Page 92 of Free

"You mean you never felt that working for the CIA?" D asked.

"Nope. I mean I guess hunting down cyber criminals and terrorists was making a difference, but we go from one war to another, and it never changes. It's always something. At least here, I get to know I'm making a difference. The men and women we take down won't hurt anyone again." Jeremy shrugged.

"The women we will take down in time. We haven't had one yet. I wish we did so I could train Patrick and Jessica on that." D glanced in the rearview mirror as they came to a red light, glad Xander was keeping up. "It's so hard to train for every situation though. I just have to trust I've taught them enough to know what to do no matter what happens."

"You have. They won't take unnecessary risks."

"I hope not. It's easy to get comfortable. I did. I never dreamed I'd get arrested, never thought it would happen to me. I figured if anything, I'd end up killed." Jeremy turned onto his street.

"Yeah, like that is so much better." Jeremy laughed. "At least being arrested, you are still alive."

"True." D smiled as he pulled into his driveway. "Thanks for coming with tonight."

"Of course. I want to get to know your friends. I really like Matt, and hope to get to know Xander better. I was so busy on the computer I didn't get a chance to talk to him very much."

"Yeah, he tends to avoid the computer room. I think tech makes him nervous." D shut off the car. "I was a bit shocked when he hooked up with Matt. They are day and night, but they make it work."

"Did you and Xander ever hook up?" Jeremy asked.

D turned to him, surprised by the question. "No, it was never like that for us. We were instant friends, but I've never even thought about taking it anywhere else. In fact, the thought kinda creeps me out." D laughed. "He's my best friend. That's all he's ever been." He wondered if Jeremy was jealous of Xander, but that really didn't seem like Jeremy. It was a logical question, as much of a history as he had with Xander. "I need a beer." D pushed the car door open.

"Me too. Was a long night. Those new videos were hard to view." Jeremy met him near the path that led up to the house as they waited for Xander, Matt, and Faith.

"We'll figure out where it came from." D kissed him.

"Nice house." Faith ran up to them, a backpack over her shoulder.

"Thanks." D smiled. "Bryon or Carter got it for me. Not sure which. You want first pick of bedroom?"

"Of course." She smiled.

"Mine is at the end of the hall, all the rest are open, so grab what you want." D tossed her the keys.

She caught them and headed off.

Xander and Matt walked up, each with a suitcase. "You giving her the keys to the fortress?" Xander asked.

D laughed. "She's the boss."

"Don't encourage her." Matt sighed.

"I just told her to go pick a room before you two got in there. I'm guessing after the long drive here, you guys are beat." D led them to the house.

"Yeah, it's been a long day. We stopped in Salt Lake last night, but it was still nearly eight hours in the car." Xander looked around as they walked inside. "This really isn't you."

"Yeah, I said the same thing. If I ever decide to spend any quality time here, I'll redecorate. Jeremy and I have been spending most of our time at the team house. Grab a room, then come grab a beer if you want one."

"Perfect." Xander and Matt made their way down the hall.

D turned to Jeremy. "You have no idea how much I want to take you into the bedroom for ten minutes."

"Ten? Is that all I get?" Jeremy pulled him close.

"Tonight, it would be enough." D kissed him. When he pulled back, he smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too." Jeremy brushed another kiss over his lips. "I promise, once we get time alone, we'll spend hours in bed if you want."

"I want." D smiled.