After the Final Show/Down
Part 6
Syd and Gage slept peacefully in each other's arms all night long. They slept late, well past 10:00 and the sun was streaming in the window around the edges of the curtain, when surprisingly it was Syd awoke first. She rolled over in Gage's arms and awakened him with a gentle kiss on the nose.
"Good morning." Syd smiled and whispered to the man who held her closely.
"Mornin'" Gage mumbled and sleepily opened his eyes. "You okay Syd?"
"Yes." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Now more awake, Gage sat up resting on one elbow and reaching over to stroke Syd's hair with his other hand. "God, you're beautiful Syd."
She blushed and almost looked away. "I never thought I'd be lying here with you, listening to you tell me that."
"Me either Syd, but here we are and it's real. This is really happening. I love you."
"I love you too." Syd wrapped her arms around Gage and pulled herself close to his bare chest. "I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be."
Gage held her in his arms, still stroking her soft hair, until Syd looked up at him and said "I'm a little hungry."
"You're hungry? Oh Syd, that's a good sign, your body is healing. What do you want?"
"Toast?" Syd looked at him mischievously.
"Ahh, my speciality. Certainly and would you like some eggs with that? How about some fruit?"
"That sounds really good - I'm actually not just a little hungry, I'm famished."
Gage reluctantly released her from his embrace and Syd grudgingly unwrapped her arms from his back, and they climbed out of bed. Syd headed straight to the bathroom and as she walked Gage could see how much steadier she was on her feet than she had been the day before. He proceeded to the kitchen and immediately set about making coffee.
When Syd finished in the bathroom she padded through to the kitchen in her bare feet, still wearing Gage's comfortable blue t-shirt. It hung down to just above her knees and her hair was hanging down her back and around her face. Gage didn't think he had seen anything sexier in his life than Syd wearing nothing but his old shirt, and he gulped when she walked into the room. He suddenly imagined waking up with her every morning and wondered how he would ever make it out the door and to work on time.
"What can I do?" Syd asked, thinking that Gage was incredibly desirable. She had always thought that he was good-looking but now, barefoot and with only pyjama bottoms on, his bare chest exposed and standing in the kitchen with a frying pan, he was the most attractive man she had ever seen. Smiling to herself Syd thought 'And its me – me! that he loves.'
"Would you like to cut up the melon?" Gage pointed to the cantaloupe in the fruit basket. "The knives are in the drawer there."
Syd nodded, she knew exactly where the knives were having cooked meals for him several times in the weeks after he had lost his hearing. She opened the drawer, chose a knife and proceeded to cut up the melon. In a matter of ten minutes they had prepared a delicious meal and were sitting down at his kitchen table, enjoying the food and each other's company.
When they had finished eating, Syd's appetite having returned to normal proportions, they worked together to clean up, stopping occasionally for a gentle kiss or a tender hug.
"I'm going to go have a shower okay Syd? Unless you want to have one first..." Gage asked when the clean-up was finished.
"No, you go ahead. I'm a bit tired still; I think I'd like to just sit for a little while before I have to stand in the shower."
"Okay. The newspaper is just there on the coffee table if you want to read."
"Thanks Gage." Syd headed to the sofa while Gage went into the bathroom. Syd settled down on the sofa and began to flip through the news section. She could hear the water running and tried not to imagine how good Gage must look with water streaming across his slightly tanned chest. The thought sent delicious shivers through her body and she was trying to pull her mind back to the newspaper when the door bell rang.
Syd stood up and walked to the door.
"Who is it?" She called without opening the door.
"Uh..is this Ranger Francis Gage's place?" Came the female voice in reply.
"Yes it is." The door was still closed.
"I'm his partner Ranger Kelly Elkins. Is Ranger Gage there? Can I come in please?" Gage's new partner was a woman! Syd had been so consumed with her own stresses this past week that she had never really thought about who Gage's new partner was, just that it wasn't her. She cautiously opened the door, wishing she had her gun just in case it wasn't Gage's partner.
Standing on the other side was a young, pretty blonde woman with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was wearing denim shorts and a black tank top, and was carrying a file folder stuffed with papers. THIS was Gage's new partner? Syd's protective female instincts went into instant overdrive.
"Come in Ranger Elkins. Gage is just in the shower." Syd gave the woman a look suggesting that there was a reason that Gage needed a shower.
Kelly took in the woman before her. She was exotically beautiful with dark skin, eyes and long, dark hair. She was standing there barefoot and looking very comfortable, clearly wearing one of Gage's shirts. Just who was she?
"Can I ask who you are?"
"Oh sure. Ranger Sydney Cooke – Gage's other partner." Syd stuck her hand out and shook hands with the younger woman, while shutting the door. "Please come in and sit down."
"Oh!" Kelly exclaimed, her face an immediate picture of pity. "You poor dear, I heard all about your breakdown. It's so sweet of Gage to be looking after you in your time of need."
"Uh yes, it's something like that." Syd replied, resisting the urge to throttle the woman as they sat down. Instead she stayed calm and played along with the game. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Well..." Kelly replied, patting the file folder in her lap. "I really should wait until Gage can talk to me. It's Ranger business." She whispered the last part as if to emphasize that it was something Syd, in her delicate emotional state, was in no condition to handle right now.
"Oh, of course, I understand." Syd responded quietly, just as Gage stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing his pyjama bottoms again and nothing else, and had his head bent down rubbing his hair dry with a towel.
"Did I hear the doorbell Syd? Who was ...there?" Gage's voice trailed off as looked up from under the towel and saw Syd sitting there with his new partner. His jaw dropped. "Kelly?"
Syd immediately took action and stood up. She approached Gage and wrapped her arms possessively around his still damp waist and, turning to look at Kelly, spoke in slightly falsetto voice. "Yes, honey look, your beautiful new partner came by. We've just been getting acquainted."
"Oh, that's...good, I guess." Gage could think of nothing else to say. Syd left arm was gripping him tightly and her right hand was lightly rubbing across his stomach, clearly marking her 'territory'. He reached down to stroke her back affectionately, loving the sensation of Syd claiming him as her own. He finally managed to speak again. "Uhhh...is everything okay Kelly?"
Kelly's eyes practically bugged out at the scenario in front of her, finally understanding the significance of finding Sydney in Gage's apartment and wearing nothing but his t-shirt, and she suddenly felt completely foolish. She had spent all week fantasizing about her sexy new partner and last night had made up her find that this weekend she would push herself on him a little. He had ignored most of her advances all week and Kelly, being the young and pretty woman that she was, had never had any difficulty snatching up men that she found desirable. It hadn't really occurred to her that Gage might already be in a relationship, with his former partner no less - the office gossip had all ear-marked him as single.
Her face flushing a little as she regained her composure, and staring at Sydney who was defiantly glaring back at her, Kelly finally stammered. "Uh...nothing really Gage. I just had these files and I was hoping that you'd be able to help me work my way through them. But it can wait until Monday, I...uhh...didn't realize that you'd be busy."
Syd suddenly interrupted "Busy? Gage always has time to help people, don't you sweetheart?" She looked up at him innocently. "I mean, look at how well you've taken care of me since my breakdown. No, no Kelly – Gage would be happy to help you right now. I'll just go have my shower." She looked up at Gage, his face a picture of confusion. Syd reached up and kissed him soundly on the lips. Gage responded as passionately as he could to her kiss, cognisant of the fact that Kelly was watching them.
"Sure Kelly." Gage said regaining his wits, as Syd let go of him and headed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. "I'll just get dressed. You're fine for a minute? Just make yourself at home."
"Uh, okay. Thanks." Kelly wished she could make a quick escape but realized that was impossible. She sat down shaking her head. She should have recognized the signs; it wasn't that Gage had found her undesirable but rather that he had eyes only for one woman - that incredibly beautiful previous partner of his. 'I can't believe I didn't see it right away – Kelly, you are losing your touch girl!' Feeling a little bit better that it wasn't her and it was the situation, Kelly opened the files she had brought. Since she was here maybe Gage could help her understand some of the legal notes in the Dawson case, and then this wouldn't have been a wasted trip.
Gage returned from the bedroom, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and Kelly couldn't help but feel jealous of Ranger Sydney Cooke. She had landed herself one incredibly great guy! 'Maybe one day I'll be that lucky.' Gage helped Kelly to work through some of the legal terms in the case and was just showing her to the door, when he heard Syd slip from the bathroom and down the hall to the bathroom.
"Thanks for your help Gage. I'm sorry to have bothered you at home and interrupted your weekend."
"That's okay Kelly. I am glad I could help. See you Monday?"
"Monday. Bye!" And Kelly started down the stairs, out of the building and back to her car.
Gage headed down the hallway and tapped on his bedroom door. "You okay in there Syd?"
"I'm just borrowing some more clothes, I hope you don't mind. I'll be out in a minute."
"Help yourself. Would you like more coffee?"
"Yes please."
Gage headed back to the kitchen and began to brew a fresh pot of coffee for them. He smiled to himself thinking how great it had felt for Syd to hold him, and kiss him, in front of someone else. It was as if she was ready to let the world know about them. He had been worried that that would be one of their biggest hurdles, but they had just passed through their first test and with flying colours.
Dressed in a pair of Gage's boxer shorts and another, smaller t-shirt from Gage's less buff days, Syd stepped from the bedroom and followed her nose to the fresh brewing java. "Hi."
"Hi yourself." Gage stepped towards her and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close.
Settling herself into his chest and wrapping her own arms around him, Syd relished the feel of his protection and love. But then she couldn't help but be a little bit of a troublemaker. "Have a nice visit with pretty Kelly?"
"Syd!"
"You didn't tell that your new partner was so young and cute and hmm, what's the word...perky!"
"I didn't think it was important."
"Well, she likes you."
"I had noticed Syd."
"You let her down gently?"
"I have been trying all week to let her know that I wasn't interested but she wouldn't take no for an answer. I think your little act in there did the trick though."
"You think?"
"It was very sexy." Gage wiggled his eyebrows at Syd and she laughed.
"You liked it?"
"Yeah, I did. I liked you letting her know what we mean to each other, even though you did go a little over the top...sweetheart."
"Yeah, well. I was jealous."
"Jealous? Syd, I would never..."
"I know Gage, but what can I say? A woman senses when another woman is interested in her man."
"Her man? I sound like a piece of meat!"
"Not meat, no but you are mine and I am never going to let you go." Syd pulled Gage close to her again, showing him with a squeeze of her arms just how tightly she could hold on. After a minute she looked up at him again though, her voice small.
"Is she a good partner?"
"She's not you Syd."
"Is she a good partner?" Syd repeated.
"She's pretty green and a little impulsive, but she's got some natural instincts and I think she's determined to be a success. She'll be a good partner someday, for somebody else. I'm going to do everything I can get to get Walker to reassign you. I went crazy without you this week. I don't ever want to live through that again."
"Do you think Walker will let that happen?"
"I don't know Syd, I really don't but I sure hope so. I know that I want to - I need to - work at your side everyday, hold you close every night and wake up with you every morning."
"I want that too Gage."
"Then we'll make it happen Syd. Do you think you're ready to go talk to Dr. Smythe?"
"Yeah, I guess so. I decided last night that maybe you were right after all; perhaps a little chat with her will help me. I've just never had to deal with my emotions this way before. I've always been able to fight my battles alone."
"You don't need to do that anymore Syd, we'll face stuff together."
"I'd like that." Syd looked up Gage, almost shyly, acknowledging the depth of their commitment one another. "This is all so new to me Gage."
"Me too Syd, me too." And he let her go after one final squeeze and poured them two cups of the best coffee that had ever been brewed in Texas. The couple settled down on the sofa, snuggling and talking all afternoon.
When evening came they ordered in a pizza and watched TV, Syd securely tucked between Gage's legs as they stretched out on the sofa. They fell asleep there, sometime late in the evening, the warmth of each other's bodies acting like a blanket against the slightly cool night air which drifted in through the open window.
Some time about 2:00 in the morning Gage woke up, the light from the TV flickering softly across his face, and the weight of Syd's body a welcome load on his chest. He reached for the remote and turned the TV off. He slid out from under Syd and gently picked her up, carrying her to his bedroom. He laid her down in the bed and climbed in behind her, holding her close in arms once again. Syd never woke up and Gage was fast asleep again within seconds.
Sunday morning they woke up in each other's arms and basically repeated the events of the previous day, minus the appearance of Kelly. They made breakfast together, cleaned up and each had a nice long shower. This time though, when Syd returned from changing she was dressed in her own clothes - the ones she had been wearing Friday.
"You want to go home?" Gage asked, already knowing the answer. He could see the determined look in her eyes even before she nodded. "Okay, I'll drive you."
Gage grabbed his keys. "Car or bike?"
"Bike." Syd grinned at him. "Its not so bad being your rear."
Gage drove Syd home, and in the parking lot of her building he pulled her close to him. "I'm afraid that if I let you out of my sight, I'll never see you again."
"I think that's a risk everybody runs when they let someone they love out of their sight. Its scares me too Gage, but we have to go our own way sometime."
"I know. I just loved having you so close this weekend."
"Why don't you come up for a bit?"
"You sure?"
"Yeah." Syd led the way up to her place, which was the messiest that Gage had ever seen it. Total disaster would be too strong a term, but it was pretty bad. Dirty dishes were everywhere and clothes were strewn about. It was so unlike Syd. Looking around her apartment he got another glimpse into the turmoil that she had gone through this last week. Gage immediately set about cleaning up the dishes and loading them in the dishwasher. Who knew that for once he would be the more fastidious of the two?
Syd headed straight for her bedroom, peeling off her Friday work clothes and pulling on something more comfortable. When she returned Gage had moved on from tidying up her dishes to making a pile of laundry.
"Gage, you don't have to do that." He looked at her. "But thank you."
"You're welcome."
Syd picked up her messages, one from her dry cleaner telling her that her order was ready and five messages from Alex, all on Friday..
"That's funny." Syd said to Gage. "Alex called here five times on Friday, each time sounding increasingly worried about me and then the messages just stop. I better call her, make sure she's okay."
"I'm sure she's fine Syd. She stopped calling because she found you. That phone call on Friday night at my place was her."
"Did you tell her...?" Syd looked like she was about to panic at the thought of Alex knowing about them.
"I told her that you were sick and I was looking after you."
"Oh. Okay. That's all?"
"That's all." Gage didn't like lying to her but he knew she'd be upset if she found out that he'd told Alex they were a couple. He knew that Syd needed to do those kinds of things on her own terms. Then looking at Syd he could see that she needed some time to herself, some time alone in her apartment.
"You'll call me tonight?" he asked, heading towards the door.
"I wouldn't dream of missing the chance to hear your voice again." Syd walked towards Gage and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you for everything. I love you."
"I love you too."
And then with a smile and wave, Gage left Syd alone to sort through the mess she'd made of her apartment and to plan what she was going to say to Walker tomorrow and how she was going to deal with meeting with Dr. Smythe.
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Early the next morning Syd met Gage in the underground parking garage at Ranger Headquarters.
"You ready?" he asked her, embracing her and kissing her lightly, first on the lips and then on the top of her head.
"Yes." Syd said, the look of fierce determination in her eyes assuring Gage that Syd was herself again. She let go of him and headed for the elevator. "Coming?"
Gage followed her into the elevator and they rode in silence up to the second floor and the home of Company B. Syd stepped off the elevator and approached the door, pausing for a moment. But then she pushed the door open and strode over to Walker's desk. Gage walked in her wake, proud as ever of her determined spirit. He walked to his desk, eyes still on her as Walker looked up from his desk.
"That's her!" Kelly whispered to Trivette, as they poured each other a coffee. "Gage's girlfriend."
"What?" Trivette answered. "Sydney? No, she's his old partner."
"Yeah well maybe but I went to Gage's place on Saturday and she was there, dressed in his t-shirt, her arms wrapped around him and they were kissing. Believe me, she's his girlfriend."
Trivette grinned, Alex was right! She had called him on the weekend and let it slip that she thought Syd and Gage were intimately involved. Trivette himself had told Alex that he thought something was going on given their odd behaviour out at the ranch last week and then their emotional embrace in the office the other day. But here was confirmation from an eye-witness. 'Good for you Gage.' thought Trivette 'Good for you.'
He watched as Sydney walked over to Walker's desk and Walker greeted her back enthusiastically, motioning for her to follow him into a private office after she had spoken a few words to him.
"Sydney's looking good." Trivette commented to Gage, who hadn't stopped staring in her direction even as she and Walker stepped behind closed doors.
"Yeah, she is Trivette." Gage replied proudly, his eyes still trained on the door. "Oh, hi Kelly." Gage added as his eyes left the door and he finally noticed his new partner standing at her desk.
"Hi Gage." She smiled at him. "I hope that you and Sydney enjoyed the rest of your weekend."
Gage looked over at Trivette and realized from the look on Jimmy's face that his relationship with Syd was out in the open. Blushing a little he replied. "Yeah, we did thanks. You get the details on that case worked out?"
"Yes, thanks again for your help." Her turn to blush for having rather blatantly thrown herself at Gage on the weekend by showing up at his place with such a flimsy excuse, Kelly sat down and began looking through the paperwork on her desk.
Several minutes later Walker opened the door and Syd walked out, the look on her face unreadable.
"Can I see you in the hallway for a minute Gage?" she asked her voice tight.
"Sure Syd." Gage jumped up and followed her into the hallway, where Syd had sat down on one of the benches. He sat down beside, wanting to take her hand but afraid to touch her. He wanted her to take the lead in public shows of affection. "What did Walker say?"
"He said he was glad that I was feeling better and willing to talk to Dr. Smythe. He said I could probably even be assigned to active as early as tomorrow if her report is good."
"That's great news Syd! What aren't you telling me?"
"When I am re-assigned to active duty, he said it might not be to Company B. He thinks Kelly is doing a great job and he's not so sure that you and I should be partners anymore." Syd's voice broke and with tears in her eyes, she leaned into him for support. He immediately wrapped one arm over her shoulder and took both her trembling hands in his other. "I really messed up. Why didn't I just talk to Dr. Smythe in the first place?"
"Oh Syd. You didn't mess up; you weren't ready to talk yet. Don't worry, we'll make this work. I don't know how yet, but we will."
As Gage was consoling Syd in the hallway, their affection for one another visible to all who passed by, Alex stepped off the elevator carrying tiny Angela in her arms. She stopped when she saw the two young Rangers and knew immediately from their pose that something was amiss.
"Sydney, Gage – what's wrong?"
Gage looked up at her grimly.
"Alex." Syd looked up stifling a sniffle, a tear running down her face. Without thinking Gage reached up and wiped the tear away. "Walker doesn't think that Gage and I should be partners any more. He thinks that a change might be good for us. I don't want a change Alex, I just want Gage." Syd reached up and held her hand to Gage's chest as another tear slid down her face.
"Oh honey." Alex replied, reaching down to capture Syd's hand and then looking over to Gage. "And Gage. I'm so sorry; I don't know what he could be thinking. You two make wonderful partners. And a wonderful couple."
Syd looked up at Alex, realizing that her friend had easily understood the change in Syd and Gage's relationship and gave her a little smile. "Thanks Alex. We think so."
Gage smiled up at Alex too as Syd's arm returned to caressing his chest. He stroked her hair as she sat gently leaned into him. Alex hated to see their new-found happiness so jeopardized by Walker's decision. 'I guess I'll have to go tell him what I think' Alex decided.
"It'll work out guys, I'm sure of it. You just have faith." And Alex turned away from them and opened the door to Company B, the poignant image of Syd and Gage sitting there etched in her mind. She looked over at Walker who was on the phone and though he waved at her and his new daughter, she ignored him and headed over to Trivette.
"Jimmy, we've got a real problem."
"Sydney and Gage?"
"Come look." She motioned for him to follow her and they peeked through the door at the couple who continued to sit there, gathering strength from one another. "Walker doesn't think they should be partners anymore."
"Permanently? What is he thinking? I understood for a little while, until Syd was feeling better, but permanently? That'll kill them!"
"I know. We need to talk to him and get this crazy notion out of his head."
"I'm with you Alex. Of course, I don't have to go home to him every night."
"I can't stand by and let this happen. Look at them Jimmy! Have you ever seen two people so well suited for one another?"
Trivette shook his head 'no' and followed Alex as she shut the door and marched over to her husband's desk as he hung up the phone. "Walker, Jimmy and I need to talk to you."
"Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like this?"
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Still despondent over Walker's decision, but determined to see Dr. Smythe and at least get assigned back to active duty, Syd detached herself from Gage and headed down the hall to the psychologist's office.
"You want me to go with you?"
"Thanks Gage, I need to do this myself."
"I'll be right here waiting for you when you're done."
"I know you will be - that's what's giving me the strength to do this."
Gage smiled at her as she walked down the hall and when she had rounded the corner he opened the office door and sat down at his desk.
Several Rangers and the administrative assistants were fussing over Angela, still in Alex's arms, and offering their congratulations. Trivette was sitting at his computer and Walker was on the phone. Kelly looked over at him.
"Your girlfriend okay?" Gage looked up at her. It sounded so funny! It was the first time anyone had called Syd his girlfriend and it sent a thrill through his body.
"She'll survive. Thanks for asking Kelly." And then Gage turned his head to his computer and began to working through some of his paperwork. He heard Walker get off the phone but he was too angry with him to go and talk now. He would wait until he had calmed down a little and then he'd let his boss know just what he thought of his decision.
It was over an hour and half before Syd returned and by then Alex had left with Angela. As Syd entered the office Walker's phone rang and he answered it, turning his back to the young Ranger as she walked across the room to Gage's desk. Gage stood up and Syd melted into his arms, looking tired but with a smile on her face.
"It was a good meeting?"
"Yes Gage, thank you for encouraging me to go."
They heard Walker hang up his phone but no sooner had he said 'Thanks Dr. Smythe.' than it rang again.
"I guess I better head down to the archives now, they'll really be wondering where I got to."
"Okay. I'll see you at lunch?"
"Sounds good..." Syd began but was cut off by Walker's shouts.
"Armed robbery in progress at 17th and Dunholme. All available Rangers required, there are at least twelve hostages and three shots have been fired."
Syd felt Gage immediately tense up and reach for his gun. "Gotta go. I'm sorry."
Syd nodded in understanding. She hated Gage to feel like this. "Just be careful."
Gage moved closed to Walker for instructions, leaving Syd standing alone at his desk.
"Trivette - we're going to approach from Dunholme. Gage and Kelly, you approach from 17th."
"Okay." All three replied in unison.
"And Sydney?"
"Yeah?" Syd stopped breathing, her senses suddenly on alert. Walker threw Syd her gun.
"You and Gage show Ranger Elkins the ropes okay?"
"Does this mean...?" A smile made its way first across Syd's face, and then Gage's, as they realized what Walker was saying.
"You're back on active duty Sydney, effective immediately. I want my best Ranger team to show our newest member how it's done."
"You bet." Syd exclaimed, immediately fastening her holster and gun and then asking as they all headed out the door. "What made you change your mind?"
"I've been informed by a number of interested people in the past couple of hours that you two are stronger together than apart. Who am I to break up such a formidable team? One rule though."
"Anything." Gage replied instantly.
"No more tickling, okay?"
Gage grabbed Syd's hand as they ran for the stairs and they both laughed, replying as one. "No more tickling."
Walker winked at them as he started off down the stairs, followed by a grinning Trivette and an intense young Ranger Kelly Elkins.
"C'mon guys, let's go!" She shouted to the two Rangers who were supposed to be 'showing her the ropes'. Gage had stopped Syd at the top of the stairs and was planting a kiss on her lips just before they headed down. Syd slipped out his clasp, grinned up at him and running down the stairs shouted,
"Yeah partner, let's go!"
THE END
Part 6
Syd and Gage slept peacefully in each other's arms all night long. They slept late, well past 10:00 and the sun was streaming in the window around the edges of the curtain, when surprisingly it was Syd awoke first. She rolled over in Gage's arms and awakened him with a gentle kiss on the nose.
"Good morning." Syd smiled and whispered to the man who held her closely.
"Mornin'" Gage mumbled and sleepily opened his eyes. "You okay Syd?"
"Yes." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Now more awake, Gage sat up resting on one elbow and reaching over to stroke Syd's hair with his other hand. "God, you're beautiful Syd."
She blushed and almost looked away. "I never thought I'd be lying here with you, listening to you tell me that."
"Me either Syd, but here we are and it's real. This is really happening. I love you."
"I love you too." Syd wrapped her arms around Gage and pulled herself close to his bare chest. "I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be."
Gage held her in his arms, still stroking her soft hair, until Syd looked up at him and said "I'm a little hungry."
"You're hungry? Oh Syd, that's a good sign, your body is healing. What do you want?"
"Toast?" Syd looked at him mischievously.
"Ahh, my speciality. Certainly and would you like some eggs with that? How about some fruit?"
"That sounds really good - I'm actually not just a little hungry, I'm famished."
Gage reluctantly released her from his embrace and Syd grudgingly unwrapped her arms from his back, and they climbed out of bed. Syd headed straight to the bathroom and as she walked Gage could see how much steadier she was on her feet than she had been the day before. He proceeded to the kitchen and immediately set about making coffee.
When Syd finished in the bathroom she padded through to the kitchen in her bare feet, still wearing Gage's comfortable blue t-shirt. It hung down to just above her knees and her hair was hanging down her back and around her face. Gage didn't think he had seen anything sexier in his life than Syd wearing nothing but his old shirt, and he gulped when she walked into the room. He suddenly imagined waking up with her every morning and wondered how he would ever make it out the door and to work on time.
"What can I do?" Syd asked, thinking that Gage was incredibly desirable. She had always thought that he was good-looking but now, barefoot and with only pyjama bottoms on, his bare chest exposed and standing in the kitchen with a frying pan, he was the most attractive man she had ever seen. Smiling to herself Syd thought 'And its me – me! that he loves.'
"Would you like to cut up the melon?" Gage pointed to the cantaloupe in the fruit basket. "The knives are in the drawer there."
Syd nodded, she knew exactly where the knives were having cooked meals for him several times in the weeks after he had lost his hearing. She opened the drawer, chose a knife and proceeded to cut up the melon. In a matter of ten minutes they had prepared a delicious meal and were sitting down at his kitchen table, enjoying the food and each other's company.
When they had finished eating, Syd's appetite having returned to normal proportions, they worked together to clean up, stopping occasionally for a gentle kiss or a tender hug.
"I'm going to go have a shower okay Syd? Unless you want to have one first..." Gage asked when the clean-up was finished.
"No, you go ahead. I'm a bit tired still; I think I'd like to just sit for a little while before I have to stand in the shower."
"Okay. The newspaper is just there on the coffee table if you want to read."
"Thanks Gage." Syd headed to the sofa while Gage went into the bathroom. Syd settled down on the sofa and began to flip through the news section. She could hear the water running and tried not to imagine how good Gage must look with water streaming across his slightly tanned chest. The thought sent delicious shivers through her body and she was trying to pull her mind back to the newspaper when the door bell rang.
Syd stood up and walked to the door.
"Who is it?" She called without opening the door.
"Uh..is this Ranger Francis Gage's place?" Came the female voice in reply.
"Yes it is." The door was still closed.
"I'm his partner Ranger Kelly Elkins. Is Ranger Gage there? Can I come in please?" Gage's new partner was a woman! Syd had been so consumed with her own stresses this past week that she had never really thought about who Gage's new partner was, just that it wasn't her. She cautiously opened the door, wishing she had her gun just in case it wasn't Gage's partner.
Standing on the other side was a young, pretty blonde woman with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was wearing denim shorts and a black tank top, and was carrying a file folder stuffed with papers. THIS was Gage's new partner? Syd's protective female instincts went into instant overdrive.
"Come in Ranger Elkins. Gage is just in the shower." Syd gave the woman a look suggesting that there was a reason that Gage needed a shower.
Kelly took in the woman before her. She was exotically beautiful with dark skin, eyes and long, dark hair. She was standing there barefoot and looking very comfortable, clearly wearing one of Gage's shirts. Just who was she?
"Can I ask who you are?"
"Oh sure. Ranger Sydney Cooke – Gage's other partner." Syd stuck her hand out and shook hands with the younger woman, while shutting the door. "Please come in and sit down."
"Oh!" Kelly exclaimed, her face an immediate picture of pity. "You poor dear, I heard all about your breakdown. It's so sweet of Gage to be looking after you in your time of need."
"Uh yes, it's something like that." Syd replied, resisting the urge to throttle the woman as they sat down. Instead she stayed calm and played along with the game. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Well..." Kelly replied, patting the file folder in her lap. "I really should wait until Gage can talk to me. It's Ranger business." She whispered the last part as if to emphasize that it was something Syd, in her delicate emotional state, was in no condition to handle right now.
"Oh, of course, I understand." Syd responded quietly, just as Gage stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing his pyjama bottoms again and nothing else, and had his head bent down rubbing his hair dry with a towel.
"Did I hear the doorbell Syd? Who was ...there?" Gage's voice trailed off as looked up from under the towel and saw Syd sitting there with his new partner. His jaw dropped. "Kelly?"
Syd immediately took action and stood up. She approached Gage and wrapped her arms possessively around his still damp waist and, turning to look at Kelly, spoke in slightly falsetto voice. "Yes, honey look, your beautiful new partner came by. We've just been getting acquainted."
"Oh, that's...good, I guess." Gage could think of nothing else to say. Syd left arm was gripping him tightly and her right hand was lightly rubbing across his stomach, clearly marking her 'territory'. He reached down to stroke her back affectionately, loving the sensation of Syd claiming him as her own. He finally managed to speak again. "Uhhh...is everything okay Kelly?"
Kelly's eyes practically bugged out at the scenario in front of her, finally understanding the significance of finding Sydney in Gage's apartment and wearing nothing but his t-shirt, and she suddenly felt completely foolish. She had spent all week fantasizing about her sexy new partner and last night had made up her find that this weekend she would push herself on him a little. He had ignored most of her advances all week and Kelly, being the young and pretty woman that she was, had never had any difficulty snatching up men that she found desirable. It hadn't really occurred to her that Gage might already be in a relationship, with his former partner no less - the office gossip had all ear-marked him as single.
Her face flushing a little as she regained her composure, and staring at Sydney who was defiantly glaring back at her, Kelly finally stammered. "Uh...nothing really Gage. I just had these files and I was hoping that you'd be able to help me work my way through them. But it can wait until Monday, I...uhh...didn't realize that you'd be busy."
Syd suddenly interrupted "Busy? Gage always has time to help people, don't you sweetheart?" She looked up at him innocently. "I mean, look at how well you've taken care of me since my breakdown. No, no Kelly – Gage would be happy to help you right now. I'll just go have my shower." She looked up at Gage, his face a picture of confusion. Syd reached up and kissed him soundly on the lips. Gage responded as passionately as he could to her kiss, cognisant of the fact that Kelly was watching them.
"Sure Kelly." Gage said regaining his wits, as Syd let go of him and headed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. "I'll just get dressed. You're fine for a minute? Just make yourself at home."
"Uh, okay. Thanks." Kelly wished she could make a quick escape but realized that was impossible. She sat down shaking her head. She should have recognized the signs; it wasn't that Gage had found her undesirable but rather that he had eyes only for one woman - that incredibly beautiful previous partner of his. 'I can't believe I didn't see it right away – Kelly, you are losing your touch girl!' Feeling a little bit better that it wasn't her and it was the situation, Kelly opened the files she had brought. Since she was here maybe Gage could help her understand some of the legal notes in the Dawson case, and then this wouldn't have been a wasted trip.
Gage returned from the bedroom, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and Kelly couldn't help but feel jealous of Ranger Sydney Cooke. She had landed herself one incredibly great guy! 'Maybe one day I'll be that lucky.' Gage helped Kelly to work through some of the legal terms in the case and was just showing her to the door, when he heard Syd slip from the bathroom and down the hall to the bathroom.
"Thanks for your help Gage. I'm sorry to have bothered you at home and interrupted your weekend."
"That's okay Kelly. I am glad I could help. See you Monday?"
"Monday. Bye!" And Kelly started down the stairs, out of the building and back to her car.
Gage headed down the hallway and tapped on his bedroom door. "You okay in there Syd?"
"I'm just borrowing some more clothes, I hope you don't mind. I'll be out in a minute."
"Help yourself. Would you like more coffee?"
"Yes please."
Gage headed back to the kitchen and began to brew a fresh pot of coffee for them. He smiled to himself thinking how great it had felt for Syd to hold him, and kiss him, in front of someone else. It was as if she was ready to let the world know about them. He had been worried that that would be one of their biggest hurdles, but they had just passed through their first test and with flying colours.
Dressed in a pair of Gage's boxer shorts and another, smaller t-shirt from Gage's less buff days, Syd stepped from the bedroom and followed her nose to the fresh brewing java. "Hi."
"Hi yourself." Gage stepped towards her and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close.
Settling herself into his chest and wrapping her own arms around him, Syd relished the feel of his protection and love. But then she couldn't help but be a little bit of a troublemaker. "Have a nice visit with pretty Kelly?"
"Syd!"
"You didn't tell that your new partner was so young and cute and hmm, what's the word...perky!"
"I didn't think it was important."
"Well, she likes you."
"I had noticed Syd."
"You let her down gently?"
"I have been trying all week to let her know that I wasn't interested but she wouldn't take no for an answer. I think your little act in there did the trick though."
"You think?"
"It was very sexy." Gage wiggled his eyebrows at Syd and she laughed.
"You liked it?"
"Yeah, I did. I liked you letting her know what we mean to each other, even though you did go a little over the top...sweetheart."
"Yeah, well. I was jealous."
"Jealous? Syd, I would never..."
"I know Gage, but what can I say? A woman senses when another woman is interested in her man."
"Her man? I sound like a piece of meat!"
"Not meat, no but you are mine and I am never going to let you go." Syd pulled Gage close to her again, showing him with a squeeze of her arms just how tightly she could hold on. After a minute she looked up at him again though, her voice small.
"Is she a good partner?"
"She's not you Syd."
"Is she a good partner?" Syd repeated.
"She's pretty green and a little impulsive, but she's got some natural instincts and I think she's determined to be a success. She'll be a good partner someday, for somebody else. I'm going to do everything I can get to get Walker to reassign you. I went crazy without you this week. I don't ever want to live through that again."
"Do you think Walker will let that happen?"
"I don't know Syd, I really don't but I sure hope so. I know that I want to - I need to - work at your side everyday, hold you close every night and wake up with you every morning."
"I want that too Gage."
"Then we'll make it happen Syd. Do you think you're ready to go talk to Dr. Smythe?"
"Yeah, I guess so. I decided last night that maybe you were right after all; perhaps a little chat with her will help me. I've just never had to deal with my emotions this way before. I've always been able to fight my battles alone."
"You don't need to do that anymore Syd, we'll face stuff together."
"I'd like that." Syd looked up Gage, almost shyly, acknowledging the depth of their commitment one another. "This is all so new to me Gage."
"Me too Syd, me too." And he let her go after one final squeeze and poured them two cups of the best coffee that had ever been brewed in Texas. The couple settled down on the sofa, snuggling and talking all afternoon.
When evening came they ordered in a pizza and watched TV, Syd securely tucked between Gage's legs as they stretched out on the sofa. They fell asleep there, sometime late in the evening, the warmth of each other's bodies acting like a blanket against the slightly cool night air which drifted in through the open window.
Some time about 2:00 in the morning Gage woke up, the light from the TV flickering softly across his face, and the weight of Syd's body a welcome load on his chest. He reached for the remote and turned the TV off. He slid out from under Syd and gently picked her up, carrying her to his bedroom. He laid her down in the bed and climbed in behind her, holding her close in arms once again. Syd never woke up and Gage was fast asleep again within seconds.
Sunday morning they woke up in each other's arms and basically repeated the events of the previous day, minus the appearance of Kelly. They made breakfast together, cleaned up and each had a nice long shower. This time though, when Syd returned from changing she was dressed in her own clothes - the ones she had been wearing Friday.
"You want to go home?" Gage asked, already knowing the answer. He could see the determined look in her eyes even before she nodded. "Okay, I'll drive you."
Gage grabbed his keys. "Car or bike?"
"Bike." Syd grinned at him. "Its not so bad being your rear."
Gage drove Syd home, and in the parking lot of her building he pulled her close to him. "I'm afraid that if I let you out of my sight, I'll never see you again."
"I think that's a risk everybody runs when they let someone they love out of their sight. Its scares me too Gage, but we have to go our own way sometime."
"I know. I just loved having you so close this weekend."
"Why don't you come up for a bit?"
"You sure?"
"Yeah." Syd led the way up to her place, which was the messiest that Gage had ever seen it. Total disaster would be too strong a term, but it was pretty bad. Dirty dishes were everywhere and clothes were strewn about. It was so unlike Syd. Looking around her apartment he got another glimpse into the turmoil that she had gone through this last week. Gage immediately set about cleaning up the dishes and loading them in the dishwasher. Who knew that for once he would be the more fastidious of the two?
Syd headed straight for her bedroom, peeling off her Friday work clothes and pulling on something more comfortable. When she returned Gage had moved on from tidying up her dishes to making a pile of laundry.
"Gage, you don't have to do that." He looked at her. "But thank you."
"You're welcome."
Syd picked up her messages, one from her dry cleaner telling her that her order was ready and five messages from Alex, all on Friday..
"That's funny." Syd said to Gage. "Alex called here five times on Friday, each time sounding increasingly worried about me and then the messages just stop. I better call her, make sure she's okay."
"I'm sure she's fine Syd. She stopped calling because she found you. That phone call on Friday night at my place was her."
"Did you tell her...?" Syd looked like she was about to panic at the thought of Alex knowing about them.
"I told her that you were sick and I was looking after you."
"Oh. Okay. That's all?"
"That's all." Gage didn't like lying to her but he knew she'd be upset if she found out that he'd told Alex they were a couple. He knew that Syd needed to do those kinds of things on her own terms. Then looking at Syd he could see that she needed some time to herself, some time alone in her apartment.
"You'll call me tonight?" he asked, heading towards the door.
"I wouldn't dream of missing the chance to hear your voice again." Syd walked towards Gage and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you for everything. I love you."
"I love you too."
And then with a smile and wave, Gage left Syd alone to sort through the mess she'd made of her apartment and to plan what she was going to say to Walker tomorrow and how she was going to deal with meeting with Dr. Smythe.
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Early the next morning Syd met Gage in the underground parking garage at Ranger Headquarters.
"You ready?" he asked her, embracing her and kissing her lightly, first on the lips and then on the top of her head.
"Yes." Syd said, the look of fierce determination in her eyes assuring Gage that Syd was herself again. She let go of him and headed for the elevator. "Coming?"
Gage followed her into the elevator and they rode in silence up to the second floor and the home of Company B. Syd stepped off the elevator and approached the door, pausing for a moment. But then she pushed the door open and strode over to Walker's desk. Gage walked in her wake, proud as ever of her determined spirit. He walked to his desk, eyes still on her as Walker looked up from his desk.
"That's her!" Kelly whispered to Trivette, as they poured each other a coffee. "Gage's girlfriend."
"What?" Trivette answered. "Sydney? No, she's his old partner."
"Yeah well maybe but I went to Gage's place on Saturday and she was there, dressed in his t-shirt, her arms wrapped around him and they were kissing. Believe me, she's his girlfriend."
Trivette grinned, Alex was right! She had called him on the weekend and let it slip that she thought Syd and Gage were intimately involved. Trivette himself had told Alex that he thought something was going on given their odd behaviour out at the ranch last week and then their emotional embrace in the office the other day. But here was confirmation from an eye-witness. 'Good for you Gage.' thought Trivette 'Good for you.'
He watched as Sydney walked over to Walker's desk and Walker greeted her back enthusiastically, motioning for her to follow him into a private office after she had spoken a few words to him.
"Sydney's looking good." Trivette commented to Gage, who hadn't stopped staring in her direction even as she and Walker stepped behind closed doors.
"Yeah, she is Trivette." Gage replied proudly, his eyes still trained on the door. "Oh, hi Kelly." Gage added as his eyes left the door and he finally noticed his new partner standing at her desk.
"Hi Gage." She smiled at him. "I hope that you and Sydney enjoyed the rest of your weekend."
Gage looked over at Trivette and realized from the look on Jimmy's face that his relationship with Syd was out in the open. Blushing a little he replied. "Yeah, we did thanks. You get the details on that case worked out?"
"Yes, thanks again for your help." Her turn to blush for having rather blatantly thrown herself at Gage on the weekend by showing up at his place with such a flimsy excuse, Kelly sat down and began looking through the paperwork on her desk.
Several minutes later Walker opened the door and Syd walked out, the look on her face unreadable.
"Can I see you in the hallway for a minute Gage?" she asked her voice tight.
"Sure Syd." Gage jumped up and followed her into the hallway, where Syd had sat down on one of the benches. He sat down beside, wanting to take her hand but afraid to touch her. He wanted her to take the lead in public shows of affection. "What did Walker say?"
"He said he was glad that I was feeling better and willing to talk to Dr. Smythe. He said I could probably even be assigned to active as early as tomorrow if her report is good."
"That's great news Syd! What aren't you telling me?"
"When I am re-assigned to active duty, he said it might not be to Company B. He thinks Kelly is doing a great job and he's not so sure that you and I should be partners anymore." Syd's voice broke and with tears in her eyes, she leaned into him for support. He immediately wrapped one arm over her shoulder and took both her trembling hands in his other. "I really messed up. Why didn't I just talk to Dr. Smythe in the first place?"
"Oh Syd. You didn't mess up; you weren't ready to talk yet. Don't worry, we'll make this work. I don't know how yet, but we will."
As Gage was consoling Syd in the hallway, their affection for one another visible to all who passed by, Alex stepped off the elevator carrying tiny Angela in her arms. She stopped when she saw the two young Rangers and knew immediately from their pose that something was amiss.
"Sydney, Gage – what's wrong?"
Gage looked up at her grimly.
"Alex." Syd looked up stifling a sniffle, a tear running down her face. Without thinking Gage reached up and wiped the tear away. "Walker doesn't think that Gage and I should be partners any more. He thinks that a change might be good for us. I don't want a change Alex, I just want Gage." Syd reached up and held her hand to Gage's chest as another tear slid down her face.
"Oh honey." Alex replied, reaching down to capture Syd's hand and then looking over to Gage. "And Gage. I'm so sorry; I don't know what he could be thinking. You two make wonderful partners. And a wonderful couple."
Syd looked up at Alex, realizing that her friend had easily understood the change in Syd and Gage's relationship and gave her a little smile. "Thanks Alex. We think so."
Gage smiled up at Alex too as Syd's arm returned to caressing his chest. He stroked her hair as she sat gently leaned into him. Alex hated to see their new-found happiness so jeopardized by Walker's decision. 'I guess I'll have to go tell him what I think' Alex decided.
"It'll work out guys, I'm sure of it. You just have faith." And Alex turned away from them and opened the door to Company B, the poignant image of Syd and Gage sitting there etched in her mind. She looked over at Walker who was on the phone and though he waved at her and his new daughter, she ignored him and headed over to Trivette.
"Jimmy, we've got a real problem."
"Sydney and Gage?"
"Come look." She motioned for him to follow her and they peeked through the door at the couple who continued to sit there, gathering strength from one another. "Walker doesn't think they should be partners anymore."
"Permanently? What is he thinking? I understood for a little while, until Syd was feeling better, but permanently? That'll kill them!"
"I know. We need to talk to him and get this crazy notion out of his head."
"I'm with you Alex. Of course, I don't have to go home to him every night."
"I can't stand by and let this happen. Look at them Jimmy! Have you ever seen two people so well suited for one another?"
Trivette shook his head 'no' and followed Alex as she shut the door and marched over to her husband's desk as he hung up the phone. "Walker, Jimmy and I need to talk to you."
"Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like this?"
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Still despondent over Walker's decision, but determined to see Dr. Smythe and at least get assigned back to active duty, Syd detached herself from Gage and headed down the hall to the psychologist's office.
"You want me to go with you?"
"Thanks Gage, I need to do this myself."
"I'll be right here waiting for you when you're done."
"I know you will be - that's what's giving me the strength to do this."
Gage smiled at her as she walked down the hall and when she had rounded the corner he opened the office door and sat down at his desk.
Several Rangers and the administrative assistants were fussing over Angela, still in Alex's arms, and offering their congratulations. Trivette was sitting at his computer and Walker was on the phone. Kelly looked over at him.
"Your girlfriend okay?" Gage looked up at her. It sounded so funny! It was the first time anyone had called Syd his girlfriend and it sent a thrill through his body.
"She'll survive. Thanks for asking Kelly." And then Gage turned his head to his computer and began to working through some of his paperwork. He heard Walker get off the phone but he was too angry with him to go and talk now. He would wait until he had calmed down a little and then he'd let his boss know just what he thought of his decision.
It was over an hour and half before Syd returned and by then Alex had left with Angela. As Syd entered the office Walker's phone rang and he answered it, turning his back to the young Ranger as she walked across the room to Gage's desk. Gage stood up and Syd melted into his arms, looking tired but with a smile on her face.
"It was a good meeting?"
"Yes Gage, thank you for encouraging me to go."
They heard Walker hang up his phone but no sooner had he said 'Thanks Dr. Smythe.' than it rang again.
"I guess I better head down to the archives now, they'll really be wondering where I got to."
"Okay. I'll see you at lunch?"
"Sounds good..." Syd began but was cut off by Walker's shouts.
"Armed robbery in progress at 17th and Dunholme. All available Rangers required, there are at least twelve hostages and three shots have been fired."
Syd felt Gage immediately tense up and reach for his gun. "Gotta go. I'm sorry."
Syd nodded in understanding. She hated Gage to feel like this. "Just be careful."
Gage moved closed to Walker for instructions, leaving Syd standing alone at his desk.
"Trivette - we're going to approach from Dunholme. Gage and Kelly, you approach from 17th."
"Okay." All three replied in unison.
"And Sydney?"
"Yeah?" Syd stopped breathing, her senses suddenly on alert. Walker threw Syd her gun.
"You and Gage show Ranger Elkins the ropes okay?"
"Does this mean...?" A smile made its way first across Syd's face, and then Gage's, as they realized what Walker was saying.
"You're back on active duty Sydney, effective immediately. I want my best Ranger team to show our newest member how it's done."
"You bet." Syd exclaimed, immediately fastening her holster and gun and then asking as they all headed out the door. "What made you change your mind?"
"I've been informed by a number of interested people in the past couple of hours that you two are stronger together than apart. Who am I to break up such a formidable team? One rule though."
"Anything." Gage replied instantly.
"No more tickling, okay?"
Gage grabbed Syd's hand as they ran for the stairs and they both laughed, replying as one. "No more tickling."
Walker winked at them as he started off down the stairs, followed by a grinning Trivette and an intense young Ranger Kelly Elkins.
"C'mon guys, let's go!" She shouted to the two Rangers who were supposed to be 'showing her the ropes'. Gage had stopped Syd at the top of the stairs and was planting a kiss on her lips just before they headed down. Syd slipped out his clasp, grinned up at him and running down the stairs shouted,
"Yeah partner, let's go!"
THE END