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Kojak: Extortion

By: Pelaam



Theo Kojak glanced at his watch and then at the door to his apartment. He knew his guest, his lover, would be arriving soon and the anticipation was building. Theo had gratefully showered away the grime of his day's work as a Police Lieutenant in Manhattan South. Now he was just lounging in linen pants and shirt, wearing cologne that smelt of lemon and cedar, a gift from his lover, and looking every bit as Greek as befitted his heritage. He had quiet music playing in the background and from the kitchen the aroma of cinnamon from the home-made pastichio permeated the apartment. All he needed, all he wanted now was his younger lover. Kojak glanced up as he heard the tap on the door. Rising gracefully he went to the front door. Opening it, he smiled predatorily at his visitor.

"Hey, Beautiful," he greeted them easily.

"Hey yourself," came the reply. Bobby Crocker blushed faintly, as he always did, at Theo's term of endearment. He was ushered into the apartment, Theo's hand proprietarily at the small of his back. As soon as the door snicked shut, Theo was turning the slighter man in his arms.

"Love you, Baby," Theo husked as he opened Bobby's coat and held his slender hips.

"Love you, Theo," Bobby sighed breathlessly as he melted into the older man's tender embrace. He molded his body against his lover and felt his head tipped till he was looking into Theo's love-filled eyes. Then Theo leant down and his lips pressed gently against Bobby's. Bobby couldn't suppress his moan of pleasure and as his mouth opened, Theo's tongue slipped effortlessly inside. Bobby felt Theo's tongue map every contour of his mouth before teasing Bobby's tongue into following it back into Theo's mouth. As Bobby's tongue passed Theo's lips, Theo sucked it deep inside. Bobby's moan deepened and he felt himself growing light-headed from lack of oxygen. Finally Theo broke the kiss to allow the men to breath. He was pleased to see Bobby's flushed face and the enticing bulge in the front of Bobby's pants. He smiled and ran his fingers over Bobby's kiss-swollen lips.

"I've missed you, Baby," he admitted roughly. "Need you so much, Sweetheart".

He hugged the lissome body tightly, as though suddenly afraid Bobby would disappear before his eyes. He relished the muffled,

"Missed you, too" that came from the face now buried against the juncture of his neck and shoulder.

"Put your stuff in the bedroom," Theo commanded softly. "I'll pour us a drink to start the evening off."

"Sure thing, Love" Bobby replied. He opened his overnight bag, presenting Theo with a bottle of retsina wine. He smiled shyly. "To share over dinner," he elucidated.

The smile never left Theo's face as he watched his lover disappear into the bedroom. He was now a very happy man, his lover, his Mate, was now safe in his territory and would soon be in his bed. It was taking a great deal of self- control for the older detective not to simply strip and ravage the younger man. Theo's body wanted to unite with his lover, to bury itself deep in Bobby's beautiful, willing body. However, as the relationship was built on more than simple lust, Theo also wanted to court the younger man, for them to be able to spend some time reacquainting themselves with each other as lovers again. It had been a couple of days since they'd last been able to enjoy a night of passion, their only other time together, that of Lieutenant and detective. Theo moved into the kitchen. Putting the wine in the fridge, he removed the cocktail shaker. He poured the vodka martini into a single large glass. He decorated it with both an olive and a cocktail cherry. He carried the drink back into his living area and sat to await Bobby's return.

Bobby came out of the bedroom smiling. He had divested himself of his long camel coat and Theo looked with appreciation at the blue silk shirt, unbuttoned enough to display a light dusting of chest hair. Then his eyes traveled down, noting with gratification that Bobby's covered erection hadn't completely subsided, the tight black jeans hugging every contour of the younger man's body. Bobby moved to join Theo, raising an eloquent eyebrow at the sight of one large drink. Theo stood and raised the glass to Bobby.

"To us, lover," he said and drank. He then held the drink towards Bobby's mouth.

"To us," the junior detective echoed and drank from the glass still held in Theo's hand. Placing the drink on the table by the arm of the sofa, Theo removed the olive and cherry. Placing the olive in his own mouth, he fed the cherry to Bobby. The younger man smiled and accepted the tidbit, sucking on Theo's fingers playfully and earning a growl of approval from the older man. Sitting down, Theo arranged Bobby to lie across his lap, fully stretching out the length of the sofa. As the lovers relaxed, Theo would take a mouthful of cocktail and then leaning down; kiss his Mate and sharing the drink. Theo was suddenly stunned to realize he had fully undone Bobby's shirt and both beautiful brown nipples were hard under his hands. Shifting himself to lie alongside the aroused younger man, Theo dipped a finger into the remnants of the cocktail, and then ran the finger over Bobby's nipple. Bobby's response was a deep moan that was joined by a gentle rocking of his hips as Theo sucked the delectable nub. Theo then began to suckle and bite gently at one cinnamon bud and then the other till both were achingly hard and Bobby was writhing erotically against Theo's body. Bobby stroked Theo's shaven head, then around his neck and shoulders and was unconsciously making tiny mewling cries of both pleasure and need as his body was expertly and sensually assaulted. 

Theo's hand slid down and cupped the still clothed erection. Impatiently, Theo unsnapped the jeans and pushed the zipper down, reaching determinedly inside the pants for his prize. Another gentle bite to Bobby's nipple coincided with Theo freeing his lover's hot, hard length and the younger man gasped, thrusting into his older lover's knowing touch. Theo growled deep in his throat as he heard Bobby's whimpers of need intensify and felt the solid evidence of Bobby's arousal. Theo knew the teasing had reached its pinnacle. Bobby needed release soon. Theo ran a finger over Bobby's engorged cockhead and then licked off the pre-come. Ensuring his finger was completely clean, Theo moved swiftly. He stood and tugged impatiently at Bobby's jeans until he pulled them from the supine body. He unzipped his own pants to free his own straining erection and then spread Bobby's legs wide. He settled between the young man's splayed legs and lapped gently at the dusky pucker he had exposed. Bobby cried out Theo's name bucking hard. Theo's tongue moved upwards licking the lightly furred testicles, feeling how tightly they were drawn up and knowing his Mate's release was imminent.

Theo sucked on his right index finger, ensuring it was liberally coated with saliva. Satisfied with that action, Theo held Bobby's hips down firmly with his left hand. He licked at Bobby's cockhead and the lithe man cried out trying to thrust into Theo's warm, wet mouth. Bobby's vocabulary had reduced to the chanting of his lover's name. In response, Theo finally engulfed Bobby's penis and worked the saliva-slicked finger into Bobby's center. With a scream of Theo's name, Bobby's climax hit hard and the older man swallowed everything his lover offered. As he relished the taste of his Mate's sexual surrender, Theo was dimly aware that his own release was spurting over Bobby's thigh. Theo removed the single digit from his lover's body and quickly rubbing it in his own seed, pressed two fingers back into Bobby, rubbing his prostate to extend Bobby's orgasm. With the added layer of pleasure, the young man spurted again into Theo's insistent mouth, before collapsing boneless and sated. Theo realized that Bobby was softening and allowed the young man's penis to slip gently from his mouth, kissing the organ as it lay damp and spent on Bobby's thigh. He then carefully withdrew his fingers from Bobby to a groan from the slender man.

Theo gazed down at the lissome man lying so passively beneath him and felt a surge of love and protectiveness wash over him. He affectionately took in the flushed face, panting breaths and the smile of satisfaction. At the sight of his Mate lying there looking so sated, so wantonly displayed and yet so vulnerable in his post-coital daze, Theo could feel his cock start to twitch again. Theo remembered once again that Bobby had been a virgin to male loving. He had been attracted to men and dated a few, but not found anyone he felt comfortable enough with to go further than gentle making out or a hand job. Theo always felt possessiveness and pride surge through his veins at the thought that only he had ever tasted Bobby's sex and his seed. That only he had ever penetrated the beautiful man below him, only his seed had ever known the depths of Bobby's welcoming body.

Theo still hadn't told his family of his relationship with this beautiful, special man. His family was aware of Theo's sexual preferences and it wasn't that he was ashamed of Bobby or their relationship. Instead the normally confident and self-possessed man was irrationally afraid that if his relationship with Bobby were revealed, that he would lose his lover. He feared others wondering aloud at what Bobby could see in a bald, aging cop and that Bobby would realize their relationship was a mistake. Even as he had these thoughts he knew in his heart and soul he was being unfair to his lover. Bobby had never given him cause to have these thoughts. Rather the younger man always seemed so proud of and so happy with Theo. The older man himself had never been happier so that Theo was reluctant to jeopardize the status quo. He just kept promising himself he would tell his family very soon.

"Hey, dreamer," a husky voice had him waking from his reverie and smiling down at Bobby. Theo then leant down, kissing his Mate thoroughly. The kiss deepened as Bobby opened his mouth wider, moaning softly, at the ministrations of the older man's tongue. With an effort of will combined with the need for air, Theo reluctantly left the luscious lips.

"Come on, Baby," he whispered rubbing circles on Bobby's abdomen. "Let's go hit the shower, and then we can eat. We've got the whole night before us." He stood and pulled the younger man to his feet. He smiled as Bobby nuzzled gently into his side as he guided them to the bathroom. The last of their clothing hit the floor as the two men eased under the cleansing spray. Theo found himself needing to clamp down on his libido as the proximity of a naked, wet and soapy Bobby was always an arousing experience. Some of his blood supply diverting south, he managed to indulge in some slow intimate touching, whilst the majority of his caresses were intended to be cleansing.

Following their shower, the two men donned thick cotton bathrobes. Theo dished out their meals and time passed as they ate, drank and enjoyed each other's company. Both men quickly relaxed comfortably into their roles as friends and lovers. Eventually they settled to lie entwined on the spacious sofa. Soon their touches and caresses began to linger longer and became more intimate and passionate, intending to arouse. Finally they each gazed into the dilated eyes of the other and their mutual need was wordlessly spoken. Standing, Theo took his younger Mate's hand and led Bobby to the bedroom. As he entered, Theo glanced at Bobby's overnight bag and the older detective growled softly. This was where Bobby belonged: in his territory, in his bed. Theo turned suddenly and scooped the younger man into his arms and carried him to the king-sized bed. He immediately covered the lissome body with his own and began to savour the taste of his lover by running his tongue over the beautiful body he craved.

Theo started at Bobby's jaw-line. He licked then nibbled gently at the flesh. He allowed his tongue to then trail down Bobby's collarbone. He then paused to suck hard and leave a mark of possession on his Mate, safely out of sight of the rest of the world. Bobby cried out wordlessly, arching his body and holding Theo in place. Theo knew from experience that his Mate loved to be marked as much as he liked marking the younger man. The same experience allowed him to select carefully the places, enjoyable to them both, that would be hidden by Bobby's clothes. Leaving the succulent morsel, Theo moved to be able to select another. This time, Theo's goal was a raised cinnamon nub that lay in the center of a small, lightly-furred breast. He lapped the flesh first, feeling it harden more under his touch. Then he began to nurse at it, suckling contentedly as he gently fondled and squeezed the sensitive breast. He relished the mewls of pleasure the act engendered from his responsive lover. Bobby's eyes were closed, his breathing harsh panting and his body arched into his lover's touches. As Theo moved to lavish the same attention to the neglected twin nub, he ran his hand possessively up and down Bobby's hips and flanks. Bobby moaned his appreciation, his hips beginning to thrust, blindly seeking relief for his straining erection. Moving lower again, after leaving a mark of possession on Bobby's left breast, Theo rimmed Bobby's navel with his tongue before thrusting his tongue in and out of the tiny indent. Theo smiled to himself as Bobby's hips quickly matched the rhythm of his tongue.

"Roll over for me, Baby," Theo commanded roughly, his self-restraint reaching its limits. He knew if he touched Bobby's hard shaft, the younger man would come very quickly. As much as he wanted to tease the begging erection, he wanted to taste all of his lover before bringing them to mutual climax. Theo helped Bobby position a pillow under his hips, ensuring Bobby's delectable globes were suitably positioned for his pleasure. Theo positioned himself between Bobby's spread thighs. He licked slowly up each lightly-haired leg, from knee to buttock earning a groan that was as much frustration as enjoyment from the smaller man. Then he kissed each cheek tenderly.

"Theo, oh, Love," Bobby panted as he felt Theo's large, strong hands settle on each buttock and spread the cheeks apart. The exposed flesh of Bobby's cleft was treated to a slow, languorous tongue bath. Theo's tongue slowly moved towards its ultimate destination. Finally it was poised over the tiny rosebud that granted Theo access to Bobby's body, to his most private place. First he kissed the puckered flesh, and then Theo began to run his tongue around, encouraging the flower to bloom. Finally he began to thrust insistently, erotically demanding the access he craved. As Bobby's body opened to him, Theo moaned, sending shivers throughout Bobby's highly aroused body.

Oh, Love, please" Bobby begged. The plea was demanding, yet so softly spoken, both seductive and submissive and it sent another insistent jolt to Theo's groin. The older man's own hard need was throbbing insistently between Theo's legs. With a growl, Theo held Bobby both down and open and thoroughly tongued the young man. Bobby's pleas and moans became incoherent as the slender man became completely ensnared by the coils of pleasure that his older lover wrapped around him. Bobby tried to thrust back on the moist invader, but Theo's strength held him still.

Theo slowly leant back, his face flushed and his breathing reduced to shallow pants. He gently rolled Bobby onto his back to be able to see his lover's face. He smiled exultantly at Bobby's debauched, arousal-flushed appearance and the thick, solid shaft jutting needingly from the small thatch of pubic hair. He locked eyes with Bobby as he coated a single finger with lube. The finger slid with ease into the loosened, saliva-slick entrance. As he purposely moved the finger to start stretching the smaller man, Theo gently rolled the delicate ballsac, earning another moan from his Mate. As he massaged the lightly-furred sacs, Theo pressed a second finger into Bobby's body.

Oh yeah, Baby" he growled as Bobby tried to push down on the welcome intruders and whimpered his need. "So good, Baby," Theo crooned encouragingly to his undulating lover. "Gonna make you ready to take me, Baby. Make you nice and slick to take all of me all in that tight little hole. Gonna bury myself deep in your body." Theo pressed a third finger into Bobby and the younger man cried out. He drew his knees up and out, displaying himself to Theo's possessive gaze.

"Please, please," he begged. "In me, in me now. Need you so much, Theo." As he spoke, Bobby bore down on the fingers that crowded into his tiny passage, rotating and scissoring to open him to accept Theo's large sex.

"So hot, Baby," Theo panted. "So hot seeing you like this, naked, willing, needing me. Love to see you like this. Is this what you need, lover?" he asked, allowing the blunt head of his engorged penis to press against Bobby's opening.

"Please." The single word was a plea, a cry of surrender and also a demand. Bobby cried out with both pain and pleasure as Theo's shaft penetrated the tight ring. Theo was well endowed and even after he ensured both careful preparation and Bobby being fully aroused, Theo couldn't always stop the initial stab of pain for his smaller lover. However, Theo ensured the pain was quickly forgotten is a haze of pleasure. Lifting Bobby's leg to hook over his right hip, Theo shifted his angle of penetration and began to pound Bobby's sweet spot. Bobby's scream of pleasure showing Theo was hitting his target. Theo knew his own climax was close and he used his lube-slick hand to pump at Bobby's penis in counterpoint to his deep thrusts. Bobby's hands were wrapped in the sheets, almost tying the young man down. Theo felt the all-over stiffening of Bobby's body that heralded imminent release and then the young man was screaming as he came hard. Bobby's release and the clenching of his channel tipped Theo over the edge and the older man roared his completion as his seed pulsed deep into Bobby.

"Love you, Baby," Theo gasped as he kept some of his weight off the younger man. 

"Love you, Theo," Bobby said softly, smiling up at his older lover. He tugged at the bigger man, catching Theo by surprise. Bobby grunted as he felt Theo's full weight on him, but kept hold of Theo. "I love to feel your weight on me. It makes me feel so cherished." Bobby sighed, and then laughed softly as Theo rolled them expertly so that the slighter man was now on top.

"I hate to say this, Sweetheart," Theo smiled up at his Mate." But it's getting late and we need an early start for you."

Bobby sighed again and wriggled to mold himself tightly against Theo's side. Using Theo's shoulder as a pillow, Booby draped an arm across Theo's stomach and inserted a leg between Theo's. For a minute or two, the men were content to just hold each other as they settled comfortably into their initial sleeping position. 

"Goodnight, Baby," Theo whispered as he stroked Bobby's back.

"Wish we could do this every night," there came a sleepy reply. "Wish I always slept with you. Miss you..." Bobby's voice tailed off as the younger man slipped into post-coital sleep.

"You wish?" Theo murmured, continuing the gentle stoking. Had Bobby realized what he had said? They still had separate apartments. Concern over their relationship creating problems in work meant they weren't 'out' there any more than to Theo's family. This was despite Theo having promised Bobby that they would tell his family after they were sure about their relationship. The months had flown by and still Theo hadn't said anything. Bobby had always seemed content with the arrangement, or perhaps he just hadn't wanted to challenge the status quo. They rarely spent two nights together, usually only when they had a weekend off. Theo was certain he had heard longing in Bobby's voice. Perhaps he needed to call his sister Maria. Perhaps it was time for his family to know Bobby was his life-mate. Perhaps it was time to make their relationship known to his family so his lover knew the depth of Theo's commitment to him. He glanced down at the sleeping man in his arms. He hated sleeping alone now, having enjoyed the pleasure of a warm, naked Bobby Crocker in his arms. He hated the empty apartment when Bobby wasn't there. Tightening his hold on Bobby, Theo whispered, "Maybe it's time for me to make this relationship public with the family, if you're happy with that maybe we can make you more permanent here." He softly kissed Bobby's head and joined his lover in sleep.


Kojak: Extortion



When Theo awoke next it was to the pleasurable sensation of insistent suckling on his right nipple. Warm wetness trailed across his chest and the neglected left nipple was treated to the same attention. Theo found himself unable to move, a restrictive weight across the tops of his thighs. He jerked as the nipple was bitten gently, then its twin received more attention, until both were stiff peaks of sensitive flesh.

"Morning, Lover," Bobby said brightly, stopping the erotic torture.

"Mmm," Theo murmured. "Nice way to start a day."

"I haven't finished yet, Love," Bobby promised huskily. He bent again to Theo's chest and ran his tongue over the hairless chest. He began to lap lower, nibbling gently on Theo's abdomen and hip bones. Bobby nuzzled the warm flesh, and then tongued Theo's navel, blowing across the dampened flesh to the deep groan of approval from Theo. He licked down, ignoring the proudly erect flesh that danced before his eyes. He nuzzled the base of the shaft, then the heavy balls below, letting his tongue lap delicately at them. Finally he slid his hands under Theo's buttocks. Theo bent his knees and spread his legs allowing Bobby to kneel between them. This gave Bobby easier access as he used his thumbs to part the muscular cheeks. With a shy glance at his older lover, Bobby bent his head to lap slowly at the exposed pucker. Bobby's reward was a low deep groan from the bigger man. Bobby didn't try to penetrate, just lapped and licked to pleasure his Mate. Bobby didn't often initiate their love-making. He was still shy and unsure, but most of all, he loved Theo's sexual dominance in bed. In work, the junior detective was more than happy to get in his Lieutenant's face and argue a case. However, in the privacy of their home life, the younger man preferred to be more submissive. Theo was dominant enough to prefer to be top and relished being inside the smaller man, as much as Bobby treasured being one with his Mate. For Bobby Crocker, he knew he'd never love anyone else the way he loved Theo Kojak. He just wished he could be as certain of his place in the life of the older man. 

"Baby, please," Theo groaned. Theo had found he could make Bobby climax from rimming alone, but the older man needed more direct stimulation. His solid shaft lay hard and heavy and throbbed with its unspent seed.

"Close your eyes, Lover," Bobby commanded softly. He was obeyed instantly and began to rearrange his position over the body of his dominant Mate. "Make me ready for you, Theo."

The older detective's eyes flew open. He hadn't been able to work out what his supple young lover had done when moving, but now his eyes raked hungrily over the sight of Bobby's enticing buttocks presented for his pleasure. He groaned as Bobby leant down and lapped delicately at the red and engorged head of his penis. Theo rapidly snagged the lube and pressed two fingers inside his younger lover. Bobby was still slick from the previous night and the memory of their love-making had Theo eager to be back inside Bobby's tight, hot channel. Theo pushed a third finger in his lover, quickly but thoroughly preparing Bobby to accept him.

"OK, lover," Theo husked. He watched as Bobby picked up the lube and spread it gently over Theo's shaft. Theo arched, growling softly at the touch of the younger man over his cock and balls. He helped Bobby position himself over the jutting flesh.

"Love you," Bobby murmured as his allowed his body to slide slowly down Theo's thick shaft. The slender man bit his bottom lip, his face a mask of concentration as he finally came to rest fully impaled on his lover's rod. Theo could hear Bobby panting softly as he adjusted to being so fully filled. Once comfortable, Bobby began to move slowly, an erotic undulation that caused Theo to moan aloud. For Theo, the sight of his young lover pleasuring himself on Theo's cock was almost enough to make him come immediately.

"So beautiful, Baby," he groaned, watching Bobby's hands tease his own nipples and stroke his own solid arousal. Moving his hands to Theo's thighs, Bobby leant his head back.

"Touch me, Theo, please touch me," Bobby begged, rocking his hips with more urgency, pushing down on the shaft that impaled him. Bobby cried out wordlessly as Theo began pushing upwards, his cockhead hitting Bobby's prostrate. He grasped Bobby's straining flesh and began to stroke hard and fast. "Oh, Theo," Bobby panted. "I'm gonna, gonna, oh, oh...ohhh." Pulses of Bobby's cream patterned Theo's hairless chest. The sight of his young lover lost in orgasmic throes of passion and the clenching channel surrounding his own desperate hardness brought Theo to climax. With a roar, his seed poured deep into Bobby's body. As their climaxes ended, Theo caught Bobby to his chest as the slender man slumped forward. 

"That was beautiful, Baby," Theo said hoarsely. "You're beautiful. I love you."

"Love you, Theo," Bobby panted. "Love you so very much."

For a few precious minutes, Theo held tightly to the man who held his heart and soul. He didn't want to lose the intimacy of their connected bodies. However, nature ran her course and to a moan of loss from both men, Theo slipped from Bobby's body. 

All too soon the men had showered and breakfasted and Bobby was standing with his overnight bag in his hand and was ready to leave. Theo suddenly felt bereft. He looked at the young man and could see a mixture of sadness and longing. It was too much for the older man. Striding forward, he caught hold of Bobby's slim hips.

"Come back tonight, Bobby," he said. "I know you weren't supposed to, but I'd really like you here again tonight." He looked deep into Bobby's eyes. "Please, Baby, say yes." Theo pleaded. He was unsure of Bobby's reaction. They weren't due to have a couple of days together for another couple of weeks. However, at that moment, the thought of being without his young lover even for one night was more than Theo could bear. His heart lifted as Bobby's face was lit by an incandescent smile, the sadness fleeing from his eyes.

"I'd love to," he answered honestly, willing the big detective to realize the depth of his commitment. "I just didn't think you wanted me invading your space too much. I know you value your freedom."

"Never, Love," Theo replied. "Your company is never an intrusion. I love having you here. There's something we do need to talk about, though. I'll tell you tonight, OK?"

"Sure," replied Bobby. I'll nip home during the day and get a change of clothes and then I'll be set for coming here tonight."

Theo grinned triumphantly and pulled the slender man closer. As Bobby tilted his head to accept the inevitable kiss, the hold-all was dropped and forgotten. Bobby moaned his pleasure into Theo's mouth as the bigger man mated his tongue with Bobby's, sucking it possessively into his own mouth, before continuing to map Bobby's warm wet cavern. Reluctantly, Theo pulled back, kissing Bobby less aggressively to allow the younger man to regain some semblance of self-control. Finally Theo simply caressed the younger detective's face affectionately.

"Keep safe for me, Bobby," he said quietly 

"You too, Lover," Bobby replied seriously. With a final gentle, loving kiss, Bobby picked up his overnight bag and smiled sweetly at his lover. "Till tonight, Theo," he promised. Despite working together, fear of discovery prevented them appearing as anything other than work colleagues.

"I love you, Baby."

"Love you, too. Bye."

Bobby heard the door click behind him. Normally he felt so down after a night spent with his Mate. The thought of only treating each other as fellow detectives, the loneliness he felt in his apartment after a night in Theo's arms, combining to drain the energy from the young man. However, Theo had totally surprised him this morning with spontaneously asking him to stay. Normally their nights together were virtually scheduled in advance. One thing still played on the junior detective's mind. Although Theo was loving and affectionate in private and although he had said he would tell his family of their relationship, it was still secret. Even when Bobby went to a family party, even if they arrived and left together, he showed Bobby no obvious attentions of one lover to another. Bobby was afraid to challenge Theo, afraid he'd lose the man who held his heart and soul. He'd accepted that if the only relationship Theo was prepared to have with him was a secret one, then that would have to be enough. He briefly wondered what his older lover wanted to discuss with him before successfully flagging a cab.

Bobby had never noticed the dark figure that had shadowed him from his leaving of Theo's apartment. The shadow's dispassionate eyes had watched the young man so obviously engrossed in his thoughts. The shadow was close enough to hear Bobby direct the driver of the cab to take him to Manhattan South. For a moment, the figure watched as the cab drove away, then it walked two blocks away to where a large black limousine awaited. 

The day passed swiftly. Neither Lieutenant nor Detective involved in anything that could delay their ability to go home on time. There was one big case that Theo was aware of, but not directly investigating. A young man had been found dead, brutally beaten. Suspicion was on a local loan shark. Theo was surprised as he knew of the man and, as loan sharks went, had a reasonable reputation for fairness. Knowing that it was unknown for the man to use such heavy-handed tactics, Theo had ensured he was regularly updated on the case. He knew the investigating detectives weren't looking for anyone else and had some niggling concerns. It was on his mind to review the case, but not that day. Theo just wanted that day to end and for Bobby Crocker to be back in his arms. He was determined that he would suggest to Bobby that they tell his family. If that went well, it was even on the big detective's mind that they should look at Bobby moving in with him. He had bumped unexpectedly into Bobby in the men's room after the younger man had slipped home. The surge of love he had felt had them quickly kissing and hugging before, once again, going their separate ways. Pulling on his coat and hat, Theo moved into the bullpen to bend down and whisper into Bobby's ear.

"I'm going home via the Deli. I'll see you in an hour."

"Be safe, Theo," Bobby whispered back.

An hour later and Bobby Crocker stood at the elevator waiting for his ride up to Theo's apartment. His mind still filled with Theo's unexpected behaviour, the young man wasn't as aware of his immediate surroundings as normal. He neither saw nor heard the two men come up behind him. His first knowledge of their presence was as a thick, muscular arm wrapped around his body, effortlessly pinning his arms to his sides. As he tried to react, the other arm pressed a dampened pad to Bobby's nose. The detective tried to kick as he held his breath, but the behemoth restraining him simply applied more pressure around Bobby's body, crushing him painfully and the smaller man couldn't stop the resultant groan of pain. Unable to hold his breath, Bobby unwillingly inhaled the sweet cloying odour of chloroform. He slowly went limp and unresisting in his attacker's grip.

"Be back here in twenty minutes, Marvin," a well modulated voice instructed. "Take good care of him, although I don't think he'll be any trouble for a while." The second man watched as Marvin slung Bobby effortlessly over his shoulder and disappeared. Then he picked up Bobby's overnight bag and entered the elevator.

The knock at Theo's door had the older detective smiling with anticipation. Bobby was a little late, but now he was here, Theo could begin to put his plans into action. He opened the door, the smile fading instantly at the sight of the man who stood there. Concern quickly replaced the smile as Theo recognized Bobby's overnight bag held in the man's hand.

"Where's Bobby Crocker?" Theo demanded harshly. "What's happened to him?"

"He's safe, Kojak," The man said entering the apartment and dropping Bobby's bag by Theo's coffee table. "He's having a drive around in my car. Not that he'll appreciate it though. I didn't want him to hurt himself, so he's had a dose of chloroform. By the time he gets back here, he'll be dizzy and disorientated, but otherwise unharmed."

"Why?" Theo ground out.

"Because I want to ask your help, Kojak," came the unexpected reply.

"My help, Smithson?" Theo asked incredulously. "You turn up here, a suspect in a murder case - a prime suspect - having kidnapped my ... a detective..." Theo stumbled as he almost admitted Bobby's position in his life.

"Why not admit it, Kojak. I know exactly what Crocker is. He's your lover. You're very discreet; you never have more than occasional days here together, never at Crocker's apartment, you rarely arrive anywhere together if it's outside policework."

"Look, Smithson," Theo began. "Whatever you think..." 

"Not think, Kojak, know," Smithson said tersely. "I lived your secretive lifestyle for long enough in my youth. I still live it to some degree today. A fag loan shark might not generate the respect needed. I've seen Crocker's face light up when he arrives here. I've seen you when you leave here after him. I know you love him and I know he loves you. He's the only weakness I know of that you have. I need you to listen to me. I can't be seen to openly co-operate with the Police and I can't take the chance that the competitors lurking on the peripheries use this to attack my position. They would happily see me rot in jail for something I didn't do to take over my turf. I just want you to listen."

"What do you want me to hear?" Theo asked. His shoulders slumped in defeat. His stomach was churning in fear for the man he loved.

"I am a loan shark, Kojak. You know it, and I know it. I make a very lucrative living from lending money and charging astronomical interest. However, as you and I also know, I've never killed. I don't deny I have had to lean on some. I may have had property damaged, perhaps a mild beating, compared with what others would do, but I take pride in never having needed to kill or be overly heavy handed. That seems irrelevant to the detectives investigating this case. I admit I loaned money to Mark Walters. I'll even admit to you I tried to dissuade him, but if I hadn't he was going to go to someone else. He wasn't very bright and he did start defaulting. I brought him in and talked to him. He was excited. He said a friend had a fool-proof way of getting lots of money and he would pay everything he owed. He didn't name the friend or what they were going to do and I didn't ask. The next thing is Walters is dead and I'm number one suspect. I know no-one else is being sought in connection with his death, but I didn't do it. That means the real killer is out there, scot-free. All I want is that you hear me out and have someone check these names out." Smithson placed a sheet of paper on Theo's coffee table. "These are the names I think will most likely include Walter's partner in whatever this money-making scheme was. I daren't follow it up in case my competitors decide to eliminate anyone I could use to prove my innocence and I can't just hand this in at the Station, even if I thought it would be acted on. You have a good reputation, Kojak. I trust you to act on this and find Walters' real killer."

A knock on the door stopped Theo from giving his response. Smithson stepped quickly to the door, opening it. The human behemoth walked in, carrying a semi-conscious Bobby Crocker in his arms. The smaller man was struggling weakly in the unfamiliar arms and Theo's heart clenched at the sight.

"Where?" the big man demanded, looking down dispassionately at the weakly moving man.

"Give him to me," Theo snarled, holding out his arms. Despite the differences in size, Theo readily accepted the precious bundle without problem, cradling Bobby to his chest. He sighed in relief as Bobby's weight settled in his arms. Bobby shifted again. "It's OK, Bobby," he whispered tenderly. "It's OK, you're home now," he said carrying the restless young man to the bedroom.

"Theo?" Bobby queried weakly. "Don't feel too good," he moaned softly.

"You're gonna be fine, Baby" Theo assured his Mate. He unfastened Bobby's belt, then undid the slighter man's pants and rolled Bobby onto his side in the recovery position. "Lay still, Love," he pleaded, his voice threatening to break. He ran his hand tenderly over Bobby's flushed face, soothing with a gentle touch. "I'll be back in two minutes."

Back in his living room, Smithson stood openly holding Marvin's hand.

"In less than twelve months I'll be retired. I've been training someone to take over with the same principles regarding lending, although I can't guarantee he'll apply them once I've gone. I swear to you, Kojak, I didn't kill Walters," Smithson said seriously.

"I've got just two things to say to you, Smithson," Theo growled aggressively. "First, I'll look into your allegations because if there is another murderer I want the scum-ball and if it's not you, I don't want some idiot trying to take you to court on a flawed charge. Secondly, if you or your gorilla ever touch Bobby again, I'll make you both wish for the safety of a prison cell."

"I understand your sentiments entirely, Kojak" Smithson nodded. Then the two men turned and left. 

As soon as they were out of the door, Theo locked it securely. Detouring via kitchen and bathroom to pick up a bowl a towel and a warm, damp washcloth, Kojak headed for the bedroom and his Mate. He could see Bobby moving restlessly, moaning softly. Joining him on the bed, Theo gently stroked Bobby's face.

"Feel sick, Theo," he gasped. "Sorry, so sorry..." his voice trailed away as he began to vomit uncontrollably. All Theo could do was hold the bowl and stroke Bobby's back, offering words of love and encouragement, in an effort to soothe the younger man. Eventually the painful heaves ceased and Bobby fell back drained and exhausted. Setting the bowl down, Theo quickly stripped the frail younger man. Tucking the covers around him, Theo rushed to empty the bowl and return to Bobby's side. Using the warm washcloth, Theo wiped Bobby down and dried him with the towel. Stripping himself hastily, he slid into bed beside his lover and spooned tightly behind him, holding desperately to his Mate.

A couple of hours later and Bobby began to stir.

"Are you OK, Love?" Theo asked worriedly.

"H...he knew did...didn't he?" Bobby asked hoarsely.

"Knew what?" asked Theo in confusion.

"Ab...about us. H...he k..knew about us."

"Yes," Theo whispered. He suddenly had a premonition that he was about to lose this most important person in his life.

"I...I'll go n...now," Bobby stuttered, trying unsuccessfully to stop his entire body shaking as his heart shattered. "I...I'd rather be th...the one to m...make the f...first move. I k...know you d...don't want p...people k...knowing about u...us." Bobby's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Don't want..." Theo echoed blankly. He barely recognized Bobby's voice as belonging to the normally confident and outspoken detective.

"I h...heard at the h...hospital last m...month when M...Maria came t...to see m...me." As Bobby had risen to now sit with his back to Theo he didn't see the look of pain or devastation that crossed Theo's face. As Bobby recounted the incident, the young detective felt as though he was living it all over again.


"Well, 'hello' to you to, Sleepyhead," Maria smiled indulgently. 

"Sorry," said Bobby chagrinned. "It's nice to see you, but what are you doing here?"




Kojak: Extortion



"Theo rang to say you'd been hurt. I wanted to make sure you were alright. And if you are hurt, then I expected to find Theo here so I could make sure he was alright. Now you've woken up and intend to stay awake for a while, I'm going to get a coffee while we chat." Maria picked up her bag and headed for the door. As she stepped outside, Bobby noticed the fallen purse. Struggling out of bed, the young man walked unsteadily to the door. As he opened it he heard Theo's voice.

"Maria, what are you doing here?"

"Bobby was hurt, where else would I be if I wanted to see how he was? Anyway, when are you going to tell me about the two of you?"

"Tell you," came Theo's voice. "Tell you what? There's nothing to tell".

From his position at the door, Bobby couldn't see the frown Maria leveled at her brother. But before she could say anything else a young nurse came running down the corridor.

"Lieutenant Kojak?" she asked. "There's a call for you, if you'll just follow me." 

Maria's frown followed Theo's hasty departure, and then she turned and saw Bobby, the frown disappearing instantly at the sight of the younger man's tears. She all but ran to him, taking her purse and tenderly wiping away Bobby's tears.

"It's OK, Bobby," she whispered reassuringly. "I just took Theo by surprise. He'll tell me in his own time. I know he loves you, Bobby, just like you love him. Please don't cry, Bobby."

As she led him back to his bed, Bobby's nurse came in and was immediately concerned at Bobby's distress.

"Detective Crocker?" she asked. "Is everything OK?"

"Hurts," Bobby whispered.

Within a minute, Maria had been ushered from the room and Bobby had been given a pain-killing injection that put him back to sleep. When the young man awoke next, it was to find Theo holding his hand, whispering endearments.>

"I thought...I thought I'd dreamed the other," said Bobby sadly returning to the present. "T...that it was a b...bad d...dream. Then the other w...week at M...Maria's I saw her l...look at you and tilt her h...head and you sh...shook yours and it all c...came back. So I'd r...rather go m...myself. I c...couldn't b...bare it if y...you t...told me to g...go." Finished, the young man stood to reclaim his clothes, his body language that of a broken man.

Theo became aware that tears were streaming down his face. Bobby had heard Theo deny their relationship to the one person Theo had always told him would be the first he told. Bobby had stayed with him despite this. Bobby was going to leave now only because he thought it was what Theo wanted. That Theo only wanted a secret relationship. Suddenly shocked, Theo's head shot up, his eyes wide and staring. Bobby was leaving? Theo moved, both frantic and frightened. He saw the young man still naked and vulnerable; shoulders slumped in weary resignation as he reached for his discarded clothing.

"No, Bobby," Theo cried. He grabbed the young man by the waist and twisting their bodies, threw Bobby back onto the bed, covering the trembling body with his own. "No, Love," Theo continued. "I'm sorry, Bobby, so very sorry. I was so afraid you weren't ready for a lifetime commitment to a bald, aging cop like me. I thought if I tried to be too possessive, I'd lose you; if I told people, I'd lose you. I was afraid, Baby. I love you, Bobby, I love you so much. Please don't go, don't leave me. I want you here, I want you to stay."

"You...you're not as...ashamed of me?" Bobby asked in a pained whisper. The hesitant, shaky voice so at odds with Bobby's normal voice it almost broke Theo's heart to hear it.

"No, Baby, never," Theo assured. As soon as I can, I'll arrange with Maria to get the family together and I'll be the proudest man on earth to announce you as my life-partner. I want you as part of my family, as part of my life, forever."

"I didn't want to leave," Bobby admitted softly.

"I don't want that either," soothed Theo. "Stay with me, Bobby," he pleaded. "Tonight and all the other nights of our lives."

"I want that, Theo. I want that very much."

The next part of the night saw the two lovers holding each other tightly and whispering words of love and devotion before both men fell entwined into an exhausted sleep. 

When Theo next woke, he found he was still entwined with his younger Mate. Theo smiled at the thought of how well the smaller body fitted around his, how well Bobby fitted into his life filling all the empty places in his heart and soul. He berated himself for failing to recognize Bobby's devotion and depth of love and causing the younger man so much worry and hurt and swore not to let his insecurities lead him to hurt Bobby ever again. He was suddenly aware of a pair of tired and anxious eyes looking up at him.

"I love you, Baby," Theo said as he leant down to claim the luscious lips for his own.

"Love you, Theo," Bobby panted when he was allowed to breathe. "Theo," he began carefully. "Did you mean it last night, about me staying here?"

"I meant it, Bobby," Theo confirmed. "I never want to be without you. I want you to move in with me, I'll support any decision you make about your place. Thank you for loving me."

"I'll always love you," Bobby vowed seriously. "Love you always," the younger man's voice deepened as his eyes darkened. "Love me, Theo. Make me yours, let me feel you all day today. Take me hard."

"Bobby," Theo groaned. The younger man's words had caused Theo's morning erection to throb with the need to be buried deep inside Bobby's body; loving him, possessing him. Rolling swiftly, Theo captured Bobby's wrists and pinned them above the slighter man's head as he straddled the body he now craved. Theo swooped down, capturing Bobby's lips in a hard possessive kiss, demanding entry into the young detective's mouth. He captured Bobby's tongue and dragged it back into his own mouth whilst he ravished it mercilessly. Bobby felt himself going light-headed before Theo finally broke them apart and Bobby could finally drag in precious air. As Bobby tried to regulate his breathing, Theo was working his way to an enticing cinnamon nub. He bit gently, and then suckled hard, drawing the innocent flesh deep into his mouth. Bobby cried out, arching his chest upwards towards the man who was controlling his body. Theo hadn't released Bobby's wrists and the younger man bucked again as Theo claimed the other nipple for his own. Theo relished the whimpers coming from his Mate. Bobby had asked to be owned and Theo was more than happy to comply. For the next few minutes, Theo alternated between gentle bites and aggressive suckling between the twin nubs till both were hard and aching. Theo spared a glance for Bobby's straining erection; the younger man was too close. With his free hand, Theo fumbled in the night stand drawer, finding quickly what he sought. He released Bobby's wrists, tugged firmly on the younger man's balls and as Bobby's erection faded slightly, fastened the cockring in place. Bobby's eyes widened, but he didn't argue or protest.

"I tell you when you can come, Bobby," Theo growled darkly. "Maybe I won't let you come. Maybe I'll just use you for my pleasure this morning. You wanted to be owned, to be possessed. Do you think you'll want to come, Pet?"

"I want to pleasure you, my Master," Bobby replied instantly, falling into the sub role they sometimes employed in their love-making.

"Good answer, Pet," Theo purred. "Hands and knees," he commanded.

Bobby moved with alacrity to obey. He felt Theo reach between his legs and fondle his imprisoned cock, making it swell more in the confines of the ring. Then Theo was rolling Bobby's balls delicately and Bobby couldn't stop himself thrusting into the touch or prevent the moan escaping. He wanted release, but could only have it as his master's whim and in his master's time. He gasped as Theo swatted each cheek hard. "Did you forget who owns this body?" Theo's voice reached his ears. "You wait for my pleasure; you do not try to take control." Several more hard swats followed, then Theo's large hands pulled Bobby's cheeks apart, displaying Bobby's tiny puckered opening. Bobby heard Theo's growl of desire and then Theo's tongue was thrusting deep inside him. The force of the invasion forced Bobby down onto his forearms. 

Grunting with both pleasure and effort, Theo tongued Bobby ruthlessly. Blindly reaching for lube, Theo inserted a finger along with his tongue and was gratified at the resultant wail from his Mate. Finally removing his tongue, Theo coated three fingers and held Bobby's hip in place whilst he pumped his fingers deep into Bobby's channel. He pulled his fingers from Bobby's body and slicked up his own hard, leaking cock. Without warning, he lined himself up with the glistening hole then plunged in fully in one savage thrust. Bobby screamed as Theo expertly slammed into his prostrate then set up a punishing pace of hard deep thrusts, hitting Bobby's sweet spot on every thrust. Holding one hip, Theo again began to fondle Bobby's balls, the gentleness of his hands contrasting with the brutality of his pistoning hips. He smiled as Bobby whimpered as the delicate flesh again began to swell in its prison. Bobby wouldn't just feel this session for the rest of the day, but the next couple of days. Feeling his own imminent release, Theo unsnapped the cockring and stroked the engorged flesh savagely. "Come for me, Pet. Come now," he commanded and with a scream of Theo's name, Bobby's come fountained over Theo's hand and their bed. Theo muted his own roar of completion by biting hard on Bobby's shoulder. Theo pushed Bobby down flat as he rammed his shaft as deep as he could before he found release. His seed flooded the smaller man's body. Bobby's clenching channel milked the older man's cock and Theo didn't stop thrusting even when he felt the last drops of come leave his body. He stayed on top of Bobby thrusting while he was still hard enough to continue. Eventually he felt himself begin to soften and reluctantly left the harbour of Bobby's body. As Theo slipped out of Bobby's welcome heat, he gently turned the younger man to lie facing him.

"Thank you," Bobby whispered shyly. "I'll remember this morning for a long time."

"I love you, Baby," Theo replied. "I wasn't too rough? You're not going to be too sore?" Theo enjoyed being allowed free reign with his sexual dominance, but never wanted to cause his Mate to hurt unduly.

"Every time I feel the ache, I'll remember who I belong to, who owns me body, heart and soul," Bobby whispered blushing faintly.

"Just remember this, Love," Theo said touched by the younger man's honesty. "You own me just as much as I own you. I'll contact Maria; get her to arrange a family get together in a couple of weeks. We can make our announcement then."

"Are you sure, Theo?" Bobby asked seriously. "You do want to go public?"

"I want everyone in my family to know how lucky I am to have such a beautiful, intelligent young man as my partner," Theo assured. "After work tonight, I'd like to pick up the most essential of your stuff and get you settled here. Is that OK?"

"More then OK," Bobby smiled, and then a frown crossed his face. "I just realized, with everything else that's happened; I never knew why I'd been kidnapped."

"It's OK, Love," Theo soothed as Bobby looked anxious. "It was Smithson, the prime suspect in the Walters case. He wanted an assurance I'd make sure an alternative to him being the murderer was investigated. It seems he thinks Walters had some kind of scam lined up. I actually think Smithson is innocent of the murder. He's never killed before and the kid didn't owe that much. It really doesn't fit for Smithson to be the murderer, but he's a handy patsy for detectives that don't want to work too hard."

"Let me follow it up," Bobby demanded. He saw the uncertainty flash across Theo's face. "Theo, he drugged and kidnapped me so I'm not going to be careless around him. And if I'm doing the investigating, he's not likely to try and use me as a lever again. I can say I've had a tip-off from a snitch. Can you get the case re-assigned?"

"Who will you work with?" Theo asked, knowing he'd already lost the battle. He might be the dominant force in their bedroom, but Bobby Crocker could more than hold his own when it came to work.

"I can work with Stavros. He won't mind."

Theo sighed. He had intended to follow up Smithson's leads himself, but he couldn't deny his Mate, even if he had a suspicion that part of Bobby's determination was due to his kidnapping.

"OK, Stavros it is. There's a note with some names on the coffee table. You need to pick that up on the way out. Now it's time to hit the shower."

The rest of the day passed in its usual mixture of crime and grime. Bobby busied himself passing on the names given them by Smithson to his most reliable snitches. He fed Stavros the agreed cover story that a snitch had given him some information and that Kojak was unhappy with the level of progress by the other team and was giving them the case. Stavros was as amicable as usual, leaving Bobby to get the wheels rolling. Kojak watched it all from his office. Stavros laid-back and Bobby like a dog with a bone. He couldn't stop the affectionate smile as he watched the way in which the man who was so submissive in his bed, could be so dynamic and demanding in his office. Theo realized he had been joined by Captain O'Neill who looked at Theo looking out into the department.

"About time," he observed wryly. "But let's not make it official."

"What?" asked Theo looking perplexed.

"Theo," the captain sighed. "I was a detective once, a long time ago. Every couple of days, there's a distinct perkiness in the air with you and the kid. Then there're a couple of days where it's like a chore to be going home. So I figure it this way. When you go home to be alone, you're both miserable, when the kid spends the night with you, you're both happy. Now for the last couple of days, the blues have been lacking, so I take it to mean you're keeping the kid with you. If so, I'm happy for you both even though I don't know what's going on."

"I always said you would still make a good detective, Frank," Theo smiled.

At the end of their shift, Theo drove Bobby to the young man's apartment. They packed the bulk of the fashion-conscious man's wardrobe together. Then they moved on to books, DVDs and favourite pictures as well as some personal possessions. Finally Bobby came out of the bathroom, zipping up a wash-bag.

"Thank you for loving me enough to do this, Theo," Bobby whispered as he nuzzled into his bigger Mate. Theo wrapped his arms possessively around the slender man.

"I'm sorry I took so long to do this. Whatever you want to do with the apartment is OK by me. Sub-let or sell, I don't care. I just want you living with me. Mine's a two bed apartment, but I don't think your change of address would be questioned. If it is, we're sharing to save costs, Frank will stand by us."

"I can hardly believe this is real," Bobby murmured huskily, tugging with his teeth on Theo's earlobe.

"Let's go home, Baby," Theo groaned. "Our home ...our bed."

"Our home," Bobby echoed with wonder in his voice.

Back at Theo's apartment, the two men laughingly sorted things out. Both men's suits and work shirts were given a home in the spare bedroom's wardrobe. Swiftly and easily, possessions were moved and combined to the satisfaction of them both. At the same time, their clothes melted away until Theo wore nothing other than his black shorts and a feral smile and Bobby stood in baby blue bikini briefs. They made a quick meal of the previous night's uneaten food, washing it down with a single glass of wine each. Then they stretched out on the couch. Following the aggressive love-making of the morning, Theo knew his younger lover would still be feeling the effects. He'd promised a gentler coupling and he fully intended to make good his promise. Nothing would be rushed between them. Slowly Theo maneuvered them until he had Bobby stretched beneath him. Sliding down Bobby's body, Theo began a slow gentle suckling of the younger man's nipples. Bobby sighed his pleasure, stroking his lover's shaven head and arching into Theo's warm mouth. As Theo diligently brought Bobby's nipples to stiff peaks, his hand slid down to stroke the length of his Mate's hardness through the soft material of his underwear. Bobby gasped, but couldn't increase his lover's speed or strength of caress.

"Slowly, Baby," Theo murmured. "No rushing tonight, remember? Slow and sweet, long and gentle." 

"Mmm, Theo," Bobby said softly. "Ah, Love," he gasped as feather light kisses dropped from his chest to navel where a talented, moist muscle began to thrust gently. Theo exulted in the responsiveness of his Mate. Lifting his head slightly, he ran his gaze lovingly over Bobby's groin. The older man couldn't suppress his smile. The younger man was so erect that the rosy head of his penis peeped enticingly over the waistband of his briefs. Theo lapped slowly at the exposed flesh, before biting gently at the hidden flesh still covered by the soft cloth. Bobby moaned, trying to thrust up, but Theo's strong hands held him still. "Oh, Theo," Bobby cried in pleasure as Theo mouthed at his testicles through the briefs.

"Bed, Bobby," Theo commanded softly. Theo's voice penetrated the haze of arousal that had fogged Bobby's mind. The older man pulled him to his feet in preparation to taking him to their bedroom, relishing the new title. "Our bed, Baby," he added as he swung Bobby unresistingly into his arms. As Theo laid his lover on their bed, he stripped away the final pieces of cloth. Spreading Bobby's legs, Theo kissed each inner thigh. Moaning softly in pleasure, Bobby lifted his legs and spread himself wide to his lover's gaze. With a growl of appreciation and possession, Theo dropped his head to search out the dusky pucker he desired. His tongue circled the tiny rosebud and then began to probe insistently demanding the bud flower open to him. Bobby's body obeyed the erotic demands and Theo grunted in satisfaction as his tongue gained entry to Bobby's body, tasting the musky earthy flavour of the younger man. Still Theo didn't rush and spent long minutes tonguing the tiny opening, loosening the guardian muscle. 

Finally Theo placed a last kiss to Bobby's entrance and he stretched out over his smaller lover and kissed Bobby, thrusting his tongue into Bobby's mouth with the same slow tempo he was rocking his hips against Bobby's groin. Theo could feel Bobby writhing beneath him as his whole body was sexually stimulated by his experienced lover.

Please, Theo, please," Bobby begged softly, his eyes dilated with need. Theo bent to kiss his Mate again as he reached for the lube. Coating a finger he began to press inside Bobby's body. As he felt himself penetrated, Bobby tilted his neck, offering his throat to his lover's attentions, making himself fully submissive to his dominant Mate. As Theo pumped with the single digit, Theo licked the column of fragile flesh. As he pressed a second inside the smaller man, he bit down, leaving a mark of possession on his lover. As Theo coated three fingers, he knelt back between Bobby's wide-spread thighs.

"Watch me, Baby," he commanded as he hungrily eyed the stretched opening. "Watch me get you ready to take me inside you. Watch me open you."

Bobby panted wetly through an open mouth as he leant his head forward to watch Theo's fingers disappearing inside his body. He whimpered unconsciously and his head dropped back down, his eyes closing as he felt Theo's fingers flexing inside his tiny channel. He cried out, arching his hips as Theo gently brushed his prostrate. After the hard workout from the morning, Bobby's body was still both sensitized and tender and needed little stimulation to respond.

"Now, Theo," Bobby pleaded. "Love me now, please love me, loveme, loveme," Bobby's plea becoming a chant. In response, Theo draped the younger man's legs over his shoulders. Thoroughly coating his rock hard shaft, Theo pushed carefully pressing himself into Bobby's molten heat. Theo moved gently, ensuring Bobby wasn't too sore from the morning's session. He gently rubbed Bobby's sweet spot with each thrust and stroked Bobby's straining flesh in counterpoint to his thrusts. Gradually Theo sped up, plunging deeper and pumping harder. He relished the way Bobby thrashed ecstatically beneath him, the younger man's head arched back. With a wail, Bobby's orgasm raced through him, his come spraying both their bodies with the intensity. Theo rode out as much of Bobby's climax as he could and as the younger man became boneless, pressed inside another inch deeper before roaring his completion, his seed flooding the younger man's body. As his own climax ended, Theo licked his hand clean, enjoying the taste of his Mate's surrender. When he felt himself soften, he eased gently from Bobby's body and slid down the lithe body to lick his lover clean. Assured he hadn't missed a drop of Bobby's seed, Theo kissed his way back up to face his lover. Licking at the top lip, Bobby immediately opened his mouth to his older lover's demands and allowed himself to be kissed thoroughly. Theo gently rolled him onto his left side, spooning up closely behind him.




Kojak: Extortion



"Love you, Theo," Bobby murmured sleepily.

"Love you, Baby," Theo replied. He entwined his left hand with Bobby's right laying them over his lover's heart. He cupped his right hand possessively around Bobby's spent genitals. "Mine, Bobby," he whispered darkly into the younger man's ear. "Mine forever." Kissing the mark of possession on Bobby's throat, Theo joined his lover in sleep.

Glancing up from his desk to gaze out into his department, Theo registered how long Bobby had been absent. He bellowed for Stavros, who ambled in to see what his Lieutenant wanted.

"Where's Crocker?" Theo demanded.

"He got a call from a snitch. Possibly hit pay-dirt on some names in connection with the Walters case," Stavros replied evenly. "His snitch won't meet if there's anyone else with Crocker, so I'm waiting on his call to go join him." Stavros glanced at his watch. "He should be calling in anytime soon."

"Keep me informed," Kojak said gruffly. 

As Stavros returned to his desk, Sapperstein hailed him.

"Pick up your phone, Stavros, it's Crocker for you."

"Hey, Crocker," Stavros said as he picked up the receiver.

"I've got a couple of leads," Bobby's voice came through. "I'm at Fifth and Lenning at a Motel called Sands. One of these names is supposed to be holed up in Room 404. The guy's name is Eddie Channing and he's been out of circulation since Walters turned up dead. But if this pans I'll treat lunch and we can try the other."

"I can be there in twenty," Stavros confirmed. "Don't take any chances, Bobby," the older detective warned.

"No way, Stavros," Bobby replied and Stavros could hear the smile in the younger man's voice. "Too much to lose."

"I'm happy for you, Bobby," Stavros said warmly. "Even if I have no idea what we're talking about." Stavros smiled as he heard Bobby's snort of laughter. Given Stavros was also Greek, the older man had seen Bobby and Theo come to many Greek parties. Although they were never open, it was obvious to all they were a devoted couple. Stavros knew that he would know if they came out to family. It would get through the Greek family grapevine. He was genuinely pleased for both men. Theo had been alone for a long time and Bobby wasn't as confident outside of his element and had little family. The two men were good for each other, even he had seen the glances of love and possessiveness that passed between the men, even when they were in the department. However, Stavros was confident you needed to know what to look for and nothing would be noticed by an outsider. It was also unofficial family knowledge that there would be an announcement soon. Theo had rung Maria for a family gathering in two weeks time. Stavros smiled. He intended to give the men a pan for making Greek coffee as their 'engagement' gift.

Outside the Motel, Bobby paced impatiently. Stavros wasn't due for another ten minutes, but Bobby didn't want to wait any longer. Channing was just a kid. If he checked him out now, by the time Stavros arrived they could either take him downtown or move on to lunch. His check on Channing showed him guilty of little more than a couple of charges of possessing cannabis. His mind made up, Bobby strode resolutely into the Motel. He rode the elevator to the fourth floor and stood outside Room 404. As he stood outside the door, the sound of breaking glass and a heavy thud had the young detective pulling out his gun. Taking up a careful stance, Crocker yelled out his warning before kicking the door open. He kept low, taking in the sight of the young man lying on the floor. He noted the broken window and the obvious bullet wound in the young man's chest and it didn't look good. Crawling rapidly, Bobby reached the window and pulled down the blind, cutting off any outside view. Still crawling he went to the aid of the stricken man.

A closer look at the bullet wound confirmed Bobby's initial reaction. The young man wasn't going to survive. He pulled out his cell phone, calling for paramedics anyway, and getting dispatch to update Stavros. As he replaced his phone, Channing was pulling out a key on a thin chain around his neck. He snapped the chain with shaking hands and pressed the key into Bobby's hand.

"Take," he husked. "Bus Depot. Photographs." The young man fell silent and Bobby knew he wouldn't be speaking again. With a sigh, Bobby rose sadly to his feet.

In an apartment building across from the Motel, an expensive rifle with a heat-seeking target locator had been reloaded and aimed at the window of Room 404. The assassin could see one of his targets changing colour as death set in. The other finally moved from a crouched position. The assassin was murmuring over and over.

"Let it end here. Let it end here." Without any further remorse, the target was sighted and the trigger pulled. The bullet took Bobby through the back of his right shoulder, emerging below Bobby's collarbone and Bobby cried out in pain as he was propelled to the floor. Unable to verify the condition of the victim, the assassin threw the expensive gun to the floor. The shooter ran in to the elevator, just as the apartment's elderly neighbour risked looking outside. The people next door were away, but she was certain she'd heard noises. Ascertaining the door was shut, she resolved to inform her daughter of her concerns before locking herself back indoors.

Stavros was arriving in a black and white as Bobby's call came through dispatch.

"Inform Lieutenant Kojak at Manhattan South," he instructed. "Tell him I'll contact him with an update in five minutes." Despite his bulk, Stavros could move swiftly when needed. He raced into the Motel and up to Room 404. He pulled out his gun and moved cautiously towards the open door. Peering carefully around, he moaned in denial as he saw Bobby on the ground, blood pooling beneath him. "Bobby," he called out. He noted the bullet hole in the blind. Dropping to his hands and knees, he crawled to the injured young detective. He gave a sigh of relief as he felt the thready beat at Bobby's carotid and the sound of the paramedic's siren. He yanked a sheet from the bed and began to try and stem the bleeding. As he secured one piece of sheeting, Stavros turned the younger man gently to tend to the exit wound. Bobby was pale and sweaty, blood-loss and shock taking their toll on his injured body. 

"Stavros," the older man spat out as his cell phone rang. "He's been shot, Lieutenant," he confessed in response to the terse enquiry. "Paramedics are on their way. I'll stay with him. Nichols brought me here, he can secure the scene. The other kid's dead. Sure, I'll see you at the hospital," he confirmed before flipping off the phone. As he did so, he saw Bobby's glazed eyes staring at him.

"Stavros," the hurt man gasped painfully. "Key, bus depot," he stopped and coughed.

"Don't try to speak, Bobby," Stavros pleaded. "Just hold on, Baby, the paramedics are here. Just hold on."

"Tell Theo," Bobby whispered. "Love him always." Bobby's eyes rolled back and he went limp in Stavros' arms just as the medics burst in. Before Stavros could react, he was swept aside whilst blood pressure was checked and an IV inserted.

"He's just passed out," one medic reassured Stavros seeing the distraught look on his face. "We'll get him transported immediately. He's losing a lot of blood. May have nicked an artery."

"You want me to look after the scene?" a uniformed officer asked Stavros.

"Thanks, Nichols," Stavros replied. "I'll take the black and white to follow the ambulance. You'll need a wagon for this one."

The voices of the paramedics faded and Stavros raced to follow them.

At the hospital, Stavros wasn't surprised to see that captain O'Neill has come with Theo. They rushed to the Greek wanting to know Bobby's condition. Stavros brought the two concerned men as up to date as he could. He exhibited the key, which was safely in a clue bag.

"Uh, Lieutenant," Stavros said snagging the senior detective's arm and gently leading him away from O'Neill. "Just a private word," he said. "Bobby, well....Bobby said to tell you he loves you always. They were the last words he spoke."

O'Neill turned sharply at the sound of pain and grief from the normally stoic Kojak. 

"Stavros," he ordered taking command. "Get us some coffees. This could take some time." As the detective disappeared, O'Neill grasped Theo's arm and forced the distressed man to face him. "Theo, don't sell the kid short. He's fit, he's healthy and he has something here to fight for. I can't give guarantees, Theo, but I know he'll fight."

"I love him, Frank," Theo's confession was a pained whisper. "I can't lose him now. We're going to announce our relationship to the family. I want to spend the rest of our lives together. I just can't lose him now."

"Focus on spending your lives together, Theo," O'Neill urged. "I know that's what the kid will do." 

Four hours dragged by without word on Bobby's progress, until finally a doctor in blood-flecked scrubs came towards them.

"Who's here for Bobby Crocker?" he asked.

"We are," O'Neill said. "This is Theo Kojak; he's Bobby's life-partner and Lieutenant. I'm his Captain and this is one of my team and a friend of Bobby's"

"If I might have a word, Lieutenant," the doctor said softly, leading Theo away from the other men. "I'll bring them up to date after you, since you class as family," he explained. He quickly took in the mixture of fear and anxiety that were almost palpable from the big detective. "My name is Henning and I was Bobby's surgeon. We were lucky he took the shot in the back. If he'd been facing the other way, we most likely wouldn't be having this conversation. He lost a lot of blood, an artery was clipped, by some bone fragments, but no organs received any damage. He did require CPR in the ambulance as he lost sinus rhythm, so in addition to the damage from the bullet, he'll probably have some bruised or cracked ribs. He is currently intubated and sedated to allow his body a chance to heal. I'll look to wean him from sedation over the next 24 hours. If all goes well, I will then be trying to move him from intubation to mask and then nasal prongs. All slow gentle steps to ease him to recovery."

"Is he going to be alright?" Theo asked shakily. He'd heard worse before, but this was Bobby, his lover, his Mate.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should make a full recovery," Henning assured. "However, he is a seriously injured young man, who has needed several grueling hours of surgery and who lost a lot of blood. It could be a month before he is fully fit again."

"I want him home as soon s it's practicable," Theo said gazing levelly at Henning. "I'll be with him. I'll hire a private nurse. I just want him home as soon as he's able."

"I understand," Henning said placating the detective. "And I concur that Bobby will heal more quickly when in a familiar, loving environment, however, it's my job to get him well enough to leave here first. Please don't try and pressurize either him or me in that respect."

"I won't," Theo replied, but had the grace to look abashed. "I just want him home with me, safe."

"Give us both a couple of days, Lieutenant," Henning said. "Then we can perhaps start discussing anything further." 

"I want to be with him," Theo said pleadingly. I nearly lost ..." Theo couldn't continue.

"He's sedated ..." Henning began to automatically object, but caught the glint of tears in Theo's eyes and relented. 

"Follow me," he directed. He walked back to the others who had waited patiently. "I'm Bobby's surgeon, Dr Henning. Bobby was a badly hurt young man, but I believe he will make a full recovery." He observed the subtle shift in body language his news brought and he smiled at the two detectives. "I am taking Lieutenant Kojak to sit with Bobby for a while. I will be back to answer questions in a few minutes."

Theo was led into the ICU room in which Bobby lay. The older detective couldn't suppress his groan of distress at seeing his normally vibrant lover so pale and still with wires attached to his body and a tube down his throat allowing a machine to breathe for him.

"Don't forget, Lieutenant, we don't normally allow you to see someone so soon after surgery. He'll look a lot better in 24 hours." So saying he left Theo with his unconscious lover.

Theo pulled the plastic chair as close to Bobby's bed as possible. He held Bobby's left hand, wanting desperately to enfold the younger man in his arms and make all the pain and hurt go away. He tenderly stroked Bobby's hand and was barely cognizant of the various people who came to check on Bobby and who gazed compassionately at the man who sat on vigil at his lover's side. He jumped as a hand settled on his shoulder.

"Dr Henning," he acknowledged as he gazed into the doctor's understanding eyes.

"I want you to go home, Theo," Henning said firmly. "I want you to eat; sleep, shower and you can come back in the morning. It will do my patient no good at all for his recovery if he sees his partner looking ill or worse, sees him collapse. Do you understand? Being taken off intubation is unpleasant. If Bobby's recovering consciousness, it would be good for him to have a comforting presence."

Theo allowed himself to be pulled upright, and then bent down to place a kiss on Bobby's forehead.

"I'll be back soon, Baby," he promised, knowing Bobby couldn't hear, but feeling better for saying it.

"When you come back, try talking to him. The sedation will be less and it would be good for him to hear a voice he knows."

In the waiting room, O'Neill had gone, but Stavros remained. Theo nodded at him, unable to speak his thanks.

"Let's go home, Lieutenant," he said evenly.

At the apartment, Theo felt disconnected from reality. Bobby's possessions seemed to stand out, almost mocking him in their solidity, whilst his lover was absent. He found himself pushed into the bathroom and he recognized the instruction to shower. He mechanically obeyed; allowing the water to finally take away the chill he had felt since Stavros had first told him Bobby was shot. His mind replayed the shower he had shared with Bobby that morning; the laughing as they had cleansed and touched each other and Bobby's excitement at their being a recognized couple in the eyes of Theo's family. Theo turned his face into the spray allowing the water to wash away his tears. Standing outside the shower, Theo imagined he could feel Bobby's hands as they had dried him that morning. He wrapped his robe around him, feeling bereft. As he moved into the living room, Stavros presented him with a mug of soup and a plate of sandwiches. Theo went to voice an objection, but Stavros interjected.

"Theo, we're Greek. At times like this, we eat. Eat something, drink something, you'll be no use to Bobby otherwise."

The mention of his lover's name worked its magic on the worried man. Mechanically he began to eat the soup and sandwiches, surprising himself at how quickly he finished them. Stavros replaced the soup with coffee. Theo took a sip and grimaced.

"It's sugared," he groused.

"You need it, Theo. You've had a shock, too. If Bobby were no more to you than just a member of the team, it would be bad enough. He's more to you, much more. He must have arrived as the killer shot Channing. It was pure bad luck. I'll get on it tomorrow. I'll sleep on the couch here and drop you off at the hospital on my way home in the morning," Stavros said.

"Thanks, Stavros," Theo said gratefully. "The spare bed's made up. Sleep in there. I appreciate all you've done."

"I love Bobby, too," The other Greek confided. "He's like the kid brother I didn't have. I know he'd be furious with me if I didn't look after you properly."

"Thanks, I'll be sure and tell him how well you nagged me," Theo tried to smile. "I want to be at the hospital early, OK?"

"Sure thing, Theo".

By the next morning, Theo had situated himself back at Bobby's side. He held the wounded man's hand, gently stroking the skin. To his eyes there was little change in the young man. Bobby was still pale and unmoving. The bandage around Bobby's body and should was blood-flecked and above the bandaging, the bruising that could be from either the operation or the CPR was evident in stark contrast to Bobby's pale skin. Squeezing Bobby's hand gently, Theo began to murmur to Bobby in low tones about what to expect at Maria's party and how much Theo loved and needed him.

"Good morning Lieutenant," Henning's voice cut into Theo's ramblings. "We've started reducing Bobby's sedation to wean him off. If all goes well over the next few hours, Bobby should start waking naturally. If he seems well enough, I can look at removing the intubation."

"Thanks, Doc," Theo replied softly, his eyes never leaving his lover's face.

Theo was oblivious to time passing. He kept reminding Bobby of their shared times of joy and pleasure, trying to coax the younger man into waking. Suddenly, Theo went quiet. He was certain something had happened. He looked intently at his lover. Bobby's eyes flickered and there was minute pressure on his hand that clasped Bobby's. Theo leant forward to whisper closer to Bobby's ear.

"That's it, Baby," he encouraged. "Wake up for me, Bobby. I really need you to wake up for me, Sweetheart. Come on, Bobby. Please wake for me. Please, Baby. Can you open your eyes for me, Love?" Theo almost yelled out in triumph as Bobby's eyes flickered open. The younger man's eyes widened in fear and he choked on the tubing down his throat. "Easy, Bobby, easy," Theo crooned as he rang for medical assistance. "The tube is to help you breathe. Just let it do its job, Baby. Love you, Baby, love you so much." Theo smiled as Bobby stilled, fixing his eyes on his older lover and tried to squeeze Theo's hand.

The next few minutes were a flurry of activity as Henning came into the room. He encouraged Theo to keep hold of Bobby's hand as the invasive tube was removed and Bobby sighed painfully as he began to breathe unaided. Henning affixed an oxygen mask, smiling reassuringly at Bobby.

"This will help ensure you get all the oxygen you need, Bobby," he explained. The less effort your body has to make, the more it can devote its energy to healing. If you continue to make good progress, we can look at nasal prongs soon. When that happens we can move you from ICU and you can have more visitors. But for now, I'd prefer it if just Theo spent time with you so you don't exhaust yourself. Is that OK?"

Bobby nodded, his eyes moving from Henning to fix back on Theo, but both men could see Bobby was battling to try and stop them closing again. Henning indicated he was departing and slipped outside.

"Love you, Bobby," Theo reaffirmed. "I don't want you trying to talk, just listen, OK?" Theo smiled as Bobby nodded. "Good. I want you fit and strong to come home as soon as possible. Dr Henning has said you're going to be pretty tired today and you'll sleep a lot. I need to go to the Department, find out what's been established about the killer. I want you to relax and sleep and let the healing start. We hardly spent any time at the apartment as a couple and already it's lonely and bare without you, Babe. Sleep for me, Bobby. I'll come back later and spend more time with you. Just sleep again, Baby." Theo began to croon softly as he stroked Bobby's forehead. The young man quickly lapsed back into sleep. Theo smiled affectionately and kissed Bobby's brow.

"He needs his sleep," a nurse's voice broke into Theo's reverie as he stood looking at the sleeping young man.

"Will you be on duty all day?" Theo asked, still gazing at Bobby's relaxed face.

"Yes," she replied smiling.

"If he wakes up when you're around will you let him know I'll be back later?"

"Of course I will," she said. "Anything else?"

"Yes," Theo said softly. "Tell him I love him always."




Kojak: Extortion



"When you come back, he could be on prongs. That will make visiting easier and he will probably be more awake."

"I don't care if he sleeps through my visits, just so long as he gets well and can come home to me soon. You do have a contact number for me?" Theo asked suddenly turning to face the nurse fully. He saw an older woman with a warm friendly face whose eyes were full of humour.

"Yes, Lieutenant," she laughed. "We have your office number, cell phone number and your home number. But I'm sure this young man will sleep quietly through until he hears your voice."

"Who loves ya, Baby?" Theo smiled as he left his beloved to rest and heal.

"Theo you're too close," O'Neill said with a sigh. "I can't have you head this up. You and Bobby ... well, you're you and Bobby. I'll head it up."

"I just want to be kept informed of everything that we find, Frank," Theo affirmed. "I need to feel I'm doing something to find out who's behind this. Two young men dead and Bobby was...lucky. I want to make sure we nail this guy. I swear I won't investigate alone. I'll take Stavros with me. So, do we have anything?"

"The killer abandoned his weapon at the scene. It was a real expensive, hi-tech rifle with infra-red scope. Killer could use sight or heat. We have the photographs from the bus depot, but they're poor quality, very dark and grainy. I'm expecting some kind of blackmail material, but till we can see them more clearly I can't be certain. They're in the labs being enhanced. The people who own the apartment the killer used have been out of town a few days. Their neighbour, who may have seen or heard something, is out. Apparently her daughter always comes for her, takes her out shopping, she stays overnight with the daughter and comes home later today."

"So we still have nothing," Theo growled. "Possible blackmail, but nothing on who or why."

"Sorry, Theo," O'Neill said genuinely. "The rifle is real big money. The kids, Walters and Channing, were nobodies. They weren't mixing with the types that would have the kind of money the rifle boasts. They were 'hood kids. They thought they had hit the big time and it blew up in their faces. Unfortunately for us, it's caught Bobby in the fall out."

"Two boys are dead and Bobby nearly died," Theo spat angrily. "I really want this guy and we're no closer to knowing who we're dealing with."

"Look, Theo," said O'Neill kindly. "Take the rest of today off. Visit Bobby, make sure he knows we're all rooting for him and want to see him soon. Come back tomorrow with refreshed eyes. We'll have spoken to the neighbour and have the enhanced pictures."


"I just feel so useless," Theo sighed; his shoulders slumping.

"Bobby won't see it that way when you're sitting there at his side. He needs you there more than you're needed here at the moment, Theo. Come back tomorrow, but I promise if we have any breaks, I'll call and let you know. Deal?"

"Deal," Theo said with a wry smile.

The big detective returned to the hospital. He had a more genuine smile for the nurse from earlier in the day as he sat next to Bobby. He was still on a mask, but his face had a little more colour. Theo caught hold of his hand and began to talk quietly to his sleeping lover. He wasn't aware of time passing till he broke off to sip from the water at Bobby's bedside and saw it was late evening. As he moved, he felt a squeeze to his hand and saw Bobby gazing at him.

"Hey, Baby," said Theo warmly. "Welcome back. Let me ring for help." Theo activated the alarm call and it was answered by Henning.

"You caught me just before I go off duty, Bobby," he smiled at the injured man. "Let me just check a few things and I'll see about nasal prongs. Then you can have some ice chips and chat a little with your partner. Could you wait outside please, Lieutenant?"

Theo paced the floor outside. He hated waiting. However, he knew he couldn't help with this and the thought that Bobby could speak to him kept him buoyed. He darted forward as the door opened. "Don't over-exert him, Theo," Henning murmured as the men passed. "He still needs to rest. See you tomorrow, Bobby," he turned and waved as he left.

"Bobby," Theo husked as he looked at his lover. The bed had been lifted so Bobby was more upright. He'd lost the colour and looked so fragile, that Theo felt tears threaten to fall.

"Theo," the voice was raspy and cracked, but at least it was Bobby's. In a couple of strides, Theo was at his lover's side. Bobby held out his uninjured arm and Theo gently enveloped his lover in the hug they both needed. "Love you," Bobby croaked quietly.

"Love you, Bobby. Love you always," Theo replied.

For a few minutes the two men held tight, reluctant to be apart. However, Theo knew it would be too much of a strain for his lover and gently pulled away. Unwilling to allow the older man to move too far, Bobby patted the bed on his left side. As though Bobby was made of delicate crystal that could shatter, Theo eased himself down to sit by his younger lover. With a sigh, Bobby nestled close to Theo's thigh, allowing his uninjured arm to drape between Theo's legs. Theo caught the flailing hand and held it tight, whilst stroking Bobby's head. The soft snore caught him by surprise, but he didn't try to move. He needed to feel Bobby close, to feel him warm and alive. He closed his eyes and relished the nearness of the man he loved.

"Lieutenant," a quiet voice whispered close to his ear. A strong hand on his shoulder prevented him from starting. He opened his eyes and realized that he, too, had fallen asleep. The nurse was smiling, but it was clear she was looking to move him. "He's out cold," she assured. "He needed a pain shot when they moved him to prongs. They seem to make him very sleepy."

"They do," Theo confirmed. Inwardly cursing himself for forgetting how Bobby reacted to pain relief.

"His signs are getting better and stronger Lieutenant," she assured. "I don't think he'll be much company now for several hours. Why don't you go home? I think he'll be much more his usual self tomorrow."

Theo nodded. He leant down and kissed Bobby's brow.

"Be back tomorrow, Baby," he assured before leaving.

Theo arrived at Manhattan South the next morning. He'd rung the hospital to find Bobby had needed another pain relief shot in the early hours. Theo knew Bobby would be asleep for a while and wanted to update himself on the case. Something had niggled at him since O'Neill had given him the brief outline of yesterday, but the veteran cop couldn't put his finger on what troubled him. He noted an elderly woman and a younger companion be ushered in by Stavros and continued to read the file.

In the hospital, the assassin prowled the corridors. He knew where Bobby Crocker was, he just couldn't get to him. Whilst in the ICU, the young man was highly visible and under close and frequent monitoring.//Can't take any chances// he thought. //Don't know what Channing told him. He spent too long with him. Can't take any chances//

In his office, Theo suddenly realized what had troubled him. O'Neill had said the gun was on heat mode, but there was only one bullet hole in the blind. He quickly scanned Stavros' statement. The detective had seen the bullet hole in the blind and kept low. If both men had been shot, with the blind down, there would be two holes. If Bobby had pulled down the blind, then that meant a significant delay between shots and Bobby had been deliberately targeted. He looked up as Stavros rushed into his office.

"Lieutenant, Mrs Laidlaw is the occupier of the apartment next to the one used by the killer. She's just said there was a five to ten minute gap between shots."

"Get Sapperstein to finish off Mrs Laidlaw's paperwork," Theo snapped as he picked up his phone.

"Frank, it's Theo. Bobby's shooting was no accident, he was targeted. He's alone and unprotected in the hospital. I'm getting down there now with Stavros. The killer must think Bobby knows something." Theo raced from the office as he slammed the phone down. //Don't let the bastard get to Bobby// he prayed.

The killer's opportunity had arrived. He watched with greedy eyes as the defenseless man was wheeled to a private room at the opposite end of the corridor from the ICU. Once in there, no-one would be able to see him and the killer could finally make heir move.

"He's still drowsy, Ann," Henning spoke to the older nurse from the previous day. "Lieutenant Kojak has already rung once," Ann replied. "He's coming as soon as he's checked in with his office. He'll be happy his partner is doing so well. The private room will be a big surprise."

Unless I get a call otherwise, I think it'll be safe to leave Bobby for an hour or so before I check in on him again. The rest is helping his recovery."

"I'll check in about half an hour, make sure he's still settled," Ann confirmed.

The killer smiled. He'd need a lot less time than half an hour to complete his work. With no remorse, he stalked down the corridor towards his helpless prey. Opening the door, he slipped inside. Bobby lay still and pale against the sheets. He was still hooked up to monitors, but the killer felt no mercy. Only his own safety was important, the life of one other was insignificant to him. He opened the closet and pulled out a spare pillow.

"It's going to be all over now," the killer muttered as he covered Bobby's face.

Bobby awoke as the pillow covered him, but his flailing was weak and ineffectual. He was too weak to defend himself and too disorientated to try. His left hand fastened on the pillow as he felt his chest begin to burn. As everything went black, his last coherent thought was //Theo//

At the opposite end of the corridor, Theo was frantic to find Bobby gone.

"I need to know where Bobby Crocker is now," he bellowed at a confused young nurse.

"Lieutenant Kojak," Ann hailed him. "He's in 330 down the hall on the left."

"Stavros," Theo shouted and the two men ran.

"Bleep Dr Henning," Ann ordered at the first nurse. "I don't know what the problem is, but in his current mood, the Lieutenant is a danger to my patients." She then ran in pursuit of the detectives.

"Police, freeze!" Theo commanded as he kicked open the door to Bobby's room. He and Stavros arrived, just as Bobby's hand fell limply from the pillow that was suffocating him.

"No, no, no," his attacker wailed as Stavros rushed forward to cuff him. "This was to be the end of it all."

Theo was dimly aware of Stavros reciting Miranda as he threw the pillow from Bobby's face and began to blow air between the young man's blue-tinged lips.

"Come on, Bobby," Theo begged as he gently compressed Bobby's injured chest. "Breathe for me, Baby."

Ann ran in and gasped at the scene before her.

"He was suffocating Bobby with a pillow," Stavros supplied.

"Move, Lieutenant," Ann ordered, taking command of the situation. "Matthew, I need help here," she demanded as Henning ran in.

Between them, the medical staff quickly had Bobby stabilized. With relief, Henning noted that whilst Bobby's breathing had been compromised, the nasal prongs had continued to allow some air to keep being delivered to the injured man and that Bobby had just fainted. Ann and Henning stepped away from their patient satisfied.

"Theo?" the word was rasped and rusty, but to Theo it was the most beautiful sound in the world, because it was uttered by Bobby. He rushed to Bobby's side, clasping the slender man's left hand and softly kissing the now pink lips.

"I'm here, Baby," he assured.

"Don't go," Bobby begged. Theo glanced beseechingly at Henning who nodded.

"I'm not going anywhere, Sweetheart," he crooned softly. He found himself smiling at the small smile of contentment from his lover. Taking his place at Bobby's left side, Theo settled to keep vigil over his fragile young lover.

It was another two days before Bobby was fully awake and lucid. During his vigil, Theo had noticed fresh blood on Bobby's dressing and it was found the stitches had torn. Then the young man's temperature had risen, worrying Theo and Bobby's care team alike that infection had set in. However, he proved resilient and his temperature dropped down and the wound appeared to be healing well. Theo now felt able to bring the young detective up to date on the outcome of the case. Theo was leaning against the headboard of the hospital bed. Bobby lay half-reclined using Theo as a much better pillow than the hospital provided.

"So the guy was engaged to a cousin of the Mayor?" Bobby repeated making sure he was making sense of what his lover was explaining.

"Yep," Theo confirmed, nuzzling into the back of Bobby's neck. "Channing took pictures of punters in a local club. He caught the guy just as he was buying his drugs, it's clearly visible on the enhanced pictures we have. The dealer's well known to us. Channing knew who he was and thought the guy was easy pickings; rich and stupid. Unfortunately he was neither. His money went on drugs and he was very intelligent. He was banking on the money infusion from marrying into the Mayor's family and their reluctance for a family scandal to have provided him with the costs of going to one of the best rehab clinics. He never intended to kill Walters. Channing was intelligent enough to use a go-between. Walters was beaten to reveal Channing's name, but didn't survive. He needed to find the location of the pictures back because he couldn't buy them back. Channing then upped the ante not realizing that having killed once, there was no way back for his mark. Channing was waiting for his big pay-off when he was killed. Our man couldn't take the chance Channing hadn't told you anything, so he tried ..." Theo couldn't continue.

"It's OK, Theo," Bobby said quietly, squeezing Theo's strong thigh. "I'm here, I'm safe. You got here on time." He smiled adding "Dr Henning says I can go home tomorrow."

"God I hope so, Baby," Theo replied. "You'd only just begun to share my life fully when I nearly lost you." Theo nuzzled into the back of Bobby's head and then sensuously licked the nape of Bobby's neck.

"No fair," Bobby groused good naturedly. "You'll turn me on and there's nothing we can do about it." 

"You taste so good, Baby," Theo murmured. "Even with hospital tang. Anyway, I don't want you forgetting what you have waiting at home for you."

"As if I could or would," Bobby smiled, tilting his head and getting the kiss to his lips that he craved. "I want to be home, Theo," he moaned softly as the chaste kiss ended. "I don't want to stay here any longer. I miss you and sometimes I dream I'm being suffocated again."

"I promised Henning we'd abide by his decision, Baby. This is the first day you've been completely lucid, able to eat and drink. Even your catheter has been removed. You're doing so well, Lover. Just a little longer. I promise I'll take you home soon."

"I get nervous even though I know he's in custody," Bobby said huddling back into Theo's strong body.

"I won't leave you, Baby," Theo promised as he began to stroke Bobby's brow in just the way to relax his Mate.

"Promise?" Bobby's question was little more than a puff of air.

I promise," affirmed Theo. He helped settle Bobby so the younger man's head could lie on Theo's stomach, while he continued to stroke Bobby's brow.

"It's good to see him sleep without some form of medication," Henning's voice intruded on Theo's own dream-like status. "If his temperature stays stable, he continues to accept food and drink without problems and can demonstrate he can walk just a few steps tomorrow, he can go home."

"We both understand," Theo sighed. "He's just feeling a little vulnerable."

"When I get him ready for discharge, I don't want to see him back here except for his check-ups," Henning smiled. "If you want, I'll arrange with the nursing staff for you to spend the night here."

"It's what Bobby wants, Doc," Theo said. "Whatever Bobby wants that's in my power to give him, he gets."

A few scant days after Bobby's release from hospital was the day of Maria's party. Bobby hadn't wanted the date changing, insisting if he took it easy, there was no problem with going. However, as Theo helped him to dress, he couldn't fail to notice the slender man trembling.

"Bobby, are you OK?" Theo asked concerned.

"Oh, Theo," Bobby cried as he buried his face in Theo's still naked neck and shoulder. "What if they think you've made a mistake? What if they don't think I'm good enough for you?"

"Bobby, Baby, they're more likely to think how lucky I am to have had the good fortune to meet and fall in love with a generous, beautiful, intelligent young man who loves me."

"I do love you, Theo," Bobby vowed. He tilted his head and got the kiss he craved. As much as they missed a physical relationship, Bobby hadn't recovered sufficient strength and so they contented themselves with gentle touches and as many kisses as Bobby could wish for. Reassured, Bobby allowed Theo to continue with their preparations.

At Maria's house were twenty of Theo's closest family of brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. There weren't any young children. The youngest of those present was a mature thirteen years old. The meal was no different to any others Maria had hosted. There had been drinks before and the family had been almost overly solicitous of Bobby's health, but he had borne it with good grace despite it being so tiring. During the meal, Theo cut Bobby's food before attending to his own as the young man still needed his sling. At the end of the meal, Theo squeezed Bobby's thigh reassuringly and stood up.

"I'm sure most of you already have a notion of what I'm going to say and you all know I was going to make an announcement, so I won't disappoint you." He placed his hand on Bobby's shoulder gently. "You've all seen Bobby and me together at gatherings for a few months now, so here's the official statement. I have the pleasure and privilege to confirm that Bobby Crocker has agreed to be my life-partner. I couldn't be more happy or proud to consider Bobby a permanent part of my life and family. During this last case, I nearly lost him twice before our life had really begun, so I don't intend to allow another minute to be wasted. Life is too short not to hold on to love with both hands in whatever form it takes." Theo tugged at Bobby to ensure the younger man stood next to him. Bobby couldn't stop the blush as he met the intensity of Theo's gaze. "I love you, Bobby," he said, smiling as the words were mouthed back without hesitation. "There is one other thing. I know we can't have a traditional wedding, but I would be honoured if you would consent to a civil commitment ceremony, Bobby. I would like you to wear my ring." So saying, Theo pulled out a black box and displayed the contents to his stunned lover. It contained a thin gold band, studded with diamonds. "You get the wedding ring at the ceremony," Theo whispered.

"Theo," Bobby whispered before his voice broke and he buried his face in Theo's neck, oblivious to the family all waiting with anxious eyes to hear his response. Theo could feel the wetness of Bobby's tears and feared he'd overwhelmed his still emotionally and physically fragile lover. Theo almost sagged with relief and hugged Bobby close as he heard the muffled, "Yes, oh yes, yes, yes."

As Bobby moved back, Theo placed the ring on Bobby's finger to the cheers of his family. Everyone was happy to turn the gathering into an impromptu engagement party. However, in deference to Bobby's health, it didn't become too energetic or go on too late. At the sight of Bobby fast asleep on Theo's shoulder, the family slipped quietly away. Maria whispered to Theo that the guest bedroom was ready and gently Theo scooped his slumbering mate into his arms and carried him to their bed. Bobby didn't wake even as Theo stripped them both and settled them in the bed. The older man happily curled protectively around his sleeping lover.