A/N: Another secret relationship scenario, not related to chapter 1.
Kiss 5: Throwing their arms around the other person's neck, hugging them close before kissing them passionately on the lips.
The slow afternoon made up for Michael's chaotic morning.
The last thing he'd expected was to be trapped with a madman with a gun, thankfully, he'd gotten out unscathed.
Once it was over, he had been relieved to see the others, especially Jackie. He had tried not to pay too much attention to her as he noticed her restraint, almost as if her touch would give everything away.
Perhaps it would.
For the first time since their relationship, he had been thrust into a life-or-death situation. Now a couple, they had managed to create their own little bubble, their own little world that nobody could reach.
Until today, when it had almost been destroyed.
So, their reunion brought no touching, but she was still the first person to reach him, to make sure he was okay
Her eyes conveyed her concern – and her relief. Every time their eye had met felt like a silent conversation, her eyes lingering on his slightly longer than usual.
If the others suspected something, they hadn't shown it.
Somehow, he wasn't surprised when she volunteered to talk to the perpetrator. Oh, he knew she wouldn't do anything out of character, or anything that would make the station abuzz with gossip. But he knew there'd be some satisfaction within her at putting the man away.
That satisfaction was the first thing he noticed when she walked back into the bullpen after a long interview.
Their eyes met, a small smile shared before she went to Robbie and Stuart.
Michael walked towards the filing cabinets, pretending to be busy. For the next few moments, he could hear their quiet conversation, with some light-hearted banter and laughter thrown in.
After a while, he drowned the chatter out. He considered going to his office when he heard the familiar sound of Jackie's footsteps.
"Michael…" her voice had an almost sing-song lilt to it.
He turned around, "Yes?"
"Can I have a word?" Her face was innocent, but her eyes gave her away.
"Sure," he replied with fake nonchalance.
Despite the short distance, the walk to his office was slow. Once they entered, he carefully closed the door, as if the sound would cause a disturbance.
As soon as he faced her, she threw her arms around his neck in a fierce hug. His arms slowly encircled her, content to hold on to her.
They stayed like that for a long moment, their breaths preventing total silence. The feeling of her arms relaxed him, put him at ease in a way he hadn't felt since this morning when they'd woken up together.
They pulled back slightly, Michael barely had a chance to blink before she kissed him hard. Something he was only too happy to reciprocate; he knew Jackie needed this.
He needed it too.
The kiss softened slightly before Jackie broke away – but only for her to trail small kisses down his jawline.
"Jackie…" he murmured.
She stopped, looking at him expectantly.
As he stared at her, he realised he missed the feeling of her lips on his. He brought their lips together in a deep kiss, the fierce intensity had gone, but the emotions remained.
If only they could stay like this. Their close friendship had ensured that nobody would really get suspicious of her staying here for any length of time.
But anybody could still interrupt them for any reason and accidentally catch them in their embrace. There were better ways for people to find out about the latest development in their relationship.
He reluctantly broke away, a reassuring smile on his face, silently reassuring her that he was fine.
Her hands cupped his cheeks, "I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you today." Her voice was soft, hinting at the feelings she'd been hiding all day.
There were so many things he wanted to say to her – but not right now – not within these walls that had heard of so many tragedies.
Later, he'd be able to tell her that thinking of her had been his source of strength – just as she always was.
He settled for another smile. "Hey, you're not getting rid of me that easy." A hint of mischief lurked in his eyes, "Now that you have me, I'm afraid you're stuck with me."
"Is that a promise?"
His smile faded; they hadn't talked about their future yet. Although he certainly knew what he wanted and that was to never be apart from Jackie.
His gaze told her all she needed to know. She smiled before he brushed his lips on her forehead.
Yes, that was a promise. And although they hadn't been together for long, that thought didn't scare him at all.