Morning Star
Chapter 8
Syd awoke to the smell of freshly brewing coffee and the sound of Gage's voice in the distance.
"No Walker, I've got her here. She's asleep on the sofa now. I am not going to let her out of my sight. Yeah, actually I'm sure that she would appreciate that. Thanks. Okay, call if you need us."
Standing and stretching as Gage ended his conversation, Syd smiled as Gage came into the room.
"Oh hey, my sleeping beauty is awake! Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?"
"Absolutely. I just need to go use the bathroom first."
When Syd returned from down the washroom she found that Gage had set two places at his table, each with a cup of coffee and an empty plate.
"Well Syd, you know my culinary skills are not the greatest..." Syd almost choked on her first sip of coffee as she tried to suppress her laughter. "Okay, I can't cook. But I think I can probably manage to make us some toast or even a grilled cheese sandwich."
"I think I'll just have toast thanks, I'm not feeling that great right now. It's probably the pain meds. But I've got to tell you that this coffee is one of the best cups I have ever had. Thank you."
"Maybe it was all those chocolate bars you ate." he replied and smiling went to work. Looking in his fridge Gage was relieved that Syd hadn't actually opted for the grilled cheese, his refrigerator was practically empty and the only cheese he could see was sporting a large patch of blue- green mould.
Syd watched as Gage fussed in his kitchen. She liked watching him work; she could see how hard he was trying to make sure that everything was just right for her. She knew he was doing that because they were partners, friends, and because she was injured and her home had just been ripped apart. To have hoped he was doing it for any other reason would have been to hope too much. Resolving herself to put things straight between them she took a deep, silent breathe and spoke.
"Gage, I'm sorry for the way I have been acting. I think I was jealous of the fact that you had a date and that I didn't. I have come to count on the two of us just hanging out together, you always being there for me. That is unrealistic of me and I am sorry. I know that you have a life outside of work and outside of our friendship and I respect that. It was wrong of me to take out my frustration on you; you have every right to go on a date with whomever you please. So I hope that as soon as this is all over you'll be able to make plans to go out with your cheerleader and I wish you nothing but the best of luck. Maybe she's the one, you never know."
With every word she spoke Gage felt his heart sink lower and lower. This is what he had hoped she would say right? That she was just frustrated herself, that it wasn't his fault? That she wouldn't let his dating get in the way of their working relationship or friendship? Why then was he so disappointed to hear her words? He and Syd were just close friends; she had no claim on his heart did she? His feelings too muddled up to think, Gage looked away and began running the water to wash dishes that weren't really that dirty.
"Did you hear me Gage?" Syd asked.
Turning the water off and facing her Gage replied quietly. "Yeah, I heard you Syd." Then turning to the toaster oven he removed two slices of bread and carried them over to her.
"Here you go Syd, eat up. This should help you to feel better."
They ate quietly, each lost in their own thoughts, the silence between them strange for the pair who usually spent their time together teasing, taunting and laughing. As they finished their sparse meal Gage stood up to clear the dishes and Syd began to stand as well.
"I'll do it Syd, just keep sitting."
"Let me help Gage, I hate to be dependent on people, you know that." Standing Syd used her crutches to move to the sink.
'Yeah Syd, but this is me.' thought Gage, 'You can be dependent on me. God knows I need you.' But, keeping his thoughts to himself he simply said, "Dish soap is under the sink."
As they cleaned, again the silence between them awkward and strained, Gage finally spoke.
"Well, while I am sure you enjoyed my gourmet toast, if you are going to be staying here for a while we will need to get supplies. I don't really have much in stock. I think we'll have to go out to the grocery store – I know it won't be easy with your leg but there is no way I am leaving you here alone, so we'll both have to go."
"Mmmm...can we buy more chocolate?" Syd asked, finally breaking the awkwardness.
Gage replied laughing, "Sure Syd...but I think its going to be my turn to start commenting on your eating habits. Three chocolate bars in less than one day and you still want more?"
"I have a sweet tooth." Relieved that they were back to normal, whatever that was, Syd grinned at Gage and threw the dishtowel at him. "Here handsome, dry."
When they had finished their work Gage called Walker to let him know where they were going but reached Trivette instead.
"Good plan Gage, getting Syd's place trashed so she'd have to stay with you."
"Hey, it wasn't my fault! Why would I want to do that to Syd?"
"Well, I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt her but you have to admit, now you have a beautiful young woman living in your bachelor pad with you and I don't hear you complaining."
"It's alright." Gage answered. "What are you getting at?"
"Just, if I was you and I had a beautiful partner who thought the world of me and we suddenly got the chance to live together in close quarters, despite the unfortunate circumstances leading to it, I would take the opportunity to really get to know her. You know, you might never get another chance."
That said Trivette wished him well and promised to pass the message about their location to Walker when he returned from his lunch. Pleased with himself Jimmy hoped he had put the germ of an idea in Gage's head – it was obvious to him and Alex how much the two meant to each other, and both wondered if there was something more to it than friendship. Giving them a little push might be the best way to find out. He ignored the voice in his head that said he might be wrong and that his pushing might cause a rift between the two; he was pretty sure there was more to their relationship than met the eye.
'Syd thinks the world of me?' thought Gage, 'Aww, that's just Jimmy – always thinks he's got the pulse on how people are feeling and what they are thinking, and that has gotten him into more trouble than anyone I know.'
Still, Gage couldn't help but feel energized by what Trivette had said. Gage was coming to realize that he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Syd. She brightened his day, heck - she brightened his life. When she had been shot and he had seen her bleeding and had held her in his arms he had been forced to become conscious of how important she was to him. As a friend, of course, he reminded himself. And a partner. Always that, partners first.
Gage locked his apartment door and gently picked up Syd and carried her down the stairs.
"I could get used to this service." she joked.
"I certainly am getting a workout." Gage replied, "Maybe you should lay off those chocolate bars."
"Hey!" Syd playfully punched Gage in the chest, laughing as he made motions to drop her.
At the grocery store Gage pushed the cart around slowly while Syd followed him, carefully manoeuvring herself up and down the aisles. They picked up a large assortment of items, catering both to Syd's usually very healthy diet and Gage's man-sized-appetite-easy-frozen dinner type food. They were nearly done shopping, just picking through the fruit in the produce aisle, when a tall blonde woman dressed in trendy form-fitting clothes approached them.
"Gage!" she called out. "You are the last person I expected to see here! I thought you might be out on another dangerous Texas Ranger mission. Don't tell me that there is something suspicious going on in this store?"
The woman barely glanced at Syd, who felt dwarfed not only by this woman's height but also her beauty and easy manner with her partner.
"Jennifer. What a surprise!" Oh, thought Syd – Jennifer. Yes, she was just as Gage described. Her spirits sinking she looked at the two of them together and suddenly became very interested in produce that was in the next aisle over. Moving away quickly before Gage could have a chance to introduce her she began a thorough inspection of the store's lime collection.
"I'm sorry I had to cancel Friday night." Syd could hear Gage saying.
"Oh that's alright, I completely understand." Jennifer replied reaching out and touching Gage's arm. "I just hope that you can make it up to me real soon."
"Uh...sure...okay." Syd heard Gage reply. "I'm a bit involved with work right now, clearing up some stuff from my last case but as soon as that's done I..."
"Gage!" Gage suddenly heard Syd calling him.
"Be there in a second Syd."
"Gage. Now." Her voice was insistent, almost frantic.
"Excuse me one second." Gage said to Jennifer. "I'll be right back."
Walking over to Syd and her lime pile, Gage spoke with concern.
"What's wrong Syd? Do you see a potential suspect here?"
"I lied."
"What?"
"I lied before. When I said I thought you should go out with Jennifer. When I said it didn't bother me that you were going out on a date. I lied; I don't want you to go."
Syd looked Gage straight in the face and looked intensely into his eyes, trying to somehow convey everything she was feeling in that one long moment. His stare back at her was just as intense, if not more so. After a moment he spoke quietly.
"I need to go back and talk to Jennifer, Syd." And he turned and walked away.
Her heart pounding in her chest and her breathing laboured Syd watched him retreat from her and resume his conversation with Jennifer. The blood rushing in her ears Syd could not hear what was being said and, her face burning red, she picked up her crutches and hurried towards a fascinating pile of mangoes.
She was not sure how long she stood there before she heard soft footsteps approach behind her.
"Syd?"
No response but her shaking hand put down the best inspected mango in the store.
"Syd? Look at me."
She shook her head. Reaching down Gage pulled her hand away from the mangoes and turned her around to face him. Her head was still down and Gage used his right hand to cup her cheek and tilt her chin up.
"Syd. It's okay." he spoke tenderly, though his countenance was filled with trepidation. "I'm not going out with her. Not when this case is over, not ever."
Syd's arms suddenly flung up and grabbed him around the neck, her crutches falling to the ground with a loud crash. She pressed her trembling body close to him, burying her face in the folds of the shirt on his chest and held on with all her might. His arms slowly encircled her and he could feel her shaking as he pulled her close to him.
They stood there like that, in the produce aisle beside the mangoes, for what seemed like an eternity neither speaking, each lost in thoughts of wonder, amazement and fear.
Syd's shaking finally subsided but Gage found his arm muscles unwilling to relax, he had gripped her so tight.
"I was so scared." Syd finally spoke, mumbling into his chest. "I...couldn't...didn't...know...how..."
"Shhh, Syd. It's okay. Everything's okay." Gage spoke into Syd's hair, resting his chin on her head. She seemed to fit perfectly into his arms as they stood there, completely unaware of the peculiar stares their embrace elicited from other patrons in the store. "Want to get out of here?"
Syd nodded against Gage's chest and with one final squeeze, let her arms drop from his neck. Gage bent down, picked up her crutches and handed them to her, their fingers touching momentarily as she positioned them. The couple had yet to make eye contact.
Gage recovered their shopping cart and they headed to the check-out, this time Gage pushing the cart with one hand and his other hand lightly on Syd's back. They paid for their groceries and headed out to the car. Gage loaded their purchases into the trunk as Syd got settled in the passenger seat.
When Gage got in the car, he reached over and took one of Syd's hands which were clenched together in her lap. He held it for a moment, giving it a firm but gentle squeeze and then removed it and put the car in gear.
When they got back to his building, Gage got out of the car first.
"I better get you upstairs first and then I'll come back for the groceries."
Syd nodded and allowed Gage once again to pick her up and make the trip up five flights of stairs. Once inside Syd sat down on the sofa, nervously playing with her fingers. What exactly did this all mean?
Gage returned several minutes later with the groceries and laid them on the kitchen table. He then walked over to where Syd sat on the edge of the sofa, looking down at her fingers. He sat down next to her and took her hands in his.
She looked up to meet his gaze and he smiled warmly at her, his blue eyes looking brighter than she had ever seen them. Syd reached up in wonder to touch his face with her left hand, and as she did so he slowly lowered his face to meet hers.
Their lips met in a kiss that was tender and questioning, each unsure of what they meant, what exactly they were saying to each other. When they parted moments later Gage pulled Sydney into his arms and rested back against the sofa, his partner curled into his side. Mindful of her sore leg he allowed her to settle in next to him, her head against his chest, his chin resting on her head. His arms held her tight, his hands slowly caressing her hair and her back. They lay like that, in complete silence, Syd listening to Gage's heart beat and Gage listening to Syd's breathing, until both had fallen asleep in the late afternoon sun that was streaming through the window.
Chapter 8
Syd awoke to the smell of freshly brewing coffee and the sound of Gage's voice in the distance.
"No Walker, I've got her here. She's asleep on the sofa now. I am not going to let her out of my sight. Yeah, actually I'm sure that she would appreciate that. Thanks. Okay, call if you need us."
Standing and stretching as Gage ended his conversation, Syd smiled as Gage came into the room.
"Oh hey, my sleeping beauty is awake! Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?"
"Absolutely. I just need to go use the bathroom first."
When Syd returned from down the washroom she found that Gage had set two places at his table, each with a cup of coffee and an empty plate.
"Well Syd, you know my culinary skills are not the greatest..." Syd almost choked on her first sip of coffee as she tried to suppress her laughter. "Okay, I can't cook. But I think I can probably manage to make us some toast or even a grilled cheese sandwich."
"I think I'll just have toast thanks, I'm not feeling that great right now. It's probably the pain meds. But I've got to tell you that this coffee is one of the best cups I have ever had. Thank you."
"Maybe it was all those chocolate bars you ate." he replied and smiling went to work. Looking in his fridge Gage was relieved that Syd hadn't actually opted for the grilled cheese, his refrigerator was practically empty and the only cheese he could see was sporting a large patch of blue- green mould.
Syd watched as Gage fussed in his kitchen. She liked watching him work; she could see how hard he was trying to make sure that everything was just right for her. She knew he was doing that because they were partners, friends, and because she was injured and her home had just been ripped apart. To have hoped he was doing it for any other reason would have been to hope too much. Resolving herself to put things straight between them she took a deep, silent breathe and spoke.
"Gage, I'm sorry for the way I have been acting. I think I was jealous of the fact that you had a date and that I didn't. I have come to count on the two of us just hanging out together, you always being there for me. That is unrealistic of me and I am sorry. I know that you have a life outside of work and outside of our friendship and I respect that. It was wrong of me to take out my frustration on you; you have every right to go on a date with whomever you please. So I hope that as soon as this is all over you'll be able to make plans to go out with your cheerleader and I wish you nothing but the best of luck. Maybe she's the one, you never know."
With every word she spoke Gage felt his heart sink lower and lower. This is what he had hoped she would say right? That she was just frustrated herself, that it wasn't his fault? That she wouldn't let his dating get in the way of their working relationship or friendship? Why then was he so disappointed to hear her words? He and Syd were just close friends; she had no claim on his heart did she? His feelings too muddled up to think, Gage looked away and began running the water to wash dishes that weren't really that dirty.
"Did you hear me Gage?" Syd asked.
Turning the water off and facing her Gage replied quietly. "Yeah, I heard you Syd." Then turning to the toaster oven he removed two slices of bread and carried them over to her.
"Here you go Syd, eat up. This should help you to feel better."
They ate quietly, each lost in their own thoughts, the silence between them strange for the pair who usually spent their time together teasing, taunting and laughing. As they finished their sparse meal Gage stood up to clear the dishes and Syd began to stand as well.
"I'll do it Syd, just keep sitting."
"Let me help Gage, I hate to be dependent on people, you know that." Standing Syd used her crutches to move to the sink.
'Yeah Syd, but this is me.' thought Gage, 'You can be dependent on me. God knows I need you.' But, keeping his thoughts to himself he simply said, "Dish soap is under the sink."
As they cleaned, again the silence between them awkward and strained, Gage finally spoke.
"Well, while I am sure you enjoyed my gourmet toast, if you are going to be staying here for a while we will need to get supplies. I don't really have much in stock. I think we'll have to go out to the grocery store – I know it won't be easy with your leg but there is no way I am leaving you here alone, so we'll both have to go."
"Mmmm...can we buy more chocolate?" Syd asked, finally breaking the awkwardness.
Gage replied laughing, "Sure Syd...but I think its going to be my turn to start commenting on your eating habits. Three chocolate bars in less than one day and you still want more?"
"I have a sweet tooth." Relieved that they were back to normal, whatever that was, Syd grinned at Gage and threw the dishtowel at him. "Here handsome, dry."
When they had finished their work Gage called Walker to let him know where they were going but reached Trivette instead.
"Good plan Gage, getting Syd's place trashed so she'd have to stay with you."
"Hey, it wasn't my fault! Why would I want to do that to Syd?"
"Well, I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt her but you have to admit, now you have a beautiful young woman living in your bachelor pad with you and I don't hear you complaining."
"It's alright." Gage answered. "What are you getting at?"
"Just, if I was you and I had a beautiful partner who thought the world of me and we suddenly got the chance to live together in close quarters, despite the unfortunate circumstances leading to it, I would take the opportunity to really get to know her. You know, you might never get another chance."
That said Trivette wished him well and promised to pass the message about their location to Walker when he returned from his lunch. Pleased with himself Jimmy hoped he had put the germ of an idea in Gage's head – it was obvious to him and Alex how much the two meant to each other, and both wondered if there was something more to it than friendship. Giving them a little push might be the best way to find out. He ignored the voice in his head that said he might be wrong and that his pushing might cause a rift between the two; he was pretty sure there was more to their relationship than met the eye.
'Syd thinks the world of me?' thought Gage, 'Aww, that's just Jimmy – always thinks he's got the pulse on how people are feeling and what they are thinking, and that has gotten him into more trouble than anyone I know.'
Still, Gage couldn't help but feel energized by what Trivette had said. Gage was coming to realize that he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Syd. She brightened his day, heck - she brightened his life. When she had been shot and he had seen her bleeding and had held her in his arms he had been forced to become conscious of how important she was to him. As a friend, of course, he reminded himself. And a partner. Always that, partners first.
Gage locked his apartment door and gently picked up Syd and carried her down the stairs.
"I could get used to this service." she joked.
"I certainly am getting a workout." Gage replied, "Maybe you should lay off those chocolate bars."
"Hey!" Syd playfully punched Gage in the chest, laughing as he made motions to drop her.
At the grocery store Gage pushed the cart around slowly while Syd followed him, carefully manoeuvring herself up and down the aisles. They picked up a large assortment of items, catering both to Syd's usually very healthy diet and Gage's man-sized-appetite-easy-frozen dinner type food. They were nearly done shopping, just picking through the fruit in the produce aisle, when a tall blonde woman dressed in trendy form-fitting clothes approached them.
"Gage!" she called out. "You are the last person I expected to see here! I thought you might be out on another dangerous Texas Ranger mission. Don't tell me that there is something suspicious going on in this store?"
The woman barely glanced at Syd, who felt dwarfed not only by this woman's height but also her beauty and easy manner with her partner.
"Jennifer. What a surprise!" Oh, thought Syd – Jennifer. Yes, she was just as Gage described. Her spirits sinking she looked at the two of them together and suddenly became very interested in produce that was in the next aisle over. Moving away quickly before Gage could have a chance to introduce her she began a thorough inspection of the store's lime collection.
"I'm sorry I had to cancel Friday night." Syd could hear Gage saying.
"Oh that's alright, I completely understand." Jennifer replied reaching out and touching Gage's arm. "I just hope that you can make it up to me real soon."
"Uh...sure...okay." Syd heard Gage reply. "I'm a bit involved with work right now, clearing up some stuff from my last case but as soon as that's done I..."
"Gage!" Gage suddenly heard Syd calling him.
"Be there in a second Syd."
"Gage. Now." Her voice was insistent, almost frantic.
"Excuse me one second." Gage said to Jennifer. "I'll be right back."
Walking over to Syd and her lime pile, Gage spoke with concern.
"What's wrong Syd? Do you see a potential suspect here?"
"I lied."
"What?"
"I lied before. When I said I thought you should go out with Jennifer. When I said it didn't bother me that you were going out on a date. I lied; I don't want you to go."
Syd looked Gage straight in the face and looked intensely into his eyes, trying to somehow convey everything she was feeling in that one long moment. His stare back at her was just as intense, if not more so. After a moment he spoke quietly.
"I need to go back and talk to Jennifer, Syd." And he turned and walked away.
Her heart pounding in her chest and her breathing laboured Syd watched him retreat from her and resume his conversation with Jennifer. The blood rushing in her ears Syd could not hear what was being said and, her face burning red, she picked up her crutches and hurried towards a fascinating pile of mangoes.
She was not sure how long she stood there before she heard soft footsteps approach behind her.
"Syd?"
No response but her shaking hand put down the best inspected mango in the store.
"Syd? Look at me."
She shook her head. Reaching down Gage pulled her hand away from the mangoes and turned her around to face him. Her head was still down and Gage used his right hand to cup her cheek and tilt her chin up.
"Syd. It's okay." he spoke tenderly, though his countenance was filled with trepidation. "I'm not going out with her. Not when this case is over, not ever."
Syd's arms suddenly flung up and grabbed him around the neck, her crutches falling to the ground with a loud crash. She pressed her trembling body close to him, burying her face in the folds of the shirt on his chest and held on with all her might. His arms slowly encircled her and he could feel her shaking as he pulled her close to him.
They stood there like that, in the produce aisle beside the mangoes, for what seemed like an eternity neither speaking, each lost in thoughts of wonder, amazement and fear.
Syd's shaking finally subsided but Gage found his arm muscles unwilling to relax, he had gripped her so tight.
"I was so scared." Syd finally spoke, mumbling into his chest. "I...couldn't...didn't...know...how..."
"Shhh, Syd. It's okay. Everything's okay." Gage spoke into Syd's hair, resting his chin on her head. She seemed to fit perfectly into his arms as they stood there, completely unaware of the peculiar stares their embrace elicited from other patrons in the store. "Want to get out of here?"
Syd nodded against Gage's chest and with one final squeeze, let her arms drop from his neck. Gage bent down, picked up her crutches and handed them to her, their fingers touching momentarily as she positioned them. The couple had yet to make eye contact.
Gage recovered their shopping cart and they headed to the check-out, this time Gage pushing the cart with one hand and his other hand lightly on Syd's back. They paid for their groceries and headed out to the car. Gage loaded their purchases into the trunk as Syd got settled in the passenger seat.
When Gage got in the car, he reached over and took one of Syd's hands which were clenched together in her lap. He held it for a moment, giving it a firm but gentle squeeze and then removed it and put the car in gear.
When they got back to his building, Gage got out of the car first.
"I better get you upstairs first and then I'll come back for the groceries."
Syd nodded and allowed Gage once again to pick her up and make the trip up five flights of stairs. Once inside Syd sat down on the sofa, nervously playing with her fingers. What exactly did this all mean?
Gage returned several minutes later with the groceries and laid them on the kitchen table. He then walked over to where Syd sat on the edge of the sofa, looking down at her fingers. He sat down next to her and took her hands in his.
She looked up to meet his gaze and he smiled warmly at her, his blue eyes looking brighter than she had ever seen them. Syd reached up in wonder to touch his face with her left hand, and as she did so he slowly lowered his face to meet hers.
Their lips met in a kiss that was tender and questioning, each unsure of what they meant, what exactly they were saying to each other. When they parted moments later Gage pulled Sydney into his arms and rested back against the sofa, his partner curled into his side. Mindful of her sore leg he allowed her to settle in next to him, her head against his chest, his chin resting on her head. His arms held her tight, his hands slowly caressing her hair and her back. They lay like that, in complete silence, Syd listening to Gage's heart beat and Gage listening to Syd's breathing, until both had fallen asleep in the late afternoon sun that was streaming through the window.