Warning: I don't have a beta-reader (yeah that hasn't changed either) and, as English is not my main language, I'm bound to make mistakes. I hope it's not too bad and you'll bear with me.

If you don't like, don't read. Flames will probably be ignored; constructive critics and other reviews are always very welcome. Read and enjoy.

So here we are with chapter 19.

And I'm back… the last months have been very complicated for me, and I apologize for the lack of answers to the reviews and messages I received in the past months. So, a little explanation is needed. First, I changed jobs in July, lots of new things to get used to, with a certain change of rhythm (way less time to write) … then when I went to my parents' place for my summer vacation, my father's health took a turn for the worse (he's been very ill for many years) … He died end of September and after that I just couldn't write. At the same time, my boss' father also had a huge health scare and she chose to take a sabbatical, pushing more work on me and my colleague to handle the team and the projects she was working on… I was exhausted and needed a break from writing… I wanted pastimes with not so much thinking like knitting and adult coloring (it helped me, still invested in both).

Now I still have a lot of work (my boss didn't come back and left the company), but she will be replaced soon. So, I hope it means I'll be able to breathe a little more (not sure I think most of the projects I'm working on will stay mine, but we'll see).

This chapter was written a long time ago (April or May I don't remember to be honest) and so was the next one. But my rule is always to have two chapters in advance before posting anything. I'll break that rule as chapter 21 is not finished, but I think you all deserve a new chapter. So here it is.

Disclaimer: Don't own, just playing around so don't sue… Belongs to CBS Studios, Sony Pictures Television and many others.

"We have every right to create our own destiny, but none to interfere in someone else's." Martin Rubin. ;)

Street enjoyed waking up slowly in the morning, savoring the moments before his alarm would inevitably disrupt his peace. The warmth beside him brought a smile to his face as he gently stroked the brunette strands of Chris, who was still deeply asleep. She had barely stirred throughout the night, and he was glad she had finally caught up on the rest she had missed during their weekend apart. He was about to carefully slide out of bed to start preparing breakfast when he heard the front door open, anticipating what was to follow. Tightening his embrace around her, he sighed and hoped for the best.

"Street! Wake up…" Luca's voice echoed through the empty house. "I had a little mishap at Melissa's. I needed to come back to grab a new shirt... And pants…"

As expected, Chris jolted awake, nearly hitting his jaw with her head in the process, before settling back against him as her sleep-addled brain recognized the familiar voice. Street chuckled softly at her expletive, feeling her burrow deeper into his embrace.

"Sounds rough," he called back, earning himself a slap and another groan from his bed companion.

"Yeah… Don't even ask…" They heard their friend grumble as he forcefully opened the door to his room.

"Don't encourage Luca…" Chris whispered against his skin, her warm breath sending shivers down his spine. "We don't want him barging in…"

Street groaned noncommittally, his gaze fixed on the door.

"I probably should get up," he offered, but her grunt of protest and tighter grip on his upper body made it clear that wasn't a welcome idea. He grinned and resumed gently smoothing her hair. "He'll leave soon. He was supposed to go to HQ early."

True to his word, the bedroom door closed again, and they heard Luca's hurried footsteps fading away. Street sighed in relief, but in an instant, everything changed as his own door unexpectedly swung open. Chris scrambled to hide under the covers, and Street quickly rearranged the comforter to conceal her presence.

"You're still in bed?" Luca wondered, his eyes scanning the room. "I thought you'd be up by now."

"Nope," Street shook his head, shooting a warning glare.

Luca frowned, evidently missing the message. "Why not?"

"Just not," Street said through clenched teeth. "I'm not asking why you had to come home for fresh clothes instead of changing at HQ."

"Whatever," Luca shrugged, moving closer to the bed. "Melissa wanted me to ask if you'd be interested in spending the night before Hondo's party at her house. She's planning to invite Deac and his family on Friday for a quick get-together… She has another bedroom, of course."

"Oh," Street muttered, surprised by the offer. Nails dug painfully into his skin, and he visibly flinched. "No, thanks. I have other plans for Friday night. I'm supposed to meet my former colleagues from Long Beach. It's been a while…"

"Ah, okay," Luca said, disappointment evident in his voice. "Well, I asked. I'm off then," he announced, heading to the door.

"See you at HQ," Street exhaled, relieved as his friend finally left and Chris' grip relaxed. He turned to her, pushing the comforter aside, and chuckled at the sheepish expression on her face. "That hurt."

"Sorry I… Uh…"

"You didn't want me to say yes," he teased, satisfaction evident. "You knew I wouldn't have agreed…"

"Yeah, whatever," she replied morosely, confirming his suspicion, and his grin widened. "But did that really just happen?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

"Unfortunately, yes," Street groaned, half amused and half annoyed, running a hand over his face.

"That was close," Chris gasped, sitting up.

"Too close," Street agreed, shaking his head, surprised by Luca's uncharacteristic forwardness.

"We should probably get up," Chris suggested, starting to leave the bed.

"Probably," Street agreed simply, watching her gather her things from the chair. He was astonished that their friend hadn't noticed Chris' clothes in the room, but then Luca had seemed preoccupied. Suddenly, he grinned and sprang out of bed. "I race you to the shower…"

"What?" She looked up, bewildered. "You're not serious… Street… You're such a kid…"

She laughed happily, tossing her clothes on the bed and running after him. There was no way he was going to beat her...

Chris bit hungrily into her sandwich. They had spent way too much time in the shower that morning, leaving no time for breakfast, not that she regretted it. Just before leaving, she managed to steal a granola bar and had to make do until now. This break would have to be short as they were extremely busy investigating a weapon trafficking ring with one of the tactical teams. She needed to be fast to make it back to the command room. Deac and Street had left a little earlier to interrogate a witness, and she had used the opportunity to rush to the kitchen to prepare a quick meal. When the door opened, she turned around and sure enough, Tan appeared with a somewhat uncomfortable smile.

"No one is going to steal your food," he chuckled when she took another big bite. She grinned at him as she chewed carefully.

"You came in late this morning, but you look better than yesterday," Tan observed.

"Yeah, I overslept," she admitted with a shrug. Her friend nodded at her lie, obviously not doubting her explanation.

"I suppose you came to ask about the dinner…" she said, changing the subject.

"You know me so well…" he said awkwardly, throwing her an almost pleading look.

"You haven't talked about anything else for days," she teased and chuckled when he blushed slightly at the reminder. "And I have decided I would go. What the heck, I need a little distraction right now."

"Wonderful," Tan clapped his hands happily, clearly relieved by her decision to join them. "Do you want us to pick you up or…"

"No, I'll go by myself," she stated decidedly. "Just give me the address, and I'll meet you there."

"Bonnie was very optimistic, so she already made the reservation," he admitted with a grin. Chris frowned slightly.

"I know I told her not to," he quickly added. "But she wanted to try this Mediterranean restaurant, and you need to reserve early…"

"That's okay," Chris reassured him. "So, what should I expect? The Mediterranean Sea is rather big…"

"I think it's mostly Greek and seafood," he supplied with a grin. "The dress code is smart casual, from what I understood. Something about The Michelin having their sights on them… So…"

"So more smart than casual…" she concluded with a nod, and Tan agreed. "Don't worry, I'll dress the part."

"I don't worry," he quickly amended, and her melodic laugh filled the room. "You're teasing me… and I always fall for it."

"You're such an easy prey, Tan," she teased with a smile as she washed her hands. "I think I know where we're going. Bonnie talked my ears off about a restaurant she wanted to try."

"Yeah…That's probably the one," he let out a somewhat relieved breath, but suddenly his stance changed again. She studied him and crossed her arms, waiting for him to go on. "Yeah, there's more… She wants to go clubbing afterwards…"

Chris frowned at the surprising request. "She's aware we're working the next day." When her friend nodded, she sighed. "Your wife is all in with her scheming. She really wants to matchmake her cousin. I almost pity Julian."

"Believe me, he's a very willing participant," he admitted, scratching his brow nervously. "He spoke about you the whole weekend. No pressure, of course."

"I don't doubt it," she replied dryly. "Okay, I'll go for dinner and maybe for a drink, but I'm not going clubbing. I need my beauty sleep."

"I'll let Bonnie know," he promised with a nod and a little smile. "See you later. Luca is waiting for me."

"Yeah, see you," she responded with a nod as she watched him leave the room.

Bonnie was really going all out with this scheme. Chris shook her head as she tidied up the kitchen hastily. It was pointless to worry about it now. The blonde was a very determined woman, and they would just have to navigate the situation carefully. It wasn't the first time they had to deal with one of their friends' antics.

Saying he was frustrated would probably be the understatement of the year, Street realized. Deac and he had lost nearly two hours in traffic for basically nothing. That Arturo guy had shared nothing valuable for their inquiry, and he certainly hoped Tan and Luca would be more successful because they were going nowhere at this rate. He walked down the busy corridors after grabbing a cold beverage in the kitchen when he heard someone call his name. He turned around and saw Hondo rushing to his side.

"Now, that's the look of someone who is frustrated," his boss said with half a grin.

"Deac told you about the interview… just one big waste of our valuable time," he sighed unhappily when the older man nodded. "He tried to get a favor out of us but with the little he knew… that was pointless… I guess for him an afternoon in downtown LA was already one hell of a perk."

"Yeah, don't worry, we've got a promising, new lead," Hondo told him, and Street waited for the details. "But that's not why I called you. I need a favor for my party."

"A favor…" Street frowned, his hands on his hips as he waited for Hondo to elaborate.

"Darryl was supposed to help me with the games for the children and… he won't be available after all," he explained with an annoyed tone. "He was supposed to come back Friday night from this trip with Leroy… but it will be later, Saturday afternoon if we're lucky…"

"And it'll be too short for him to be ready on time…" Street finished, and his friend nodded. "You know I'm always there to help. It's not like I've never done it. You can count on me."

"Thanks," a relieved smile appeared on Hondo's face. "I took some of your ideas for my party. Luca gave me the address of the place where you guys found all those great games…"

"You mean you borrowed my animations…" he teased with a wide grin. "Of course, it's not like I can blame you, those were great ideas."

"Hey! Don't let it go to your head," the other man warned him halfheartedly, more amused than annoyed by the young officer's bold assessment. "I'd ask someone else if I could…"

"Be my guest," Street dismissed with an amused grin and laughed out loud when Hondo groaned unhappily. "What?"

"You know you're the best at that," he started, rolling his eyes at his friend's knowing and very satisfied smile. "Mostly because you're a big kid yourself…"

"And that is very handy in situations like these… Are we talking about my price now or later?"

"Your price?" Hondo repeated with a pleated brow, his expression showing clearly he wasn't certain if his friend was serious. "Yeah… of course. Just tell me. Your effort deserves payment…"

"Hondo… I'm joking," he raised his hand to stop the rambling. "I don't mind at all. It'll only cost you a couple more beers. And of course, the title of best entertainer at SWAT. You could have it engraved so I could put it on my locker to remind everyone…"

"You're messing with me, aren't you?" Hondo wondered dumbfounded.

"Yeah! Obviously, I'm kidding," the young officer confirmed with a loud guffaw. "You're so easy to tease when you're stressed out. Organizing this party is getting to you."

"It is… I would have needed Chris to help me, but… she's busy enough with Rocker and Stevens," he sighed heavily. "Not to mention she seems to have a lot on her plate. She was rather off these last few days. Do you know anything about what happened?"

"Something personal, I guess," Street sobered up immediately at his friend's question when he answered. "She seemed back to her normal self when I saw her earlier this morning. I'll talk to her if you want."

"No, no… Yeah, I saw she looked at least rested this morning. I'll go chat with her if this case gives us a respite… But keep an eye out for her."

"Of course… Always," he confirmed and the older man nodded.

"Well anyway… Thanks in advance for your help at my party," he checked his watch and groaned. "Time to get back to work. Luca and Tan should be back here now from what they told me earlier. Let's gear up for an intervention, they must be waiting for us."

"Sure, Boss," Street followed the older man as he walked towards the locker room. Nothing like some action to help alleviate his frustration with the case.

Street grinned once more at Chris, and she rolled her eyes at his playful antics. She tutored her features, the last thing she wanted was to draw too much attention to her improved spirits. The concerned glances she had received the whole day proved her colleagues had seen her recent distress, and while she wanted to reassure them, she didn't want the usual rumor mill at Metro in general and SWAT in particular to go overboard. She sighed theatrically for her audience and was rewarded with worried looks from Deac and Hondo. She gave them a subdued smile while pressing her thigh against Street's to reassure him.

When Luca parked on Black Betty's usual spot, they sprang out of their favorite ride with satisfied grins. They had gotten their men without too much trouble. The gang had been easily overwhelmed with the help of the Tactical Team; many had surrendered as soon as they were surrounded. She turned her head to the left and saw how Team B parked a little further away. Their sergeant Tom Miller was bringing back the ringleader to Metro and Hondo, after a quick wave to his squad, rushed to them to take part in the interrogation.

Now Chris was just feeling extremely sweaty and dusty after their romp in that dirty warehouse. All she longed for was a hot and long shower. She was about to follow her friends inside HQ when she heard someone call her name and she stopped dead in her tracks, turning around. A grinning Rocker was impatiently rushing to her side.

"There's someone waiting for you," he explained with a wink. "A man…"

His voice roared loudly, and when she turned her head to look at her team, she saw they had frozen in place and were darting curious glances her way. Tan's displeased expression and Street's scrunched eyes were the first things she noticed after the other sergeant's announcement. She turned a confused glance to the older man.

"He's quite impatient to see you," Rocker pushed, and he pointed a finger to his left. "Don't make him wait… you shouldn't hide things like these from us, Chris."

His chiding, but humorous tone made her jaw clench in displeasure. Leave it to Rocker to press her buttons in the worst way. She almost reminded him he needed to be on his best behavior if he wanted her help for his party when she spotted the man in question.

"What the…" She didn't finish her sentence and forced a smile on her lips when she saw him walk briskly in her direction. She didn't need to turn around to know that by now not only 20 Squad was behind her, but probably most of SWAT, and she hated it.

"Julian…" She managed, trying her best to unclench her teeth and plaster a fake smile on her lips.

"Sorry… It was rather stupid of me to rush here," the blond man told her with a sheepish expression. He had picked up on her mood right away and was standing quite awkwardly, probably because he wasn't expecting a public to their talk. "Bonnie told me you had accepted the invitation, and when I was shopping, I saw this... I just needed to…"

Chris stared at an exquisite lavender rose, unsure how to react to such a surprising gift. When several people behind them whistled boisterously, she turned around, her eyes flashing a grim warning to the other officers. Sure enough, as she had expected, 50 Squad had not missed one second of her exchange with the young doctor. She even spotted a few other officers from Administration and other departments from Metro, only adding to her annoyance.

"That's enough…" Deac announced loudly. "Everyone back inside. We've finished our day, and you guys are in the middle of your shift. Break is over… Right, Rocker?"

"Yeah… Right…" The other sergeant confirmed with a tinge of regret in his voice, but they all loudly entered the building, much to Chris' satisfaction.

The brunette didn't miss the death stare her boyfriend gave Julian before leaving. She mouthed a discreet apology his way, but she doubted he had seen it before he rushed away. The other man couldn't have come at a worse moment considering their recent spat because of him. She hoped Street would wait for her so they could talk before they both left for home. She turned her attention back to the good-looking man in front of her. She awkwardly took the flower with a small smile. The floral scent was both fragrant and heady, a hint too sweet for her taste. But the rose was perfectly proportioned, and it was one of the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen.

Street was fuming, grinding his teeth angrily as he entered the large building with the other officers. He couldn't believe Julian's audacity. He had seen Chris' complete surprise and her annoyance at the surgeon, and it made him feel better. But he also knew she was too well-behaved to express her displeasure too harshly. They would need to have a thorough discussion before her date because this was getting out of hand. Julian was pushing hard, and he had no doubt this wouldn't be his last stunt. He stole a glance to his left where Tan was obviously also seething after his in-law's bold move. He knew their relationship wasn't the best, and maybe he or Chris needed to have another talk with their friend. There was no way he was going to leave before talking to her.

He was about to broach the subject with Tan when Rocker's voice boomed loudly in the high-walled corridors.

"So, who is that guy?" The sergeant wondered loudly. "It is painfully obvious you guys know him… I saw your reactions." He pushed when he didn't get an answer right away.

"He's my wife's cousin…" Tan declared morosely. "They met at my wedding ceremony a few months ago."

"Oh, I see, but they're not actually dating, are they?" Rocker slowed his pace to walk next to the other officer. "I just can't picture Chris with a guy like that… Don't get me wrong, he's good-looking… but I don't know…"

"He lives in Chicago right now, but he's looking to move back to California. All his family is here, not that it is any of your business." The Asian officer told him rather bluntly.

"Hey, I'm worried for Chris." Rocker theatrically put his hand over his heart, as if hurt by Tan's stark remark. "Someone must worry… what kind of friend are you, Tan? Are you blind because it's your family?"

"Hardly… and we're not close…" Tan added sheepishly, having his own reservations concerning his cousin, not that he would admit it to the sergeant.

"Aren't you worried, Street?" Rocker pushed, giving the young man a hard look.

"Worried?" Street wondered out loud. "I'm not sure there's any reason to worry right now, but we are all attentive. You know we look out for our own."

"Chris has been single way too long…" Luca suddenly declared. "Julian is quite the gentleman, and they seem to like each other. They're going on a double date with Tan in a couple of days. We should give them a chance."

"A double date?" Rocker laughed loudly. "That's a recipe for trouble. So, you're all condoning this guy's stunt just before? Chris hated it." He goaded them when they remained silent for too long.

"Yeah, she did…" Street finally agreed morosely, forcing himself not to say too much. "But she would probably hate it even more if we were to butt in. It's her decision."

"I hope she'll ask for help if he becomes too pushy… or unbearable. Somehow, I see that happening." Rocker shook his head, and Street tried to hide the smirk forming on his lips. For once, 50 Squad's sergeant seemed more in touch and levelheaded than Luca and Deac with the whole situation. "I mean who does that? He showed up with a rose. He obviously has no clue who Chris is."

"Rocker, how come you had to babysit him?" Deac looked at him curiously while pushing open the locker room door. "It's not really your style to take in strangers…"

"I just happened to arrive at the same time as he did. And you must admit that guy is like a square peg in a round hole here…" He joked and grinned when everyone laughed at his jest. "Showing up at the Metro Headquarters with a flower… I guess we're lucky we only have one female officer. Nothing against Alonso, she probably was the most weirded out from all of you."

"Boss, you have to admit it was kinda funny…" Thomson quipped in. "Tan, I'm not sure I envy you for your in-laws. I mean Bonnie is super cute and nice… but that cousin… it's a cousin, right?"

"Yeah, he's a pain…" When all the stares fell on him, Tan gulped. "I mean… he's a little the odd one out. But I guess most women would find that cute or romantic."

"Oh, definitely." Deac agreed with a grin. A couple of female personnel had been present outside, and they certainly had found the gesture quite sweet. He supposed it was a question of perspective.

"Val would find that creepy… like… you said they're not even dating…" Rocker shook his head. "I sure hope he won't go all stalker on Chris…"

"He's a surgeon… Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad." Tan defended the other man despite his own reservations. "Chris accepted the invitation. It's a bit too early to go all out on him."

"But mark my words… He's trouble!" The sergeant insisted, pointing an accusing finger at his colleagues. "I see I can't count on you, some friends you are."

"Oh, I'll help if necessary." Street interjected with a grin. "He could certainly benefit from being taken down a peg."

"Now that's the spirit!" Rocker laughed, high-fiving the younger man, and soon his team noisily joined in.

"Thank you," Chris managed with a small smile after a short pause. She looked at Julian, and she saw his apparent relief at her reaction.

"I didn't expect we would have an audience," he grimaced unhappily, looking at the building in which everyone had disappeared. "And I didn't want to make you uncomfortable… I realize I have been rather dumb to come here in the spur of the moment."

"Yeah… They're quite a handful," she finally added when his eyes were back on her. "The day has been rather uneventful for them… 20 Squad just came back from a tense but rather quick standoff … it ended earlier than anyone expected. I guess they're a little disappointed… So, I suppose you offered them an interesting… show…"

"I'm an idiot," Julian bobbed his head. "You're a very private person, of course you find this… Stupid…"

"This is my workplace," she reminded him, and he nodded once more.

"I can only promise I'll never do something like that again," he assured her, his tone extremely apologetic.

Chris acquiesced, looking down at the rose in her hand. She wasn't sure what else she could add. She mostly wanted him to bid her goodbye, so she could take a shower and finally relax. She heard him sigh loudly.

"I suppose I can't convince you to join me for a drink or… a bite later tonight…"

"No, I'm sorry," she smiled at him. "After an intervention, I just want a shower and go home. And we have our dinner in two days…"

"Yes, of course," he said, the disappointment evident in his voice. "Please don't hold this against me."

His plea sounded sincere, but she still felt too raw after her dreadful weekend. She forced another smile on her lips and tilted her head.

"I won't… We'll talk on Thursday."

"I'll make amends," his tone was cajoling, and she couldn't help but smile.

He reminded her of Street in the first weeks after they had met. Julian was cocky and a little too certain of his impact on women, and she realized suddenly this was probably what made him so endearing in her eyes. She had said he intrigued her, but it was never about him. When her smile widened at the thought, she heard Julian's relieved laugh. He had mistaken her reaction to his words, but she wasn't about to correct his wrong assumption.

"Then I'll bow out and wish you a wonderful evening," he concluded with a happy grin. "Bye, Chris."

"Bye, Julian," she said to his retreating form. "Thanks for the rose."

He waved at her, holding her gaze for a few moments before turning around and walking to his car. She turned on her heels and walked resolutely into the massive building. It was high time to hit the shower. She just hoped only 20 Squad would be in the locker room, but she knew that was most likely only wishful thinking.

As Chris neared the locker room, she heard raucous laughter and rolled her eyes. She stopped short in front of the door, wondering for a moment how she should make her entrance. The joyous cacophony made her smile widely. They seemed to have fun even if it was at her expense. She took a moment to tutor her features and stepped inside with a stern, disapproving expression. As per magic, the tumultuous conversations stopped at her entrance, and she raised an inquiring eyebrow at Rocker, whose mouth was still wide open as it seemed he stopped mid-sentence.

"So, what's that?" Her index finger playfully drew a circle around her mouth as she looked at the other man, and he snapped it close, pressing his lips together. "Much better, you looked like a fish out of water." She smiled, amused by his reaction.

Pearls of laughter greeted her jab, and everyone in the room made fun of the sergeant. He shook his head, trying to hide his amusement at her comment.

"Funny, Alonso… So very funny…" He finally conceded. "Weren't you glad I helped your lover boy when he came over to visit you? I must admit that it was so very cute."

"And he brought you such a cute rose…" Anderson, a newly minted SWAT officer, added with a wide grin. "If I were you, I wouldn't waste any time before putting it in water. That one is at least a ten-dollar one. My mom has a flower shop, I know what I'm talking about."

His comment brought several appreciative whistles, and Chris couldn't help looking down at the rose in her hand.

"Wow, your in-law sure has dough, Tan." Rocker said jokingly. "And he's going all in… Chris, you better not disappoint."

"It's just a flower…" She dismissed curtly. Julian seemed to like grand gestures. While she had seen the rose was of good quality, she hadn't expected that kind of price tag, and she was a little shaken by the discovery.

"So, Anderson… What does a… purple rose mean?" The sergeant pushed, looking at his rookie.

"I'm not too good with that," the younger man admitted, blushing when all the eyes turned to him. He scratched his head, lost in thought for a moment. "But Sarge… I would say that's a lavender rose." He corrected the older man and tried to ignore the loud Ohs and Ahs that greeted his statement.

"Lavender, you say…" Rocker looked at the flower pensively. "Street, you're good with flowers… care to help our welp?"

Street, who had until now pretended to have no interest in the loud conversation, took a few steps to stand next to Chris and motioned towards the rose. She gave it to him, and for a moment, their eyes met and held.

"That's definitely lavender, Rocker. Are you a little colorblind?" Street declared when he gave the flower back to Chris. "It means Enchantment, true appreciation."

"Yeah, exactly," Anderson confirmed with a grin, relieved the other officer had answered for him.

"Oh, Chris, you have him wrapped around your little finger," he joked and chuckled when she theatrically rolled her eyes at him. "I would have thought he would have brought a red rose… isn't that burning love?"

"Come on, Rocker… Stop it…" Deac said, finally finding his voice again. "And they haven't had a date yet… A red rose would have been totally inappropriate."

"Yeah, maybe…" He tapped his finger on his lips and studied a very annoyed Chris pensively. "Street, what color of rose would you have given Chris?"

"Yellow is the color for friendship…" Anderson declared loudly. He seemed clearly glad he could provide that piece of information after having been outsmarted by the other officer. "Positive feelings without romance." He added for good measure.

"That's hardly a good match for Chris…" Street contradicted the other man, who deflated a little under the stern remark. His eyes met hers, and the hint of a smile formed on her lips.

"Yeah, she's too passionate," Luca nodded. "She needs… More… but I know nothing about the language of roses… What could we choose, Street?"

"Orange, of course," he finally said. "It's a vibrant color, it represents the happiness someone puts in your life, and it's a great way to tell someone you're proud of them. And we're all proud of our Chris, aren't we?"

Loud voices cheered in agreement at his statement, and the conversations started again. Chris bumped discreetly into Street, and their bodies stayed in contact for a moment, only separating when Deac spoke again.

"And now I think the lady we all admire would love to take a shower in peace, and you guys should probably go back to work," he reminded them. "Because we are off, but your day has barely started. I'm sure you have better to do than harass us in the locker room."

"Harass you?" Rocker repeated, sounding affronted by the mere words. "That was friendly banter, Deac. But the old man is right… Time to go train; they might need us soon."

He opened the door, and his team left the room grumbling. Before he left, he gave his colleagues a quick look.

"Of course, we'll all expect a detailed report on your date…"

"Get lost, Rocker," she yelled as the door closed on him.

Chris rushed back to the locker room. She had taken a quick shower, hoping Street would linger there in wait for her. With their friends still present, she had not been able to ask him to stay. She pushed the door open, rubbing impatiently at a towel on her very wet hair. She sighed in relief when she saw him waiting for her with a grin.

"Waiting for me?" she wondered happily.

"I thought the pointed look you gave me before rushing to the showers meant I better wait for you," he answered playfully, and her light blush confirmed his words. "I thought so…"

"You're so full of yourself…" she chuckled, delighted by his playful demeanor. "And you know me way too well…"

"Is that even possible?" he wondered, standing up to stand behind her, placing one hand on the locker next to hers. She turned around and smiled, enjoying his closeness.

"I'm not complaining…" she declared, taking a step closer to him. "So, you would give me an orange rose," she teased, her lips tantalizingly close to his.

"Of course not, only red roses for you…" he grinned at her. "But I could hardly say that with both teams present. Orange was a nice compromise… The perfect mix between friendship and burning passion…"

He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips, and she sighed contentedly as he pulled back. She licked her lips, her gaze locking with his.

"So why were you so annoyed at that rose? Except for the obvious reason of another man giving it to me, of course…" she prodded, her hand reaching for his.

"That was totally reason enough," he admitted with a playful smirk, allowing her fingers to intertwine with his. "Lavender means a little bit more than what I said…" he added, noticing her slight frown.

"Come on, out with it…" she urged, her body pressing against his.

"Lavender means desire and love at first sight," he explained, his expression slightly uneasy. "Some say it even means true love and adoration…"

"Oh…" she murmured, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "That's… I don't like that… You know…"

"Yeah, I know…" he reassured her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "He's all in… or he has no clue what lavender truly means. Maybe I'm just reading too much into it."

"Maybe… But even if he's all in… I already found my soulmate…" she said before leaning in to place another kiss on his lips. "His grand gesture is rather pointless. Do you have time for dinner with me?"

"I could eat something. I told Luca I had some errands to run tonight, and he shouldn't wait for me," he declared, a smile spreading across his face.

"Anywhere you fancy?" she asked, a twinkle in her eye. "I thought we could go to my place… I don't have much, but we can grab something on the way…"

"Sounds like a plan," he agreed, taking a step back to allow her to grab her things. He frowned when he saw her close her locker without taking her rose. "That flower needs water…"

"I'm not taking it home," she shook her head vehemently. "You're my only true love…"

"Don't punish the rose, it's a shame to let it go to waste," he teased, opening her locker to grab it.

"I'm not that petty…" At her doubtful stare, he laughed. "I matured during the weekend. And now let's go home."

"I love the sound of that… So Chinese? I feel like spring rolls and sweet and sour chicken," she suggested, opening the door for him.

"I'll buy…" he grinned broadly at her.

"Now that's an offer I won't refuse…" she laughed, walking resolutely towards the door, eager to spend the evening together.

They left the room with smiling faces, ready for a cozy evening at home.