(no subject)
Title: The Good 'Ship Beauvallet
Author: Catlover2x
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I do not own them and sadly see no possibility that I ever will
Summary: Warrick finds out a little known fact about Hodges by accident
A/N: Thank you to the fabulous helena_eternal for her constant support and admiration, great beta on this, and leading the way to snark 'ship!
x-posted to csi_slash
David Hodges sat in the trace lab ostentatiously holding up a copy of Crime Laboratory Digest where people could see it as they passed. The day was slow so he figured he might as well catch up on his reading.
Sanders poked his head in the door and said, "Catching up on your reading?"
"No, at present, I am exploring equatorial Africa, at the head of a small but adequately equipped expedition financed by the British Science Society. I shall be writing a paper announcing my discoveries and I expect to return in November of this year," Hodges answered calmly without looking up. "I'll be doing a lecture tour as well, don't miss it."
"You bite," returned Greg with a crooked grin.
"Thank you for sharing. How could I have gone on if you hadn't?" Hodges asked dryly.
"You just love that I pay any attention at all to you," smirked Greg.
"You must enjoy a very rich fantasy life," Hodges returned.
"Much like yours," and Greg vanished with a snicker.
"Goofing off again, I see. Don't you ever earn your paycheck?" Nick asked, coming in with a grin.
"It's all I live for," Hodges drawled. "Perhaps it escaped your attention that I'm reading a work-appropriate forensic journal or possibly you read so rarely that you confuse it with, say, tap dancing?"
"Why are you always such a pain?" asked Nick, placing several bags of evidence on the counter. "Don't make the slightest effort to be civil here, man."
"Well, only because you've begged me not to," David returned graciously, "Now get out of my lab."
He put away his magazine, hiding the book he'd carefully concealed inside and started processing the evidence Nick had left. When he had the results he brought them to Nick without comment. Tonight he had better things to do than track Grissom down to announce the outcome. Past experiences had not had a satisfactory result and he had more important things on his mind.
After giving Nick his findings, Hodges went up on the roof to get some privacy and quiet during his break. He sat near the edge of the roof, leaning back against a conveniently located vent hood. He browsed desultorily through his book but his imagination started spinning and he allowed the book to drop into his lap.
____
The smoke and gunpowder made it difficult to see, yet Lt. Hodges fought bravely on. The sights and sounds of pitched battle were all about him, men's pained cries echoing in his ears, but he had no time to attend; he was fighting for his very life. He drove his saber home through the chest of the pirate he fought. For a moment they stood frozen, face to face, as the burly man impaled on his blade realised his wounds were mortal. With a desperate last effort, he lunged forward and buried his dagger to the hilt in Lt. Hodges' shoulder. Restraining his cry of pain, Lt. Hodges braced his foot on the other man's thigh and pulled his saber free. Upon the sudden release, he staggered a bit, slipping in the blood on the deck.
Feeling suddenly lightheaded, Lt. Hodges backed up against the cabin wall. He sank down, his left hand groping for the hilt of the dagger. He pulled the weapon out and looked down to see his blood rapidly staining his white shirt while black spots danced before his eyes.
The point of a blade forced his chin up. Before him stood the most magnificent man he had ever seen. Lt. Hodges saw white teeth flashing in a handsome brown face with a mustache and goatee, brilliant green eyes triumphantly holding his gaze. The man had a silk kerchief tied about his head, a large gold earring in his right ear, and was clad in a flowing silk shirt of royal purple with bell sleeves, tight black pants tucked into black boots that reached over his knee. He had a pistol stuck in his wide belt and held a short sword to Lt. Hodges' throat, the point barely piercing his skin.
Lt. Hodges raised his head proudly, despite his swimming senses, mindful of his position as an officer in the Royal Navy. The dark man noticed that small gesture of pride and laughed, oblivious to the danger swirling around them. He turned his weapon so the flat of the blade was under Lt. Hodges' chin and used it to lift the officer's face higher.
"You have restored my faith in miracles, sir, I had given up expecting to meet as attractive a creature as yourself in the service of His Majesty's Navy." He mused thoughtfully, "And now that I have discovered you, what shall I do with you?"
"Sirrah, I would have you know I am an officer in the Royal Navy and such an address is an insult to your King and country," cried Lt. Hodges valiantly.
"My king," sneered the handsome pirate, "My king has done naught to win my allegiance. Why should I spare one who serves a king I cannot honour?"
"I have not asked for mercy," Lt. Hodges replied. "When I joined I was fully aware that death might be my fate and how better than to die in service of my country. We are at battle, all I ask is an honourable death befitting my station."
"Excellent," laughed the pirate, "But I have not offered you death, I have not offered you any choice at all. The outcome of your future rests entirely with me, not with you."
"Then I have no choice but to accept that my fate is in your hands," replied Lt. Hodges nobly, even while aware that he could barely keep his head up, let alone stand.
A sudden shout claimed the tall pirate's attention. "Back to the ship, men," he bellowed stentoriously. He then turned his attention back to Lt. Hodges, "I am loath to kill you nor do I desire to leave you behind aboard a sinking ship." He pondered. "A prize!" he cried, "Spoils of war."
Swiftly he sheathed his sword and gripping the front of the lieutenant's shirt, the powerfully built pirate hoisted him to his feet. Noting his stagger, the pirate stooped, allowing Lt. Hodges to fall over his shoulder. Raising him up, the taller man strode to the railing, as unimpeded as if he carried no burden. A sailor aboard the pirate vessel swung a line to him and grasping it in one hand, the pirate captain leaped lightly to his own deck.
"Here, you, take this man to my cabin below, bandage his wound," he commanded his sailor. "Then bind him to a chair, hand and foot, to keep him out of mischief." The captain turned away to shout orders to his men, getting the pirate ship under sail.
Hours later Lt. Hodges regained consciousness when the pirate captain entered the cabin. He struggled to present an intrepid countenance to his captor. The pirate captain seated himself and poured some wine. He swung a foot idly over the armrest of his chair, regarding Lt. Hodges gravely.
"I am Captain Brown," he introduced himself.
"Lt. Hodges of His Majesty's Royal Navy, at your service, sir," returned Lt. Hodges with such composure as he could muster.
"Ah, but you are an officer of the Navy no longer, sir. You are at my mercy." Captain Brown continued to regard the officer with amusement. "At my whim you could be made to walk the plank, be keelhauled or possibly a more pleasant fate awaits you, who can predict? I am Captain aboard this vessel and all who sail on her are under my command. At this present, sir, that includes yourself."
Lt. Hodges hid his consternation and continued to present as stalwart a demeanor as he was able.
Captain Brown rose to inspect the bandages at Lt. Hodges' shoulder. The lieutenant tried but could not completely conceal his wince. Captain Brown drew his dagger and sliced through the ropes binding Lt. Hodges to the chair. At the sudden release, Lt. Hodges fell forward and Captain Brown steadied him, then ripped his shirt open, revealing a muscled torso. Lt. Hodges looked up in alarm as Captain Brown stooped lower over him. Suddenly he felt the pirate's soft warm lips-
"Don't jump."
Hodges jumped anyway, although mercifully not over the edge of the building, dropping his magazine and book. He looked up, stunned for a moment, then remembered and stooped to rescue his reading material, bumping heads as Warrick bent to retrieve them at the same time. Hodges came up seeing stars, with empty hands.
Looking down at the book and magazine in his hands, Warrick exploded with laughter. "Oh man, this is something I never thought I'd see this. Check this out!" He guffawed, "You're hiding a, oh my God, a bodice ripper in your magazine!" Warrick sniggered, "Lady Millicent Dares: The Royal Escape by Violet Storm!"
"Return that to me at once," Hodges huffed. "You have no right, Capt- er, Warrick."
Warrick laughed helplessly, "You, the great sarcastic Hodges, with a romance novel. A romance novel! You don't actually read this trash?"
"I'm able to both read and write them," retorted David, hiding his discomfiture, "Unlike some who can barely read at all."
Warrick wondered if he'd imagined the hurt, vulnerable look in Hodges' eyes. "Are you kidding me?" Warrick ventured uncertainly.
"I'm willing to educate you this once," David condescended, "It's a responsibility that we, the literate, owe the less equipped. Writing these is just a formula, much like chemistry."
"And you just stumbled on this… formula?" Warrick asked in disbelief.
"Of course not, I analyzed and identified the formula." David continued, "This paid my tuition for college. I had time to study and all I had to do was crank out a new one every month. It was all that kept me going," he finished, hating the pathetic little quaver in his voice. "I'm - Violet Storm."
"You're Violet -" Warrick choked on a laugh. "I don't want to be the one to tell you but you're the last person I'd peg for writing - Romance."
"But you felt compelled to share it with me anyway, how lovely of you," Hodges smiled acidly. "These novels require research and a high level of plotting and vocabulary. Something you couldn't be expected to appreciate," he added loftily.
Warrick didn't know quite what to say so he said it anyway. "But you - you writing romance-! Of all people," he said, laughing again.
Hodges snatched his book and magazine and turned away, wondering how was he going to live this one down. Whoever said sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me obviously has never been on the receiving end of either, he thought.
David steeled himself to think up a whole new batch of comebacks to cope with this emergency. He anticipated humiliating repeat visits from all his coworkers as news of his "hobby" spread through the building. He hurried back to his lab, this time safely hiding his book where no one could find it.
As the evening wore on, Hodges became exhausted from the effort of bracing himself to meet the onslaught of ridicule, only to sigh with relief as everyone stuck to work-related topics. After a couple of hours with no suppressed giggles or weird looks he started to relax.
As David left, the sky was performing a glorious sunrise, paling the stars. Out of habit, he started phrasing a description in his head, so he didn't see Warrick leaning on his car. He stopped short, his exhaustion flooding back. Was Warrick only starting the torture now? And would he be to think of a suitable comeback?
"Hey, man," said Warrick softly.
"Now I should say, 'stop bruising my ride' or some comparable street argot, right, dude?" David dripped sarcasm as he stopped a good two feet away from the other man.
"Would you just quit, isn't it exhausting thinking up a crack for everything anyone says to you?" Warrick asked irritably.
"No, I find it a satisfying outlet for my creativity," David said, "which otherwise gets precious little chance for expression in this job."
"Well, it's exhausting for us, man."
Warrick couldn't help but notice that David's eyes looked a little defensive under his steady gaze. A part of him couldn't help gloating that for once, he had the upper hand, but underneath he felt - concerned - for Hodges. He hated to think David was afraid, and afraid of him. "Did you think I was going to tell everyone about your reading… habits?"
David looked up again and said, "As enchanting as it is to wander through the tangled jungles of your fevered imagination, I really need to get going, so if you'll remove yourself from my car, I'll be off."
Warrick pulled himself off Hodges' car and moved nearer, "You know, I never noticed before but you talk sort of like a romance novel." He was getting tantalizingly closer and Hodges knew he'd better make his escape if he was going to live to snark again.
"I'm glad your vast first-hand knowledge of the genre enables you to critique my every word," snapped David.
"And my vast interest in the genre, don't forget that," leered Warrick as he leaned closer. David brushed by him to reach his car and found himself pressed up against the car by a very toned and muscular body. Warrick placed both of his arms against the car roof on either side of David, trapping him, and murmured, "Why did you call me Captain on the roof?"
"I didn't!" David squeaked indignantly, "You're only a pirate captain and I sail on His-" Oh, good heavens, he stopped short, appalled at what he'd just said. I'm dead. Whatever possessed me to say that! How come I can write myself out of anything but-
Warrick's soft warm lips on his brought him out of his trance. For a moment he was too stunned to respond but then he figured that even if he had to walk the plank at dawn, he was at least going to get this one kiss. He reminded himself, stay in the moment, and gave his all to the kiss. Warrick broke away first, gasping for air. "Oh, man, do you write romance novels or porn? Where did you learn to do that with your tongue?"
"Oh, that little thing, glad you like it," David panted, trying to regain both his breath and his sangfroid. Which was a little difficult while his heart threatened to break out of his chest and fly away.
Warrick looked over at the building and said, "Can we take this somewhere else?"
"I thought you'd never ask," answered David, "Unfortunately I have an important meeting-"
"Just shut up and get in," Warrick snapped as he dragged David over to his SUV and shoved him in at the passenger door.
David looked under his lashes as Warrick's strong hands gripped the steering wheel.
"So does this qualify as an abduction?" he asked, "Maybe I should phone it in and see who gets assigned to my case?"
"You are a case," replied Warrick with a reluctant smile. "I've been wondering if there's more to you than meets the eye and I'm beginning to think there's a whole lot more."
"A man of discernment, I see," smirked David. "It's unusual to find someone with enough discrimination to opt for the Full Hodges Experience."
Warrick laughed, he could hear the capital letters, "Man, you're a trip. And how do you figure I signed up for the Full Hodges Experience?"
"We're in front of your house," David pointed out. "I'm assuming this doesn't mean you just want to share a few maudlin brewskies while we take in 'the big game'."
"Especially as there's no game on," Warrick agreed grimly. He got out and laughed to himself when David made no move to get out. He opened the door with a flourish, "Would you care to join me, Mr. Hodges?"
David responded, "Thank you so much, I accept your kind invitation," and stepped out of the SUV. He was startled when Warrick gripped his arm and rushed him to the door. Warrick dropped his arm and started fumbling through a gigantic bunch of keys with trembling fingers.
Secretly Hodges was thrilled to see the effect his proximity had on the taller man. He smoothly extracted a key from the bunch and unlocked the door. "How'd you know which key it was?" Warrick was amazed.
"Elementary," Hodges said with a superior smile, "Most worn."
And then he wasn't saying much of anything as Warrick pulled him into a tight embrace, frantically kissing him as they reeled unsteadily into the room. Hodges felt something, presumably a couch, behind his knees and hoped it was fully upholstered as he felt himself falling, pinned beneath Warrick. Their lips met, hot tongues tangling and moving together. One of Warrick's hands was under his shirt, moving over his chest. Warrick tore his mouth away long enough to gasp, "Wow, your skin feels like hot velvet."
"I thought I was the only one who read that 'trash'?" David panted.
"I can see I'm gonna have to keep that mouth busy," grinned Warrick and applied himself to the task with zest.
David gasped for air as Warrick plundered his mouth, kissing, licking, and sucking. By contrast, his hands were very gentle on David's body, exploring tenderly, as he slowly unbuttoned and unzipped, stroking and caressing. David wrapped his arms tightly around Warrick's neck and pulled him closer.
Warrick broke away and whispered, "Let's get you out of these clothes." David raised up enough to enable Warrick to undress him.
Warrick looked down at him through the dim morning light filtering through the curtains, and said, "Wow."
As his gaze moved lower, he said again but with a different emphasis, "Wow!"
David laughed nervously at Warrick's expression. Warrick ripped his T-shirt over his head and scrambled out of his pants. He dove back on top of David and started kissing him eagerly again, while one hand wandered down David's body closer to the prize. He breathed hard as he grasped David's erect manhood and started slowly stroking. David groaned and arched up under Warrick's body. It had been a long time since he'd felt another man's hand on him and he was overcome with the sensation.
He shuddered as Warrick's hot breath hit his ear while he whispered, "I want to make love to you. Would you like that?" David's body jerked as Warrick's hand brushed between the cleft of his cheeks.
"Please," he gasped, one part of his brain gently pleased to notice that he still retained mastery of the mechanics of speech, although his vocabulary was sadly lacking.
Warrick leaned away and David heard rustling. The next sensation was Warrick's warm, slick hand caressing him around and over his opening, waiting at the entrance until David nodded. Ever so slowly, Warrick pressed a finger just inside and stopped, waiting for David to adjust. David felt astounded at the feeling and had to concentrate on relaxing. When Warrick felt an answering push, he slid his finger in further, slowly stroking as he felt David clench and relax. He started a slow pumping motion to prepare David. As soon he felt a push back against his hand, Warrick added another finger and gently scissored to loosen the tight muscles.
When David felt Warrick's fingers slide out, he whimpered at the loss. He heard more rustling and then Warrick positioned himself carefully over David and entered him slowly, pausing to allow for the stretch as David squirmed and moaned. When Warrick felt David begin to thrust up against him, he started moving slowly. He could tell from all David's reactions that it had been a while since he'd allowed anyone to make love to him, so he took it as slowly as he could, even though it was all he could do to control himself.
David arched up against Warrick trying to draw him deeper. He groaned again when he felt Warrick's hand on him again, stroking gently, timing it with his thrusts. David came immediately. Not proud, no, but it had been a long time, so there were extenuating circumstances. As soon as David's body stopped shaking, Warrick raised himself up on both arms and pumped for the finish line, coming in thirty seconds flat and collapsing on top of David, even then being careful to keep his entire weight from crushing the smaller man.
As their breathing slowed, Warrick felt David's hands stroke soothingly up and down his back. He smiled and kissed David's neck.
Raising up on one elbow, he touched the side of David's face and smiled at him. "Want me to dress up like a pirate next time?"
For once David Hodges couldn't think of a single thing to say.
Author: Catlover2x
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I do not own them and sadly see no possibility that I ever will
Summary: Warrick finds out a little known fact about Hodges by accident
A/N: Thank you to the fabulous helena_eternal for her constant support and admiration, great beta on this, and leading the way to snark 'ship!
x-posted to csi_slash
David Hodges sat in the trace lab ostentatiously holding up a copy of Crime Laboratory Digest where people could see it as they passed. The day was slow so he figured he might as well catch up on his reading.
Sanders poked his head in the door and said, "Catching up on your reading?"
"No, at present, I am exploring equatorial Africa, at the head of a small but adequately equipped expedition financed by the British Science Society. I shall be writing a paper announcing my discoveries and I expect to return in November of this year," Hodges answered calmly without looking up. "I'll be doing a lecture tour as well, don't miss it."
"You bite," returned Greg with a crooked grin.
"Thank you for sharing. How could I have gone on if you hadn't?" Hodges asked dryly.
"You just love that I pay any attention at all to you," smirked Greg.
"You must enjoy a very rich fantasy life," Hodges returned.
"Much like yours," and Greg vanished with a snicker.
"Goofing off again, I see. Don't you ever earn your paycheck?" Nick asked, coming in with a grin.
"It's all I live for," Hodges drawled. "Perhaps it escaped your attention that I'm reading a work-appropriate forensic journal or possibly you read so rarely that you confuse it with, say, tap dancing?"
"Why are you always such a pain?" asked Nick, placing several bags of evidence on the counter. "Don't make the slightest effort to be civil here, man."
"Well, only because you've begged me not to," David returned graciously, "Now get out of my lab."
He put away his magazine, hiding the book he'd carefully concealed inside and started processing the evidence Nick had left. When he had the results he brought them to Nick without comment. Tonight he had better things to do than track Grissom down to announce the outcome. Past experiences had not had a satisfactory result and he had more important things on his mind.
After giving Nick his findings, Hodges went up on the roof to get some privacy and quiet during his break. He sat near the edge of the roof, leaning back against a conveniently located vent hood. He browsed desultorily through his book but his imagination started spinning and he allowed the book to drop into his lap.
____
The smoke and gunpowder made it difficult to see, yet Lt. Hodges fought bravely on. The sights and sounds of pitched battle were all about him, men's pained cries echoing in his ears, but he had no time to attend; he was fighting for his very life. He drove his saber home through the chest of the pirate he fought. For a moment they stood frozen, face to face, as the burly man impaled on his blade realised his wounds were mortal. With a desperate last effort, he lunged forward and buried his dagger to the hilt in Lt. Hodges' shoulder. Restraining his cry of pain, Lt. Hodges braced his foot on the other man's thigh and pulled his saber free. Upon the sudden release, he staggered a bit, slipping in the blood on the deck.
Feeling suddenly lightheaded, Lt. Hodges backed up against the cabin wall. He sank down, his left hand groping for the hilt of the dagger. He pulled the weapon out and looked down to see his blood rapidly staining his white shirt while black spots danced before his eyes.
The point of a blade forced his chin up. Before him stood the most magnificent man he had ever seen. Lt. Hodges saw white teeth flashing in a handsome brown face with a mustache and goatee, brilliant green eyes triumphantly holding his gaze. The man had a silk kerchief tied about his head, a large gold earring in his right ear, and was clad in a flowing silk shirt of royal purple with bell sleeves, tight black pants tucked into black boots that reached over his knee. He had a pistol stuck in his wide belt and held a short sword to Lt. Hodges' throat, the point barely piercing his skin.
Lt. Hodges raised his head proudly, despite his swimming senses, mindful of his position as an officer in the Royal Navy. The dark man noticed that small gesture of pride and laughed, oblivious to the danger swirling around them. He turned his weapon so the flat of the blade was under Lt. Hodges' chin and used it to lift the officer's face higher.
"You have restored my faith in miracles, sir, I had given up expecting to meet as attractive a creature as yourself in the service of His Majesty's Navy." He mused thoughtfully, "And now that I have discovered you, what shall I do with you?"
"Sirrah, I would have you know I am an officer in the Royal Navy and such an address is an insult to your King and country," cried Lt. Hodges valiantly.
"My king," sneered the handsome pirate, "My king has done naught to win my allegiance. Why should I spare one who serves a king I cannot honour?"
"I have not asked for mercy," Lt. Hodges replied. "When I joined I was fully aware that death might be my fate and how better than to die in service of my country. We are at battle, all I ask is an honourable death befitting my station."
"Excellent," laughed the pirate, "But I have not offered you death, I have not offered you any choice at all. The outcome of your future rests entirely with me, not with you."
"Then I have no choice but to accept that my fate is in your hands," replied Lt. Hodges nobly, even while aware that he could barely keep his head up, let alone stand.
A sudden shout claimed the tall pirate's attention. "Back to the ship, men," he bellowed stentoriously. He then turned his attention back to Lt. Hodges, "I am loath to kill you nor do I desire to leave you behind aboard a sinking ship." He pondered. "A prize!" he cried, "Spoils of war."
Swiftly he sheathed his sword and gripping the front of the lieutenant's shirt, the powerfully built pirate hoisted him to his feet. Noting his stagger, the pirate stooped, allowing Lt. Hodges to fall over his shoulder. Raising him up, the taller man strode to the railing, as unimpeded as if he carried no burden. A sailor aboard the pirate vessel swung a line to him and grasping it in one hand, the pirate captain leaped lightly to his own deck.
"Here, you, take this man to my cabin below, bandage his wound," he commanded his sailor. "Then bind him to a chair, hand and foot, to keep him out of mischief." The captain turned away to shout orders to his men, getting the pirate ship under sail.
Hours later Lt. Hodges regained consciousness when the pirate captain entered the cabin. He struggled to present an intrepid countenance to his captor. The pirate captain seated himself and poured some wine. He swung a foot idly over the armrest of his chair, regarding Lt. Hodges gravely.
"I am Captain Brown," he introduced himself.
"Lt. Hodges of His Majesty's Royal Navy, at your service, sir," returned Lt. Hodges with such composure as he could muster.
"Ah, but you are an officer of the Navy no longer, sir. You are at my mercy." Captain Brown continued to regard the officer with amusement. "At my whim you could be made to walk the plank, be keelhauled or possibly a more pleasant fate awaits you, who can predict? I am Captain aboard this vessel and all who sail on her are under my command. At this present, sir, that includes yourself."
Lt. Hodges hid his consternation and continued to present as stalwart a demeanor as he was able.
Captain Brown rose to inspect the bandages at Lt. Hodges' shoulder. The lieutenant tried but could not completely conceal his wince. Captain Brown drew his dagger and sliced through the ropes binding Lt. Hodges to the chair. At the sudden release, Lt. Hodges fell forward and Captain Brown steadied him, then ripped his shirt open, revealing a muscled torso. Lt. Hodges looked up in alarm as Captain Brown stooped lower over him. Suddenly he felt the pirate's soft warm lips-
"Don't jump."
Hodges jumped anyway, although mercifully not over the edge of the building, dropping his magazine and book. He looked up, stunned for a moment, then remembered and stooped to rescue his reading material, bumping heads as Warrick bent to retrieve them at the same time. Hodges came up seeing stars, with empty hands.
Looking down at the book and magazine in his hands, Warrick exploded with laughter. "Oh man, this is something I never thought I'd see this. Check this out!" He guffawed, "You're hiding a, oh my God, a bodice ripper in your magazine!" Warrick sniggered, "Lady Millicent Dares: The Royal Escape by Violet Storm!"
"Return that to me at once," Hodges huffed. "You have no right, Capt- er, Warrick."
Warrick laughed helplessly, "You, the great sarcastic Hodges, with a romance novel. A romance novel! You don't actually read this trash?"
"I'm able to both read and write them," retorted David, hiding his discomfiture, "Unlike some who can barely read at all."
Warrick wondered if he'd imagined the hurt, vulnerable look in Hodges' eyes. "Are you kidding me?" Warrick ventured uncertainly.
"I'm willing to educate you this once," David condescended, "It's a responsibility that we, the literate, owe the less equipped. Writing these is just a formula, much like chemistry."
"And you just stumbled on this… formula?" Warrick asked in disbelief.
"Of course not, I analyzed and identified the formula." David continued, "This paid my tuition for college. I had time to study and all I had to do was crank out a new one every month. It was all that kept me going," he finished, hating the pathetic little quaver in his voice. "I'm - Violet Storm."
"You're Violet -" Warrick choked on a laugh. "I don't want to be the one to tell you but you're the last person I'd peg for writing - Romance."
"But you felt compelled to share it with me anyway, how lovely of you," Hodges smiled acidly. "These novels require research and a high level of plotting and vocabulary. Something you couldn't be expected to appreciate," he added loftily.
Warrick didn't know quite what to say so he said it anyway. "But you - you writing romance-! Of all people," he said, laughing again.
Hodges snatched his book and magazine and turned away, wondering how was he going to live this one down. Whoever said sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me obviously has never been on the receiving end of either, he thought.
David steeled himself to think up a whole new batch of comebacks to cope with this emergency. He anticipated humiliating repeat visits from all his coworkers as news of his "hobby" spread through the building. He hurried back to his lab, this time safely hiding his book where no one could find it.
As the evening wore on, Hodges became exhausted from the effort of bracing himself to meet the onslaught of ridicule, only to sigh with relief as everyone stuck to work-related topics. After a couple of hours with no suppressed giggles or weird looks he started to relax.
As David left, the sky was performing a glorious sunrise, paling the stars. Out of habit, he started phrasing a description in his head, so he didn't see Warrick leaning on his car. He stopped short, his exhaustion flooding back. Was Warrick only starting the torture now? And would he be to think of a suitable comeback?
"Hey, man," said Warrick softly.
"Now I should say, 'stop bruising my ride' or some comparable street argot, right, dude?" David dripped sarcasm as he stopped a good two feet away from the other man.
"Would you just quit, isn't it exhausting thinking up a crack for everything anyone says to you?" Warrick asked irritably.
"No, I find it a satisfying outlet for my creativity," David said, "which otherwise gets precious little chance for expression in this job."
"Well, it's exhausting for us, man."
Warrick couldn't help but notice that David's eyes looked a little defensive under his steady gaze. A part of him couldn't help gloating that for once, he had the upper hand, but underneath he felt - concerned - for Hodges. He hated to think David was afraid, and afraid of him. "Did you think I was going to tell everyone about your reading… habits?"
David looked up again and said, "As enchanting as it is to wander through the tangled jungles of your fevered imagination, I really need to get going, so if you'll remove yourself from my car, I'll be off."
Warrick pulled himself off Hodges' car and moved nearer, "You know, I never noticed before but you talk sort of like a romance novel." He was getting tantalizingly closer and Hodges knew he'd better make his escape if he was going to live to snark again.
"I'm glad your vast first-hand knowledge of the genre enables you to critique my every word," snapped David.
"And my vast interest in the genre, don't forget that," leered Warrick as he leaned closer. David brushed by him to reach his car and found himself pressed up against the car by a very toned and muscular body. Warrick placed both of his arms against the car roof on either side of David, trapping him, and murmured, "Why did you call me Captain on the roof?"
"I didn't!" David squeaked indignantly, "You're only a pirate captain and I sail on His-" Oh, good heavens, he stopped short, appalled at what he'd just said. I'm dead. Whatever possessed me to say that! How come I can write myself out of anything but-
Warrick's soft warm lips on his brought him out of his trance. For a moment he was too stunned to respond but then he figured that even if he had to walk the plank at dawn, he was at least going to get this one kiss. He reminded himself, stay in the moment, and gave his all to the kiss. Warrick broke away first, gasping for air. "Oh, man, do you write romance novels or porn? Where did you learn to do that with your tongue?"
"Oh, that little thing, glad you like it," David panted, trying to regain both his breath and his sangfroid. Which was a little difficult while his heart threatened to break out of his chest and fly away.
Warrick looked over at the building and said, "Can we take this somewhere else?"
"I thought you'd never ask," answered David, "Unfortunately I have an important meeting-"
"Just shut up and get in," Warrick snapped as he dragged David over to his SUV and shoved him in at the passenger door.
David looked under his lashes as Warrick's strong hands gripped the steering wheel.
"So does this qualify as an abduction?" he asked, "Maybe I should phone it in and see who gets assigned to my case?"
"You are a case," replied Warrick with a reluctant smile. "I've been wondering if there's more to you than meets the eye and I'm beginning to think there's a whole lot more."
"A man of discernment, I see," smirked David. "It's unusual to find someone with enough discrimination to opt for the Full Hodges Experience."
Warrick laughed, he could hear the capital letters, "Man, you're a trip. And how do you figure I signed up for the Full Hodges Experience?"
"We're in front of your house," David pointed out. "I'm assuming this doesn't mean you just want to share a few maudlin brewskies while we take in 'the big game'."
"Especially as there's no game on," Warrick agreed grimly. He got out and laughed to himself when David made no move to get out. He opened the door with a flourish, "Would you care to join me, Mr. Hodges?"
David responded, "Thank you so much, I accept your kind invitation," and stepped out of the SUV. He was startled when Warrick gripped his arm and rushed him to the door. Warrick dropped his arm and started fumbling through a gigantic bunch of keys with trembling fingers.
Secretly Hodges was thrilled to see the effect his proximity had on the taller man. He smoothly extracted a key from the bunch and unlocked the door. "How'd you know which key it was?" Warrick was amazed.
"Elementary," Hodges said with a superior smile, "Most worn."
And then he wasn't saying much of anything as Warrick pulled him into a tight embrace, frantically kissing him as they reeled unsteadily into the room. Hodges felt something, presumably a couch, behind his knees and hoped it was fully upholstered as he felt himself falling, pinned beneath Warrick. Their lips met, hot tongues tangling and moving together. One of Warrick's hands was under his shirt, moving over his chest. Warrick tore his mouth away long enough to gasp, "Wow, your skin feels like hot velvet."
"I thought I was the only one who read that 'trash'?" David panted.
"I can see I'm gonna have to keep that mouth busy," grinned Warrick and applied himself to the task with zest.
David gasped for air as Warrick plundered his mouth, kissing, licking, and sucking. By contrast, his hands were very gentle on David's body, exploring tenderly, as he slowly unbuttoned and unzipped, stroking and caressing. David wrapped his arms tightly around Warrick's neck and pulled him closer.
Warrick broke away and whispered, "Let's get you out of these clothes." David raised up enough to enable Warrick to undress him.
Warrick looked down at him through the dim morning light filtering through the curtains, and said, "Wow."
As his gaze moved lower, he said again but with a different emphasis, "Wow!"
David laughed nervously at Warrick's expression. Warrick ripped his T-shirt over his head and scrambled out of his pants. He dove back on top of David and started kissing him eagerly again, while one hand wandered down David's body closer to the prize. He breathed hard as he grasped David's erect manhood and started slowly stroking. David groaned and arched up under Warrick's body. It had been a long time since he'd felt another man's hand on him and he was overcome with the sensation.
He shuddered as Warrick's hot breath hit his ear while he whispered, "I want to make love to you. Would you like that?" David's body jerked as Warrick's hand brushed between the cleft of his cheeks.
"Please," he gasped, one part of his brain gently pleased to notice that he still retained mastery of the mechanics of speech, although his vocabulary was sadly lacking.
Warrick leaned away and David heard rustling. The next sensation was Warrick's warm, slick hand caressing him around and over his opening, waiting at the entrance until David nodded. Ever so slowly, Warrick pressed a finger just inside and stopped, waiting for David to adjust. David felt astounded at the feeling and had to concentrate on relaxing. When Warrick felt an answering push, he slid his finger in further, slowly stroking as he felt David clench and relax. He started a slow pumping motion to prepare David. As soon he felt a push back against his hand, Warrick added another finger and gently scissored to loosen the tight muscles.
When David felt Warrick's fingers slide out, he whimpered at the loss. He heard more rustling and then Warrick positioned himself carefully over David and entered him slowly, pausing to allow for the stretch as David squirmed and moaned. When Warrick felt David begin to thrust up against him, he started moving slowly. He could tell from all David's reactions that it had been a while since he'd allowed anyone to make love to him, so he took it as slowly as he could, even though it was all he could do to control himself.
David arched up against Warrick trying to draw him deeper. He groaned again when he felt Warrick's hand on him again, stroking gently, timing it with his thrusts. David came immediately. Not proud, no, but it had been a long time, so there were extenuating circumstances. As soon as David's body stopped shaking, Warrick raised himself up on both arms and pumped for the finish line, coming in thirty seconds flat and collapsing on top of David, even then being careful to keep his entire weight from crushing the smaller man.
As their breathing slowed, Warrick felt David's hands stroke soothingly up and down his back. He smiled and kissed David's neck.
Raising up on one elbow, he touched the side of David's face and smiled at him. "Want me to dress up like a pirate next time?"
For once David Hodges couldn't think of a single thing to say.