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Chapter Twenty-nine: Free Fall

He tried to suppress a yawn but failed in his attempt. It had been another one of those long days at the office. All he wanted to do was get home to see Danny. For once in his life he actually found a reason to leave his work behind. There was something more promising waiting for him back at his apartment. Actually, it was more like their apartment since Danny spent nearly every minute there now. Perhaps tonight he would ask the question neither one of them felt needed asking; if Danny would move in with him. They already spent so much time together that it wouldn't alter their lives in anyway. Well, it would allow his lover a little extra money ever month because he wouldn't be spending it on an apartment he never stayed in. And Martin knew exactly what Danny would do that newfound money. He would give it to his brother to help him start that autobody shop he dreamed of owning.

As he headed up the stairs to their apartment- he liked thinking of it that way- his mind traveled back to the dinner from two nights ago. His mother was making it a habit to call him every morning on his commute to work. He knew that she was just trying to make an effort at taking interest in his life but why did she have to wait so long? Where was this interest when he'd been growing up? At least his mother loved Danny and approved of their relationship. And she managed to get his father to back off for the most part. He knew that Victor was still unhappy with the idea of his son dating a guy but at least he wasn't offering Danny money anymore. That was a step in the right direction.

He stopped at the door, the thrum of music flowing from inside the apartment. When he nudged the door open he could hear Danny singing right along with the song on the radio and it made him smile. There was something nice about knowing the apartment wouldn't be empty when he got off at night. He liked knowing that someone would be waiting for him. He eased the door closed, settled his stuff on the floor, and headed for the kitchen where he could hear Danny messing around with dishes. He breezed into the small room, right up behind Danny, and placed his hands on his lover's hips, pulling him back.

Danny looked back over his shoulder, smiling. "Hey, you're home." He turned to face Martin, kissing him. "I was just trying to find something that looked interesting for dinner."

"Let's go out," Martin suggested, rubbing his hands up and down Danny's back. "I feel the need to celebrate."

"What for?" Danny asked.

"Oh, nothing real important," he drawled, trying to play coy. "Just got some news in the office today. From Jack. Through the grapevine…"

"Come on, Fitzy, out with it."

"Well...I want to ask you something first."

Danny held him tighter, pulling him closer. "And what would that be?"

He inhaled the smell of Danny's aftershave, the laundry detergent he used, and the slightest hint of something else, something he couldn't make out. He enjoyed the warmth, the fire burning his skin where Danny touched him. "Do you want to move in?"

"With you, here?" Danny asked. He smiled. "I was wondering how long you were going to wait before you got around to popping that question."

Martin smiled. "Yeah, well you can pop the next one, then."

"All right, tell me why you're so happy and what we need to celebrate? Other than the fact that we'll be living together."

Martin reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out an envelope. It was still sealed. "I already know what is says but figured you would want to read it for yourself…"

Reluctantly Danny let him go to tear open the envelope that would tell him where exactly his future was headed. He unfolded the piece of paper and read the black type, the words not sinking in until he read it a second time and then a third. "I can't…this…"

"What am I going to do without you while you're away in Quantico getting your training?" Martin mused.

Danny looked at him. "I can't believe I got in."

"I can," Martin smiled, kissing him. "They'd be foolish to pass on you."

"Looks like I'll be getting a new job."

"And Jack has already put in a request to have you work with him. He says that he saw a lot potential in you," Martin told him. "He thinks you have what it takes to be on our team. Of course, my father will have to pull some strings-" Danny flashed him a worried look- "but I'm sure my mom can persuade him. So what do you say, shall we go out and celebrate?"

"I don't know, I do still owe you a promise," Danny smiled somewhat mischievously.

Martin took his hand. "Oh, I haven't forgotten about that. I plan to cash it in after dinner…"

FIN