Six - ("I take thee, heart and soul, love and insanity.")

Tuesday Morning

Sonny woke at his usual time - 5:30 am, but today was not going to be a usual day. He was going home today - well actually he was going to Rico's house. He lay there a few moments just listening to the noises in the corridor. God, it was going to seem so quiet when he was out of here.

Stretching slowly, he felt the usual aches and pains, but nothing too bad. He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Might as well grab his shower now. He had things he wanted to do before he was officially out of here.

He smiled when he turned the light on in the bathroom. Rico had laid out Sonny's 'going home' clothes by the door. Well, that had ended up being unexpectedly embarrassing the day before.    

When Fielding had finally confirmed five days ago that Sonny was being discharged, Sonny had asked Rico to stop by the boat and get some clothes. He was tired of pajamas, sweatpants and T-shirts. He wanted to wear some of his own clothes when he finally walked out the door.

The problem started when Sonny had tried the stuff on yesterday. Rico had unknowing chosen some of his older wardrobe for the day out - they had been okay - but it was painfully obvious that even a big belt was not going to help keep the linen slacks on Sonny. He had lost so much weight that he was swimming in his favourite clothes. It was stupid and childish but suddenly he had found himself close to tears over it.

Standing in the bathroom doorway, Sonny had flung the clothes to the floor in disgust. Rico had simply grabbed him and held him.

"Sonny, it's all right."

Sonny had wanted to push away. He wanted to stand on his own two feet, he snorted, along with the damned crutches. Jesus, every time he thought he was getting back to himself, to his life....

Rico had held onto him and continued. "Look, it's no big deal. I'll stop at the mall and get you a few things this afternoon when I run by the office." Sonny finally sighed and relaxed in his partner's embrace.

"I'm sorry. I know it's a stupid thing." He sniffed. "Jesus, I should be ecstatic just to be getting the hell out of this place."

Rico had looked him in the eye. "Don't you see? This is a gift, Sonny." Sonny saw tears in Rico's eyes. "So many things could have happened, could have gone wrong. So many times I thought we lost you." Then, with a mischievous smile, he added, "What you wear when you leave doesn't matter. Hell, Sonny, I'd take you home naked except it would make all the ladies jealous of me."

"Nah," Sonny chuckled at the image of Rico fending off the nurses. "I'd probably just scare them off with all these scars."

"Don't say that." Rico gently stroked a finger along Sonny's jaw-line. "You're beautiful." He leaned in for a quick kiss.

"And I thought you loved me for my mind." Sonny was still smiling as the kiss ended.

Rico grinned and hugged him. "I love *all* of you, Sonny."

They moved over to Sonny's bed and sat. "I love your mind, your quick intelligence. Your sense of humor. Your body for its gorgeous shape and form. All of it - every single hair, every blemish and scar. They're all you and I love them." Rico pulled Sonny's hand to his mouth and kissed the fingers.

"But you know what I love most of all? I love your heart so filled with honesty, love and conviction. So very full of love. And I count my blessings that I'm included with those you love." Rico looked to see that Sonny's eyes were bright with tears. "I'm almost afraid to be this happy. That I'll wake and this won't have been real." He felt Sonny's hand on his face and leaned into it.

"It is real, Rico." Sonny caressed the cheek in his hand. "My love for you is real. Our love is real. It has to be." He felt tears starting to slide down his face, but didn't care. "I know I wouldn't have survived these last few months otherwise. Your love saved me." He took a breath.

"People have asked what I remember when I was first brought in here. Do you want to know what I first remember?" Rico nodded. "Your voice. It was filled with love. It was beautiful. It found me in the dark, when I was scared and alone. It gave me something bright and strong to hold onto as the darkness called me farther away. I was in pain. I was terrified and confused. It would have been so easy to just drift away into the oblivion around me." He saw tears gathering in Rico's eyes and brushed a fingertip against them.

"But your voice of love with your gentle strength cradled me. It let me rest long enough to gather my own strength." It seemed like it was just yesterday that this happened, but it was months ago now. "And your love and great strength have been with me every step of the way, Rico. - So, yes, this is real. It's very, very real. I love you, Rico. I will always love you."

Slowly, they leaned in and kissed, their tears mingling. It was a slow kiss, unhurried, but filled with love. As they parted, suddenly Sonny asked, "You want to hear something weird?"

"What?" "After all this time in here and wanting to get out, I'm almost scared to leave." Sonny seemed perplexed. "I don't know why."

"That's understandable. Don't worry." Rico smiled. "You're going to be so busy tomorrow, you're not going to have time to be scared. And the house is all set. So there are no worries there."

He did not mention that Gina, Trudy and Stan had taken it upon themselves to clean his house. It was not that Rico was a messy person, he just had not been home for more than a few minutes at a time over the last few months.

The place was dusty, and junk mail had threatened to take over the kitchen table that he'd been using as a mail drop.

Stan had even touched up the paint on the stairway where a carpenter had installed a new, sturdier railing at Rico's request. The only thing that Gina and Trudy had complained about was trying to sort through his refrigerator and pantry. They had talked about calling in a hazardous material handling team.

Yesterday, when he had stopped in to drop off Sonny's stuff and do the cleaning himself, he had been greeted by a freshly dusted, vacuumed and stocked house. The note tacked to the fridge told him that they had decided this was a better welcome home gift than a flower arrangement and a balloon. So the house was clean, the junk mail tossed, important mail stacked neatly on the table, and they had even stocked a week's worth of groceries. Rico was deeply touched although he'd had to chuckle at the threat to call the haz-mat team.

"So any particular styles of clothes you'd like me to pick up, or do you trust my judgement?"

"Anything you pick up will be fine." Sonny smiled. Suddenly, he felt like a kid on Christmas eve. "God, I can't wait 'til tomorrow gets here."

Well, tomorrow had arrived and if he did not get going he would not be ready to leave when all was said and done. Sonny had finished his shower and dressed before his breakfast tray was due to arrived.

Rico was waiting for him when he finished. There was a cup of fresh, gourmet coffee, from the shop down the street, and a danish laid out on his tray table. "Geez, Sonny, a little anxious to get out of here?" He smiled and took a long drink from his own cup of coffee.

Sonny settled himself on the bed and pulled the cup to him. "Ahhh, real coffee." He breathed in the aroma like it was a perfume. "Thanks, Rico." Of course, it was just the way he preferred - black. "And yes, I'm anxious to get the hell out of here."

His breakfast tray arrived and he thanked the aide who smiled and wished him well. It obvious that he was getting out today. Rico watched him as he checked out the meal. Oatmeal - lukewarm. Toast - cold. Orange juice. Milk.

"You know, I still haven't figured out what is the difference between the bland and regular diets. Neither one has any real taste." Sonny picked at the cold toast, but left the cereal alone. Finally, he just finished the juice and milk and covered the tray. Leaning back, he pulled a long swallow of the coffee.

"At least eat the danish," Rico encouraged. Both he and Bri were concerned that Sonny just had not been eating as much as he should. Bri had even run some extra tests a couple of weeks ago to be certain that Sonny's digestive system was healed and functioning properly. All the tests came back confirming all was well. So this morning's treat was another way to try to stimulate Sonny's appetite.

Sonny rolled his eyes, but reached for the danish. "Yes, mother." He grumbled. It was getting to be an old argument.

A few minutes later, Nurse Sheedy arrived with the morning meds. "Well, Sonny, I see you're ready to get out of here." She smiled. He looked quite handsome in the clothes his friend had brought. This one patient, she would remember for a long time. A miracle.

"Well, it's all due to your special care." Sonny was grateful for the care he had received. And Nurse Sheedy had been especially nice to him. He took the pill cup and then took her hand. "Thank you." He kissed the back of her hand.

"I was just doing my job." She blushed and moved to the door. She looked to Rico. "Now, you take good care of him." There was no doubt in her mind that Sonny would receive the best of care from Ricardo Tubbs. She had rarely ever witnessed such devotion between two people. Rico nodded.

"You bet I will."

After she had left, Rico turned to his partner who was still only picking at the danish. "So did Bri ever give you a definite time you'd be sprung from this place?"

"He figured with all the paperwork I should be free somewhere around 10 - 10:30." Sonny glanced at his watch. "In a little while, I need to make a quick trip to pediatrics." He looked around the room that had been his home for so long. "And since you took most of my stuff from here to your place yesterday, there's not much to pack."    

Rico had accompanied Sonny to the pediatrics unit to say goodbye to Jamie. Rico watched as Sonny handed Groggy to the boy.

"He wants to look after you now." Sonny told Jamie.

"What about you?"

Sonny glanced at Rico and smiled, "I think I have someone to look after me."

Jamie clutched the toy happily and gave Sonny a big hug. He whispered, "I'll miss you. Thank you for coming to play with me." When Sonny returned to his room, he was treated to a stream of well-wishers. The physiotherapist, her aide, nurses and more, all trickled in to say goodbye and wish Sonny good luck. It had never occurred to him that he had touched so many people during his stay.    

Fielding watched as Rico flung Sonny's bag in the back of the car. He helped Sonny climb into the car, and leaned down. "Thanks, Bri. For everything."

Fielding shook the proffered hand. "I am really going to miss you both." Despite the fact that Sonny was going to be an out-patient for some time to come, for therapy and regular check-ups by Bri himself, it was going to be strange without the two men permanently around. He wondered how many times he was going to walk through the trauma unit and head for Sonny's room without thinking. It had become habit now.

"Good luck, Sonny. And look after that wrist!" It would still be at least three weeks before the cast could be removed. Although watching Sonny now, you would think it was not there.

After all Bri's scheduling, it was still after 11:00 before Sonny was seated in his Ferrari watching Rico drive and taking in the sights as the hospital retreated behind them.

At a red light, Rico glanced over at Sonny and read the expression on his face. He touched his partner's arm. "You okay?"

Sonny turned, smiled and nodded. "It's just strange,

that's all."    

Sonny stood at the end of Rico's driveway, where concrete met beach. Out here, the only sound to be heard was the ocean waves. Rico moved to stand behind him and wrap his arms around Sonny's too-slim waist. Sonny gave a hum of appreciation.

"So, is it good to be out of there, Partner?" "It's incredible...." Sonny leaned back, knowing Rico would support his weight and not let him fall.

To Rico, Sonny felt painfully thin. "Sonny, you have got to gain some serious weight."

"Yeah, yeah."

They stood together for a short time, until Rico felt a shiver run through Sonny's body. "Are you all right?"

"A bit tired."

Rico gently squeezed his partner's waist. "C'mon, let's get you inside."

When Rico opened the fridge, he found a chicken casserole and a baked Ziti and Parmesan dish, There was note from Gina saying she and Trudy figured that this would take care of a couple of meals. All Rico had to do was warm them up. They had done all of this for Sonny and for him.

Rico looked up to find Sonny standing in the doorway. He had an odd expression on his face. "Is the room all right for you?"    

Rico had directed Sonny through to the 'den', the spare room at the front of the house. It contained a king-sized sofa bed, something else that Sonny had missed - space in his bed. A door lead to an adjoining bathroom. Later, Sonny noticed the shower seat. Rico had thought of everything.

When Sonny had opened the door to the room, he had stopped in amazement. Rico had taken most of Sonny's stuff from the hospital yesterday and the day before. Now, all of Sonny's Get Well cards were up on the window sill and dressers. Poirot the bear was settled in the comfy chair. There was a bowl of fresh fruit on the side, with a note from Martin apologizing, but the store had run out of grapes. His globe-light had been set up on a small table by the bed, along with a box of matches.

A small, silver box, lying on the pillows, caught Sonny's attention. He sat on the bed and picked up the box. Opening it, the first thing he saw was pair of small, silver scissors. Lifting them out, a little confused, Sonny saw there was a second layer in the box. Removing the tissue paper revealed a slim, silver id bracelet.

Sonny took the bracelet from the box and turned it in his fingers. On the front of the bracelet's tag it simply read 'Sonny' in scrolled script. But on the reverse of the tag, there was an inscription. In smaller, scrolled lettering was written, 'Real lasts for always. R.'

Sonny wiped a tear from his eye and looked down at his left wrist. Suddenly he understood what the scissors were for. With practiced ease, Sonny maneuvered the scissors around the uncasted ends of his fingers, and snipped through the plastic hospital id bracelet that he had worn for so long.    

So now he stood in the kitchen doorway, the new bracelet dangling from his fingers. As Rico came over to him he said, "You've already given me so much...."

"Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful." Rico took the gift from Sonny, who offered Rico his arm so that he could fasten the clip around his left wrist. "Thank you."

Rico heard Sonny's voice catch. "In case you ever forget, it's to remind you that I love you." Rico placed a quick kiss on Sonny's lips. "How's the room?"

"Perfect. In fact, if you don't mind, I'm gonna take a nap. All this excitement...."

Rico smiled. "Of course, I don't mind." He indicated the significant pile of mail stacked neatly on the table. "I've got enough to keep myself busy for the next two weeks!"

Sonny lay back in the centre of the bed. His meds were now limited to mornings and evenings, unless the pain became too bad, in which case Bri wanted him taken back to the hospital anyway. But Sonny felt so exhausted from the morning's activities that he fell asleep easily without the aid of the meds or Rico reading to him.    

Rico peeked in on his partner three hours later. He smiled to himself - despite the fact that he was now in a huge bed, big enough for at least three, Sonny was curled on his side, right on the edge of the mattress. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully, but then he always had slept okay during the day. Rico hoped that now the nightmares would leave Sonny alone.    

It was almost on five thirty when Rico heard the water running in Sonny's shower. Putting the casserole in the oven to heat, he set the table out on the patio. It would be a nice treat for Sonny to eat under the open sky. It had been a long and surprisingly tiring day for both of them.

After supper, they simply sat and watched the sunset. Finally, when the chill of the ocean breeze drove them inside, Sonny discovered that all he wanted to do now was go to bed. He yawned mightily.

Rico helped Sonny stand. "I'm gonna sleep on the couch." Rico told him. "That way I can hear you if you call."

Sonny looked at his partner in disbelief. Jesus, even in his own home, Rico was going to sacrifice his comfort to ensure Sonny was okay. Sonny took a deep breath. What he really wanted was to sleep in the same bed with Rico. He knew he would sleep better with his partner's arms around him, or even just in the same bed with him.

He shook his head. No. He had to start being independent, stop clinging to his partner. "No, Rico, you deserve a decent night's sleep in your own bed. I'll be fine." 'I won't be fine. I want you here with me.' He stomped hard on that little voice in his head. Rico was surprised, but he knew Sonny was trying to reassert his independence. "If you say so. It really wouldn't be a problem for me to stay down here...." But Sonny was determined. "Well, I'll just be upstairs if you need anything. Okay? I'm sure I'll hear you if you give a yell." Sonny nodded and Rico watched him hobble into the den.

Anxiety stabbed suddenly at Rico. What if Sonny decides he doesn't need you at all when he's done healing? What if there's just no room in his life for you? What if...?

The stairs seemed very high as he headed for his bedroom. He had not slept there in the entire time Sonny had been hospitalized. It was going to seem awfully lonely.    

Rico rolled over and stared at the alarm clock. It was just after midnight, and despite being tired, he couldn't get to sleep. Finally, he sat up. Maybe if he got a cold drink and checked in on Sonny, he would able to rest.

The cold grape juice tasted good. Rico set the glass in the sink and turned out the light. Now, to check on his partner. Quietly, he opened the door to the den. In the moonlight, he could make out Sonny sitting up on the side of the bed.

Stepping in, he could hear Sonny's quiet sniffles as he tried to calm the sobs that were making his body tremble. "Sonny?" Rico crouched down in front of his partner and reached up to touch his shoulder. He felt Sonny tense up, but he did not turn to look at him. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

Rico could barely make out that Sonny was shaking his head. "...No...."

"Please, Sonny, tell me what's wrong?" Rico was getting really worried. Sonny had been much more stable these last few weeks. What could have made him so miserable? He sat up on the bed, curling one leg under him, the other dangling off the side. He gently touched Sonny's hair - it was damp. Finally, Sonny tilted his head toward Rico. "It was just a nightmare...."

"Strohe again?"

Sonny nodded. "I'm sitting in bed in the hospital and the room's on fire. I can't move 'cause I'm tangled in the sheets. Doesn't matter - I can't reach my chair - it's across the room. And then Strohe is there, in front of me, with his gun aimed at my head. And I'm screamin', pleading with him not to shoot, but he does. I feel the bullet.... Then I wake up." He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand.

"I wanted to be so strong and independent when I finally got out of the hospital." He sniffed. "But to tell the truth, I don't know if I can get back to sleep now, without you with me. It's childish and selfish and I feel so stupid." Sonny took Rico's hand and gripped it tightly. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry...." He started crying again. 'You're so pathetic.' He heard the voice, but he no longer cared. He was just too damned tired to worry about it.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Rico pulled Sonny into a hug. "To tell the truth, I couldn't sleep upstairs away from you. You're getting stronger, more independent everyday." He sighed. Sonny felt so good against him. "I worry that one day soon you won't need me."

Sonny pulled away slightly to meet his partner's gaze. "How can you say that? Eight years we've been together. Have I ever not needed you?"

Rico smiled. "I guess not."

"I can't imagine life without you in it. And I don't want to." Sonny shifted, uncomfortably. His back was starting to ache. "Will you stay here?"

"Is that a stupid question?"

Sonny maneuvered under the covers and Rico slid in beside his partner. He felt Sonny settle against him. Somehow this just felt so right. He could easily get used to this. He felt Sonny relax and after a little while his breathing evened out. This was definitely the right place to be.

**************************************************

"...and try to make the next excuse believable." Castillo replaced the receiver as Stan dropped a photograph on the desk. "What's this?"

"Jare De Vries - a friend of Sonny's."

"Friend?"

"A year before you arrived here, Sonny and his partner, Franko were working a small-time dealer, trying to get to his supplier. One morning, we got a frantic phone call from Franko. Sonny hadn't appeared for the meet with this dealer. After a day's search, Sonny turned up at his boat. He'd been worked over pretty rough - couple of broken bones, cracked ribs, concussion. Apparently, De Vries had found out they were working one of his dealers and had Sonny picked up. A day later, he killed the dealer. We could never prove anything. Then De Vries disappeared."

"Where and when was this taken?"

"South beach. Yesterday."    

Late at night, in the lonely darkness of the OCB office, Sonny's phone rang three times before the answer machine picked it up. "This is Burnett, when you hear the tone, tell me something I don't already know."

The tone sounded. A pause. Then a lone voice spoke quietly. "I've come back for you, Sonny."

**************************************************

The following day, Sonny and Rico hit the mall. Fielding had insisted on making all their travel arrangements for their flight out to St. Andrews. He told Rico he just knew better, than the two detectives, what sort of arrangements were necessary for travelling with someone in a wheelchair. Sonny had grumbled about taking the chair at first, but he finally conceded that that it would be easier to have Rico push him through the terminals than for him to try to hurry along on his crutches.

But clothing was something Fielding could not arrange, and hardly any of Sonny's own wardrobe fitted him anymore. So Rico had taken him shopping. Sonny enjoyed being out among people, even if he was in the chair. Fielding had been very specific about Sonny not wearing himself out.

They visited a couple of men's shops, both finding it strange to buy lots of clothes. The department had provided most of their existing wardrobes to maintain their covers.

When they were almost done shopping, Rico had decided it really was about time he changed the battery in his watch. He had been using the light a lot recently, in a certain darkened hospital room. But when they had gotten to The Best of Times, they had found that it would be a very tight squeeze to wheel Sonny in.

"Rico, this isn't going to work." Sonny grabbed the wheels on the chair to stop it.

Rico knew he was right. "I'll leave it for now."

But Sonny shook his head. "Look, I'll be fine out here while you go inside." Sonny smiled. "If I get bored, I'll just wheel myself over to the bookstore across the way. Okay?"

"I guess." Rico knew he was being over-protective, but his partner had only been out of the hospital three days. He saw Sonny smile and then wheel himself over to the central fountain area. When Rico entered the store, however, he simply shook his head. He had never seen it this busy - not even at Christmas.

At soon as Rico entered the store, Sonny made a beeline for the bookstore. He wanted to pick up a present for his partner. Fortunately, this store was easily accessible to wheelchairs and he just wheeled himself back to the mystery section. His stay in the hospital had nearly depleted the entire Agatha Christie section so he glanced at some of the other titles.

Finally, he settled on a couple of Carl Haaisen's novels and two Colin Dexter 'Inspector Morse' mysteries. As he waited to pay for the books, Sonny noticed a display of children's books at the counter. He added another, smaller book to his purchases. He tucked the bookstore bag inside another bag and was just wheeling out of the store when Rico came out of the watch shop.

"Did you get your battery?"

"Yeah," Rico sounded disgusted. "Would you believe the girl found it necessary to tell me that by opening the back of my water-resistant watch to change the battery, she couldn't be held responsible if the watch was no longer water resistant?" he shook his head. "Come on, I don't know about you but I've had enough of this shopping thing."

Sonny set the table while Rico fixed dinner, nothing elaborate, just pasta and a salad. He brought the steaming pasta to the table and was about to call Sonny when he noticed the large envelope by his plate. "What the...?" he muttered.

Opening the envelope, a small but beautifully illustrated copy of 'The Velveteen Rabbit' fell into his hand along with a note.

'Thank you for loving me enough to make me Real. My heart and my love are yours. Sonny.'

Rico looked up with shining eyes to see Sonny smiling at him from the doorway. Dinner was forgotten as Rico pulled the man he loved into an embrace.

**************************************************

At the hospital the following day, Fielding handed them two tickets for a noon flight on Saturday. He instructed them to take a cellular phone and his home number, as well as his direct line at the hospital.

On Friday afternoon, Rico drove Sonny to the office. Stan was in Castillo's office when they heard Gina's happy voice greeting their fellow detective. Castillo touched Stan's arm before the man had time to move. "Don't mention De Vries - let me handle it." Stan just nodded.

Sonny was greeted with handshakes and hugs. His colleagues were all so glad to see him, it was overwhelming. Castillo refused to let him near his desk, he was not back to work quite yet. So Sonny accepted the offer of Gina's chair as he was surrounded by people wanting to know how he was feeling, if he was okay, if there was anything he needed, anything they could do for him.

Castillo took Rico by the shoulder. "A word?"

Rico followed his boss into his office and watched as the door was closed behind him. "Please, sit down." Rico sat. "How is he?"

"He's good. Bri told us that everything was healing as it should be. He doesn't anticipate any more complications. We're flying out to St. Andrews noon tomorrow."

Castillo perched on the edge of his desk. Rico could tell instantly that there was something wrong. "Lieutenant, is there a problem?"

"Yes." He reached back and picked up a brown file from the desk. Opening it, he took out the photo of De Vries, that Stan had shown him two days earlier, and handed it to Rico. "We've got 24 hour surveillance on this man, Jare De Vries. He arrived in Miami three days ago, and left yesterday. I'm telling you this because I want you to be aware of the threat."

Rico looked up at his boss. "What threat?"

Castillo handed him the file he was holding. Rico opened the cover and felt his breath catch in his throat. On the top of a report, there was a small collection of medical photographs - photos taken at the hospital as evidence of a person's injuries. Each photo was of a different part of one man's body; a body that had become so familiar to Rico these past months. As Rico stared at the photos, Castillo told him, "According to the medical report, he was bound with steel wire, around his ankles, wrists, chest and genitals." The Lieutenant kept his voice soft.

"Sonny...." The word was barely audible as it escaped Rico's lips.

"He was held for twenty-four hours, beaten repeatedly, then dumped at the boat." Martin took the file from his detective. "We're not completely sure that De Vries was responsible. But we know he was involved."

Rico struggled to keep the sudden onslaught of emotion from his voice. "You said he'd left Miami?"

"Yes. He's gone to New York. I'll contact you if he returns. When you go to the island, make sure you're armed." Rico nodded.

"Thanks Lieutenant." Rico stood.

"Rico, is Sonny strong enough to deal with this now?"

Rico did not even have to think about it. "No." He shook his head. "Marty, he's still having nightmares about Strohe."

**************************************************

That night, Rico watched Sonny sleep. His partner was curled against him. His head was cradled in the dip between Rico's shoulder and chest; his arm draped over Rico's body.

Rico could not get the images, that Castillo had shown him, out of his mind. As soon as they had returned to the house and Sonny was occupied elsewhere, Rico had double checked his gun and ammunition supply. Right now, the gun was tucked into the nightstand drawer by the bed. He almost wanted this De Vries to show up, so that he could kill him.

The thought was driven from his mind as Sonny moaned in his sleep, and snuggled closer to him. Here was something better to think about, something much, much better.

Rico could feel Sonny's breath on his chest, warming his nipple through his T-shirt. He dipped his hand under the sheet, and gently stroked Sonny's side. His partner's T-shirt had ridden up as he had shifted positions, and Rico felt Sonny's naked skin against his fingers.

As Rico touched him, Sonny squirmed slightly. Ticklish. Rico had almost forgotten that little detail about his partner. *That* could prove fun in the future. But for now, Rico had no desire to wake Sonny from his seemingly peaceful sleep. He moved his hand away.    

He thought back to a time when he had only imagined sleeping this close to Sonny. A time when he would be warmed simply by Sonny's close presence. They had always touched, always sat close together, always been very physical with each other. It had been wonderful, but now and again it hinted to Rico about how things might be, how Sonny might feel if he ever got the chance to hold him closer. Now Rico was finding out that Sonny felt better than he had ever dreamed he would. Now, when they touched, it was electric, even if was just Rico massaging his partner's back when it cramped.

Rico had learned the massage techniques, from Bri and the therapist at the hospital, to relax the muscles in Sonny's back. It helped to relieve some of the pain he often suffered. For a while now, Rico had been wanting to treat Sonny to a full body massage. Earlier that evening, he had asked his partner whether or not the idea was appealing.

Of course, Sonny had said yes. So Rico had gotten his partner to settle himself on the bed (the most comfortable place Rico could think of) and had retrieved the massage oil from the bedroom.

Lying on his stomach, Sonny soon relaxed into Rico's soothing touch. Rico spread the oil over Sonny's shoulders and gently massaged the tense muscles there, now and again, running his hands down Sonny's arms. Marveling, as he touched the cast, how easily Sonny managed with it there.

Sonny moaned in appreciation as Rico's hands worked their way down his back, avoiding the still-sensitive area of the skin-graft. Rico stopped when he reached the waistband of Sonny's trousers. Smiling to himself, he thought he might reach around and unfasten the belt, maybe just relax the muscles in his buttocks. Something stopped him, something about the image in his mind's eye, the image of hands on Sonny's hips, unzipping.... He thanked god that he had stopped. He remembered watching Cintaro undress his partner as Sonny lay face down on Cintaro's bed.... He shivered.

Sonny lifted his head. "Rico," he almost purred the name, and that one simple sound was enough to warm Rico again. "Please, don't stop."

"Turn over then, Sonny."

Sonny hesitantly complied. Rico noticed that Sonny was reluctant and easily guessed why. Sonny was very self-conscious now about the way he looked. He hated the scars left on his body.

Sonny rolled on to his back. He brought his arms up, across his stomach to try and cover at least some of the scars left in his skin. He was still convinced that there was no way Rico could find his body attractive anymore. So thin and so ugly.

Rico captured Sonny's wrist and cast, moving them back to the mattress. "Stop it." He whispered. "You're beautiful." Rico ran a gentle fingertip over one of the scars. When Sonny had first started his therapy, the slightest touch to the scarred areas had made him wince in pain. Now, as long as Rico was careful, he found he could touch them without hurting Sonny.

On impulse, he bent his head down and kissed the three long scars that were visible. The other two were hidden by Sonny's trousers, but Rico wanted to kiss those too. So he held Sonny's gaze, and in full view of his partner, he undid the button at the top of Sonny's pants, and unzipped them. Pulling back the material, Rico kissed the other two scars, delighting in Sonny's sharp breath.

Rico stole a peek downwards and smiled when he saw the physical effect he was having on his partner. He looked up. Sonny's eyes were closed, his mouth open slightly. Curious, Rico brushed one hand lightly over Sonny's pronounced erection. A low groan escaped Sonny's lips.

Absently, Rico wondered how long it had been for his partner. Since returning home with Sonny, Rico had not been able to resist himself. Three months was too long for anyone to go without. Although the trauma had quashed all of Rico's desires while they had been at the hospital, the familiar, comfortable surroundings of his own home, and the heat of his own shower had reminded him exactly how long it had been.

But he doubted that Sonny's body was ready to deal with anything but recovery. Still, Sonny seemed to like the attention Rico was paying him. So, kneeling up he slipped the soft material from Sonny's legs. Underneath, Sonny wore black briefs. Rico felt his own excitement building. Damn, this man was *so* sexy.

Rico continued the massage, very lightly over Sonny's chest, teasing his nipples, making his partner squirm in his hands. He moved down, over Sonny's stomach to his thighs. Rico could feel a subtle trembling start over Sonny's entire body. He looked up, thinking that maybe Sonny was in pain. But when he saw Sonny's face, he realized that it was something else. Rico ran his palm again over Sonny's groin. At the touch, Sonny let out a desperate cry. Obviously, his body had just been reminded that there was something else to think about, besides recovery.

Rico pressed a little harder with his hand, and Sonny thrust up to meet him. "Rico, please.... Oh God...."

Rico moved up until his face was just above Sonny's, his palm still pressing against the black material. "Sonny," Rico kissed the luxurious mouth that greeted him.

It had been too long, Sonny needed release. The pressure Rico was putting on his desperate cock was so sweet.... He was starting to hurt. Desperate, Sonny reached down and pressed his own hand on top of his partner's. Incapable of coherent thought, he urged Rico on.

Rico slipped Sonny's briefs down from his hips, disposing of them on the floor. He propped himself onto one elbow, and wrapped skilled fingers around Sonny's cock. His own erection was pressing against his trousers, but he ignored it, wanting to do this for Sonny, wanting to make him feel only pleasure even if just for a few moments.

Rico's eyes moved from Sonny's cock to his face and back. He saw the glistening moisture on the erect head, and with infinite care, he pressed a finger pad into the hole there. It that moment, Sonny came, a feral cry escaping from deep in his throat. Rico watched his partner as his orgasm ripped through him. He wanted to know by heart all of Sonny's expressions and sounds.

When he finally released Sonny's softening cock, Rico reached over for a tissue and cleaned up his hand. Sonny's breathing had already lengthened out into sleep by the time Rico's attention returned to him. He smiled to himself, Sonny tired so quickly right now. But he had needed that release badly.

Rico grabbed the sheet from the bottom of the bed, and pulled it up over Sonny's body and quietly left him to sleep.

Later on, Rico was fixing dinner when he realized he was being watched. Sonny was standing in the doorway, leaning on his crutches. He'd been in the shower, his damp hair was combed back, he was wearing a white sweater and linen slacks, and he looked, to Rico, almost edible. But the look on his face was one of acute embarrassment.

"Rico, I'm sorry... about what happened.... I didn't mean to...."

Rico dropped the spoon he was holding and went to Sonny. "Don't apologize. You needed to and I wanted to." He leaned forward and touched his lips to Sonny's.

Rico was brought back to the here and now as Sonny again shifted against him. He snuggled his cheek into his partner's hair and looked out of the window at the moon above. Tomorrow they would fly out to the island. Rico let out a deep breath. This was all so perfect. It could not possibly last.

**************************************************

By the time they reached the beach house, both men were exhausted. Sonny barely had the energy to acknowledge the beautiful, private length of coastline outside the patio doors, before he fell asleep in one of the large comfy chairs in the lounge.

Rico put his and Sonny's bags in separate rooms, knowing they would not use both beds, but wanting to give Sonny the choice of privacy when he needed it. He found the kitchen had limited stocks, and decided to go out and investigate the nearest shops.

Sonny woke about an hour later to find Rico's note by his side. It was simple, but wonderful.

'Sunshine, gone to locate food, back soon, R.' Sonny smiled,

"Sunshine." He repeated the greeting to himself. For eight years it had been 'Crockett', or 'Sonny', or often 'Partner'. 'Sunshine' was nice. He gazed at the so-familiar hand-writing.

Eight years. He thought about what they had been through together in those eight years. He never imagined their relationship would turn out this way. He never imagined that he would fall for another man. But he had loved Rico for so long, it seemed so natural.

He thought back to the previous day. The first time he had come for Rico, the first time his partner had touched him intimately, and he had come so fast.... He groaned to himself. It had been embarrassing, but it had felt *so* good.

There was so much that they were going to have to be careful about. From what they had been through, Sonny realized that Castillo must suspect there was something more between his detectives than just the regular partnership. For now he was giving them a lot of slack. But once they returned to work, this relationship was definitely not going to be approved. Sonny shook his head and looked back at the note. He had not felt so loved, so needed ever in his life. Whatever the consequences, he was not going to give Rico up while his partner still wanted him.

He felt the niggling doubts return. Not doubts about the two of them, but doubts about whether he was what Rico really wanted. His partner had been burdened with him when this had all started. He needed to know now if Rico wanted him, or if Rico was simply there because of what had happened.

Rico returned and unloaded his purchases. Sonny was sitting on the patio, his toes playing in the sand beyond the concrete slabs. Rico went to sit beside him. "Are you okay?"

Sonny cocked his head to look over at his partner. "Rico, I know that when all this started, we were heading for some sort of relationship, but who knows what would have happened? I've been thinking, if it had all gone as planned that night at the docks, what would have happened?"

"Sonny...."

"I mean, between you and me. I was gonna cook for you. We would have had a few drinks, maybe ended up kissing, maybe more. Maybe we'd have slept together. After all," Sonny smiled at Rico, "we both know it had been a long time coming. But it would probably have been one night only. Maybe we'd have mentioned it again, maybe not. Maybe we'd have wanted it again. But one thing's for sure, you wouldn't be stuck with me now. You wouldn't be spending your nights holding me."

Rico reached for Sonny's hand and moved to kneel in the sand in front of his partner. "Sonny, listen to me. I'm gonna tell you something now that I swore I would never tell you." He found Sonny's other hand and carefully took hold of the fingers peeking from the end of the cast. "When I first met you, I wanted to seduce you." He watched Sonny's eyes widen in surprise. He nodded once. "You could be so *damned* arrogant. You were so self-confident, so macho sometimes. Yet you never had a problem with us being so physical. You held me when I needed to be held - remember that time in the hospital, with the zombie thing? I tried to strangle you, then I just started sobbing? And you held me. I'll never forget that." Sonny squeezed Rico hands.

"At the start, I wanted to seduce you, to show you that there was something else." He grinned. "To show you what you were missing. But as time went on, I started to fall in love with you. And there came a time when seducing you wasn't enough. I would have wanted you to feel the same way about me that I felt about you, and I knew you wouldn't. So I resigned myself to the fact that being your partner was as close as I was going to get to you. Not that I wasn't okay with that. We are so close - it's been amazing working beside you. And there were women - as you know, I proposed to Val at one point.

"But, that night at Cintaro's, when we danced, and when we were in your room, I felt something back from you, something in your eyes that night. I thought maybe there was a chance. Then all the craziness happened. The next time I felt it was at your boat, that night I cooked. I could feel it between us, and you'd kept asking about how I felt. When we kissed that night, so many old hopes and dreams returned.

"The night at the docks, you said you would cook for me when we'd finished, and I was excited. Not because I thought there was a chance that you would sleep with me, but because I thought there was a chance you were feeling the same way about me that I felt about you. So maybe we would have kissed, and maybe we would have slept together, because yeah, it had been a long time coming. But things didn't go as planned that night. And we have kissed, but we haven't slept together. I've had a greater gift from you - your love." Rico kissed Sonny's fingers.

"So don't think that I'm here simply because you are my partner and you need me around. I'm here because I love you. I am here because you're my partner - and you know how much that means, to both of us - and I am here because you need me. But I'm hoping that when you're better, and you're walking on your own, and you're back to work, that I'll still be here, because it's where you want me to be. And it's certainly where I want to be."

Sonny pulled Rico forward gently, and kissed him. "I love you, Rico. I know I'll still want you around. I just don't want you to feel that I need some sort of commitment from you."

Rico smiled, touching his lips to Sonny's again. "I've spent the last eight years wanting you, and making do with others. Now I can have you, and you're all I want, and all I need."

Smiling, Sonny captured Rico's mouth again, tasting his partner, sucking gently on his offered tongue. For a long time they kissed. Behind them, the sun began to lower over the ocean.

Later, Rico prepared a meal - a very mild chili dish, well within Bri's diet plan that he had ordered Sonny stick to. They talked about the doctor, a man both now considered a friend. Rico told Sonny about what Bri had said the first night - his reasons for leaving England. Rico was surprised to find that he remembered the conversation in such detail. But when he thought about it, he found that he could remember everything about that night he had spent sitting in Recovery.

"Did I look bad?" Sonny asked, curious now.

Rico swallowed the instant rush of emotion. He stood from the table and took Sonny's hand, helping him the short distance over to the couch. He suddenly needed to feel Sonny close to him. Once Rico was sitting with Sonny in his arms, legs up on the cushions, he squeezed his partner's hand. "Do you really want an answer to that question?"

"Yeah. I'm interested."

"You looked... small. And vulnerable, helpless.... I wanted to kill Bodelle for doing that to you."

"I owe you my life - again."

"Isn't that what I'm here for?" Rico smiled, "Saving your butt? You've saved mine often enough."

When there was no answer, Rico looked down to see Sonny's eyes were closed. In the quiet, he could hear the even breaths his partner took while sleeping. "Great company you are!" But Rico's voice was gentle and loving as he shifted slightly to get himself comfortable. He was surprised that his partner had not fallen asleep sooner, it had been a tiring day for them both.

Outside the patio doors, Rico watched the moonlight playing on the ocean. This vacation was going to be very good for both of them.

****

Walking on the beach was one of the main things Sonny had been looking forward to, since Bri had told him about he and Rico's trip to the island for a little R&R.

"Shit!"

Rico paused, trying to respect Sonny's need to be independent, but at the same time concerned. "What's wrong?"

"Dammit, this isn't working." Sonny had only managed about a dozen steps in the shifting sand, and they had been hard work. The problem was that the crutches could not provide stable support in the soft turf. "I'm sorry, Rico. But it's going take me forever to get anywhere in this stuff. Let's just go back to the house. Okay?" He was trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

Sonny would have been happy being with Rico anywhere, this new-found love was invigorating. But he did miss being outdoors, feeling the sun on his face, warming his body, listening to the surf and walking on the beach. Jesus, even Bri had said that walking on the sand would be great therapy. Little had Sonny realized that it was going to be such a chore. It just no longer seemed worth the effort.

He started to turn, trying to plant the crutches in the best possible position. Suddenly, Rico was there in front of him.

"What's wrong?" Rico was studying him. "Are you in pain?"

"Nah," Sonny snorted. "I just can't seem to navigate on the sand with these damned crutches. Let's just head back to the house." Sonny sighed. It was going to take him forever to get to the more stable walkway.

"Then lean on me."

Sonny looked up surprised. "What?"

"Use me as your crutch." Rico was smiling at him as he reached out and took the crutches from Sonny. He just let them drop into the sand and moved next to his partner. "Come on, I've been dreaming about walking arm and arm on the beach with the man I love for weeks now. Please, don't disappoint me."

"But - " Sonny started to protest as Rico put an arm around his waist, but it was nice being this close to his partner. Somehow he did not think he would ever get enough of just touching Rico.

"No 'but's' about it." Rico smiled. "You're supposed to be taking long walks as part of your daily routine and I'm not letting you get out of it."

"Jesus, Rico," Sonny was embarrassed now. "I've been leaning on you ever since this whole damned nightmare began. And *now* you want to be my crutch?"

"Nope," Rico's eyes twinkled at his friend. "I just want the chance to walk in the surf with the sexiest guy on the island."

"How do you do that?" Sonny was shaking his head but smiling. "How do you end up making it sound like I'm doing *you* a favour? How do always make me feel so good in spite of everything?" He leaned in and wrapped an arm around Rico's waist.

"Every moment we're together is a favour - a blessing, Sonny." Rico let his partner set the pace. Trusting that his support would not slip out from under him unexpectedly, Sonny walked with little difficulty. They moved easily together down to the edge of the surf.

"I thought I was lucky before all this." Rico gave his partner a gentle squeeze. "After all, even if we weren't together as a couple, I was your partner through the day and your friend through the night. I thought I could be content with that." The water was warm as it lapped over their feet. "You're here, Sonny. We've been given a second chance. And I, for one, don't intend to waste it worrying about who's stronger, who needs more help or whatever. None of that matters. As long as we love each other - that's all that counts."

He could feel his partner's arm around him - he was infinitely happy.

"If you say so," Sonny shook his head ruefully. "I still think I got the better end of the deal." He relaxed a bit and just let the sun warm him and the sound of the waves calm him.

They walked for a time without speaking. It was a gorgeous day and it seemed like they were in their own little corner of the universe. Finally, Sonny paused and suggested that they sit for a while. He was pleasantly tired and the thought of just baking in the sun was appealing.

Rico helped him sit and then proceeded to prove the old boy scout adage was taught in the Big Apple. From the backpack, he had been carrying over one shoulder, he produced an oversized beach towel, a tube of sun-block and two bottles of spring water.

"Man, Rico, you think of everything." Still smiling, Sonny accepted a bottle of still cool water. To think, just a eight days ago, he had been ready to climb the walls in the hospital. If heaven could be defined in small moments and places, then this was heaven.

"Well, I figured as long as we were out here we could work on some of your exercises." Rico spread the towel out and tried not to hover as Sonny scooted on to it. "Besides the scenery can't be beat. So take your shirt off and put this sun-block on." He wiggled an eyebrow at Sonny. "I don't really want a lobster for a partner."

Forty-five minutes later, Rico smiled to himself as he looked down at his sleeping friend. Doing the exercises, muscle stretches and resistance work had been fun here on the beach. Sonny could work at regaining some of the tan he had lost while stuck in the hospital, as well as enhancing his muscle tone and control. Rico decided try to make this a regular habit while they were here on the island.

Sonny shifted a bit and sighed. He had fallen asleep near the end of the session, when Rico had been massaging his back to help prevent spasms and cramps. Rico had felt the knots already forming when he started carefully manipulating the easily stressed area. He was glad that he could do this little bit to help his partner.

A little tired himself, Rico stretched out next to Sonny. He would just close his eyes for a minute or two, then they could head back to the house. It was wonderfully warm in the tropical sun.

Something tickled his nose. He batted at it irritably without opening his eyes. A moment later he felt something barely touch his lips. Opening his eyes, Rico quickly captured the hand that was in front of his face. He blinked in momentary confusion and heard a low chuckle.

"Sonny?" He looked up to see Sonny seated next to him smiling.

"Sleeping Beauty awakes." Sonny teased.

Rico sat up and noticed the sun was much lower in the sky. Looking at his watch, he groaned. "I was only plannin' on restin' my eyes for a minute or two." He stretched. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. 'Sides you needed the sleep, obviously." Sonny shifted a bit. "I wouldn't have woken you 'cept I really didn't relish the idea of trying to crawl off far enough to answer the call of nature. You know?"

"Jesus, Sonny," Rico was instantly apologetic. How could he have forgotten that Sonny was basically trapped here in the sand with him? "I'm sorry. I never even thought - "

"Don't, Rico." Sonny interrupted. He pulled Rico's hands up and placed a light kiss on each. He could still smell the coconut scent of the sun-block on them. "This was a *great* idea. I don't ever remember the exercises being more enjoyable. Great scenery, warm sun, good company - what more could I ask for? And," he grinned, "I got to walk on this beautiful beach with one very handsome and sexy guy."

Rico finally relaxed and smiled. "Bet you say that to all the guys that strand you on the beach without a bathroom in sight." ***

The next day dawned gray and cool. It seemed a storm was blowing in, but it was expected to return to hot and sunny by tomorrow. The surf was very choppy, so they had taken their morning walk on the paved walkway. The first drops of warm rain started to fall just as they returned to the house.

After doing Sonny's physiotherapy, Rico suggested that they have an early lunch and then later in the afternoon go into town. There was a restaurant Bri had told him about that he was dying to check out. Sonny had readily agreed. It would be fun to get out for the evening.

Although Sonny had yet to really put on any real weight, at least, he was eating better since they had arrived on the island. Rico figured that he was more relaxed here - even later in his stay, Sonny could easily have perceived the hospital as a threatening place. Here, there was nothing that could cause him any pain, except the pain he lived with.

Bri had said that this restaurant did great food and tempting desserts. Rico called and made reservations for the two of them. He smiled. It would be nice to go out to dinner and he had taken it upon himself to 'fatten' his partner up.

After a short nap, Sonny cleaned up and dressed. Rico felt a surge of possessiveness when Sonny appeared in the doorway dressed for the evening.

Sonny had a particular way of dressing which always gave him what Rico had described once, as a 'warmly sexy' look. Sonny was gorgeous in the black silk shirt, white jacket and slacks. A combination which set off his darkening tan.

"Looking good there, Partner." Rico smiled. "Ready for a night on the town?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Sonny flushed as he realized that this felt like their first real date.

The rain had stopped by the time they reached the restaurant. Rico held the door as they entered. The hostess greeted them warmly and asked if Sonny needed any special accommodations. "No, that's not necessary." Sonny shook his head.

"We have reservations, under the name Cooper." Rico put in.

Sonny smiled at the use of Rico's cover name. You could never be too careful. He felt relieved to know that at least one part of his partner's brain was still tuned to the real world - the world they would eventually have to return to.

The hostess showed them to a nice table for two with a stunning view of the night harbor. Handing them their menus, she asked, "Could I get you something to drink, while you're deciding?"

"Just a club soda for me," Sonny ordered. Still on medication, he could not have any alcohol.

Rico smiled and ordered a seltzer. He did not need alcohol to enhance his mood. Merely being in Sonny's company was intoxicating enough. He watched Sonny study the menu for a few moments and then his partner's attention was drawn to the beautifully lit docks.

"A little homesick, Sonny?"

His partner nodded. "A little." He eyes wondered across the water. "For thirteen years my life has been work. I've never been away from it for longer than a week or so - that I can remember." He briefly thought about the amnesia-induced nightmare he had lived through, but he could not recall any of it. The whole blur seemed now to have been part of someone else's life, a life he had been a spectator of for a short while. "But now, it's been, what? Four months nearly. It's like, I'm seeing this whole new world for the first time."

Rico smiled. "Do you like what you're seeing?"

"Absolutely." Sonny turned back to his partner. "I never thought it could be so beautiful...."

The waitress brought their drinks and took their order. The meal was fantastic, as was the dessert Rico ordered for them. He was relieved that Sonny had started eating again. Both he and Bri had been a little worried at one stage.

Rico watched his partner sucking the last of the toffee sauce from his spoon. He looked so much better, so much healthier that it was too easy to forget how much pain he was still in, and how fragile he still was, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes he looked as vulnerable as he had in ICU. Sometimes he looked as if he could face anything life threw at him. Rico knew that wasn't true.

The meal finished, Sonny asked Rico if he minded walking along the docks for a while.

"...when I first moved onto the boat I was so sea-sick!" Sonny admitted as they walked. "Now there's nowhere else I'd rather live. It's so relaxing, the movement of the boat."

"Yeah," Rico chuckled, "and I bet it plays hell with those hangovers!"

They stopped near the end of the docks, where a couple of wooden tables had been secured, in a clear area, for use by would-be travelers. They leant against one of the tables.

After a short time, Sonny's quiet voice broke the silence. "I wish this could last forever."

Rico cocked his head to look at his partner. "Honestly?"

"Honestly. Rico." Sonny nodded. "The thought of going back to work scares the hell out of me. There were times, in the hospital, when it was all that I wanted to do. But now I've seen this, I've experienced this way of life." He met his partner's warm gaze. "I feel so relaxed with you, so safe.... I haven't felt like this in so long, I'm scared I'm gonna lose it."

"It was never easy, Sonny. You know that. But let's face it, we're perfect for each other. None of those conversations about life with a cop, no worries about whether you're okay or not, 'cause chances are I'll be out there with you. The hours are hell, but at least our hours are the same."

Sonny sighed. "Not for a long while, Partner. It'll be desk work for me for months! Practicing on the firing range. And then there's the physical to pass, as well as the psyche evaluation. I'm not looking forward to it. It'll be as bad as after the Burnett thing...."

Rico was surprised that Sonny had mentioned it. "Do you remember that?"

Sonny nodded. "The look on your face, when you walked into the interview room in OCB that afternoon, is burned into my mind forever."

"That's over, Sonny." Rico shook his head. "Forget it. It's different now." Rico moved to stand in front of his partner, putting one hand on Sonny's shoulder, one on his face. He captured Sonny's mouth, covering it with his own.

When they parted, Rico dropped his right hand down into Sonny's left, rubbing the fingers. Sonny broke the moment. "Rico, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Anything."

"How come I didn't know?"

Rico dipped his eyebrows, "Know what?"

"This." Sonny lifted his hand, bringing Rico's with it. "About you. I never knew you had boyfriends."

Rico sighed. It was the only part of him that he had kept from Sonny over the years. "It never really came up in conversation. And there hasn't been anyone since I came to Miami. Only you."

"But in New York...?"

Rico smiled, "Getting nosey, Sonny?"

The expression on Sonny's face was a mixture of apology and curiosity. "Sorry. You don't have to tell me...."

"It's okay, I don't mind. There was a guy, just before I left New York. Joel. We saw each other for a couple of months."

"Did you love him?" Sonny's voice was soft.

"No. But he was wonderful. I think he loved me, not that he ever said so."

Sonny contemplated this for a while and Rico suddenly felt his partner deserved more of an explanation. "I was going to tell you, Sonny. At the start. But when you told me about Evan, and when I realized that I was falling in love with you.... I got scared - not that you'd react badly, but that I might lose the closeness that we had. I should have told you later on, but by then the only guy I wanted was you, and I didn't want to tell you *that*."

There was a long silence, and then Sonny said quietly, "I'm glad it was you."

Rico was about to ask 'What was?' when Sonny looked up and he caught the look in his partner's eyes. And somehow he knew that Sonny was talking about the night at Cintaro's place. Rico touched Sonny's cheek, sadness in his own eyes. "Why?"

"Because you cared enough to be careful. Because you knew what you were doing." Sonny stood, transferring his weight to the crutches. They began to walk back along the docks. "I hadn't ever found any guy attractive, I mean, I'd never even thought about it - you know?" Rico nodded. "It wasn't for me, I wasn't interested. But that night at Cintaro's... I remember wanting you to kiss me."

They walked back to the rental car and drove back to the beach house in a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The sitting room was bathed in moonlight when they walked in. Neither man turned any other lights on. Sonny opened the patio doors and kicked off his shoes. He loved to sit on the patio with his feet in the sand.

Rico sat behind him, wrapping his arms around Sonny. Sonny leaned back on his partner. Quietly, Rico spoke, "I'm not glad it was me."

Sonny bent his head back to look up at Rico's face. He had not realized that his partner had been considering that conversation. Rico smiled down at Sonny's upside-down expression. "You don't know how incredible it can be. You were still a virgin, as far as I knew. I always wanted your first time - if there was ever going to be a first time - to be special. I can make you feel so amazing, Sonny. Being taken by another man shouldn't be painful, it should be gentle. I wanted to show you that."

"Soon, Rico. You can still show me."

Rico gave his partner a squeeze. He desperately wanted to make love to Sonny. But Sonny still had so much recovering to do, and not only from the shooting. Rico would wait as long as it took, he had no problem with that - Sonny was worth every waited minute.

They sat in silence for a long time after, simply holding each other and listening to the sounds of the waves.

****

Next day

Sonny blinked as his eyes tried to adjust to the rapidly darkening room as the sun set. Rico was cuddled against him snoring very softly. He ran a light finger along the side of the sleeping man's face. His partner possessed a strong jaw-line on his handsome face. A strong jaw-line that indicated a strong man.

Shifting slightly to relieve a momentary twinge, Sonny was glad that Rico did not awaken. He needed to rest. Sonny smiled to himself, this was certainly a switch.

It had been a pleasant day. They had gone over to the small tourist town on the opposite side of the island, had a bite to eat at an outdoor caf‰ and took a stroll through the narrow streets of the town. They eventually came out into a market square that looked to be the centre of life here. The architecture was exquisite. Sonny had once dated a buildings expert, and he enjoyed pointing out to Rico the styles that he recognized.

As they approached the town hall, Sonny looked up to admire the gothic gargoyles on the corners of the building. He was not watching his footing carefully and the next thing he knew the railing was flying up to meet him.

*Christ! That stung!* Sonny blinked and tried to sit up. But Rico was there telling him to lie still until help arrived. A small group of tourists, complete with baggy shorts, bright shirts and sunglasses, had gathered to gawk at what was happening. He was embarrassed. His pride hurt far more than his head or even his back, which had given quite a jar in the fall.

"Really, Rico, I'm fine." He brushed a hand to his forehead and it came away wet with blood.

"Sonny, just stay still and don't touch that." Rico turned to the crowd and asked them to stand back.

Just then a medic came rushing over. Fortunately, most of these tourist towns possessed First-Aid Clinics with trained personnel. Sonny saw the medic turn to Rico. "What happened?" He was pulling out latex gloves and snapped them on.

"My partner stumbled and fell against the railing. He hit his head." Rico's voice sounded odd, but Sonny could not figure why.

The medic turned his attention to his new patient. "Hey, how ya doin'?"

"I'm fine." Sonny started to push himself up, but the medic put a restraining hand on his shoulder.

"Just lie still for a moment. Till we're sure everything is okay." The medic ran his hands over Sonny's arms and legs, then tilted his head to look into Sonny's eyes. "Anything hurt? Can you see okay?"

Sonny started to nod, but winced. "Nothing hurts really. Probably gonna have a hell of a headache though." He sat up slowly.

The medic was rummaging through the kit he had brought with him. "Well, you seem all right. Let's get this cut cleaned up." He started to swab Sonny's forehead with an antiseptic wipe. "I think we'll put a couple of butterflies on that to make certain it stays closed. It's not too deep."

The crowd finally dispersed as the medic finished with the tapes. He turned to Rico. "Look, he didn't lose consciousness, right?" At Rico's nod, he continued, "It's unlikely he's got a concussion, but you should be aware of the warning signs and keep an eye on him. Okay?"

Rico nodded and listened as the medic explained about dizziness or blurred vision. He suddenly reached into a pocket and pulled out a listing of Sonny's meds. "He's on prescription medications, will this cause any problems?"

The med glanced at the list and shook his head. "No. This should be fine. Besides I think the worst he's gonna get out of this a bruise or two and a headache."

Sonny reached for his crutches. "You two done talking about me like I ain't here?" Both men helped Sonny to his feet. He shook hands with the medic. "Thanks."

"No problem." He was packing up his kit. He smiled. "I just wish everything was so easy to fix."

Rico had hovered as they headed back to the rental car. Sonny was getting quite exasperated but held his tongue. His partner drove carefully back to the beach house.

Once back, Sonny headed for the bedroom and bath to wash the blood off his face and hands and change clothes. He returned to the living room to find Rico huddled on the sofa shaking. What the...?! "Rico?"

But Rico just pulled himself into a ball and Sonny could hear muffled sobs escaping. He quickly sat beside the crying man and reached an arm around him. The sobs tore through his partner's body. "Rico, tell me what's wrong." He pulled Rico against him and started rocking with him.

"Rico." There was no response except now the sobs were louder. So Sonny did exactly what Rico had done for him countless times in the past few months. He started repeated over and over again that everything was fine - that he loved Rico. Words of love and reassurance. Words that could cradle and heal. He rhythmically stroked Rico's hair and his back. They had just been through so much. When would it all stop?

Fractionally, Sonny felt Rico's sobs begin to subside and his partner's body start to relax into his arms. "Rico?"

He thought he heard a mumbled "...sorry."

"It's all right." He continued to stroke Rico's back. At last, he felt Rico cuddle against his chest. "Whatever's wrong, we'll fix it. I promise."

But Rico shook his head. "There's nothing wrong." He sighed. "I just don't know what came over me." He wouldn't look Sonny in the eyes, and there was still a tremor in his voice.

Sonny stoked his fingers softly through Rico's hair. "Well, then maybe you just needed a good cry." He smiled ruefully. "Believe me, I do understand. After everything you've been through, you've given me all your strength."

"I don't know." Rico snorted. "I saw you fall and something just snapped inside." He leaned into Sonny's warmth. "You went down. There was blood.... I... I don't know.... Suddenly I was back to that night on the docks and you were falling into the water...."

He swallowed hard. "I... I was terrified and angry and.... But you're okay. It was just a cut. Right?" For the first time, he looked into Sonny's face. Sonny nodded. "I guess I just lost it.... Jesus, some partner I am." He closed his eyes and laid his head against Sonny's chest. God, he was suddenly so tired he could hardly keep his eyes open.

Sonny could sense Rico's weariness. He shifted a bit on the large sofa, getting comfortable. "It's all right, Partner." In the comforting, close silence that fell between them, Rico slowly fell asleep. Sonny rested his head on Rico's and let his gaze move to the ocean beyond the glass doors. ***

The cool early evening breeze roused Sonny from his after dinner snooze. He blinked and noticed that Rico was engrossed in yet another detective novel; reading under the warm glow of the corner lamp. The CD player clicked as another disc shifted into play. The music was soft and flowing. Sonny could not quite place the piece or the artist but he was certain he had heard it before.

Sonny pulled in a deep breath; blessedly relieved that most of the pain was tolerable now. Even after the fall, it was only his head that actually ached, although he was certain he had given his back a real jarring. Now, if he could only convince Rico that he was ready for more. He sighed. He really wanted a lot more but wasn't sure if he was ready for it yet. This was so damned frustrating.

He suddenly recalled where he had heard this song before. He and Rico had danced to it at Cintaro's party. Despite the pain associated with that whole case, he could not help but want to relive parts of it. It had been wonderful in Rico's embrace. Even then, he had felt safe and protected in the circle of Rico's arms. He had felt special. He wanted that feeling again.

Sonny sat up slowly on the sofa. Rico looked up from his book and smiled. "You doin' okay?"

"I'm fine." Sonny reached for one of his crutches and used it to lever himself up. "As a matter of fact," he balanced himself and hobbled over to Rico's chair. He reached his free hand to Rico. "Dance with me?"

Rico automatically took his partner's hand, but hesitated before standing. Sonny was always pushing himself too fast and too far. "Sonny, I - " There was an insistent tug on his hand. "Are you sure about this? What about your back?" Rico found his heart beating more rapidly. He wanted this too.

"My back's doing great." He propped the crutch against the side of the chair. "Dance with me. Please, Rico, I - " Rico stood, still holding Sonny's hand. "I want to feel what I felt when we danced at Cintaro's."

Surprised, pleased, Rico carefully slipped his arms around Sonny's waist, unsure how much pressure he could put on the scars. "For you, Sonny, anything. But you need to tell me if anything hurts - okay?" Sonny nodded as he shifted closer and put his arms around Rico's waist.

Slowly, cautiously, Rico started to move in time to the music softly surrounding them. Sonny relaxed in his embrace and started to move with him. Rico felt his partner lean into him a bit and he easily accommodated the additional weight. Although he had been eating better, Sonny was still painfully thin.

They really didn't move much, mostly just swaying with the music and enjoying the physical contact.

Sonny closed his eyes and let his head rest on Rico's shoulder. He could stay like this for the rest of his life and be happy. Rico's gentle strength supported and protected him. He was loved. And he loved the man who held him near. It still felt strange to be feeling all this from and about his partner, a man who had been with him for so long, yet they had missed so much that was obviously between them. "Thank you." He whispered it into Rico's neck.

"You're welcome." Rico had felt rather than heard Sonny's voice, as he had felt Sonny's breath that terrible night. It had the same effect on him. He could not think of any other place he would rather be than right here, right now. He tilted his head slightly and placed a soft kiss on Sonny's shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you too." Sonny murmured and gave Rico's neck a brief squeeze. He let himself relax a bit more into Rico's embrace, certain that his partner would never let him fall. He took a deep breath. Rico smelled faintly of soap and after-shave. So different from a lady's perfume - masculine. And at this moment, damn sexy.

The song ended and the next started but neither man really noticed. They were too caught up in each other. Sonny's body easily followed Rico's movements. Sonny had not felt this light or comfortable on his feet for a very long time. And his partner was there with him.

This dance was so much more than the one he had remembered. He could never get enough of Rico's touch - of Rico. Rico's love and strength had found and sustained him during those first horrible days in the hospital. In the depths of his mind, in a body that was waging a desperate battle to survive, Sonny had heard Rico's voice, felt Rico's presence and held onto that certain knowledge that someone was waiting for him. Someone who loved him.

Rico's love - their love - went beyond any experience Sonny had ever had. It was all consuming - as strong as a force of nature, yet as gentle as the sound of a whisper. It had healed his body, his mind and his soul. Sonny was more than willing to surrendered himself completely to this wonderfully intoxicating love.

Rico was amazed at how completely Sonny had melded against him. It was as if they were one body moving to the music in their own universe. He had lost himself so completely in his love for this man he held. He knew Sonny felt weak and vulnerable since the shooting. In the past few months, his fears and the pain had driven him into brief fits of anger and depression. But Rico had no question in his mind which of them was the stronger.

Although at the moment, Rico was the physically stronger, Sonny had a strength of character that he had come to love and respect. Sonny Crockett hated hypocrites, liars and anyone that took advantage of those in need. He did not tolerate them. When he set his mind to accomplish a goal, he was an irresistible force to be reckoned with. He was fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved and respected and expected the same in return.

When the doctors had said the Sonny was their miracle patient, Rico had not, at first, understood that miracles often come with high price tags. Sonny had been paying that price since the night of the shooting. The trauma to his body and mind would have been enough for most people to simply surrender to madness or death. But Sonny had found it within himself to fight the darkness, the pain and his own confusion - to endure so much just so he could regain his life and be with those he loved.

No one that had witnessed Sonny in the midst of a muscle spasm or hypersensitivity incident would ever doubt the strength he possessed. Everyone kept telling Rico how wonderful he was and how brave and strong to have stayed by Sonny's side during this whole ordeal. They simply did not understand that Sonny was his life now. He could not have done anything else. They did not realize that *he* relied on Sonny's example when it came to strength and courage.

Rico was overwhelmed by his love for Sonny - almost terrified. He simply could no longer think of his life without Sonny in it. He would never be happy or whole again if he lost his partner. He had come so close to losing Sonny forever, that even now thinking about what could have happened was enough to push him to the brink of panic.

He wanted them to take the next step. Yet, as much as Rico wanted to indulge in making love to Sonny - with Sonny, he was willing to wait as long as necessary for his partner to be absolutely ready. For the present, Rico was more than happy to simply be with Sonny. Sharing their meals, their talks, all the tiny things that made up their lives were all blessings that Rico would never again take for granted.

So if Sonny wanted to dance, then they would dance. Rico would simply drink in the sensation of holding him close, moving with him. God, he had it really bad for this guy.

The strains of the last song faded. Held in Rico's arms, Sonny could feel the increase of his own heart rate. He took one arm from around Rico's neck, and unbuttoned the first three buttons on Rico's shirt. Gently, curious, he slipped his hand inside the material, actually feeling his partner for the first time.

Rico gasped at Sonny's touch. He wanted to encourage the contact, but instead he kept his hands around his partner's waist. Sonny had to set his own pace in this.

Sonny's hand circled a nipple, lightly running his thumb back and forth over it. He smiled as he felt a shiver ripple through Rico's body. "Tell me if I do something wrong." Sonny instructed. "I'm just guessing here."

Rico nodded, "Whatever works, Sonny. But you don't have to do anything...."

"I just want to explore you." His voice was a soft whisper now. Sonny inched back, lowered his head and gently sucked on Rico's nipple. Rico felt his legs almost give way.

"Sonny, we have to sit down." He took in a deep, steadying breath. "It's difficult to stand, much less support you, when you're doing that."

The moment they were sitting down, Rico captured Sonny's mouth with his own. The kiss was long and slow and hot and demanding all at once. It was gift of the here and now and it was a promise of things yet to come. It lasted forever and it ended too soon. When they reluctantly pulled apart both were breathing hard.

Sonny undid the remainder of the buttons on Rico's shirt and started to trace the muscles on Rico's chest and stomach. He looked up, his eyes roaming over Rico's face to his mouth, and lingering there. Rico kissed him deeply.

Sonny sucked possessively on his partner's tongue. He slid his hand down until he felt the waistband of his partner's trousers. Cautiously, a little nervous, Sonny dipped his hand under the material. He heard Rico gasp as his fingers moved into the thick mass of pubic hair. Then his hand brushed Rico's cock, feeling its hard softness against his skin.

Sonny drew his hand from the material and with Rico's help, removed the trousers. But before Rico let him, he caught Sonny's gaze. "Are you sure?"

"...No." Sonny gave him a nervous smile. "But we all have to start somewhere."

Sonny's eyes were drawn to Rico's cock immediately, and he realized why it had hurt *so* much when Cintaro had forced his partner inside him. Rico was huge; long and wide and gorgeous. Sonny believed his mouth was starting to water.

He started to shift, to kneel on the floor, but Rico stopped him. "Sonny, let's go into the bedroom. It'll be more comfortable for you." Sonny rolled his eyes, although he knew Rico was right, he wanted to take Rico past the point where he was still thinking about his comfort.

Rico lay down on the bed, carefully pulling Sonny down with him. Their mouths met again, their tongues exploring. Rico slipped one hand underneath Sonny's silk shirt, undoing the buttons with the talented fingers of his other hand. But when he reached for Sonny's belt, he found his progress stopped by Sonny's own hands.

Without speaking, Sonny moved down Rico's body, covering his chest and stomach in kisses. Not having any prior any prior experience with men, Sonny had figured that whatever would feel good to him should also feel good to Rico. What Rico had done the day before they had left for the island, had felt incredible. He smiled to himself.

As Sonny moved downwards, Rico tipped his head back into the pillows. He did not want to hurt Sonny, or force him into doing anything he did not want to do. So he tried to concentrate on keeping his fingers buried in the sheets beneath him, rather than burying them in Sonny's flesh.

Sonny settled himself level with Rico's hips, and dipped his hand between the dark thighs. Rico moaned quietly as his legs were moved apart. Sonny ran a trail of fiery kisses long the inside of first one thigh, then the other, licking and nipping the sensitive skin. Rico whimpered, the sound becoming a desperate cry as Sonny ran his tongue up the length his partner's cock.

Marveling, at the warmth and feel, Sonny could feel his own cock twitch. Nuzzling Rico's balls, Sonny reached up to stroked the swollen cock. Breathing in Rico's musky scent, he continued the stroking as his lips moved again down the inside of the warm thighs. Sonny raised his head, he saw Rico's sensuous body writhing gently because of him. He watched as the head of the erection he had caused became moist. Curious, he licked his tongue over the top of Rico's cock, tasting the salty fluid for the first time.

The flick of Sonny's tongue brought a feral cry from Rico's lips. Sonny smiled and carefully lowered his mouth over Rico's cock, taking him in as far as he could. He almost choked as Rico surged up involuntarily. Slowly, he pulled his lips back. Then once again he enveloped the swelling cock with his mouth, using his tongue to caress it.

Sonny heard his name pass from Rico's lips on a breath of desire. He gently took Rico's balls into his fingers, able to feel the tension building as Rico neared climax. He pulled back and surrounded Rico's cock once more. "Sonny, I...." Rico cried out incoherently as he filled his partner's talented mouth. Sonny swallowed again and again, taking as much as he could, licking up what he missed once the aftershocks had slowed through Rico's body.

Only when coherent thought finally filtered through, did Rico open his eyes to see Sonny, lying beside him, watching him intently.

"Thank you."

Sonny smiled. It had been heady giving a pleasure he understood. His own pronounced erection was pressing at the material of his trousers. As Rico pulled him closer, he felt the hardness. Suddenly, he wanted to give Sonny more than just two words of thanks. His fingers again dropped to his partner's belt, and this time he found no resistance. Rico sat up, pressing Sonny down into the mattress, as Sonny raised his hips to help the removal of his trousers and briefs.

Rico captured Sonny's mouth once again in his. While Sonny was distracted by Rico's tongue demanding deeper entry, Rico let his hands start to roam. Sonny jumped when fingers touched his cock.

"My turn," was all Rico said as he broke off their kiss. Slowly, he licked, nipped and kissed his way down Sonny's body. Soon, Sonny was moaning almost continuously.

Rico moved down to Sonny's cock. He started to rub it, enjoying the feel and the sounds Sonny was making. Slowly, Rico wrapped one hand around the cock, fingers of his other hand dipping down, absently pushing between Sonny's buttocks, seeking the entrance to Sonny's body. Not thinking, Rico's skilled fingers found his goal and pushed against the tightness that obstructed him.

Suddenly, he felt Sonny's hands clutch painfully at his shoulders. "...No!...." Rico pulled back alarmed. The color had drained from Sonny's face. His eyes were wide but no longer with passion, but with fear. He was trembling.

"Sonny?!" Rico sat up. "What's wrong? Did I - " Suddenly, he knew exactly what was wrong. Oh, God, how stupid could he be?! "Sonny, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...." He wrapped an arm around his still-shaking partner. "I'm sorry. I'm so stupid. I'm sorry...." He had sworn to himself that he would never again do anything to hurt his partner - he would never forgive himself for this.

Sonny closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Most of his trembling had stopped. "No, I'm sorry. I thought I was okay with this. I *wanted* this...." He looked at Rico with tears threatening and shook his head. "I *still* want this. I just.... I was just.... Suddenly I was back there - in that room, with Cintaro, - and... and...." He closed his eyes as the tears started. "I've ruined everything.... I'm sorry."

Rico had wanted everything to be perfect for Sonny - no pain, no fear, only joy and pleasure. He had been so startled and so overwhelmed by Sonny's actions, he had wanted to do something for him in return. And then he had gotten carried away....

He pulled Sonny into his arms and gently rocked him. He would do anything to make it all better for his partner. "Shhhhh...." He soothed. "I'm sorry, it was my fault, not yours. I shouldn't have done that, I didn't even think. I'm so sorry...." Sonny was crying softly. Rico felt a shiver run through him. He shifted to reach for the sheet to cover them. Sonny's arms wrapped tightly around him.

"Don't leave me." It came out as a ragged whisper. "I love you so much. I'll do anything for you.... I'm sorry I ruined everything. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry - just don't leave me." Rico could hear the dangerous note of hysteria in Sonny's voice. He could feel him trembling violently again. He could not believe his own stupidity.

"I'm not going anywhere. I promise." Rico managed to snag the sheet and pull it around them both. He held Sonny like a child. "I love you. I will always love you. I will be here for you forever." He continued to repeat his reassurances to Sonny, the soft tones of his voice cradling his partner as they had in the past months. Slowly, Sonny relaxed and his tears slowed.

"Rico," Sonny began, "I really did want this. I still want to do this. I just.... I just wasn't ready for the memories that hit. I thought I'd gotten past all that. I...." Sonny lifted his swollen eyes and looked at his partner's face. Part of him was ashamed that he reacted the way he had, but another part was screaming. "I really enjoyed making you feel so good. And maybe, now that I'm prepared I can enjoy the rest? It was just when you did that, when you touched me there.... The only experience I've ever connected that with is too painful to think about." He sighed. Suddenly, he was so tired. He felt Rico's hand on his cheek and leaned gratefully into it.

"I shouldn't have done that, Sonny. I'm sorry." Rico caressed Sonny's face, then drew him in close. He could feel the weariness in his partner, and settled back more comfortably into the pillows, pulling Sonny back with him.

"...love you," was the last thing he heard Sonny murmur before the soft snores began.

****

They passed the days walking on the beach, swimming in the ocean, lounging in the sun, and enjoying each other's company. It amazed Rico how easy he found it to spend hours simply sitting reading. In the same way that Sonny seemed to be able to sit and watch the ocean while he worked on his tan, Rico could bury himself in a detective novel from start to finish. Stan's Agatha Christie novels had a lot to answer for.

One afternoon, about a week into their stay on the island, while Sonny was swimming in the warm ocean, Rico phoned Castillo to find out if they had heard any more on De Vries. Castillo reassured him that surveillance was continuing, and that the man was still in New York.

When Castillo hung up, he took a deep breath. Whatever had happened at the Dome, had sparked something between his two senior detectives that had obviously blossomed into something more. There was nothing he could do about it. Maybe, under normal circumstances, he could have brought them into his office and talked to them quietly about professionalism and not making things personal. But how could he, after what they had both been through?

In a way, he was partly responsible. If he had never sent them undercover into the Dome, they may have never known what was possible between them. And maybe Rico would not have devoted himself to Sonny these last few months, enabling him to survive the horrible first days, and to face everything that came after.

Whatever was between them now, had to be left alone, to take its own course and find its own destiny. Because meddling in the situation may destroy either or both. The effect of their new relationship on their work worried him, but they would find out soon enough, what was going to happen.

Vaguely aware that his boss knew about him and his partner, and not caring at all, Rico went out onto the patio and watched Sonny as he swam strongly through the water. He had woken this morning to find Sonny already up. Rico had no idea how he had managed it without waking him, and it made him realize how tired he must have been.

Sonny had gone swimming. He had somehow mastered the art of getting himself down to the surf using his crutches in the sand, although when they took their daily beach walk, Sonny preferred to use Rico as his crutch. Each time they walked, Rico felt Sonny leaning on him less and less. He was getting stronger every day.

Rico had breakfast waiting for Sonny when he returned to the house. Again, Sonny had tried to apologize for the previous night. It was the one thing about the Cintaro incident that Rico still could not figure; why did Sonny keep him so close after it happened? Why did his partner blame himself for what happened? Why was he still blaming himself for the emotional consequences?

He was still trying to answer those questions now, as he stood watching Sonny swim.

***

There was no warning.

Sonny had been doing so well here on the island. The change of scenery and relaxed atmosphere had done him a world of good. Except for the cramps he experienced from doing his daily physiotherapy and a few mild spasms in the evening, his back had been in great form.

Sonny had so enjoyed their 'date' the other night, Rico had found another restaurant on the other side of the island and had booked a table for that evening. Sonny had gone into the bedroom to clean up and change clothes.

Thirty minutes later, Rico was wondering what was taking his partner so long. "Sonny?" Finally, he knocked on the bedroom door. "You about ready?" There was no response. "Sonny?" He pushed the door open and peeked in. "Hey, man, are you - " His voice choked off when he saw Sonny leaning against the bathroom door with his eyes closed. His face was ashen in spite of his tan and he was dripping with sweat.

"Sonny?!" Rico hurried across the room. He saw Sonny swallow and open his eyes.

"...'m okay...." He tried to smile but it turned into a grimace. "...Just my back... spasming...."

Rico took his partner's arm and put it over his shoulder. "Let's get you to the bed." He could feel Sonny trembling under the onslaught of pain that accompanied the spasms. They managed only two steps when he felt Sonny stiffen and then his knees start to give way. Without a thought, Rico simply turned and scooped Sonny into his arms and took him to the bed.

Gently, he lowered Sonny onto the mattress. He had felt the muscles in Sonny's back - a mass of knots - ripple. Sonny was unable to suppress the moan that escaped. "My God, Sonny." Rico was trying to remember where he'd left the cellular phone to contact Bri.

"Let me get your pills." Rico did not know if they would even help. The dosage was a lot lower than when Sonny had been in the hospital.

"No...." Sonny had rolled on his side, but it still had not relieved the spasms. "I'll be all right," he whispered. He hated the pain meds and muscle relaxers, they robbed him of his senses. He gritted his teeth as another spasm ripped its way through.

God, Rico hated to see Sonny in so much pain. "Well, then let me try to massage this one out." He knelt on the bed and touched the knotted muscles on his partner's back. "Try to relax." He pushed the shirt out of the way and started to knead and roll the muscles very gently.

Usually, after only a few minutes, Sonny's back would start to relax. But this time nothing seemed to be happening. Rico was starting to get very worried. Maybe he should call Bri.... Or at least get Sonny to take his meds. "Sonny," he continued the slow rhythmic massage, "I think you really should take the meds."

"No," he shook his head, "just give it a few more minutes." He stiffened as another spasm passed through, but it seemed to be slightly smaller, less intense.

Finally, after an eternity, or maybe 15 minutes had ticked by, Rico felt the muscles in Sonny's back start to smooth out and relax. Sonny sighed in relief. Rico continued the massage, feeling his own heart beat slowing. Jesus, sometimes it was just too damned easy to forget how fragile his partner still was. He saw that most of the pain lines had faded from Sonny's face. "How are you doing?"

"Better. Much better." Sonny mumbled into the pillow. "Sorry, to be such a pain."

"You're not, Sonny. Look," Rico encouraged, "why don't I do a complete massage for you? I think you could use it." Sonny nodded and rolled onto his stomach. He closed his eyes. He was feeling slightly lightheaded from the sudden absence of the intense pain.

Rico gently slid the cotton shirt over Sonny's head. It was drenched with sweat. Slowly, he starting rolling and pressing on Sonny's scalp, luxuriating in the soft blond hair. It, too, was damp with sweat. Moving to the neck, Rico gently rolled his thumbs into the still tight muscles.

He worked his way down to Sonny's shoulders. As he continued the massage, he saw the last of the pain lines smooth out. He took extra care on the back, working each muscle slowly but thoroughly. By the time he reached Sonny's waist, his partner seemed as limp as a ragdoll.

"Sonny," Rico started, "I'm going to do your feet and legs now, but you need to get rid of these pants. Okay?" Sonny nodded, but did not move and his eyes stayed closed. So Rico gently rolled Sonny to his back and unfastened the belt buckle and unzipped the pants. Sonny roused himself a bit to try and help, but mainly he just shifted his weight so Rico could slide the pants down. Rico noted that he was wearing dark green briefs this time.

Once he had slipped the pants off, Rico moved to Sonny's feet. He massaged each toe, being careful not to tickle, and then the soles. He had never really considered feet to be sexy before but Sonny's feet were tanned from their walks on the beach and the toes were long and nicely formed. He wanted to kiss one, but he decided to wait. Rico shook his head. God, everything about this man was sexy.

Rico moved up to Sonny's legs. Although still somewhat thin, they were nicely tanned and muscled. As he reached Sonny's thighs, Rico looked for the donor site for the skin graft on the inner side of Sonny's left thigh. It was nearly invisible now. He could not resist. He leaned down and kissed it.

Sonny hummed in appreciation. Rico looked up at his face. His partner's eyes were closed but there was a relaxed smile on his face. Rico smiled and returned to the massage, adding little kisses now and then as he felt inclined. He noticed the growing bulge in Sonny's briefs.

He wondered if now might be the time to try and show Sonny that loving him could be gentle and safe and full of pleasure and not pain. Rico kissed Sonny's cock through the briefs. Sonny moaned.

Rico was going to take this very slow and very gently. He moved up to kiss Sonny's mouth. He tasted so good. He felt Sonny's hand on his neck urging him closer. Instead, he pulled back and looked at his partner's face. Sonny's pupils were dilated, taking up nearly the entirety of the iris. He saw love and trust, and a little bit of fear deep within them. "Sonny?" Rico questioned.

"I need you, Rico." Sonny swallowed. "Please." He trusted Rico with his life. He could trust him in this.

Rico nodded. "We're going to do this nice and slow. If you want me to stop at anytime, just say so. Okay?" Sonny nodded and pulled Rico back into another hot, sweet kiss.

His hands slowly caressed Sonny, moving slowly down his partner's body. He felt a tug on his shirt and sat up quickly to remove his shirt. A moment later his pants joined the pile of clothes on the floor. Sonny shifted as Rico slid his partner's briefs down his legs.

Rico moved back up to face Sonny. He saw the desire burning in his eyes. They kissed again. This time Sonny shifted a bit enjoying the sensation of their bodies touching. He reached down to touch Rico's cock but his hands were captured.

"Just relax and let me do this for you." Rico smiled and started placing small kisses along Sonny's jaw-line back to his ear and moved lower. He could feel Sonny's pulse quicken as he sucked on his neck.

His hands once again started caressing Sonny's chest, teasing the nipples. Reveling in the smooth skin, he felt the heat of their contact. They moved lower. Sonny was already so hard and Rico paused in his kisses to see that the tip of his partner's cock was already glistening with moisture. He looked to Sonny's face. His eyes were closed and his lips parted. He was almost panting.

Rico trailed his kisses lower. He carefully kissed each scar giving each special attention. Then he moved lower. When he reached Sonny's groin, he temporarily moved past it to his legs. Rico kissed each thigh and laved them with his tongue. Sonny was starting to moan and to writhe under him.

Deliberately, slowing things again, Rico moved down to Sonny's feet and kissed each toe. Finally, he took the big toe of Sonny's right foot into his mouth and caressed it with his tongue. His partner gasped and when Rico looked up he saw Sonny clutching at the sheets, his erection standing tall. Rico smiled. He was going to make Sonny so desperate for release that he would not have time to be scared or worried about anything else.

Ever so slowly, he sucked each toe in turn. By the time he reached the last toe, Rico had to hold tightly to Sonny's foot as his partner was shifting about too much.

"Rico...." Sonny finally managed.

"You still okay, Sonny?" Rico had started kissing Sonny's ankles and was moving upwards.

"God, Rico, I...." Sonny seemed to be having trouble putting his thoughts together. "Feels... incredible... aahh...." His voice trailed off into a soft moan as once again Rico reached his thighs.

Rico kissed and licked his way to Sonny's engorged cock. Delicately, he kissed the entire base of it and nuzzled Sonny's balls, ensuring the skin there was dry. As he did it, Rico raised his eyes to see Sonny push his head back into the pillows, eyes closed, mouth open. Smiling, Rico took one of the lovely balls into his mouth. Sonny bucked upwards, nearly dislodging his partner.

Now, Rico moved back up to Sonny's nipples. Sonny whimpered as the mouth left his groin. Rico reached up a gentle hand to stroke Sonny's cheek. "Not yet, Sonny. Not yet." Sonny moaned.

Rico now teased his partner's nipples, licking, nipping and sucking them. He felt Sonny's hands on his shoulders, but when he looked up Sonny had his eyes closed and was still moaning softly. Rico started kissing his way down his partner's body.

He felt as though he were broaching a high wall, the wall of Sonny's fears and Rico had decided to wear it down before the actual assault. As he approached Sonny's erection this time, he lightly trailed a finger from the tip to the base. It jumped as he touched it.

Oh, god, he was becoming painfully aware of his own arousal, but he forced himself to concentrate on Sonny. This time he was not going to do anything wrong because he got carried away. Gently, he stroked the glistening cock from tip to base and listened to his partner gasp loudly.

Rico moved a finger-pad over the tip and dipped gently into the hole there. A cry escaped Sonny's dry mouth. Rico used his tongue to lick the length of Sonny's cock. He desperately wanted to do for Sonny, what his partner had done for him. But he knew even now he was taking too much of a risk. They had to practice safe sex.

Reaching the base of Sonny's cock, he continued lower, he kissed Sonny's balls and moved onward. Using his hands to gently part Sonny's buttocks, he licked and kissed his way to the rear opening of his partner's body. He touched it lightly with his tongue.

Almost immediately, Sonny tensed. Rico froze. He looked up again at his partner's face and saw frightened green eyes watching him. Sonny was not ready for this. "Sonny, I'm sorry."

"I just.... I just keep remembering.... It's difficult to convince myself that it isn't going to hurt."

Rico moved up, until he was leaning over Sonny, propped onto one elbow, one arm still wrapped over the gorgeous, damp body next to him. "What can I do to make it easier?"

"I don't know." Sonny swallowed hard. "Does it always hurt?"

"Does what always hurt?"

"Being entered."

Rico shook his head. "It's often a bit uncomfortable at the start, if you're not completely ready."

Sonny touched Rico's lips with his own. Pulling back, he said, "You licked me...." Rico nodded. "It can't taste very... nice."

Rico laughed at that. Truth be known, the thought had always put him off, but somehow, with Sonny, he had just wanted to. He shrugged. "It's being intimate with you. I want to give you experiences no one else has ever given you."

"....I just get so nervous when you go to do it.... I'm sorry."

Rico shifted a bit, staying close to Sonny. "Why do you keep apologizing? After what you went through, Sonny, I still can't believe I'm here. You letting me *this* close is fantastic. It's amazing. I used to fantasize about making love to you. Then, after Cintaro, I wouldn't even allow myself to think about being close to you."

Sonny's face fell. "Did I disgust you that much?"

Quickly, Rico shook his head, "No, Sonny, I didn't mean.... I meant, after what I'd put you through, I didn't deserve to think about you. I disgusted myself."

Sonny touched Rico's face gently. "You were wonderful, staying with me, protecting me, holding me. You never asked anything from me, just gave me the time I needed to work it all out. You didn't leave me. I'm sorry I blamed you in the hospital, because I know it wasn't your fault - there was nothing you could have done."

Rico leaned forward and kissed Sonny deeply. "I want to show you that I can love you painlessly. But I can wait, for as long as it takes for you to be ready."

Sonny nodded. He seemed to consider something for a moment. Then he lifted his knee, bending his leg carefully as he lay on his side. "You okay?" Sonny nodded. He reached his hand down and back, and touched his own asshole, very carefully.

Rico did not take his gaze from Sonny's face, but he could see out of the corners of his eyes what his partner was doing. He smiled, encouragingly.

Sonny started to rub himself, gently pushing his finger-pad against the ring of muscle. It gave way slowly, allowing Sonny entrance to his own body. Now it was him doing it, and he had total control of how far he went, he found that he was not nervous, and it did not hurt.

Rico spoke quietly, not wanting to intrude on this moment. "How does it feel?"

"It doesn't hurt, it's.... It's exciting." Sonny pushed slightly harder, feeling himself relax. "But you're a lot bigger than my finger."

"Well, I'd use lube. I'd be very careful to make sure you were ready for me, that you'd open for me. And I could do something else." There was a glint in Rico's eyes.

"What?"

"Push your finger all the way in." Sonny did as he was told, slowly and carefully, still wary. "Now wiggle it." He did. His whole body shuddered as he touched his own prostate. "Ahhh... oh God! That's...."

"God's gift to men." Rico finished. He pressed his lips again to Sonny's. "Just think about me," he whispered, "sliding in and out of you, rubbing against that over and over, while I rub my hands up and down your cock, thrusting deep into you, pushing you towards an exploding orgasm...." As Rico spoke, he took hold of Sonny's growing cock and started to pump it in time with Sonny's own finger in his own ass.

A feral groan erupted from Sonny's throat. His head went back, his eyes closed. He moved his finger in and out of himself, feeling the slick channel, feeling his own muscles clamping, trying to expel him. Sonny opened his eyes and looked down at Rico's skilled hand on his cock. With a deep cry, he came. It was a hard and almost painful release.

It was fantastic.

After a long time, Sonny opened his eyes and smiled at Rico. "Jesus...." Rico grinned in reply. Sonny looked down at the mess he had made over his partner's hand and the sheets. "I've never..." He let the sentence trail off, unsure of what he was going to say. He had never felt anything like that before. Stimulation so intense it obliterated everything else. It was intensely sexual.

"I've been so nervous about it." Sonny finally admitted. "Not just about the memories returning, but about... being so intimate with a man - with *you*."

Rico nodded. "And now?"

"Now I want more."

Rico laughed, drawing Sonny close and kissing him. "There's a lot more. I'll show you everything, I promise."

**********************

"What do you say we have an early dinner and then go for a late stroll on the beach, Partner?"

Sonny looked up from packing. "Sounds good to me." He gave Rico a brief smile then went back to sorting his clothes into the two bags that were his.

Rico watched Sonny. He knew that his partner was down about the end of their island vacation. By early tomorrow afternoon, they would be on a flight back to Miami. Hell, he did not want this time to end. It had been so wonderful being here at this secluded beach house with Sonny. Time for sun, relaxation and some fun with the man he simply could not get enough of. God, it was going to be tough going back to Miami.

Sonny still had at least another three weeks of sick leave and then a couple of months on restricted duty. Rico sighed. It wasn't going to be fun trying to keep Sonny from pushing too far, too fast. At least Castillo had insisted that Rico remain on leave until Sonny was back at work. Rico could keep an eye on him. Protect him.

De Vries haunted Rico's thoughts late at night. Luckily, Sonny hadn't remarked about Rico carrying his weapon while they were here on the island. He really did not want to explain about the threat and he no longer thought he would be able to lie to Sonny convincingly.

Rico threw one last item in his bag and zipped it. He glanced at his watch. Time to put dinner together, if they were going for an evening stroll.

"What did you call this again?" Sonny called from the dining room.

"Potpourri de poulet." Rico grinned as he put their few dishes into the washer.

"No." Sonny came into the kitchen using one crutch and carrying the glasses from the table. "The *other* name."

"Chicken Slop." Rico took the glasses from his partner. He shook his head. Sonny was not supposed to be hobbling around on one crutch, but no amount of chastising had any impact. Sonny wanted to get back into the swing of things and helping out was a part of that.

"I can't believe I just ate something called 'Chicken Slop,'" Sonny leaned against the counter, as Rico put the soap in the machine, "and *liked* it."

Rico started the washer and then led the way back to the dining room. "Look, it was something I learned from a friend. It requires minimum preparation and tastes pretty good." Handing Sonny his other crutch, he slung his backpack over his shoulder. "Ready for our walk?"

Sonny nodded, smiling, "I really didn't realize you were such a fluent cook." He read Rico's expression and wiggled a warning finger at him. "And if you mention the words 'night school', there will be trouble." Rico only laughed.

At the end of the walkway, Sonny just dropped his crutches to the sand as Rico moved next to him. Even after being here nearly two weeks, this was still a treat, walking in the surf with Rico. The sun was low on the horizon and would set shortly, but the moon was already up so there would be plenty of light to walk by.

They strolled to the edge of the surf and then along the edge of the foamy waves. They did not speak. It was not necessary. Their shared silence was comfortable. Besides, each knew that they were going to miss this special time on the island.

Rico felt Sonny adjust his arm around his waist. He had noticed over the last several days that Sonny was not leaning as much on him during these walks. He was moving with more strength and certainty now. The tropical sun had also restored much of the tan Rico loved so much.

Finally, as the sun was starting to set, Rico suggested they sit and enjoy it. He shook out a blanket from his backpack and they sat side by side watching the sun dip into the ocean.

"I'm gonna miss this."

Rico turned toward his partner. The moonlight was very bright. "We've got the ocean and sunsets back in Miami." He sighed. "But I know what you mean. It won't be the same."

"Well, at least when we get back," Sonny raised his right wrist and cast, "this will be coming off." He leaned back onto the blanket and looked at the stars above. He heard Rico rummaging in the backpack followed by the clink of glasses.

"To celebrate," Rico began, as Sonny sat up, "our last night here, I thought we might share a bottle of sparkling white grape juice." He popped the cork and poured as Sonny held the glasses.

Sonny smiled. Rico seemed to think of everything. "I'm sorry you're stuck with the non-alcoholic stuff, Partner."

"I don't need alcohol, Sonny. Just being here with you, being in love with you is intoxicating enough." Rico set the bottle in the sand and raised his glass. "To the future, to us and to being real." He smiled.

"To forever," Sonny clinked his glass against Rico's. They each drank the chilled sparkling liquid almost without being aware of what they were tasting. They were staring at one another.

The glasses were set to the side and forgotten as they kissed. It was a deep kiss that started out slow and sweet and became hot and demanding. They tasted each other, tongues challenging for entrance and being sucked on possessively in turn. Finally, they pulled apart gasping for air.

Sonny wanted more than just one kiss. He lay back and pulled Rico down with him on the blanket. As they started this new kiss, he let his hands roam to the buttons on Rico's shirt. He unbuttoned the top buttons and slid his left hand in to savor the feel of his partner's chest. Rico gasped as he touched a nipple.

Quickly the rest of his buttons were undone, while he did the same for Sonny's shirt. His partner's nipples were already hard when he exposed them. Breaking this second kiss, Rico leaned down and licked Sonny's nipples. He felt his partner shiver.

"Oh, God. Rico...." Sonny gasped. He shrugged out of his shirt and urged his partner to do the same.

Rico did not pause as he freed himself of his shirt. He continued to lick and tease Sonny's nipples in turn as his hands wandered to the waistband on his partner's trousers. He glanced down and saw the straining material around Sonny's growing erection. Rico placed a gentle hand on the bulge. Sonny's hips moved at the contact.

He looked up to his love's face to see Sonny had his eyes closed and was breathing hard through his mouth. Smiling, Rico quickly undid the belt and unzipped the pants. Sonny shifted his weight to help slide them down. Rico was faced with Sonny's dark briefs. He placed a kiss on the tip of Sonny's cock through the material, feeling the wet spot there.

But remembering last time, Rico took a long deep breath and pulled up, face to face with Sonny. He trailed his finger down the side of his partner's face. Sonny opened his eyes.

"Sonny?"

"Don't stop, Rico."

"I need you to tell me exactly what you want," Rico stroked Sonny's cheek again. "I don't want to hurt you or scare you or disappoint you. Okay?"

Sonny swallowed hard. "I want you to show me how it should have been." He could feel his heart racing - partly in his arousal but also partly in fear. "How it can be...."

Rico could see the desire and the fear in his partner's eyes. "Only if you promise to tell me the moment you want or need me to stop."

"I'm not - " Sonny took a deep breath and started again. "I want this. I want you.... I need you. Please...."

"I love you, Sonny." He captured Sonny's hand and held to his chest over his heart. "We do this together." He pulled the fingers to his lips and kissed them.

"I love you." Sonny was watching him intently. "I *trust* you."

Rico felt his throat constrict. Sonny loved and trusted him enough to want him to do it right, to make it loving and gentle. "Then we'll do it very slowly." He leaned in for another long kiss.

As Sonny relaxed fractionally, Rico let his hands start to roam. This kiss continued. His fingertips traced the smooth skin over the muscles of Sonny's chest. He could never get enough this man. Rico trailed his fingers over the scars on his partner's abdomen, feeling Sonny shudder and then squirm. Their lips finally parted as he smiled. He had almost forgotten how ticklish Sonny was.

Now, he moved his kisses along Sonny's jaw and up to his right ear. Using his tongue he traced the outer edge, then blew softly into the ear. Sonny gasped.

When Rico glanced down he saw that Sonny was clutching the beach towel. His breathing had quickened. His eyes were closed. He seemed lost to the sensations he was experiencing. Rico watched Sonny's hips rock in an effort to relieve the pressure on his still confined cock. ---p18---

Turning back to the earlobe in front of him, Rico nibbled on it. His breath was blowing softly across it and behind it. His hands were traveling downward to Sonny's hips. With feather light touches he ran his hands along the edges of the waistband and over the growing bulge. The damp spot had gotten larger. Sonny whimpered and shuddered as Rico's fingers teased him through the material.

Rico captured Sonny's mouth again. Then he pulled back to really look at his partner. His eyes were closed and his wet lips parted. His breathing was ragged in his arousal.

Sonny shifted his hips again. Rico fingers moved to the edge of the waistband, causing his partner to rock his hips. Rico moved down on a level with Sonny's groin.

Slowly, he inched the dark cloth down. As skin was revealed, he kissed it. When the tip of Sonny's straining erection was revealed, he desperately wanted to lavish it with licks and kisses. But there was his safety to consider. Making a decision, Rico reached into the backpack and found one of the condoms he had thrown in there. Slowly, he unrolled it onto Sonny's straining cock. This is what he wanted. Ignoring the rubbery taste, Rico lowered his mouth over Sonny's cock, taking him in as far as he could manage.

"...aaahhhggg...." Sonny moaned and writhed delightfully. Rico quickly slid the briefs all the way down and off. Instead of returning immediately to Sonny's delicious erection, Rico decided to work his way slowly up.

He kissed Sonny's long, sexy toes and sucked on each of them. Rico was forced to hang on tightly to each foot as Sonny was moaning almost continuously and moving about on the towel.

Sonny's head was thrown back and his mouth open, when Rico looked up. He returned to his ministrations moving slowly up Sonny's legs. Rico felt his own erection pressing almost painfully in his trousers, but tried to ignore it for now.

He stroked Sonny's hips and buttocks as his kisses moved up the thighs.

"...gahhh.... Rico, please!..." Sonny was starting to sound desperate.

"Soon, Sonny." Rico soothed. "Soon." He continued to kiss, nip and lick along the sensitive inner thighs. Sonny had eagerly parted his legs, his knees partially raised.

Rico finally made his way to the base of Sonny's engorged cock. With a light fingertip, he stroked the length. It quivered and Sonny moaned loudly. He licked and sucked each ball thoroughly. Then kissed Sonny's erection. He moved back to the base and using his hands tilted Sonny's hips up.

Slowly, he kissed and licked his way to the entrance of Sonny's body. He flicked his tongue lightly over the bud. Sonny bucked wildly at the contact and cried out.

"Easy." Rico reassured him. "Easy." He gently stroked Sonny's hips.

"I... ah... I...." Sonny couldn't think clearly. "...want.... Please...."

"We'll do it, Sonny." Rico continued to soothe his hips and ass. "But not until I know you're ready."

First, Rico took the condom from Sonny's cock, he wanted skin against skin for this. Then he reached into the backpack next to him and quickly found the bottle of lubricant. When he turned back to Sonny, he saw his partner's darkened eyes watching him. Maintaining eye contact, Rico opened the bottle and dipped two fingers inside. He set it aside.

Rico's two oiled fingers slid along the crack of Sonny's buttocks. Sonny's eyes were closed and he was biting his lower lip. Rico light brushed his fingers across Sonny's hole and immediately Sonny tensed.

"Sonny?"

"...'sokay.... Don't stop...." Sonny barely managed to gasp it out.

While one hand explored Sonny's ass, the other stroked his cock. Sonny moaned once again, nearly overwhelmed by the sensations. After a moment or two, Rico dipped his fingers in the lubricant once again. He circled Sonny's hole, teasing it with a gentle flick of a finger. This time Sonny did not tense. Instead he thrust himself toward the fingers.

"Slowly.... Slowly." Rico's experienced fingers continued to circle and to tease. "Very...." gently, he pushed a finger against the tight ring of muscle, "...slowly." It slipped in up to the first knuckle.

"Uuuhhh...."

Rico paused. He did not move the finger. He felt the tension in Sonny's body once more. Softly, with his free hand, Rico stroked his partner's hip. "Are you okay?"

A moment later, "Ahhh.... Yeah...." Sonny nodded. "I think so." He relaxed a bit. "It was... uncomfortable at first...." He rocked his hips slightly and gasped. "Please... I need... need more...."

Rico withdrew his finger fractionally and pushed it in farther this time. Sonny moaned. Again, he paused and waited for Sonny to settle. He pulled his finger almost entirely out and then pushed back in. This time Sonny met his push and Rico's finger went all the way in.

"Ahhh...." Sonny groaned.

Now, Rico started a counterpoint rhythm, between stroking Sonny's straining cock and finger-fucking his ass. Sonny was nearly incoherent, writhing and moaning.

Rico added a second finger and Sonny hardly seemed to notice. He enjoyed watching his partner in this uncontrolled state. He was sweating and moisture was dribbling steadily from his swollen cock.

Sonny was getting to close to release, and Rico did not want that to happen just yet. He stopped stroking the turgid cock, but added a third finger. Then he brushed against Sonny's prostate.

"Gahhh!!!!" Sonny nearly convulsed as he screamed.

Rico pulled back slowing down the motion of his hand.

"Rico... please.... I want...." Sonny was having difficulty organizing his thoughts. "I want to... to feel you... you inside me... ahh.... Please...."

"God, Sonny...." Rico slid his pants and briefs down together, kicking them away. He nearly cried out when his cock was freed. He reached a shaking hand into the backpack and quickly found the foil packet. "I have to get ready." Rico rolled the condom on and slathered more lubricant on it.

Sonny had managed to roll onto his stomach and when his throbbing cock came into contact with the towel he nearly sobbed. He was shuddering with anticipation.

Rico delighted in the feeling as the head of his cock slipped between the cheeks of Sonny's ass. He paused as the tip reached Sonny's hole.

"Rico... please... do it...." Sonny begged. He needed to feel his partner inside him.

With gentle pressure, Rico pushed against the bud. The sphincter muscles were much more relaxed now. But Rico knew he was big and he was *not* going to hurt Sonny by moving too quickly.

Sonny gasped and then tensed as the head of Rico's cock breached him. He stroked Sonny's back and hips. "Do you need me to stop?" It would be hell to do, but for Sonny he would do anything.

"Nooo.... Just give me... a minute or two...." It had hurt when Rico entered him, but it was nothing like the previous incident at the Dome. This was quickly becoming a pleasurable pain. God, his partner felt huge. And Sonny knew that Rico was barely in. He took a deep breath - completely aware of their physical connection.

He wanted all of his partner inside him. He started to push back onto Rico. "Now...."

When Rico felt Sonny start to push back toward him, he placed his hands on Sonny's hips to steady him. He thrust forward. Sonny was so tight and so warm. He pushed about half way in and stopped with some difficulty.

Sonny whimpered again. Rico rubbed his partner's back and buttocks. "Shhh...."

When Sonny had settled once again, he pulled back a bit and moved forward again. He could hardly believe it. He was making love to Sonny. Something he had dreamed of for so long. And after the Dome, he had been certain it would never happen.

His partner shoved back forcefully and suddenly he was in with his balls against Sonny's ass. He felt his partner shudder. Rico wrapped his arms around him.

"Oh, God, Rico." Sonny whispered. His eyes were closed tightly. "I never thought it would feel so good... so right...."

"Ready for more?" Rico prompted.

Sonny shivered with anticipation. "Yes."

Rico pulled out slowly. Then pushed back in, the friction nearly driving him mad. Sonny raised himself to meet the thrusts. He felt completely impaled by Rico, so vulnerable, so exposed. But at the same time, he had never felt safer or more loved. Why had they waited so long?

When Rico began his stroking of Sonny's swollen cock, all coherent thought left him. After only a few more thrusts in his ass and strokes of his cock, Sonny was dimly aware of someone yelling. It was his voice as he started to orgasm. Moments later, he felt Rico thrust deeply inside him and shudder. A great yell ripped from his throat.

A fleeting thought crossed his overloaded mind. What would it feel like to have Rico's cum squirting inside him.... But it passed as Rico resumed stroking Sonny's cock.

The last of his own orgasm passed and he collapsed onto the towel, not caring that it was damp with his own cum. Sonny felt Rico shuddered one last time inside him and settle forward. Gently, Rico rolled the two of them together to their sides. As he did, his now softened cock slipped from Sonny. Sonny felt the loss of their connection keenly.

Rico held his lover close. He placed a soft kiss on Sonny neck. "Are you okay?"

Sonny nodded. "That was... incredible. Mind blowing." He turned himself carefully in the circle of Rico's embrace. He ached a bit, his back and now his ass. But it was worth it. Never before had he experienced something like this. "I didn't want it to end - ever. Thank you." He leaned in to kiss his partner - his lover. It was sweet and gentle. He closed his eyes and nestled against Rico's warmth.

Rico listened to Sonny's breathing lengthen into sleep. After a few minutes, he disposed of the condoms, pulled out a small towel from the backpack and wiped himself and partner clean. Then he reached in for one more large towel to drape over them. He relaxed against Sonny. They would not be able to spend the night out here, not comfortable enough. But he could let his partner rest a bit before they walked back.

Rico caught himself dozing. He glanced at Sonny, who was still sleeping soundly, wrapped around him. Well, he had better get up now. Otherwise he might just fall asleep out here. The ocean breeze was cooler now. He carefully sat up, arranged the cover over Sonny and looked for their clothes.

He dressed quickly and gathered the rest of the stuff into the backpack. Finally, he knelt beside Sonny. He looked so peaceful, so gorgeous. Rico would have loved not to have to wake his exhausted partner, but they needed to get back to the house. He stroked his lover's cheek and then kissed him.

Sonny stirred but did not waken. Rico leaned close to his ear. "Sonny." He placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle shake. "Sonny...."

"Hhhmmmm...." Sonny blinked at him. "What?..." He yawned.

"I'm sorry." Rico smiled, "But it's getting cooler and we'll both sleep better in a real bed."

Sonny still tired easily, and Rico had to help him dress. He was so exhausted he was barely coherent. When Sonny finally stood, he swayed dangerously on his feet. Rico held on tightly as they started the walk back.

By the time they reached the walkway, Sonny was more awake. He grinned when Rico handed him his crutches. "I don't think I'll ever look at a beach in quite the same way, ever again."

When they reached the house, they headed straight to the bedroom, but Sonny resisted going directly to bed. "I'll sleep better after a shower." He protested. "I've got sand all over me and I feel sticky." He yawned mightily.

Rico nodded. He felt the sand down his own back. "Let's shower together, then."

Sonny nodded. Too tired to argue about it, his partner was not fooling him. Rico wanted to make certain that he did not fall asleep in the shower and maybe fall and hurt himself.

The warm water felt good as it rinsed away the sand and sweat. Sonny had not gotten any sand into his cast, that was a blessing. He fiddled with the bag that covered and protected his right hand and cast. God, he would be so glad when the damned thing came off.

Sonny grabbed a washcloth and soap as he felt Rico start to shampoo his hair. When he set the washcloth aside, he heard, "Want me to scrub your back?"

"That would be great, but only if I get to return the favour."

Rico blinked in surprise. Sonny sounded awake now. "Sure." He proceeded to soap up Sonny's back, being very gentle.

When Rico finished, Sonny stood, holding onto the railings, and turned to let the spray rinse him. Rico felt his cock twitch at the sight of his partner, his lover. He was a mouth-watering sight.

"Why don't you move in front of me?" Sonny grinned to himself. "Let's slide the chair back a bit." The water had finally woken him up and he was ready for a little more play. He wondered if Rico had any idea of what Sonny really wanted to do.

Although he would have preferred to stay on his feet, Sonny knew it would be easier and safer, if he sat on the shower chair. But that did lend itself to some interesting possibilities. Rico helped him move the chair and watched him sit. He turned toward the spray of water and grabbed the shampoo.

Rico felt Sonny moving the cloth over his back. It was wonderful to doing even these simple things with his partner. He sighed as Sonny scrubbed his back. He had just started to rinse his hair as Sonny reached his waist. He gasped, taking in a mouthful of water, when Sonny's hand continued downward.

"You okay, Rico?" Sonny asked, almost, but not quite sounding innocent. He continued his exploration of the beautiful ass that was displayed before him. He had such a lovely view from the chair. He grinned. This was going to be fun.

Rico spluttered and put out a hand to brace himself against the wall in front of him. His cock was rapidly hardening as Sonny's fingers explored his body. Fingers slick with soap were sliding down the crack and then teasing his anus. God. He had to grab the railing to steady himself. He just hoped that *he* would not fall and hurt himself.

Sonny heard Rico moan softly. He teased the bud with his fingertips then gently parting the cheeks in front of him started kissing his way down to Rico's anus. Rico shifted slightly. When Sonny reached the entrance to his partner's body, he touched his tongue to it. Rico groaned and tried to remain on his feet.

Sonny leaned forward, aware now that his own cock was stiffening. The water continued to fall over them. What he wanted to do was reach around with his other hand and stroke Rico's erection, but he suddenly realized that the bag over his cast would interfere. Just maybe....

He placed his hands on Rico's hips and rotated his unresisting partner's body. Now, Rico's lovely cock was right in front of Sonny. He ran a light finger down it. It bobbed and Rico's body quivered. Sonny looked up to see Rico was holding tightly to the railing and leaning against the wall, with his head thrown back.

Sonny kissed the very tip and smiled as Rico squirmed. Leaning forward he engulfed the head of Rico's engorged cock and teased it with his tongue. Rico moaned and thrust himself forward, deeper into his partner's mouth. Sonny took as much as he could in and then pulled back.

As he moved forward to take the throbbing erection into his mouth again, he reached around with his left hand and sought out Rico's asshole. Rico jerked and nearly lost his footing when Sonny pressed a wet finger to his sphincter. "Aahh...." He gasped. He had lost the power of coherent speech between the double assault of Sonny's mouth and his fingers.

Very carefully, Sonny continued to press his finger to the ring of muscle. As he finger started to slip inside, he pulled back along Rico's erection, lightly trailing his teeth along its length. With the water from the shower still cascading over them, it he could not see if Rico was leaking, but he could taste it. He wanted to taste even more.

Slowly, Sonny began to work his finger in and out of Rico's ass. When he felt the muscles begin to relax, he added a second finger and then a third. All the while, he continued to suck the lovely, throbbing cock of his partner into his mouth and then pull back either trailing his tongue along it or barely touching it with his teeth. He could feel the tension mounting in Rico's taut body.

Rico, his eyes closed, was moaning and whimpering, leaning heavily on the handrails. Sonny pulled back for a moment to take in the sight of his beautiful strong partner, completely at his mercy. Rico shuddered when Sonny released his mouth from the straining erection. He cried out at the loss, unconsciously thrusting himself toward Sonny.

Delicately, Sonny ducked a bit more and nuzzled Rico's balls. He tongued each one and then licked his way up Rico's straining cock. His partner was shuddering with every thrust of Sonny's fingers in his ass. When Sonny reached the tip, he paused and smiled wickedly.

As he engulfed Rico's cock, he plunged his fingers in deeply and rubbed on Rico's prostate. His partner gave a feral yell and jerked spasmodically. Sonny wrapped a steadying arm around him to keep him on his feet. He rubbed a second time on that intimate gland and suddenly his mouth was being filled with Rico's cum. His partner screamed in his release.

Sonny swallowed as much as he could, continuing to stimulate Rico's ass. Finally, after one last shudder, Sonny felt Rico start to slide down the wall. He guided him down as gently as possible.

After a few minutes, Rico opened his eyes and looked up at his partner. "God, Sonny," he whispered. "I thought I was supposed to be the experienced one here?" He could not help but smile at the rather smug look on his partner's face.

"Let's just say, I've got one hell of a tutor."

****

Rico woke suddenly. Sonny was no longer beside him. He was no longer in the room. Throwing the covers off, Rico padded into the lounge, feeling the cool night air against his nakedness. As he had expected, the patio doors were open and Sonny was sitting outside in the sand. As Rico approached, his partner did not move, simply said. "I couldn't sleep."

Rico knelt down behind his lover and wrapped his arms around him, burying his chin in the mass of soft, blond hair. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm just a bit nervous about going back."

Rico squeezed him gently, truth be known, it had been so perfect out here, he too was uneasy about returning to Miami. "There's nothing to be nervous about."

Sonny turned, forcing Rico to let go. Rico sat down, curling his legs under him and leaning across his gorgeous partner.

"What's going to happen when things finally get back to normal?" Sonny's eyes were questioning. "What when we're back at work, all hours, day and night. Will we still have time for this?"

Rico touched Sonny's face, "This isn't going to go away, Sonny. It's not just something we're doing because there's nothing else to do at the moment." He shifted closer. "I'm hoping that we're still going to feel this when we're working, when we're back into the usual daily routine - or as usual as it gets."

Sonny leaned forward, pressing close to Rico, letting his forehead fall gently against his partner's. Quietly, Rico spoke.

"Do you remember, before all this happened, when we were sitting in the Ferrari and we arranged to eat together later?"

Sonny nodded. Rico felt the movement. "I said I'd cook for you 'cause I owed you one."

"When you said that, I was excited. I thought it may just be the start of something between us, something very special. And it was. That night something happened. I realized how special *you* were. I realized how much I loved you, and how empty my life would be without you. We've been given so much - your life, this time together, to sort out how we feel, and each other. I'm not saying that the next few months are going to be easy, because I'm sure they're not. But I know I'll be there with you, and for you." Sonny smiled.

"Just think about it, Sonny. Watching the sunset on the St.Vitus, walking along the beach at my place. I have sand too, you know."

Blindly, Sonny found Rico's lips and touched them with his own. The kiss was deep - Sonny loved feeling his partner's tongue exploring his mouth, loved the sensations of being so intimate. He reached his hands into Rico's hair. For along time they sat together, tasting each other, reassuring each other that whatever happened, they would still feel this between them. Whatever happened.