JR SWAT 5: Five, On the move

Chapter 7: Baby talk

Harrelson home...

GULP GULP

The cold distilled water felt relaxing down his dry throat. For the first time since yesterday's morning coffee, Hondo actually consumed something in peace and quiet. He had just taken a long shower, feeling his muscles exhausted and his legs weak. His back was aching and his temple was throbbing. It was time to go to bed! Definitely!

He finished his glass of water, then softly placed the glass down in the sink. He tried his best to be as quiet as possible, for his partner had excused herself to bed right before he went into the shower. If anyone was going to get some sleep around here, it should be her!

He turned off the kitchen lights and the space immediately sank into darkness. He moved slowly, making his way to the bedroom. He closed the door quietly, then turned to face a wide awake Nichelle. She turned her head towards him, placing it on her hand.

"You look beat. Everything ok?" she asked curiously.

Sigh. "Baby, I'm really tired! Really!"

She chuckled, as he sank down the bed slowly, shoving his legs under the covers while grimacing in pain. She noticed his discomfort and slid herself closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

Sigh.

"So...Deja, Nathan and Sarah are all ignoring me... about some deliveries to the center" she said sounding suspicious.

"Oh, yeah?" he responded, playing it cool.

"Weird, right? I mean, all major purchases and transactions have to be approved by me and I...uh...Don't remember ordering anything for this week!" She said slowly, with a slight smile.

"Yeah, yeah" he whispered, closing his eyes.

Yawn.

Her head rocked up and down, as the tired officer yawned and took a deep breath.

"So..."

He opened his eyes halfway, then responded, "So?"

Nichelle placed an elbow down and lifted herself by the shoulder. She turned to him and squinted her eyes. "Hondo?"

He frowned lost, remaining quiet. He breathed slowly, turning his neck towards her.

"You don't happen to know anything about that, do you?" Nichelle asked with a sarcastic tone.

"Me?" He asked, quickly turning his gaze away.

"Yeah, you!" She said, pointing a finger and landing it on his bare chest.

"Uh...nah! Baby. Never heard of that." He said, shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head slowly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Is that so?"

Silence.

"Yup" he responded, without opening his eyes.

Silence.

"Hm..." she said, staring down at him, still suspicious.

Deep breath. "Baby, why don't you get some sleep?"

"Should I?" she asked with a shy smile.

"Just trust me...aight?"

She took a long look and him and chuckled quietly. She placed a gentle hand on his chest, which he grabbed and lifted up to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss on the back of it, then laid it back on his chest.

He closed his eyes and just when he was falling into oblivion, her voice brought him back.

"What are you up to, Hondo?" she whispered, urging for a response.