7 comments/ 22333 views/ 17 favorites Diagnosis Murder Prequel: The Lovers By: Pelaam I was recently asked to write a story of how Jesse and Steve met. For fans of DM, I have to confess I only started watching it after Jesse was already an established character and never saw how the series introduced him or how he and Steve first met. However I think there is a great chemistry between the characters and that they make a great couple. So this is my take on how they came to be lovers. * The sun was a bright gold in the cloudless turquoise sky. The sea was a shimmering azure with enough waves to make surfing enjoyable without being too challenging. However, the small, slim blond sat on his towel, his board at his side, unable to take pleasure in any of it. He knew he should be happy. The move to Community General had been the best he had ever made. His learning had shot up in leaps and bounds thanks to the mentorship of Dr Mark Sloan. Mark was more than just his teacher. He had become the father he had never known and Mark's approval was important to him. Mark was also one of his best friends, one he turned to again and again and yet, at this moment, Jesse felt more alone and isolated than ever before in his life. As open-minded, intelligent and sharp-witted as Mark was, this was one problem Jesse did not feel able to share. Nor was it one he could share with Amanda, nor with Steve. Jesse knew it was eating at him and he had to do something, but there was no one in whom he felt he could confide. He was in love. He had been struck by the stunning blond from the moment they had first met. Each and every one of Jesse's buttons had been pressed and pressed hard. They had become friends, good friends, but nothing more. There was no indication Jesse's awkward advances would be appreciated and the slim, blond medic knew they would be awkward. He had never approached anyone for a date that he had fallen in love with before. He had simply selected someone who seemed receptive, gone out once or twice and then called a halt before things could get serious. This time, there was so much to lose if he said or did the wrong thing. So many people's friendships he valued were at stake. He was beginning to debate leaving the hospital, finding another internship, although he knew that was just running away. The more he had got to know the other blond, the deeper his feelings had become. Not just attractive on the outside, they were intelligent, compassionate, courageous and a trusted friend. They were also a cop, male and the son of Mark Sloan. Steve Sloan, the object of Jesse's unrequited love. No one at Community General knew he was gay. He knew it did not always go down well and the blond wanted to build his reputation before his private life came under scrutiny. That was why he felt so isolated, so unable to go to any of the people he trusted most. As open-minded as Mark was, Jesse did not feel he could reveal his sexuality, much less that he was in love with the older man's son. He pressed the heels of his hands into sky blue eyes that filled with tears. He did not know how to move on. How to keep spending time in Steve's company watching everything he said or did so as not to embarrass himself. It sometimes made him seem clumsier than he was and he knew it could only get worse. He scrubbed roughly at the tears before they could fall. He had to find a way of excising his feelings for Steve as anything more than just a friend, or move on from the hospital. He could see no other options. "Hey, Jess, surf's up, man." Jesse started as the object of his dreams came to stand before him. Where the slender medic wore baggy Bermudas, Steve had a pair of black 'Speedos' that hugged every contour of the impressive package Jesse desperately wanted to examine with all the skill and care of his doctor's training. Instead, however, he immediately jumped to his feet, his trademark smile on his face, not letting Steve see his sadness. "Just enjoying the rays, man," he countered. "Day off?" "Rescheduled one they owed me. Dad said you were here, so let's get to it, surfer boy." **** Steve stared with confusion and affection at the small blond bundle curled trustingly beside him to lie with his head on Steve's thigh. "Something wrong, son?" Mark asked, watching with hidden amusement as Steve's fingers played with Jesse's hair. "I think there is, Dad," Steve replied. "Something's bothering Jess, but he hasn't confided in me or Amanda." Unconsciously still stroking Jesse's hair, Steve looked up at his father to see a sympathetic look on the older Sloan's face. "I've noticed, too," Mark admitted. "But he hasn't spoken to me either." "Did another nurse dump him?" Steve asked with a frown. Protectiveness washing over him for the small blond as always when he thought Jess could be hurt. "I think you need to put those detective skills to better use if you think he is always dumped," Mark said enigmatically. "I may be your father, and a tad biased, but I think you're a good detective. Put the clues together. Now why don't you take sleeping beauty to bed?" "What?" Steve gulped, his hand flying from its comfortable niche on Jesse's shoulder where it had been gently massaging the younger man. "Spare bedroom?" Mark said, hiding his laughter. "Put Jess in there as he won't be going home tonight." "Oh, sure," Steve nodded. He carefully scooped the slight body into his arms, an unconscious smile playing about his lips as Jesse nestled close. He was so engrossed in ensuring he did not bump his precious bundle, he did not see the look of fond exasperation on his father's face. Steve put Jesse in the guest bed and knelt alongside the smaller man. "I wish you'd talk to me, Jess," he murmured softly. He suppressed a gasp as sleepy, turquoise orbs briefly opened and a warm smile spread across Jesse's face. "Love you, Steve," he muttered, before his eyes closed again. Steve remained where he was for a moment before hurrying to his bedroom. His mind was in a whirl as he stripped and flopped onto his bed. He sat, propped against his pillows, fingering his shaft as he replayed Jesse's words over and over. Although Steve had married, it had been because he had been told he was to be a father. Unfortunately there had been no pregnancy, just a 'late' cycle. As a consequence, the marriage had failed and Steve had confessed all to his father. He smiled remembering Mark was proud Steve had taken his responsibilities seriously, but had advised against any similar action again. The marriage had made both of them unhappy because it was for the wrong reasons. Steve had often tried to convince himself he was bi, liking women as much as men, but he knew he was just lying to himself. He preferred men. However, he was unsure how liberally minded his Dad would really be when it came to his own family. Mark was still quite a traditionalist in some ways and so and only his Captain knew he dated men as well as women. There was still a lot of intolerance in his line of work which made things even more difficult in regards being open. When the itch got too much, he told Mark he was going out of town and took off to indulge. It made for a lonely existence at times. His thoughts returned to Jesse and to his father's cryptic comments. Could Mark have guessed...? In a way the big blond would not be surprised, Mark Sloan had a quick eye and quicker mind. As for Jesse...? Did the younger man mean he loved Steve as a friend, a brother, or something more? His erection cheered for something more. Pre-come began leaking liberally as Steve indulged in a favourite Jesse fantasy: the slender blond astride his body, riding him to completion as Steve stroked the younger man to a mind-blowing climax. He gave a groan as his shaft throbbed appreciatively at the image. Steve had not sought out a male companion since Jesse had arrived several months earlier. However, he had only seen the medic date female nurses, but it was a date or two and then goodbye. He pinched a nipple, his hips beginning to thrust into his hand. He had done the same on occasion. His eyes widened: he had done the same on occasion. His hand began to fly over prodigious flesh, Jesse's name a soft whisper on his lips. He came over his stomach in pearly strands. He languidly reached for baby wipes and removed the evidence of his climax. He was a good cop and perhaps he had missed subtle clues because he had purposely not looked for them. He grinned. He intended to investigate the possibility of Jesse as more-than-friend. A smile on his lips, he slipped into sleep, a nubile blond featuring prominently in his x-rated dreams. **** Jesse did not know whether he was in Heaven or Hell, whether his dreams were coming true or he had lost his mind. For the last week Steve had been acting ... differently...around him. He was still the same Steve Sloan to the eye, but a hand on Jess's shoulder was accompanied by a squeeze and a thumb that rubbed, the action seemingly hot-wired to Jess's groin. A large hand was often proprietarily in the small of his back as they walked together. Steve's eyes, his smile, even his voice were different; warmer, more sensual, deeper. A part of Jesse was cheering energetically and feeling like the cat that got the cream with each lingering touch. The other was guilty about reading something into the actions of a friend that was not there. He headed to the elevator only for Steve to appear and join him. Jesse knew Steve was standing closer than normal when the elevator shuddered to a halt between floors. Steve made an impatient exclamation. He was pleased enough to be alone with Jesse, but not in a stuck elevator. He hit the emergency button and growled who he was, who was with him and their location. He then turned to Jesse and every protective instinct surged to the fore. Jesse was white-faced, his eyes wide and frightened and he was huddled against the far wall. "Jess," Steve said softly. "It's ok, Jess." He moved slowly towards the terrified young man. "I don't like being in enclosed spaces," Jesse whispered, his voice shaky. "It's ok, Jess," Steve repeated, drawing the shivering form into a tight embrace. "I'll look after you until they get this thing moving again, sweetheart." The endearment had slipped out unthinkingly and Steve winced, hoping he had not gone too far. "S...sweetheart?" Jesse asked, looking up with eyes filled with wonder into Steve's oceanic eyes. "Sweetheart," Steve confirmed and dropped his head to take possession of the lips he had coveted since first seeing the beautiful blond. A soft whimper meant the lips parted and Steve's tongue swept inside. Slowly he mapped every nuance of Jesse's warm, wet cavern before teasing Jesse's shyer muscle into play. He tightened his grip as their tongues danced to music only they could hear. Slowly, he eased them to the floor, Jesse's back against a wall, and continued his oral assault. Finally they had to part to breathe. "Oh, Jesse," Steve husked. "I've wanted to do that for so long." "I dreamt of you kissing me, but it was nothing like the real thing," Jesse confessed quietly. "We have a lot of wasted time to make up, angel," Steve smiled, nibbling at kiss-swollen lips. "I...I have a confession," Jesse whispered, his voice so soft Steve could barely hear him. "I've, you know, I've never...all the way." Jesse ducked his head shyly. Steve's half-hard shaft surged at the hesitant confession. He had never taken anyone's virginity. He intended to be Jesse's first and last lover. He tilted the exquisite face to look at him. "I promise I'll take good care of you, angel," he vowed. At that moment, the elevator lurched into life. With a cop's pragmatism, Steve stood, pulling Jesse with him, manoeuvring the smaller man to stand buried against his side. The doors finally opened and Mark and Amanda stood there hovering anxiously. "Jesse?" Mark asked, worry colouring his tone. "If it's ok with you, Dad, I'd like to get him home. He suffers from claustrophobia; he needs to get out of here." "I know," Mark nodded. "I can get the necessary cover. Take it easy, Jess. Thanks, Steve." Part of Steve acknowledged he had taken advantage of his Dad's good nature and concern for his surrogate son. But, more importantly, he knew it gave Jesse and him chance to be alone in comfort. From the way Jesse remained glued to his side, Steve decided it was worth the small deception. **** Inside Jesse's small apartment, the young doctor immediately disappeared into his kitchen to make coffee. Steve let him go, waiting a moment or two, and then went to join him. Jesse stood as if lost in the tiny space. Two empty coffee mugs on the counter the only signs he had done anything since taking refuge in there. Steve slid his arms around the slender blond's waist, nuzzling into the vulnerable throat. "Come and sit down," he husked, urging a pliant Jesse into the living room. Steve sat, pulling the medic onto his lap and arranging the smaller man to be able to look into the expressive blue eyes. "It's ok to be nervous, sweetheart," he smiled. "It was hardly the hearts and roses build-up to a romantic declaration of love, but I do love you, Jesse." "You...you do?" Jesse asked, his eyes widening. "I do," Steve said, laying claim to Jesse's lips. As they broke apart his tilted his head and raised his eyebrow. He was rewarded by a crimson stain on Jesse's cheeks. "I love you, too," Jesse whispered before burying his face into Steve's broad chest. "I've wanted to tell you for so long," he added. "It's like I'm in a dream. I'm afraid I fainted in the elevator and I'm going to wake up and find this is another fantasy." His face lifted and turquoise orbs regarded Steve with a mix of love and uncertainty "Does this feel like a fantasy?" Steve rumbled, his hand squeezing between Jesse's legs, finding the half-hard shaft and encouraging it to fill further. He recognised the insecurity and wanted to banish it as quickly as possible. He needed Jesse to know this was no dream and not a once-only scenario. He leant the pliant body back to be able to use both hands to maximum effect. "N...no, feels good," Jesse moaned, his hips pushing into the much desired contact. The dexterity and speed of Steve's free hand astounded the young doctor as his shirt fell open to a look of desire and longing in Steve's darkened, cerulean eyes that rocked him to his core. Both men had seen each other almost naked on the many occasions they had hit the beach together, but Steve had never looked at him *that* way before. It was a look filled with a potent mix of arousal, appreciation and yearning that left the smaller blond defenceless. He whimpered needily, reaching for the older man and immediately Steve responded to him. Their lips met once more, Jesse's tongue sliding into Steve's mouth for the agile muscles to dance to silent music and then Jesse yielded control to Steve. Steve found Jesse's responsiveness incredibly arousing. He was no Dom, but the older man did like being dominant in bed. Jesse exuded confidence as a doctor yet was often plagued by self-doubt outside that role. Here, in Steve's arms, Jesse seemed able to let the bigger man know what he needed whilst remaining the more pliant partner. It was a heady combination that left Steve almost intoxicated with desire. He had wanted Jesse so very much for so very long. However, he kept reminding himself that his beautiful blond was still chaste, was yet to experience all the pleasures of lovemaking. The older man made a mental vow to make the night memorable for his new lover. "Steve," the low, wanton moan seemed hotwired to the bigger man's already throbbing shaft. As he deepened the kiss, he had deftly unfastened his nubile blond's pants to tenderly stroke hard, damp flesh. Jesse's hips were trying to buck in tempo to his masterful strokes. "Feels so good, so different," Jesse murmured. His previous encounters had always been with men of a similar, slight build to his own. He had never had a lover as big as Steve and the older man's size and strength were a potent aphrodisiac. The sensation of his engorged shaft engulfed in Steve's calloused paw was almost enough to make Jesse come on its own. When Steve's thumb teased over the sensitive slit, Jesse lost all coherent thought. Lights danced before his eyes as he convulsed in his mate's arms, his pearlescent crème adorning Steve's gently pumping hand. Steve had never seen anything as beautiful or erotic as Jesse in the throes of his climax. He expertly milked the smaller blond until Jesse was limp and sated. He gave a feral grin as half-lidded eyes gazed up at him and he slowly and deliberately licked his hand clean of Jesse's release. At the soft whimper he bent to share a Jesse-flavoured kiss with his lover. "Sweet, beautiful, just like you, Jess." He husked. "Love you, Steve," Jesse murmured, reaching to twine his hands at the back of Steve's neck. "Make love with me?" Steve made a low rumbling groan of pleasure, sweeping Jesse into his arms and into the small bedroom. He laid his precious bundle on the bed, swiftly divesting the lithe body of the clothing hampering his appreciation of his beautiful blond mate. "You, Steve," Jesse moaned, his body writhing with need. "Wanna see you." "You will, angel," Steve vowed. Steve stripped slowly, performing for his lover, hoping the tableau would arouse his smaller mate. He gave a feral grin as he saw Jesse's sated sex begin to fill and re-harden. When they made love, he wanted Jesse to come with him. As soon as he threw the last of his clothing aside, he crawled between the slender legs spread wide in silent invitation. He placed open-mouthed kisses from ankle to knee. His tongue licked up each satin thigh to allow the big male to nuzzle happily at Jesse's sac. "Gonna make you feel so good, babe," Steve promise, rubbing his face into the curls at Jesse's groin. He licked slowly along Jesse's hardening length, savouring his lover's scent, fulfilling a long-held desire to taste the younger man. "Ohh!" Jesse moaned, arching his hips and instinctively spreading his legs wider still to give the older man better access. Steve's large hands held the smaller man's hips, not wanting his lover to do any of the work as he pleasured Jesse. Settling in deeper between the outstretched legs, he began in earnest. Every inch of Jesse's shaft was reverently explored. Delicate licks to the slick head and firmer mouthing and nibbling of its length were followed by a devout tongue bathing of Jesse's sensitive testes. "Good?" Steve asked, the glazed and desire-darkened eyes telling him more eloquently than any words. "Wonderful," Jesse panted. He groaned as the older man descended on his penis again, using both his hands and mouth. The previous exploration had been gentle and reverent, this time his lover's caresses were firm and sure as Steve expertly pleasured him, more certain of how to handle Jesse's endowments. The experienced man engulfed Jesse's leaking erection to its root and then carefully scraped along its length with his teeth. He was gentle around the sensitive sac and lightly grazed the skin of Jesse's perineum, grinning at the deep groan which was his reward. He obeyed the insistent tugging at his hair to blanket the slighter form and gaze proprietarily down at Jesse's flushed face. "Make love with me, Steve," Jesse pleaded. "Lube, condoms?" Steve asked huskily, wanting nothing more than to bury himself in his mate's body, the raw need in Jesse's voice and eyes fuelling his own. "Lube in the drawer," Jesse whispered. "I don't have condoms. I've never needed them. But I'm clean, Steve, I swear it and I know you are. I helped your Dad run your tests. I've waited so long for you, Steve. I've dreamt of feeling you inside me. Please?" Diagnosis Murder Prequel: The Lovers "Jesse..." Steve began. "You said you loved me," Jesse persisted. "And I love you. I don't want anyone else, ever again, only you." "Only ever mine," Steve rumbled. A primitive part of the bigger man silently roared its approval. He devoured Jesse's mouth, letting his weight settle heavier on his smaller mate. He recognised Jesse's muffled moan around his tongue as one of approval as slender thighs wrapped around his waist and Jesse's arms clung to his broad back. Slowly...inevitably...the two men's kisses slowed and they parted, panting wetly, chests heaving. Steve gently urged his smaller lover onto his side, pressing loving caresses with lips and hands to the flushed, damp skin of the slightly trembling younger male. It was a big step for both men and Steve wanted Jesse to be sure of his desire even though every cell in his body screamed that Jesse was his mate. Steve arranged pillows for Jesse to hold on to and urged a slender leg to bend at the knee and drape over them, granting him access to the hitherto hidden part of Jesse's body. As Jesse rolled onto his side to half lie against his pillows, Steve began a slow deliberate massage of the pale, toned cheeks. After a moment or two, feeling his lover relax into the massage, he began to part the peachy globes, displaying Jesse's tight, pink centre. He felt Jesse stiffen as cold air hit his most private place, but then relax as Steve's massage continued. Soon the slender hips were moving to the same rhythm of Steve's hands. "Doing good, Jess," Steve crooned huskily, as he released one cheek to coat his fingers with lube. "Just one finger, angel. Just me," he added as he prepared to penetrate the virginal channel. "Ohh, Steve," Jesse moaned. He had felt vulnerable with his leg over the pillows, his body displayed before the older man, but Steve's touches had relaxed and reassured him. Now he was eager for all Steve could teach him. As the single digit pushed inside him, Steve's other hand had palmed his sac, squeezing gently. He found the dual sensation helped distract from the inevitable burn of untried muscle. He began to ride the finger gently as his muscles slowly relaxed and Steve carefully pumped the thick digit in and out. "You ok, angel?" Steve asked, concern colouring his voice. Tight heat was still grasping his single finger and his erection dripped its eager approval, wanting to feel Jesse's sheath for itself. "It's...different," Jesse said, thoughtfully. "I never...I never even played with toys," he added, turning his head for the kiss he craved, his cheeks pink from his hesitant confession. "I'll take real good care of you, baby," Steve growled, as his flesh surged impossibly harder. "Two, lover," he warned. He slipped his finger out, coating it and a second liberally and pushing back inside Jesse's sweet heat. The low groan from his mate was a mix of pleasure and discomfort and Steve felt the tight resistance of the narrow channel. "Try and relax, sweetheart," he crooned, nibbling on Jesse's ear and dropping kisses on the dampened skin of slender shoulders. "Feels so full," Jesse murmured. He tried to relax, to focus on the fact that it was *Steve* touching him so intimately; that it was *Steve* who was going to take his virginity, to love him, to be inside him. He gave a more pleasured moan, pushing back against the welcome invaders, grinding his hips as he imagined being filled with Steve's sex, how it was going to feel when Steve came inside him. "More, Steve," he moaned. "Please." He groaned as Steve's fingers changed from a slow pumping in and out to scissoring. He shifted slightly, his leg rising to open himself further. "How's this, angel?" Steve husked, as he found the nub he sought and caressed Jesse's jewel. His reward was a veritable scream of his name. Jesse had heard of the pleasure associated with stimulation of his prostate, but had never expected the intensity. He did not know whether it was Steve's experience or just that it was *Steve*. He just knew he wanted more and began to thrust back eagerly. He gritted his teeth against the discomfort of three thick fingers filling his tiny passage, remembering the pleasure to come, focusing instead on his lover's voice and lips. With patience and tenderness, Steve soon had three fingers moving inside Jesse's tiny portal. The bigger man had his concerns that he would fit in his smaller lover's body, but Jesse was riding his fingers and begging the older man for more. "Ok, lover," Steve rasped. "But you've gotta stay relaxed, honey. I don't wanna hurt you." Steve drenched his crimson-hued shaft with lube, his eyes never leaving the small, glistening opening of Jesse's body. He was forced to take deep, relaxing breaths of his own. Just the thought of entering *Jesse* had him grip the base of his erection hard to stave off a rapidly approaching climax. He prayed that he could not only enter his mate, but control himself enough to pleasure his virgin lover. "Here I come, angel. Gonna fill you up, baby. Fill you so full of me you won't know where you end and I begin." Steve groaned as he pressed inside the tightest, hottest place he had ever known. Jesse's muscles clamped with an almost brutal intensity against the thick invader. Steve heard the muffled mewl recognised the sound as pained. With just the head of his erection inside his lover, he began a litany of encouragements and reached around Jesse's slender hip to begin working the younger man's flaccid flesh. Steve was persistent, moving deeper in tiny increments whilst stroking, lightly slapping and pumping Jesse's shaft. Jesse had been sadly convinced that Steve's length and girth were too much for his smaller body as soon as the older man had pushed inside him. Steve's shaft was a lot bigger than his fingers and just the head alone seemed enormous and his body felt uncomfortably full. He had been surprised to find that squeezing, fisting and even slapping of his own flesh had resulted in a renewed erection. Steve's constantly changing touches to the younger man had Jesse focused on what the older man would do next to his innocent erection. Some of the caresses had been novel to the chaste medic. Jesse had then been shocked to find that Steve had slid inside him fully whilst he had been distracted by the working of his own shaft. "So good, Jess, so tight, baby," Steve crooned. "Gotta move, angel, gotta come." Jesse wailed his approval as Steve nudged his sweet spot with every movement. Instinctively he began to move in counterpoint to his big lover, maximising the pleasure for them both, pushing back to meet Steve and forward into the calloused hand encircling his own dripping flesh. Although Steve had intended to keep them on their sides, he inevitably rolled Jesse onto his stomach groaning his appreciation as he pushed in deeper, pinning the slighter form beneath him and granting himself more leverage. A scream of his name coincided with a hard shove against Jesse's jewel and Steve began thrusting in earnest. "Come for me, angel," Steve rumbled into Jesse's ear, still pumping his lover. "Wanna feel you come, baby." Unable to resist the dual sensation of his sweet spot repeatedly struck and the masterful stroking of his eager rod, Jesse came with a scream of Steve's name. His semen flowed freely over his lover's hand. He heard the primal roar of the bigger male above him and wet heat flooded his still clenching channel. His own climax crested and then began to wane leaving him boneless. He could feel the vestiges of Steve's orgasm, the last pulses of the older man's seed sliding from his filled body to anoint his thighs. Steve languidly licked and kissed the bare shoulder and neck he could reach without moving his body. He had lost his control at the end and thrust hard and fast and hoped Jesse would not pay the price. As he felt his sated sex soften, he eased from his lover's body, noting the soft hiss of discomfort. "Just lie still angel," Steve whispered. He rushed into the bathroom, cleaning himself perfunctorily before returning to Jesse with a warm, damp flannel and a towel. He cleansed the evidence of his possession that lay in silver trails along honey-tinted thighs, his shaft twitching in approval. He carefully parted Jesse's cheeks. His mate's opening was reddened, but there were no signs of any damage and Steve gave a silent prayer of thanks. He bent down and licked at his seed. He relished the soft cry of shock and pleasure and diligently lapped away all the excess semen, occasionally delving inside Jesse's body to delightful mewls and erotic writhing. Steve made a mental note to do this act when Jesse would appreciate it even more. As Steve manoeuvred Jesse into his arms, the younger man burrowed close, ignoring the aches from protesting muscles. They were good aches; they told Jesse he now belonged to the bigger man that nuzzled him lovingly. "Love you, Steve," he whispered drowsily. "Love you, angel. Sleep, Jess," Steve murmured, stroking the satin-smooth back of the beloved blond. **** "Steve?" Jesse queried, anxiety colouring his voice. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," Steve's voice came from a short distance from the bed. "As much as I would love to wake up in the morning with you in my arms, I have a stake-out tonight. Remember? I have to go home and change. I left it as late as possible, angel." Steve kissed the soft lips of his new lover, committing the taste and texture to memory until he could have the real thing again. "It'll be quite a while before I can ring you, Jess, but I will ring as soon as I can. Ok?" "'K", Jesse whispered, trying to ignore the sting of tears. It was not Steve's fault he had to go. Jesse did remember the case Steve was working on that involved unsociable stake-out hours. He fished in his bedside locker and handed a key to the older man, a blush creeping over his cheeks. "So you can let yourself in," Jesse added. "You know...in case I'm asleep or...whatever." "Try and settle, sweetheart," Steve said, wishing he could stay. The uncertainty in Jesse's voice had brought out all the big man's protective instincts when it came to the smaller blond. He kissed Jesse again and again, gentling them each time as he massaged the back of the younger man's head. The combination quickly worked their magic, Jesse slipping back into sleep. Steve carefully fussed to ensure Jesse was well covered and warm before tip-toeing away, making certain the apartment was locked after his departure. As he drove home, three things were paramount in his mind: telling his Dad, getting Jesse to move in with him, as Steve had always worried about the younger man living alone in that particular area, and calling his new lover as soon as his schedule allowed. **** "Hi, Dad," Steve called as he rushed into the beach house. However, Mark was not alone as he came to greet his son. A grim faced, dark-haired man was at his side. "Jim? What is it?" Steve asked, his hand automatically reaching towards his gun at the sight of the other detective. "Hallerhan broke out of prison. Amanda is already taken care of. She's been taken, along with her sister, for a 'nice family holiday' with two of my best men. Your Dad has had a call from Europe to say his sister is ill and you're working out of town on a case. Hallerhan is bound to make his way to Community General and try and find out where you are. That's where we expect to catch him." "We're going into a safe-house for a couple of days, Steve," Mark added, holding up a small case. "I packed one for you. It's already in Jim's car." "I have Mark's cell and I need yours, Steve. If Hallerhan tries calling, which he's likely to do, we want anything he says recorded as well as trying to trace him. Come on, I don't want to stay here a minute more than necessary. Let's go." Shocked by the news of the escaped murderer, worried for his Dad and Amanda and his mind in a whirl by the speed of the turn of events, Steve unthinkingly handed his cellphone to another detective that appeared from the living room to stand at Jim's side. He and Mark were then quickly ushered into Jim's car with another member of the older man's team and whisked away. It was only as they reached the safe-house that Steve had a sudden thought. "Jesse," he said, eyes widening with shock that he had not thought of his lover earlier. "What about Jesse?" Hallerhan had been before Jesse's time, but that did not mean he would not be a target now. "Your Dad's latest intern?" Jim asked with a careless shrug. "He's not considered to be in any real danger, but there will be some of my men in Community General and they can easily keep an eye on him." "I have to call him. Let him know where I am, what's happening," Steve said. "No way, Steve," Jim said, his voice incredulous. "No one can know you're here. You know that." "I promised I'd call him," Steve persisted; his mind imagining what Jesse would believe if there was no call. Jim eyed the distraught man, instantly deducing that there was more than a simple friendship at stake. He had seen Jesse Travis at Community General and knew he had to keep the young medic out of this equation as much as possible. Simultaneously hating himself but believing he was acting in Steve's, and Jesse's, best interest, the older detective changed his tack. "Look, Steve," he said, his voice softening. "Jesse is safer if left in ignorance. You don't want a man like Hallerhan targeting Jesse do you?" "God, no," Steve whispered, instantly forcing from his mind the broken, dead bodies Hallerhan was responsible for. "Then leave him out of it. If Hallerhan goes near him at Community General, my men will know." "His apartment, Jim. Make sure someone stakes out his apartment, please." "Ok," Jim nodded. It would be difficult to swing another man into the operation, but Jim decided to have a word with Steve's Captain. Perhaps there was someone that could be spared. He felt he owed Steve that much as he looked into his friend's worried eyes. "I'll sort something," he promised. "Let's go through to the bedroom, son," Mark said gently, touching Steve's forearm to get the younger man's attention. "I think we are overdue a long talk. Father and son sat facing each other on the twin beds. "Dad," Steve began, but was stopped by a gesture from the older man. "No, let me," he said. "I admit I have always been attracted to women, but all I ever wanted for my children was them to be as happy as I had been with your mother. I wondered what kind of daughter I would have and I looked to see the glint in your eye for the girls who caught your attention and the 'Look' that told me you thought you had found 'The One'. I quickly realised the glint appeared when you looked at certain boys, not girls. I hoped you knew I would accept your choice, whatever the sex, but I guess I presumed too much. I should have been more open. I wasn't surprised your marriage didn't last, but I was proud of you. I've always been proud of you." Mark concluded, smiling reassuringly at his son. "I never realised you knew. I wasn't sure just how open-minded you would be. I guess we both made presumptions," Steve said. "When I saw the way you and Jesse looked at each other, I expected you to be dating straight away. I wondered if I was wrong about Jesse." "No, Dad. We were both nervous about ruining a good friendship and you know how Jesse can be riddled with self-doubt. I had just started to work on being more than friends with him when we got stuck in that lift." "You mean...today?" Mark asked, eyes widening. "Not just that," Steve said, needing his Dad to understand why he needed to badly to contact his young lover. "Jesse...he, well...I was his first," Steve muttered. "I had to leave him, Dad. I promised I'd call. You know him. What's he going to think with no call and suddenly I'm out of town, with everything supposedly arranged for me to go?" Mark scrubbed at his eyes. He knew exactly what the younger man would think. However, there was a dangerous killer on the loose to think about, too. Reluctantly, his thoughts aligned with Jim. Jesse was safe if he was seen as just the newest intern under his mentorship and no more than just one of Steve's surfing friends. He gave a deep sigh. "We need to pray Hallerhan is caught quickly, son," he said softly. "Jesse is safe if no one knows how important he is to both of us. He wasn't at Community General when Hallerhan was on trial so Jim is probably right." "I guess so," Steve said, the veteran cop warring with the new, protective lover. Mark could see the dilemma. He truly hoped the criminal was apprehended quickly. For the sake of his son and that of the young man who had quickly become like a surrogate son, even if no one but he knew it at that particular moment. **** Jesse awoke bleary-eyed. His sleep had been fitful after Steve had left. He had missed Steve's solidity and warmth, his body behaving as if they had been sleeping together for months. He groaned as he moved. Not all his aches were due to the previous night's activities. He showered quickly and snagged a couple of painkillers to swallow with the last of his orange juice. He frowned as he saw the empty fridge. He was still undomesticated. He knew he had to shop soon, but he had a couple of really busy days coming up. He smiled at the thought of trying to cook for Steve and opted for eating out. He wondered if he would be able to look at Mark without blushing. Lastly he wondered when he would hear Steve's voice. "I love you, Steve," he whispered, as he reached his door. With a deep breath, Jesse focused on what his upcoming day would be likely to bring at Community General. **** Mark watched sadly as Steve paced up and down like a caged tiger. It had been three days since they had arrived at the safe-house. Hallerhan was still at large and it had taken both Mark and Jim to all but sit on Steve to stop him running to Community General when a report of the escaped killer in the vicinity had reached the agitated blond's ears. Both men turned hopefully as a grimly smiling Jim strode into the room. "Got him," he crowed. "Things can get back to normal." He handed Steve and Mark their cell phones. "You got a call from Jesse, Steve," the older man muttered, some of his exuberance waning. Steve listened to the call, tears threatening to fall as he listened. 'Hi, Steve...um, it's me...ah...Jesse. You said you'd call. I just...I hoped...I'm sorry. Whatever I did, please, I'm sorry. Please? Call me?' Steve heard the hoarseness of his mate's voice and the way that the younger man finally broke down at the end of the call. Steve could imagine how much courage it would have taken for Jesse to call and then to have still heard nothing must have hurt him badly. The older man just hoped his lover would understand and forgive him. "Why?" he asked Jim, glaring angrily at the other detective. "Because you'd have gone running to him, endangering you both. If Hallerhan had got hold of you two, and knew what that young man meant to you, we all know what Hallerhan would have put him through. I wasn't risking either of you. If he loves you as much as you love him, he'll just be grateful a psychotic killer has been re-caught and you and Mark are unhurt. Now get out of here and go put things right." **** Steve and Mark raced to Community General, knowing Jesse was due to be there. Both were confused to be unable to locate him. Another young doctor passing by stopped to give Mark a welcoming smile. "I didn't know you'd got back Dr Sloan," he said. "Is your sister well now?" "Yes, thanks," Mark said quickly. "Isn't Jesse on duty? Did he swap shifts?" "No, he came down with the 'flu that's been doing the rounds," came the reply. "He had it the day we found you'd been called away, but because a couple of others were off as well, he tried to work through it. We had to send him home yesterday morning when he virtually collapsed. He must have been running on fumes, he looked awful." Diagnosis Murder Prequel: The Lovers "Thanks see you later," Mark shouted as he ran after Steve, leaving the other doctor to stare at their rapidly retreating forms. At Jesse's apartment, Mark did not argue when Steve simultaneously banged on the door as he used his new key. Both men bustled to the younger man's bedroom. "Jesse!" Steve rushed to his lover's side. Jesse's face was pale, with dark shadows on the fragile skin under closed eyes. He was sweating and shaking and seemed unaware there was anyone in the room. "Dad?" Steve asked, needing his father's judgment. Mark pressed his hand on Jesse's forehead. The younger man was very hot, but not dangerously so. He remembered a conversation with Jesse before the events of the past few days. "Check his fridge, son," he said, as he continued to make a cursory check of his protégé. "Empty," came Steve's distraught voice. "Let's get him home and on antibiotics," Mark said. "So long as his fever doesn't get worse and we can get fluids inside him, we can look after him." As Steve moved to scoop the fragile form into his arms, sad, bloodshot eyes opened to gaze at him. "Sorry I wasn't good enough to love." Jesse's voice was rough and pained and a tear slipped down the too-pale cheek. "Yes you are, angel," Steve whispered, nuzzling against hot skin. "Almost too good for me, but I'm not letting you go, baby. Never. Now just sleep and let me take care of you, Ok?" "'K," Jesse agreed, becoming limp in Steve's arms. **** At the beach house, Steve ran a cool bath for his lover whilst Mark went to get antibiotics. Steve undressed to his boxers and then tenderly stripped Jesse. He laid him carefully in the cool water, sliding a flannel over the sick man's skin to help bring down his temperature. Steve felt his heart constrict every time confused azure orbs opened to see him and a cracked apology came from too-dry lips. The bigger man replied the same way each time; kissing Jesse and assuring the younger man he was loved. Dressing Jesse in a pair of his own boxers, Steve carried the feverish blond to his bed and slipped into bed with him, Jesse instantly nestling close. **** Steve only left his mate for necessities for the next thirty six hours. He and Mark urged Jesse to drink fluids, administered the antibiotics and assiduously monitored the younger man's progress. Finally their diligence was rewarded. Whilst Steve was taking a quick shower, Mark smiled with relief as Jesse's eyes opened and were lucid, if confused. "Mark?" Jesse asked, his voice still hoarse. "Sister?" "She's fine, Jess," Mark said warmly. "I have something important to tell you. Before you got sick, do you remember hearing about an escaped convict? A man called Hallerhan?" Mark watched as Jesse's brow furrowed as he thought back and then he nodded. "Dangerous," he husked. "Very," Mark confirmed. "Steve and I were the star witnesses. We had to be taken to a safe house. That's where we've been and why Steve couldn't contact you. He loves you very much, Jess," Mark added softly. Everything suddenly hit Jesse at once. He and Steve making love, not getting the promised call, his illness, being in Steve's bed, as good as naked, with Mark sitting at his bedside. He covered his eyes with his hands as tears began to fall. 'He loves you very much.' Mark's words echoed in his head. Then he heard a much-missed voice. "Is Jess awake, Dad? I thought I heard you talking. Hey, hey, it's ok, love." Glancing at the bed, he saw Jesse open his arms and in a couple of strides he was at Jesse's side, pulling the sobbing younger man into his lap. "I love you, angel," he crooned. "Love you so much. Just settle, sweetheart." He stroked Jesse's back, nuzzling his lover until Jesse began to control his clearly wayward emotions. After a few moments, Jesse's sobs began to abate and became little hiccups as the slender man eased back to gaze into Steve's face. He ran a finger in a feather-light touch over Steve's rugged face, tenderly tracing the cleft in Steve's chin that had always fascinated him. "Not a dream," he whispered. "You were here." "Yes, Jess. I was here. I'm sorry you ever doubted I would be." Jesse stopped Steve with his finger over Steve's lips. His fuddled mind was starting to function more clearly. Steve and Mark had been in danger, but were safe now. Steve *did* love him, just as much as he loved Steve. He still felt tired and weak from his bout of 'flu, but things were going to be fine. He urged Steve's head down and kissed him softly, too exhausted to do more. "I love you, too," he husked. Grinning widely, Mark stood and stretched. "If it's ok with you boys, I'm getting my own shower and then I'll fix some soup. It'll be ready in an hour or so. Maybe Jess would like to get up for a while whilst we eat?" "Yeah, sure, Dad," Steve replied, his eyes never leaving Jesse's face. Mark shook his head, still grinning, and left his boys alone. Almost two hours later, with no sign of Steve or Jesse, Mark tip-toed to Steve's room. Not hearing any sounds he tapped on the door and opened it slowly. Then he stood, a soft smile playing on his lips. Steve was asleep on his back, Jesse draped over his chest. Steve's left arm was possessively around Jesse's back and his right held to Jesse's left arm that clung to the bigger blond. He backed out carefully. The soup would not spoil and he could easily serve it later. The boys needed their rest. **** Jesse was still nowhere back to his kinetic self, but was much improved after another two full days of mother-henning from Steve. He was starting to get a little frustrated as he and Steve had kissed and touched, but his older lover refused to do anything more energetic until Jesse was stronger. "Ready to take a little drive, angel?" Steve asked, as he came into the beach house living room to sweep his lover into his arms and kiss breathless. "Love to," Jesse panted honestly. Staying at home was making him a little stir-crazy. Even just unpacking his meagre belongings to mix and mingle with those in his new home had exhausted him the first day out of bed. A drive sounded just the thing. As they drove along, Jesse recognised the more exclusive area, where the beach homes actually owned the beach they were on and had their own private access. He was surprised when Steve drove into a large house's driveway and parked outside. Jesse blinked at the keys pressed into his hand. "You open to door and I'll bring the stuff through," Steve said, a smile playing around his lips as he jumped out of the car. Jesse obeyed and stood in a large hallway, convinced his whole apartment could have fitted in the space. He watched Steve carry in a picnic box and sports bag and then come back with large beach towels and a sleeping bag. "We can change through here," Steve indicated a doorway that led into a vast living room. As Jesse complied, changing into a pair of swimming briefs, Steve busied himself with the things they had brought, admonishing Jesse to wait in the house till he was changed as well. The slighter blond watched appreciatively as Steve finally stripped to pull on a pair of 'Speedos' that showed off every curve of the bigger man's sex. Smiling shyly as Steve held out his hand, Jesse allowed himself to be led outside and gave a pleased gasp of surprise. A windbreak had been set up inside which Steve had laid the towels. The picnic basket had a half bottle of champagne in ice alongside it and was open displaying an assortment of nibbles. Sun lotion was ready and Steve was grinning happily as Jesse turned to face him. "Peace, privacy and a beautiful lover," the older man rumbled, the sound seemingly designed to make Jesse harden instantly. "What more could I ask for?" Jesse moaned his approval as Steve mated their lips, his tongue sweeping into Jesse's warm, wet cavern to urge Jesse's shyer muscle into his own to suck seductively. The two men wandered onto their own private beach. "Would you like a quick swim, baby?" Steve asked. The application of sun lotion was the most erotic and arousing Jesse had ever known. Steve's large hands sliding over his skin left the younger man sporting an erection that not even his baggy Bermuda's could have hidden, much less the skimpy briefs he wore. However, Steve insisted they swam and Jesse found the warm sea almost as pleasurable as Steve's constant attention. Back on the beach, Steve set out the food and drink as Jesse relaxed, letting the sun's warmth permeate his body. He sat up to inspect his mate's offering smiling delightedly. There were large garlic prawns on skewers, smoked salmon and cream cheese on tiny blinis as well as a few plain crackers topped with caviar. Enough to take the edge off his growing appetite but nothing too heavy and he smiled his approval. They fed each other the titbits of food, washing them down with sips of champagne. To finish, Steve produced some pieces of rich, dark, gourmet chocolate. As the pieces began to melt, Jesse giggled and then moaned his approval as Steve dabbed melted chocolate on his nipples to lick off slowly and sensually. Steve lapped away the last of the chocolate, but continued the oral exploration of his lover's smooth skin. As he nibbled his way across Jesse's ribs, he removed the younger man's swimming briefs and admired the slender shaft that jutted from its nest of golden curls. "So beautiful, Jess," Steve said, looking into his lover's eyes. "So very, very beautiful." He bent down as Jesse's arms wrapped around his neck and kissed his young lover. He tasted the richness of the chocolate and the dryness of the champagne and something uniquely *Jesse*. "Make love with me?" Jesse husked as they parted. "Soon, angel," Steve promised. "Roll over, baby," he added as he removed his own swimwear. His erection was already in full force, the head a rich shade of plum. However, the older man remembered something Jesse had enjoyed from their previous lovemaking and intended to indulge himself simultaneously. As soon as Jesse had wriggled himself into a comfortable position, Steve knelt between carefully parted legs. He stroked the satin-smooth skin of the delectable globes before spreading them wide to blow gently over the tight pink rosebud of Jesse's entrance. "Oh, Steve," Jesse moaned, trying to push his hips upwards. "Relax, baby," Steve crooned. "Just enjoy." He covered each pert cheek with licks and butterfly kisses, teasing Jesse with the occasion sweep of his tongue over the furled flesh. Finally he took heed of the breathy pleas of his lover. He began a slow, ever-decreasing circle around Jesse's fluttering entrance. He folded his tongue and began a gentle pushing until he was granted entry, both men moaning in unison. He thrust inside the tight channel, relishing the sharper, earthier taste of his mate. He spread Jesse as wide as possible, pushing his tongue deep, feeling the narrow strait begin to relax. Steve's tongue drove in again and again, the bigger male relishing the soft cries of pleasure from his mate. Steve gave a parting kiss to the saliva-slick entrance before rolling Jesse onto his back. He gave his lover a feral grin as he saw the lust-darkened eyes and hard, dripping erection. He reached for the lube, still in the basket and coated a single finger. It slid easily inside Jesse and Steve quickly coated and inserted a second. The younger blond was so relaxed that it took little time before Steve had three fingers thrusting easily and Jesse was writhing and moaning, ready for his lover. "Want you inside me, Steve. Please." "Ride me, baby?" Steve replied, slathering his drooling shaft generously with slick gel. He lay down groaning as Jesse knelt astride him. None of his lust-fuelled fantasies came close to the reality as the slender man knelt up astride him and his penis nudged the delicate opening to his lover's body. Steve felt the initial resistance to penetration as Jesse tried to take him into his smaller body. Steve moved his hands to Jesse's back, rubbing soothing circles as he murmured encouragements. "Let me in, baby. Just relax and it let me in. It's gonna feel so good, sweetheart." His softly spoken words helped relax Jesse and the guardian muscles slowly unclenched. As they did, Steve reverently controlled Jesse's easing onto his hardness, each incremental centimetre he entered the tight channel connecting the lovers that tiny bit more. He held Jesse's cheeks spread wide as he dictated how slowly the younger man descended. He was as desperate as Jesse to be buried fully in his mate, but a slow and steady progress would insure that the younger man did not get hurt. Finally, Jesse was seated against Steve's groin, his lover fully sheathed inside him. "Oh, Steve," Jesse finally panted. "Good. So full. So full of you." Jesse reached for his lover and Steve moved his hands from Jesse's cheeks to intertwine their fingers. Jesse barely needed to move, his blood-hot channel was involuntarily clenching and unclenching around Steve's rod and the tiniest undulation rubbed his jewel. Slowly...carefully, he began a slow glide up and down the shaft impaling him. Steve watched his lover perform the ageless dance of love above him. It was a beautiful, erotic tableau, Jesse's head thrown back, eyes closed, lips parted and glistening as a small pink tongue peeked out to lick at them. Steve could see how Jesse concentrated on the sensation of him filling the younger man. The world ebbed away from the two men on the beach. The sound of the sea was replaced with the almost silent music of flesh sliding on flesh and soft murmurs of pleasure. Steve began to thrust his hips, a moan from his partner indicating that the additional stimulation to his sweet spot was appreciated. "Steve, more, please," Jesse pleaded. His orgasm was just there, a shimmering entity that sent dulcet bolts throughout his slender frame and bright lights dancing behind his closed lids. He just needed...needed... Steve pulled Jesse down onto his chest, trapping the smaller man's erection between their two sweat-sheened bellies. Jesse moaned in response, buying his face into Steve's neck, his hands clasping at broad shoulders, clearly relishing the additional friction. Steve's hands moved to Jesse's cheeks, firmly squeezing the globes damp with sweat from the younger man's lovemaking. "Come for me, angel," he encouraged, moving to lick and nip at Jesse's neck as his hips pumped vigorously. It was enough to push Jesse over the edge. Steve groaned at the sensation of his primed flesh milked by Jesse's channel as the slender blond came, head thrown back screaming Steve's name, his body finally reaching the tantalising climax. Enveloping Jesse in his arms, his seed pumping deep into his lover's body as his mate's semen bathed them both, Steve roared his passion and possession. It took a few moments before the older man recovered from his intense orgasm; grinning as he realised Jesse was out cold. He eased from Jesse's tender depths and used baby wipes to cleanse their bodies the younger blond barely stirring. Steve opened the sleeping bag, settling his lover inside and stretching out beside him. When Jesse next woke, if the sleeping man felt strong enough, they could have a final swim before heading home. Steve smiled lovingly at his precious bundle, pleased to have been able to surprise his lover. He sighed his happiness as he nestled closer. He was looking forward to them spending the rest of their lives together.