Title: Always
Author: Mara
Paring: Warrick/Jim
Rating: FRT
Category: Drabble
Summary: Jim's been thinking again.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. All are owned by Jerry Bruckheimer and CBS. No copyright infringements are intended.

"I've been thinking how grateful I should be for everything I've got. Maybe I don't think about that enough anymore. I did, after the shooting, but once I'd gone back to work for awhile...well, I got used to the old routine again, and I tried to put that whole horrible episode out of my mind."

Warrick looked at his friend and lover with surprise. Jim never referred to the shooting anymore; something must have really gotten to him today. "Of course, you did! That's what you're supposed to do. You had to go on with your life. The thing I'm most grateful for today is that you still have a life to go on with… that I still have you in my life. We were given a second chance at happiness and I don't intend to waste it." Warrick's voice cracked slightly as he finished talking.

"That's what I was thinking!" Jim exclaimed. "That I'm so thankful to have you. You took such good care of me while I was recovering. You've always been there for me. I wouldn’t have wanted to go on, if I hadn't had you." Jim impulsively reached over and stroked Warrick's cheek with his hand.

"I love you, Rick. Will you marry me and stay with me… always?"

Warrick smiled, unable to hide his glee. Warrick couldn’t believe he’d just gotten a marriage proposal from Jim Brass. This was the same man that had told him he’d never make that kind of commitment again.

Warrick pulled Jim into his arms and whispered a breathless "yes" in his ear, "always!"

The End