Title: Love of the Hunt
Author: Carina Scott
Pairing: Warrick/Jim
Rating: FRAO
Summary: Who was the first to make a move?
Category: Established Couple
Spoilers: All Seasons (to be on the safe side)
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. No copyright infringements are intended.
A/N: This was written in response to Karen's firsts challenge.

It had been a long day. I had just pulled a double shift, but as tired as I was, I didn't want to go home. To prolong the inevitable, I grabbed a shower at the lab, and headed into the break room, to chat with a few people from day shift. I had tried to convince, Nick or Greg to go out for lunch with me for dinner, but they refused. I would have asked Cath, but I knew she would be hurrying home to be with Lindsey, and after seeing the circles under Gil's eyes, I wasn't even gonna ask him. I even asked Sara, which meant I was desperate, but even she had plans. So as I finally stood to leave, the break room empty since everyone had gone back to work, I saw Jim Brass walking up the hall towards the break room.

Entering the break room, he threw a casual hello my way and headed over to the coffee pot. Pouring a cup, I saw him grimace as the bitter coffee hit his taste buds.

"Sorry, man. Guess I should have warned you. Sara made the coffee before she left for home."

"That explains the taste and texture of this coffee." As Jim poured the undrinkable coffee down the drain, I walked over to the cabinet and waited until I had a chance to wash my own mug. I was lucky, when I had come into the break room earlier Greg had just poured the last bit of his terrific coffee from the pot. As a peace offering since he couldn't make lunch, he let me have the last cup; saving him from that unbearable sludge Sara called coffee.

As I watched Jim pour out the coffee, and prepare to make a fresh pot, I can't help but feel a flush creep up my neck. I have been attracted to Jim for a very long time, even back when we did nothing but argue. I love his sarcasm and biting wit, but more than anything I love his mystery. I don't really know much about Jim, and the little I do know was learned by accident or out of necessity. I would love to find the answers to all his mysteries, to solve the puzzle that is Jim Brass.

Breaking out of my reverie, I notice Jim is staring at me with a quizzical look.

"Something on your mind, ‘Rick."

‘Rick'. He only recently started calling me that. Normally it's Warrick, or Brown, but never Rick. "No, just tired, and thinking about heading home."

"You don't look to enthusiastic about that. Going home I mean."

"Well, to be honest, I'm not quite ready to go yet. As tired as I am after working this double shift, I can't seem to wind down. Normally, I am dead on my feet, but not this time. And everyone else has plans, so I have nothing to do to occupy my time."

"Oh. Well, I know the feeling. After a double, or triple, I am usually unable to wind down immediately. Normally I head over to Lou's, he serves a great steak, then after a few beers, I'm relaxed enough to go to sleep once I get home. You should try it."

"You wanna to go with?"

I see the shock that registers on his face, at my offer. Immediately I try to backtrack, "I mean I understand if you have plans. Just thought you might enjoy a nice cold beer rather than coffee, but you're probably beat to. I'll see you tomorrow, Jim." As I turn to leave, Jim places a firm hand on my shoulder.

"Rick, I'd love to go. I was just surprised, that's all. Normally you go to breakfast, or lunch, with Nick and Greg. Figured you'd rather go with one of them, that's all."

Turning back to Jim, I see the sincerity, in his eyes. "Well, I asked them, and they declined. But, since we never see each other outside of work, I thought it might be nice to share a meal together. Talk about something other than dead bodies, and DNA. So you game?"

"Well, sure, I'm ‘game', as you put it. I'll meet you there."

"Okay, see ya in a few." I say as I head to the exit. I am more excited about dinner with Jim than I have any right to be. ‘It's just a steak between friends' I try to convince myself as I get into my truck. Truth is, I know it's just lunch, but deep down, I wish it was more.

~*~

I sit in a booth, nervously picking at my napkin, waiting for Jim to arrive. I feel like I'm about to have a panic attack when he finally arrives.

"Sorry, Rick. It seems like my work is never done. I got a call just as I was heading out the door. I had to stop by the precinct real quick before heading here." Looking down at the empty table, he continues, "You didn't have to wait for me. You could've ordered, I know you must be starved."

"No, that's fine. I didn't mind waiting. So what do you suggest?" I asked as I peruse the menu.

"Well, the steak and potatoes are great. Lou gives you a lot for a little, if you know what I mean." Gesturing for the waitress, we place our orders and make small talk until our orders are ready. Jim' right, the steak is delicious, and the potatoes are just right.

"So, how are things with Ellie?" I asked, then immediately regret it as I seethe pain that crosses Jim's face. "I'm sorry Jim; I know it's a sore subject. Just forget I even asked."

"No, Rick, I'm fine. It's just, sometimes I really miss her and I wish we were closer. I haven't heard from her in a while, and honestly, I don't know if that's good or bad."

I don't say anything, deciding to let Jim talk about it if he wants to, or change the subject. Surprisingly, he continues to talk about her. "Every time the phone rings, and I don't recognize the number, my heart clenches. I always fear that I will get a call in the middle of the night, someone on the other line telling me that something terrible has happened to her. You know, even though she's not mine by blood—"

"She is still your daughter." I say, completing Jim's sentence. Reaching across the table, I place my hand on his and look into his eyes. The despair I see rips my heart to pieces. "Jim, she'll be fine. I know that my words may not comfort you, but she'll be fine. Eventually she will find her way, and hopefully, it will be back to you." And silently, I pray that my words will become the truth.

"Thank you. So let's talk about something more upbeat. How's life been treating you? Seeing anyone?"

"I've been good; life's been very kind to me lately. But, I'm not seeing anyone. Can't find anyone special enough to seriously consider dating, you know? How about you? Any lucky ladies in your life?"

"Unless you are referring to my cat, no. I guess, like you, I'm still not ready to settle down. Maybe if the right person comes along I will be." Pushing his empty plate away from him, Jim pulls out his wallet.

"What are you doing? I asked you to lunch, so it's my treat." I say as I place enough money for the bill and a sizeable tip on the table. "So you ready to get outta here?"

"Yeah, I'm beat. Think I can sleep pretty good now. How ‘bout you?"

"Yeah, I can feel myself winding down."

Standing up, we exit the diner quietly. As we turn to head to our cars, Jim stops me suddenly with a hand on my arm. "I really enjoyed this Warrick. We should hang out more often."

"Me too. It's nice to see you outside the lab. I'll see you tomorrow Jim."

"See you Rick."

As I get into my truck, I can't help the grin that is plastered to my face. Yeah life has been great to me lately.

~*~

"So what did you guys talk about?" Greg asks enthusiastically. He is the only one that knows about my feelings about Jim. He would be in the dark, if he hadn't figured it out himself. Of course, Nick knows about my bisexuality, but he doesn't know about my interest in Jim. I just can't imagine that Nick would understand. He can barely understand why we are even friends after the way our relationship started out. Maybe one day he'll be able to see Jim for the great guy he really is under all the sarcasm.

"We talked about his daughter, dating, life in general. But the best part was at the end. We were heading to our cars, when he told me that he really enjoyed lunch, and that we should do it again."

"Really? See, I told you Jim was hot for you. You ignored me, but I saw the signs."

"What signs?" I ask as we sit in front of my TV, playing video games on the X-box. Since he didn't join me for lunch, Greg brought pizza over tonight so we can hang out and play video games. We are both off until tomorrow night, so I decide to indulge. Besides, I'm too happy to sleep right now.

"Oh, first it was the anger between you guys. I always figured it was more like pent up sexual tension on his part. The fire in his voice, didn't quite reach his eyes. Then, after you guys became more friends, I started noticing the looks."

"Looks? Yeah right, I didn't notice any looks."

"That's cause you were to busy ‘looking' at him to notice. But Jim's sideways glances, when he thought no one was looking, were so cute. And that is a word I wouldn't use to describe Jim, ever."

"Hey!" I say as I throw a pillow at him.

"Well, I wouldn't. It's not that I think he's ugly, he's just not my type."

"And what's your type?"

"Oh, you know dark hair, beautiful smile, and gorgeous eyes."

"Yeah, I know. Nicky."

"I never said a name."

"Come on, Greggo. You're not the only one to notice a ‘look', okay?" I've seen the way you look at Nick, and I've noticed the looks he gives you. You might as well go for it, man."

"Really? You think Nick is interested in me?"

"Interested? I'd say he's more than interested. But you know Nicky; he'd rather be your friend for life, than risk losing your friendship by making a lay for you. It's up to you to make the first move."

"Look whose giving advice about making a move. What about you and Jim."

"What about us? We're friends, that's good enough for me."

"Liar. Look, Warrick how about we make a deal. If I ask Nick out, you do the same with Jim. Deal?" Greg asks as he holds out his hand to shake on it.

I think a while. As much as I like Jim, I really cherish our budding friendship. And I would hate to think that I have ruined that before we even get a chance to really become good friends, rather than acquaintances. But I also love a challenge. Reaching out, I shake Greg's hand. "It's a deal. Now we just have to figure out how to approach them."

"Well, we've got all night to come up with a plan."

"I'll start the coffee."

~*~

It was three days before I was finally able to put my plan into action. I had only seen Jim once since our lunch at the diner, and I thought maybe he was trying to avoid me, but my fears were soon laid to rest when I see him enter the break room.

"Hey, Rick. Haven't seen you in a few days, how you been?"

"Hi Jim. I've been fine, just working. How about you?"

"Oh, nothing much, just been buried under paperwork for the last few days. Unless I was out on a case, I was in my office slogging through all the files on my desk. Glad that's over though. I was beginning to dream file cabinets were chasing me." Jim pours a cup of coffee. As he is just about to take a sip, he pauses. "Sara didn't make this, did she?"

"No, she didn't. It's some of that gourmet coffee Greg's always bringing in."

Taking a slow sip, "Yeah, I love this stuff. But not enough to spend $40 dollars on it. That's just crazy."

"I hear you. I bought some though, but I only drink it only after bad cases, when I really don't want to sleep. Other than that, it stays in my freezer."

"Freezer?"

"Yeah, Greg says that keeps the coffee fresher. Since he's a coffee connoisseur, I didn't argue. Besides, since I sent the big bucks for it, I might as well enjoy it at its best for as long as possible. "

"Hmm. Well, whatever you need to make it through the tough ones. I understand all about not wanting to sleep after some of my cases. But luckily, I haven't had that happen in a while."

"Me too." I answer as I stand to refill my cup. "So what are your plans for today Jim?" I ask, trying to see if it is time to put my plan into action.

"Me? Oh nothing much. I was just gonna run some errands before heading home. Maybe do a little cleaning, crash on the couch. Basically, I'm gonna be a couch potato all day. How about yourself?"

"Well a friend of mine got two tickets to this movie starring Tom Cruise. But she found out she won't be able to go, so she offered them to me. So now I have tickets to a movie, but no one to go with. You interested?"

"You sure you don't want to take Nick or Greg?"

"Yep, I'm sure. I was going to ask you a few days ago, but I haven't seen you since we had lunch the other day. I had fun then, so I figured we could hang again. But if you'd rather not, that's fine."

"Yes, I'd love to. I love action movies, and that Dakota Fanning is so adorable."

Laughing quietly, "Well, adorable is a word I never thought I'd hear you use. But I agree, she's a cute little kid, and she's a great actress. So, the show's for 7pm. That good for you?"

"Sure. Are you gonna pick me up, or should I just meet you there?"

"I'll pick you up. Is 6:15 okay for you?"

"I'll be ready. See you tonight Rick." And with that, he left the break room.

I empty my mug into the sink with shaky hands. I am happy, yet terrified. ‘Alone in the dark with Jim?' What the hell am I gonna do?

~*~

I pick Jim up promptly at 6:15 pm. He looks great. He's dressed in a nice silk, black, button-down shirt, with some jet black jeans. The jeans aren't skin tight, but they certainly reveal more of Jim's form than I have ever seen. In fact, the entire outfit reveals more about Jim than I have ever noticed. I have always been attracted to him, but it has been more on a intellectual basis, not physical. But as I shift uncomfortably in my seat, I realize that my attraction to him isn't solely based on his charm.

"You ready?"

"Yep. Thanks again for inviting me."

"Thanks for accepting." We share a brief look, before I start the engine and pull onto the street.

We ride in silence to the theater. Its not an awkward silence, more like a silence born out of a understanding that this time should be used to process what we are about to do. From the time he entered the cab of the truck, I think we both felt that this was not a merely platonic outing. That takes a little pressure off of me, feeling that at least he is not scared off by the prospect of where tonight might go.

Pulling into the theater's parking lot; we both exit the car, and go into the theater. We choose seats in the back towards the top, knowing at least that way we will be able to see the screen, and I won't block anyone's view. As we sit down, our hands brush softly. I feel a heat that radiates through my body and settles in my groin. Relaxing against the seat, I settle in to watch the movie. I don't know how I am going to make it through this night without pinning Jim against the wall, and if my luck holds out, I might not have to.

~*~

The movie was great. By the time it was over, I was about to burst at the seams with happiness. If the ‘accidental' touches throughout the movie were any indication, Jim is definitely interested.

As we exit the movie theater, instead of turning to the parking lot, Jim turns towards the strip.

"Jim?"

"Hmm?"

"Where are we going?"

"Well, I thought it might be nice to take a little walk, since we have been cramped up in a movie theatre for two hours. Do you mind?"

"No, my muscles could definitely use the stretch. So did you like the movie?"

"Yes, I enjoyed it. How about you?"

"It was great, as I expected." Falling into step alongside Jim, I can't think of more to say. We walk along quietly for a few moments before I can't take it anymore.

Stopping suddenly, I turn to Jim, who has stopped also. "Look, Jim every since lunch the other day, I've wanted to say something, but I've just been waiting for the right time to tell you. And seeing as there really isn't any perfect time to say it, I'm just gonna blurt it out. I like you. A lot. And although I'm not looking for any committed relationship, I would like to be more than your friend and co-worker, whatever that entails."

I can see the surprise that registers on his face. He doesn't say anything for a while, so I figure the feeling isn't mutual. "I'm sorry Jim. I guess I thought I had picked up on something that wasn't there; I apologize if I've embarrassed you. I'll give you a lift home, and we can pretend this never happened." As I head in the direction of the car, I mutter under my breath, "Dammit, I am so gonna murder Greg. "

"Rick, wait."

"Jim, really it's okay if you don't feel the same way. Let's just put it behind us."

"What if I do feel the same way? Should I still ignore it?"

I stare at him for a few moments, as the reality of what he is saying sinks in. "I think we should head back to the truck."

"What? Why?"

"Because, I don't think it's a good idea for me to kiss you on the Vegas strip. Someone might see, and although I'm not ashamed of my interests, I am a private person. I have a felling you are too."

"Oh, I see. Well, then I guess we better get moving." I see the smirk on his face as he gives me a sideways glance. Funny how I didn't notice the looks until now.

Once we get in the truck, I don't waste anytime pulling him in for a deep kiss. The first kiss between Jim and I is everything I have fantasized about and more. It's gentle, yet insistent. His lips are soft, and supple as they kiss mine. Running my tongue over his bottom lip, I hear Jim moan, before he grants me entrance. Our tongues begin an erotic dance with one another; teasing, tasting, and sharing. I can feel the desire for this man in pool in my groin and I have to break away before things go too fast.

"What's wrong?" Jim asks, eyes mirroring the confusion evident in his voice, as he tries to catch his breath.

"Nothing and everything. I want you, really want you, but I don't want to move too fast. Although I know we said this wasn't going to be serious, I still don't believe in sleeping together before our first date."

"First date? I thought that's what tonight was."

"No, tonight was two friends sharing a movie. When is your next night off?"

"Thursday. You?"

"I'm off Thursday and on call on Friday. Would you like to some to my house for dinner?"

"You cook?"

"In more ways than one."

"Well, in that case, I'll be there."

"That's good to know," I answer before pulling Jim in for another deep kiss. "Thursday will definitely be our first date."

Breaking apart, I start the engine and pull out of the parking lot. Man, I can't wait until Thursday.

THE END