"Hold on! One second!"
He'd rushed down the narrow hallway at record speed, trying not to slide on the faux wooden floor considering the drips of soapy water he was leaving everywhere.
Another set of hectic knocks ensued despite his desperate pleas as Steve finally turned the corner to his front door, stubbing his little toe on the foot of the couch as he did so.
"Damnit!", he hissed and hesitated for a brief moment, holding up his food as if it would help ease the pain, then slowly limped forward.
With his left hand securing the towel around his waist in a death grip, Steve opened the door with his right, not the least surprised to see his anxious partner on the other side.
Slightly taken aback by the sight, Mike blinked for a second, then cleared his throat as he invited himself in.
"You always run around your home half-naked? Throw on some clothes, we gotta talk."
Waiting until Mike marched past him, Steve sighed, then closed the door to keep the cold out.
"Pardon me for taking a shower and shaving in my own home. Just give me a second."
He was heading for the corner hallway to change when Mike spun around, grabbing his arm with one hand and poking a cold finger at his bare chest with the other.
"Have you…was there anything strange going on here tonight? Somebody tamper with your lock perhaps? Power going out?"
The unusual strain in his partner's voice put all of Steve's senses on high alert and he slowly shook his head.
"None that I am aware of. I was gone grocery shopping for a little while and just got back…oh…I'd say an hour ago. Why? Something happen at your place?"
With a somber nod, Mike let go of his arm again before leaning against the couch.
"You better believe it. Throw on some clothes and I'll tell you all about it."
