All this time, we were waiting for each other...
Kate awoke the next morning to find herself pressed against Lee's chest, his arms around her loosely. She breathed him in, remembering all the other times in the past when she had woken up next to him. Her grandparents had believed she had spent the night with Jody, of course. They never knew.
His alarm went off, and he rolled onto his back, reaching with his left hand to turn it off. Kate moved so that she was lying on top of him.
"Good morning to you too," he smiled against her lips.
"I missed this," she said.
He could see the creases of the pillow case had left marks on her cheek, which made her just look that much cuter. He slid a hand up her back as he touched her cheek with his other. He wanted the moment to last, but he knew what was coming.
"Five," he said quietly. Kate looked at him funny. "Four, three.."
"What are you doing?"
"Two, one," he finished.
Loud rock music blasted down the hall followed by the sound of a cat tearing down the hall in fright. Kate jolted at the sudden sound, making Lee start to laugh.
"What the hell is that?" she demanded, twisting her head to look at the closed door as though it could explain everything.
"That's called living with a teenager, luv," Lee answered.
"Oh my God," Kate moaned, rolling off of Lee and covering her ears.
"Saturday, Saaaaaturday, Saturday," Lee sang along mockingly. "Saturday night's all right..." Kate hit him with her pillow to make him stop. He hopped out of bed and went to change.
"Make it stop," she groaned as the music kept on going.
"If I've learned anything," Lee said. "It's not to mess with that girl's music."
"What happens if you do?"
"Do you like cold showers in bed, Kate?" he asked.
"What?!"
"Oh yea. She's part devil that one," Lee laughed. He opened the door then. "Oye! Turn it down at least!"
"It's the best part!" Hope hollered back. Lee rolled his eyes and left Kate alone. She couldn't bury her head under her pillow forever, so she caved and got up. She found Lee making coffee and went to get a mug for herself.
"Liquid gold," she sighed.
"What are you doing?" Hope asked, joining them. Her rock concert was finally turned off.
"Having coffee?" Kate countered. "Is that a crime?"
"We gotta get going if we're gonna beat the crowds," Hope said. Kate looked at her watch.
"It's eight in the morning," she said, incredulous.
"Yes! That means everyone else will be sleeping still. Come on," Hope urged.
"But...the coffee..." Kate said wistfully, pointing.
"You can get some at the mall," Hope promised. "Come on!"
"Take the truck," Lee said. "I can use the bike if I have to go anywhere."
"I haven't been cleared to drive yet, mister," Kate said, tapping his shoulder. He looked at her in horror, suddenly realizing what that meant.
"No," he said, shaking his head.
"Yes. You have to drop us off," Kate smiled sweetly. She pulled him away from the coffee maker. "Come on."
"But..." he said, reaching into air for the coffee as she pulled him along.
"You can come right back," she promised.
"Uggghhhh," Lee groaned.
...
"What are you thinking?" Tool asked Barney, who was examining his computer screen.
"I'm thinking Frank is gonna move his drugs soon," Barney answered.
"You want to catch him?"
"I want to kill him."
"You'll get your chance to."
"Good. The faster this scum is gone, the faster my town is a lot safer," Barney said. He just needed to find the asshole first.
...
Hope and Kate were having an enjoyable morning so far. As promised, Kate was awarded with coffee, which she took her time drinking as they walked along the stores. They walked slowly since Kate couldn't go so fast yet. Hope understood.
"Scott wants to take me to the school dance in a month," Hope said. "I really want to go."
"Has Lee met him yet?"
"Yes. He put the fear of God in him."
"Oh, dear. You see Scott a lot?"
"We hang out at school all the time."
"Have you two...?" Kate trailed off. Hope went a little red in the face at this, which confirmed it for Kate.
"Just kissing," Hope answered. "He's the first guy I've ever kissed. It's amazing."
Kate knew Lee would just die if he had any clue about it. She'd have to break it to him gently later.
"Keep it at kissing," Kate warned.
"I plan to. I don't want to just give it away," Hope told her. "But, I really want to go to this dance, and that means I need a dress." She stopped outside a store that just so happened to have a bunch of dresses.
"All right," Kate nodded, finishing her coffee and tossing the cup into the trash. "Let's do this."
...
Lee spent the time alone cleaning the apartment. He kept chasing the cat out of his way for most of it, but he eventually succeeded and then moved to getting ready for the date he was taking Kate on. Hope was doing a sleepover with her friend, Greta, so she would be gone. Lee wanted it to be perfect because it had been so long since they had gone on a date, and he didn't want to disappoint her. He was surprised to feel so nervous. It wasn't like they didn't know each other, but something about it was making him sweat. He hoped that would go away and soon.
...
"Hoooolyyyyy shit," Hope said, her jaw dropping as Kate came out and showed her the dress she had picked from the rack.
"I agree," Kate nodded, looking at herself in the mirror.
"He's gonna die."
"That would be a shame because I kind of want to go on the date," Kate replied.
"Tell me you are buying it," Hope said.
"Oh yes," Kate nodded. "It is definitely a keeper."
She couldn't wait to see Lee's reaction to it.
...
Barney, Toll, and Gunner went to check out a lead they had gotten from a bartender. They surveyed the building, which was a funeral home. Barney felt a little skeptical about it, but then again, Frank had used a market before. Who would ever think to look inside a coffin for drugs?
"This is some real Bad Boys shit right here," Toll commented.
Barney nodded. That's where he'd seen that before. Maybe Frank got inspired.
"I guess he forgot that the cops figured it out," Barney replied.
"We're not cops," Gunner pointed out.
"Close enough," Barney muttered.
"What kind of drugs is he pumping out again?" Toll asked.
"Cocaine," Barney answered. They watched as a suspicious looking man exited the funeral home, checking the street both ways before getting into his car and driving away.
"You feel like preparing a funeral service?" Barney asked Toll.
"Why not," Toll shrugged. He and Barney got out, leaving Gunner to keep watch. They sauntered over to the entrance and went inside. They found a very skinny, overworked looking man with greying, black hair standing in the hallway.
"We're closed," he said gruffly.
"Oh, we were just looking to ask about your funeral service prices," Barney said. "His Ma is real sick. It doesn't look good at all."
Toll nodded sadly for effect.
"I'm sorry. You'll have to come back tomorrow. We've had...leakage today," the man winced.
"Leakage? Really? Most morticians wouldn't admit that," Barney pointed out.
"I'm an honest mortician. Now, please, come back tomorrow."
"All right," Barney agreed before looking at Toll again. "It's all right, man, she ain't dead yet. She might pull through."
They walked out together, and Barney stopped outside, looking at the building.
"Leakage my ass," he muttered.
"I'm sensing a nighttime visit back here," Toll said.
Barney didn't respond as he walked over to his truck with Toll behind him. He was thinking.
Evening
Kate left her hair down but had put a some curls in it. She had borrowed Hope's make up but didn't put too much on. She just highlighted her eyes a little. She threw the black wrap around her shoulders and looked in the dresser mirror for a moment. She almost didn't recognize herself. Her nerves were going off, and she did her best to stop them before stepping into the hall and going to find Lee. He had his back to her while standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom. He was wearing black dress pants with a white button up shirt and black jacket.
"You clean up nice," she commented. "I forgot that."
He turned to say something witty, but it died in his throat. She was so beautiful. The red, ankle length, halter top, satin dress she was wearing fit her just right, showing off her curves. Kate felt herself flushing as he stared at her.
"What?" she asked. "Is it bad?"
"Oh," he finally said, his voice strangled. "No. Very good. Very...good."
"You sure?" she questioned. "It's not too much?"
He responded by going over to kiss her. He couldn't help it.
"Save some for later," she teased after a moment.
"I don't even want to leave," he said, touching her side gently.
"You are not getting out of this," she said firmly.
"Are you kidding? I don't want to get out of this," he replied. "I just want to skip to the end."
"Come on," she said, taking his hand and walking towards the door. "Keep your eyes in your head long enough to drive."
Lee tried not to worry about other men's reactions upon seeing her tonight. It was hard not to.
...
"You sure this is a good idea?" Tool asked as Barney geared up. Toll, Caesar, and Gunner were gearing up as well. Doc had chosen to sit this one out. Barney understood. They had had a talk a couple of days prior about everything. He knew the guy needed a break.
"If we're gonna catch him, I have to at least see if my informant is right," Barney answered.
"None of you are cops..."
"I'll document and send any and all information to the cops when I'm done," Barney promised. Tool gave him a worried look, which made Barney reach to grasp his friend's shoulder tightly. "I'll be just fine, Tool."
They headed out without another word, leaving Tool behind to worry.
...
Lee did his very best to focus, which was a feat since he couldn't stop staring at Kate. She knew full well the effect she was having on him too by the way she kept smirking.
She sipped her beer, which had stunned the waiter, who had guessed they would be drinking wine. Kate was not a fan of wine. Neither was Lee.
"I still remember the first time I saw you," Lee said then.
"Really," Kate smiled. "What was I wearing?"
"Black dress with sunflowers," he answered.
"Wow," she said, impressed.
"Smarty pants," he commented. "What was I wearing?"
"Dark blue jeans and a brown leather jacket over a t-shirt that asked what my problem was," Kate replied. Lee started to laugh. He had forgotten about that shirt.
"Sorry to interrupt, but this was bought for you by the gentleman at the bar," their waiter said, handing her a second beer. Kate tilted her head at it, feeling a little confused. She looked to see a guy sitting at the bar alone.
"Well, that's mighty forward of them," Lee commented, turning to look as well. "Am I invisible?"
"It's Evan," Kate sighed, recognizing him finally and setting down her napkin. "I'll be back."
Lee tried not to feel annoyed. He watched as Kate approached Evan who turned and flashed her a grin before turning serious.
"What are you doing here?" Kate asked him, feeling Lee's eyes on them.
"You gotta tell your date to tell his buddies to back off," Evan answered, sipping his drink. Scotch, if Kate recalled.
"Why? What are they doing?"
"They're too hot on Duggan's stash. They're going to spook him if they don't leave it alone," Evan replied.
"This must be really important for you to be risking your cover," she noted.
"We are exes. There isn't anything out of the ordinary for me to be talking to you. Talking to your date, on the other hand, would create suspicion."
"Are they here with you?" Kate asked, surprised.
"Very back," he answered. Kate casually did a sweep of the room without moving her head, and she saw the man sitting near the back watching them.
"So...what? You tell them you felt like catching up with me?"
"I sent you a beer, and you thanked me for it," Evan answered. "We caught up on how your recovery was going. Case closed. Can they blame me when you look like you do right now?"
Kate flushed and hugged herself.
"This was too risky, Evan," she said. "They know I'm FBI."
"If you were smart, you'd go back to Arizona," Evan told her. "But they know you're out of commission due to the injury, that you aren't working now. I told them you had at least two more months of recovery to go before you were back at work. Duggan is going to have his stash gone by then and will have moved out of here. As far as they're concerned, you think Duggan is dead and aren't interested in the case anymore."
"Okay."
"You better get back to your seat before my guy gets suspicious and before your guy gets pissed," Evan said. "Just call them off, okay?"
"All right."
She touched his arm for show and went back to her seat. She saw the man in the back was still watching her, so she smiled.
"What?" Lee asked.
"We're being watched," she said through her smile, reaching to take his hand in hers. "Evan told me to tell you to get Barney to back off, whatever that means."
"I have no idea," Lee said quietly, reaching to touch her cheek.
"Can you text him? Discreetly?" Kate asked. "Evan says Duggan will get spooked if Barney doesn't stand down."
Lee carefully pulled his phone out of his front pocket and texted Barney.
The bouncer is saying you better leave that party before he throws you out, he wrote.
"He's coming," Kate said through still lips. She kept smiling.
Lee tucked his phone away quickly just before the man walked past them. Kate never looked at him, only looking at Lee. Evan followed after a few moments. He didn't look at Kate or Lee as he passed.
"Did he answer?" she asked. He checked his phone and shook his head.
"No."
"Should we be worried?"
"I don't want to worry about him right now," Lee sighed. His phone went off then, and he looked.
All good. Thanks. It was a lousy party anyway.
"He's all good," Lee told her. "See?"
She squinted at his phone to see the text. She guessed it was okay. If he said they were good, then they were good. They finished dinner, and Lee proceeded to take her to the next part of their date. She almost laughed when she saw where he was taking them.
"You're serious?" she asked.
"Oh yes. A challenge is a challenge, you know."
She stepped out of the truck gingerly, and he gave her his arm as they walked across the lot towards the shooting range. Lee nodded to the owner, who tipped his hat in response as they made their way to the back.
"You come here a lot?" she asked.
"Enough," he answered. He led them to where some target boards were set up, and a display of knives was on the table.
"Oh my God," she said, starting to laugh again. "You're seriously doing this?"
"Hey, you said when it was over, and then we had to wait until you were better, so here we are," Lee finished. "Let's see who's the best, huh?"
"Lee, my hand is still screwed," she started.
"I'll go lefty," he promised. She looked at him for a moment, and she realized right then how much she had actually missed him.
"Fine," she agreed. "You go first."
He did so, and she did her best to keep her hand steady as she got ready to throw. She came very close to his, which surprised her. On they went until Kate managed to knock one of his knives off the target, making her throw her arms up in victory as he shook his head, laughing.
"You realize this isn't a fair challenge?" she asked afterwards. "You clearly do better with your right hand, and if I had more strength in mine..."
"It really doesn't matter to me," he answered, moving closer to her. "I just wanted to do something different than what most guys do for a date."
"Mission accomplished," she smiled. He kissed her gently, and she slid her hands under his jacket and up his back. After a few moments, she pressed her face against his.
"Take me home," she murmured.
He didn't even respond as he pulled back and took her hand, walking back to his truck.
...
Barney felt like something was up. He was sitting in Toll's car parked at his hangar with Toll, Caesar, and Gunner looking at him.
"That was a bust," Toll commented. There had been nothing there. Nothing at all.
"Something's off," Barney said. "They knew we were coming."
"They know you're onto them," Caesar pointed out. "That's what Lee said, right? In his text?"
"Yea. That means they're watching me," Barney answered. "I don't like being watched."
"So what do we do?" Toll asked.
"Mind our own business for a while. Make them think we lost interest," Barney answered. "It'll give me time to come up with a better plan."
They dispersed into the night, and Barney did a sweep of the place before going inside and locking the door behind him. All was quiet.
...
"That was very good," Kate said as they went inside the apartment. "I'm impressed."
"You mean to tell me my dates back then weren't impressive?" he asked, faking hurt. She laughed.
"No, they were. This just felt different."
"Old age," he nodded. She gave him a slight shove to his shoulder in response.
"We are not old," she said firmly.
Lee wasted no time between shutting the door and getting her in his arms. Kate let him press her against the wall as he kissed her. She removed his jacket for him and untucked his shirt. She lost track of how long they stood there kissing before he finally took her hand and led her down to their room. Kate laughed out loud when he sat on the edge of the bed and landed on the cat, who yowled and hissed before taking off.
"Bloody hell," he said. "I'll skin it. I swear I will."
Kate just responded by kissing him and sitting on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her gently and pulled her down backwards on top of him.
It was like 16 years hadn't gone by at all.
The Next Day
Kate heard the door slam and Hope's voice call out. She lifted her head to see Lee still sleeping, his arm thrown over her. She realized they had not closed their bedroom door, which was a bad move on their part. She looked at the clock. Why was Hope back by nine in the morning anyway?
"I'm home!" Hope called again.
"Shit," Kate muttered. She got out of bed and scampered to the door, shutting it firmly just as Hope came down the hall.
"Mum?" she asked.
"Just a minute," Kate answered. She hurried to throw on some clothes. She decided to leave Lee sleeping since she knew he had trouble sleeping most nights. Hell, she did too, if she was honest.
"You weren't...?" Hope trailed off when Kate joined her at the kitchen table. She wrinkled her face up, the thought of her parents grossing her out.
"No," Kate answered. "Just getting to sleep in without the morning rock concert."
"Oh. Sorry," Hope said. "I just really like my music."
"A titch lower in volume would be appreciated," Kate pointed out.
"Okay," Hope nodded. "So? How was your date?"
"It was very good. How was Greta?" Kate asked, changing the subject.
"Annoying. She likes Scott! What am I going to do?" Hope asked.
"Aren't you two...?"
"It's not official. Technically, Greta can steal him," Hope sighed.
"If she was your friend, she wouldn't do that," Kate said.
"You'd think, but apparently not."
"I had a friend like that," Kate told her. "We're not friends anymore."
"What did she do?"
"She tried to steal your father, for starters. She stole another boyfriend of mine after that," Kate explained.
"That's terrible!"
"She's the reason I overreacted and broke things off with your father," Kate said. "If I hadn't, things would be very different right now."
"I don't like her," Hope said, frustrated.
"She was jealous and insecure. I feel sorry for her, really," Kate finished. Hope didn't say anything else, so Kate got up and made coffee and toast. About fifteen minutes later, Lee joined them, and it became a morning of teasing and family-like moments.
Kate really did wonder how things would have been if Jody hadn't decided to make out with Lee that day. She could have had this every day for years. It made her feel both sad and annoyed, but she couldn't dwell on it forever. She had it now, and that's what counted.