It was the same thing every day.
The lingering looks from across the incident room. The reassuring smiles when one of them felt frustrated or lost. The way Chandler makes it his mission to speak to Kent during a case, not only for help, but just so he can stand close to him and hear his voice.
It was obvious that there was a spark between the two of them. But they didn't do anything about it. They never went any further than colleagues and they only ever spoke to each other at work, and of course when they get dragged off to the pub after a case.
If they were ever going to take it any further, they would need some encouragement. And that's where Miles comes in...
Miles isn't stupid. He notices the way they act around each other. They're like a couple of love struck teenagers, completely oblivious when it comes to feelings and other things like that. No, Miles needed to step in and start meddling, starting with Chandler.
- WC -
Chandler walked into the incident room, acknowledging Kent as he walked past. Miles rolled his eyes. How haven't they noticed it yet?! It's so obvious that Mansell is even starting to realise! As Chandler sits down in his office, Miles decides that this is his chance.
He enters the office, knocking before walking in.
"Morning, Sir."
Chandler turns his head from the glass panel he was looking through ad looked at Miles "Good morning, Miles. Is everything okay?"
Miles looks through the glass Chandler was looking through. There was Kent, sitting at his desk, typing at his computer. Typical, Miles thought. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just thought I would come and have a..." He closed the door "...Chat."
"Okay." Chandler gestured to the seat opposite him and Miles sat down. "Anything in particular? You're not going to try to make me talk about my love life again, are you?"
"No, no, not at all... But now that you mention it-"
"Miles, I don't need you looking after me. I'm perfectly capable of finding someone for myself."
"And you have, haven't you?"
Chandler's face filled with shock. He opened his mouth to speak but the words didn't come out. Only one word found it's way to the surface. "...What?"
"Oh, come on. It's obvious. Have you seriously not noticed?" Chandler looked around then shrugged. Miles just sighed. Does he have to bloody spell it out? "Kent."
"What about Kent?"
He felt like slamming his head against the desk. "Well, everything about Kent. They way you act around him. The way you look at him. The way you always get close to him when either of you are speaking."
Chandler couldn't believe what he was hearing. He's never got close to Kent. Not ever. Well, not intentionally. Well, not without reason. Then it dawns on him. Oh God!,he thinks. Does he really do that? He's never even realised. He looks up and sees that Miles is waiting for a response. Quick, think of something!
"I've never done that. Not purposely. Why would you think it means anything?"
Because it does.
"Well, you never act like that around anyone else. I don't see you getting snuggly with Mansell-" "I'm not getting SNUGGLY with anyone." "Okay, whatever you say, Boss. Just... Think about it." And with that, Miles leaves the room.
What is there to think about? There's no feeling towards Kent. Not at all. Not about his good attitude. Not about how hard he works. Not about the smart, professional way he dresses, or his cute, curly hair, or the sound of his voice. Not about his beautiful, brown eyes or his intriguing lips that he just wants to- SHUT UP, JOE!, he thinks to himself. He stands up and walks out of the office and out of the incident room. He needs some time to himself.
Miles watches Chandler leave. One down, one to go...