Stella's eyes widened as she took in the crime scene before her, "Kinky…."

"Isn't even the word for it?" Don finished as he came in behind her, "I didn't even think this many sex toys could be used at one time."

"Well, all we care about is the one that killed her and who did it. The rest is…"

"Better left unknown," Flack said, with a grimace, "Forever."

&&&&&&

"So," Stella says a few days later as they're eating pizza, "That bedroom wasn't exactly your scene, huh?"

Don frowned, "What, you imagined I went home and put a stud collar around and let someone ride me like a pony?"

"Why not? I have."

She said it with a completely straight face, but broke out into hysterical laughter at the look he gave her.

"That's not funny," he said, "Seriously Stel, what got into you with this case?"

"I don't know, just made me think. I mean that scene was crazy, but it's nice to have a few, you know, crazy thoughts every now and again. Maybe," she blushed a little, "fantasies."

Don cleared his throat and squirmed in his seat, "Well, uh, there's nothing wrong with that."

"Have you ever…acted one out? A fantasy, I mean?"

Don shook his head, "Never, uh, never found a woman I trusted enough to tell my fantasies too."

Stella smiled softly at him, "I hope you do someday, Don. I really hope you do."

He smiled back and lifted his glass for some much needed water, "You and me both, Stel."

&&&&&&

To say that Stella had never been a part of his fantasies before that conversation would have been a lie, but after…after she seemed to be the only part of his fantasies.

The only part that was important anyway. It didn't matter where or when, or how it was always her he wanted to be with.

After a while, he began to think it was more than just an attraction. He had a serious thing for Stella Bonasera and he was getting tired of doing nothing about it.

&&&&&&

In the end, his great plan for wooing involved tricking her into a date. He'd told her his date had bailed on him and he had reservations at a very expensive restaurant. That was how he ended up having dinner with her for the first time.

"This place is amazing," she told him as they ordered dinner, "It's gorgeous. You must have really liked this girl."

He shrugged, and he could feel his neck turning pink, "Well, yeah."

"And these flowers," she said, smelling the roses that were only on their table, "They're beautiful. Did you know yellow roses are my favorite?"

He nodded, "Actually yeah."

"And little tea candles at the table, and they're even playing my favorite song…." Stella stopped, her voice trailing off as she looked at, "Wait, this is….this is all….there was no other girl, was there?"

"No, uh, not so much."

"This is all…for me?"

He smiled, "Yeah, Stel, its all for you." She said nothing and he took a deep breath, "Please don't freak out."

She shook her head, swallowing tears as she smiled at him, "No, I'm not going to freak out."

She stood and moved towards him, her lips finding his.

So what if they were banned from the restaurant for excessive displays of affection, and that little thing where they almost burned the place down.

It was totally worth it.

&&&&&&

They were together for nearly a month before Don found the courage to bring it up, "So, uh, you remember that one case…the…kinky one?"

Stella put down her piece of pizza to give him her full attention, "Yes, I remember. I also remember you saying you had fantasies you'd never felt comfortable sharing with anyone."

Don smiled, "I said I hadn't found anyone yet."

Stella smiled, "And I hoped you would."

He nodded, "So, I was wondering if you had your handcuffs on you."

Stella grinned, "I never leave home without them. Why don't I go get them and then you can tell me more?"

Don leaned forward and kissed her, "I like that idea."

Stella stood, and then leaned over to kiss his cheek, "I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me."

"So am I."