A distant voice sounds in his ear. "Mr Reese when you have finished please come back to the library"
"Ok, Finch, any particular reason?"
"Not really, but I have something I want to ask you"
"Can't you ask me now?" As he speaks he's looking around locating the positions of the thugs he's there to put a stop to.
"No, I'd rather not; I don't want to distract you from what you are doing"
"Are You Sure?" He fires two shots, two more for the hospital to find new knees for.
"Yes, just come to the library as soon as you can"
Running and ducking for cover, "It will be a while Finch, these thugs won't take no for an answer"
"I'm sure you can deal with it" the line goes dead. Then more shots are fired, and the thugs are eventually zip tied together. Finally he calls Fusco to come and collect them.
Later John arrives back at the library, carrying tea, coffee and doughnuts.
"Ok Harold I'm here. What did you want to ask me?" He puts down the drinks and food and hangs up his coat.
"You're not bleeding, no wounds for me to fix?"
"Nope, I'm fine, see?" He opens his jacket, displaying the still white shirt beneath.
"Good, Sit down John."
Harold pauses, taking a deep breath, he turns and faces John. "I'd like you to start wearing a tie"
"That's not going to happen."
"What if I insist Mr Reese?"
"Then you'll have to find another operative."
"Why?"
He sighs, "The tie is a liability, it can be turned into a weapon and could get me killed" He makes a hanging motion with his hand.
"Oh, I see. Well how about you just button up the shirt"
"No, I'm not going to do that either"
"Why ever not? Don't you ever get cold?"
"If someone grabs the shirt and yanks on the collar I could end up being strangled by it; do you really want that to happen?"
"Ahh, No I suppose not"
John shrugs "And no, I don't get cold"
"Oh"
"Why do you have this sudden interest in me changing my clothes?"
"Hmmm, Well I've seen the way the women and some men look at you, and especially the way they look at your throat. I can only imagine what they are thinking about"
"Why don't you tell me what you think they're thinking about?" He stands up and steps closer to Harold.
"Don't come any closer John, or.." Harold backs away as John closes in on him.
"Or what? Harold" John is smiling and still getting closer.
"I…I won't be responsible for my actions"
"So what do they want to do Harold?" He backs Harold up against the wall.
"Use your imagination John; you're an exceptionally attractive man…."
"Am I now? Go on" he prompts, his grin is predatory; he puts one hand on the wall beside Harold's shoulder, leaning in closer.
"They want to do things with you, more specifically to your body with their bodies." Harold's voice trails off. He looks over John's shoulder, avoiding the taller man's gaze.
John lowers his voice to his most seductive whisper. "Oh, do they now?" His free hand strokes along Harold's jawline, cupping his cheek. "And what about you?"
"What about me?"
"What do you want?"
Harold frowns, "I told you, I want you to wear a tie or button up the shirt"
John shakes his head smiling, "Why Harold I do believe you are blushing" He trails a finger down the side of Harold's face.
"No I'm not, it's warm in here" Harold's face goes a shade pinker.
"You're stalling Harold; out with it, what else do you want to say?"
Harold looks down at the floor, in a quiet voice, his throat dry, "For some reason John, I find that I'm extremely attracted to you"
John gathers Harold into his embrace, he whispers in his ear "Thank you Harold"
Harold tries to move away from John, but he's held firmly. "Thank me for what?"
"For being jealous of them." Smiling, John leans in closer, tilts Harold's head up and steals a soft kiss.