The case ended and they had a few easy Numbers then a break. The morning after nearly twenty-four hours with no new Number had Reese cooking a huge pancake breakfast. Harold eyed the spread in amusement.
"Mr. Reese," John grunted in a displeased manner so Finch corrected, "John, are we expecting Ms. Shaw? You have enough here to feed an army or at least a brunch for her."
Reese laughed softly, "No. Where we are going today on this freezing morning will require some fuel. So, dig in!"
Harold looked at the stack of buttered, fluffy cakes and then at Reese. John was getting the gourmet sugar-free blueberry syrup that Harold preferred along with the maple that Reese loved. "I can't eat all of this! And what do you have planned for me that will burn off all these carbs?" Finch wiggled his eyebrows.
John was happy to see Finch being playful, but had to explain. "Well, some of your range of movement issues might need to be worked on in case you have to follow a Number." Harold's face fell and a shadow passed over it. He was not pleased to have his disability mentioned.
John was sad to see the light die in his lover's eyes but he pressed on. "With the weather as nasty as it has been I think people are ice skating to deal with cabin fever." Reese sat and poured a waterfall of syrup over his own large stack. "One of our Numbers might need watching while they skate. Can you skate?"
Finch stopped chewing to bug his eyes at Reese. He swallowed and dabbed his mouth on the napkin. "Yes, but not since I was a boy."
"Were you any good?"
Harold grunted this time. "I am going to assume there is a reason for the question beyond simply trying to determine if I am from the Dakotas." John grinned and Finch returned it in his own subdued fashion. "Yes, I was very good at skating. One of the few sports that did not require a team. I was also excellent at roller skating."
Reese simply smiled and nodded. "Good."
"Why?"
John drank his coffee then said, "With the winter being so harsh this year, a lot of people are ice skating to get exercise. I need to refresh my skills. You need to see if you can still ice skate."
Harold scowled at the reminder of his limited mobility. "Just why would I need to ice skate?"
"Well." Reese scratched his ear and crossed his arms while leaning back in his chair. "What if a Number takes a date to the rink? It's easier for you to monitor them since no one would ever guess just how dangerous you really are." Reese winked.
Harold huffed and resumed his attempt to scale Mount Pancake.
After breakfast, Reese bundled Finch up in his warmest clothes. Harold looked at his body and grimaced. "I look like a starfish. I won't be able to move my arms."
"This is just until we get to the rink. It's freezing out there Finch."
"Fine." Finch looked resigned. "Where's Bear?"
"With Shaw. Bear can't skate, Harold."
They got to the car without incident. They drove to a private indoor rink. Harold got out with John's help. He looked around as Reese got the skates and their things. "Not many people here." He turned like a statue in all his gear toward John. "You said people were skating for exercise."
John laughed at the accusatory tone and raised eyebrows. "Yes, they are. I just figured you wouldn't want a horde of preteens whipping past you as you acclimate yourself."
Harold harrumphed and started for the front door. The arena was dark and deserted. Perfect place for a murder, Finch thought to himself. He didn't say it out loud as Reese could have killed him anywhere and it would have been perfect. No, John meant to murder only Harold's pride.
Once near the ice rink itself, Harold noticed a table with wine and a basket near the gap in the railing where skaters can get on or off the ice. Finch stopped in his tracks.
John came up behind him and circled his waist. Leaning over so his lips could reach the place where Harold's ear was buried beneath a hat and a high scarf. John spoke in a low voice. "I thought since we would be alone this would make a nice picnic spot."
Harold turned to look at John's face. Love, hope, and a small amount of trepidation were written over his handsome features. He's worried I will be angry, Harold thought.
Harold smiled as sweetly as he could and John relaxed. Harold made a promise to himself that he would not ruin this date for John. It wasn't John's fault that Harold hated the idea of exercising in front of anyone, John included. John was simply trying to train Harold for their mission and make it a romantic couple's moment as well. Harold only hoped that John wasn't too disappointed with the excursion.
Harold sat on a heating pad set on the bench near the table. It was plugged in and already toasty warm; very thoughtful of John. The younger man knelt and began to help Harold out of his shoes as Harold himself took off his coat, hat, and scarf. John laced Harold's skates with care and attention to the ankles.
Once they were satisfied that Harold's skates were secured and comfortable, John quickly shed his own coat and started lacing his own skate. Harold stood and wobbled to the rink's rail. John immediately stepped forward to catch Harold, even though John had only one skate on. "Wait for me Harold!"
"I can lean on a railing John." Harold grumbled.
"Yeah, I know, but wait for me, please."
Harold acquiesced since John rarely said please.
In a brief moment, John was ready and heading for the rink. "Now Harold, just let me bear your weight. Keep the weight on your good leg only. Your bad leg is just for stability. Don't put any weight on it." He held out his hands for Harold to take. "No matter what, believe me when I tell you I will not let you fall."
Harold looked up at John's face at that. John looked so determined. He had that same expression when he had reassured Harold that Root wouldn't get him ever again. So, with a deep breath, Harold took John's hands and let the taller man lead them to the middle of the ice.
John's left hand took Harold's waist, his right held Harold's hand aloft in the classic dancer's starting pose. John said, "I can skate backwards just as easily. Let me take you for a turn around the rink."
With that they were off. John wasn't kidding, he was strong and sure as he glided back while holding Harold firmly. Harold did as instructed: he kept his weight on his good leg. John's momentum and Harold's muscle memory had them across the ice and turning slowly in seconds.
John smiled, "See? We got this."
Harold smiled back just as John sped up. A brief moment of panic at the speed had Harold floundering, but John was right there holding Harold steady.
Once they were on sure footing, Harold smiled with delight up at John. They took two more laps at the easy pace. Then John paused at the railing. "Well, looks like you haven't forgotten how to skate." he laughed.
Harold beamed. "It seems so. That was wonderful, John."
John leaned closer and asked, "Can we try something a little more complicated?"
Harold looked unsure, but the hopefulness in John's eyes made him reconsider. "Yes, of course. I trust you John."
That made John break out into a full blown blush of elation. Harold considered that look well worth any embarrassment or bruises that might be in his future.
They took their positions again but this time John took out a small remote and pressed a button. The haunting intro to 'Blue Danube' started.
Harold was startled, but John just smiled coyly and started them in a lazy skater's waltz. They swayed and leaned to the music as they got faster and faster.
The wind hit Harold's face, turning his cheeks pink. John's warm hands held him in place as they danced around their frozen ballroom. The speed was exhilarating rather than frightening. The song entered his bones and vibrated throughout his body. His feet swayed to the dance effortlessly; no pain, no discomfort, just joy and freedom.
Once they had a good rhythm going, John started a tight turn. Harold relaxed into it, knowing full well that come what may, John wouldn't let him fall.
The turn was executed beautifully. John released his hand at Harold's waist and opened his arms to swing Harold around. They came together again and sped off to the center of the rink. The beat quickened and they were flying.
Just as the orchestra on tape was coming to a crescendo, John pulled his right hand holding Harold's up, released his grip and turned Harold under his arm in a lovely mock pirouette.
Harold laughed out loud and hugged John tight. "That was wonderful."
John smiled back. Their chests were heaving and their breathes puffed in clouds that merged between them. As the song ended they slowly sauntered over to the edge, shoulder to shoulder holding each other's hand. John took Harold's waist in both hands and lifted him up on the seating area's dais. They clomped over to the table and the inviting warmth of the seat heaters.
John poured some wine. "Worked up an appetite have you?"
Harold rummaged around the basket. He found cheese, fruit, and wafers. "Yes. I am happily starving."
Just then, Harold did something John never thought he would see from the man: he giggled.
John looked startled. Then, he too giggled with happiness.
They ate their light meal and sat in contentment for a while. John started packing up and Harold's face fell.
When all was packed away, John stood over Harold's seat and asked, "May I have this dance?"
He took Harold's hand and helped him up. They took to the ice once more. This time the song that played wasn't a classical piece. It took a moment for Harold to recognize the song by The Hollies.
He blinked at the implications of the song and at John. The song playing obviously meant something to Mr. Reese. The lyrics, the melody. Oh my goodness, thought Harold, he wants this to be our song.
Harold smiled softly and John nodded shyly. The chorus started. John placed his head on Harold's shoulder and both arms around his back. They slow danced like teenagers at the Prom throughout the song and as it repeated on a loop.
At one point, John began to sing in a low, hesitant voice. "Making love with you…. Has left me peaceful, warm, and tired. What more could I ask. There's nothing left to be desired. Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak."
Over and over again they circled the ice. John's strong arms holding fast, cradling Harold in warmth and devotion. It was utterly silly, cheesy as all get out, and so moving that Harold was almost in tears.
Finally, John switched off the music and they stopped. He lifted his head and pulled Harold closer. They kissed; sweet, cold kisses with frosty noses bumping.
John asked as they pulled apart, "Did you like it?"
"Oh yes, John. I loved it. And you of course."
They made their way to the car with basket and skates in tow.
Notes:
The Second Song is 'The Air That I Breathe' by The Hollies.
If I could make a wish
I think I'd pass
Can't think of anything I need
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
Nothing to eat, no books to read
Making love with you
Has left me peaceful, warm, and tired
What more could I ask
There's nothing left to be desired
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes to love you