Perfect Timing 11/? FRM (sexytimes alooming)/FRAO for the whole thing
Jim tugged at the collar of his shirt. "Seriously, was this really necessary?" He glanced over at Martha. "I thought you said it was going to be a small party."
"You neglected to ask if our definitions of small were the same. For God's sake, stop fussing, you're worse than Bruce." Martha reached out and fixed his bow tie. "You look great, it's your birthday, you got a promotion, there's steak, whiskey and cake. Stop looking like you're going to be executed and pretend to have a good time, Lieutenant."
Jim couldn't stop the smile at that. "Fine, fine, but only to please my lovely hostess." He offered his arm. "May I have the pleasure of escorting you in?"
"Oh the pleasure's mine." She grinned at him. "I won a hundred bucks off Thomas that you'd actually wear a tux."
"He bet against you? Why on earth would he do that?" He took a deep breath, hesitating at the door to the ballroom. "How do you do this so often?"
"I think about how great it will be when it's over." She squeezed his hand. "Jim, seriously, I want you to enjoy yourself. I know this isn't what you would have wanted for a party but it's going to get you enormous good will." Her smile turned a bit feral. "Besides, I do think some people need to be reminded who your friends are. Mess with you, mess with me."
"You know, once upon a time when I saw the pictures in the tabloids I thought these parties were hotbeds of decadence, not palace intrigue worthy of the Borgias." He took another fortifying breath. "Shall we?"
"Sorry to strip away your innocence. And we shall. Remember, smile, head high and concentrate on the fact that it will all be over soon." She pushed on the door and they walked in. Jim tried not to flinch at the shouts of happy birthday and the flash of the cameras.
"Whatever it is, it can't be that bad." Jim turned his head, taking in the man who suddenly appeared next to him. Tall, blond, green eyes, nice smile.
"I beg your pardon?" Jim tried to place the face but was coming up blank. He desperately hoped this wasn't some member of the city council that he was supposed to be sucking up to.
"You look someone kicked your dog. Here." The man held out a glass and Jim looked at it for a second before taking it. The man laughed. "Come on, you can't be afraid someone would poison you here?"
"No, no," Jim took the drink. "I'm sorry, I appear to have left my manners in my other suit." That got him a delighted laugh and Jim felt warmth curl through him. "Thanks."
"No problem. I'm Phil by the way." He held out his hand and Jim shook it. The man held on a bit longer than necessary. "It's nice to meet you."
"I'm Jim and good to meet you too." Jim reluctantly let go. Phil's grip was sure and his hand was warm and hell if it didn't feel good.
"Oh, I know who you are, Lieutenant Gordon." The man took a sip of his own drink. "Happy birthday and congrats on the promotion."
"Thanks." Jim eyed him over the rim of his glass, trying not to be obvious about it. "So, are you friends of the Waynes?"
Phil opened his mouth to answer when Thomas came up next to him and threw his arm around Phil's shoulder. "Ah, I see you've met. Excellent."
"Well, that answers that question. I work with Thomas." Phil jabbed an elbow into Thomas' side. "Hey, since you were doing such a lousy job at introducing your guests to the guest of honor I had to take matters into my own hands."
"Fine, fine, Lieutenant James Gordon, super cop, may I present Dr. Philip Seymour, trauma surgeon extraordinaire. Phil, Jim, Jim, Phil." Thomas pushed Phil towards Jim. "You two play nice." He smirked at them and then headed off, giving Jim a thumbs up on the way.
"Well, that was subtle." Phil shook his head sadly. "So, should I continue pretending that I was coming over to say happy birthday and to add my word of thanks for keeping Gotham safe or should I cut straight to the part where I've been bugging the hell out of Thomas to introduce me to his hot cop friend for weeks?"
Jim choked on his drink. "What?"
Phil pounded him on the back while Jim spluttered. "Sorry, sorry, believe it or not I didn't time that." Jim shot him a look and the corner of Phil's mouth twitched up. "Not entirely."
"That's good to know." Jim wiped the back of his mouth on his hand. "I. I really don't know what to say."
"How about, it's great to meet you and I can't wait until this party is over so we can go get coffee and get to know each other better?" Phil sounded hopeful. "Honestly, I've been after Thomas to introduce us ever since I saw you at that press conference. You really put that reporter in his place."
"Thanks." Jim finished his drink. "You're a trauma surgeon? That must be stressful."
"Eh, it has its moments." Phil stepped in a bit closer. "Seriously, come out for coffee with me as soon as you can get away. I'd suggest leaving now but I don't think it would be too polite for the guest of honor to bail on his own party."
Jim looked at Phil for a moment, considering all the reasons why he should say no. It would be foolish to do that, not now, not when his face was still in the papers and his career was going to be under even closer scrutiny. So he was lonely and he couldn't remember the last time anyone looked at him with the frank admiration that Phil was showing. He wasn't a teenager. He wasn't ruled by hormones. He should say no and nice to meet you and I have to get back to the party. That's what he should do. "You know what? I think one of the perks to being the guest of honor is doing what you want. And what I want," he looked Phil up and down, delighted by the flush that brought to Phil's cheeks, "is to get that coffee now."
"Excellent! I'll," Phil licked his lips and Jim caught himself swaying forward a bit. "I'll meet you out there then?" He pointed to the doors leading to the side patio and Jim nodded.
"I'll meet you there in a moment." He headed off to say his goodbyes to Thomas and Martha. He might regret this in the morning but what the hell. It was his birthday. Might was well give himself a present.