Title: Ancient Memories
By: angstytimelord
Pairing: Carl Hickman/Louis Daniel
Fandom: Crossing Lines
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 462
Disclaimer: This is entirely a product of my own imagination, and I make no profit from it. I do not own the lovely Carl Hickman or Louis Daniel, unfortunately, just borrowing them for a while. Please do not sue.

***

"What was it that you wanted to talk to me about, Michael?"

Louis' voice was quiet as he sat down on the park bench beside Dorn and leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. Too late, he realized that Michael would see those crossed arms as being a combative stance, and he would take that as a bad sign.

"Louis, do you realize that having a relationship with someone you have to work with could compromise the team?" Michael's voice was very soft, carrying just a hint of admonition.

"Yes, I do -- but it won't," Louis replied in as calm a tone as he could muster. "If you search your memory, you might recall that you and I worked together and had a relationship, and that didn't compromise anything. So do not use that argument now."

Michael almost smiled, but managed to keep from doing so.

"I'm merely pointing out that it could be dangerous for the team's morale," he said with a soft sigh. "If memory serves me correctly, you had some problems with people all those years ago who thought that you were trying to curry favor by being with me."

Louis had to admit that Michael was right; there had been some petty jealousies and rivalries. But it hadn't stopped the two of them from being involved.

Until the breakup, which had been spectacularly messy. He hadn't wanted it, and he had to admit that he'd carried on much more dramatically than he should have at first.

But it had broken his heart. He had been young, and in love. He'd never felt that way about anyone else -- that was, until Carl had come into his life and stirred his emotions in a way that he'd never expected to feel again, and the intensity of it had made him run away.

Never again. He would never be foolish enough to turn away from love now.

"Don't worry, Michael," Louis said, his voice tight and restrained. "You shouldn't have asked to talk about this, because you know that things aren't going to change. Carl and I have waited a long time for each other, and we have been given a second chance. We aren't going to turn it down."

Michael sighed again, nodding. "I knew you would say that. And I wish the two of you luck, Louis. I do. But keep those memories in mind, will you?"

Louis sighed, but nodded in response to Michael's words. He didn't really want to think about those ancient memories; they were part of a part that he didn't want to relive. His relationship with Carl was new, a second chance, a redemption, a rebirth.

And no matter what anyone else thought of that relationship, he wouldn't give it up.

***