It had been a tough week at work. They were on the trail of another serial killer all week and had finally caught him.
Bright had found himself in another difficult situation, playing on the killer's nerves and risking his own life. He could have died if Dani hadn't gotten there in time. He'd rushed headlong on his own again without waiting for backup and ended up face to face with the killer in an old, abandoned shed. The killer's weapon of choice was an axe he was about to use on Bright just before a shot was fired and he dropped it on the ground, leaving only a thin cut on his cheek. Dani was not thinking when she saw Bright in danger and fired. She could have killed The Axe's Killer but she had methodically aimed at the top of his right shoulder which was holding the axe. That's when Gil and JT arrived to handcuff him and Dani took the opportunity to check on Bright's condition and lecture him, the latter apologizing once again while thanking her for saving his life. But Dani Powell knew that this would not stop him from doing it again next time.
Everyone was exhausted because of that week and the police station was gradually emptying, until only Gil's team was left, busy finishing the paperwork. Malcolm had stayed to help out, as Gil judged his unconsciousness deserved punishment.
Dani sighs as she closes the file she has in front of her, adding it to the pile of papers on her desk. She slumps back in her chair and lets her gaze wander, her eyes settling on Bright, daydreaming.
Since they met, a lot had happened. They had gotten to know each other, to appreciate each other, to trust each other and even to become friends. Then Bright was abducted by the junkyard killer.
From that moment on, Dani was scared to death. Scared for Bright, in whom she had developed a blind trust. His unconsciousness had almost cost him his life even now, and she wondered if he didn't sometimes do it on purpose. She was aware of Bright's problems and the difficult situations he was getting into only increased her concern for him. As the days went by, she realized that this was more than just friendship. She worried too much and had come to the conclusion that if Bright ever died, there would be a huge void in her life. A void she could never fill.
She was trying so hard to keep her feelings buried inside her. It was hard but doable. All you had to do was the usual. And then there was Eve. He'd made their relationship official, and it was harder for Dani to hide her jealousy. They'd been in perfect love during two weeks before Malcolm told them he'd ended the relationship. He gave no reason, and he avoided the subject. Although part of Dani was happy with the situation, she couldn't bring herself to give up the idea that Bright had broken up simply because he wasn't ready to commit in a relationship. Besides, was she ready herself? Commitment scared her and the idea of sharing her life with someone scared her to death. But not with Bright. She was ready to spend every second of her life with him. But he needed time and space, moreover how could she be sure she was the one for him? Or even that he was interested?
Dani sighs again. She is thinking as Bright suddenly looks up at her. She realizes that she is staring at him for far too long.
She smiles and stands up, grabbing her coat, ready to say goodbye to everyone, her job being over. As she enters the meeting room where Gil and the rest of the team are still working, Malcolm speaks.
"You're leaving already?"
Dani thought she heard a hint of disappointment in his voice, but she quickly dismisses the idea, convinced that her mind is playing tricks on her.
"Uh, yes, I'm done. Unless you need a hand ?" she asks, hesitantly.
"No thanks Dani, you've done enough!" Gil answers.
Dani smiles, ready to go before JT speaks up.
"Wait, Powell. Tally just texted me, she's suggesting we do karaoke later to relax a little and forget about this exhausting week, you guys want to come? We're almost done here, too, anyway."
Dani lets go of the doorknob, seeming to think again before Malcolm cut it off in her thoughts.
"Why not! It might be nice, it would relieve some pressure. Are you one of us, Dani?"
He wouldn't take his eyes off of her.
How can you say no to a look like this?
The brunette shrugs before accepting. She turns to Gil, waiting for his answer.
"Okay, I'm in. I'll call Edrisa, I'm sure she'll come with us."
"She's easy to convince. Just tell her Bright will be there."
JT laughs. Bright rolls his eyes with a smirk on his face.
———————————————————————
It must be 9pm when the gang arrives at the spot where their little karaoke session was to take place. It was a nice bar in the city centre.
They enter, JT kisses his wife who is already here and everyone greets her.
"I'm so glad you guys went along with this! It's time to take your mind off things, and group outings are rare! Gil, Dani it's been a long time since we saw each other, Bright I'm so happy to see you again, and... you must be Edrisa! It's so nice to meet you!" Tally declares, smiling.
Edrisa responds to her smile, adjusting her glasses.
"I'm surprised JT talked about me... and happy! I talk about you all the time! I mean about JT. I mean. Not just about J.T. About the rest of the team. Can you imagine if I talked just about JT? That would be weird!" She laughs nervously as she pulls a lock of hair out of her face.
"Yeah, like we're not used to weird things, already..." Dani whispers, thinking no one could hear her.
Bright gives her a sidelong look, raising his eyebrows when she gives him an innocent face, pretending she hadn't said anything. It makes him laugh.
Tally smiles. Her husband had warned her about Edrisa and she thought her eccentricity was adorable.
She'd booked a table and they all sit down, only Bright standing.
"First round's on me!"
After taking order from each one, he goes to the counter. Only when he arrives and orders, a familiar voice interrupt him.
"Malcolm?"
He turns towards the source of the voice only to find his sister.
"Ains? What are you doing here?" He asks with surprise.
"I should be the one to ask you that! Because unlike you, I have friends to go out with!" She laughs, teasing him.
"Touché" He replies, lowering his gaze, smiling, slightly embarrassed.
"And what are we? Your bodyguards?" He turns his head in the direction of the voice to find Dani smiling, followed by JT, who had come to help carry the drinks.
"We thought you could use a hand" Dani smiles. Malcolm smiles back and thanks them, whether it is for the adorable remark that really touches him or for helping carry the drinks.
Ainsley can't help smiling, pleasantly surprised.
"Bro, I'm leaving you, I can see you're in good company! Have a good time!" Then she joins her group of friends back.
Without another word, they join back the rest of the group too.
"Who wants to go first? Dani? "Asks Tally.
"Oh, no, I don't. I'm going to need a little more than a drink to sing!" She jokes.
"You're a wimp, Powell." JT says.
"Oh, come on, Tarmel, I know you're dying to make your voice heard!" Dani teases, her remark making the rest of the group laugh.
He stands up, a defiant look in his eyes.
"Ok, I go first," He walks over to the microphone under the applause of his wife, who is cheering him on.
Malcolm is still laughing, sat next to Dani, giving her a little nudge.
"Afraid?"
"No. I haven't come up with a song idea yet! But I'm looking! And I know JT puts on airs but he loves to go first!"
Her smirk and sarcastic look trigger a new wave of laughter from Bright.
The evening is going well and everyone is having a great time. The songs go on and on and everyone is laughing and had a chance to sing.
"You're the only one left, Powell! Don't run away!" JT says.
"Fine!" She gets up and walks over to the microphone.
She had a song idea all along but... she can't stop thinking about Bright as she listens to it and she is afraid everyone will understand exactly what the song means. No. It is just a song after all! Why get the wrong idea? She is going to sing it and that's all.
"Come on, kid, make me proud!" Gil shouts to encourage her.
It makes her smile. Gil is a very important person and hasn't stopped supporting her since the death of her father. Bright acknowledges it and finds it very touching. Gil is as important to Dani as he is to him.
The music begins. From the very first notes, Tally understands and she smiles. JT, Bright and Gil don't seem to know the song and Edrisa is smiling too, ready to hum the lyrics.
I will find the time, we will find the timing
'Cause you are on my mind, I hope that you don't mind it
When Dani's voice reaches Malcolm's ears, he is filled with shivers as his heartbeat quickens.
You know that I want you, you know that I want you next to me
But if you need some space I will step away
Dani is beautiful. Not just physically. Malcolm had never met anyone like her before. It didn't take him long to blindly trust her.
And I know it might sound stupid but for me, yeah yeah
I just gotta keep believing and I've heard
And her voice is just as beautiful. Why he didn't know? Why he didn't guess that Dani was an amazing singer? She is still hiding many secrets from him... Malcolm's smile extends to his ears.
Some say you will love me one day
And I will wait, I will wait to get your loving one day
He begins to take an interest in the lyrics of the song. He seems transcended by it, he feels like they are alone in the room. Just Dani and him.
Just say you will love me one day
And I will wait, I will wait to get your loving one day
Dani, whose eyes had been closed until now, opens them, her gaze falling on Malcolm who is focused on her. Suddenly, she can't seem to take her eyes off him.
I promise that I'll try, that I will try to meet someone
And there's so many guys, who told me I deserve someone
Malcolm can feel the look in Dani's eyes burning through his skin. He doesn't understand what that feeling is. Why does the lyrics of that song have that effect on him? Or is it Dani?
I wanna call you up but maybe it will only make it worse
I guess that I just don't know what to do with myself
Dani is barely breathing, her eyes immersed in Bright's icy blue eyes.
'Cause I know it might sound stupid but for me, yeah yeah
I just gotta keep believing and I've heard
Bright is breathless. Dani is breathtaking.
Some say you will love me one day
And I will wait, I will wait to get your loving one day
Deep down in his heart, he has the impression that these words are meant for him but ... no, impossible. He shakes his head and tries to come to his senses. It is just a song.
Just say you will love me one day
And I will wait, I will wait to get your loving one day
Yeah, just a song. A song that Dani is singing beautifully.
Just say you'll love me one day
Just say you'll love me one day
Malcolm catches his breath, clearing his mind. He needs to calm down.
I'll give you space to the moon if it's what you need
Just say you one day will bring back yourself to me
Dani closes her eyes, seemingly putting all her concentration on the last lyrics of the song.
Some say you will love me one day
And I will wait, I will wait to get your loving one day
Her fingers, until then hung on the microphone, seem to relax.
Just say you will love me one day
And I will wait, I will wait to get your loving one day
She opens her eyes again and says the last words with a smile. Malcolm's heart leaps.
Just say you'll love me one day
She stands up under the applause of the group and Tally's complicit smile, which makes her blush. If Tally had understood, would it be possible that Malcolm... no, it is Malcolm after all. In profiling a murderer he was the best, but when it came to understanding feelings... the same couldn't be said.
"Excuse me girl, but you can sing?! You've been holding out on us!" JT shouts, still in shock.
"It's not like I get to show you this talent during work, guys! " She laughs, sitting back down next to Malcolm.
"You never cease to impress me, Dani."
"Thank you, Gil." The brunette smiles at him.
"Gil's right, that was really impressive." Malcolm says to her softly, almost imperceptibly.
He seemed to come to his senses, but he couldn't shake the heat that had overwhelmed him. Dani blushes before smiling.
"Thank you, Bright."
That weird feeling in his chest again... Malcolm can't figure out what it is.
"Well, kids, it's getting late! " Gil says as he gets up.
Everyone seems to be following suit. They put on their coats and head for the door.
"Want a ride home?" The brunette asks the Profiler.
"Thank you, Dani."
———————————————————————
They walk to the car, Dani sits behind the wheel and Malcolm seems to be unable to fasten his seatbelt.
"Do you want some help?" She asks, a smile on her face.
"It seems I've had a little too much to drink tonight... " He laughs, letting the young lady deals with it.
As she approaches him to fasten his belt, Dani's scent invades Bright and his heart misses a beat. Gradually, Bright, who seemed to deny the obvious, begins to understand the nature of his feelings for Dani. And he had never felt that way before. Not even with Eve.
"Here, tough guy, ready to go!"
"Always there to save me, right?"
"Well I guess I'm your friend AND your bodyguard then!" Dani teases him, a smile on her lips, looking at him out of the corner of her eye as she turns on the ignition.
A smile lights up Bright's face, his cheeks taking on a slightly red colour.
The drive to his house was quiet.
When they arrive, Dani pulls over and turns off the ignition, which seems to surprise Malcolm.
"You could have just dropped me off."
"You can't fasten your seatbelt, how do you think you're going to climb up the stairs?" Dani raises an eyebrow.
"True." He laughs before getting out of the car, Dani by his side, ready to catch him if he stumbles.
"Is there anything else you're not telling me, Dani Powell? Besides your singing skills?" He asks, a mischievous tune in his voice.
"Well, you are the profiler, Bright. You could guess."
Dani smiles. She isn't going to make it easy for him.
"I had no idea you could sing, so I guess I'm a little rusty!"
He pauses as they come to his door.
"When you were singing that song... were you thinking of anyone in particular?"
A flash of surprise passes over Dani's face, and she quickly recovers, remembering who she is facing. But Bright noticed.
"I guess that's a yes... " He smiles.
"Okay, that's enough profiling for today, no more profiling!" she tries to cut it short but Bright is stubborn.
"Why won't you tell me? It's obvious it's not JT and Gil, so it must be someone I don't know, you know you can tell me!" He seems to be thinking and from the look on Dani's face, she isn't ready to talk.
The possibility that it could be him come back to his mind.
"I mean, unless it's about m-" His question is left unanswered as Dani cuts the conversation short.
"Okay, Bright, no more profile! You need to get some sleep. Besides, it's going to rain soon, I have to go." Her tone sounds hurried, and she only wants to leave quick, so Malcolm doesn't insist and sighs, opening the door.
" Okay, sorry. I won't keep you."
Once the door is open, he faces her, smiling one last time.
"Good night, Bright."
"Good night, Dani."
As she is about to leave, he calls out to her once more, the words of the song she had just sung coming back to his mind.
"Oh and Dani."
Some say you will love me one day
And I will wait, I will wait to get your loving one day
"If I'm right, you don't have to wait any longer."
He gives her a last smile before closing the door, leaving her there in the corridor, thinking about those few words.
What the f* did it means ?!
She tortures her mind to her car, standing still in front of her door until the rain starts to fall, which doesn't seem to bother her, immersed in her thoughts.
But what does those words mean?
———————————————————————
Bright had changed and put on a grey T-shirt and black sports pants to be more comfortable. He had brushed his teeth and was ready to go to bed when he heard the rain falling outside. He drinks some tea and walks to Sunshine to say good night before jumping on his bed and grabbing his restraints. He is ready to put them on when he hears someone knocking on his door. Frowning, he stands up with curiosity.
Grabbing the key from the counter, he inserts it into the keyhole and unlocks the door before opening it.
"Dani ?"
The brunette stands on the landing, soaking wet from head to toe, her pretty curly hair falling in front of her face, wet from the rain. In Bright's eyes, she is even more beautiful.
"What are you doing here? You dropped me off 20 minutes ago, you should have been gone. Don't tell me you've been standing in the rain this whole time?" Curious at first, he is starting to get worried. She is going to get sick.
But Dani doesn't even seem to listen to him, always in his thoughts. She doesn't understand what he meant by that, and even if she has an idea, it is far from clear and it upsets her more than anything else.
"What does that mean, Bright?" Her voice is hesitant and shaky. Bright looks into her eyes, he sees the incomprehension and the urgency to know.
He hesitates .
"I don't understand you. You're always like this. Always so "Bright", always so cryptic! Nothing's ever simple with you, and I've never been bothered by it, but right now I need to know. I need you to be clear, Malcolm!"
Her voice wavers, tortured by her thoughts and the need for truth. Malcolm's heart is pounding and he can't take his eyes off her. His name, which he had too often associated with his father's voice, sounds so good in her mouth. He wanted her to say it over and over again. He couldn't get enough of it. He wanted to hear her whisper his name, he wanted to hear her scream his name...
As Dani's face looks sadder and sadder, the brunette sighs, determined to finally go home. As she turns, heading for the stairs to get back to her car, she feels pressure on her wrist and doesn't have time to think. Malcolm pulls on her arm and draws her to him, putting his lips on hers without thinking further. One hand lands on her cheek, caressing her face, neck and hair, while the other still hold her wrist firmly.
It takes Dani a few seconds before she realizes what is happening and responds to the kiss. She puts her arms around his neck to draw him closer, wanting to feel his body against hers.
Letting go of her wrist briefly, Malcolm slams the door behind Dani with a rough gesture, pulling her inside. Once closed, he pushes her against it and leans closer to her, his lips pressing more and more against her own as the kiss become more and more passionate. He growls as Dani runs her hands through his hair.
The lack of air interrupts them and Malcolm has to move away, placing his forehead against hers. He breathes with difficulty, panting and trying to catch his breath, his eyes immersed in those of Dani who is in the same state.
"Is that clear enough?"
Dani smiles before putting a light kiss on his lips.
"I hate you, Malcolm Bright."
"No, you don't"
He smiles, his gaze passing from her eyes to her lips.
"Oh and how do you know? Because of my profile?" She teases him.
"No. Because of your eyes and the way you're looking at me right now." And on this words, he kisses her again, lifting her up to sit her on the counter of the kitchen, Dani wrapping her legs around his waist.
He puts her down on the counter and stares at her face, fondling her cheek.
You know that I want you, you know that I want you next to me
But if you need some space I will step away
"I don't need space, Dani Powell. All I need is you."