Seven days later, Dave was on the mend, recuperating at his townhouse.
Aaron worked during the day, but spent his nights taking care of Dave. Dave loved the fact that Aaron was doting on him, but could sense something was troubling Aaron.
"Hey Dave" Aaron said as he let himself into Dave's house.
"Hey yourself"
"I re-filled you pain pills and picked up Chinese for dinner" Aaron said, leaning in to give Dave a kiss.
"Sounds good. How was work?"
"Okay. The team misses you".
"I'll be back in a few weeks. As soon as the doctor clears me".
Dave couldn't help but notice Aaron tense up.
"What's going on Aaron?"
"Nothing why do you ask?"
"Because I've been feeling a strange vibe from you sense I got out of the hospital. Then just now when I mentioned returning to work you tensed up. What's wrong? Don't tell me you met some younger guy since I've been recovering?" Dave joked, truing to lighten to mood.
"That's not funny" Aaron responded.
"Oh tell me it's not Adam from White Collar".
"Dave, maybe you can make jokes. But this is serious to me. Damn it, I almost lost you. I had to stand there and watch that son of a bitch shoot you. Then to make it worse, I had to remain calm and play the role of a concerned unit chief, when in fact, I was dying inside. I had to watch the man I love taken away in an ambulance. I had to wait calmly with the team at the hospital while you were having a bullet dug out of your stomach. Then when I finally did get to see you, I still couldn't run to you and hold you in my arms, because someone might see us. It's just not fair!"
Dave saw the tears in Aaron's eyes. "No it's not fair Aaron. It's not fair that we have to keep our love for each other a secret. But it's the way it has to be. Fraternization is a no no at the Department. We could probably skate by if we were a man and a woman, but two men. Shit, it would ruin our careers".
"I know... I just wish..."
"I know...so do I", Dave said wrapping his arms around his lover. "Come on lets go to bed" he said kissing his neck provocatively.
"Dave, stop it. You know we can't. You're still healing".
"I know. I just want to get naked and snuggle against you".
"Then come on".