Le Mien

[sorrow made you]

"Personal attachment?" Leo echoed, raising a brow as if that was a ridiculous thing to say. It was true though. The killer did seem to have one pattern, and that was to pick on women that couldn't really handle a situation for themselves. They were either physically weak, or rather docile in personality from what their families could conclude. Antigone was neither. Though she was no body builder or anything, apparently she had gained quite a bit of muscle from all the heavy shopping. And she was by no means docile. Her loud mouth would scare any man off.


"You're right. However, if he's so smart as to leave no evidence at the victim's crime scenes, then why lease a cigarette at the scene of my place? I'm not in the criminal profiling department, but I'm thinking he's getting a little too cocky. And if he's personally attacking me and no one else, surely he'd go after my affiliates." He let out a sigh and closed his eyes for a moment. "It's just a safety precaution." He glanced at Damien in the corner of his eye and scoffed slightly at his comment. He opened his own door and stepped out.


The restaurant was fairly busy at this time of day. It was perfect to get one's mind off and focus on how the hell they were going to order when most of the staff only spoke Spanish. But then again, it's not too hard to say 'burrito' and 'taco'. Leo snatched them a table and a couple menus. "I'm starving." He muttered, flipping through the large menu and looking through the sections. His mind was still swimming with this and that, figuring how he was going to pull off keeping eyes on three people at once. But as his eyes scanned over the Spanish food items, he started t unwind. "What are you thinking about getting?" He asked Damien, glancing up at him.


There was a moment where his heart seemed to clench and release. Maybe it wasn't his heart. Maybe it was his lungs. His eyes had automatically drifted from the doctor's eyes to his lips. They only lingered briefly before averting back to the menu, so not to raise suspicion. He turned his eyes further onto the menu when his mind reviewed the kiss from the other day. He felt as if the taste of the other's lips had lingered on his own for most of the other day, but was now nearly faded. It wasn't an unpleasant taste. Some part of him had the want to taste more. Maybe it was out of pure curiosity that he was now craving a little something extra. He shook the idea from his head, feeling uneasy with his own mind. Absently he licked his lips and fell silent.

 

[Pearlholy]

Flapping and straightening his coat, Damien scrunched in sideways. Side stepping, the doctor tried his best to avoid the crowing on the floor. His gaze traveled across the restaurant as the detective found a place for them. Mumbling a quick thanks as Dr.Langston seated and skimmed through the menu, his eyes wandered back and worth at the wine card--a mere habit whenever they were to dine. Nachos and glasses of water where already set on the table. "It doesn't matter, your appetite is big enough for everything on the menu," he commented as felt Leo's eyes on him. The brief second seemed to have stretched out on him and taxed on his calmness. Was Damien going crazy in thinking that he may have caught the other staring from his peripheral vision? He flipped the to the next page. He noticed the shake of head and the flick of the tongue of the lower lips. Should he ask what was on the other's mind? The dread discouraged him. Could Leo be anxious? Although this was the second time Damien had seen him lick his, the first time deviated from the case discussion to personal business. He looked out for a waiter.


With a list in his mind, Damien closed the menu and left it on the table. He rose from his seat, with a flick of his fingers, he closed the menu from Leo's grasp. With a light push of his palms, he placed the menu down for the detective. Damien maintained eye contact with Leo, silently gesturing that he has the order down. Sitting down again, he signaled the nearest restaurant worker to drop by their table.


"You should take those calls instead, officer," the doctor suggested with a smirk as he looked at the man sideways. Re-opening the menu, he pointed out three entrees: guacamole, tamale, and beef tacos. He left the steak fajitas as a main dish for Leo and pulled pork enchiladas for himself. But what was a meal without a bit of alcohol. Eyes fell back on Leo as the waiter seemed to ask if they wanted anything else.

 

[sorrow made you]

Just when Leo thought he had gotten by Damien's glance, his menu was closed. Eyes turned upward to see Damien standing and staring down at him. Never before did Leo feel so small compared to the doctor. He gave the man a hesitant brow raise before narrowing his eyes. Really? Was Damien really paying for the whole tab? His lips formed a firm line until Damien signaled a waiter over.


With a small silent sigh, he watched as the waiter neared. His eyes narrowed on Damien from the corner of his eye. Wait. What did he mean by that? That smirk....Leo's stomach dropped a little. Damien had caught him staring. He let out a small grunt and rubbed his face before focusing on the waiter. "Well since he did all the ordering, how about a couple beers?" He told the waiter with a slight chuckle. Once the man left to place their order, Leo's eyes returned to Damien.


"You didn't have to do that, you know. I'm going to be living with you, I can't have you paying everything for me."

 

[Pearlholy]

The tables have turned. For the longest time, it was Leo Giovanni De Luca who got under his skin effortlessly. Considering how Leo reacted just now, they reversed position. Amusement danced in his eye but it was momentarily. It would not deter from how self-conscious Damien did feel towards Leo. It always has been this way for awhile now. The only difference was Leo was fully aware of Damien's lesser platonic sentiment towards the detective. In the past, the doctor could easily get away with distracting his eyes and hands with something in order to stomp on the desire for proximity. Now, he felt like his tactics wouldn't be as efficient unless he put the other on the spot first. It shouldn't appear like some kind of game; they were two grown man. But Damien was still uncomfortable and reluctant to be open about his romantic affection towards Leo--just as much as the other was trying to understand them.


He would have left for the bathroom but Leo spoke up. Instead, he grabbed the nearest packaged cleaning wipe to disinfect his hands. "Is this really a problem," he inquired casually. Two bottles of opened beers were set on the tables and he glanced up to offer a quick thanks to the bus boy or the waiter. "I've done it in the past. Why should it change now?" Discarding the used paper, he continued, "If it consoles you, just consider it as a celebration for getting back on your feet."


Idly, Damien scanned the crowd again as he folded his hands together. He wasn't sure if he wanted to see Leo's reaction just yet. "On that train of thought, since everything has been burned, we should go shopping for ...accommodations tomorrow. Clothes, for example. And before you say anything against this. I'm not doing it because I feel like I have to. There is no ulterior motive, I just want to make sure you're settled and comfortable at home. It's the least I can do as your friend."

 

[sorrow made you]

A problem? Not really. Yes, in the back of Leo's mind he kept thinking back to the kiss, and now analyzed everything Damien did for him. But he knew somewhere in him that Damien wasn't going to change from the man he already knew. Damien wasn't going to change from being his best friend. Or...so he hoped. He let out a small huff and shrugged a little. "Not really a problem. It's just that I've never actually lived with you for a lengthy amount of time. It's one thing to mooch off for a while, but I could always repay you back." He paused and picked up his beer bottle, taking a sip. "But it's more than just food and a ride now."


He supposed A celebration could make it slide by. He rolled his eyes and took another sip of beer. But the bottle quickly came back down as Damien more than offered to buy Leo new clothes and necessities. He wanted to argue about it, but it was hard to say no when he had nothing but the clothes on his back. He frowned and then growled, leaning back in his seat. "I'll pay you back for it all." He hated the thought of Damien investing more money in him, regardless of the man's feelings toward the Italian. Well, when it wasn't food related. Leo quickly pointed a finger at Damien. "And don't say I don't need to. I'm going to repay you or else it won't come off my conscious." He gave Damien a stern look, then a small smile before relaxing again.


"I'll try not to make a mess of your living room either." He reached out to start digging into the nacho chips. "But really, don't spoil me too much." He popped the chip in his mouth. "It'd have to be returned tenfold, and I don't like doting." He kept himself busy with snacking on chips and drinking his beer until the food came out. He thanked the waiter, rubbed his hands together and started to taste test the different plates. "Ahh, what a change. This is actually pretty good." An almost childish grin came to the detective's face as he tried this and that, pausing only momentarily to savor the flavours. If there was one thing Leo could become a little kid about, it was food.

 

[Pearlholy]

Dr.Langston sighed as an attempt of ridding his irritation. There was no such thing as a barter system between friends. Recalling all the previous times that he mentally and verbally cursed the guy for freeloading... Alright. That was a lie. However, Leo's living situation temporarily eliminated the concept who owed what. "What am I, your bank," the doctor flatly asked, displeased with Leo's persistence. "You're more than welcome to leave and--" He had to pause for a moment and choose his words very carefully. The lack of specificity would indicate that Damien agreed to Leo's possible inclination of residing at someone else's place--which would be a false statement. It was more than just jealousy and possessiveness speaking but there were many distrusting opportunists out there. Too many succubus that lived for this golden chance to sleep with the detective. The imagery alone flashing in his mind cause the man to grunt under his breath. "...Stay at a hotel or motel if I'm too imposing. I find that pointlessly taxing on your wallet." Even when their dishes arrived and the other deviated the topic, Damien stubbornly continued."It's not doting or spoiling if it's necessary." Holding his utensils up and gritting his teeth while glaring at Leo, he said, "You better not mess anything up. You're staying away from the kitchen stoves."


The doctor's eyes fell on the entrees and main course. "If you insist on repaying, you should consider doing some chores. Maybe we should pick up a maid dress for you tomorrow too." There was a mocking smirk tugged over his features but he knew better than elaborating. "Bon appetit." Cutting down his enchiladas, he watched the other digging into his food. Switching off dishes other than steak or pasta was a nice change. His mind lingered on how stubborn the smell will stay on his clothes if he was going to go back at the clinic or the hospital. "I'm counting on you to finish this, by the way." Going back and forth about changes and whatnot, Damien's appetite will always stay meager in comparison to the Italian glutton. Yep. Cheers to that, the doctor mentally thought as he brought the beer up to his lips.

 

[sorrow made you]

Damien was right. Strange, there was a pattern with this, wasn't there? Leo couldn't afford living at a motel for lengthy periods of time. He could barely afford that shithole of a place that burned down, how could he afford a motel night by night? And true, Leo would only be getting necessities. He still wanted to pay Damien back for his hospitality. Maybe it was because he just didn't want to feel so useless as he did already. He glanced up at the other and then gave him a flat expression. "Ha, ha. Very funny." He muttered at the maid comment. He looked back to his plate and continued eating. Though, the idea of simply keeping the place clean seemed like a good one.


He enjoyed the rest of one plate and stacked it under another. When Damien spoke again, he looked up and then grinned. "It's a sin to leave food on the plate. I'll be sure it's taken care of." He kept eating at a relatively good pace and once most of the plates were empty, he leaned back and sighed. "This place was better than I thought." He rubbed his stomach and gave a small smile. "You still on call, Doc?"

 

[Pearlholy]

Leo never ceased to amaze the doctor. Fact: one cannot simply impress Dr.Langston. however, whenever he sat in front of the detective, Damien often find himself stupefied. The Italian's bottomless stomach was frightening and fascinating all at the same time. Had the doctor given up his plate, his friend may have been able to find place for it. Leo had time to go through every entree, main course, and several beer and there was the King of Grouch with his enchiladas and two empty bottles of Corona. "We can come back if you'd like." The noisy crowd, tacky decor, and too joyful music did not bother him--which indeed meant it wasn't as bad as he thought.


He had his hand up to signal the waiter he wanted the bill. "Not really." He mumbled a quick thanks to the waiter for handing him the paper and pulled out his wallet to place a cash payment down for the meal. "If you need a second opinion for the investigation, I'll assist you. If not, and unless the Hospital calls, I'll home for a bit before returning to the clinic." With the waiter gone, Damien left his seat and slipped on his coat. "Anywhere you want me to drop you off?" Knowing that Leo would follow, he began walking out of the restaurant. Car keys in hand, he pressed on the remote and unlocked the doors.

 

[sorrow made you]

The food was definitely a lot better than he expected, which shouldn't have been much of a surprise. Leo seemed to know how to sniff out all the best places. With Damien's offer to come back again, Leo gave a small smile. He didn't' mind the tackiness of the place nor the music. Something about the business reminded him of home.


Leo waited till the bill was paid and Damien got up before getting up himself and grabbing his jacket. He shrugged slightly. "I wanted to take a break for a bit to...get settled in, I suppose, before my mind changes on the idea." He was still concerned about living off of his friend. He knew it was out of the kindness of Damien's heart, but...he didn't understand why he felt like it was such an intrusion. Maybe because he knew he would be living there for a bit of time and not just crashing for a couple days. Or at least...that's what he was gauging himself to happen.


He followed Damien out to the car and got in once it was unlocked. "We can just head to your place. I'm sure Gil is missing people right now."

 

[Pearlholy]

Before he changes his mind? Where would he go then? Instead of getting riled up about the same issue again, he let the issue drop and got in the car. Surely Damien would have found something to discourage the man from staying elsewhere.


"I left Gil at the clinic with my colleagues," informed the doctor as he checked the time on his wrist. "One of the nurses should have brought him back though," The traitor would just follow anyone who could give him attention, affection, and food. That last part vaguely reminded him of someone. He started the engine and drove back to his place... to find the female nurse waiting outdoors with his dog. "God, fucking damn it," Damien muttered.

 

[sorrow made you]

That dog. Why was he always elsewhere when Leo wanted to see him most? He loved Gil and often times tried to take the husky with him, much to Damien's displeasure. Granted, it never worked. It seemed the dog was far too smart to know not to go to Leo's apartment. "Ahh...Well I'll have to get him a peace offering gift if I'm going to be taking up part of his space." A chew bone would probably do. Or maybe a new toy. Yes, he really did love that dog.


Coming up to the house, Leo frowned when Damien cursed. That female nurse...Leo didn't particularly like the girl, and knowing the doctor pretty much hated her with an unknown passion made it even worse. "Alright," he said with a sigh and ruffled his hair slightly just before the girl could see them. "Let's do tactic 2D." 2D, too drunk. It was something Leo could almost do naturally now, since he'd been so much of a drunkard, it wouldn't be too unusual for Leo to come over to Damien's place to crash and sleep off his hangovers. He glanecd at Damien quickly before shoving teh door open and fumbling with the seat belt for a moment.


Leo jumped up, stumbled a bit and leaned against the side of the car. "Hey, Damyen!" He called, slurring his words as he rested his chin on the car. "You din't tell me you're finally bringing girls over." Of course he'd do nothing about her and as he stumbled toward the front of the car, he'd give her a simple salute before heading inside. Best excuse for the doctor ever: He has to take care of the drunken bastard detective. The sloppy grin he gave her would have probably make her somewhat nervous. Hopefully enough to agree to going home if the doctor told her to do so.

 

[Pearlholy]

Dr.Langston had it all planned out in his head; and it was going to be a simple execution of his usual self shutting down his neighbour. He'd call Gil over, pretend he didn't notice the rumbustious and loud nurse. Slamming the door at her face and say that he's busy would have cut the interactions short and sweet--just like Honey would like it. Yet all that thinking and the plane never went to action; Leo had something else in mind. The grumpy doctor frown, lips parting to speak against the idea. However, the detective was on the right track; it had slipped from Damien's mind that his nurse was always the type to persistently continue conversation even when he refused to.


"Right behind you," he muttered, hiding his growing amusement yet frustration. Amused because this will prove to be quite a feat. Frustrated because Leo did not believe in Damien's ability to shrug a woman off, it was vexing and that thought followed him. It was never to hard to act angry; Damien was practically always angry. With a haste, the King of Grouches left his car. Locking it the vehicle, he simultaneously moved to the drunken man's side. He wrapped an arm around Leo's back and with the other free hand, he grabbed the detective's arm and moved it over his shoulders, making himself Leo's weight support. "Shut up," he interjected, genuinely annoyed. Just the mere thought of being within three square foot as his nurse made his temple veins pop. "Having you around makes it impossible."


Gil, oblivious or just overly happy, dashed to his side and barked a greeting. Scratching its head and patting his sides, Damien gestured the dog to move forward. No more but a glance and nod of acquisition was given to his neighbour. He fished out his keys and unlocked the door to his house. His husky companion was the first to enter the house after getting the last bit of affection from the nurse--which made the Doctor growl. Finally with both him and the detective him, he slammed the door closed. With Gil politely wipping its paws on the mat, he had to step over Leo's personal space to the side and moved him towards the couch. "Thanks for that." Pause. But not for the stupid comment.

 

[sorrow made you]

Leo didn't waste time in his actions, but he went as fast as the doctor allowed. As much as he wanted to look back at the nurse as they passed, he fought against it so not to raise any suspicion. He leaned into Damien as he waited for the man to open the door. Gil somewhat ran into the side of his leg as he ran past, making Leo's knee buckle a little. Thankfully to Damien's support, he was kept standing. Once inside, he didn't make a sound till the door was closed.


He let out a snicker, the child in him laughing at pulling such a silly prank. "No prob...lem." He muttered, turning slightly and realizing that he and Damien were closer than he expected. He fell silent for a moment, heart now pounding. He rubbed his nose as he glanced away, taking a step away to give each other space. He could feel his cheeks warm and the same intimidating feeling coming over him like it had in the restaurant. He didn't understand it, and his mind went back to the kiss.


The detective glanced back at the doctor and bit his tongue, trying to find words. "Um..." his voice hadn't come back to him yet. He cleared his throat and glanced down to try and regain himself. "I uh..." he raised his eyes to the other. "I'm curious..." he started, not knowing how to get out of this now. "Would you mind if I...asked a few questions?"

 

[Pearlholy]

In sync with the other's movements, he also walked past the detective and put his outwear on the coat hanger post. He pulled on the knot of his despicable tie and... Damien didn't fell self-conscious about his actions until he heard Leo trail off the second time. Dr. Langston around slightly to examine a rather perplexing expression on Leo's face. Crap, he didn't realize his own mistake until now; he had gotten so used to carrying the other one around that it came in as natural. Had they been close for an extended period of time, Damien wouldn't have been able to promise that his intents were as platonic as it should have been. Feeling that the detective's gaze was going to land on him, the doctor immediately glanced away. Hmmm, maybe staying in with Leo was a bad idea. Running away from the situation would have been stupid, but that didn't stop him from taking out his cell phone and placed it at a visible place: the coffee table, face up.


"What is this," he sighed in defeat, "Some interrogation, officer?" Despite his flat stare, he didn't move away from where he was, signalling that he was all ears. There was, however a safe distance from the two. "If they're questions... alright." Heaving another sigh and moved his hand in a cutting motion. "Don't throw up any challenges that you can't handle. They're two entirely different things."


If there was any gut feeling, this was probably a bad idea. But damn him for giving a fuck about this man and his own personal feelings in regards to that same man as well.

 

[sorrow made you]

Yep, he'd made things awkward. But it would be worth it...or so he hoped. He wanted to just have things cleared up. Since the other night, Damien had shown no signs of initiating Leo romantically, and the detective knew that. Everything though, kept replaying in his head. The kiss had been so sensitive...he couldn't get over the emotions that were subtly wrapped in it. How Damien had wanted to hesitate, he could tell, but continued anyway. It made Leo hold his breath, unable to breath proper anyways.


"What do you mean throw up challenges?" He muttered, scowling slightly as he went to sit down on the couch. Maybe it would be a better idea for him to sit. "I just..." He looked down and licked his lips as he stared hard at the phone on the table, willing it not to interrupt his thought process. "When did you start...you know...developing feelings?" He gave a brief glance up.


Even though Damien had made it clear that he would lock away those feelings, it still weighed heavily on Leo's mind. He couldn't let it go. He couldn't just leave it alone. A man that was too curious and too stubborn by nature never let things go. He absently rubbed his chest, feeling an incredibly uncomfortable warmth in his chest. His heart was still beating pretty quickly, and he forced to slow deep breath to try and calm it. "And...what do you feel?" He realized that his question was probably too vague. "I mean, physically. How..." he paused, thinking it over. "When we..." He still couldn't say it. He tapped his lips in gesture to the kiss. It was clear on his face that there was some sort of conflict over this. But he really didn't even know himself what it all meant.

 

[Pearlholy]

There it was again, that typical licking lip. Oh, how he would have paid to get a few lessons from a friend so he could read into behavioral patterns. However, it did not take a psychologist specialist or an IQ of 200 points to figure out what was on the detective's mind as he mentioned Damien's feelings and his imposed kiss. Narrowing his eyebrows, Dr.Langston scrutinized the detective. Curiosity has killed the cat. The feline had either attributed too much attention to the doctor's sentiment or simply omitted completely by playing with its' new toy. Irritation grated his stomach. He pushed his glasses on his nose bridge.


What the hell was he supposed to fucking say?! That he nearly go off from that kiss and that he wanted to defile the man? That he nearly had to run away from the scene to get rid of a boner? How could Leo not know a reaction of love? That he loved the man for as long as he remembered which would jeopardize the entire entity of their association? "I honestly wished you wouldn't play with me like you currently are, Holmes" he replied calmly. Dr.Langston fought back against hissing at his friend. The law enforcer surely knew how to put the doctor on the spot; Damien had cast and hid away these unwanted feelings for so long and now he had to fight against his own enemies in order to be outright honest about his affection for Leo. Not to mention the doctor did poorly with words. Really, what the fuck was he supposed to say? The curious feline walked into Damien's territory and he couldn't help but to feel extremely defensive. How get rid of this tension or friction causing his nerves to pulse was beyond him now.


He walked back to stand in front of Leo, the coffee table separating them. The Italian should be thanking the Gods from all existing religions for protecting him. Finally, he noticed a different shade on Leo's cheek. So he was still very embarrassed about everything. A real masochist. "Long enough. Around the time I got too invested in you." The other should know what that meant, but considering the look on his eyes, Leo probably didn't. Fuck his life. "Preparing meals, working at the station after hours, accompanying you to the bar despite my better judgement." He sighed, evidently annoyed. "And next thing I knew, you consumed my thoughts... all the time."--More than he would have wanted to. He didn't like to say something like that when he had prioritized friendship over his feelings. Of course, there was that undeniable phase where the realization of his romantic feelings wasn't well received. He often hated himself for loving Leo. And the grouch refused to admit it verbally. To Hell with the safety zone. Damien stepped to the side and neared the sofa. The doctor knew exactly how to make Leo retreat from his territory. Leo was nearly begging for it too, putting himself in an open and vulnerable position.


Looming over the other, he placed his hand on the top of the back pillows. Dr. Langston made sure the movement would caress Leo's exposed skin. The other hand never stayed to idle as it rested against the arch of the other's neck. Rotating his wrist, the doctor's fingers laid against the detective's jawline. Dipping lower and lightly tilting Leo's chin upwards, Damien gave yet another kiss on his friend's lip. "How do you feel," the man flatly asked. It was a brief one but their lips only parted for a second before the doctor gave into a second kiss, slightly more tender. "What about now. Can you feel your heart pounding against your chest. Is your pulse louder than my voice. Or did you just hear mines. Is your face burning or can you feel my body temperature traveling to you. Are your fingertips aching to draw me closer. " Without allowing the other to speak up, he lowered his head again. "Can you feel your body weakening into the contact," he mumbled into a murmur before greedily reclaiming Leo's soft lips.


He could taste the linger spice on the mouth, alongside with the bitterness of the beer. And he made sure the last kiss stayed long enough to signal that he may slip in the tongue. But that would be him losing control over his actions, thoughts, and feelings. Moving slightly away, he let the ghost of his lips linger onto the other. His thumb brushed over Leo's lower lip in a wiping movement and slipped away from the mind-numbing proximity. Can Leo understand the feelings he was trying to portray? "That's only normal; you're nervous. This is all new to you. Your eagerness to learn more is getting in the way." The difference between what he experienced emotionally and his... was that he would have wanted more in the goal to share intimate feelings with the other. Not just for the sake or pleasure of discovering new facts.


Walking away, he got to the nearest closet and threw some blankets and a pillow at the other. "If they call, tell them I'll be there shortly." His eyes lingered on the detective, inspecting the damage before fully turning his back at the other. If he was going back to the clinic or hospital, he had to be presentable. The smell of Mexican food on his clothes was unacceptable.

 

[sorrow made you]

Leo felt troubled. Maybe the reason why he was so curious was because he wanted a reference for his own unsettling feelings. The thought of the whirlwind inside his gut possibly being a fluke needed to be secured and rationalized. Leo knew no one as rational as the doctor that took him in. As strange as it may have sounded, Damien was indeed a stable rock in Leo's life; an unchanging and immovable force. Every step of the way, where Leo had been at his lowest, he had the doctor there, scolding him and building him back up. More than his family, Damien Langston had been there for him. So to say that Leo had no affections for the other man would have been a lie. Never were they brotherly, but at the same time, never romantic. He was content with having Damien always there, always nagging, rolling his eyes at Leo's antics. Maybe what he thought was, really wasn't.


As Damien stood across the coffee table, his words had a bittwesweet effect. It stung, really, and made Leo feel absolutely guilty for not picking up on it. He really was a selfish one, wasn't he? Vain in several ways, and greedy. Never did he think that being showered in Damien's kindness had another tune. And that stung quite a bit. He knew he wouldn't have so whimsically accepted the doctor's help if he knew otherwise. He realized just how sloped the playing field was.


Eyes moved up again as Damien moved, but closer this time. He leaned back on the couch, not really expecting the other to get so close. The best explanation for Leo was one with examples or solid physical evidence. He was a detective, after all. Everything needed some sort of physical proof. His eyes locked with Damien as his chin was ever so slightly lifted up. The cooler touch of Damien's hand to Leo's skin made small goosebumps rise. There was little hesitation before kiss was placed on his lips. Even with the flat tone of the question, Leo felt a slight buzz. Even if Leo wanted to reply, he couldn't before another kiss fell upon him. This one was warmer, softer, and made his body jump start. As Damien listed the questions, it was as if he were flipping little switches. His heart was pounding in his chest. He could hear his pulse in his ears, but Damien's voice still rang higher. His face was warm, and it was creeping down his neck to connect with the heat of his chest. His fingers felt numb, almost swollen. He wanted to grab onto something to get the feeling back into them. Damien's last comment made Leo realize just how much control the man really had left. The greedy kiss consumed him, flushed out all of his conflictions and made him want to just stop thinking all together.


As they parted, he could feel his breath caught in his lungs. It was rough to figure out if he was calm, anxious, nervous, afraid, excited. Everything was numbed. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in a very long time. And it was very intoxicating. Slowly he let out a breath as the doctor's thumb ran across his lip. As Damien backed off, Leo started to follow, but fell back in place, which could have easily been interpreted as him shifting in place. His eyes widened slightly as he reached up to catch a pillow and placed it on top of the blanket that was thrown next to him. "Thanks..." He muttered, but still felt...unsatisfied.


Incoming mind trigger off and instincts trigger on. He slowly stood and straightened himself out. "Ah, Watson..." He called almost monotone as he took brisk steps forward. He paused in front of the other, staring with a slightly guilty frown. "You know me too fucking well." All thoughts of repercussions were gone as his body acted on his own. The taste of the kisses were still on his lips. And like the glutton he was, being fed a couple could only grant that he would want more until he was fully satisfied. He quickly leaned in, and placed a gentle kiss on the other's lips. Heat radiated off of him, obvious that he was still nervous. But impulses demanded he had more. After a moment, he parted and hovered there. His mind started to return from it's moment of leaving his head. Red covered his cheeks and he lightly placed his hand on the other's cheek, giving a pat before moving away. He cleared his throat before heading down the hall toward the kitchen to recover in a separate room.

 

[Pearlholy]

The nickname forewarned the doctor to be on his guard. Despite his better judgement, Damien waited for the other to come closer. Walking or edging away would mean being considerate towards Leo’s feelings and clouded judgement. But Dr. Langston failed to do so. Self-indulgence was the dominant culprit behind the action but respect for his friend was an immediate second trying to surpass the former reason. Standing in a delicate situation, the slightest act of rejection could ruin their fragile friendship but he hated himself from accepting Leo’s superficial affection. At least his hands never inched closer to grab onto the man before him.


Sherlock Holmes. Always out to get the last word in, making the last move, being the last man standing. All situations fluctuated between a competition and challenge. It was always a game or a test but rarely otherwise. As an attempt to demonstrate his outstanding ability to adapt, Leo strutted into Damien’s territory and eventually his personal space. After snatching some kind of victory token or reward from the doctor, the law enforcer took refuge in the kitchen, safeguarding his scores—like a soldier camping at base expecting the opponent to keep bay. Curiosity aside, persistence and pride were the detective’s Achilles’ heels.


It would have been cruel to take advantage of the other here and now. Damien’s resignation rarely ever meant some form of submission or defeat. Hesitation on Leo’s part only meant weakness, and the other should know better than to taunt the doctor. Whether that pat was a taunt or a form of an insult remained debatable. Regardless the nature of the act, there was anger that bubbled up. It wasn’t the solitary emotion brewing in his being though. There was irritation because the detective had disregarded Damien’s good intention with self-control. Confliction hammered on his ability to stay resolute. Frustration because no matter what the doctor chose to do afterwards would compromise everything he stood for. Temptation was the least of his worries and the immediate and most favourable solution was to take the stairs that lead to the upper floor.


Leo did right to switch his thoughts at off, that blank look may have just granted him mercy. Nothing was more infuriating than an act of forced affection of a friend. To Damien, whether or not the expense of his ego or emotions was stomped on just now mattered little. It was unfortunate that Holmes may not know him as well as he expected. There was no bitterness upon that realisation--just a really big ass void that crept in as an attempt of flushing out all the emotions that couldn’t be identifiable as rage.


A cold shower was overdue. He would have stayed there longer if he didn’t have to preoccupy himself with work. As per usual though, Leo would consume his mind and the remains of the toxic proximity replayed endlessly. For the longest time, it was the imagery of intimate contact that invaded his mind. With the imagery transforming itself to reality had brought a new kind of misery into Damien’s life. And he wasn’t sure that respect can tape together of what’s left of their friendship.


Somewhat refreshed and clean, the doctor returned to the main floor. His eyes didn’t search for the detective; instead, they focused on his mobile phone. A call. He picked up the cell phone and answered it. Distracted, Dr.Langston risked a glance at Leo and moved towards the hanged coat. “I’ll be there shortly. Bye.” With great effort, he overlooked Leo’s last actions. Retrieving a set of keys that was in the other coat’s pocket, Damien tossed them at the detective’s direction. ”Stay out of trouble.” Looking over at Gil, the grouch added, “Same goes for you.” Unsure what to say afterwards, Damien simply left the house and locked the door himself. Hospital calls could never sound any more god sent. Now the grumpy man could drown himself in work before figure out how to handle or even deal with the detective.

 

[sorrow made you]

In the kitchen, Leo turned on the sink and started to wipe his face with water. Instantly when cold water touched his skin, it turned warm. With a small sigh he turned off the faucet and went to do something to get his mind back in order. He didn't have any cigarettes on him, which could have been very useful at that moment, which made his hands restless. He rummaged his pockets before just deciding to step outside for air. He left the door open though to hear when Damien would be leaving.


While the other was in the shower, Leo simply sat outside and took in the fresh air. His eyes closed and again a hand absently rubbed over his chest. Why was it still beating so hard? He frowned to himself as his mind kept going a million miles a minute. Why did he even take that final kiss? It wasn't for any purpose of victory. There was no competition in it or no means to try and prove the other wrong. There was no sense of need to prove himself. It was simply....he wanted it.


But that weighed heavily on him. How could he really want something like that? Minus the fact that he was kissing his best friend, his best friend was a man. And not even a feminine man either. He felt incredibly confused and betrayed by his own emotions. Instincts usually pointed him in the right direction, but with this...there was a magnet in the compass. His hand moved up to cover his mouth and brush over his lips. He could still taste the residue...and his made his frown deepen. The doctor didn't taste bad at all. And when the kisses had been tender, the taste was sweeter. The thought made him feel sick with too much sweetness.


Eventually Leo came back inside as Damien was preparing to go out. He was still oddly quiet, but acknowledged Damien's leaving. "Mm. Drive safe." He replied and sat down on the couch, calling Gil over. As soon as Damien was out the door, the detective let out a sigh and held the dog's head between his hands. "Your owner drives me insane." He muttered to the dog, rattling his collar a little and then leaning forward to press his head against the canine's. "What do you think? Do you think I should just go to Hell in a hand basket?" Even though he chuckled, he was very serious about his question. If just by a small example, Damien could effect Leo so much in a way he didn't feel completely and utterly repulsed...he knew that his curiosity would never fade. How long had it been since he felt such a surge of unsure and uncharted territories? He nuzzled his face into the dog's fur and then proceeded to pay it's backside. "Well you're no help. We'll just have to go one step at a time."

 

[Pearlholy]

Who was driving who insane? The detective's teasing curiosity was driving the doctor up the walls. Every touch from other colleagues would trigger better and more enticing moments associated with the law enforcer. Even during at the discussion table in the hospital, the image of Leo's closeness continued to haunt his mind. Every time he would close his eyes, the Italian bastard would infiltrate his thoughts and caress his deteriorating overall patience. It was tiring, irritating, and pleasant all at the same time. Every part of his being was sapped away by just a few kiss and it was pathetic. He hated himself for such weakness--but loathed himself even more for wanting to resume the lesser chummy activities. These feelings could have been contained and it felt like Leo had just opened the Pandora box. In the rare moments of being alone in his office at the hospital, there was a new type of fear that inked his brain: the fear of just loving the other more with every passing moment and being too overbearing.


With a rare and exhausted sigh, the grumpy man holding his phone removed his glasses. Rubbing his face, he tried to quell the aching and the hesitation tickling his joints and fingertips.

Recipient

me

Take the bed. I won't be home until breakfast. Everything you need is in the cabinet.

(with a long delay)

me

Good night.

It was a lie. And before his resolve could stoop at a newer lower level, the device was placed far from his reach and out of sight if not face down on another furniture. The psychological torment persisted till the break of dawn. Never had the doctor been so unproductive in his life; just staring blankly at the wall instead of reading some ill patient's documents. His palm came to his face again, "I can't fucking do this anymore," the defeated medic practitioner mentally droned. The dark haired middle aged man drove back to his residence, fully expecting his new roommate to be sleeping under the covers at the comfort of his bed. Still, as a measure of precaution, Damien unlocked the door and quietly walked into the house.

 

[sorrow made you]

No amount of playing with Gil or watching tv would settle Leo's mind. He even tried to drown out his thoughts with a shower that strung and scolded his skin. The ghost of Damien's closeness was still on him. In a way...all of this confusion and frustration with his dear friend was a refresher. He hadn't thought about the case in a couple hours, and it was honestly relieving. His focus being put elsewhere, even temporarily felt like a brick was lifted off of his head.


The scenes kept replaying in his mind, and he let the water run over his shoulders. He couldn't deny his own feelings that were starting to emerge from this. What those feelings were, he wasn't sure. But repulsion was not one of them. That made him even more curious. Maybe he was equally in the so called wrong, but he just hadn't realized it. It didn't matter where or when, he always felt comfortable knowing the doctor was by his side. He was a true companion, so...would a lover be too far off? Just the thought made goosebumps rise. He wasn't too sure he could settle with that thought. But he knew that there were no such things as flings with Damien. This was the man that had shut everyone else out, never looked at a woman or even another man for that matter. He was so focused on his work and his own inner circle that no one else could catch his eye. It should have been an honor, and Leo would have chuckled if red hadn't creeped back up to his face.


After a bit, he got out of the shower and got dressed. He noticed the little blinking light on his phone and checked. So he wouldn't be coming home. Leo couldn't really blame him. Not with all the stress the Italian was giving him. Half of him wanted to reject the offer of a bed. The other reminded him that from that night onward, he would be sleeping on a couch. And it wasn't so strange to be in Damien's bed. There had been a good few times where he found himself face planting the covers, being completely plastered. With a small sigh, he went to the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed.


He looked down at the phone, trying to figure out if he should respond or not. He couldn't force his fingers to scroll over the letters, and eventually he just closed the screen and fell back to lay there. He stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours. Then at the far wall. Then his face was buried in a pillow, and eventually he settled to just laying on his chest, one arm hanging off the bed and his eyes unfocused on the far wall. He couldn't sleep, so he let his mind sort itself out. It was one of those moments where he wasn't really thinking of anything in particular, or trying to figure anything out. His mind would just replay pieces here and there, put them in chronological order, and then try to make sense of them--almost like a racing mind before someone goes into a lucid dream.

 

[Pearlholy]

His golden gaze fell on the vacant couch. Soundlessly closing and locking the door behind him, the grouch surveyed the floor and listened out for any sound of movement. His roommate must have been upstairs but his pet companion was resting on the floor by the coffee table. Considering the time and knowing that Gil could get quite vocal when he was happy and excited, Damien placed his index on his lips, commanding the dog to stay quiet. Kneeling down with a smile, he waited for Gil to come over and greet him. Scratching the dog and he lowered his head and murmured to the husky, "Why aren't you asleep yet, hm? Waiting for me?" Once he was done petting Gil, Damien removed his coat and left his bag on the sofa.


He made his way to the kitchen to wash his hands and prepared himself a cup of black coffee. Dr. Langston took a sip of the caffeinated beverage, pausing slightly before pouring the remaining coffee in a second mug. Habit and familiarity told him that Leo may have been awake still; they rarely ever sleep unless Leo was drunk. Or at least, that was what he gathered over the years in the company of the Italian law enforcer. Damien took the staircase the led to the upper floor. Although the door was open, he made his presence known with a knock before slipping through the gap. He sat at the corner of the bed and held out the untouched coffee mug. "Here."Unsure of whether or not he wanted to look at Leo, he focused his attention on his own coffee, "Figured you'd still be awake." Hesitantly, he placed the cup on his lips again, tilting it forward for another sip. "Though I was hoping you'd sleep enough for two."

 

[sorrow made you]

His mind started to float in and out until he heard the distinct sound of the coffee machine in the kitchen. He raised his head a little, but remained laying until Damien knocked on the door. "Yeah." He called, as if to grant the other access. He sat up and rubbed his head a little, giving a small yawn before taking the mug. "Thanks." A faint smile slipped on his lips before he took a sip as well. "I wasn't able to sleep. Too much on the mind." He took another sip, letting he bitter black soothe his throat.


"Thought you were going to be at the hospital till morning." He looked over to the clock to see what time it was. "Well, now we can change shifts." With a small sigh, he pushed himself up off the bed and passed the other. "Thanks for letting me borrow your bed. I've probably hassled you enough for one day." He muttered will a small chuckle. "I sincerely apologize for putting you in such a rough spot." He stood near, but not too close, giving the doctor space to breathe.


There was a moment of silence as Leo's thoughts from earlier seeped back into his mind. "You've got me curious." He said as he took another sip, a much longer one this time. Maybe the coffee had a calming effect on him. "I...it's hard to explain but...I'm not disgusted. I'm not angry or upset or disappointed or any of that." He paused, letting his own words sink in as he looked into his mug. "But because I don't feel any of those, I'm curious." Maybe he should just cut to the chase. He didn't want to burden the doctor further, but Leo couldn't just let an opportunity go without investigating. "I...would like to...explore...with you..." a small frown came on his lips, feeling that maybe his choice of words weren't the best. "I mean, if it wouldn't be at too much of your expense."


Before Damien could retort with something akin to Leo playing games, he added in, "This isn't just for my own curiosity. When I felt your restraint slipping, I was...nervous but excited. For me to be excited, there has to be something much much deeper there than I could ever know." Ahh yes, those late night/early morning epiphanies.

 

[Pearlholy]

Coffee lingered uncomfortably on his lips as the other remembered that Damien was not supposed to be home just yet. He nearly flinched, with a vague sense of worry that Leo may have caught onto his intentions--yet at the same time, how would Leo know when he was so oblivious about what had been so obvious. The mug on his mouth never left its' resting spot; his mind wandered long enough for the subject to change. A large part of him wanted to say that he actually missed the other, that the mere habit of being in the other's presence at night had always been a productive one. As of late, the doctor had been straying back and forth between habit and making adjustments...and not knowing what to do that would be in De Luca's best interest. True, the doctor was rather in a shitty situation but in the end, all that Damien wanted to was to be with Leo... for as long as he was could. There was no pleasure in ambiguity but if he was permitted to be greedy--if it was to continue to have Leo with him, closure could wait for another day--another time. Was that all too wrong?


So he knew.


The Italian knew what bothered Damien earlier or maybe the previous game also troubled the detective. Curious. He brought the mug back down, holding it with his two hands before his eyes fell shut. Curious could have meant a lot of things and Damien's heart was hoping it meant interest and perhaps even more than just interest. Effortlessly, Leo had gotten his heart fluttering with a foreign yet fearsome joy. It was all too frustrating. Allowing that man to step over the boundaries, waltzing in and out without care. The doctor shifted the cup of coffee and brought up a hand to pinch his nosebridge. Fuck the guy's charms, he had gotten the doctor wrapped around his fingers. Now that Leo knew of Damien's romantic feelings, it seemed like Dr.Langston was in for a permanent fall. Curious. There was a new found hate for that word--just as much as Leo hated 'Holmes' as a forthcoming verbal assault.


His logic shouted to reject Leo's offer; the detective may have thought long and hard about this whole ordeal but this was all just too new, too fresh. And Damien still felt too vulnerable to dive in. He was in a rather delicate situation again, one that could just jeopardize everything he held dear--which revolved around Leo. What if whatever was going on the detective mind was a mere misunderstanding? What if it was not an interest but just a toy to play and discard with? Better yet, why was it that he saw insecurity in everything Leo said rather than confusion?


He breathed out from his nose. Decisively, the doctor used his free hand to hold Leo's fingertips. "Leo." His eyes shifted from the coffee to look at the standing detective. "I dislike trouble and unnecessary bullshit. I know when to walk out." Slowly and loosely, his fingers curled onto them. "But never for a moment were you truly considered either of them." He may have said it in the past but he often said in the frustration of his growing affection towards the other. "Which ever spot you'd led me had been the best one and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else if given the choice. We've had our hardships but it was my choice to stay invested and committed because I knew it was worth the effort. You are worth it. Just let me be the judge of my own thoughts." He recalled their recent arguments and the times Leo claimed that the doctor was chastising him. "I don't want to hear about you causing too much trouble or intruding." Fuck it. To Hell with everything. "Whatever is that you're searching for, I'll help you. If it's truly curiosity, I'll make it worthwhile. Whatever interest you have... I'll be sure to maintain it." He brushed Leo's fingers on his lips. "So rather than having you say that you want to explore at my expense... give me a chance and let me love you."

 

[sorrow made you]

He glanced down to their hands as Damien tenderly took his fingers. Hearing his name, he glanced over to the other. At first, he thought the call would come with a form of rejection to the idea, or some kind of disappointment, but the look the doctor gave him said otherwise. He felt his breath slow and settle in his chest, not going in nor out as he listened and felt Damien's fingers curl around his.


Leo knew more than anyone that he was troublesome. It was just in his nature. He wasn't as loud as the rest of his family (usually), but he held a strong unrivaled stubbornness along with the burning instinct to question and investigate absolutely everything. His usual charisma brought in more troubles than it was worth, and his lack of concern for himself when his mind was set on something could have easily been confused with courage or stupidity. But through everything, Damien's bark had been louder than his bite. And every time he said he had enough of Leo, he returned later to treat dinner or accompany the man for drinks. Damien really never had given up on Leo. And that in itself was humbling.


The Italian felt a slight ping of shame and glanced down for a brief second. What had driven the two to this point was Leo's own insanity, and even though it brought something completely new to their relationship, it was a lot of hassle. But of course Damien reassured him. The other's next words made Leo's face feel warm again. His heart started to pound just a little harder and he couldn't help but to take a small step closer as Damien brought the detective's hand to his lips.


And everyone said Leo was the charmer. Who was the charming one now, hm?


There was a small breathy chuckle as a small smile tugged on Leo's lips. He didn't mean to laugh, but Damien's response was completely relieving. "Mm," he started with a small nod. "I think that sounds a lot nicer." Slowly he turned his hand to brush his fingertips against the other's cheek, to the corner of his mouth, and brushed his thumb over Damien's lips.


"Thank you." He said finally after lingering there for a bit. He carefully pulled his hand away and took in a long breath before gradually letting it out. "Maybe...we can finally get some rest now." He glanced back at the clock, then to the other. "Tomorrow I'm going to be doing the paperwork to order security devices for the girls' homes." An almost guilty smile came to his face. "I'm sure you must be worn out from work and...all of this." He took a step back to turn to head for the door. "Goodnight, Damien."