Hi there, I know it's been forever and a day since I updated this, but I got stuck for a really long time. Serious apologies for that one.
I woke up at 6 as usual, feeling like I'd slept in since I was still on D.C. time. Opening my eyes, I smiled when Paige nuzzled up to me in her sleep, clearly not planning on getting up. I knew Briggs wouldn't be up yet, and with my only business being with him, I decided to let Paige and myself sleep in a little longer.
I woke up again two hours later to Paige poking me, looking slightly panicked. "Mike, what are we going to tell everybody about this? You know Johnny's already had the pleasure of telling everyone in the house I slept in here last night."
"Paige. Who cares what Johnny told anybody? You actually slept, which you said you hadn't before, and everyone already knew about this before you slept in here."
"What do you mean?"
"When I was planning my trip out here, Briggs texted me saying you were basically ecstatic that I was visiting. And that you missed me. Which Charlie told me too. And you told me yourself. And when I told Briggs I'd missed everybody, he jumped right to you, and so did Charlie. They may have seen this coming before we even did."
"I'm still kind of embarrassed."
"That's it Arkin, get dressed, we're going to breakfast. Not here. Nobody but us."
While Paige was getting ready, I made plans to talk with Briggs later that day. Once that was settled, I got ready and grabbed Paige. We went downstairs slowly, trying not to draw too much attention to ourselves, but it didn't stop Johnny for calling out, "Yo, Mikey! where're you and Paige going so early this morning? Didn't get enough last night?"
"Seriously Johnny? I am not having this conversation right now. Or ever. So move on."
"Alright dude, no big deal."
Paige and I dashed to the door after that, jumping in Paige's car to go to a coffee shop down the beach.
"How are you so cool about this Mike? If Johnny had said anything to me I probably would have freaked and shot him."
"Because, skittish one," I teased, "I know what I want. And Johnny Tuturro has nothing to do with me getting what I want. So it wasn't a big deal."
"And what is it you want then?"
"Right now I want to enjoy breakfast with you."
"Alright, Mr. Smooth. Now buy me breakfast please."
And I did just that, and we sat down, enjoying a relaxing beginning of the day.
Once we got back to Graceland, I found Briggs and jumped straight to business while Paige took care of some case work.
"So what's on your mind, Levi?" Briggs asked when I asked to meet in private.
"What's the deal with possible re-entry into Graceland? Is there any chance I could get back here if I asked?" I answered without hesitation.
"Typically that would require that I submit a request, or you submit one. Since I figured you might be asking I got the sheet for you to fill out. The big men in D.C. might not like the idea of me taking their top dog, but if you fill it out they have to go for it. You're Mike Warren."
I took the sheet he handed me and thanked him. "You won't tell Paige will you? I kind of want it to be a surprise."
"My lips are sealed."
As I left I couldn't help but smile, because with just a little paperwork, I'd be back at Graceland for good.
I promise to try to update this sooner (not that it'll be that difficult), which should happen because I just finished my NCIS: LA fic and am still on a writing kick. Any reviews are loved.
Kat
