"Have I ever told you how beautiful you look in the glow of the moonlight?" Sam's voice was soft in the hush of night, like he didn't want to disturb this peaceful moment. They were reclined in the grass outside a makeshift encampment. This far out in nature, the stars were so clear, speckled across the midnight sky. No matter how many times he'd seen it on jobs like this, it still managed to take Rico's breath away. Rare was the opportunity to really take it in. It wasn't until that moment he realized Sam's hand rested gently atop his. The warmth of his touch anchored Rico back down to earth.

"No, I don't think you have," Rico began, an amused grin spreading across his face. Sam really was an incorrigible flirt, never missing a chance to throw a line his way. It was a fun little game to play to keep work interesting. After twenty or so years in the business, things can get rather monotonous. Working with Sam, though, was among the few things Rico had to look forward to. A good partner in the field and in bed, there wasn't anything more he needed. He turned his gaze over to Sam and when their eyes met, he noticed something. There wasn't the usual levity to his look. This was softer, genuine, more real than what Rico was expecting. What they had wasn't so much a relationship as it was a sporadic entanglement. They'd work together, sleep together, and on occasion, Rico would let Sam stay at his place while he was between jobs. But there was never any intention of commitment. They simply enjoyed each other's company. That look in Sam's eye held something more, though. And it might have thrown Rico off, but he wasn't about to step back from the plate. He eased into the moment and convinced himself to relax. "Well, at least, not tonight," he continued.

Sam let out a single, hearty laugh, "Oh, have I used that one before? I hope you don't mind." There was some of that familiar playfulness of his. They were making their way back into Rico's territory.

"I'll let it slide this time," it didn't really bother him, "but I don't want you playing anymore repeats."

"Of course; I wouldn't want you getting tired of me." He took a hold of Rico's hand and guided it towards his lips. The kiss he placed there was gentle, sweet. It begat a flutter in Rico's chest and a nagging in the back of his mind. The tenderness of it all felt so strange. He retracted his hand and returned it to his side. Embarrassment flashed across Sam's face and he looked away, taking his gaze skyward. There was a sensation of regret blooming in Rico. He was getting too caught up in his own head and couldn't figure out why. Moments of reprieve from work were typically filled with a flirtatious back and forth, perhaps a playful ribbing. Maybe one would regale the other with tales of previous exploits and misadventures. Seeing the man beside him express a genuine affection towards him felt… so wrong. This was meant to be a means of distraction. But what was most surprising to Rico was that even this meager bit of softness made him yearn for more. That's not how it's supposed to be. He wasn't to be tied down. There was no need for tenderness when he had his freedom. He could go anywhere, do anything. He didn't need love. He didn't want love.

He wasn't meant for love…

God. How ridiculous did he seem then, having such thoughts over a look and a kiss to the hand? He needed to get himself together.

"I don't think you'll have to worry about that just yet." The awkward silence before Rico spoke lasted only about a second, but in Sam's mind, it felt as if it had stretched on for eternity. He couldn't bear to look at him yet after such a fumble. His feelings towards Rico were apparently quite obvious if he could pick up on them so fast. And that reaction, to pull away when he was only trying to be closer and to show him some of the warmth that he offered Sam without even trying, it was gut wrenching. There had been many flings throughout his life, a handful of casual romances; these feelings he had for Rico were different than all of those. Sure they had started out the same, but over this many years spending time together, being with Rico almost started to feel like being home. With him, he didn't feel like an intruder. But maybe he was wrong to think that.

There had to be a way out of this. He had to do something to get rid of this feeling. He shifted his weight to one side and pulled out the pack of smokes he kept in his back pocket. A cigarette was perched between his lips as he rummaged around his other pocket for his lighter. There it was. Before he had a chance to bring the light to his face, Rico was there. His body rested gently against Sam. He was always so warm. "I got it," he said, a small flame emanating from his thumb. The cigarette crackled quietly and a thin line of smoke trailed from the tip. Even after the cigarette was lit, Rico remained leaned against him, he even went so far as to rest his head on Sam's shoulder. At that angle, Sam couldn't quite look at him, and it was a good thing, otherwise Rico might notice how red his cheeks had become. He felt like a school boy getting flustered over his first crush. Suppose this wasn't too dissimilar a situation. If they were gonna lie together like this, he may as well get comfortable. He laid back flat on the ground, one hand tucked behind his head and the other arm wrapped around Rico. Rico settled into him, laying his head on his chest and hugging him. Sam took a long drag on his cigarette. As he let the smoke out of his lungs, Rico leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

All his life he was either running away from something or completely trapped, but in this moment, he had finally found a place to call home.