A/N: I would like to show lots of thanks to the lovely foxby for being my BETA!
"We will continue the trial tomorrow at 10 am." The voice of the judge rang in my ears. It was a long trial, a welcome workout for my mind, even if he wasn't across the court from me. I bowed my head to my podium and began to neatly clear away information used during the case. Across the room, a disgruntled-looking Lynn Ying. She was quickly piling paperwork into a briefcase. I grabbed my case file and headed out of the room. So far, today had been relatively decent. But, of course, Gumshoe ran up to me.
"SIR!!! I remember where I've met her before!" I flinched away from the harsh sound and quickly cursed him under my breath.
"Remember whom, detective?" I really didn't want to know, but he was begging for me to indulge his conversation.
"The prosecutor, Lynn Ying! She used to be a detective at the precinct." I mentally noted how unimportant this was and I began to walk away. Gumshoe looked hurt, but I continued toward the doors pulling a pack of vanilla cigarettes out of a pocket. I always keep two packs on me, menthol for a normal smoke, and vanilla for when I feel I deserve it. I run out of vanilla rather quickly. I pause to light up and take in the first breath. It was as if some godly figure had devised a way to combine a simple but elegant vanilla bean ice cream with the rich, deep flavor of tobacco. I was caught up in the combination when a hand firmly placed itself on my shoulder. Quickly I turned, surprised, to see Ms. Ying standing next to me, an unlit Marlboro hanging from her lips.
"Hey, can I borrow your light?" I wordlessly handed her my Zippo and she took it. "Good fight in court today," was her only comment as she took a drag. She shouldered off her jacket and revealed a fitted red dress with a black collar. I noted it was possible to look like a whore and a professional at the same time without that profession being a whore. I was yanked back into the real world by her light conversation. "So you smoke the girly kind?" A grin was plastered across her face as she indicated my choice of tobacco. "I'm just yanking your cravat, Edgey-Boy. I guess what they say about you being a stick-in-the-mud was true." I felt myself frowning and preparing to make a rude comment. "Well, thanks for the light! Also, tell Derek I said hi." She walked away, smoke trailing behind her.
"How the BLOODY HELL does she know about him?" My brows knitted as I pondered how this stranger knew about the sap I was dating at the time. It's not like I announce, "HEY, guess what? I'm gay and I go through partners like Maya goes through Wright's money!" I fumed, but couldn't help chuckle at my own joke as I made my way to my car.
I arrived at my apartment half an hour and four menthol cigarettes later. I slammed the car door behind me and stalked to the front door angrily, grumbling the entire way. The door was open and I walked in; Derek was at the kitchen table sorting through some sort of paperwork. He looked up and smiled. I had to admit, the smile combined with his sandy blond hair helped relieve some of my stress. We may not have been meant for each other personality-wise, but I never thought that was what this relationship was for. I made my way over to the table and sat next to him. I gently kissed him moving my lips to his neck. He stretched out and pulled away.
"How was the trial?" I had forgotten about that godforsaken defense attorney until his mention of my day in court. I felt my face contort with frustration.
"I haven't met the defense before, but she managed to make the trial worthwhile. We're continuing tomorrow." He watched my lips move, but I could never be sure if he was listening. "She seemed to know you." At this, his eyebrows raised. "I believe her name was Lynn Ying." My voice trailed off on her name. His mouth turned down as he thought.
"Lynn… Is she Asian with black hair and wire glasses?" I nodded and he continued. "She's a regular at the bar. Her normal order is an Arizona sunrise. She tends to complain about some chick named Eryn, I don't know, there's some sort of rivalry going on there." He stopped and bit his pointer finger nail. It made me uncomfortable, and I shifted in my seat. "Why, what did she say?" I returned my gaze from his lips to his eyes.
"I just found it odd that she knew you. She said to give you her greetings." He looked at me quizzically and leaned closer.
"Hmm… I really don't see how something so trivial matters. It's not like anyone would be surprised about your 'preferences.'" I went to comment on how my colleagues had no need to know about my personal life, but his lips cut me off. He moved closer and we broke for air. My hands rested on the center of his back and we moved to the bedroom.
We lay there in the aftermath, a satisfied smirk played across his lips and he moved closer. I kissed him and moved to get up. After all, it was only three in the afternoon. He reached for my waist as I moved to stand. A childish expression of disappointment settled onto his face. I leaned toward him; he really was irresistible at times (in bed at least, conversation left something to be desired). "I have paperwork to do, and you're covering Angel's shift tonight, remember?" He looked cross, but let me get up and followed suit. I put on a casual pair of slacks and off-white button-up shirt. I settled in to finish some paperwork, and actually got work done for once.
A/N: Please comment and review! But seriously, I swear Phoenix is going to show up soon!