magazine and waited for him.  Once he was finished, Max helped Nicholas into the car.

"Where to now?" the blond asked.

"I need to grab some things from my place," Nicholas answered sadly.  "It doesn't look like I'm going to be able to stay there for a good while."

Max nodded, but remained quiet until they pulled into the parking space in front of the dark-haired agent's apartment.  As Nicholas reached for the door handle, Max laid a restraining hand on his friend's shoulder.

"I'll do it, Nick," he offered.

"It's okay, Max.  I can handle it," Nicholas retorted.

"Nicholas," the blond agent countered impatiently, "you don't need to be trying to get up those stairs.  You saw how it was this morning, and you heard what the physical therapist said."

"I just don't like strangers rummaging through my personal things," Nicholas complained.

"I'm hardly a stranger, pal," Max stated flatly.

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah, I do," Max admitted, "but I am a guy, too, Nicholas.  I can figure out what you need."  His blue eyes sparkled.  "Let me do this for you."

Nicholas sighed.  "All right, fine," he conceded. 

Max flashed him a wide grin.  "I'll be right back."

Then, as Nicholas watched, Max retrieved the spare key from its hiding place and entered his friend's apartment.  In less than fifteen minutes, he tossed a couple of suitcases in the back of his sports car and slid into the driver's seat.

"Piece of cake," he quipped, looking sideways at Nicholas.

"That sure didn't take long," Nicholas marveled.  "Are you sure you got everything?"

"I was thorough," Max promised, a bit defensively.

Nicholas raised an eyebrow.  "We'll see," he challenged, with a slight smile.

Max chuckled softly.  "Next stop?"

Nicholas sighed.  "Let's go visit some hotels."

Max drove them to the first hotel, then a second, then a third.  Each time they stopped, Max would patiently help his partner out of the car, guide him as he looked around a lower-floor room, then guide him back outside and help him back into the car again.  Finally, after looking at the fourth room, a clearly exhausted Nicholas looked at his blond companion.

"What do you think?" he asked, his voice slightly breathless.

Max shrugged.  "You're the one to decide that."

"Yes, but your input matters to me."

"It's fine, Nick."

Nicholas sighed and smiled weakly at the hotel manager.  "I'll take it."

The manager nodded and led them out to the front desk to complete the paperwork.  When she disappeared into the next room to grab a printout, Max turned to Nicholas, studying him intently.  His face was drawn, and he was slightly pale.

"Nicholas, did you pick this room because you liked it best, or because you're too tired to keep looking?" he asked, with the slightest hint of concern.

Nicholas sighed again.  "A little of both, I guess," he admitted.

Max patted his shoulder fondly.  "I'll go get your things out of the car."

Nicholas nodded and went back to work on his registration forms.  A few moments later, Max accompanied Nicholas to the room.  He sat on one of the two king-size beds as he watched Nicholas put his things away where he wanted them.

When he was finished, he smiled at Max.  "I hate to admit this," he said teasingly, "but you did quite well gathering up my things."

A sideways grin curled the blond's face.  "Told you," he bragged.  "Now, you should get some rest."

"If you don't mind," Nicholas countered, "I'd like to go one more place."

"Where's that?"

"To check on Cindy."

Max's smile faded.  "I'm sure she's fine, buddy," he said softly, though his voice held a touch of hostility.

"I know, but I'd still like to talk to her," Nicholas countered.  "Just for a little bit.  I promised I would."

"There's always tomorrow."

"Max, please."

Max sighed.  "All right.  But just for a little while.  Then I want you to rest.  You got it?"

Nicholas grinned.  "Okay, Mom," he teased, secretly appreciative of Max's protectiveness.

Twenty minutes later, Max's red sports car pulled up in front of the precinct, and he and Nicholas were walking inside.

Chapter 6

Todd Spencer looked out over his desk at the two men who'd just entered the building.

"Nicholas!  Max!  Good to see you both."  He stood up and walked around the desk to greet both with warm handshakes.  "How are you doing, Nicholas?" he added to the dark-haired agent.

"I'm okay," Nicholas assured him, but Todd was unconvinced.

"You look like you need to be at home resting," he frowned.

Nicholas shot a look behind him at Max, who raised both hands in protest.  "I tried to tell him."

"I wanted to see how Cindy was doing," Nicholas said defensively.  "I promised her I'd check in on her."

"You know, you can always call," Todd reminded him, and the dark-haired agent met Max's triumphant smirk with a cold glare.  "But since you're here already, follow me."

"Have you found out anything about her sentencing yet?" Nicholas asked, as Todd led them down the hall to the visitation area where Cindy would soon join them on the other side of a glass window.

"She waived her right to a jury trial and pled guilty at the arraignment," Todd explained.  "She'll be sentenced later this week  at a closed hearing, but the judge has been made aware of the assistance that Cindy has provided and will take that into consideration."

Todd paused at the visitation room door.  "She's not going to escape jail time completely, but I don't think she'll be here long.". He opened the door.  "I'll send her down.  But only for a few minutes," he added, with a lightning-quick glance at Max.

Nicholas sat down on the tiny stool in front of the window, and Max propped his crutches against the wall and stood beside them, arms crossed, as a deputy opened the door on the other side of the window and Cindy came shuffling in.

Her face lit up immediately when she saw her visitor.

"Nicholas!" The blond sat down on the stool and placed both of her cuffed palms against the window.

"Hi, Cindy!  How are you doing?". Nicholas asked, placing his palms against the window mirroring hers.

"Hanging in there," she replied, her eyes shimmering.  "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay.  Still pretty tired, but I wanted to come see you."

"I'm glad you did.". Cindy looked up at the tall man in the corner.  "Hi, Max."

Max simply nodded his greeting.

"Are they treating you okay?" Nicholas asked her, his voice low.

"You know, it's really not so bad in here," Cindy answered, just a bit sadly.  "I miss my sister, and that's probably the worst part."

"I know," Nicholas said empathetically.

Her eyes darkened a little. "Though I know that in the end she didn't really love me.  Not the way she loved Johnny.  And as far as the freedom goes, I never really had any to begin with.  So, in a sense, you rescued me." She smiled faintly.  "You might not have come in on a white horse, but you were still my handsome prince."

Nicholas smiled faintly.

"Well, I hear you may be getting out of here sooner than you thought."

Cindy shrugged.  "I don't really mind, Nicholas.  It's a chance to reinvent myself - to figure out what I want to do with my life." She looked at Nicholas excitedly.  "I get to work on my GED."

"That's great, Cindy."

"It's been a long time since I've been to school," she said.  "I'm a little nervous."

"I'm sure you'll do fine," he soothed reassuringly.

"I'm probably going to need a tutor," she admitted, lowering her eyes.  "Would you tutor me?"

The request took Nicholas by surprise.  "I'm sure there are tutors in the GED program that you will have access to anytime you want, Cindy."

"But you're a teacher.  And you work with teenagers."

"I'm not sure how much time I will have, Cindy," he protested mildly.  "I have physical therapy three times a week.  And I'll be going back to work soon."

"Not for a few weeks while that foot heals, Mr. Undercover Detective," she challenged.  She looked down at her hands and stuck her lower lip out slightly.  "Besides, you promised you'd help me start over, remember?"

Nicholas sighed heavily.  "So I did," he admitted.  "And I do owe you a great deal."  He cast a sideways glance at Max, whose expression was solemn and unreadable.  "I can't give you any definite time I'll be able to come, Cindy, but I'll do what I can."

"That's all I can ask for," she smiled.

Just then, the door on Cindy's side of the visitation room opened.  "Time to wrap things up," said the officer.

Cindy stood up.  "I have to go," she said quietly.  "Take care of yourself, okay?  I'll see you soon.  'Bye, Max."

The two "touched" palms once again, and then Cindy disappeared behind the door.  Max handed Nicholas his crutches and then wordlessly helped him back through the winding hallway to the front area where Todd was sitting at his desk.

"You guys leaving?" he asked, standing up to bid them goodbye.

"Yeah," Max grunted.  "He needs to rest."

Todd reached out to shake both their hands.  "Nicholas, I'll call you Friday to let you know her sentence."

"I'll call you instead," Nicholas corrected.  "I'm not staying at home right now.  It's too hard getting up and down the steps."

"I see," nodded the officer.  "I'll talk to you soon, then."

And with that, the two men left the precinct, got into Max's car, and headed back toward the hotel.

Chapter 7

The two men had traveled halfway back to the hotel room, and Max still had not said a word.  Nicholas stole a glance at his partner.  His expression was pensive, and his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly.  Something was definitely bothering him.  He hadn't been like this earlier.

"Thank you for taking me to see her," Nicholas ventured, in an effort to break the stifling silence.

Max did not reply.

"Max," he tried again, "you're awfully quiet.  Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he said softly.

You don't sound fine, Nicholas thought.  "Are you angry with me?" he asked aloud.

Max looked at Nicholas, his expression unreadable.  "We can talk at the hotel," he answered, before turning his attention back to the road ahead.

You are angry with me, Nicholas said to himself.  It took every ounce of self-control he had, but he didn't press Max further; instead, he spent the next ten minutes trying to figure out exactly what he had done wrong.

*******

But by the time they arrived back at the hotel, Nicholas still hadn't thought of any reason why Max should be acting the way that he was.

Despite his silence, Max patiently helped him inside and onto the king-sized bed nearest to the door.  He fluffed the pillows and helped Nicholas prop in a half-sitting position.  Nicholas was pale and a little winded, and his arms and chest ached from exertion.  He longed to sleep, but couldn't rest until he knew what was bothering his friend.

"All right, Max," he began, closing his eyes to draw a ragged breath before opening them again to focus on his blond companion, "out with it.  I want to know why you're angry with me."

Max stood at the foot of the bed and gazed at the dark-haired man.  "Look at you, Nicholas," he said in a half-whisper, his voice a blend of worry and edginess.  "You're exhausted.  You've done too much today."

"I'll be all right, Max."

"Nicholas, you were gone for five days, and kept in terrible conditions.  You had surgery the day before yesterday, for heaven's sake.  You need to rest."

"So you're concerned," Nicholas whispered.  "I get that.  And I love you for it." He paused to gaze back at his lover's eyes.  "But something tells me that's not all that's on your mind."

He paused, watching Max avert his gaze, waiting in vain for the blond agent to volunteer additional information.  Suddenly, Nicholas' eyes narrowed in a moment of realization.  "This is about Cindy, isn't it?  You don't like her."

Max sighed forcefully and ran a hand through his hair.  "It isn't that I don't like her," he disagreed quietly.

"Does it even matter to you that she's the reason I stayed alive long enough to be rescued?" Nicholas asked defensively.

"Of course it matters." Max's ice blue eyes popped, himself defensive.

"Then what didn't you like about her, Max?" Nicholas demanded, his voice escalating.

"She was flirting with you!" Max retorted, matching his tone.  "And you let her!"

The answer took Nicholas completely by surprise, and he was quiet for a moment.  "Flirting?" he finally repeated.  "She wasn't flirting!"

"I guess being called a handsome prince on a white horse is an everyday occurrence then," Max reminded him, his voice oozing sarcasm.

"Oh, that," Nicholas responded, his voice suddenly quiet and his cheeks pink with embarrassment as he recalled Cindy's comment.  "Max, I honestly didn't think anything about it.  For heaven's sake, she's nineteen - not much different from a prep school girl with a crush on the teacher.  I see it all the time."

"All the time, huh?" Max repeated, and Nicholas knew he'd said the wrong thing.  But the absurdity of it hit him hard, and he didn't know whether to laugh or curse.

"Are you jealous?" he scoffed.

Max's voice was barely audible.  "Maybe I am."

Nicholas was taken aback by the admission, and suddenly all of the animosity he had felt only moments before disappeared in an instant.  He patted the side of the bed.  "Come here, Max," he commanded gently.  Slowly, Max complied, and sat down on the bed facing his lover.

Nicholas took Max's hand in both of his own.  "There's nothing to be jealous of, Max," he promised, starting deeply into his partner's blue eyes. "You are the only one I want.  The only one I love.  You've got to believe that."

Nicholas let go of Max's hand with one hand and reached up to stroke the blond's cheek tenderly.  "If you don't want me to spend time with her, I won't."

"It's not my place to tell you what to do, Nick," Max answered, his voice low, and Nicholas breathed a small sigh of relief that his lover was back to using the shorter form of his name, his term of endearment.  "I trust you," he added, with a slight emphasis on the final word.

"You don't trust her?"

"Part of me is just afraid that the more time you spend with her, the more she's going to assume about your relationship," Max answered, rubbing his partner's fingers absently.

Nicholas sighed heavily.  Max did have a valid point.  "Don't worry, Max," he soothed, squeezing the blond's hand.  "I'll make sure that doesn't happen." A pause.  "I'm sorry about everything."

In response, Max smiled slightly at his lover, then scooted closer and took Nicholas into his arms, covering his partner's lips with his own.  Nicholas instantly returned the embrace and deepened the kiss, exploring Max's mouth with his tongue.  When Max finally, reluctantly, released him, Nicholas smiled up at the younger man.

"Our first real fight," Nicholas observed.

"So it was."

"Well, we've already kissed," the dark-haired agent quipped, feeling the heat rise in his groin, "so that must mean it's time to make up."

"It's time for you to rest," answered Max softly.

"But what if I don't want to?" Nicholas protested petulantly.

"I can make it worth your while, Nick," Max growled.  "Just leave it to me."

Chapter 8

Max stood up beside the bed, then helped his lover to his feet.  "First, let's get you undressed," he proposed.

He carefully unfastened each button of Nicholas' white shirt, one by one.  As the last button gave way, Max slipped the garment off his shoulders, tracing the length of Nicholas' tanned arms with his hands.

Max felt the hardness in his midsection as he reached for the waistband of the black silk dress pants and slid them carefully over his lover's slender hips.  Right away, he noticed that Nick's ample hardness​ matched his own.

"Now what?" Nicholas grinned, meeting Max's eyes with a childlike innocence in his own.

"Lie back on the bed, and close your eyes."

Nicholas carefully complied, and Max quickly shed his own clothes.

"Now," he whispered, his voice husky, "just relax, and leave the rest to me."

Then Nicholas felt Max's strong hands start at his calves, just above his cast, gently but firmly massaging the muscles, kneading them between his fingers - first one leg, then the other.  He slowly traveled up each leg, his hands continuing to work their magic.  As he neared Nicholas' thighs, his dark-haired partner felt his middle swell bigger and harder.  Nicholas' muscles tensed in anticipation - the opposite effect from what Max was looking for.

"Am I hurting you, Nick?" he asked breathlessly, but with concern heavy in his voice.

"No," Nicholas replied, his eyes still closed.  "Just...sweet torture."

Max chuckled softly, and his baritone voice sent his lover to a new level of ecstasy.  "We'll get to that," Max promised, as his hands continued to travel upward, caressing and massaging as they went.

He stopped briefly at Nicholas' manhood, fondling it gently, teasingly, lingering only for a second as he didn't wish to bring his partner - or himself - to the brink just yet.

Then he continued to massage the narrow waist, traveling up the bronzed chest, his fingers getting lost in the thick black hair.  Max's hands stroked his lover's upper chest, then his shoulders.

Nicholas felt Max's hot breath on his face, and he opened his eyes to find his partner looking lovingly back at him.  Their lips met once again, and as Max's tongue gently explored, he pressed his own arousal, warm and pulsing with desire, against his lover's.  Both men moaned softly as climax drew closer, and Nicholas threw an arm around Max's ample shoulders and pulled him harder against himself.

Without breaking the kiss, Max reached down with one hand and grasped his partner's member.  One gentle stroke, and both men shuddered as simultaneously their bodies released.  Nicholas pulled Max closer, and they lay there, panting heavily, until they were finished.

Nicholas was the first to speak.

"My God, Max," he breathed.  "You're amazing."

"I'm not finished yet," Max said teasingly, then he rose from atop his partner and got off the bed.

"Where are you going?" Nicholas whined.

"I'll be right back," the blond promised.  "Sit tight."

Then Max disappeared into the hotel bathroom, and a moment later returned with a couple of items in his hand.

He took the first - a warm, damp washcloth - and gently wiped away the evidence of their climax from Nicholas' body.  "Roll over, Nick," he crooned when he was finished.

Nicholas obeyed, all the while wondering what Max was up to.  They'd both already been satisfied, and he was even sleepier than he'd been before.

Within a few seconds, he understood, as Max took the second item - the hotel-issued body lotion that he'd warmed slightly - rubbed some between his hands, and began to massage Nicholas' shoulders.  What little tension that remained there melted away at Max's firm but gentle touch.

"Ah, Max, that feels really good," Nicholas praised, drowsily, and Max smiled to himself.  For him, this kind of intimacy felt almost as good as the other kind.

Max's expert hands lingered at Nicholas' shoulder blades for a moment, then began working their way down his back.

"Where'd you learn how to do that?" Nicholas asked in amazement.

"I have secrets I'm just beginning to share with you, partner," he quipped.

"I can't...stay awake," Nicholas said apologetically.

"It's all right, Nick," his lover soothed.  "Go to sleep.  Get some rest.  That's what I want you to do."

"Will you..." Nicholas yawned. "...stay with me?"

Max crouched beside the bed, on the side Nicholas was facing.  "I'm going to run back to my place, grab some things, and check my messages," he answered softly.  "But I'll be here in the morning, I promise."

Max planted a quick kiss on his lover's cheek as Nicholas smiled at him and closed his eyes.  By the time Max pulled the blanket up to the bronzed shoulders, he was sound asleep.

Max dressed hastily, then grabbed his car keys and the hotel room key and slipped quietly out into the night.

*******

It was nearly eight when Max arrived at his apartment.  As he went inside, his eyes automatically darted to the answering machine, which was blinking wildly.

Max walked over and counted the blinks.  Four messages.  He pushed the button and heard Jim's voice.

"Max, it's Jim.  Call me back at the condo as soon as you get this.  Thanks."

Max cursed.  The time stamp was four hours ago.

Hastily, he picked up the phone and dialed Jim's number.

"Hey, Jim," he said, upon hearing Jim's greeting.

"Max!" Jim exploded.  "I've been trying to reach you for hours!  Where have you been?  Have you heard from Nicholas?"

"Easy, Jim," Max interrupted gently.  "I've been driving Nicholas around town today, running errands.  He had some trouble getting up and down the stairs yesterday, so he decided to rent a hotel room for a while.  I just got him settled in.  He's doing okay, just very tired." A pause.  "What's up?"

"We have a mission," Jim informed him.  "It's in Kenya.  The Secretary called me early this afternoon.  He wanted us to leave tonight, but we couldn't get in touch with you."

"Sorry, Jim."

"Well, no need to worry about that now, Max.  But I need you here at the condo at seven in the morning for a quick briefing before our plane leaves at nine.  Can you make it?"

"Sure, Jim," Max answered, trying to mask the sadness in his voice.  "I'll see you in the morning."

Chapter 9

What had started as a trip home to gather a few things to take to the hotel room had turned into stuffing a week's worth of necessities into a suitcase bound for Africa.  The whole time he was packing, and again as he showered, Max was thinking of Nicholas.

It was too soon.  Too soon to be leaving on a new mission, especially without their dark-haired teammate. 

Max knew that the broken ankle meant he'd be out of commission for at least six weeks.  The rest of the team couldn't just sit around that long without an assignment; the Secretary wouldn't let that happen.  But Max hadn't had time to prepare himself, emotionally, for leaving Nicholas behind, as a teammate or as a lover.

They had just gotten him back, for heaven's sake.  He still had a cast on his ankle.  How was he supposed to get around without Max to drive him?  How was he supposed to do those basic things he was still having trouble with, like taking a shower?

It was after ten when Max started  back to the hotel.  He hoped that Nicholas was sleeping well; as for himself, he was sure that sleep wouldn't come so easily.  He'd have to wake by five-thirty in order to have time to get dressed, say goodbye to Nicholas and still get to Jim's by seven.

Max slid the key into the slot and quietly turned the knob.  Nicholas was still in the same position on the bed, his gentle breathing a sign that he was still asleep.  Max smiled to himself.  He had done well.

Max kicked off his shoes and then carefully pulled back the blanket and crawled into bed beside his lover.

*******

Less than six hours later, Max's wristwatch alarm woke him from a fitful sleep.  He slipped out from underneath the covers and tiptoed to the bathroom.  Once dressed, he sat down on the edge of the bed, laid his hand on Nicholas' shoulder, and shook him gently.

"Nicholas.  Wake up, buddy."

Nicholas woke with a start.  "Easy, Nick.  It's just me."

"Max?" Nicholas questioned uncertainly.  He opened his eyes and immediately realized that his partner was fully dressed.  "What's wrong?" he demanded, as he rose up on his elbows.

"It's okay," Max said softly, stroking his hair.  "I'm sorry to wake you so early, but I have to go." Max looked down at the bedsheets.  "There's a mission."

"Now?  Where?"

"Kenya.  Our plane leaves at nine; team briefing before that.". Max's voice held a hint of sadness.  "I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye."

"I'm glad you didn't," Nicholas said quietly, and Max offered gentle assistance as his partner sat up on the bed.  "I wish it didn't have to be so soon," he sighed.

"Me too, Nick," the blond agreed.  "I hate leaving you here, in more ways than one."

"I know," Nicholas assured him, rubbing Max's arm tenderly, "but I'll be all right.  You just get back here safely, okay?"

"I'll do my best," Max promised.  Then, unable to hold back any longer, he reached out and grabbed Nicholas in a strong embrace, then gave him a gentle kiss.

"I'd better go," Max said reluctantly.  "I'll see you when we get back.  Tell the others hello for me."

"I will." Max started toward the door, then stopped and turned around at Nicholas' voice once more.  "Be safe."

Max grinned back at him, and then he was gone.

I already miss him, Nicholas thought sadly, as he laid back down and tried in vain to go back to sleep.

*******

It was a very long three days.

Nicholas spent most of the time trying to figure out how to do all the little things that Max had helped him with since he'd come home from surgery.  Giving thanks that he didn't have to ascend stairs with crutches - especially now that Max wasn't with him.  Trying not to think about his teammates running a mission without him; even though he understood, it still hurt like hell.

Nicholas rested most of the day on Tuesday, still worn out from their busy day before.  There was more physical therapy on Wednesday, so Nicholas didn't have any choice but to get out and about.  The therapy was less grueling than Monday, but still exhausting, and so he'd rested most of Thursday, too.

By Friday, the dark-haired agent could tell definite improvements in his condition.   Taking a shower was less difficult, and physical therapy didn't leave him nearly as tired.  So instead of calling Todd Spencer to find out what had happened at Cindy's hearing the day before, Nicholas decided just to stop by.

"Nicholas!" Todd greeted him with a warm handshake.  "You look much better than the last time I saw you."

"I feel much better, too," he smiled.

"Where's your sidekick?' Todd asked, and Nicholas knew he was referring to Max.

"Business," Nicholas replied succinctly, and the officer nodded his understanding.  He'd never been sure what kind of "business" Grant and his team did for a living, only that it was usually top secret.  He'd learned months ago it was fruitless to ask questions.

"I came by to see how Cindy was doing," continued the dark-haired agent.  "How'd the hearing go?"

"Why don't you ask her?" Todd smiled knowingly.  "Follow me."

Chapter 10

Todd helped Nicholas navigate his crutches through the door, then took him down a hallway he hadn't seen before.

"Wait," he questioned, "aren't we going the wrong way?"

Todd did not answer as he led the dark-haired agent into a large room that looked like a school cafeteria, with a handful of tables and chairs.  In the corner sat a uniformed officer, reading a newspaper.  He looked up, acknowledged the mens' presence with a curt nod, and then went back to his paper.

"Have a seat here, Nicholas," Todd suggested.  "I'll send her down."

Leaving Nicholas in a state of confusion, the officer disappeared, and a few moments later a familiar figure burst through the door before he could rise to his feet.

"Nicholas!" she greeted, racing to his side and reaching down to slide her arms around his shoulders in a gentle hug.

"Cindy!" he cried.  "What...?  I don't understand."

"My hearing yesterday went really well," she explained, as she sat down beside her friend and took his hand in hers.  "The judge was very gracious, and reduced my sentence to seven years.  I know that's still a long time, but I've been reclassified as minimum security."

Cindy's blue eyes sparkled.  "So no more handcuffs, and I'll get to have a job inside the prison.  And, best of all, you can visit me without a glass window between us."

Cindy squeezed his hand.  "How are you feeling?" she asked with quiet concern.

"Much better, thank you," Nicholas smiled.

"You look better."

"So do you," he countered.  "This is good news."

"I know," Cindy agreed, then her expression sobered.  "It's hard, not being with my sister.  But I understand now that she didn't really care about me.  She only used me." Her blue eyes locked with her new friend's brown ones.  "I wanted a new start, and now I have my chance.  I intend to make the most of it.

"Speaking of..." Cindy looked at him eagerly.  I started working on my GED coursework, and I'm having a little trouble with some English lit.  You feel like helping me?"

"Sure." Nicholas' eyes twinkled.

"Great!  I'll go grab my books.". And with one more squeeze of his hand, Cindy, under the watchful eye of the nearby police officer, dashed back to her cell, reemerging a few minutes later with her textbook.

Cindy returned to the seat beside Nicholas and opened her English book.  "I have to answer a bunch of questions about this passage, but I don't understand it at all."

The two of them pored over her English book, their heads almost touching, as they read over the passage together.  Patiently, sentence by sentence, Nicholas worked through the paragraphs with her, pointing out how to pick out the most important information. Timidly at first, Cindy began to respond to the questions, and her confidence increased at her tutor's encouraging nods and smiles.

"Did I do good?" she asked, grinning?

"Cindy, your answers were fantastic!" Nicholas said proudly, involuntarily slipping his left arm around her shoulders and squeezing her in a sideways hug.

"Thanks, Nicholas," she responded sincerely, quickly reciprocating the hug, then planting an impromptu kiss on the bronzed cheek.  "You're a great teacher, and a great man."

Cindy's eyes narrowed as they met his.  "You've got a hair about to get in your eye," she whispered, as she reached up and brushed his temple with her fingertips, then allowed them to travel lightly down his cheek.  As her hand dropped back to the table, she rubbed his arm gently.  "I'm so glad I met you."

A strange feeling churned in the pit of his stomach as the look in her eyes and the impromptu gestures registered their true meaning.  Max had been right, he realized ruefully, and he bit his lip, knowing that he had to talk to her but not looking forward to the conversation.

"Cindy," he said softly, placing his hand on hers and gently removing it from his other arm, "there's something you need to know.". He sighed heavily.  "I'm... in love with someone."

Cindy averted her eyes, and her cheeks turned bright pink.  "Am I that obvious?"

"A little bit," Nicholas admitted, smiling slightly at her embarrassment.

"Lucky lady," she murmured.  For a moment, a strange look crossed her dark-haired companion's face, and she was briefly taken aback by it, but decided not to question it further.  "I should have known you were already spoken for."

"Cindy," Nicholas continued, his voice still soft as he attempted to alleviate her disappointment, "I'm flattered, I really am.  You are a lovely lady, with a kind heart, and once you get out of here and start over I'm sure you will make someone very happy.  Someone a little closer to your own age, perhaps."

Cindy looked up at him, and he could see tiny tears peeking at the corners of her eyes as she stood up.  "I think that's enough for today," she said bravely.  "Maybe I'll see you again in a day or two?"

"I'd like that," he assured her.  "Goodbye, Cindy."

She squeezed his hand once more - in friendship, this time - then picked up her books and disappeared through the door before she lost all composure.

********

For three days, the four remaining members of the IMF had worked to shut down a black-market weapons smuggling operation in Kenya.  They had all felt the absence of their injured teammate, but thankfully things had gone better and quicker than they'd imagined.

Max, eager to see Nicholas, could hardly wait until the debriefing at Jim's condo was over.  He knew that Nicholas would not be expecting them to be back so soon, so rather than calling the room, Max decided to surprise him.

Once the team was free to go, Max climbed into his car and sped off in the direction of Nicholas' hotel. Twenty minutes later, he slid his room key in the slot and turned the handle.

The room was dark and deserted.

"Nicholas?" Max called, looking around.  "Nick, are you here?"

Getting no answer, Max thought briefly about waiting to surprise him when he returned, but he couldn't shake the niggling sense of anxiety that had bubbled up in his gut.  He had to make sure that his partner was feeling all right.

He decided to go look for him.

It was Friday, so Max's first stop was at Nicholas' physical therapist's office, where he learned that the dark-haired agent had left an hour before, and had mentioned going to "visit a friend." Max frowned.  That could only mean one thing, and he wasn't sure he liked the idea at all.

Chapter 11

Max drove toward the precinct with his knuckles gripping the steering wheel tightly.  He could feel himself getting worked up, and was trying desperately to think rational thoughts in an effort to calm himself down.

Max had every reason to like Cindy, to be grateful to her for what she had done for Nicholas during his time in captivity.  He knew that she and Nicholas had formed a relationship from intensity - not that much unlike their team - and because of that their bond would be strong.  He also knew that Nicholas was just the kind of man that would take Cindy under his wing and do all he could to help her - as a father or a mentor would do.

What Max didn't know was how Cindy might interpret their relationship. 

He'd seen the way she looked at Nicholas; it mirrored the look in Max's own eyes.  He knew that Cindy was attracted to him, and that for her it was more than just another schoolgirl crush. 

Max wanted to believe that Nicholas wouldn't get involved with a woman young enough to be his daughter.  He knew that Nicholas loved him, but they'd never really discussed whether Nicholas was also attracted to women.  He'd certainly had his share of female friends over the years, and to Max's knowledge hadn't had more than a platonic relationship with any of them.  There was really nothing to indicate that Cindy would be any different - especially since Max and Nicholas were now involved.

By the time he arrived at the precinct, Max felt much better about things.  He parked his red sports car and went confidently inside.

Todd Spencer was on the telephone when the blond entered.  He covered up the receiver with one hand.  "Hi, Max," he greeted in a half whisper.

"Hello, Todd," Max answered warmly.  "Is Nicholas here?"

The officer nodded his head affirmatively and motioned Max on through; the person on the other side of the telephone conversation wasn't stopping anytime soon.

Max smiled his thanks and started toward the glassed-in visitation room when Todd covered the receiver again.  "Max," he called, and motioned in the other direction, toward the open visitation room.  He had forgotten momentarily that Max didn't know about Cindy's change in status; he certainly couldn't provide any information now, since he was stuck on the phone, but Nicholas and Cindy could explain when he got back there.

Max smiled again, opened the door and walked down the hallway, stopping on the outside of a closed door.  He peeped in through the glass window and caught sight of Nicholas and Cindy,  sitting side by side with their backs almost completely toward him and their heads almost touching. 

Max frowned and started to barge in, but before he could do so he saw Nicholas grab Cindy's shoulders in an affectionate embrace - a gesture she quickly returned, right before she kissed the dark-haired agent's cheek.

Surely there's some other explanation, Max thought.  But then he saw Cindy stroke Nicholas' cheek tenderly and place a hand on his arm, and the dark-haired agent quickly placed his hand on hers.

They hadn't seen Max, but Max had seen enough.  Angry and hurt, he whirled around and stormed out of the hallway into the main part of the precinct.

"Did you find them?" Todd asked, not seeming to notice that Max was upset.

"Yeah," Max growled, "but they're busy.  I'll catch up with him later." And he went out the door without another word.

*******

Just a few moments later, Nicholas emerged from the same hallway.

"Thanks, Todd," he smiled.

"You're welcome.  Hey, Nicholas, Max said he'd catch up with you later."

Shocked, Nicholas turned around.  "Max was here?" he asked, incredulous.  "When?"

"Not ten minutes ago," the officer answered.  "He came back there.  Didn't you see him?"

"No," Nicholas responded.

"He said you looked busy.  He must have just decided not to bother you."

Nicholas' heart came up in his throat, and his stomach filled with dread as he recalled what had happened with Cindy, and how someone on the outside looking in might have assumed certain things that weren't true.  He wondered what exactly Max had seen.

"Yeah, he must've," echoed the dark-haired agent.  "I'll see you later, Todd."

And Nicholas hurried out the door to hail a cab, praying Max would be waiting for him back at the hotel.  They needed to talk.

*******

The taxi dropped Nicholas off at the hotel, and he rushed inside.  But after a quick once-over of the room, it was obvious that Max wasn't there, and probably hadn't been.  Which meant he had to have gone home.

Nicholas asked the cabdriver to take him to Max's address.  He got out of the taxi and dashed to the front door as quickly as he could.  He pounded on the door.

"Max!  Open up, it's Nicholas!"

There was no sound from inside the apartment.  Nicholas checked for the spare key but it was not in its usual spot.  A quick glance in the parking lot confirmed that Max's sports car was there, but his motorcycle was not.

So he'd gone riding, then.  Nicholas sighed heavily.  He couldn't wait inside, and he couldn't ask the cabdriver to sit there with the meter running for God knows how long.  He would just have to come back later.

Just to be sure, Nicholas had the cabdriver swing by his own apartment, but there was no sign of Max's bike there, either.  Dejected, the dark-haired agent went back to his hotel room to hopefully wait for his partner to show up.

Chapter 12

Max rode his motorcycle down the Pacific Coast Highway at breakneck speed, trying to outrun his racing mind.  It had happened.  In spite of his fears, it had taken place.

Even though he'd had misgivings about Nicholas seeing Cindy, he hadn't wanted to be controlling.  So he'd merely warned his partner what could happen, so that he would be prepared.  Just in case.

Max had expected Cindy to flirt with Nicholas.  What had hurt so badly was watching him not only let her, but flirting back!  Even after they'd spoken about it!

He knew that Todd would probably tell Nicholas that Max had come by.  He sensed that Nicholas would look for him - was probably looking for him even now - but he couldn't face him.  Not yet.  He needed time to clear his head first, to prepare for the onslaught of excuses that Nicholas was sure to offer him, and to figure out the implications for their relationship.

*******

Two hours later, Max had driven close to a hundred miles, down the coastline for a while, then turning around and coming back toward home.  He was calmer now, more hurt than angry, though the anger was still lurking under the surface. The possibility nagged at him that he had misconstrued things between Nicholas and Cindy, though he wasn't sure how that could have happened.

Max had to face facts, that Nicholas might be more attracted to Cindy, and that part of their relationship might be changing.  But they were still teammates, and they still cared about each other very much.  Max needed to know how Nicholas was doing, and he knew he needed to tell Nicholas that he was safe.  He knew that the dark-haired agent wouldn't ask the rest of the team, even if they called to check on him.  He didn't want them to figure out that he and Max were fighting, and start asking questions about why.

A few minutes after Max arrived home, he picked up the phone and dialed the hotel.

"Hello?" came Nicholas' voice.  He sounded tired.  Max cursed to himself.

"Nicholas, it's me."

"Max," Nicholas gasped in relief, "thank goodness you're safe.  I've been worried sick, looking all over for you."

"I know," answered the blond.  "That's why I called.  How are you feeling?"

"Better, physically," Nicholas admitted, "but we need to talk.  I know you were at the precinct today, Max.  You have to tell me what you saw.  Give me a chance to explain things."

"We'll talk tomorrow, Nicholas," Max promised, his voice quietly restrained.  "I'm wiped out tonight, and I'm headed to bed.  I just needed to hear your voice.  I'll see you tomorrow."

Then Max broke the connection.

"You'll see me sooner than that," vowed Nicholas, and he threw on his clothes and called a cab.

********

Max had just laid down on the bed to prepare for a restless night when he was startled by the sound of hard knocking on his door.  Who the hell could that be? he wondered absently.  He tried to ignore it, but it grew louder and more urgent until he finally threw back the bedcovers and trudged downstairs.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, hold your horses," he growled, and jerked open the door.  Nicholas was right there, and even Max couldn't keep him from barging inside.

"Nicholas," he began, his voice strained, "I told you we'd talk tomorrow."

"We're talking tonight," Nicholas said resolutely.  "We've got to work through this."

"Fine," Max conceded, gesturing toward the sofa.  "Have a seat."

"I don't want to sit down, Max," Nicholas protested, with a touch of hatefulness. "I want to know what you saw at the precinct, and why you couldn't just come in and visit with us."

Max glared at his partner.  "I didn't want to interrupt," he said with cold condescension.  "It looked like you two were having a great time, hugging and kissing and touching each other."

"I assure you, it was not what it looked like."

"How else was I supposed to take it, Nicholas?" Max flew back at him, as the two men stood toe to toe.

"She was coming on to me."

"And you were dishing it back!" Max retorted instantly.  "Funny way of making sure that doesn't happen.  I trusted you."

"I was tutoring her," Nicholas said defensively.

"Is that what they're calling it these days?"  Max's voice was low and oozing with sarcasm.

Nicholas' hand flew across the blond's face before either of them realized what had happened.  Max instinctively reached up to rub the hot, reddened skin. "Look, Nicholas," he muttered, "it's something we haven't talked about.  But if you think you might be in love with Cindy, I won't stand in your way."

Suddenly, Nicholas placed both hands on Max's shoulders and slammed him up hard against the wall, knocking the breath out of him.  Before the blond could react,  Nicholas pressed his body up firmly against his lover and covered Max's lips with his own.  He kissed him deeply, harshly, his tongue probing gently at first, then with greater force and passion as Max's resistance gave way.

Nicholas grabbed hold of Max's blond hair, and Max threw an arm around the dark-haired man, taking the kiss deeper still.  By the time the two men withdrew, both were breathing heavily.

Nicholas remained close, so close that Max could feel his warm breath upon his cheek as it came in heavy gasps.

"Two things," Nicholas panted, his voice angry, pointing a finger in Max's face.  "First, don't you ever make assumptions about me without talking to me first.  And second," he continued, "don't you accuse me of being in love with anyone but you."

Nicholas patted Max's chest firmly and grabbed the crutches that he'd propped carefully against the nearby wall.  "I'll let myself out," he said quietly.

Max watched, speechless, as Nicholas disappeared out the front door, climbed into the still-waiting cab, and disappeared into the night.

Chapter 13

What little chance Max had of falling asleep that night went completely out the window.

He lay on his back on the large bed, fingers interlaced behind his head, staring at the ceiling.  He couldn't stop thinking about that kiss, and the combination of hot, angry passion that had fueled it.  He didn't know why Nicholas had had the cabbie leave the meter running; he'd obviously had no intention of staying the night.  Clearly, the dark-haired man was still angry - so angry that Max briefly considered following him back to the hotel but ultimately thought better of it.

But that kiss.

Did it mean he still wanted Max, after all?  That Max had read everything wrong?

As the day dawned after what had been a sleepless night, Max got up out of bed, intending to find Nicholas so that they could work things out, once and for all.

But the telephone rang before he got the chance.

"Hello?" Max began, fully expecting to hear Nicholas' voice on the other end of the line.

"Max, it's Cindy.  Please don't hang up.  I need to talk to you.  It's about Nicholas."

Max forced a sigh.  "What about him?"

"I'd like to tell you in person. Can you come down here?" she asked timidly.

"I don't think that's a good idea, under the circumstances," Max disagreed, fearing that he wasn't going to like what she had to say.  "What you need to say to me, you can say over the phone."

"All right," she sighed.  "Here goes.  The truth is, I have a crush on him, but you're the one he loves."

"Wait, what did you say?" Max asked incredulously.

"Yesterday, I was totally flirting with him, but he wasn't flirting back.  He told me that he was in love with someone else," she explained.  "Then early this morning, he called to say he couldn't come see me anymore, that the one he loves had seen us together and assumed certain things, and he was going to try to get them back." Max could almost hear her shrug.  "I've seen the way you two look at each other.  It didn't take me long to put two and two together."

Max heard disappointment in her voice, but not condemnation.  Still, he couldn't help but be a bit nervous.  "Nobody else knows about... us... right now," he advised her.

"I won't say anything, Max," she promised him, "on one condition."

"Which is?"

"Go find him, and love him.  Right now."

Max grinned broadly at the thought.  "I'd love to do that, Cindy, but I don't know if I can. He's pretty angry at me at the moment."

"So let him be mad," she told him. "Let him take it out on you if he wants.  But under all that anger I know he loves you deeply.  Don't give up, and don't let him go."

"I won't," he assured her.  "I promise."

"I'm sorry I hurt you, Max.  But I'm glad that Nicholas has someone who loves him that much."

"Me, too," he smiled.  "Thanks, Cindy.  I'm going over there right now."

Cindy's smile was bittersweet as she broke the connection and handed the phone back to the officer who was supervising the call.

Max finished getting ready, then climbed into his sports car and headed toward Nicholas' hotel.

*******

Nicholas, too, had barely slept, following his confrontation with Max the night before.  He had gone to his lover's place with the intention of talking things through; he'd prepaid the cabbie for fifteen minutes of meter running time and told him if he hadn't come out by then to just leave him there.

But Max had come at him angry, with both barrels blazing, and had refused to accept that things might not be as they seemed.  This had made Nicholas angry, too - angry enough to slap the blond, though he regretted it immediately afterward.

The kiss had taken them both by surprise, borne of Nicholas' desperation to rebut Max's idea that he could be in love with anyone else.  But the dark-haired agent had still been angry, and could taste anger on Max's lips, too.  There was no way anything productive would have come from last night.

Today was a new day.

Nicholas' anger had cooled somewhat this morning, though he still resented Max for not trusting him, and for assuming that he'd want to get involved with a woman young enough to be his daughter.  He wondered if Max felt any different, too - if he'd be more receptive to working things out.  They had to. 

Nicholas loved Max, and he hoped and prayed that they could rekindle their relationship.  But even if they couldn't be lovers anymore, they were still teammates, and friends, and would have to figure out a way to act accordingly.

Nicholas was busy mulling this over when there came a knock at the door, followed immediately by the zipping sound of the room key sliding into its keyhole.

Max still had his room key.  And Nicholas hadn't latched the deadbolt.

When Max opened the door, Nicholas was standing on the other side.

"Nicholas," the blond greeted, his tone unreadable.

"Max," Nicholas responded, in the same tone.  "How was your night?"

"Restless," Max answered, with a heavy sigh.  "Yours?"

"The same." Nicholas gazed into the eyes of his partner, who entered the room, closed the door and stood by the foot of the king-sized bed.  "We've got some things we need to talk about," he stated matter-of-factly.  "Are you ready?"

"Not really," Max growled, in that baritone voice that caused the heat to rise unbidden to his partner's midsection, even as a fresh surge of anger shot through him.  His eyes narrowed.

"Don't tell me you still don't believe me," Nicholas cried.

"Let's just say it's going to take more than talking to convince me," Max replied, his Adam's apple bobbing, spreading his arms wide and glancing down at his middle, which had begun to swell with lusty anticipation.  "Are YOU ready?"

Chapter 14

Nicholas seethed with anger at his partner.  So Max wanted to seduce him instead of talking things out, like that was really going to fix everything.  Nicholas felt like he was being played - like Max was hitting him in his most vulnerable spot.  Taking unfair advantage, knowing how badly Nicholas wanted him.

And, damn it, he wanted him.

Casting his crutches aside, Nicholas took two steps toward Max, grasped the front of his button-up shirt with both hands, then pulled it apart forcefully, stripping the buttons loose from their fabric.  As the shirt fell away, Nicholas' lips found the smooth skin of his lover's chest and devoured it hungrily, sending Max's arousal to a whole new level.

The blond wrapped his fingers in the thick, dark hair and pulled Nicholas in closer, moaning softly with pleasure.  Then he forced his lover's gaze upward, his ice blue eyes latching onto Nicholas' soft brown ones.

"Kiss me, Nick," he begged huskily.  "Just like last night."

The taller man allowed his partner to push him gently back onto the bed, where he covered Max's body with his own.  Max could feel his partner's middle pulsing with hot desire as their lips locked and Nicholas continued his hungry exploration, plunging his tongue deeply inside, longing to taste every single inch of his lover.

The kiss was prolonged and passionate, and continued until both men were bursting to breathe again.  Finally, Nicholas released him.  Max took one shaky breath, and his partner was tugging at the khakis that covered Max's hips.  A second breath, and the blond felt his lover's mouth claim his lower half, and instantly continue with the same fervor as before.

Max's body trembled as he approached his climax, and Nicholas felt his partner's muscles clench tightly before yielding to the explosion of his senses.

Max finally opened his eyes again and looked at his lover, who was balancing carefully on his cast, standing at the foot of the bed, staring down at Max with a look the blond had never seen before.

"Oh, Nicholas," Max sighed.

"I'm not finished with you yet," Nicholas growled huskily.  He grabbed hold of Max's lower legs and attempted to flip him over on his stomach with such strength that the bigger man had little choice but to comply.

In an instant, Nicholas had dispensed with his own clothing and was behind his lover, his erection, moist and full, providing all of the lubricant they needed.  He lingered a moment before making his entrance as both men gasped audibly.

Nicholas spent the first few moments thrusting rapidly, pouring all of his lingering anger and passion and pent-up emotions into that moment.  But quickly his anger began to dissipate, and their lovemaking transformed into a slow, sensual celebration of the renewal of their relationship.

The transformation quickly brought Max back to the brink, and this time the men reached the pinnacle together.  Nicholas collapsed at Max's side, and the blond threw his arm weakly around his lover and drew him close as they waited for their strength to return to them.

At last, Nicholas felt Max's hot breath on his cheek, and his hand running through Nicholas' thick black hair.  He opened his eyes and stared into Max's blue ones.  Max was smiling fondly at him.

"So," Nicholas said, still breathless, "did I convince you?"

Max's smile faded slightly.  "I was already convinced, Nick," he confessed, "after that kiss last night.  Then Cindy called this morning and told me everything."

Max reached up and traced Nicholas' cheekbone gently with his finger.  "I'm sorry I didn't trust you sooner," he said sincerely.  "Don't be mad at me."

"I'm not," Nicholas assured him, "but I am confused.  If you already believed me, why would you...?" His voice trailed off.

"Come on to you, knowing you were angry?" Max finished.  At Nicholas' nod, he grinned sideways.  "Last night, when you came to the apartment, you were so upset with me, and that kiss..." His voice trailed off, and he smiled at the memory.  "Nick, it was amazing.  I'd never seen that side of you before, and it drove me wild.  I guess I wanted to see it again."

Nicholas chuckled softly.  "Well, I promise I'll show it every now and then, but it's not necessary to make me angry first," he replied.

Max responded with a chuckle of his own.  "I'll try to remember that," he smiled.

Nicholas returned his smile briefly,  then his smile faded again.  "So, Max," he began tentatively, "what made you think I'd want to be with Cindy?"

Max shrugged.  "Cindy's an attractive woman."

Nicholas humphed.  "She's a girl," he disagreed.  "She's a lot younger than me."

"I'm younger than you," Max teased.

Nicholas thumped Max's shoulder affectionately.  "Not by that much," he clarified.

Max chuckled, then sobered again, shrugging slightly.  "I guess I thought you might want to be with a woman instead," he sighed.  "Someone who's a little more socially acceptable."

It was Nicholas' turn to sigh.  "I guess if the truth be told, I am sometimes attracted to women," he began.  Then he raised up on one elbow and reached for Max's hand with his other hand, interlocking his fingers playfully with his lover's.  "But I love you, Max, and only you.  Socially acceptable or not."

Max laid down flat on the king-sized bed, and Nicholas nestled into the crook of his shoulder.  "Maybe someday people will be able to love who they love, freely, without so much prejudice," he said dreamily.

"I hope so," agreed Max.  "I love you, too, Nick."

And the two men drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.

The End

(c) 2018

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