Page 38 of Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters
“Something to consider.” Vikash looked away and the increasing distance between them was killing Kyle. Itfeltlike a spear through his chest anyway.
“Is it about Leather Jacket? We did the best we could. Not our fault no one can find him.”
Vikash shook his head, all his concentration apparently on combing the fringe on a throw pillow.
“Kash, damn it. Shit eats at you from the inside long enough, you’re gonna be the one that explodes.”
“I was just thinking.”
“Were you? I’ve never seen you do that.” Kyle ducked the pillow tossed at his head. “What about?”
Even with the pillow assault, Vikash wouldn’t look at him. “It just… I really like you. More than anyone in…a while.”
“Okay. I like you, too. Kinda nice to like your partner.”
Vikash nodded and finally lifted his head. “That’s just it, though. If you weren’t my partner, I could ask you out. We could…date. Not worry about people seeing us together too much.”
“Got it. And, yeah, I get it.” Kyle ran both hands through his hair, not quite mussable since he kept it so short. Vikash’s need to keep any hint of a relationship hidden was frustrating, but he got it. In most departments, it was heavily discouraged or completely forbidden. “Let’s take it one thing at a time, okay? Not get ahead of ourselves. We get along great. We’re good working together. And sleeping together.”
“No fraternizing policies?”
“Are bendable in this weird unit you’ve landed in. Look, it’s not like either one of us is gonna engage in massive, embarrassing PDAs at work, right? And it’s not like we’re even moving in together or anything. Mia Dunfee isn’t going to kick either one of us off the force just because we share a bed sometimes. Hell, Lourdes and Santos do it and no one says a thing.”
Vikash blinked. “They do?”
“Yeah. They do. They’re a weird couple, but everyone knows they’ve been together almost since they met. There’s only so many of us. Lieutenant knows that. So long as it doesn’t cause a problem at work, she’ll pretend not to see.”
“And if it does? If we can’t do both?”
“Both what? Work and sleep together? She’ll probably try and reshuffle partners first, for the good of the precinct.”
Vikash had edged closer to him again, the frost melting away. “Who could she put you with? Safely?”
“Well, not Virago. That would be bad for so many reasons. Not least of which is he can’t stand me. And Jeff’s about the only person who puts up with him. And you can’t break up Wolf and Krisk. Who else understands Krisk?”
“She’d have to put you with Carrington and me with Amanda.”
“What? Oh, hell, no. I am not playing vampire herd. Freaking high maintenance, overeducated…” Kyle trailed off when Vikash’s lips curved into a statue smile. “You’re messing with me.”
“Maybe.”
Kyle opened his arms and let Vikash settle against his chest again. “Jerk.”
One thing at a time. What else could they do? Maybe they would talk about having a drawer and closet space in each other’s apartments soon. Maybe someday they would talk about moving in together, or at least meet each other’s families. Kyle’s mom would adore Vikash and he’d be good with taking him over there tomorrow. But they both had to be ready. For now, Vikash felt good in his arms, a good puzzle-piece fit, not the kind you had to take a hammer to. He felt better than he had in a long time and with Vikash, he could face any weirdness yet to come.