"Harry, are you sure that it's all right for me to stay in the courtroom?"

"Sabrina, you're my cousin, and I haven't seen you in five years," the judge answered enthusiastically. "Of course it's all right!"

Sabrina was relieved. She was visiting Harry in New York City for a month before moving there in April, just a few months away. "Okay. If you're sure."

"I am – let's go."

Sabrina stopped at the door to face her cousin. "Shouldn't you take the clown nose off first?"

Sabrina sat behind the assistant district attorney's table and watched her cousin at work. A judge was the last thing that she thought Harry would be. He was only three years older than her, so they'd grown up together, and he'd always loved magic. She thought for sure that he would have been a magician. Sabrina remembered the day he told her that he was going to law school – she'd been shocked. He was doing it, though, and a fine – though unorthodox – job of it, it seemed.

"That's one day in jail plus a hundred dollar fine. And that's lunch, people!"

As Sabrina reached for her purse, the district attorney turned towards her where he sat.

"So what's a pretty girl like you doing in a joint like this?"

Sabrina knew who he was and decided to have some fun with him.

"I'm in for murder," she answered with a shrug.

His brown eyes enlarged as the smug grin fell away from his face. "What?"

Sabrina started laughing. "Kidding! I'm Harry's cousin."

"Oh, you're Sabrina then?" he asked, the smug grin returning in an instant. "I'm Dan Fielding, assistant district attorney. Nice to meet you. How about my place later?" he asked, giving her his best sultry look and lowering his voice.

Sabrina guessed that he said those three sentences fairly often, given how quickly he'd said them as if they'd been rehearsed. Grabbing her purse, she shook her head. "I've heard all about you, Mr. Fielding. And no."

As she headed through the courtroom towards the door that led to Harry's office, she heard Dan tell Christine (whom she'd met earlier), "If she's heard all about me, then she knows that telling me 'no' is just flirting with me."

Sabrina was laughing as she walked into her cousin's office.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked curiously.

Sabrina sat down on the couch, trying not to blush. "Dan," was all she said as she shook her head.

Harry discarded his robe and then sat down by her. "Oh. He already hit on you, huh?"

"Yep."

"Well, he's mostly harmless. He comes on strong, but he's a good guy underneath all of the sexual innuendo and tacky come on lines."

"So you've said. But he is pretty handsome."

Harry's eyes enlarged as he shook his head at her. "No, Sabrina. No, no, no – anyone but him."

"You just said yourself that he's harmless and a good guy."

"He is, but he's a self-absorbed jerk, too."

Sabrina laughed. "Don't worry, Harry. I'm a big girl. Now how about some food? I'm starving!"

Sabrina had a good time while sitting at the table with her cousin and his co-workers. She could tell by the way that they picked on each other that they were close. It was good to see. Harry had been a bit of an outcast when they were kids; not that he'd cared. He'd had a small group of friends, and that had been fine. She hadn't had all that many, either, to be honest. She and Harry had always been close, so it was nice to see that he'd found a type of family to belong to.

As Sabrina listened to them, she kept an eye out for Dan since he hadn't joined them. She liked the way he dressed, the way he carried himself – even his over-confidence. He was quite the charmer, and she already understood why he had the reputation that he had.

"Ready for the next round of criminal excitement?" Roz asked as they put their dirty dishes in the collection bin and headed for the courtroom.

"I am. I'm enjoying watching Harry. I always thought that I'd be watching him be a magician, though, not a judge. I have to say – he seems pretty good at what he does."

"He's quirky, but we love him," the usually surly bailiff said with a shrug.

"Does everyone love Dan, too?" she asked curiously.

Roz laughed. "He's complicated."

"Complicated?"

Roz told Sabrina about when Dan saved her life. "Then he turns around and hits on everything with breasts."

Sabrina laughed. "So I've heard."

Throughout the next session, Sabrina sat in her same spot and was rewarded with Dan making googly eyes at her. Even though finding herself attracted to him, the only response she gave him was an arched eyebrow.

When it was over, Sabrina quickly made her way to Harry.

"Same time tomorrow?"

"You sure you wouldn't rather do touristy things?" he asked.

Sabrina shrugged. "I'm here for a month. There's time for that."

"Okay then. Same time. Care for a drink?"

"I'm exhausted. Maybe tomorrow night. For now, I just want to sleep."

"Need someone to tuck you in?" Dan offered from where he'd approached behind her. "I have plenty of experience."

Sabrina turned around and looked up at him, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach as she crossed her arms.

"You know, Dan, I'll admit that I'm attracted to you, but until you figure out how to treat an intelligent lady, I'm not interested." Then before Dan could think of a witty reply, Sabrina waved to the rest of the crew. "Night guys. See you tomorrow."

There was a chorus of goodbyes and one slightly shrill voice calling out, "Wait! I can learn!"

The next afternoon when Sabrina walked into the courtroom, she headed for the same area to sit in. Waiting for her was a white carnation. Sabrina couldn't help but smile as she inhaled the sweet floral scent. She looked around, but she didn't see Dan. She assumed – she hoped – that he'd left it for her.

Christine was the first one in. She saw Sabrina and waved.

"Sleep well?" she asked as she took folders out of her briefcase.

"I did. The hotel was surprisingly quiet."

Then Christine saw the flower. "Looks like Dan's begun the quest already."

"Quest?"

"After you admitted being attracted to him, he decided to meet your challenge," Christine explained, walking over to sit by Sabrina. "Are you? I mean, it's not really my business, but I – "

"I am."

Christine looked confused. "Harry told you about him, right?"

"Oh yes. I know he's a womanizer. I also think he's a good guy."

"Well, he – he can be, I suppose, I mean he did save my life one time."

"Yours, too? Roz told me that he saved hers, as well."

"Yes, well, he has admirable moments. Doesn't the womanizer part bother you, though?"

"Nope. Besides, you can't tell me that you're not at least a little bit attracted to him. He's tall, he fills out his suits nicely and his voice? So deep."

Clearly uncomfortable, Christine ran her fingers through her hair as if fixing it. "Dan's…you know…I mean, I can admit that he's…sort of…maybe – "

"Attractive," Sabrina finished as they both laughed.

"A tiny, tiny bit, but don't you ever tell him I said that!" she admitted, pointing a finger at her.

"I wouldn't dare do such a thing."

When the others entered, including Dan, Christine returned to her table. Sabrina waved to Mac, Roz and Bull before pretending to look through her purse for something.

"Bonjour, Sabrina," Dan greeted, setting his briefcase on the table.

Sabrina looked up at him then as he sat down and faced her.

"Hello, Dan. Do I have you to thank for the carnation?"

Dan grinned and winked. "You do. So how about dinner and then some naked Twister?"

Sabrina couldn't help but smile. She found his blunt tactics charming in a way. At least he was confident – or acted like it, anyway. And very playful. She liked that.

"I'm afraid dinner and naked Twister will take much more than one flower."

"How about a dozen?"

"Nope."

"Two dozen? Red roses even."

"Nope."

"All rise," Bull began as Harry entered.

"This isn't over," Dan whispered as they stood.

Sabrina hoped not.

During dinner, the group gave Harry and Sabrina time to chat alone. She enjoyed listening to his stories. She'd never heard of so much craziness happening in a courtroom, but given that her cousin was the judge, she wasn't too surprised.

"Is there a Sabrina Stone here?" a voice called out.

"Yeah, over here," Harry said, waving the guy over. "Who's asking?"

"I have a delivery from Bisou Pastry Boutique," he said, putting a small, white cake box in front of Sabrina.

"We owe you anything?" Harry asked.

"No, sir. Everything is covered. Enjoy."

As he left, Mac, Roz, Bull and Christine gathered around the table as Sabrina opened the box.

"It's…a tiny cake," she said, a little confused. She wasn't expecting a cake.

"Dessert? But we've got pie here," Bull said.

"Who sent it?" Mac asked.

"I'll give you three guesses, and the first two don't count," Roz answered.

"Dan?"

"He didn't just send dessert," Christine explained, clearly impressed. "He sent a French cheesecake from Bisou Boutique. It's the finest French pastry shop in New York and not cheap."

Sabrina licked her lips – she loved cheesecake. "Well, who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? Would you all like some?"

There was a chorus of no thank you's as the others returned to their table.

"How is it?" Harry asked after she'd taken a bite.

"Oh my God," she muttered as she relished the sweet and sugary taste. "It melts in your mouth. Holy cow."

"Does that mean a date with Dan in the near future then?"

Sabrina laughed. "It's going to take a bit more than expensive cheesecake, though this does get him points."

Two nights later, Sabrina had another carnation – red – waiting for her on top of a thin, long box. Instantly curious, she quickly opened it.

"Oh…" she breathed.

"What is it?" Christine asked excitedly.

Sabrina held up the white silk handkerchief with her initials monogrammed on it.

"It's beautiful," Christine remarked, clearly awed by the gift. "Wow. He's really going all out for you. Can't say that I've ever seen him make so much effort for someone."

Sabrina smiled. She hoped that he'd continue. He was quickly winning her over.

After the first session was over, Sabrina tapped Dan on the shoulder. He'd run in late at the start, so they hadn't had time to talk.

"The handkerchief is beautiful. Thank you, Dan."

"You're very welcome. A lady as beautiful as you deserves a beautiful piece of silk," he professed. "So how about that dinner?"

Sabrina noticed that his tone sounded much more sincere than the first couple of offers and that he didn't mention naked Twister.

"No. You can call me, though." Sabrina handed him a business card from the hotel that she was staying at and then walked away.

"Call you? What are we supposed to talk about?"

Sabrina kept walking.

"She's keeping you on your toes, huh, Dan?" Roz teased. "Giving up yet?"

"Are you kidding? This is the most fun that I've had in years."

Sabrina spent Saturday with Harry touring the city. They walked around Times Square, bought some chocolate at the Hershey's shop, saw the Rockettes Christmas show and went up Rockefeller Tower. They were planning other things, too – Saturday was their first full day together.

It was around nine when Sabrina returned to her room. She took a hot shower and then poured herself a glass of wine. She could see twinkling Christmas lights from her window, and it made her smile. She loved Christmas in New York.

When her phone rang a few minutes later, her heart raced.

"Hello?"

"What are you wearing?"

Sabrina laughed though she wanted to moan at hearing his deep voice over the phone. "Hello Dan."

"Hello Sabrina. Seriously, what are you wearing?"

"A mumu and curlers. Still want me?"

"You wouldn't wear such things."

"You're probably right. What are you wearing?"

"Nothing. Does that turn you on?"

"Well, while that is interesting to think about, I believe that I prefer your three piece suits."

"That so?"

"Yes. They're pretty sharp."

"Thank you. I try to look my best. But you still haven't told me what you're wearing. And I told you."

Sabrina rolled her eyes where she sat in bed resting back against some pillows. "All right. I'm wearing satin pajamas and sipping wine."

"Mmm sounds nice. Let me guess – sweet and red wine?"

"That's right. Good guess."

"I know what women like."

"Really?"

"You liked the cake and the handkerchief and the flowers," he reminded her.

Sabrina giggled. "That's true."

There was silence for a few moments; she was curious as to what he might say next.

"So…um…what do we talk about?" he asked, sounding less certain of himself than a minute ago. "I haven't spent a lot of time on the phone with women. Well…unless you count nine hundred numbers."

"You've spent all that time in the bedroom, huh?"

"Mostly, yeah. Some couches. A few offices. A bowling alley. Freight elevator. The Bronx Zoo. You get the idea."

Sabrina laughed again. "My goodness. Is anywhere off limits for you?"

"Not really."

"Why don't we talk about where you grew up?"

"You want to know that?" he asked in disbelief.

"I sure do."

Much to Sabrina's surprise, she and Dan were still talking at midnight. They'd talked a little about a lot of different things; where they grew up, their families, funny school stories, first crushes and even the first time they'd gotten drunk. Initially, Dan didn't seem to believe that Sabrina would be interested in non-sexual topics and much less about his past, but he seemed to forget about that as their conversation went on. And he hadn't made one single innuendo.

After what must have been the thirtieth yawn, Sabrina said, "All right; it's after midnight, and I can't stop yawning. I have to go to sleep."

"Yeah, I'm getting pretty sleepy myself. I enjoyed our talk, though. Didn't honestly think that I would."

"I did, too, Dan. Maybe you should call me again."

"I think I will. Good night Sabrina."

"Good night Dan."

He hadn't mentioned dinner once, and it made her smile.

Sabrina was lazy on Sunday. She didn't see anyone and only went out for food once. A classic movie channel was showing a few of her favorite Christmas movies, so she stayed in bed most of the day watching them.

Thoughts of Dan were never far away. She'd really enjoyed their conversation the night before. There was a thoughtful side to him that he hid from everyone, preferring his more womanizing side to show. She guessed that he'd adopted that persona a long time ago to hide his sensitivities. She didn't kid herself – he did enjoy the ladies and probably could be a jerk – but she could tell that there was a lot of decency there, too.

Around eight-thirty, Sabrina began casting anticipatory glances at the phone, wondering – hoping – that he'd call.

At eight-forty five, there was a knock on her door. Having not showered all day, her heart leapt to her throat. Surely he wouldn't –

Sabrina slowly walked to the door and looked through the peephole, relieved to see a bellhop.

"Miss Stone, I have a delivery for you," he said when she opened the door.

"Thank you," she said, taking the small black box from him with a name on it that she didn't recognize.

Sabrina locked the door and crawled back in bed, curiosity getting the best of her. She removed the ribbon and lifted the box top. Inside were twelve pieces of chocolate with all manner of colors and designs on them. They were almost too pretty to eat.

She was in the process of choosing which one to eat when the phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered, hoping it was Dan.

"Hey 'cuz. How was your day in?"

Sabrina was just a little disappointed, but she was happy to hear from Harry, too. "It was great. I watched Christmas movies all day. And I just had a box of chocolate delivered."

"Yeah? Where did you order from?"

"I didn't order it. I think Dan sent it over."

"Really? He's certainly going all out. But then again, he should."

"Aww, Harry, that's sweet."

"Well, it's true. You make him earn your affections. I mean, you obviously have his full attention."

"We talked for over three hours last night."

"You saw him?"

"No; on the phone."

"You had him on the phone for that long?" Harry asked in disbelief. "Wow."

"I hope he'll call again tonight."

"If he sent you candy, I'm sure he will. I'll let you go then. See you at session tomorrow?"

"You bet. Night Harry."

"Night Sabrina."

After hanging up, she returned to picking out chocolate. Maybe she'd start with the yellow first – it was her least favorite – and then work up to the purple, which was her most favorite.

When the phone rang again, Sabrina smiled. That had to be him.

"Hello?"

"Are you naked?"

Sabrina laughed. "Not yet. Are you?"

"I can be," he said, a naughty tone in his voice.

Trying to ignore her physical reaction to him, she asked, "Did you send the chocolates?"

"Of course."

"Thank you. They're almost too pretty to eat."

"Nonsense. Eat the blue one first."

"Okay." Sabrina popped it into her mouth. The dark chocolate shell quickly broke and her mouth was flooded with a sugary liquid. It was so delicious; she couldn't help but moan.

Then Dan moaned. Growled was more like it. "God; listening to that was worth every penny. Eat the red one next."

Sabrina did and reacted exactly the same; Dan's moan following her own.

"What the hell are these?" she asked, not caring that her reactions were turning him on. "I've never had chocolate so good."

"They're truffles. The first was blueberry cheesecake, and the red was cherry cordial. I'd tell you to eat another one, but I'm not sure I could handle it."

She couldn't help but laugh. "When I eat them later, I'll think of you with every moan."

Dan was quiet only for a moment. "You're making it – uh – hard to be good, you know."

"Is that what you're doing?"

"Yeah. Not really succeeding, though."

"But you are succeeding. In fact, I was just talking to Harry about you before you called."

"I hope you didn't tell him too much."

"There's not much to tell."

"No, I meant – the things we've talked about," Dan clarified, clearing his throat. "While Harry is the closest thing that I have to a best friend, that doesn't mean that I want him to know – "

"Dan, what we talk about stays between us," she assured him. "I have no reason to share things we discuss."

"I know you two are close."

"Yes, but some things are meant to remain private. I don't want you sharing my personal stories, either. I mean, Harry knows a lot of them, of course, but maybe not all."

"I wouldn't do that. Not to you."

"Oh, I'm different?"

Dan chuckled on the other end. "Obviously. I've never done all this for anyone else."

"I'm a challenge then?"

"Yes, but not in the way you might think."

Sabrina was very curious now. "What way is it exactly?"

Dan was quiet again for a few moments. She'd learned to pay attention to what he said after a brief silence because it was usually from the side of him that hid from others. "You challenge me to be better," he said quietly.

Sabrina smiled. "I'm glad. So, did I tell you about my senior prom night?"

"No. Please do."

Around twelve-thirty, both of them were yawning, but neither wanted to hang up.

"What did you do today, anyway?" Dan asked. "You said you stayed in."

"I watched Christmas movies all day," Sabrina answered. "Scrooge is one of my favorites. What's yours?"

"It's a Wonderful Life. It's pretty sappy, but I've always liked the story."

"You're allowed to like sappy stuff, you know."

"Yeah, I know." His voice was quiet again.

"I can't stop yawning again," Sabrina said. "I should sleep. You too."

"Will you be at session tomorrow?" Dan asked through a yawn.

"Yeah, I'll be there. Night Dan."

"Night Sabrina."

This is my first story for Night Court. Been a big NC fan AND a big John Larroquette fan for a long time, so I thought it was time for a little story. It won't be super long or overly dramatic; I just wanted to play with Dan for a while. Er...well...you know what I mean. (I saw John in How To Succeed with Daniel a few years ago. OMG. And I got to see him afterwards, too. He was amazingly kind and gracious with his fans. I was impressed.)

Some of you who haven't read my stories before, feel free to check out what I've got posted to see if anything catches your eye. There are lots of Harry Potter stories and Star Trek stories with a good sprinkling of Pirates of the Carribbean thrown in for good measure. I've got some other fandoms in the works, as well.

Reviews are always welcome (I mean, is there anyone who DOESN'T want a review?), or you can send me a private message. I reply to all. You can find me on Twitter, too, if you'd like to say howdy, and I have a blog for my writing. You'll find the links in my bio.

Thanks for reading! Hugs all around!