Author: Jenn

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: M/M Consensual-and it's not been beta'd

Summary: Is someone courting Murdock, or is it just an evil ploy to capture the A-Team

Comments: I love 'em

Disclaimer: The A-Team is the property of Stephen J. Cannell. Its not my fault that they have more fun with me, now is it?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: HIGHLY GRAPHIC SEX BETWEEN TWO CONSENTING MEN!

GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC GRAPHIC NC-17

"You sure this is where the foo' said to wait?"

"Positive BA, he always meets me here when he breaks himself out."

BA cocked his head to one side. "Faceman, if he can break his self out, what does he need you for?"

"Uh, well…" Face smoothed his lapel while making a mental list of acceptable answers. Then, clearing his throat he simply said, "there are many reasons BA."

"Like?"

"Like…like honing my skills for future missions-keeping myself sharp. Uh, touching base with Richter once in a while to see how Murdock is doing--what sort of progress he's made…."

"Foo ain't made no progress in ten years. He crazy an' always gonna' be," BA interrupted.

"Keeping up to date with the new hospital staff."

"More like making dates with the hospital staff, isn't that what you mean, Lieutenant?" Hannibal smirked from the front seat.

"*THAT* Hannibal, falls under the category of honing my skills," Face declared with an impish smile.

Hannibal checked his watch again. "Twenty minutes late, guys. Face, go see if you can find out what's keeping him."

"You were saying?" Face smiled smugly at the sergeant.

Just at that moment, the van door slid open, revealing the out of breath pilot.

"What took you so long, foo'!"

"Can't stand to be without me, can ya' big guy?" Murdock chided, crawling over Face and into his seat behind BA. "I have been entertaining the troops."

"Decker?" Hannibal questioned. "What did he want?"

"To take me out for pizza."

"A date, Murdock?" Hannibal said lifting an eyebrow. "Isn't he a bit old for you."

"Ah, but colonel," Murdock joined in. "We have so much in common."

Hannibal smiled, shaking his head. Murdock could always make him laugh. "So, what did our dear colonel want with you this time? Addresses, phone numbers, whereabouts and want not…"

"Actually, none of the above. He just wanted to know how I was doing."

The van became silent as everyone waited for the punch line.

"And?" Hannibal continued.

"And nothing, that’s it. We went out for pizza; he asked me how I was, how therapy was going. We actually had a nice conversation. He dropped me back off at the VA a few minutes ago, and even said that he'd try and come and see me next week."

"And Crane didn't ask you any questions?" Hannibal asked in disbelief. "Didn't mention us at all?"

"Nope. He wasn't there."

Hannibal straightened up in his chair and turned completely around to face the captain. "Let me get this straight. Decker-- Colonel Roderick Decker, just stopped by on a whim to see how you were doing and take you out for pizza."

"Yup," Murdock smiled. "And a strawberry milkshake."

"I don't like it, Murdock."

"I know, Hannibal, you usually prefer vanilla." Hannibal rolled his eyes as he thought about what this could mean.

"Did he at least pay," Face chuckled under his breath.

"Lieutenant!" Hannibal warned. "This could be serious."

By the tightening of his cheeks, Hannibal could tell that Murdock was about to burst out laughing and couldn't hold back.

"I don't get serious until after the third date, colonel."

Face and Mudock broke out into hysterics, and a slight giggle was even heard from the driver's seat, but Hannibal remained stern. "Guys, this isn't funny. Decker is up to something and we can't let our guard down."

"I'm on it, colonel…. but still, it was kind of nice to get out of the hospital to have lunch instead of getting out of the hospital to have the crap kicked out of me for a change."

"Murdock," Hannibal's tone softened. "I'm sorry we aren't able to give you more attention and all, but I don't trust Decker. He's just trying a new approach to catch us. Befriend you and wait until you slip up."

"Or talk in your sleep…" Face giggled.

"Face!" Murdock gasped, with a light punch to his arm. "That's not funny."

"Anyway, watch him, Murdock. Sounds to me like he's trying to pull some sort of reverse psychology on you."

"Oh, don't you worry 'bout me none, colonel. I can play head games with the best of them."

Hannibal nodded. That had to be the first sane thing he'd heard in over ten minutes. "Okay BA, let's go. We have a client to meet."

BA gave the affirmative and drove off to their next case.

TBC…

********************************************************

Murdock strolled into his room and flopped down on the bed. His body hurt more than it should have after such a simple case, but he wasn't the only one. They were all getting terribly out of shape… Unfortunately, Hannibal noticed this too, and that meant only one thing…

Training.

Usually, he loved training. Face was the one that spent the entire time complaining and coming in last, but at the moment, the thought of running one of Hannibal's obstacle courses made him nauseous.

"Oh man, I need a shower and a massage…" he mumbled into his pillows.

"Would like me to come back after you've showered, captain? Or shall I wait?"

Murdock shot up from his prone position upon hearing that deeply unique voice. "Colonel Decker?"

Decker turned on the light and stepped out from behind the door. "Hello captain, I don't suppose I need to ask you where you have been for the last two days."

Murdock was too in shock to answer right away. "What are you doing here?"

"I asked you a question first," he smirked.

"I, uh, actually, you didn't ask me a question. You said you didn't need to ask me."

"Cute," Decker smiled. Casually he sat down on the bed next to Murdock, who was now on his knees, gripping a pillow to his stomach. "So…"

"B-Billy ran away. I went after him and got picked up by a cereal killer."

"A serial killer," he smiled dubiously.

"Yup, a cereal killer. He wanted me to help him find Waldo. It was a nightmare! All of those striped shirts…"

"Captain, I'm not really interested in where you were."

"Really? So why did you ask?"

"I thought I didn't…" Decker smirked.

Suddenly, Murdock's head began to hurt. *Is this what I do to other people? How annoying is that? *

"Umm, colonel, if you didn't come here to find out where I've been, then why are you here?"

"Actually, I came by yesterday to bring you some burgers, maybe go for a ride down the coast, but to my surprise--you'd been 'misplaced' according to your doctor."

All jokes aside, Murdock was as suspicious as Hannibal was about Decker's hidden agenda, but still, there was something in his body language that wasn't adding up. *Face couldn't have been right…*

"Colonel, I've already told you that I don't know where this A-Team is, so why do you insist on coming here to…"

Decker, ignoring the captain, reached his hand up to wipe a streak of dirt from the captain's cheek. Instead, his fingers barely touched his face. Just gently traced along his firm jaw taking time to linger near his lips. Before making contact, he withdrew his hand.

"Looks like you could use that shower now," he said huskily. "Also looks like you could use some rest."

Abruptly he stood up and walked to the door. He turned around once to get another glimpse of the younger man who was still clutching the pillow, staring at him wide eyed, with his jaw to the floor. "See you in a day or two?"

Murdock nodded without even being aware that he had done it.

"Good. Night captain," he said in a way that only he could do. Suddenly those weren't the same cocky and devious eyes of the enemy. Instead, they sparkled with a mischievous playfulness.

"Now *That* didn't just happen," Murdock said to himself. "Just residual suggestions left over from what Face said the other day," he reassured himself. "I'm sleeping," he added confidently. He looked down and was pleased to see he was indeed in bed. "Yup, sleeping."

He was going to have to play this situation by ear and see what happened. He fell face first back into his bed and passed out from exhaustion.

****************************************

"Captain Murdock? Captain Murdock, wait," called the day nurse as she jogged down the hallway to catch up to him.

"Yes beautiful, and what can I do for you?" he winked slyly at the petite brunette.

"You have a phone call," she blushed with embarrassment.

Murdock smiled as well, enjoying putting some color into her cheeks. "Are you doing something different with your hair? Looks really nice," he grinned as he picked up the phone.

"Mr. Murdock," she giggled. "You're spending too much time with that smooth blonde friend of yours," she teased.

Eyes sparkling he gave her his most charming smile as he watched he depart, then took the call.

"Captain Murdock, here," he sang. "If you're selling I ain't buyin' and if I bought, then the check's in the mail."

"Captain."

"Colonel Decker, what a nice surprise!" he exclaimed, feeling more like himself today than he had the other night. "You have to stop calling me here, people are going to start to talk."

Decker gave a deep-throated laugh like none Murdock had ever heard out of the normally straight-laced colonel.

His newfound confidence quickly dissipated. No doubt about it, Colonel Roderick Decker was flirting with him.

*Enough with the games, * he decided. *I'm going to put an end to this, now. *

"Listen colonel, I don't know what you're up to, but I think we need to have a little talk."

"Good," Decker agreed, "I was just thinking the same thing. I'll make arrangements to pick you up in--lets say an hour? We can go for some ice cream."

Keeping his cool, Murdock chuckled. "Colonel, ice-cream, pizza, milkshakes.. You're going to ruin my girlish figure."

"Oh captain," he breathed deeply, "there is nothing at all *girlish* about you're figure."

"Uhhhh, right. Okay then," Murdock stammered. "See you in an hour." As he hung up the phone, he had a horrifying thought. *What if he really is out for my body? *

It was then that he broke out laughing and went back to his room. "One hour, Colonel. You and me in one hour."

************************************************

Murdock stood on the front steps of the VA waiting for Decker. The entire situation seemed so surreal to him.

While fidgeting with the frayed edge on the rim of his bomber, he was spotted by Jimmy Reeves, one of his favorite orderlies.

"Hello Murdock," he smiled cheerfully. "Getting out for awhile?"

"Yup," Murdock said not diverting his attention from his jacket. As the time approached, he began losing his confidence in handling the situation.

Decker could be very sneaky when he wanted to be, and if he was on to him enough to stake out the hospital virtually every day, it could pose a serious problem for the team. And if he wasn't out to get them…well, if he wasn't out to get them…Murdock shuddered.

Jimmy stopped, studying the captain curiously. "You seem nervous," he said genuinely concerned. "Hot date?"

Murdock's face contorted into an indescribable expression that had Jimmy backing away. "Just asking…Uh--well-- have fun…" He quickly turned, and went through the side gate of the VA.

"A date. A date! Wonderful, I'm going on a date with Decker," he huffed. "This is ridiculous and is going to stop now!" he argued aloud.

No sooner had he finished his rant than a deep blue Cadillac convertible pulled up. Decker strolled over unnoticed, curiously watching his companion having a conversation with himself.

"Uh, everything okay, captain?"

Murdock looked up, stunned and suddenly speechless. "Me? Yeah. I'm fine."

"Good, shall we?" he smiled gesturing to the car.

"I never pegged you for a caddy-man, Rod."

Murdock climbed in and bounced up and down a few times on the white leather seats.

"Oh no?" Decker snickered climbing behind the steering wheel. "And what kind of car did you think I'd have?"

"I don't know… A drab green LTD. It's all I've ever seen you in… Why are you smiling like that?" Murdock quickly added, catching the huge smile on the colonel's face.

"Its nothing," he answered, still smiling.

"No really, you're still doing it."

Murock watched him suspiciously, still grinning away. Decker took a double take and laughed. "Okay, okay. Its just… you called me Rod."

"I did?" He replied astonished. "I didn't realize."

"No, I'm glad you did, it means you feel comfortable around me."

Murdock shook his head. This wasn't going well at all.

"So, are you going to tell me what this all about *colonel*?"

This had Decker laughing even harder. "There is no this, captain. I just thought you might enjoy it if we spent some time together."

"Just like that. Out of the blue. One day, you were sitting at home polishing your boots and decided that you and I should become friends."

"Something like that, although," he took a deep breath. "It's not about friendship." The last sentence was left to hang in the air between the two of them, stewing away and building an uncomfortable silence.

After coming out of the ice cream parlor, Decker started the car and turned on the radio. "Do you want to eat it here, or go someplace else?"

"Doesn't matter much to me," he mumbled, trying to sound indifferent and concentrate on his cone.

"Now you sound like my ex-wife," the colonel retorted.

"Uh, the park?" Murdock quickly added. "How about the park?"

"That sounds pleasant." Decker smiled as he licked a stream of melted chocolate ice cream off of his hand. "And I know just the place,"

Murdock watched him, and couldn't help but grin. Here he was, sitting in a Cadillac, and eating ice cream with Decker. Unconsciously, he caught himself noticing Decker's attire. Dark blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a light blue button front shirt that really set off his … *No, don't do that! * he berated himself.

Murdock spent the rest of the ride going through Decker's glove compartment and tape collection. Popping in the Rolling Stones Tattoo You, he began drumming on the dashboard and singing along. To his surprise, Decker started to sing as well. Not as loud, but singing nonetheless. It was a side of Rod he had never known existed.

They pulled into the parking lot, but instead of stopping, Decker pulled around to an area where the fence had been cut away and proceeded to drive down a small wooded trail. A short way in, he stopped and shut the car off.

It was actually a very beautiful spot, shaded by tall trees that gave way to tiny patches of sunlight throughout. Children's voices floated through the air, but far enough away to blend in with the delicate sounds of nature.

Murdock was pretty taken in by the splendor of it all and sighed deeply as he looked around.

Decker smiled endearingly as he watched Murdock soak in the atmosphere. "It's beautiful here, isn't it?"

"Yeah." he choked.

"Captain--Murdock," he corrected, "I think you know why I've brought you here."

"I thought I did, but now I'm not so sure."

"Murdock, I'm very *interested* in you."

*That could mean anything, calm down, * he told himself.

A hand found its way to Murdock's knee and *That* wasn't as easy to explain away. One interesting thing that he picked up on was the trembling.

"Is that you shaking, or me?" Murdock asked nervously.

A gentle squeeze of his knee and slight chuckle was his answer. "Look, I know how strange this must seem to you, but I've felt this way for awhile."

"About me, or in general?" Murdock relaxed a bit as the colonel's hand withdrew.

"Both." His tone grew serious as he continued. "Actually, it's why my wife left me a few years back--and why I am, as of last week, no longer in the military."

The look on Murdock's face was nothing short of astonished. "Give me that last part again."

"I don't know the details, but somehow, somebody told the wrong person and before I knew it I was asked to tender my resignation from the military. My record stays clean, I still get my benefits and my pension, but it was strongly suggested that I leave now while I still had my dignity."

"I had no idea that they still did that sort of thing."

"They don't. At least that is what the press releases say."

"You can't let them get away with this!" Murdock insisted.

Decker laughed "You know, its not such a bad thing. It's about time that I got out and tried my hand at a normal life."

"It's wrong!"

He bit his lip as he watched Murdock get so worked up about the issue. "So genuine and concerned about everyone else," he smiled. "That's what I like about you, Murdock. That, and your eyes."

Abruptly, Murdock quieted down. Decker's eyes were glistening, his voice soothing and warm. Suddenly his overall presence was breathtaking and before he knew it, he had let his eyes linger too long. He hastened to look away and nervously began playing with his fingers.

Decker moved to put his hands over Murdock's to stop the fidgeting, but then thought better of it. Such an intimate gesture too soon, could quite possibly destroy any and all hopes of moving forward with the captain at such a critical time as this, and so he backed away.

"It's okay, I didn't expect you to just jump in my lap," he smiled. "I just wanted to get it out there to you. I wasn't able to tell you anything before--obviously. I mean, can you imagine how Smith would take it? He'd have a cow."

An unbidden laugh escaped Murdock's lips, shocking himself, but he regained his composure quickly, and allowed Decker to go on.

"Things are different now. All I'm asking is to be able to spend some time together for now. Nothing more. Would that be alright?"

Murdock continued to stay silent, but it was obvious to Rod that he was thinking it over, which was all that he had asked.

"I'll tell you what," he said starting the car. "I'll take you back now and give you some time to think about it." Murdock nodded and continued with his contemplation all the back to the VA.

The caddy pulled up in front and came to a stop. Neither man made a move to leave nor speak. After a minute or two of unpleasant silence, they both began at once.

"S-sory," Murdock stammered uncomfortably. "You were going to say…"

"No, please," Decker breathed as the moment of truth approached.

This was it, the moment of truth. The next thing that came from Murdock's lips was going to have the greatest impact on Decker's immediate future.

"I-I don't know what to say. I need some time to think about this."

"By all means," Decker smiled in relief. It wasn't a yes, but it was a far cry from no. "Can I at least call you in a few days?"

"Of course, I'd--umm, of course. That would be okay." He sat in silence once again, knowing full well that Decker's eyes were still on him. Murdock tried his best to summon his lighter side and smiled. "So, I guess this is the part of the date where I decide if I'm going to let you kiss me goodnight, huh?"

Decker laughed loudly, but in truth, his heart skipped a beat.

"No, Murdock. If anything we'll have plenty of time for that down the line. How about a handshake for starters?"

"Sounds good to me," he sighed in relief.

After getting out of the car, Murdock turned back as if to say something, but then changed his mind. Instead, he just smiled sheepishly, cheeks coloring slightly, and went inside.

Decker watched him go and then drove off.

TBC…

*********************************************

The constant rapping on the window was getting too unbearable to ignore, and no matter how much Murdock tried; he couldn't go back to sleep.

"It's gotta' be four in the morning!" he exclaimed tossing his pillow in the vicinity of the window. "Go away!"

The window slid open and Face popped his head in and proceeded to look around. Murdock cracked open and eye and peered over his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" he mumbled into his pillow.

"Just making sure you were alone," he drawled with his infallible smile.

Face climbed inside and began picking tee shirts up off the floor and stuffing them into the captain's overnight bag, laughing to himself the entire time. He turned around after having completed his task to see that Murdock had still not gotten up.

"Hey, what's with you. We have to go, Hannibal wants us to complete a five mile run before eleven and you know how he gets when we're late."

"I'm tired, I didn't sleep well last night."

Concerned, Face took a seat on the side of his friend's bed and began to rub his back.

"Nightmares?" he asked sadly.

"No," Murdock sighed.

"You sick?" Face said cupping his hand to the captain's forehead. "You don't have a fever."

"No, I'm not sick, I just have a lot of things on ma' mind," he said quietly.

"This Decker business is really getting to you, isn't it?"

"I don't know, Facey. To tell you the truth, it doesn't really bother me all that much. I mean, we seem to have a nice time together."

"What? You're making it sound like you've seen him more than once, Murdock. You haven't been hanging around talking to him, have you?"

"I wouldn't say *hanging around* with him. He just came by yesterday to talk, and took me out for ice-cream."

"Wait a minute, Murdock. Hannibal isn't going to like this. What you're doing is very dangerous. You're going to get us caught! That's what he is trying to do, you know."

His first instinct was to tell Face off, which in and of itself shocked him, but the truth about Decker getting booted from the army would only lead to questions about why he was then still spending time with *him*.

"I know, Face, I know. Just don't tell Hannibal, okay. I promise, I *will* take care of this in my own way."

Face reluctantly agreed, and once again proceeded to tease his friend. "So, you're dreaming about him now, and its keeping you up at night, huh?"

"Give it a rest already!" he shouted loudly, throwing his blankets to one side. He put his sneakers on and snatched his bag from the Lieutenant's hands. "Are you coming?" he snapped, as he climbed out of the window.

**********************************************

The fire loomed high, providing the team with some much needed warmth after the days training exercises. It wasn't that it was cold, just damp, and the fact that Murdock hadn't been paying attention and slipped down the mud and into a ravine hadn't helped any. It took the three of them, a sturdy rope, and old oak tree to pull him out.

"Murdock, you haven't touched your dinner. Are you feeling okay?"

Hannibal placed his can of beans off to one side and focused his attention on the distant captain. "You didn't hurt yourself when you fell did you?"

Murdock looked up having vaguely heard something being directed to him.

"Huh?"

"Are you *feeling* okay?" Hannibal enunciated slowly.

Face smiled slyly and just couldn't resist one more jab. "No Hannibal, he's very sick--Love Sick," he chortled.

Murdock shot up from his seat by the fire and lunged at Face. "That's it, I warned you, Face!" he yelled with his eyes ablaze.

"That's enough you guys," Hannibal jumped as getting in between them. "What the hell is going on here? Murdock, you've been extremely preoccupied. What is it?"

Hannibal watched as Face looked at Murdock apologetically, and Murdock returned to him a look of frigid caution. He'd known his boys long enough to know when they were playing and when they were pushing each other's buttons, and over the last week there had been quite a lot of play on both of there parts with only one constant.

"Wait a minute, this isn't about Decker, is it?" He watched, as neither of the two seemed too willing to offer any further information on the subject, a dead give away.

"Murdock, Decker isn't still stalking you, is he?"

He stayed silent, but the look on his face screamed guilt.

"Murdock?"

"Yeah, but I've got it under control Hannibal."

"Listen to me captain, you are not to humor him any longer. He may be Decker," he said in a purely insulting tone, "but he is still dangerous, and though you may think you've got this covered, he may just out smart you. Do you understand me?"

Murdock seemed to grow angry, but still didn't make a sound. It was in his eyes. *It* was always in his eyes.

"Are you listening to me, captain?" Hannibal said sternly, and just a little louder.

BA and Face were staring at him, and although Murdock loved making a spectacle out of himself, he hated being made a spectacle of.

"Yes sir," he replied in a tiny voice. He turned to make eye contact with his commanding officer. "It's loud and clear."

"Good. Now, if we're done with the entertainment for this evening, I suggest we all go to bed. We drive back tomorrow."

Hannibal began clearing away the cans and snuffing out the fire, leaving Face and Murdock alone.

"I'm sorry, Murdock," Face said touching his shoulder. "I didn't mean to put you through all of that. I'm just worried about you."

He stayed quiet as he calmed down a bit. "It's okay, Face," he said finally. "I understand," and he did. He understood Face's concern; it was his own feelings he couldn't quite grip.

Slowly he walked over to his spot by the fire and began clearing away his own garbage. Deep down though, he was angry. Angry and extremely confused. They were right; it made no sense to pal around with a man whom less than two weeks ago had dedicated his life to throwing his best friends in jail for twenty-five years. But then again, they didn't know the whole story. They didn't know that he had resigned.

They didn't know Rod.

TBC…..

*********************************

Dead air, and the reticence continued to build. Murdock wasn't this

quiet even in his sleep.

Standard practice for a therapist in this situation would be to remain

silent, look preoccupied and wait for the patient to speak first, but it

had been over twenty minutes.

Richter gave in.

"Murdock. Want to tell me what's on your mind?"

"No Doc, not really." he sighed and continued to look up at the ceiling.

Another few minutes passed.

"Murdock, I'm your therapist and your friend. You've never been

apprehensive about telling me things before, so what's changed?"

"I don't know, doc." Murdock sat up, pulled off his cap and rubbed his head. "Things change…Maybe I'm changing. People do change you know," he snapped.

"Yes Murdock, people *do* change, but usually it is for the better."

More silence, but a change in the captain's expression indicated

That he had struck a nerve.

Richter kept talking, but Murdock had already tuned out.

*People can and do change.* Maybe It was just that simple.

If privy to the whole situation, Hannibal might even be persuaded to give his old adversary a chance at a friendship.

*Okay, maybe not..but that doesn't mean I can't.*

Suddenly he jumped off the sofa and grabbed Richter's hand shaking it vigorously.

"Thanks doc, you're the best."

"But.." Richter watched as the captain ran out of his office.

"Glad I could help," he muttered to himself.

*****************************************************

" I must admit that I'm a little surprised to be hearing from you so

soon," Rod beamed as he opened up the passenger door.

*Calm and cool, * he repeated to himself.

"Uhh, yeah, listen Rod. I don't want you getting the wrong idea here, I mean this about friendship and just getting to know you, Not the uh, *other* thing… I'm still trying to get used to the fact that you're just one of the guys, you know?"

Decker looked slightly disappointed. "I know," he smiled. "We can take this slow, just one step at a time. First friends, right?"

Murdock nodded still feeling apprehensive about Decker's sudden longing for *friendship* but even if it was a ploy someone had to keep an eye on him, and that was just what Murdock was going to do.

The colonel looked over to his usually jovial passenger who wore a mask of determination and looked to be in some serious deep thought.

"So how about a picnic?"

Murdock's eye's lit up like the fourth of July. "Yeah! I know just the place too. There's a pond and ducks and place to rent kites and paddleboats!"

"Lead the way, captain," Decker chuckled. "Sky's the limit."

It wouldn't be easy, no, but he owed it to his team….

*********************************************************

Weeks were blending together quickly with walks through the park and easy subdued conversations about everything and anything under the sun.

Their friendship was progressing rather nicely Murdock thought, and Decker, as promised, hadn't brought up the subject of *expanding* their friendship since their chat in the car three weeks earlier though he still insisted on picking the tab at every restaurant, movie or exhibit that they happened upon.

But as it turned out, Murdock's insatiable curiosity was beginning to get the better of him, and he had found himself paying more and more attention to the little things.

Rod's deep hearty laugh, the way his eyes seemed to sparkle when he looked at him, and once or twice, his impeccable taste in designer jeans.

All and all it only re-enforced the fact that he had made the right call. Decker seemed to have no hidden agenda, never questioned Murdock about his periodic disappearances from the VA, and he knew all of the coolest parks in LA.

"Well Murdock, it's 4:30, we had better get going if you want to get back to the VA in time for dinner."

Murdock nodded with a deep sigh. "Yeah, guess so--I had fun today," he

added brightening substantially.

"Me too, captain."

They started to head for the car when Decker stopped short. "You know--you don't have to go back tonight if you don't want to. I could make us dinner and you could spend the night."

He knew he would have to address the situation eventually, but he hadn't expected it so soon.

"Uh, I…"

"I have a spare bedroom," he added innocently. "No strings."

Murdock still looked hesitant.

"I'm a great cook," he added with a wink. "Nobody does macaroni and cheese quite like me."

"Macaroni and cheese, huh?" Murdock said with a grin. "You know me too well, Rod. All right, You talked me into it. Never could say no to old dried out pasta and processed cheese."

"Processed cheese!" Decker exclaimed throwing his arm around Murdock's shoulders. "My dear boy, powdered is the only way to go."

The two laughed together as they got into the car. "A little pit stop at the grocery store and we're on our way."

********************************************************

(A little look at what you've all been waiting for)

From the instant that Murdock stepped through the door he was tense all over again, and suddenly aware of the fact that *this might *not* have been the best idea. *

Behind him, Decker kicked the front door closed and flicked the light switch on.

"I’m just going to put these groceries away, chill the wine and start dinner. Please, go inside and make your self at home," he called from the next room.

Murdock nodded slowly. *Chill the wine…Uh oh. *

He made his way through the foyer and into the living room. It was surprisingly warm and welcoming, not at all what he had expected.

The entire house was beautifully decorated in an earthy Asian décor. Rice paper screens and hand woven fabrics adorned the walls and doorways separating every room, each one unique in it’s artistry, with hand painted depictions of bamboo trees and traditional Asian scenes.

Small wooden statues sat on bamboo mats on the coffee table, painted with lacquered gold leafing, hand carved in the likenesses of Buddha.

Instinctively, Murdock removed his shoes before going any further.

To his right stood a tall armoire, also in keeping with the Asian motif and covering its shelves were numerous pictures. Some of a young Roderick Decker, standing proud and polished before time and consequences would take their toll. Others from a more recent and much less appealing time for the captain--one that he spent years trying to forget, but all with one thing in common. A look of contentment and regality that his military career had obviously instilled in him.

It wasn’t until that moment that Murdock began to realize just how much Rod had lost when asked to resign from the only life he’d known. It's no wonder he's so lonely.

Murdock’s heart went out to him and it must have been pretty apparent to Decker too because he gave the captain a weak smile as he handed him a glass of wine.

"I don't think I'd better," Murdock declined graciously, "but thank you."

"That’s Nan," he said fondly pointing to a picture of himself and a young petite Asian girl all dressed in white silk. "My ex. She decorated this place."

"She’s beautiful," Murdock acknowledged with a smile.

"That was our wedding day--Yeah, she was the envy of all the service men back then," he smiled proudly. "Don’t know what she saw in me."

"You made her happy," Murdock said quietly. "Just look at her."

Decker glanced back at the picture as if seeing it for the very first time. The girl was indeed, glowing.

He looked back at Murdock, his smile emanating a warm acknowledgement of his appreciation.

"Dinner will be ready soon, why don’t you go put on some music while I set the table."

He figured that giving Murdock something to occupy himself might take his mind off of the strain, but after they’d cleared the table and moved themselves back into the living room, once again, the unpleasant silence returned.

Murdock was radiating tension.

"Which way to the bathroom?" he finally asked, apparently needing a minute or two to gather him self-together. Upon returning he wore a colossal grin.

"Are hot tubs standard issue to all career military men, colonel?" he said wryly.

Decker chuckled deeply.

"Nan, she just loved that thing. I hardly use it anymore. Not since she left…" All at once his eyes sparkled. "Hey, how about a dip?"

The suggestion only proved to make Murdock uneasier.

"Come on, to loosen up a bit," Decker continued.

Murdock didn't move and upon closer inspection, probably wasn't breathing.

After a little more coaxing and the promise of a pair of swim trunks, Murdock modestly agreed.

Like the other rooms in the house, similar screens separated the black marble bathroom into two sections. One for changing clothes and the other containing the sunken tub.

Murdock changed into the bathing suit that Decker had provided for him and slowly stepped out from behind the screen where Rod was waiting.

The lights were dim and incense wafted through the steamy air combining with the delicate sent of the night breeze that blew in through the open rattan shudders on the far wall.

Murdock lowered himself in and sighed deeply as the hot water engulfed him.

"I have to admit, this is really nice."

Rod sat across from him sipping his wine and looking utterly content. As he finished the nectar, he eyed the captain.

"How about a glass of wine, then?" Rod offered once more. "It's very sweet, more like a dessert wine."

"Okay, maybe one wouldn't hurt."

As he reached out for the glass their fingers touched and Murdock's hand shook slightly. He took a small sip, then placed the glass behind him and settled back down, submerging himself.

Decker smiled as Murdock resurfaced, hair plastered to his head and grinning sheepishly.

"Mind if I join you?" Decker asked, gesturing to the seat next to the pilot.

Slowly, Murdock shook his head.

Surprisingly, sitting next to each other seemed to build Murdock's confidence a bit--not having to be in the colonel's direct line of sight anymore.

However, as Decker neared, his body reacted in a way that he wasn't prepared for. Tiny sparks of electricity traveled up and down his arms sending little tremors throughout his body. He was excited and suddenly extremely grateful for that glass of wine.

As he reached behind Rod to imbibe in an additional *necessary* swallow, their eyes locked.

Murdock was mesmerized, unable to tear away from the steely gaze.

His mind began to race, not from conflict, but from the lack there of. His heart beat steady in a state of readiness, total relaxation and acceptance.

Wordlessly, the question was asked and then answered with a matched flash of fervor and desire.

Breathlessly, with his eyelids weighing down heavily, Murdock moved closer to Rod.

Time stood still as the two concentrated on nothing else but each other. The only sound to be heard was the steam rising off the water.

Cautiously, Rod smoothed across the pilot's trembling mouth, their lips barely connecting. Without withdrawing, he united them again, the second brush carrying with it an airy caress; tenderly, gently, with literally the slightest touch. The most perfectly erotic American kiss.

They disengaged and gazed at each other with unfulfilled wonder.

"Can I kiss you again?" Rod asked, his voice deep, swelling with emotion.

Murdock nodded ever so slowly. The next kiss even slower still, Rod beginning to work his tongue into the pilot's sweet mouth probing no further than just past his delicate yielding lips.

Tentatively, Murdock's hand reached out and gingerly stroked Rod's shoulder sending shivers through the colonel's entire body.

They stopped again and Murdock swallowed hard under Decker's intensive stare.

Rod cupped the pilot's cheek with his hand.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," Murdock gasped quickly, not trusting his own voice.

"Come here," Decker smiled reassuringly. He gently eased the pilot in front of him, cradling his slim form against his chest. Murdock felt completely at ease and nuzzled his head softly into the colonel's shoulder. He had never felt safer in his life.

A few moments later, firm fingers began to work themselves gently around Murdock's neck and shoulder's, kneading and stroking the left over tension out of his rigid muscles.

Abruptly, Rod seemed to stop only to come back again, this time his hands coated in a sweet smelling herbal lubricant. They moved forward, across the pilot's collarbone and down through his dark thatch of hair.

Murdock shivered with pleasure as the manipulations continued. "Oh god, Rod, don't stop," he gasped.

Decker gasped as well, the pilot's pleas feeding his need to be closer to this man.

His masterful fingers began flicking over Murdock's nipples, teasing them to firmness.

With one hand, Rod continued to pinch and roll the erect brown buds, while the other hand journeyed lower, smoothing over his abdomen and, without hesitation, sliding under the waistband of Murdock's trunks.

A tiny whimper escaped from the pilot's throat and he thrust upwards as he felt Rod's hand begin to explore between his thighs, gently cupping his penis.

He was lost in ecstasy and allowed himself to go with it. Quiet cries of contentment fell from his lips as Rod fondled him, fingering his slit and bringing him to full erection with long, hard and deliberate motions.

Murdock began to moan and gasp as Rod drove himself against him from behind, his own erection painfully in need of satisfaction from the young pilot.

Rod felt himself close to the edge so with a matching rhythm from behind, he grasped Murdock's shaft firmly and began pumping faster bringing him off in his hand. The two of them came together, Rod pulled Murdock close to his body, his thick cock twitching against the pilot's bottom through his suit, and held him tight until his own trembling stopped.

Once fully satiated, he gathered Murdock nearer still, cradling him against his heaving chest and holding him tight until they could once again, regain the power of speech.

Murdock smiled up at him with eyes glazed over in complete and total satisfaction. He still couldn't speak, but he didn't have to. His eyes said it all.

"God, you're so beautiful," he said kissing Murdock's forehead.

Minutes passed as the two held onto each other, Decker with both arms wrapped protectively around the captain, and Murdock clinging to them securely.

"Come on," Decker finally said easing himself out from under him. "Let's get out of here before we both catch a cold. "

Decker pulled off his trunks and threw them into a bin by the wall, slipped on his robe, then handed one to Murdock.

"I'll be in the bedroom across the hall okay? Just come in when you're ready."

Murdock smiled as Rod exited the bathroom. He was still shaky and needed to sit down for a moment. He pulled off his trunks and slid on the black kimono that Decker had left for him, then sat down heavily on the toilet.

*The bedroom across the hallway, huh? Wonder what he has in store for me next? *

TBC….

*****************************************************

*****************************************************

When Murdock finally gathered his strength together, he ventured out into the hallway, and was greeted by the rich voice of Rod, humming quietly from the next room. He had just finished tucking in the last corner on the bed, and was turning down the blankets when Murdock walked in.

Turning around, he took his time in admiring the slim fitting obi that lined the pilot's slender physique. He smiled. "Looks good on you."

The pilot looked down at himself then back up at Rod bashfully; his cheeks still flushed with color from the earlier incident in the hot tub.

"Well," he said checking over the room. "I've left you a change of clothes for bed. I'm afraid that all I have to offer you are army issue boxers and tee-shirts."

Murdock smiled as well. "That'll do me fine. Thank you." His voice was soft and anxious.

"Well, I guess that's it then. Is there anything else you need?"

"Umm, n-no," Murdock stammered slightly confused as he watched Rod heading for the door.

"My room is right next door if you do need anything."

He glanced back to see the pilot standing in the center of the room looking completely bewildered. Slowly, he walked back over, placed a sensitive hand on the pilot's shoulders and stole his breath with a penetrating kiss.

"Look, more than anything, I'd love to spend the night with you. Believe me," he stressed with a squeeze. "I could think of a hundred different things I'd like to show you right now, but you're not ready. What happened before, I didn't mean for that to happen so soon. I meant it when I said no strings, I just got caught up in the moment."

Murdock felt like protesting. Never before had he thought that a man could arouse him the way that Decker had, but right now, all he wanted to do was feel Rod's body, naked and pressed up against him.

Once again, Rod read his thoughts. How could he not, they were his own as well. He soaked in every inch of the pilot, his hair just beginning to dry on the ends and starting to curl delicately around his ears making him appear even younger and more innocent than before, his lips swollen into a pout aching to be sucked, and his eyes. Those eyes looked at him with such wonderment and expectation.

"God how I love your eyes."

Once again he took him with a kiss, his hands slowly trailing down the pilot's firm biceps then around the small of his back and across his bottom, pulling him close.

Murdock groaned deeply into his mouth as he feathered his fingertips lightly through the colonel's soft silvery hair.

Slowly, they released each other, both breathing hard.

"If you need me-- if you can't sleep or have a nightmare, or if you just want to be held--don't hesitate to come to me," he said running the back of his hand across the pilot's cheek. "You just need time to think about this. When you are ready, I'll be there. Just take your time. I want it to be your decision."

He started out of the room then turned again and added with a chuckle, "just give me a minute or two to cool off first."

When the door closed, Murdock flopped down on the bed. "My decision," he breathed.

As he lay back, his robe casually slid open exposing his stiff swollen shaft.

"Well, I guess you've already made up your mind," he huffed as he ran his hand across his burning erection.

He closed his eyes, began thinking of Rod and fondled himself slowly.

TBC….

*******************************************************

Rod lay on his back unable to sleep his thoughts on the occupant in the next room. His erection ached terribly, pulsing steady beneath his grasp.

"I didn't push," he said proudly, but groaning with urgency. "I could have. I could have seduced him, had him here right now, but no."

Random thoughts and images passed through his mind of making love to the pilot with his mouth, his tongue tasting his salty cream as it erupted from the tip. Having that sweet mouth of *his* delicately licking the head of his own throbbing cock, while running his fingers through his soft brown hair, and hearing him cry out in sheer ecstasy as he slowly sheathed his slick organ inside of that firm tight backside.

He shuddered.

"Oh Rod," he groaned again. "Why do you have to be such a damned nice guy?"

There was a soft knock at the door.

Quickly, he tucked himself away and tried to look casual.

"Come in, Murdock."

The captain entered and Rod's breath caught as he beheld one of his deepest fantasies. A young boy clad in olive drab with a look of uncertainty and passion in his eyes. The only thing missing were his dog tags.

He propped himself up on his elbows. "Couldn't sleep?" he grinned knowingly. "Wanna' talk about it?"

Murdock shuffled over and sat on the edge of the bed facing away from the colonel.

"I--I don't want to rush this, you're right. I mean, its not every day you go and…" he struggled for the right words. "Make a decision as extreme as this without thinking it through first.

"Right," Decker replied, curious as to where this was going.

"I mean, to--take this farther, to actually--" he turned to Rod who stared back questioningly. He floundered a bit as he tried to get Rod to understand what he was getting at without having to actually say it.

Rod knew this too.

"To actually…" Rod repeated as if he didn't comprehend.

"Uhchhh," he choked, throwing up his hands in frustration and turned back to the wall.

Silently, Rod chuckled to himself from behind.

"To…" he tried again, but the words weren't coming to him.

Rod shook his head in awe of Murdock's purity.

"Do you mean to have sex, Murdock? "

He was too befuddled to answer and nodded his head.

"Murdock, I understand that. That's exactly why I'm in here and you're in the other room."

"I know, but.." he sighed in frustration, still trying to relay his feelings. "I was just.. umm, you said--" Once again, he gave up.

Rod placed a firm hand over the pilot's nervously twitching fingers. "Tell me what you want."

"You, you mentioned *other* things that you could show me?" he practically whispered.

Rod's entire body turned to jelly and he exhaled deeply as he realized just what Murdock had come in for.

"Are you sure?" he breathed hopefully, hardly able to contain himself.

Rod watched, as Murdock's hand made it's way to his upper thigh. Slowly, he then looked up with the most intense and sultry gaze glazing over his eyes.

Murdock leaned in to the colonel, cajoling his tongue into his mouth, while his hand slowly crept up towards Rod's groin.

Rod thrust his tongue deeper into the pilot's mouth with urgency as Murdock's hand slid into the opening in the front of his shorts. Unsure of the motions, Murdock timidly ran his fingers up and down Rod's shaft getting used to the softness of the skin and solid mass of the muscle.

Rod moaned.

Encouraged, Murdock became bolder and made a fist. Using a bit more pressure, he began to pump him as Rod had done in the hot tub, earlier, then abandoning the shaft, Murdock moved down, gently massaging Rod's testicles.

Rod began to writhe and thrust, wanting more contact.

"Murdock," he gasped. "If you don't want this to be over in a minute, than you'd better slow down," he grunted. "Besides, I thought I was supposed to be showing you!"

Murdock smiled shyly and slowly withdrew his hand from the warmth.

Rod's hand drifted down to his erection and he fondled himself.

"Take off your clothes," Rod said sitting up.

Murdock stepped back and pulled his tee shirt over his head, standing bashfully in front of the colonel for his approval.

Decker's smile was positively immoral.

Murdock's hands floated to his waistband. He hooked his thumbs into the elastic, and very slowly began to pull. This would be the first time that Rod would see him totally naked.

"Stop," Decker abruptly ordered.

Murdock was confused, and let go.

"Come here."

A little alarmed, Murdock wandered over.

Decker's hands were strong and sure as he held on to the pilot's waist and tugged him forward between his legs.

First, his fingers brushed the pilot's sides. Then he trailed his hand across his abdomen, causing little ripples from the muscles beneath.

Looking down, Murdock watched as Rod leaned in and kissed the trail of hair on his belly, before languidly running his tongue across the same path.

Murdock moaned deeply, sighing with pleasure from the merest of touches. Gradually, the boxers were lowered, exposing his hips. Subtle moist kisses followed the outline of his hipbones as more of his most sensitive areas were revealed.

The motions continued, becoming painfully slower, the closer Rod came to his goal. He slid the boxers a touch more exposing the beginnings of Murdock's thick thatch of dark hair between his legs that still carried with it the fragrant smell of herbal soap.

He inhaled deeply and Murdock shook.

The boxers fell to the floor. Slowly, Rod placed wet open-mouthed kisses up and down the pilot's long shaft, teasing him to fullness.

He didn't dare use his hands in his ministrations, not yet. He wanted to taste the sweetness of Murdock's essence without it mingling with his own flavor.

As his penis hung freely between the his legs and Decker leaned down, tonguing it sloppily from underneath, easing his tongue across the slit and coating his lips in the creamy pre-cum.

Murdock grabbed for his head.

"Please!" he begged. "Please."

Rod trembled inside. "Yes," he replied in a gravely tone. "Soon."

Gently, he eased Murdock down on the bed and removed his own clothes. His cock stood proudly erect, as thick with lust as his eyes.

Climbing on top of Murdock, he emanated a low growl. "I want this to last all night."

Murdock nodded, breathing deep and wrapped his arms around Decker's hard body pulling him down at the waist needing to feel his stiffness.

As their cock's touched he moaned Rod's name.

Slowly, pushed up on his hands, Rod began to move, grinding against Murdock while watching the passion on his face. His eyes were closed and lips parted slightly as he whimpered quietly.

Decker unlocked his elbows and let his full weight settle on the captain. Murdock's hands drifted across the tight muscles on Rod's back. He seemed to consciously stop short at the rise of his ass.

Decker reached around and moved his hands across his cheeks.

Murdock's eyes opened just in time to see Rod coming in to envelop his mouth. As his tongue forged deeper, Murdock squeezed the firm mounds beneath his hands.

Rod began to thrash and moan incoherently. "Mmm yeah."

Murdock's breath hitched and his pace quickened. Rod knew he was going to cum. He brought Murdock to the brink then slid down between his legs as the pilot erupted in his mouth.

Murdock brought his knees up, crying out as the magnificent warmth encompassed him swallowing his seed.

Decker had a firm grasp on his own shaft and continued to stroke himself as he licked the pilot clean.

He pressed his face into Murdock's softening, damp penis and pumped faster. Feeling his balls tighten, he came up and lay flat against Murdock, spilling his seeds of contentment across his taut stomach.

The undulating continued as they rode each other through wave after wave of after shocks until a total loss of strength claimed them both.

Rod slid off to one side still holding the pilot tight.

Murdock's eyes were welling up with tears of pleasure and Rod kissed him.

"And that my dear boy, is only the beginning," he whispered as they fell asleep in each other's arms.

TBC…..

*************************************************************

"What do you mean he isn't there?" Hannibal snapped. "Where the hell is he?"

"I don't know Hannibal, he's been gone since yesterday. The nurse couldn't give me anymore information except to say that he pulls this disappearing act quite often."

"Yeah," BA chimed in. "But usually it's with us."

Face suddenly looked distraught. "You don't think he's in trouble, do you?"

Hannibal thought about the situation with Decker. "Yeah, he's in trouble all right. Face, I need you roam around the hospital and ask some questions."

"What are you going to do, Hannibal?" Face asked as he put on a white lab coat.

He sighed deeply. "I've got a few leads that I need to check out. BA will stick close to the van in case he tries to contact us. Call me the minute that you hear something," he shouted as Face departed.

"Come on, BA. I need a lift to Los Alamitos Military base."

BA nodded looking worried and started the van. "You think its Decker, don't you?"

Hannibal turned to BA with a look of total confidence. "I know it is."

*************************************************************

"Hello there…" Face said leaning over and grasping the older women's I.D. badge. "Ms. Winters."

"What? And it's Mrs. Winters," she spat impatiently.

"Ah, Mrs. Winters," he sighed disappointedly. "Figures that the beautiful ones are always taken."

She giggled and closed the patient file that she was working on and focused her attention on the charming doctor.

"What can I do for you..Dr?"

"Dr Schwitzer. I'm wondering if you could help me locate a patient, a Mr. Murdock? I'm here doing a study on the effects of stress on the insane. You know you'd be surprised at how little stress can affect someone who lives in an alternate reality. It's really very interesting. Anyway, my case study, Mr. Murdock was supposed to meet me here an hour ago but I can't seem to find him. I was wondering if you could help me out. This is really very important. I'm close to a break through and it could mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people. Heart disease caused by stress is the number one killer of people over fifty in the United States, you know."

The women looked extremely impressed and turned around to pull the pilot's file.

"Well, it says here he was out on an overnight pass and is due back any time now." She closed the file and looked back up at Face. "Well, as a matter of fact, there he is now," she said peering over his shoulder.

"Mr. Murdock," she called getting his attention.

He looked up and grinned cheerfully upon seeing his best friend. "Hiya' F…" he noticed the lab coat. "Doc. What's shakin'?"

Face turned back to the nurse. "Thank you young lady," he winked. "You've been a great deal of help."

She smiled again as they walked away. "Young lady," she chuckled. "Oh my."

*************************************************************

Face rejoined Murdock out in front of the VA.

"I just called Hannibal. They'll be here to pick us up in a few minutes." He studied his friend closely, watching him as he balanced himself on a crack in the sidewalk and walked across it as if he were on a tight rope. When he got to the end, he held out his arms and with a big grin, took a bow.

"So where were you?"

Murdock glanced up at Face then continued with tight rope act. "Out," he replied vaguely.

"You'd better have a better answer than that when Hannibal gets here, he was out of his mind."

"Really?" Murdock seemed disinterested as he toed the crack back the other way. "Why?"

"Why. You know the rules; we are to always stay in contact. We thought that something bad had happened to you!"

"Well, nothing did so you can stop worrying now."

"Murdock, what's gotten into you?"

"Nothing, Face. I'm a big boy now, and I can take care of myself."

Face shook his head.

"Hannibal isn't going to be letting this go that easily, Murdock."

Murdock continued with his circus act and ignoring the lieutenant. Murdock hadn't a care in the world…except Rod.

************************************************************

As the team settled in his living room, Face went about passing around soft drinks, milk and a single soothing cigar. At least he hoped it was soothing. If his earlier behavior was any indication of how Murdock was going handle Hannibal… He casually walked over to the coffee table, picked up the expensive crystal vase and moved it to the bookcase.

"Oh boy, oh boy," he muttered to himself. "Can I get anyone anything else?"

"No Face, thank you," Hannibal replied immediately focusing his attention on Murdock. "So captain, want to tell me where you've been?"

"Well, now let me see. I've been to Guatemala, Belize, Curaguay, Asia…"

"Murdock!" Hannibal exclaimed with a short fuse. "I'm not kidding, now where have you been?"

Something in the influx of Hannibal's voice said that he already knew and was just looking for confirmation.

"I've been out with Rod," he said quietly.

"Rod," Hannibal repeated taking a long pull on his cigar.

"Yeah, Rod. Rod Decker…"

"I know who Rod is Murdock, don't patronize me!" Hannibal snapped clearly losing control. "I thought I told you to stay away from him."

"I took it as more of a suggestion," he grinned weakly.

"Murdock, this is no joke. Decker is using you to get to us."

Murdock's eyes suddenly light up with fire. "He's not using me! He's not even after you anymore!" Murdock shouted.

"What do you mean he's not afta' us, crazy man? You ain't makin' no sense."

Murdock turned around to face BA. "And just what word or words didn't you understand, BA? He's-not-after-you-any-more!"

BA shot up from the sofa and lunged at the captain, only to be intercepted by Hannibal who eased him back. "Watch your step, captain," he warned, essentially saying that the next time he spoke to BA like that, he might not be so lucky.

Murdock looked around at the tense and angry faces surrounding him and suddenly realized the he was once again walking a tight rope, only this time he much higher up and there was no net.

"He resigned," he said quietly. "He's not in the military anymore."

The room became silent.

"And he told you this," Hannibal shook his head in disbelief.

Murdock nodded slowly. "And he even told me that he admires you."

"Murdock," Hannibal said as calmly as possible. "He's lying to you."

"Yeah, foo', he messin' with your head and I don't like it," BA grunted.

Murdock was absolutely furious. "No, your wrong, BA. Rod wouldn't lie to me." He had to bite his tongue not to say why.

"Murdock, BA's right, Decker is using you in some clever little scheme."

Face, trying to stay neutral to this point offered his help. "Why don't I do a little poking around in his records. I'm sure if we do some digging we'll find out that…"

"NO! He didn't lie! He wouldn't lie to me!" he screamed on the verge of tears as a small part of him was struggling to believe his friends.

"Murdock," Hannibal began seeing that the pilot was close to the edge, "look, just let us.."

"No, you look, colonel. I always do what you say without question. I blow things up, steal planes, and cheat death time after time, but this is my personal business not one of your missions. YOU CAN"T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" he yelled storming out of the apartment.

"Man's flipping out Hannibal," BA said in shock. "I ain't never seen him so pissed."

"Yeah, good 'ol Rod's really done a number on him."

"Wonder what else he's got him believing," Face's voice cracked.

"I don't know, but I suggest we look into this on our own and put a stop to it before some real damage is done."

"Any suggestions on how we're supposed to do that, Hannibal?"

Hannibal snuffed out his cigar and threw it into the fireplace. "Yeah, first we find out if there is any truth to this story of Decker's, and find out just what he's been telling Murdock to get him so worked up."

Face began putting on his coat and grabbing his car keys.

"Where are you going lieutenant?"

"After Murdock to try and talk some sense into him."

"No, he'll come around. Just give him some time to blow off some steam. He'll probably punch a phone booth or two and go back to the VA. We'll handle him tomorrow. Right now, we need to concentrate on Rod.

TBC….

*************************************************************

"Hello?" answered the raspy voice as it ventured out of a sound and serene sleep. It was answered by a heavy hitching sob.

"Murdock, is that you?"

After a brief silence, "Rod" was whispered.

"Murdock, what's wrong?" Wide-awake now, Rod turned on his bedside lamp and looked at the clock. 3:00am. The reverberation of thunder and steady course of pouring rain echoed through the phone.

"Murdock, where are you?" He listened intently while scribbling on a post-it pad by the bed. "Okay, I know where that is. Don't move, I'll be there in a half and hour."

Sliding on his pants in a panic, Rod grabbed his car keys and ran out the door.

The drive back to the house was silent, Murdock offering no further explanation for the late night phone call except to say that he didn't want to be alone, and that was enough for Rod.

Upon entering the house, Murdock immediately threw himself at the colonel, urgently needing to taste him. "Kiss me," he pleaded shakily. " Kiss me, Please."

Momentarily dazed by the ferocity of the pilot's affection, Rod allowed the passionate attack. Murdock gripped at his chest and kissed him hard. The longer it went on, the more cutting the ardor became.

Rod became concerned, broke away from the captain, and brushed his hair out of his eyes. "Now, you just hold on to that thought," he said gently. "You need to get out of those wet clothes before you get sick."

He could tell that Murdock wasn't in his right frame of mind and encouraging him now would only push him into taking that last step before he was ready. Even if he did want it as much as the pilot did at the moment.

Slowly, he slid the pilot out of his jacket and cap and ushered him into the bathroom. "After a hot shower and a dry change of clothes, you can tell me what this is all about."

He turned the water on then turned back to the captain, smiling warmly. Murdock was quiet and motionless, but his stare intense.

Rod took the liberty of unbuttoning the pilot's shirt and peeling it away from his shoulders.

"You're soaked to the bone," he sighed. Murdock's eyes kept steady on the colonel's.

The tee shirt was next; as it came off, the pilot shivered. Rod quickly worked his belt buckle and slid his pants off. "Gotta' get you under the hot water," he murmured. As he tried to get him to step into the tub, Murdock abruptly stopped him.

"I want you to make love to me."

Decker's breath caught deep in his chest as he looked deep into those unwavering dark eyes.

"Murdock, you have to tell me what happened," he insisted, his will power walking a fine line between love and confusion.

He spread out his palm and placed it on Decker's chest. His heart was pounding erratically.

"Please Rod, I want to feel you inside of me. I need to."

Decker's breaths quickened as Murdock pressed his lean bare body firmly against him and kissed him deeply.

"I need you," he pleaded again.

As if not in control of his own actions anymore, Decker reached over his shoulders and pulled his shirt off. Then, made short work of his pants, the entire time, not breaking eye contact with the captain. He stepped into the tub and held out his hand.

Steam rose around the two as hot water cascaded across their bodies. Murdock held firm to Rod's broad shoulders and tilted his head back as, one by one his nipples were sucked into Rod's warm mouth. Holding the nubs firmly in between his teeth, he rolled them roughly with his tongue until they became swollen and stiff. Then he retraced his path back up Murdock's chest across his throat and plunged back into his hot velvety mouth with force.

Murdock trembled, pressing and grinding his penis against Rod's torso. "Please, please," he cried, squeezing Rod's tight round mounds. He dropped his head onto Decker's shoulder as if weakened by his own passion. "Please.."

Rod held Murdock's head against him, gently stroking his cheek. "Not here."

He shut off the water and led Murdock into his bedroom.

He sat the pilot on the edge of the bed and studied his delicate features that were painted over with a mix of confusion and lust. Pushing him down, Rod immersed his tongue passed Murdock's hungry lips while keeping every inch of their skin connected with undulating friction, drowning him in pleasure.

Rod's hands splayed across Murdock's body vigorously manipulating all his most sensitive zones leaving him writhing and moaning defenselessly--enraptured.

"Oooohhhh Roooodddd…" he cried, and Decker knew he was close.

"Let go," he murmured giving his nipples one last twist. "Let go, baby."

Murdock shuddered and convulsed as his cream flowed freely between the two of them. Rod held him tight through his orgasm and kissed him gently when he came back to earth.

Murdock's eyes were already glazed over with contentment as Rod sat up to obtain a bottle from his dresser drawer.

Rod ordered the pilot on to his stomach. Murdock did as he was told; a little less sure of his request then he was when he had first dropped in on the colonel, but excited nonetheless.

"Rod, I…"

"Shh," he hushed.

Looking over his shoulder, Murdock watched as Decker coated his hands with the contents of the bottle. Nervously, he put his head back down and waited silently for what was to come.

Rod's fingers skated over the surface of the pilot's back soaking in the softness of his alabaster skin. Small circular motions picked up, working deep and determinedly toward his lower back.

Murdock drowsily wiggled hips as the strong hands maneuvered across his skin, skirting passed his bottom.

Rod began talking softly, whispering reassurances to his lover as he lulled him into unconsciousness.

The pilot's words were slurred and his eyelids heavy as he tried once more to convince Rod that he was ready.

"Please Rod, take me. I have to know its true.."

Within minutes, he was sleeping soundly.

Rod smiled, taking the liberty of a light caress across the firm mounds before covering him with a soft cotton blanket. "That's what this is about?" he said quietly. "It's true Murdock," he smiled. "And it's all for you…when you're ready."

He gave him a kiss on the shoulder before turning out the light and heading into the guestroom for the night.

TBC….

*************************************************************

With a deep sigh and hearty stretch Murdock opened his eyes. The room was dark and he guessed that he must have slept clear through to the next evening. The clock on the nightstand read 6:00pm.

Slowly he sat up, reveling in his nakedness as he recalled the night before. "Mmm, Rod, you certainly know what you're doing, don't you…"

On the dresser lay his clothing neatly pressed and folded. Finally, one proclivity that he actually expected from the career military man. Lazily he put on his clothes and ventured out into the living room where he heard voices at the front door.

"No, no. Tell him that I'll be in tomorrow. I realize that, Crane and I thank you for it but I didn't ask for this…"

Murdock's focus was suddenly drawn to a manila envelope on the living room table. He hesitated.

"Thank you for bringing me those files that I'd asked for…" Decker continued.

With one finger, he slid the envelope toward him.

He looked at it.

He was afraid to open it, but he did anyway.

"Tomorrow then. Bye." Decker closed the door and strolled back into the living room, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw the captain.

"Murdock," he exclaimed in surprise. His eyes immediately were drawn to the contents of the envelope. "I…"

"You what, Rod? You can explain. These are some pretty good photos of the guys and me. Recent too, but I don't really think you got ma' best side," he spat scornfully tossing them across the table.

"You don't understand.."

"What don't I understand, Rod? Are you, or are you not currently on the payroll of the United States Army?"

He was met by silence.

"That's what I thought." Murdock grabbed his jacket from off of the back of a chair where it was left to dry off the night before and headed quickly to the front door, his heart tearing in two.

He turned around again on the verge of tears. "That why you couldn't sleep with me last night, because you're a liar? You suddenly had an attack of scruples?" Decker still couldn't speak, he just watched in shock as the captain continued with his tongue-lashing.

"Well it's nice to know you at least have some control over just how much you'll fuck a person over. It shows that you have *some* sense of decency. Though," he added as he walked to the door. "Not much. Thanks for everything--and nothing," he said coldly, " then slammed the door.

Decker stared at the door for a minute in a daze and then back at the table. He walked over to where the pictures were scattered and sat down heavily with his head in his hands, then looked up to see a picture of the pilot staring back at him. His lip trembled and his eyes misted as he held the picture against his chest.

"You don't understand," he repeated. "You don't understand."

************************************************************

Murdock held himself tight rocking back and forth. His eyes damp, and emotions exhausted, he decided he'd get on with phase two of his recovery, anger, before phase one hit again. His breath hitched and another tear fell. Too late. Once again he began to cry.

He couldn't go to the team for support, after all, they had warned him. He could maybe trust Face with the full story, but it was too painful, too fresh in his mind to go into right now, and would Face really be able to understand and accept this? The best thing he could do for himself was to sit in his room and cry it out alone. It's all anyone can do when breaking up with someone that they…

A familiar rapping disrupted him from his thoughts. Clumsily, he rubbed the ball of his hands across his eyes and went to the window.

"W-what is it Face?" he whimpered.

Face swung a leg over the sill and closed the window behind him. "I have something that you should see," he said softly. "But, by the looks of it, you already know."

"Yeah," he whispered. "He lied, right?"

Face sat down on the side of the pilot's bed where his friend had flopped down. "Wan' talk about it?"

"Nothing to talk about," his whimpering once again bordering tears.

"Come on, Murdock. I've been "involved" enough times to know when I'm seeing a broken heart. Tell me."

Murdock hesitated.

"He would really have had to be something for you to get this caught up with him."

Face waited for a response, but none came so he tried again. "Oh, I guess that's not exactly true now, is it? You'd fall for anyone that smiled at you right. Let's face it, you're a softy. You wear your heart on your sleeve for anyone to take and 'ol Decker saw his kink in our armor and took his shot like the cold hearted bastard he is."

"That's not true!" Murdock insisted rolling over and fingering the lieutenant's chest. "He was special! He treated me differently than most people do. I loved him, Face and don't you dare say anything bad about him, understand?"

Face's features softened and Murdock realized that Face had conned him. He already knew. Of course he knew this was Face, his best friend. He always knew.

"Do you think he loved *you*?"

Murdock sighed in defeat. "He wouldn't…" his voice was soft, barely an utterance. "Make love to me. "

Face's mind reeled at the thought of Murdock touching another man, but Decker? Now that was just too painful to think about. He took a minute of silence to screw his head back on straight.

"You know, H.M. I've been involved and not slept with a girl."

"Yeah, right Face. A lesbian, a dog, an elderly women that you were trying to con out of a condo?"

"No, Leslie," he said seriously as he brushed a tear off of Murdock's cheek.

"She's a nun, Face."

"But she wasn't always. When we were in collage, she was your average eighteen-year-old. Yeah, she studied hard and preferred a quiet night rather than going to a frat party, but those quiet nights in weren't spent alone."

Murdock grinned despite himself.

"Yep," Face sighed. "She could get kind of wild when she wanted to. Anyway, this one night, the night before I went to give her my fraternity pin," he frowned. "We were fooling around and we got close. Very close…but I couldn't do it. I wouldn't do it with her until we were married. Okay, maybe not married but at least engaged. That was why I went to her dorm the next morning. A sort of pre-engagement, but she was gone. I guess she knew too. It was commit to me or commit to God. Who knows, if I'd have sealed the deal the night before she might have been Mrs. Leslie Peck."

Murdock chuckled at his friend's honesty. "Why?"

"Why didn't I do it? Easy," he smiled as he got up and headed back to the window. "I loved her and respected her too much."

He swung his legs back out and turned to the pilot once more. "Murdock, if there is one thing you are, it's a pretty good judge of character." He dropped down, outside of the window. "You got this?" he asked pointing to the open window.

Murdock nodded with a tear stained grin.

"Oh, I almost forgot. We need you tomorrow for a quick flight. Nothing too serious. Should have you home and snug in bed by 10:00 or so. And don't worry, Hannibal promised that he'd only torture you a little," he winked. "Call me if you need me," he said as he disappeared into the night.

Murdock closed the window, then picked up the documents that Face had brought. He lay back on the bed and exhaled deeply feeling a little better.

"Love huh? "

TBC……

************************************************************

"I feel terrible for the way that I treated you guys, and here you are taking me to one the coolest places in all of California!" he exclaimed excitedly. "You didn't have to do this for me."

"Oh captain, don't be silly. You've been cooped up far too long," Hannibal smiled as he spit the tip of cigar out onto the highway. "I guess we take it for granted that you get lonely too, us being together most of the time and all."

"Yeah, it musta' been really lonely fo' you if you hangin' out wit Decker fo' fun," BA added gruffly.

Face caught the despondency that overcame his friend at the mere mention of the colonel's name and gave him a thoughtful smile.

"Well, that aside, Murdock, we all agreed that you needed some time off to just enjoy yourself, and what better way for a pilot to spend his day but at an airforce base."

"Yeah, Face, but Edward's Airforce base? That's where the Thunderbirds used ta' fly. I haven't been there in years! How the hell did you swing that? It’s the main testing facility for experimental aircraft in all of the country…. Aside from Area 51…." he added matter of factly. "Now getting us in *there* would be quite a feat, even for you, Facey. That's where the government keeps the…"

"Foo'!" BA spun around angrily, "You start in on little green men and I'm turning us around!"

"Come on, BA. Murdock's day, remember?" Hannibal scolded. "Come to think of it lieutenant, how did you manage this anyway?"

"There is a young boy in the building that I'm currently…er… 'occupying' that is attending a Jr. Airforce Cadet Training School and they were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to tour the facility. Only problem was that he needed a few chaperones to accompany him and his class or they wouldn't be able to go. His parents work in a law firm and couldn't get the time off, so I volunteered us," he winked.

"Very slick lieutenant," Hannibal grinned. "Very slick."

"Man Face," Murdock jumped on his friend, "you're the best!"

Running around with eyes as wide as saucers, meticulously examining every square inch of every jet within a 30-mile radius was time consuming for the team but also extremely draining on the children who had a hard time keeping up with the exuberant pilot.

Murdock slept the entire 47-mile ride back home from Edwards with the content look of a slumbering child on his face. Stacks of brochures and fact sheets were strewn across the van and sticking out of every pocket in his jacket like the remnants of disregarded wrapping paper that could be found strewn across the living room the evening after Christmas day.

They pulled up to Face's car at around 9:30pm. As promised, he would be snug in bed by 10:00.

"You know, Hannibal," Face said as he climbed out of the van. "I think I'm going to take H.M. back tonight."

"You sure, kid. It's no trouble."

"Yeah, I want to make sure he's okay and all. You know how sensitive he can be, and when I saw that F16 I knew he was going to be missing the Thunderbirds again."

"Yeah, foo' looked like he was going to cry when it was time to leave."

Face noticed that too, although it had nothing to do with the planes for a change. A quick glimpse of a gray haired colonel from behind instantly brought him back from the clouds.

"I've got it covered." He leaned into the van and whispered quietly to the sleepy pilot. "Come on H.M., we're here."

"Just a few more minutes, Facey?" he murmured sleepily.

"Come on, Murdock. Wakey, wakey," Face chuckled.

Slowly, his eyes blinked open and yawned. "I'm up," he groaned. "We back already? 'S'only been a few minutes."

"It's been an hour foo', now git out ma' van. I want to go home," BA snarled.

"Mmmmmmm, okay, okay. I'm going," he sighed stretching out his long limbs. He made his way out of the van and turned to Hannibal. "Umm, colonel? I'm really sorry," he said sheepishly. "I was… I wasn't thinking straight the other day."

"Don't worry about it captain. The day you *do* start thinking straight is the day that I'm going to start worrying."

Murdock smiled and waved as he sauntered over to the 'vett.

"Oh, captain…" Hannibal added. "I may forgive you but you still owe me a five mile run," he chuckled as the van drove off.

Face threw his arm around Murdock and gave him a little hug. "See, everything's back to normal."

Murodck grew silent and then stopped short. "What if I don't want it to be back to 'normal'?"

"I take it I'm not driving you back to the VA, then?"

Murdock grinned. "Oh would you, Face?"

"Why do you think I offered to drive you back? Look, I'm not really sure that I understand your choice in partners…of any persuasion, but I do know you, and he'd have to be pretty special if you are willing to give him a chance to redeem himself. Come on."

Face started the engine, turned to look at his friend and turned it off once more.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Murdock, but why are you going to give him a second chance after he lied to you?"

Murdock grinned his loopy smile. "Because he didn't really lie to me…exactly."

"Come again.. I thought he told you he resigned, but the file says that he is still on the payroll, so…?"

"So, the day that he told me that he was *forced* to resign coincides with the dates given in his documents for a mysterious suspension pending. One thing that he did tell me was that his record would remain clean. So while he was under the impression that he was kicked out, the Army and anyone who would have checked would see *suspended* and wouldn't question their motives. Apparently, from what I overheard Crane and Decker talking about the other night, someone threatened to spill the beans about the army's homophobia to the press, and that wouldn't be an issue they could easily brush under the carpet. Instead of having to deal with the press they re-instated him. He just neglected to tell me that part."

"And that's okay with you. You're just going to forgive him, just like that?"

"No," Murdock grinned, "I've got something speacial planned for Roderick Decker. Something he'll not soon forget."

Face smiled. "I like the sound of that."

***********************************************************

Murdock stood on the doorstep staring at the light coming from the living room window. He pictured himself inside, lying comfortably on the sofa in Rod's arms, head snuggly nestled in the softness of his deepest blue cashmere sweater while sipping wine.

*Why did he have to lie? * he asked himself. *If only he had told me the truth, then I wouldn't have to do this, * he sighed.

With a deep breath he knocked.

"Go away!" came the surly reply, so he knocked again much harder.

"Awweee geezuz!" he crooned. "I'm coming!"

Murdock couldn't help but laugh. *So far so good. *

The door swung open abruptly, "What the hell is it, do you have any idea what…. time…it…is?" Slowly, the shock washed over his face. "Murdock, what are you doing here?"

"Freezing at the moment."

"Uhh, what?"

"Can I come in?"

"Oh--oh yes, yes please," he stammered stepping aside.

Murdock stepped in and glanced around. Three days worth of take out containers littered the surface of the dining room table along with various bits of leftovers. His shoes lay in the middle of the floor and two pair of slacks-haphazardly tossed into a ball in the corner.

"I like what you've done with the place," he grinned turning to face the colonel. It was then that he noticed the forest of silver fur that had sprung up across his chin. The colonel was taking this hard, but Murdock wasn't going to let that interfere with what he was aiming to do.

"W-what are you doing here?" His eyes were wide, glistening with a mixture of hope and sadness, and Murdock's heart ached.

Slowly he reached his hand up and stroked the colonel's cheek, Decker tilting his head into the gesture; eyes closed to savor the unexpected feel the pilot's soft touch.

" I'm sorry, I didn't know how to tell you," he choked. "We had already become so close by the time Crane got me back in, and I thought that if you found out that they'd asked me back, that-that you'd leave me. Please, tell me you're back," he said cupping his hand around the pilot's and pressing it firmly to his cheek. "Please tell me that I haven't ruined everything."

"I don't know, Rod. I mean, how do I know that I can trust you anymore?" he said abruptly turning away, while deep down wanting nothing more than to hold Rod close.

"We can start over," Rod exclaimed jumping in front of him. "Take it slow. Murdock, I'll do anything. I-I love you."

Murdock felt week, he hadn't expected--love.

"No, Rod. I'm sorry…"

"Murdock, please," Rod interrupted. "Please don’t write us off so quickly. I know that this can work. I know we can make this work!" he repeated adamantly.

"As I was saying Rod, I'm sorry, if you want to try this again, it's going to be on my terms." His voice was stern and his eyes showed no sign of the timid and inexperienced boy of a few weeks ago.

"A-anything, Murdock. I'll do anything."

Murdock nodded bluntly. "Yes you will."

Decker suddenly sensed a hint of laughter in the pilot's voice and gave a light smile.

"First of all, I want to get something straight between us," he said facing the colonel.

"And what is that, captain?" Decker questioned with an amused and suspicious grin.

Murdock wrapped his arms around the colonel's waist and kissed him while gently stroking his crotch. "Oh, I think you know what that is, colonel."

Decker laughed into the pilot's mouth. "I thought we were going to take this slow?"

Murdock shook his head, "I didn't say that, you did. And that by the way is number two. I know when I *am* and *am* not ready." Murdock pushed forward nudging Decker with his hardness.

"So I see. Is there a number three?"

Murdock let go and looked Decker straight in the eye. "I will tell you three all in good time, but right now---into the bedroom colonel--- and that's an order!" Murdock raised his eyebrows lewdly.

"Yes sir," Decker mock saluted then headed off down the hallway.

Once in the bedroom the two men undressed each other slowly, reveling in the slightest details of one another's bodies. Murdock ran his hand through the forest of silver gray chest hair, then gently trailed his tongue across Decker's pert pink buds, blowing on them lightly to tease them to firmness, while Decker worked on removing the pilot's pants.

Murdock began licking a path down to the colonel's abdomen, rimming his tongue around Decker's belly button before moving on to his pants.

Decker stopped him and brought him back up for a full and passionate kiss before pushing him back onto the bed.

"Murdock, I want you to just lay back and relax," he breathed.

Nodding, he swallowed hard as his playful role was unexpectedly being replaced with apprehensiveness and rushing fear.

He wanted this more than anything but couldn't get past the reality of what it really meant. Decker bit his lip noticing the sudden bout of timorousness that had overcome the pilot's features.

Their eyes met and Murdock's voice trembled. "Don't you go asking me if I really think I'm ready for this 'cause you might not like the answer."

Decker rid himself of his pants and kneeled between the pilot's legs. "This is all about you now. Let me take care of you," he reassured. Moving forward on the bed, he eased Murdock down on his back with tiny soothing kisses.

Murdock's stomach quivered as it made contact with Rod's firmness. He wasn't aware of much except for the electrifying touch that was sending shocks of heat throughout his body and so he gasped when warm greased fingers slid between them and began lubricating both of their stiff shafts with oil.

Decker picked up his head to face the captain and grinned. "A little trick I picked up," he winked.

Murdock nodded and lay his head back into the pillow trying to focus on the pleasure of the hand job and forget about what was to come. "You're the expert," he sighed.

Decker eased his skillful hands from Murdock's penis to his sack with the same gentle motions, slowly moving himself down to his sensitive entrance. His motions were so intense and erotic that Murdock hardly noticed the transition until he felt the slight pressure of one digit as it slowly worked it's way in.

"Easy Murdock, just let yourself get used to it," he said quietly as another finger joined the first.

Murdock's eyes shut tight and Decker moved back up to calm him with gradual, light kisses and tranquil words of love, while he helped to open his lover up.

After a few minutes of deep massaging, he knew Murdock was ready. Slowly he withdrew leaving the captain feeling empty, but then the hollowness was replaced by another gentle pressure.

Murdock gripped the sheets beneath him and tried to muffle his cry as he was stretched out to accommodate Decker's piercing shaft, but soon his cries turned to pleasant cooing and moans as the organ forged further then grazed across his prostate.

Suddenly he was filled with his lover and experiencing the most euphoric pleasure imaginable with each thrust that Decker took.

"Oh Rod.." he gasped with tears in his eyes as he wiggled his hips against Decker's stomach. His slickend shaft rubbed against Decker's taught torso heating up with the delicate friction. "Mmmm, faster, faster please I'm gonna' cum."

The sexy pleading utterances falling from his lips brought Decker to the edge and with one final thrust his cream spilled out inside of the tight confines of his lover. "Oh Murdock, oh H.M. I love you," he repeated over and over as trembled and writhed against the hot sweat soaked frame beneath him. Warmth coated his stomach as Murdock came as well shaking slightly beneath Rod's weight.

Decker pulled out but stayed on top Murdock watching his face for any sign of discontent but when finally able to open his eyes, Murdock gave a flush-cheeked smile.

"I love you too, Rod," he said with tears in his eyes. "I love you so very much."

Rod's wildly thumping heart skipped a beat as he kissed Murdock hard and held him close. "I'll never lie to you again, I promise."

"You'd better not," Murdock insisted with pursed lips and an arched brow. "And since we're being so open here…"

"Uh oh, number three right," he smiled.

"No, actually I was just going to tell you to shave next time, but thank you for reminding me. Now, about number three…."

************************************************************

Decker walked out of the VA tuning around every so often to glance at his lover who watched him go from the window. He waved for the fourth time and turned back to the sidewalk to walk smack into a young blonde haired doctor that was on his way in.

*Number three, number three, number three, * he chanted over and over again in his head.

The doctor froze blue eyes wide with shock. "Decker!" he exclaimed.

"Doctor," Decker nodded gracefully, while digging his fingernails into the palms of his hands. He turned once more silently asking for approval from his smiling lover then continued on to his car and quickly drove away.

Face stood stunned for a minute or two until Murdock finally came out to get him.

"What's shakin' Face?" he smiled casually.

"I-just…"

" Templeton my boy, are you all right" he said putting his arm around Face and leading him inside. "You look a little pale."

Face stared at the pilot in disbelief.

Murdock slapped Face on the back grinning maniacally. "Number three, Face," he winked. "Decker is no longer able to lay a hand on you or the guys on VA property unless it is completely out of his control…. Although, I wouldn't put it past him to be staked out a block or two away," he added realistically. "You might want to find an alternate rout home."

" That-was…That was Decker!" He sputtered still in shock.

"No," Murdock exhaled proudly. "That Face, was Rod."

THE END

Jennifer A. Rosen, Copyright November 2000