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asphaltcowgrrlTitle: Unkiss Me
Fandom: Romani Detective original fiction
Pairing: Andrej Zeklos + Zayne Reyes, Zayne Reyes/Hillary Maxwell (this is going to get fun by the middle of this story hahahaha…)
Rating: PG-13 currently. Will get progressively worse as time marches on.
Word Count: 5,724
Summary: In the aftermath of Cops and Rubies, Zeklos is fighting to come to terms with Reyes and Maxwell getting back together as a couple, as well as the backlash caused by his secret crush on Reyes being revealed to the group. Zeklos may or may not find a little help along the way.
Author’s Note: I’m doing something that I never, ever do and that’s posting before the story is 100% complete. I promised Haldoor something and it is chapter 5 of this fic. So that she doesn’t wind up waiting a million years for her gift, I wanted to start posting before she got old and grey waiting on me. Also, there is a tiny bit of a murder mystery stuffed into this, but it mostly focuses on myriad relationships in the station.
In the six intervening months since their little stay at Hotel Heartbreaker, life had gotten back to normal at the precinct and in their own lives.
Well, mostly.
Zayne Reyes was back to his old, insufferable self. Every chance he got, he was chatting up the ladies, flirting, and being as painfully adorable as he was able. It hadn’t taken long, but he and Hilary had even begun dating again. She’d said something to the effect of having worked so closely with Zayne again had rekindled all those unwanted feelings. Zayne countered with the idea that he was simply irresistible. Zeklos wasn’t buying into either – he and Trish were in agreement on one thing: their respective partners were both insane.
It had been a tentative reunion at first, but if Reyes and Maxwell’s impromptu make-out session in front of the station this morning had been any indication, they weren’t so uncertain any longer. It made Andrej sick to his stomach to even think about it.
Try as he might, Zek hadn’t quite mastered the art of ignoring his feelings in regards to his partner. Seeing Reyes and Maxwell getting so lovey-dovey right in front of him caused more than a little discomfort. The smile pasted on Zayne’s face right now, the one that said he was only thinking of Hilary and whatever he had planned for later, made Andrej’s chest ache, stirred the green-eyed monster that lived deep within him. It wasn’t a feeling Zek liked to admit he ever experienced, but this afternoon, there wasn’t any denying it. Some days, it felt like jealousy had taken up residence inside him, making a home for itself so that it never had to leave.
Reyes sighed and shuffled some papers to make it look as if he were working. Rolling his eyes, Zeklos flipped the file he’d been perusing closed. He’d had enough of the simpering and game playing. “Why don’t you get out of here, Reyes?”
“What?” Zayne snapped out of his dreamy haze and blinked.
“You obviously have other things on your mind and aren’t making any progress with those financials so go home.” Zeklos tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice, but wasn’t positive he’d succeeded. “Besides, its date night and I know you have plans.” Unlike himself. But that was neither here nor there as far as Zek was concerned, just another part of his daily life these days.
“Yeah,” Reyes grinned, “you know I do. You sure you’re okay with this?”
No, Andrej absolutely was not okay with it, not one bit, but what choice did he have? If Reyes stuck around, Zek would be forced to listen to Reyes’ continued moaning and groaning all afternoon. To say it was getting on his nerves would be an understatement. “Yes, Reyes. Get the hell out of here. Good night.” Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, either, as they say.
“Have I told you lately that you’re the best partner ever?” Reyes gave him a pat on the back as he walked past, double-timing it to the exit.
“No,” Zek muttered to the empty desk across from him. “I can’t say that I’ve ever heard you say that.”
He watched Reyes disappear from his line of sight and felt his heart sink into his stomach. There had to be a way to stop the pain, to ease the humiliation of loving a man that would never love him back. And yet, he hadn’t been able to pinpoint the exact method necessary. Every night, Zek prayed the mystery would be solved and he could move on, find a way to live his life and be happy.
Why did Reyes have to be so god blessed handsome?
“Excuse me, are you Detective Reyes?”
Zeklos looked up from his clenched fists and forced himself to relax. An almost familiar stranger stood before him, head tilted downward and watching. “No, I’m not. I’m his partner, Andrej Zeklos. What can I do for you?”
The visitor smiled and motioned towards the empty chair with a manila file folder. “May I?”
“Of course,” Zeklos said, nodding his assent, feeling more curious than he was sociable.
The newcomer was attractive, tall with reddish brown hair and a dynamite smile. Full, pink lips and bright blue eyes only added to the already striking picture he presented. His casual dress made Zek wonder where he’d come from and why he was here, but that information might actually be forthcoming if he waited long enough. Patience wasn’t always one of Andrej’s virtues. Zayne had only exacerbated that little personality flaw with his penchant for holding information hostage.
“Detective Reyes had requested some information on a few known dealers and I finally have the details he was looking for.” He held up the folder a second time so Zek could see it then placed it on Reyes’ desk. “Not sure what he’s hoping to get out of it, but this is everything we have.”
It finally clicked why the stranger had seemed so familiar. He was a detective out of narcotics, not someone they generally worked with, but definitely someone Zek had seen around. “Right, he thinks there’s a connection between the drug trade and this murder we’re trying to solve. That there might be a witness we can shake down.”
“Hopefully something in here will help the two of you out. If either of you need anything further, just let me know.” He dug into his pocket and withdrew a business card.
Zeklos took it from the outstretched hand, admiring the fingers holding the card aloft. “I’ll be sure to let him know you came by…” he glanced at the card and took in the name. “Detective Rosewood.”
“And if you ever need anything not related to the case, don’t hesitate to reach out, Detective Zeklos.” Rosewood stood and walked away.
“Soooooo, who was that?” Detective Trish Rollins plopped into Reyes’ empty seat and propped her feet on his desk. “He was de-lish-us!”
Prying his eyes off the departing Rosewood, Zek turned his attention on the redheaded woman currently lounging in his partner’s chair. “Detective James Rosewood from narcotics, Trish. He had some information for Reyes.”
“Mmm,” she said. “And did he ask you out while he was here?”
“What?” Zek blinked rapidly, watching her for any sign that she was pulling his leg. “Why on earth would he do that?”
Although picking up on subtle cues was generally a strong suit with Zeklos, when those signals were being sent in his direction, they often went flying right past him. Like now, obviously, because Trish was suggesting he’d missed something big. Zek glanced back in the direction Rosewood had taken and wondered what exactly the detective might have meant by that parting comment.
“Did you not see the way he was looking at you?” A small chuckle rose up out of her. “No, of course you didn’t. You’re Mr. Oblivious aren’t you? Zek honey, he was totally checking you out.”
“You’re crazy.” As much as he wished it were true, he couldn’t handle any more disappointment in his life right now. Zeklos couldn’t deny that he’d be awfully upset to find out she was screwing with him over this. Detective Rosewood was, as she’d said, delicious. And tempting, too.
“Am I?” She dropped her feet to the floor and leaned her arms against the edge of the desk. “If he only came by to drop off this file, why did he give you his card? He could have easily left it on Reyes’ desk.”
Tracing his lower lip with his tongue, Zeklos stalled for time. “The intricacies of the English language often pass me by, but in this instance, I know you are teasing me. It’s not very nice of you. He gave his card to me so that he’d be sure that Zayne would get it. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Trish fell back into Reyes’ chair, sighing loudly. “You really need to get over him, you know. You’ll never be happy unless you do.”
Not like he didn’t already know that. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Rollins.” Zeklos fiddled with a paperclip to avoid looking her in the eye.
“Oh yes you do,” she said. “Even if Zayne was interested, a guy like you deserves better, Zeklos. Reyes is a hound dog, and just because Maxwell falls for his good guy act, doesn’t mean you have to, too. This Rosewood might be just what you need. And now that I’ve done my public service for the day, I’m going home. See you on Monday.” Blowing him a kiss, she went off to wherever it was she holed up at night.
It was beginning to feel like all he did was watch people walk away from him. But in this case, he was happy to see her go. The woman was way too intuitive for her own good. God damned detectives, what did they know anyway. Not a damn thing, and he was going to convince himself of that some day.
“Hottie alert at six o’clock.”
The pair of detectives looked up at the sound of Trish’s voice. Zeklos gave her a questioning glance that was answered with a slight inclination of her head. Training his gaze in the direction she’d indicated, Zeklos felt his stomach bottom out. His new best friend, Detective James Rosewood, was headed their way, an unreadable smile plastered to his face. Rosewood was entirely too chipper for a Monday.
“We’ve got company,” Andrej said, praying to the heavens that Trish wouldn’t say a word about the man’s previous visit.
“Afternoon gentleman,” Rosewood greeted. He slowed as he approached the two detectives, stopping nearer to Zeklos’ side than Reyes’. Focusing on Zayne, Rosewood held out his hand. “You must be the infamous Detective Reyes.”
Zayne stared at the outstretched hand looking as if it were a nuclear warhead ready to detonate. “And you are?”
Zeklos silently thanked the universe that Reyes had edited himself enough to leave ‘who the fuck’ out of his demand. It was a small victory, but a victory all the same. “Reyes, this is Detective James Rosewood from narcotics. He brought that file you’re reading over Friday night.”
Reyes continued to glare at the man, making Zeklos increasingly uncomfortable in his seat. The very presence of another male detective ignited Zayne’s alpha male instincts to the point of making him into an unbearable asshole. Male lab techs, forensic specialists, or even the fill-in medical examiner never evoked this level of animosity out of Reyes, however. As annoying as it all was, it warmed Andrej’s heart knowing that even the ever confident Zayne Reyes had insecurity issues.
“Thanks for the information,” Zayne finally managed to say. “If I need anything else, I’ll let you know.”
Zeklos took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Reyes tended to be rude on an average day but this wasn’t how you treated someone from another department with the potential to help you in the future. “Thanks, detective,” Andrej said, attempting to smooth over Reyes’ brusqueness. “We appreciate your help on this.” From across their desks, Zayne grunted and even that sounded cynical.
Rosewood turned his attention fully on Zeklos, smile becoming less undecipherable and more fully engaged. Reyes’ rudeness apparently didn’t intimidate the detective. “Anything I can do for you, Detective Zeklos, simply ask. I am ever at your service.”
Zek could feel the flush racing up his neck from the unexpected attention, heating his skin to an unbearable temperature. “I’ll keep that in mind,” Zeklos assured him.
“I hope you do,” Rosewood said, smile crinkling his face charmingly. “Until later.”
The detective from narcotics gave a half bow and exited the robbery-homicide division’s space on the second floor. Unable to look away, Andrej’s eyes remained glued to Rosewood until he disappeared from sight. He’d managed to keep Reyes from alienating a potential ally, but that might not last for long.
“Tollllllllllllllld youuuuuuuuuuuu,” Trish sang. She’d stuck her thumbs in her ears and was waggling her fingers in his direction, taunting. “And you didn’t believe me either, Zek.”
“You’re timing’s rather suspicious, Rollins,” Zeklos commented, flashing a glare at the woman.
She stopped by on her way back from the break room, grinning. “Suspicious? Who, me?”
He let that one go, not willing to rehash their conversation from Friday night in front of Reyes. Zek’s partner, on the other hand, wasn’t so amenable.
“Care to explain what just happened to me? Because I’m pretty damn sure that I’ve missed something interesting.” Zayne looked from Trish to Andrej, waiting for one of the two to speak. “As odd as things can get around here, the last few minutes take the cake.”
Reyes’ eyes bored into Zeklos, demanding an answer Andrej didn’t have to give. On the one hand, he had no intention of explaining Friday night’s confusing episode to Zayne. He still wasn’t sure what had transpired between himself and Detective Rosewood, despite what Trish insisted. On the other, if he was referring to Rosewood’s sudden appearance today, he had no response. “Could you please clarify exactly what you’re talking about?”
Those green eyes came closer, unrelenting in their quest for knowledge. “Looks to me like you and Detective Rosewood have something you’re not sharing with the group, Zek. Wanna elaborate?”
Not particularly because that would only get him into a pile of trouble. “I’m not sure how we can be hiding anything from you since I only just met him Friday night. We spoke for approximately four minutes and then he left.”
“Uh-huh,” Zayne grunted. “And did he take you out back for a quickie after those four minutes? Because he was looking at you like he’s seen you naked, buddy.”
That was news to him. Zeklos swallowed against the lump forming in his throat and eventually his partner’s crudeness cut through the inherent embarrassment that went along with it. “I’m going to tell you what I told Trish on Friday: you are crazy. He is not interested in me in any way, shape, or form. If you continue to insist on having sex on the brain, could you please leave me out of it?”
Leaning back in his chair, Reyes continued to stare at Zeklos. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Trish rolled her eyes. Slapping a hand on Zeklos’ desk, Trish claimed their attention. “Rosewood was looking at you the same way Reyes look at a steak, Zek. There’s no denying that, not even if you want to. The question is, what are you going to do about it?”
Answering that was simple: nothing. He couldn’t quite tell Zayne that because he’d insist on knowing why and responding to that query wasn’t nearly as simple. Falling for his partner had wrecked him, physically and emotionally, and the aftermath of their last big assignment had only been the icing on the cake. Blaming his stupidity on the drugs coursing through his system had been his only recourse, even if no one quite believed he was telling the truth. It was hard to convince someone you weren’t in love with them when you absolutely, painfully were.
“A better question,” Reyes intruded on the silence, “is why would he bother?”
“You need to shut up, Zayne,” Trish warned. “He needs someone in his life that’s not you.”
Zeklos sighed, trying to ignore the argument happening on his behalf. Logically, he knew the best way to get over Reyes was to get out and enjoy his life with someone else. Even if he wasn’t serious about that someone else, it was the first step in getting Reyes off his brain. But it felt like an utter betrayal to do so. No matter which angle Zeklos looked at it from, it was a no-win situation. Add to it the fight Reyes was currently putting up over whether Andrej should pursue Rosewood’s interest and he was more confused than he’d been an hour prior.
“Drop it, both of you. There’s nothing going on and there won’t ever be anything either. I’m going to say this one last time and the next person that suggests otherwise will be subject to the wrath of all my ancestors, okay? Detective Rosewood is not attracted to me. Got it?”
Shrugging, Reyes smiled. “Sure, whatever you say, Zeklos.”
“If that’s what you want to believe,” Trish added. “But I still think you’re wrong.”
From the sounds of it, Reyes meant anything but what he’d just said and Trish had no desire to let this go easily. Fucking wonderful. With everything they had on their plates at the moment, he didn’t need this, too.
The thing was Andrej would love to have someone even mildly interested in him on a romantic level, even if it turned out to be someone other than Zayne. It had been longer than he’d like to admit since his last attempt at a relationship. Even now, Zek wasn’t sure if it was good or bad that the relationship had ended before he’d been partnered with Reyes. Good in the sense that if he’d been with someone when he’d met Zayne, that would have been serious trouble, that damn man was entirely too irresistible. Bad, however, since maybe, just maybe, a boyfriend would have saved him from all the heartbreak he found himself enduring.
Fat chance at that, Zek figured. Despite having known from day one that Reyes was happily heterosexual hadn’t stopped him from crushing on the jackass. In the end, his misery was his own damn fault. Andrej had come to learn that he was utterly too skilled at tormenting himself. Too many years of practice, he figured.
Kicking the past back into the past, he picked up two baby bok choy and tossed them into his basket. He didn’t even know what he wanted for dinner, but this most likely wasn’t it. A scallion, a handful of shitakes, and a squash joined the Chinese cabbages in the basket. Like it or not, it was what he was having, since there were no alternatives back at his place. Zeklos turned his eyes towards the meat counter and debated adding a pork chop to the mix.
“No meat,” he muttered to himself. Better to stick with veggies after the day he’d had. But some soba would go nicely, he decided. Leaving the produce section, he searched out the ethnic aisle and grabbed a package of buckwheat noodles. In his mind’s eye, he saw Reyes scrunching up his nose at his choice of pasta. The boy was so predictable in that manner. If it even sounded healthy or odd, he wouldn’t eat it.
“Idiot,” he chastised himself. “Stop that line of thinking right now.”
“Maybe I’m wrong, but that sounds like awfully harsh self-talk in regards to noodles.”
Zek’s eyes closed, lids pressing together in defeat. Reopening them, he looked over his shoulder at his partner. “Why are you here, Reyes?” And must you spring from my thoughts and appear in my reality? Because, really, if he had that power to control, Reyes wouldn’t be randomly appearing in the grocery store.
“No reason,” Reyes replied.
Zayne shifted his weight from one foot to the other, anxious or bored, Zek wasn’t sure which. Odds were that Reyes was restless since he was most likely lying through his perfect teeth. “But you just happened to track me down in the grocery store? Because that’s not unusual.” Andrej remained unconvinced. Zayne often found him in the oddest places, but rarely in a grocery store. It was one place that Reyes avoided at all costs. Cooking was not high on Zayne’s list of priorities.
“Actually, if you think about it, it’s not. I seem to have a knack for finding you doing exactly this.” He waved a hand in the direction of Zeklos’ produce-filled basket. “What’s for dinner?”
Ah. So the truth comes out at last. “Stir fry of some kind. Quick, easy, and good for you.”
“No meat?” Reyes sounded scandalized.
“No, no meat, Zayne. I’m not in the habit of having it every night.” While he was growing up, it wasn’t always available and when it was, it often wasn’t suitable for eating. But Reyes had grown up in cattle country where meat and potatoes had been a part of every meal. Zek bit his bottom lip, thinking. “If I get a pork chop, would you be interested in dinner?”
He’d never seen Reyes’ eyes light up so fast. “But a pork chop? Why not a steak? They’ve got some gorgeous T-bones over there.”
“Reyes, one of us has to think of your heart. Pork is leaner and less likely to give you coronary disease.” It was like trying to explain to a two year old why he couldn’t have cake before his dinner, and just as effective.
“Fine,” Zayne said, punctuating it with an exaggerated eye roll. “I like chops, too.”
Although he liked his steak even better, this everyone knew. He was a born and bred Texas native after all. “Okay, let’s go get you some meat so I can properly feed you.”
“Thanks,” Reyes said. He waited until Zeklos was putting the pork in with all the other things he’d already picked up before he continued. “Would you be angry if I said I came looking for you here?”
Zeklos looked up at his partner, catching those glorious green eyes with his own blues. He’d half expected this to be true and while it aggravated Andrej to no end, it flattered him as well. The least he could do was make sure his partner got the occasional well-balanced meal. God only knew Reyes wasn’t going to do it for himself. And Zek refused to acknowledge the fact that dinner meant he could spend some extra, uninterrupted time listening to Reyes yammer on about his youth or whatever topic happened to stir his brain that night. Nope, because admitting to that meant he was well and truly smitten, and that was not an option.
Tossing the veggies around in the wok, Zeklos listened to the familiar story Reyes was telling. It was one of Zayne’s favorites – and Andrej’s, too – and he related it whenever he had a chance. Uncharacteristically, it wasn’t one of those anecdotes that made his partner into the hero of the day. Rather, it was somewhat embarrassing and self-deprecating, but Reyes used it as a way of proving he’d overcome his idiotic childhood antics. If it were only half as true as Zayne thought it was, they’d be golden.
“What are you putting in there,” Reyes asked, pointing to the bottle of thick, dark sauce.
Andrej held it out so Reyes could see. “Hoisin sauce.”
“Poison sauce?” Reyes’ eyes grew wide.
“No,” Zeklos chuckled. “Hoisin, with an ‘h’.” He held it out again, insuring that the label faced his partner.
“Oooh,” Reyes laughed in relief. “You scared me for a second. That accent of yours does weird things to words sometimes.”
“You can be a jerk,” Andrej scolded, “but you’re not quite that bad yet. I’ll let you know when I’ve reached the point where I want to hoisin you.” He shook the bottle of sauce over the veggies in the wok, adding soy sauce and a couple other essential ingredients before giving a healthy stir.
“It’s only fair,” Reyes said, grinning.
Zeklos checked the chop resting on the cutting board. Nodding to himself, he picked two bowls from the cupboard and filled them with noodles and the veggie-sauce combo. Taking a knife, he thinly sliced a good portion of the chop and placed it on top of Reyes’ bowl of stir-fry. Sticking a fork into the center of the food, he handed the bowl over to Zayne. “Pofta Bună.”
“What?” Zayne stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth. “English, boy, English.”
Smiling, Zeklos shook his head. “Sorry, some things are automatic, even after so many years. It is simply a way of saying ‘enjoy your meal’.”
“Ah,” he said, understanding. “Kinda like when my grandma would say ‘get to ettin’ while the ettin’s good’, I suppose.”
“Now there’s an interesting turn of phrase,” Andrej laughed, taking a seat at the breakfast counter next to Zayne.
“Yeah, well, I think it’s exclusive to Texas,” Reyes said, forking a load of food into his mouth. “This is pretty damn good, Andrej. I need to get you to cook for me more often.”
He’d do it, too, given the chance. “I’ve learned a thing or two over the years. Happy to share the love.”
That probably wasn’t the right thing to say, but it was too late to take it back. Considering how Reyes kept shoveling food into his mouth, Zek’s choice of words had gone right over the other’s head. Sticking his fork into a slice of mushroom, Andrej watched his partner eat and enjoy the food he’d prepared, content to sit by his side and share a meal. It was all he could have, Zek would simply have to learn to live with it.
Zayne had left nearly an hour ago and Andrej paced his living room, unsure of where all the nervous energy had come from. One minute, they’d been laughing and trading stories, the next, it was past ten and Reyes needed his beauty sleep. As soon as he’d closed the door behind his partner, however, agitation had taken over. Zeklos peeked out the window overlooking his front yard for what must’ve been the tenth time since Reyes’ departure and sighed.
“You need to get a grip,” he muttered to himself, allowing the blinds to fall shut. Especially considering Reyes and Maxwell were going full steam ahead in their renewed relationship. He needed to find a way to direct his attentions away from Zayne and focus them on something more worthwhile. Or, at least, something more likely to pay out dividends.
It was well beyond his bedtime and Andrej was beginning to feel it in his bones. The last couple days had been exhausting. Between running down leads, fielding reporters, and all the rest of the crap that came with being a robbery homicide detective, he was ready for a good night’s sleep. Zeklos entered his bedroom, pulling his wallet from his pocket and setting it on the dresser. Something caught on the edge of his pocket and fluttered to the floor.
With a frown, Andrej bent to retrieve the unruly item. Picking it up, a half-smile crossed his face as he read the name Detective James Rosewood imprinted in clean, black ink on the front. How had the detective’s business card found its way into his pocket? Zeklos was positive he’d left it with the file that was currently in Reyes’ possession.
Flipping it over, he saw something he hadn’t noticed before. Two simple words scrawled in blue ink: call me.
A noise drew Zeklos’ attention away from the paperwork he’d been absorbed in. Looking up, he met a pair of soft, blue eyes and what was becoming an all too familiar smile. “Detective Rosewood,” he said a smile of his own springing forth. “I must say I’m surprised to see you here.”
Rosewood shrugged and seated himself at Reyes’ desk as if it were his own. “Where’s your partner?”
Zeklos looked towards the break room. “I have no idea. He said he’d be back in ten minutes.”
“And when was that?” Rosewood’s eyebrows were lifted in curiosity.
“Nearly an hour ago.” Andrej shook his head. It wasn’t like Reyes to disappear and not come back, at least not without calling first.
“Maybe I got lucky and he’s not coming back?” Rosewood relaxed back into Reyes’ chair, getting comfortable in his stolen seat.
“Not sure I’m that fortunate,” Zeklos admitted, only half meaning it. “Did you need something, detective, or is this a social call?” If asked, he wasn’t sure which way he’d want Rosewood to answer, either.
“A little of both, actually.” James sat forward in the chair and focused onto Zeklos. “I wanted to ask how you were progressing on the case.”
“It’s moving forward,” he said. “Slowly. The information you gave us helped us narrow down the area in which the perp tended to spend his time and even rustled up a few possible eye witnesses. We’ve eliminated several suspects and are leaning towards a particular one now.”
“That is something I like to hear,” Rosewood said, slapping a hand on the top of Reyes’ desk. “Nothing takes the place of solid detective work.”
“And the social part?” Zeklos’ heart thudded in anticipation mingled with fear. The progression of his and Reyes’ case wasn’t the reason Rosewood had returned to robbery homicide, he could see it in the casual way the detective had presented himself. Anyone coming to receive an update on an open file would have been more professional and straight forward.
“Well, since your partner isn’t anywhere to be found,” Rosewood began, “and it is half past twelve, I was hoping you were free for lunch.”
Son of a bitch. But, what did he have to lose? “Normally, I’d decline. However, since I think I’ve been abandoned for the afternoon, I’ll take a chance and say yes.”
“Perfect.” Rosewood stood, shoving his hands into his pockets. “What do you say we meet at Carlo’s in ten minutes?”
“I can do that,” Zeklos said, standing as well. “I’ll see you there.”
Reyes pulled into the parking lot, deciding at the last minute to rendezvous with Hilary for lunch. Checking his watch, he saw he was late – again – for his own date. . He was lucky that she knew him well enough to never expect him to be on time. It was one of the few things that kept him from getting his ass kicked on a regular basis. Cursing his own flaws, Zayne started to climb out of his car when he spotted a familiar form walking into the diner.
“What the hell,” he muttered.
A knock on the passenger window drew his attention away from the diner. Looking to the side, he spied Hilary grinning in at him. Reyes unlocked the door and she slid into the empty passenger seat. “Are you sitting her for a reason or what? You’re already ten minutes late, buster.”
He pointed to the diner where his partner was about to disappear through the entrance. “Look.”
Hilary followed the direction of his gaze and blinked. “What’s Zeklos doing going to lunch without you? I know you didn’t plan our lunch date, buddy, so there’s no way he could know to abandon ship and eat on his own.”
She had him there. Zayne was about to respond when another vaguely familiar form took Zeklos by the arm, stopping him before he could get inside the diner. “Fucking bastard.”
“Really Zayne? You’ve got an awful mouth on you sometimes.” Hilary clucked her tongue in disapproval.
“Oh no,” he said, opening his car door. “He’s not getting away with this.”
Hilary took a cue from Reyes and exited the vehicle as quickly as she could. “Zayne? What’s going on? You’re starting to look a little crazy there, babe.”
Zayne stopped two feet from his car. “That asshole Rosewood is putting the moves on my partner and I’ll have none of that shit on my watch.”
“Zayne, wait.” She hurried to catch up with him before he went ballistic.
He stopped again, turning to glare at his girlfriend. “Can’t this wait? I have to get Zek out of there.”
“Weren’t you telling me this morning how funny it was that this Rosewood was falling all over Andy, making eyes at him and stuff? Why are you suddenly so gung-ho to stop their fling before it can even start?”
Good goddamned question. “I don’t know. I thought it was cute when he was just hovering and flustering the shit out of Zek. But now, Rosewood’s being annoying. He’s trying to take Zeklos away from me and that’s not happening.”
Maxwell watched her boyfriend storm off before jogging to catch up to him again. “Zayne, you do realize that you’re acting like a jilted ex-lover, right?” It wasn’t any surprise when he didn’t respond. Hilary took hold of Zayne’s arm and tugged, hard. “Stop it right now, you jerk.”
“What? Why? I just want to –”
“Want to what, Zayne? Make sure he stays single so he can be at your beck and call anytime you’re bored or hungry?” She narrowed her eyes at him when he glared her direction. “Don’t you look at me like that, Andy and I talk. I know how you operate around him.”
“He’s making a mistake, Hil. I can’t let him get hung up on this guy. And I know what I said, but I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Why?” Her voice was sincere, the question legitimate.
“I don’t know, but my gut’s telling me something’s up.” Reyes stopped pulling at her grip on his arm and relaxed into her touch. “This Rosewood keeps showing up out of nowhere, coming around for no reason at all. It has my gut working overtime.”
“Did you ever think he kept coming around because he finds your partner attractive?” Hilary gave Zayne her most winning smile. “He is awfully damn hot, you know. And he has a delightful personality to go with that fine ass of his.”
Reyes frowned at her. “You could have gone all week and not said that, Hil. Any of it.”
She laughed and patted his arm. “Sorry.”
“No you’re not,” he teased her. “But maybe you are right.”
“You going to back off and let Andy make his own mistakes now?”
“Only until I have concrete proof that this jerk from narco isn’t on the up and up.” Reyes slid his arm through hers. “So, what about lunch? The hot dog cart at the station sound good to you?”
“If it’s as good as I’m going to get, then let’s go and let Zek have his romantic lunch alone.” She tugged on his arm to get him moving again.
“Okay,” Reyes said, falling into step beside her. “But if this happens again, you know I’m going to go in and spy on their asses.”
“What am I going to do with you? Stop being a detective for four minutes,” she laughed.
“Not possible, baby. Not possible.”
--
Story continues here.
Fandom: Romani Detective original fiction
Pairing: Andrej Zeklos + Zayne Reyes, Zayne Reyes/Hillary Maxwell (this is going to get fun by the middle of this story hahahaha…)
Rating: PG-13 currently. Will get progressively worse as time marches on.
Word Count: 5,724
Summary: In the aftermath of Cops and Rubies, Zeklos is fighting to come to terms with Reyes and Maxwell getting back together as a couple, as well as the backlash caused by his secret crush on Reyes being revealed to the group. Zeklos may or may not find a little help along the way.
Author’s Note: I’m doing something that I never, ever do and that’s posting before the story is 100% complete. I promised Haldoor something and it is chapter 5 of this fic. So that she doesn’t wind up waiting a million years for her gift, I wanted to start posting before she got old and grey waiting on me. Also, there is a tiny bit of a murder mystery stuffed into this, but it mostly focuses on myriad relationships in the station.
In the six intervening months since their little stay at Hotel Heartbreaker, life had gotten back to normal at the precinct and in their own lives.
Well, mostly.
Zayne Reyes was back to his old, insufferable self. Every chance he got, he was chatting up the ladies, flirting, and being as painfully adorable as he was able. It hadn’t taken long, but he and Hilary had even begun dating again. She’d said something to the effect of having worked so closely with Zayne again had rekindled all those unwanted feelings. Zayne countered with the idea that he was simply irresistible. Zeklos wasn’t buying into either – he and Trish were in agreement on one thing: their respective partners were both insane.
It had been a tentative reunion at first, but if Reyes and Maxwell’s impromptu make-out session in front of the station this morning had been any indication, they weren’t so uncertain any longer. It made Andrej sick to his stomach to even think about it.
Try as he might, Zek hadn’t quite mastered the art of ignoring his feelings in regards to his partner. Seeing Reyes and Maxwell getting so lovey-dovey right in front of him caused more than a little discomfort. The smile pasted on Zayne’s face right now, the one that said he was only thinking of Hilary and whatever he had planned for later, made Andrej’s chest ache, stirred the green-eyed monster that lived deep within him. It wasn’t a feeling Zek liked to admit he ever experienced, but this afternoon, there wasn’t any denying it. Some days, it felt like jealousy had taken up residence inside him, making a home for itself so that it never had to leave.
Reyes sighed and shuffled some papers to make it look as if he were working. Rolling his eyes, Zeklos flipped the file he’d been perusing closed. He’d had enough of the simpering and game playing. “Why don’t you get out of here, Reyes?”
“What?” Zayne snapped out of his dreamy haze and blinked.
“You obviously have other things on your mind and aren’t making any progress with those financials so go home.” Zeklos tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice, but wasn’t positive he’d succeeded. “Besides, its date night and I know you have plans.” Unlike himself. But that was neither here nor there as far as Zek was concerned, just another part of his daily life these days.
“Yeah,” Reyes grinned, “you know I do. You sure you’re okay with this?”
No, Andrej absolutely was not okay with it, not one bit, but what choice did he have? If Reyes stuck around, Zek would be forced to listen to Reyes’ continued moaning and groaning all afternoon. To say it was getting on his nerves would be an understatement. “Yes, Reyes. Get the hell out of here. Good night.” Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, either, as they say.
“Have I told you lately that you’re the best partner ever?” Reyes gave him a pat on the back as he walked past, double-timing it to the exit.
“No,” Zek muttered to the empty desk across from him. “I can’t say that I’ve ever heard you say that.”
He watched Reyes disappear from his line of sight and felt his heart sink into his stomach. There had to be a way to stop the pain, to ease the humiliation of loving a man that would never love him back. And yet, he hadn’t been able to pinpoint the exact method necessary. Every night, Zek prayed the mystery would be solved and he could move on, find a way to live his life and be happy.
Why did Reyes have to be so god blessed handsome?
“Excuse me, are you Detective Reyes?”
Zeklos looked up from his clenched fists and forced himself to relax. An almost familiar stranger stood before him, head tilted downward and watching. “No, I’m not. I’m his partner, Andrej Zeklos. What can I do for you?”
The visitor smiled and motioned towards the empty chair with a manila file folder. “May I?”
“Of course,” Zeklos said, nodding his assent, feeling more curious than he was sociable.
The newcomer was attractive, tall with reddish brown hair and a dynamite smile. Full, pink lips and bright blue eyes only added to the already striking picture he presented. His casual dress made Zek wonder where he’d come from and why he was here, but that information might actually be forthcoming if he waited long enough. Patience wasn’t always one of Andrej’s virtues. Zayne had only exacerbated that little personality flaw with his penchant for holding information hostage.
“Detective Reyes had requested some information on a few known dealers and I finally have the details he was looking for.” He held up the folder a second time so Zek could see it then placed it on Reyes’ desk. “Not sure what he’s hoping to get out of it, but this is everything we have.”
It finally clicked why the stranger had seemed so familiar. He was a detective out of narcotics, not someone they generally worked with, but definitely someone Zek had seen around. “Right, he thinks there’s a connection between the drug trade and this murder we’re trying to solve. That there might be a witness we can shake down.”
“Hopefully something in here will help the two of you out. If either of you need anything further, just let me know.” He dug into his pocket and withdrew a business card.
Zeklos took it from the outstretched hand, admiring the fingers holding the card aloft. “I’ll be sure to let him know you came by…” he glanced at the card and took in the name. “Detective Rosewood.”
“And if you ever need anything not related to the case, don’t hesitate to reach out, Detective Zeklos.” Rosewood stood and walked away.
“Soooooo, who was that?” Detective Trish Rollins plopped into Reyes’ empty seat and propped her feet on his desk. “He was de-lish-us!”
Prying his eyes off the departing Rosewood, Zek turned his attention on the redheaded woman currently lounging in his partner’s chair. “Detective James Rosewood from narcotics, Trish. He had some information for Reyes.”
“Mmm,” she said. “And did he ask you out while he was here?”
“What?” Zek blinked rapidly, watching her for any sign that she was pulling his leg. “Why on earth would he do that?”
Although picking up on subtle cues was generally a strong suit with Zeklos, when those signals were being sent in his direction, they often went flying right past him. Like now, obviously, because Trish was suggesting he’d missed something big. Zek glanced back in the direction Rosewood had taken and wondered what exactly the detective might have meant by that parting comment.
“Did you not see the way he was looking at you?” A small chuckle rose up out of her. “No, of course you didn’t. You’re Mr. Oblivious aren’t you? Zek honey, he was totally checking you out.”
“You’re crazy.” As much as he wished it were true, he couldn’t handle any more disappointment in his life right now. Zeklos couldn’t deny that he’d be awfully upset to find out she was screwing with him over this. Detective Rosewood was, as she’d said, delicious. And tempting, too.
“Am I?” She dropped her feet to the floor and leaned her arms against the edge of the desk. “If he only came by to drop off this file, why did he give you his card? He could have easily left it on Reyes’ desk.”
Tracing his lower lip with his tongue, Zeklos stalled for time. “The intricacies of the English language often pass me by, but in this instance, I know you are teasing me. It’s not very nice of you. He gave his card to me so that he’d be sure that Zayne would get it. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Trish fell back into Reyes’ chair, sighing loudly. “You really need to get over him, you know. You’ll never be happy unless you do.”
Not like he didn’t already know that. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Rollins.” Zeklos fiddled with a paperclip to avoid looking her in the eye.
“Oh yes you do,” she said. “Even if Zayne was interested, a guy like you deserves better, Zeklos. Reyes is a hound dog, and just because Maxwell falls for his good guy act, doesn’t mean you have to, too. This Rosewood might be just what you need. And now that I’ve done my public service for the day, I’m going home. See you on Monday.” Blowing him a kiss, she went off to wherever it was she holed up at night.
It was beginning to feel like all he did was watch people walk away from him. But in this case, he was happy to see her go. The woman was way too intuitive for her own good. God damned detectives, what did they know anyway. Not a damn thing, and he was going to convince himself of that some day.
“Hottie alert at six o’clock.”
The pair of detectives looked up at the sound of Trish’s voice. Zeklos gave her a questioning glance that was answered with a slight inclination of her head. Training his gaze in the direction she’d indicated, Zeklos felt his stomach bottom out. His new best friend, Detective James Rosewood, was headed their way, an unreadable smile plastered to his face. Rosewood was entirely too chipper for a Monday.
“We’ve got company,” Andrej said, praying to the heavens that Trish wouldn’t say a word about the man’s previous visit.
“Afternoon gentleman,” Rosewood greeted. He slowed as he approached the two detectives, stopping nearer to Zeklos’ side than Reyes’. Focusing on Zayne, Rosewood held out his hand. “You must be the infamous Detective Reyes.”
Zayne stared at the outstretched hand looking as if it were a nuclear warhead ready to detonate. “And you are?”
Zeklos silently thanked the universe that Reyes had edited himself enough to leave ‘who the fuck’ out of his demand. It was a small victory, but a victory all the same. “Reyes, this is Detective James Rosewood from narcotics. He brought that file you’re reading over Friday night.”
Reyes continued to glare at the man, making Zeklos increasingly uncomfortable in his seat. The very presence of another male detective ignited Zayne’s alpha male instincts to the point of making him into an unbearable asshole. Male lab techs, forensic specialists, or even the fill-in medical examiner never evoked this level of animosity out of Reyes, however. As annoying as it all was, it warmed Andrej’s heart knowing that even the ever confident Zayne Reyes had insecurity issues.
“Thanks for the information,” Zayne finally managed to say. “If I need anything else, I’ll let you know.”
Zeklos took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Reyes tended to be rude on an average day but this wasn’t how you treated someone from another department with the potential to help you in the future. “Thanks, detective,” Andrej said, attempting to smooth over Reyes’ brusqueness. “We appreciate your help on this.” From across their desks, Zayne grunted and even that sounded cynical.
Rosewood turned his attention fully on Zeklos, smile becoming less undecipherable and more fully engaged. Reyes’ rudeness apparently didn’t intimidate the detective. “Anything I can do for you, Detective Zeklos, simply ask. I am ever at your service.”
Zek could feel the flush racing up his neck from the unexpected attention, heating his skin to an unbearable temperature. “I’ll keep that in mind,” Zeklos assured him.
“I hope you do,” Rosewood said, smile crinkling his face charmingly. “Until later.”
The detective from narcotics gave a half bow and exited the robbery-homicide division’s space on the second floor. Unable to look away, Andrej’s eyes remained glued to Rosewood until he disappeared from sight. He’d managed to keep Reyes from alienating a potential ally, but that might not last for long.
“Tollllllllllllllld youuuuuuuuuuuu,” Trish sang. She’d stuck her thumbs in her ears and was waggling her fingers in his direction, taunting. “And you didn’t believe me either, Zek.”
“You’re timing’s rather suspicious, Rollins,” Zeklos commented, flashing a glare at the woman.
She stopped by on her way back from the break room, grinning. “Suspicious? Who, me?”
He let that one go, not willing to rehash their conversation from Friday night in front of Reyes. Zek’s partner, on the other hand, wasn’t so amenable.
“Care to explain what just happened to me? Because I’m pretty damn sure that I’ve missed something interesting.” Zayne looked from Trish to Andrej, waiting for one of the two to speak. “As odd as things can get around here, the last few minutes take the cake.”
Reyes’ eyes bored into Zeklos, demanding an answer Andrej didn’t have to give. On the one hand, he had no intention of explaining Friday night’s confusing episode to Zayne. He still wasn’t sure what had transpired between himself and Detective Rosewood, despite what Trish insisted. On the other, if he was referring to Rosewood’s sudden appearance today, he had no response. “Could you please clarify exactly what you’re talking about?”
Those green eyes came closer, unrelenting in their quest for knowledge. “Looks to me like you and Detective Rosewood have something you’re not sharing with the group, Zek. Wanna elaborate?”
Not particularly because that would only get him into a pile of trouble. “I’m not sure how we can be hiding anything from you since I only just met him Friday night. We spoke for approximately four minutes and then he left.”
“Uh-huh,” Zayne grunted. “And did he take you out back for a quickie after those four minutes? Because he was looking at you like he’s seen you naked, buddy.”
That was news to him. Zeklos swallowed against the lump forming in his throat and eventually his partner’s crudeness cut through the inherent embarrassment that went along with it. “I’m going to tell you what I told Trish on Friday: you are crazy. He is not interested in me in any way, shape, or form. If you continue to insist on having sex on the brain, could you please leave me out of it?”
Leaning back in his chair, Reyes continued to stare at Zeklos. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Trish rolled her eyes. Slapping a hand on Zeklos’ desk, Trish claimed their attention. “Rosewood was looking at you the same way Reyes look at a steak, Zek. There’s no denying that, not even if you want to. The question is, what are you going to do about it?”
Answering that was simple: nothing. He couldn’t quite tell Zayne that because he’d insist on knowing why and responding to that query wasn’t nearly as simple. Falling for his partner had wrecked him, physically and emotionally, and the aftermath of their last big assignment had only been the icing on the cake. Blaming his stupidity on the drugs coursing through his system had been his only recourse, even if no one quite believed he was telling the truth. It was hard to convince someone you weren’t in love with them when you absolutely, painfully were.
“A better question,” Reyes intruded on the silence, “is why would he bother?”
“You need to shut up, Zayne,” Trish warned. “He needs someone in his life that’s not you.”
Zeklos sighed, trying to ignore the argument happening on his behalf. Logically, he knew the best way to get over Reyes was to get out and enjoy his life with someone else. Even if he wasn’t serious about that someone else, it was the first step in getting Reyes off his brain. But it felt like an utter betrayal to do so. No matter which angle Zeklos looked at it from, it was a no-win situation. Add to it the fight Reyes was currently putting up over whether Andrej should pursue Rosewood’s interest and he was more confused than he’d been an hour prior.
“Drop it, both of you. There’s nothing going on and there won’t ever be anything either. I’m going to say this one last time and the next person that suggests otherwise will be subject to the wrath of all my ancestors, okay? Detective Rosewood is not attracted to me. Got it?”
Shrugging, Reyes smiled. “Sure, whatever you say, Zeklos.”
“If that’s what you want to believe,” Trish added. “But I still think you’re wrong.”
From the sounds of it, Reyes meant anything but what he’d just said and Trish had no desire to let this go easily. Fucking wonderful. With everything they had on their plates at the moment, he didn’t need this, too.
The thing was Andrej would love to have someone even mildly interested in him on a romantic level, even if it turned out to be someone other than Zayne. It had been longer than he’d like to admit since his last attempt at a relationship. Even now, Zek wasn’t sure if it was good or bad that the relationship had ended before he’d been partnered with Reyes. Good in the sense that if he’d been with someone when he’d met Zayne, that would have been serious trouble, that damn man was entirely too irresistible. Bad, however, since maybe, just maybe, a boyfriend would have saved him from all the heartbreak he found himself enduring.
Fat chance at that, Zek figured. Despite having known from day one that Reyes was happily heterosexual hadn’t stopped him from crushing on the jackass. In the end, his misery was his own damn fault. Andrej had come to learn that he was utterly too skilled at tormenting himself. Too many years of practice, he figured.
Kicking the past back into the past, he picked up two baby bok choy and tossed them into his basket. He didn’t even know what he wanted for dinner, but this most likely wasn’t it. A scallion, a handful of shitakes, and a squash joined the Chinese cabbages in the basket. Like it or not, it was what he was having, since there were no alternatives back at his place. Zeklos turned his eyes towards the meat counter and debated adding a pork chop to the mix.
“No meat,” he muttered to himself. Better to stick with veggies after the day he’d had. But some soba would go nicely, he decided. Leaving the produce section, he searched out the ethnic aisle and grabbed a package of buckwheat noodles. In his mind’s eye, he saw Reyes scrunching up his nose at his choice of pasta. The boy was so predictable in that manner. If it even sounded healthy or odd, he wouldn’t eat it.
“Idiot,” he chastised himself. “Stop that line of thinking right now.”
“Maybe I’m wrong, but that sounds like awfully harsh self-talk in regards to noodles.”
Zek’s eyes closed, lids pressing together in defeat. Reopening them, he looked over his shoulder at his partner. “Why are you here, Reyes?” And must you spring from my thoughts and appear in my reality? Because, really, if he had that power to control, Reyes wouldn’t be randomly appearing in the grocery store.
“No reason,” Reyes replied.
Zayne shifted his weight from one foot to the other, anxious or bored, Zek wasn’t sure which. Odds were that Reyes was restless since he was most likely lying through his perfect teeth. “But you just happened to track me down in the grocery store? Because that’s not unusual.” Andrej remained unconvinced. Zayne often found him in the oddest places, but rarely in a grocery store. It was one place that Reyes avoided at all costs. Cooking was not high on Zayne’s list of priorities.
“Actually, if you think about it, it’s not. I seem to have a knack for finding you doing exactly this.” He waved a hand in the direction of Zeklos’ produce-filled basket. “What’s for dinner?”
Ah. So the truth comes out at last. “Stir fry of some kind. Quick, easy, and good for you.”
“No meat?” Reyes sounded scandalized.
“No, no meat, Zayne. I’m not in the habit of having it every night.” While he was growing up, it wasn’t always available and when it was, it often wasn’t suitable for eating. But Reyes had grown up in cattle country where meat and potatoes had been a part of every meal. Zek bit his bottom lip, thinking. “If I get a pork chop, would you be interested in dinner?”
He’d never seen Reyes’ eyes light up so fast. “But a pork chop? Why not a steak? They’ve got some gorgeous T-bones over there.”
“Reyes, one of us has to think of your heart. Pork is leaner and less likely to give you coronary disease.” It was like trying to explain to a two year old why he couldn’t have cake before his dinner, and just as effective.
“Fine,” Zayne said, punctuating it with an exaggerated eye roll. “I like chops, too.”
Although he liked his steak even better, this everyone knew. He was a born and bred Texas native after all. “Okay, let’s go get you some meat so I can properly feed you.”
“Thanks,” Reyes said. He waited until Zeklos was putting the pork in with all the other things he’d already picked up before he continued. “Would you be angry if I said I came looking for you here?”
Zeklos looked up at his partner, catching those glorious green eyes with his own blues. He’d half expected this to be true and while it aggravated Andrej to no end, it flattered him as well. The least he could do was make sure his partner got the occasional well-balanced meal. God only knew Reyes wasn’t going to do it for himself. And Zek refused to acknowledge the fact that dinner meant he could spend some extra, uninterrupted time listening to Reyes yammer on about his youth or whatever topic happened to stir his brain that night. Nope, because admitting to that meant he was well and truly smitten, and that was not an option.
Tossing the veggies around in the wok, Zeklos listened to the familiar story Reyes was telling. It was one of Zayne’s favorites – and Andrej’s, too – and he related it whenever he had a chance. Uncharacteristically, it wasn’t one of those anecdotes that made his partner into the hero of the day. Rather, it was somewhat embarrassing and self-deprecating, but Reyes used it as a way of proving he’d overcome his idiotic childhood antics. If it were only half as true as Zayne thought it was, they’d be golden.
“What are you putting in there,” Reyes asked, pointing to the bottle of thick, dark sauce.
Andrej held it out so Reyes could see. “Hoisin sauce.”
“Poison sauce?” Reyes’ eyes grew wide.
“No,” Zeklos chuckled. “Hoisin, with an ‘h’.” He held it out again, insuring that the label faced his partner.
“Oooh,” Reyes laughed in relief. “You scared me for a second. That accent of yours does weird things to words sometimes.”
“You can be a jerk,” Andrej scolded, “but you’re not quite that bad yet. I’ll let you know when I’ve reached the point where I want to hoisin you.” He shook the bottle of sauce over the veggies in the wok, adding soy sauce and a couple other essential ingredients before giving a healthy stir.
“It’s only fair,” Reyes said, grinning.
Zeklos checked the chop resting on the cutting board. Nodding to himself, he picked two bowls from the cupboard and filled them with noodles and the veggie-sauce combo. Taking a knife, he thinly sliced a good portion of the chop and placed it on top of Reyes’ bowl of stir-fry. Sticking a fork into the center of the food, he handed the bowl over to Zayne. “Pofta Bună.”
“What?” Zayne stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth. “English, boy, English.”
Smiling, Zeklos shook his head. “Sorry, some things are automatic, even after so many years. It is simply a way of saying ‘enjoy your meal’.”
“Ah,” he said, understanding. “Kinda like when my grandma would say ‘get to ettin’ while the ettin’s good’, I suppose.”
“Now there’s an interesting turn of phrase,” Andrej laughed, taking a seat at the breakfast counter next to Zayne.
“Yeah, well, I think it’s exclusive to Texas,” Reyes said, forking a load of food into his mouth. “This is pretty damn good, Andrej. I need to get you to cook for me more often.”
He’d do it, too, given the chance. “I’ve learned a thing or two over the years. Happy to share the love.”
That probably wasn’t the right thing to say, but it was too late to take it back. Considering how Reyes kept shoveling food into his mouth, Zek’s choice of words had gone right over the other’s head. Sticking his fork into a slice of mushroom, Andrej watched his partner eat and enjoy the food he’d prepared, content to sit by his side and share a meal. It was all he could have, Zek would simply have to learn to live with it.
Zayne had left nearly an hour ago and Andrej paced his living room, unsure of where all the nervous energy had come from. One minute, they’d been laughing and trading stories, the next, it was past ten and Reyes needed his beauty sleep. As soon as he’d closed the door behind his partner, however, agitation had taken over. Zeklos peeked out the window overlooking his front yard for what must’ve been the tenth time since Reyes’ departure and sighed.
“You need to get a grip,” he muttered to himself, allowing the blinds to fall shut. Especially considering Reyes and Maxwell were going full steam ahead in their renewed relationship. He needed to find a way to direct his attentions away from Zayne and focus them on something more worthwhile. Or, at least, something more likely to pay out dividends.
It was well beyond his bedtime and Andrej was beginning to feel it in his bones. The last couple days had been exhausting. Between running down leads, fielding reporters, and all the rest of the crap that came with being a robbery homicide detective, he was ready for a good night’s sleep. Zeklos entered his bedroom, pulling his wallet from his pocket and setting it on the dresser. Something caught on the edge of his pocket and fluttered to the floor.
With a frown, Andrej bent to retrieve the unruly item. Picking it up, a half-smile crossed his face as he read the name Detective James Rosewood imprinted in clean, black ink on the front. How had the detective’s business card found its way into his pocket? Zeklos was positive he’d left it with the file that was currently in Reyes’ possession.
Flipping it over, he saw something he hadn’t noticed before. Two simple words scrawled in blue ink: call me.
A noise drew Zeklos’ attention away from the paperwork he’d been absorbed in. Looking up, he met a pair of soft, blue eyes and what was becoming an all too familiar smile. “Detective Rosewood,” he said a smile of his own springing forth. “I must say I’m surprised to see you here.”
Rosewood shrugged and seated himself at Reyes’ desk as if it were his own. “Where’s your partner?”
Zeklos looked towards the break room. “I have no idea. He said he’d be back in ten minutes.”
“And when was that?” Rosewood’s eyebrows were lifted in curiosity.
“Nearly an hour ago.” Andrej shook his head. It wasn’t like Reyes to disappear and not come back, at least not without calling first.
“Maybe I got lucky and he’s not coming back?” Rosewood relaxed back into Reyes’ chair, getting comfortable in his stolen seat.
“Not sure I’m that fortunate,” Zeklos admitted, only half meaning it. “Did you need something, detective, or is this a social call?” If asked, he wasn’t sure which way he’d want Rosewood to answer, either.
“A little of both, actually.” James sat forward in the chair and focused onto Zeklos. “I wanted to ask how you were progressing on the case.”
“It’s moving forward,” he said. “Slowly. The information you gave us helped us narrow down the area in which the perp tended to spend his time and even rustled up a few possible eye witnesses. We’ve eliminated several suspects and are leaning towards a particular one now.”
“That is something I like to hear,” Rosewood said, slapping a hand on the top of Reyes’ desk. “Nothing takes the place of solid detective work.”
“And the social part?” Zeklos’ heart thudded in anticipation mingled with fear. The progression of his and Reyes’ case wasn’t the reason Rosewood had returned to robbery homicide, he could see it in the casual way the detective had presented himself. Anyone coming to receive an update on an open file would have been more professional and straight forward.
“Well, since your partner isn’t anywhere to be found,” Rosewood began, “and it is half past twelve, I was hoping you were free for lunch.”
Son of a bitch. But, what did he have to lose? “Normally, I’d decline. However, since I think I’ve been abandoned for the afternoon, I’ll take a chance and say yes.”
“Perfect.” Rosewood stood, shoving his hands into his pockets. “What do you say we meet at Carlo’s in ten minutes?”
“I can do that,” Zeklos said, standing as well. “I’ll see you there.”
Reyes pulled into the parking lot, deciding at the last minute to rendezvous with Hilary for lunch. Checking his watch, he saw he was late – again – for his own date. . He was lucky that she knew him well enough to never expect him to be on time. It was one of the few things that kept him from getting his ass kicked on a regular basis. Cursing his own flaws, Zayne started to climb out of his car when he spotted a familiar form walking into the diner.
“What the hell,” he muttered.
A knock on the passenger window drew his attention away from the diner. Looking to the side, he spied Hilary grinning in at him. Reyes unlocked the door and she slid into the empty passenger seat. “Are you sitting her for a reason or what? You’re already ten minutes late, buster.”
He pointed to the diner where his partner was about to disappear through the entrance. “Look.”
Hilary followed the direction of his gaze and blinked. “What’s Zeklos doing going to lunch without you? I know you didn’t plan our lunch date, buddy, so there’s no way he could know to abandon ship and eat on his own.”
She had him there. Zayne was about to respond when another vaguely familiar form took Zeklos by the arm, stopping him before he could get inside the diner. “Fucking bastard.”
“Really Zayne? You’ve got an awful mouth on you sometimes.” Hilary clucked her tongue in disapproval.
“Oh no,” he said, opening his car door. “He’s not getting away with this.”
Hilary took a cue from Reyes and exited the vehicle as quickly as she could. “Zayne? What’s going on? You’re starting to look a little crazy there, babe.”
Zayne stopped two feet from his car. “That asshole Rosewood is putting the moves on my partner and I’ll have none of that shit on my watch.”
“Zayne, wait.” She hurried to catch up with him before he went ballistic.
He stopped again, turning to glare at his girlfriend. “Can’t this wait? I have to get Zek out of there.”
“Weren’t you telling me this morning how funny it was that this Rosewood was falling all over Andy, making eyes at him and stuff? Why are you suddenly so gung-ho to stop their fling before it can even start?”
Good goddamned question. “I don’t know. I thought it was cute when he was just hovering and flustering the shit out of Zek. But now, Rosewood’s being annoying. He’s trying to take Zeklos away from me and that’s not happening.”
Maxwell watched her boyfriend storm off before jogging to catch up to him again. “Zayne, you do realize that you’re acting like a jilted ex-lover, right?” It wasn’t any surprise when he didn’t respond. Hilary took hold of Zayne’s arm and tugged, hard. “Stop it right now, you jerk.”
“What? Why? I just want to –”
“Want to what, Zayne? Make sure he stays single so he can be at your beck and call anytime you’re bored or hungry?” She narrowed her eyes at him when he glared her direction. “Don’t you look at me like that, Andy and I talk. I know how you operate around him.”
“He’s making a mistake, Hil. I can’t let him get hung up on this guy. And I know what I said, but I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Why?” Her voice was sincere, the question legitimate.
“I don’t know, but my gut’s telling me something’s up.” Reyes stopped pulling at her grip on his arm and relaxed into her touch. “This Rosewood keeps showing up out of nowhere, coming around for no reason at all. It has my gut working overtime.”
“Did you ever think he kept coming around because he finds your partner attractive?” Hilary gave Zayne her most winning smile. “He is awfully damn hot, you know. And he has a delightful personality to go with that fine ass of his.”
Reyes frowned at her. “You could have gone all week and not said that, Hil. Any of it.”
She laughed and patted his arm. “Sorry.”
“No you’re not,” he teased her. “But maybe you are right.”
“You going to back off and let Andy make his own mistakes now?”
“Only until I have concrete proof that this jerk from narco isn’t on the up and up.” Reyes slid his arm through hers. “So, what about lunch? The hot dog cart at the station sound good to you?”
“If it’s as good as I’m going to get, then let’s go and let Zek have his romantic lunch alone.” She tugged on his arm to get him moving again.
“Okay,” Reyes said, falling into step beside her. “But if this happens again, you know I’m going to go in and spy on their asses.”
“What am I going to do with you? Stop being a detective for four minutes,” she laughed.
“Not possible, baby. Not possible.”
--
Story continues here.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2015-08-18 08:52 pm (UTC)Hee, you used my icon. *snickers*
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Date: 2015-08-18 09:36 pm (UTC)Hahaha... yes, I did! It's too funny not to use.
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Date: 2015-08-18 09:55 pm (UTC)Hee - thrilled you like! ;-)
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Date: 2015-08-18 10:13 pm (UTC)Anything with animals is a sure-fire hit with me.
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Date: 2015-08-19 06:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-08-19 04:16 pm (UTC)