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Hardison held his head in his hands, groaning softly. "Uhhh...""Told ya," Parker said not unsympathetically."What's wrong with him?" Eliot asked dropping a bag of groceries on the counter.Hardison groaned and held up a hand. "Stop."Eliot frowned and looked at Parker."Candy hangover," she said simply.Eliot chuckled and began, loudly, pulling items for his special French toast from his reusable grocery bag. "Got just the thin' for ya."Hardison raised his head but quickly dropped it back down. "No, Eliot, no.""I'm hurt," Eliot said, winking at Parker. "Don't you trust me?"Lifting his head a fraction, Hardison studied the hitter. Yes. No. Yes. Mostly. "Go ahead." He dropped his head once again and let out another soft groan.Parker watched intently as Eliot grabbed a cocktail shaker and filled it with ice, then added Applejack and apple juice. She smiled when he grabbed a cutting board and knife, which he spun with precision, before slicing a lemon into wedges and tossing one into the shaker. She was intrigued but a little confused when he got an egg from the carton on the counter and cracked it sharply on the shaker's rim, separating the white (which he added) from the yolk, which he then discarded into the sink with the shell. And when he opened the box of powdered sugar and added a dash, she scratched her head and frowned.Capping the cocktail shaker, Eliot shook it hard, grinning as the ice clanged against the metal, making Hardison lift his head and wince."Seriously?" he asked, glaring at Eliot with one eye. Eliot stopped the shaking. Then started again when Hardison looked relieved.When he was finally done with the shaking and grabbed a tall glass, pouring the contents into it, then topping it with cold club soda from the fridge.He slid the glass across the counter. "Here, man, it'll help."Hardison picked up the cool glass and held it to his head; it felt wonderful. The drink looked okay and smelled like apples, which, surprisingly didn't make his stomach clench or his head throb. Finally he took a sip."Eliot! Oh, ugh. Dammit, man, that tastes like ass!"And before Eliot could finish his response, "And just how does ass taste..."Hardison jumped up from the stool and bolted for the bathroom. He wasn't quiet as he vomited, and both Parker and Eliot exchanged a look."Technicolor," she said with a knowing expression. "What was that anyway?""Apple Blow," Eliot said, cleaning up his work space and starting to prep for French toast. "Guaranteed to make you blow chunks and leave you with good breath.""Really?" Parker asked seriously."No," Eliot grinned. "I better get the aspirin," Parker said with a sigh, hearing Hardison vomit again.Eliot whistled while he sliced fresh bread. It was gonna be a good day.
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Abbie Mills stared unseeingly out the window. The rainy day matched her mood. She wasn’t one to cry, never had been, but today... oh, today was just made for crying... but since she didn’t do that, she thought she’d drink instead.When had it happened? she wondered. When had I fallen in love with Crane?It was true, she was finally admitting it to herself. Somewhere between stopping the coming apocalypse and reuniting with her sister, Abbie had fallen in love.With her empty glass in hand, Abbie stepped into her kitchen to mix another Absolut Nothing. Absolute nothing... that’s what she was hoping to feel but the vodka and lemon-lime soda wasn’t having the desired effect. She added more vodka to her second glass.Crane. Ichabod. Crane. Was it his eyes? His smile? The way he purported to dislike most modern conveniences but then enjoy them with childlike abandon. A shower. A coffee maker. The internet. Video games. Morbid curiosity made her wonder what he would think about modern sex. What would he make of being with an aggressive woman in bed. Okay, with her in bed. Would he be put off or turned on? It didn’t do her any good to think about it.Crane was in love—still, with Katrina. Maybe she’d skip the lemon-lime soda next drink.Dammit.
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Walt had a horrible day. Not that anything bad happened, it was the fact that nothing happened at all. He was bored out of his mind and needed a good stiff drink. Walt knew exactly where to go and who would pick something special just for him. Walt smiled as he thought about his best friend, Henry Standing Bear. They were very lucky to have each other. A lot of people went their entire lives without good friends. Walt not only had a good friend but a best friend. When Walt walked into the Red Pony Bar, Henry smiled and gave him a slight salute. Walt smiled back and sat down at the bar. “What can I get for you, Walt?”“Henry, I had a day that wouldn’t end. I need something that’s going to make me forget all about it. Just one drink, that’s all I need.”Henry laughed and said, “I have just the thing. It is called Admiral and you are going to like it.”Henry poured one shot of rye whiskey, two shots of dry vermouth, a splash of lemon juice into a shaker with ice, and then strained and poured over ice in an old fashioned glass. Walt thought this drink looked simple enough and it might even be tasty. Henry sat it down in front of Walt and said, “This one is on the house.”“Thank you, Henry,” Walt answered and took a slow drink out of the glass. He had to go slow because it was very strong but also very tasty. Henry seemed to know exactly what people would like. This is why he did so well with running the Red Pony Bar. He was a people pleaser and he could read your body language and know what you needed. Walt smiled at Henry and said, “I’m already better, Henry. Thank you. This was perfect.”Henry wiped up the counter and smiled at Walt. “We all have days like today, Walt. Now relax and drink that. You will sleep like a baby tonight.”“I just bet I will.”
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Jim came walking into the loft, so tired, he didn’t think he’d be able to even take his coat off. It was one of those days. He had to chase a perp for over two miles. Jim finally got him, but it’s not easy to run in dress shoes. Then he was attacked by three women that were defending an idiot. Jim couldn’t remember a time that he was this tired. Jim smiled at Blair as he hung his jacket up and joined him in the kitchen. “Smells good, Chief.”“Dinner?” Blair asked. “Everything in the loft smells good. Stew is one of my favorite things to eat. I need a good comfort meal.”“I’m making you a drink right now. It’s weird sounding, but it’s good. I had one earlier and I just know you could use a good drink tonight.”“What’s it called?” Jim wondered. “Amaretto Big Red Float, is the name of it.”“Well, two things came to mind that actually made me smile. I thought of the Macy’s Day Parade with the big red floats and also thought of Clifford the Big Red Dog. I’m game, Chief.”Blair pulled out two Collins glasses and put two shots of amaretto in each and filled it halfway with strawberry soda, added a scoop of vanilla ice cream and then topped it with strawberry syrup. Jim licked his lips while Blair was making it. It not only looked pretty, but it smelled delicious. Blair pushed Jim into a chair at the table and set the drink in front of him. “Drink up and tell me whether it reminds you of Macy’s or the dog.”Jim took a drink and smiled. “Clifford the Big Red Dog is what comes to mind. He would have liked this very much.”Blair sat down across from Jim, drinking his and said, “It’s yummy, isn’t it?”“Yes, it is. Thank you, Chief. I had a day from hell, but now all I can think about is Clifford and my wonderful lover.”“Megan called and warned me that you had a day from hell. I wanted everything to be ready when you got here. And it is. Ready to eat, Jim?”“Can dinner wait?” Jim asked, wiggling his eyebrows up and down. Blair said, “I can always hold dinner, Jim. I didn’t think you’d be in the mood for anything physical.”“That drink has brought me back to life. I really liked it. It not only tasted good, but it made me horny. Can’t ask for more than that from a drink.”Blair grabbed Jim’s hand, pulled him up and they walked up the stairs together. As soon as they were by the bed, Blair pushed Jim onto it and said, “Woof, woof.”Laughter could be heard for a few minutes until things got serious. Then there were only love sounds.
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Henry asked Jo if she wanted to join them for dinner again. He knew Abe would have enough for the three of them. She agreed and once they got up to the roof to dine, Abe brought up drinks for each of them. Jo took a sip and said, “Oh my gosh, this is good. What is this?”Henry smiled. “It’s called Abe’s Tropical Night in Hell.”“You have my attention, why would it be called that?” Jo asked. Abe cleared his throat and said, “Henry just likes to tease me. I had a bad night of drinking once and this is what it was. So, he continues to call it Abe’s Tropical Night in Hell.”“It’s delicious, what’s in it, Abe?” she asked. “It’s two shots of vodka, two shots of banana liqueur, two shots of Godiva liqueur and a shot of grenadine. I’m so pleased that you like it. It’s not often that someone gets a drink named after them,” Abe replied. “It would have been a little more fitting if it was called Abe’s Drink of Wonder or something like that,” she said, laughing. Henry sat back and watched the two people chat and laugh and felt good about asking Jo up for dinner. Abe was at his best when he was entertaining. He was a wonderful man and it was no wonder that Jo liked him so much. “So, tell me something juicy about Henry, Abe,” Jo pleaded. “Ah, you don’t want to hear about him,” Abe answered. Henry continued to sit and smile and watch his new friend and the only family he had left. It was a good night. And Jo was right, it was a delicious drink.
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“Dinner will be ready in an hour,” Gina de Valicourt said, carrying in a tray of cocktails. “I thought a drink beforehand would be nice.”“What’s this, dear?” Robert asked, taking a martini glass.“It’s an After Eight,” she said, handing one to Duncan.“But it’s not after eight,” Robert said just to see her smile.Duncan suddenly felt like an intruder watching them. Sure, he’d known love before, but not like this, never like this. Even after three hundred years, Duncan was still amazed that two people could be so in love with each other. He wondered... “Sorry,” Gina said, remembering Duncan was there.He took a nervous sip of his drink and waved her off. “This is good. What’s in it?”“Oh, just a little white crème de cacao, white crème de menthe and vodka.”“Delicious,” Robert said, caressing her face.Duncan wondered if Robert meant the drink or Gina. Then wondered where Methos was and if he’d like the cocktail. And if they would be together in three hundred years.
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“Oh my God, Max! What are you doing? Are you okay?” Caroline asked in a panic.“What the hell’s your problem, Caroline?” Max asked, holding a liquor bottle in each hand.“You can’t just say you need a morphine drip and walk out of the diner.” Caroline threw down her jacket and purse. “Han made me finish your shift!”Max laughed while pouring equal parts amaretto and butterscotch schnapps into a shot glass, then adding a splash of 151-proof rum to ignite. She quickly lit the shot, saw Caroline’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows shoot up, extinguished the shot and then threw it back.She slammed the empty shot glass on the counter. “And that’s how you take a Morphine Drip!”“Oh. Oh,” Caroline said, stepping up to the counter. “I want one!”Max narrowed her eyes. “You really think you can handle it?”“After serving split pea soup to that hipster with the weird eye, I think I deserve it.”Max nodded in agreement and poured them each a shot.
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“More Hellfire,” Dean called to the bartender.“Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Crowley asked, still nursing his second glass of Craig.“It’s just a little rye whiskey and Tabasco. I’m pretty sure I’ll know when I’ve had enough.” Dean whistled and gestured at the waitress, who rolled her eyes. He wondered if he was losing his touch. Nah!“So, what now, Dean?” Crowley asked. “More hiding out from Moose?”Dean glared at Crowley, but the demon just laughed.“He probably misses your tender touches and whispered sweet nothings.”Dean snorted. Snorted. And downed his new shot.“Another!”“Go home, Dean,” Crowley suggested. “Go to hell, Crowley,” Dean sneered.“After you.”Dean huffed. “Been there, done that, have the scars to prove it.” He looked around for the waitress, but no amount of Hellfire was going to make things right.
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After a dinner of grilled tofu (in deference to Joe Pike being a vegetarian) and vegetables, Elvis Cole carried two coffee mugs out onto his balcony, then returned for the amaretto and coffee liqueur. They’d had a few beers with dinner, but now that the sun had set, Elvis made coffee. While tofu would never be his favorite, it wouldn’t hurt him to go meatless once in a while, Elvis reasoned. “Café Amaretto?” Elvis asked.Even in the dim light, he saw Pike nod once. Pike was a man of unnecessary movements and even more unnecessary words. Elvis learned early on that while Pike spoke very little, when he did, it was important enough to listen. Pike was a firm believer in actions speaking louder than words, and more than once, Pike’s actions had saved Elvis’ life.They drank their spiked coffee in silence, letting nature provide the soundtrack. It was comfortable and comforting. At one point, the cat that lived there came up and sat on the railing, joining the two men. They stayed like that late into the night. It was a good night.
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Zurich was one of the most beautiful European countries, certainly tops on the list of wealthiest, and a leading financial center. People across the globe loved Zurich. Raymond Reddington hated it.Oh, sure, he could handle all his personal banking issues, enjoy the lovely museums and be entertained at world class theatres, but there was something cold (and it wasn’t just the weather 8 months a year) about the ancient city, something indefinable, that just rubbed Red the wrong way. He tended to get in and out as quickly as possible whenever his business bought him there. Today was no exception.Waiting to meet an acquaintance, Red took a booth facing the door. “May I get you a cocktail?” a dark haired waitress asked him in German. “Our signature drink is an Axis Kiss.”“Axis Kiss?” he asked, continuing the conversation in German. “In honor of joining the United Nations?”“Yes,” she said, with a conspiratorial wink and grin, “just a bit of a joke.”Red liked her smile. “All right, you sold me.”“Don’t you want to know what’s in it?” “Surprise me.”Red casually flipped through a newspaper, all the while keeping an eye on his surroundings. “Here it is,” the waitress said, setting a champagne glass down in front of him.“My guess would be a champagne base.” At her nod, he lifted the glass, saying, “To the United Nations.”She laughed and waited for him to try the drink.“Hmm... I definitely taste amaretto, but there’s something else... something grape-y,” Red guessed.“Black currants,” she said. “Crème de cassis.”Red nodded slowly. “It’s very good. Thank you for your recommendation...”“Sophie.”“Sophie. It was lovely to meet you.”Red’s acquaintance arrived, declined a drink and Sophie went back to work. He didn’t see her once his business was done, but he left her a significant tip and whistled on his way out of the tavern. Perhaps Zurich wasn’t such a cold place.
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“When did we buy black Sambuca?” Jim asked.“Oh, that,” Blair took the bottle. “Simon was going through that phase where he liked it in his coffee.”Jim shrugged and went back to pulling liquor bottle from the top shelf of the cabinet.“Why do they call it tequila silver?” he asked. “It’s clear.”It was Blair’s turn to shrug. “Beats me. Oh, but it reminds me of a drink I had once. A Zebra.”Jim studied the tequila bottle in his hand. “Zebra? Black Sambuca and tequila silver?”“Yeah,” Blair said, nodding his head. “It was layered over ice, really cool the way the tequila and Sambuca melded together.”“Melded? I think you’ve been watching too many Star Trek reruns.”“Ha ha.”“Well,” Jim said, holding up both liquor bottles, “we have both right here, why don’t you ‘meld’ for me?”Blair laughed. “Oh, I’ll show you meld.”Luckily, nothing broke as Blair pulled Jim down onto the kitchen floor for some serious melding.
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“He prefers beer.”
Moreau’s words took Eliot back to when they’d first met, when he’d been drawn in by Moreau’s smooth style and hypnotizing eyes. Days before his hands had been coated in the blood of innocents.Eliot had only known Moreau for two weeks, doing a small but important job, but here he was, agreeing to have a drink with the man. Eliot didn’t normally socialize with clients, but something about Moreau was so mesmerizing, that Eliot had agreed.“Two Black & Tans,” Moreau ordered.Eliot remembered Moreau preferred whiskey, but he wanted to see how this played out.Moreau waited until the bartender set the drinks in front of them before speaking.“What will it take for you to come work for me?” Moreau asked. “Exclusively.”Eliot studied the pint glass in front of him. He’d always been impressed with the way the darker, heavier Guinness Stout sat so precariously on the Pale Ale. They were two separate entities in a single glass. Separate but still a part of each other.“You give the orders, I decide how to carry them out. No second guessing me,” Eliot started. “I choose my own men, I’m in charge. And when I decide to leave, I walk away free and clear.”Given Eliot’s reputation, Moreau had really expected the hitter to outright refuse and was surprised by the response. It made him wonder why, and Moreau loved to figure things—people—out.“Done.”It was the start of something that would change both of their lives.
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“If I hadn’t already seen your dick today, I’d swear you were a chick,” Dean said, sneering at the glasses and liquor bottles on the table of their motel room.Sam didn’t respond, it didn’t do any good anyway. Besides, once Dean tasted the Banana Milk Punch, Sam was pretty sure Dean would be doing more than seeing Sam’s dick.Combining equal parts of crème de banana, dark rum and cream, Sam stirred the mixture and then filled the tall glasses with milk and a splash of simple syrup. He took a quick sip. Just right!Holding a glass out for Dean, Sam smiled and licked his lips. “Really?” Dean scoffed.“Don’t be such an ass,” Sam said. “Just try it.”Dean took the glass.“Taste it,” Sam said, his voice deeper, huskier somehow.Sam lowered his hand and purposefully stroked himself over his jeans.It was as close to neuro-linguistic programming as they got. Dean downed his drink, all the while keeping his eyes on Sam. And then he pounced.Later, a satisfied smile on his face, Dean said, “Kinda tasted like you.”“No chick flick moments, Dean,” Sam said, grinning stupidly.
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Jesse paused from opening nearly every cabinet in Mark and Steve’s kitchen. “Hey, Steve, where do you keep the vodka?”“It’s the in the cabinet over the fridge. Why?”“Because I am going to make the perfect drink for Amanda’s engagement party tomorrow and I want you to taste it.” Jesse proceeded to mix one shot of vodka, one shot of sour apple schnapps, three shots of lemon-lime soda and three shots of apple juice before pouring the mixture over ice and handing the glass to Steve with a flourish. “It’s called and Absolut Apple, and I think you will find that it is absolutely delicious!”Steve rolled his eyes and accepted the glass from Jesse. He reluctantly took a sip. “Hey, this is pretty good.”“Don’t act so surprised! I’m an absolutely excellent bartender.” Jesse smirked.Steve pulled an exasperated face. “I think you should absolutely stop now.”“Oh, why, Steve? It’s absolutely so much fun!” Jesse teased as he ducked from Steve’s attempt to tousle his hair.“Jess, knock it off or I’ll…” Steve tried in vain to come up with a serious sounding threat, but was thwarted by his own amusement at Jesse’s antics.“What, Steve? Be absolutely angry with me? Absolutely go insane?”“Jesse, if you don’t stop this nonsense, I’m going to do what I absolutely should have done years ago!”Jesse cocked his head and shot Steve a puzzled look. “What are you gonna do, arrest me?”Steve leaned in, placed his hands on either side of Jesse’s face and kissed him.Jesse’s eyes flew open in shock and he leaned into Steve’s kiss, grabbing his shirt and moaning softly. When they finally broke apart for air, Jesse grinned broadly. “You’re right, that was absolutely what you should have done. In fact, I think you should absolutely…” and just like that, Jesse was silenced by Steve’s lips covering his.
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“Are you making another?” Harold asked, sitting cross legged on his dorm bed, scribbling in his notebook. “I'll have one too.” “You sure?” Nathan asked as he pulled two fresh Collins glasses from the makeshift bar-slash-book shelf. “This would be your third.”“Hmm?” Harold murmured as he paused his writing to flip through his copy of The Dungeon Master's Guide. A moment later, it clicked -“I can handle three drinks, Nathan,” he said with a scowl.“I'm just looking out for you. You don't handle morning-afters all that well,” Nathan said, chuckling while he filled the stainless steel mixer with ice then began building enough of the cocktail for both of them. Two shots each of tequila silver, vodka, triple sec, light rum, gin, followed by a generous pour of sour mix.“That happened once. And that was only because you made me go to that stupid dorm party.”“You had a blast at that party, if I remember correctly.” Nathan flashed a bright smile and gave the mixer a sharp shake. “And my memory is flawless.”Harold caught Nathan's contagious, careless smile, nodding his head in time to Nathan working the cold shaker up and down. “I wouldn't know, I don't remember.” Nathan expertly filled the two glasses then topped off the clear mixture with a pour of the refrigerator tea. “One more Iced Teaspoon coming up,” he said as he carried the drinks over to Harold's corner bed. “What have you been working on all day?” he asked as he passed Harold a glass before settling himself on the edge of the bed.Harold frowned, “Nothing. I'm mapping out a new campaign.”“For your game thing?” Nathan casually reached for the notebook, tugging it when Harold put his hand over the cover. “Come on, tell me about it.” Nathan sipped his cocktail and flipped the spiral bound pages, his brow furrowing as he skimmed the inked notes and sketches.“You don't have to humor me. I know you're not interested in D&D.”“To play? No.” Nathan closed up the notebook and passed it back. “But that doesn't mean I don't like hearing about your campaigns. So, what are you cooking up for your players?”Harold took his notes back and tucked them into his handbook. He took a long drink.Nathan was still there, stretched out on his bed, patiently waiting.Harold sighed. “Okay. I'm designing a variation of the Spelljammer campaign...”
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As he looked around the house, it was clear that many changes had taken place, most were unexpected but all of them welcome. It was something he wouldn’t have imagined wanting, but now that he had it, he couldn’t fathom being without.The house was now a home; filled with warmth, laughter and love and he would fight to the death to protect that. It was just over two years ago, that he stepped up to the plate, dragged his head out of his ass and admitted that he wanted more than friendship from Tony.He didn’t waste any more time, too much had passed already, and when the younger man had shown up with pizza and beer, he spoke frankly and for the first time in longer than he could remember, he wasn’t assured of the outcome.He went all in as a true Marine and was rewarded with a smile that he had never before seen on Tony’s face just before he found himself being kissed like he had never been kissed before. And, the rest as they say, was history. Wasn’t long before Tony moved in and they made this house a home.They had a coming out party of sorts, told their friends and family and, that was that. Honestly, he had never been happier. This was different from what he shared with Shannon and not for the obvious reason, but more because it came up on them slowly.They had built a friendship, a strong foundation, gone through hell and back, and understood the horrors and joys of their job. That wasn’t to say that there hadn’t been any hiccups through the years, they had had more than their share, but through it all they had been there for one another.Now…they had added a new member to their family, Caitlyn Johanna Adler, otherwise known as Caity-Jo. Steve had named them both as the guardians of his daughter after his wife had died in childbirth. He was insuring that she had the best of both worlds should anything happen to him knowing that Tony’s zest for life would be tempered by Jethro’s practical side.They had both been touched and astounded when he had talked to them regarding Caity-Jo, but he assured them that that was what his wife had wanted as well. No one was ready for the phone call from the Baltimore PD informing them that they had found Tony’s card in the wallet of Steve Adler and he was being rushed into surgery.He had stopped to get gas and interrupted a robbery in progress. The kid panicked, shooting Steve. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it through surgery and in that instant, life changed for all of them. The team had been better than any blood family, managed to get a nursery set up, the house ready and stocked the refrigerator full of food, giving whatever support was needed.And for all the posturing that Tony did regarding kids, the moment that Caity-Jo had been legally handed over, he was the epitome of the perfect father. None of this had happened in any way that anyone would have wished, but he more than rose to the occasion. Today they would celebrate her first birthday and nothing had been over looked. The house was full of Princess paraphernalia, cake in the fridge, dinner in the oven and Tony dancing in the kitchen as he scooped ice cream in a blender.Coming up behind the younger man, Jethro placed a kiss on his bare neck. “What’s this?”“A little treat for the adults at the party.”Chuckling, he pulled the younger man against his body. “Tone, there are only adults at this party. Emily and Toby won’t be back to celebrate with us until next weekend.”“So. It’s a little party type drink I found that goes perfectly with a chocolate Sleeping Beauty birthday cake.”“Really.” he smirked at the younger man’s antics.“Yep, chocolate, ice cream and a little bit of alcohol.”“Sounds promising.”“Called Amaretto Chocó-Cream. Has a shot each of Amaretto, dark Crème de Cacao, chocolate syrup. Two scoops of vanilla ice cream and some ice. Blended not stirred until smooth.” Handing the older man a glass and a straw, “Tell me what you think.”Jethro raised an eyebrow at the pink sparkly straw before placing it in the glass and took a drink. “It’s good…may even help Caity-Jo’s daddy get lucky tonight after everyone is gone.”Tony let out an undignified snort. “Like there was ever any doubt of that.”
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Flynn and Provenza were finally done questioning suspects and Provenza said, “There’s a bar at the end of the street, let’s have a drink.”“Okay. I’m thirsty, too. What are you going to have?” Flynn wondered. “I have no idea, Flynn. Let’s get there first.”They walked in to the Bora Bora Hut and sat down at the bar. The bartender asked, “What can I get for you?”Andy asked, “Do you have a specialty drink that is non-alcoholic?”“As a matter of fact, we do. It’s called a Bora Bora. It’s two shots of pineapple juice, one half shot of lemon juice and a splash of grenadine. You shake it with ice and strain into a martini glass. Sounds way too simple, but it’s a really good seller. Would you like to try one?”“Yes, I would like one, please,” Andy answered. “You know, I’ll take one too.” Provenza didn’t need an alcoholic drink at all. The virgin ones were growing on him.“It’s your lucky night, this is the specialty of the night and it’s two for one night for the next hour and a half. My name is Buddy and you let me know when you need anything after I get you your drink.” “Do you believe it, Flynn? We’ll be able to have four drinks for the price of two. This is my kind of night out.”Flynn smiled. “I totally agree. We could even have a third one. It’s not like we’re going to be drunk.”Buddy brought their drinks and the Andy paid for the first round. Buddy looked at the tip like there was a mistake. Then he realized, these guys were just cheap.“This is a good drink, don’t you think?” Andy asked. “I do think and the next one is on me, Andy.”“Why do you think the bartender keeps looking at us so strangely?” Flynn asked. “Maybe he’s just rude, Flynn. You did tip him, right?” Provenza asked. “Of course, I tipped him. I always give a dollar for two drinks. What do you give?”“I give the same. I don’t know why he’s staring at us, but since we have his attention, let’s order another drink.” Provenza motioned for the bartender and ordered them each another drink. As he walked away, Provenza asked, “Do we have to tip every time we get a drink or one time is enough?”“I think it’s each time, Provenza.” “Look, I think he just put two cherries in each of our drinks. He must have been really happy with the tip, Flynn. Not to worry.”The bartender brought the drinks and sat them down and collected the bill and his one dollar tip. He rolled his eyes and walked away. “I don’t think he thinks we tipped him well enough, Provenza.”“I’ll give him a tip about how two cops will go somewhere else from now on.”They finished their drinks and left the bar. When Buddy watched them leave, he was thrilled. Now, maybe he’d get some real paying customers for the day.
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“Why’re we doing this again?” Ray asked, filling a cocktail shaker with ice.“A German delegation will be arriving at the consulate late next week and Inspector Thatcher asked me to prepare a special drink,” Fraser explained, taking the shaker and adding a shot and a half or vodka, a shot of white crème de cacao and a splash of raspberry liqueur. He capped the shaker and shook it half a dozen times before straining in into a martini glass Ray was holding.Ray took a sip.“Well?” Fraser asked.Ray smacked his lips.“Ray!”Dief whined.“I wasn’t yelling,” Fraser said, addressing the wolf. “I was simply impatient.”Dief whined again.“You’re absolutely right, I shouldn’t have raised my voice. It was thoughtless and rude.” Fraser turned his attention back to Ray. “I’m sorr—”Ray pulled Fraser into a deep kiss, this tongue stealing in, sharing the delightful flavor of the cocktail and his own desires.“Ray, I—”“Shaddup,” Ray said abruptly. “Try this.”“Well, Ray, I don’t really...”Ray thrust the martini glass under Fraser’s nose. “Taste. It.”Fraser took the glass and sampled the Black Forest Cake Martini.“That’s... Ray...”“Uh huh...”Dropping the empty martini glass, it was Fraser’s turn to pull Ray into a passionate embrace, his lips doing the talking while his hands were full of Ray.Dief smugly licked the forgotten martini glass. Mmm... raspberry liqueur...
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Duncan was just out of the shower when he felt an Immortal signature race through his skull. With only thoughts of getting his sword in hand, he stepped from the bathroom naked.“For me?” Methos drawled. “You shouldn’t have?”Duncan blushed like a schoolgirl and reached for his bathrobe.“What do you want, Methos?” Duncan was off-kilter. He’d long begun to feel the effects of his attraction to the old man, but he still wasn’t sure if he wanted to act on his impulses.“I’ve come to make dinner,” Methos said innocently enough.“Really? And what’s on the menu? Jellied moose nose?” Methos shook his head. “Where have you been eating?”Duncan glared at Methos, but Methos was immune.“You have a grill pan, right?” Methos asked, already unloading the groceries from his sack.After a surprisingly good meal of grilled tuna steaks (Duncan opened a nice bottle of Syrah) and asparagus, all seasoned with olive oil, shallots, mint, celery seeds, salt and pepper, Methos set out a tray of cheese with dates and nuts as they settled back onto the couch. Guitar music drifted across the Seine through an open window while the fireplace crackled softly creating an intimate ambience.“Is it working?” Methos asked.“Is what working?” Duncan was truly confused.“My seduction.”Duncan took a nervous sip of his wine.“I’ve tried teasing. I’ve tried subtle. I’ve gone out of my way with innuendos,” Methos said, leaning forward. “We may live forever, but I’ve waited as long as I can.”Grabbing a fist full of Duncan’s sweater, Methos pulled the Highlander towards him, their lips meeting finally. Duncan’s were still parted in shock as he felt Methos’ tongue sweep in, asking, seeking. His own hands reached for the old man then, feeling the lithe, solid frame as Duncan lunged across the couch and deepened their kiss.Hours later, the fire out, the night quiet, Methos rose from the bed, his naked body lit by the moonlight as he pulled bottles from Duncan’s liqueur cabinet and a carton from the fridge.“Do you have any le pousse-café glasses?”“Top shelf,” Duncan said, rolling onto his side to watch. “What are you making?”Methos poured a bit of grenadine into each glass, then, with practiced skill, layered triple sec, sloe gin and light cream. The look of the stacked cocktail was beautiful. Carefully, Methos carried the drinks back to their bed.“What’s this?” Duncan asked, holding the drink up to the moonlight.“Angel’s Delight.”Duncan smiled and threw back large shot.“Oh, yuck,” Duncan exclaimed. “Methos!”The ancient immortal laughed and laughed as he discarded his drink and watched his young lover.
Totally worth it!
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It started with delivery on Monday. A fancy lighter with an engraving of flames. Harvey definitely flirted with style.Two shot glasses arrived the next day. Baccarat, no less. They were intended for vodka, but the message was becoming clearer.On Wednesday morning, a gourmet cinnamon roll was delivered along with a bottle of cinnamon schnapps. Mike was glad he had his own office as he quickly slipped the bottle into his drawer and then took a bite of the sweet treat.The logo from the upscale candy shop on Thursday threw him until he opened the box and saw the cinnamon and peppermint candies surrounding a bottle of Fire & Ice. Curious, Mike popped one of each kind of candies into his mouth at once. Interesting.Mike waited impatiently all day Friday, expecting a package, but when 6 p.m. came and went, he was noticeably disappointed.Called to Harvey’s office, Mike took the files he’d been working on and plopped down in a chair. “What’s with you?” Harvey asked, barely raising his eyes from the file in front of him.Mike didn’t say anything.“Can you get the Truman file from Donna’s desk?” Glaring a hole in Harvey’s head, Mike went to Donna’s desk but didn’t see a file.“It’s not here,” he called.“Check the drawer.”“...get the file... check the drawer... suck my dick... you’re a...”A bottle of 151-proof rum was in the bottom drawer of Donna’s desk with a red ribbon bow.“Did you say something about sucking my dick?” Harvey asked from the doorway.“What? Oh, I... uh...”Harvey closed the distance between them, the room seemed smaller, hotter, and Mike parted his lips in anticipation.“How about,” Harvey started, grasping a trailing end of the ribbon and slowly untying the bow, “I tie this around something else and we go home and open everything?”“Right here?” Mike whispered and then looked around. The whole floor appeared to be empty for the night.Harvey dropped to his knees, pulling the loose ribbon with him. Mike’s body trembled at the sight of this powerful, strong, sexy man on his knees in front of him. Efficiently, without too much extraneous touching, Harvey opened Mike’s pants, eased out his hardening cock and tied a crooked bow, then secured everything closed once again. Harvey rose gracefully, desire burning red hot in his eyes.“Meet me at the elevator in 5 minutes,” he ordered.Mike huffed out a breath. “I’m supposed to walk now?”Harvey smiled widely, beaming.“And bring the rest of the Napalm with you. It’s going to be a long weekend and,” Harvey paused, cupping his hard-on over his slacks, “I can’t wait to lick Fire & Ice off your neck while I fuck you.”They didn’t make it to the elevator.
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“Why are we here again?” Parker asked, looking around. “Oh, are we going to steal the prize winning roses?”“Parker!” Eliot growled.“Nah, now girl,” Hardison soothed, shooting a glaring look in Eliot’s direction (who ignored all this), “I told you, we’re here to support Sophie.”“I’ve got harnesses and rope in the back of Lucille.” Parker gestured.“No, no, not that kind of ‘support’.”But before Hardison could explain further, Sophie spotted them and gestured them over.“Thank you so much for coming,” she said. “I’m nervous.”“It’ll be fine,” Eliot said gently. “Your roses look beautiful.”Parker nodded, using what she’d been told was a reassuring smile.A waiter chose that moment to lower a tray of amber colored martinis. “Cocktail?”“What is it?” Parker asked, taking a glass before hearing any more.“It’s an American Beauty Special in honor of—”“The rose show, duh,” Hardison said, gesturing for the waiter to move along after taking two glasses from the tray, not liking the way he looked at Parker.Hardison handed a glass to Sophie and took a sip of his.“Oh,” she said, “I heard about this. It was created especially for this event. Rum, cognac and triple sec.”“Mighty fine,” Hardison said.Parker crinkled her face up after a taste, pushing the glass into Eliot’s hand.“I don’t... what the f...” Eliot said, sniffing the cocktail. “Hell, no.” He quickly set the glass down on a passing waiter’s tray.“Oh, there you are,” Nate said, stepping close to Sophie. “I overheard one of the judges and I think I can guar—” “No!” Sophie scolded. “No, Nate. No meddling.”He held up his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine.”Winking at Eliot, Nate redirected Sophie’s attention while the hitter took the unspoken cue and went looking for the judges. After all, he hadn’t agreed not to meddle.
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Gibbs tried to keep a straight face as he looked around the pub; it was hard, but he managed. Photographs of firework displays, controlled explosions and grinning fools covered the walls. He had been in a themed bar before, but this was sight to behold. The name of the place totally made sense now…Café Boom Boom. It was built into their hotel and they needed to eat. He needed coffee and a drink but not necessarily in that order. The case that brought them here hadn’t been pretty but they had managed to find the answers that they needed to bring closure and justice for the Marine Corporal’s family.It didn’t seem enough…it never did but, often as was, all they were able to do. He had sent McGee and Ellie back to DC earlier with all the evidence and statements, intending that he and Tony would follow shortly. Apparently, Mother Nature had other ideas and a freak snowstorm managed to waylay those plans.However, since there was some sort of Winter Solstice Festival going on, there was also a lack of hotel rooms and he would have to share one with Tony. Rubbing his hand through his hair in agitation, he waited for a seat at the bar. Normally he wouldn’t mind, hell it’s not as if they haven’t shared a room before, but he was different this time and he wasn’t certain he would be able to reign in his desires.He wasn’t quite sure when it all started, never really gave it any thought, always pushed any and all emotions down deep. However, after Ziva left and Tony went to find her, he wasn’t sure that the younger man was going to return at all and when he walked back in the bullpen, Gibbs knew.That jolt or whatever you wanted to call it that he felt when Tony tackled him all those years ago in Baltimore was far more than he could imagine. They always had a bond and an ability to talk to one another without words, but over the years, it had grown.If he was truthful, it was one of the things he hadn’t completely forgotten when he had amnesia. He may not have been able to put it into words but it was there simmering slowly…until lately. He hadn’t been able to get ‘it’ under control, all he wanted to do was…well, that is where he stopped. He wasn’t exactly sure what it was he wanted to do. He had never entertained the idea of a man and wasn’t sure what he wanted.He really wasn’t too bothered by the fact that Tony was a male, as far as he was concerned gender wasn’t an issue when real feelings were involved, but it more like he wasn’t sure how to approach the man with the intention of dating. Women he sure as hell didn’t understand, but romance and wining and dining seemed to always do the trick.That wasn’t going to be enough here…he wanted to do it right, as he had with Shannon and that was where he was unexpectedly floundering. He needed to get it figured out and fast because being in the same room with the man was not going to be easy.Finally, a spot opened up at the bar and he claimed it just as the bartender walked over his way.“Can I interest you in the House Special?”“Depends on what it is.” “We call it the Café Boom Boom.”Gibbs raised an eyebrow skeptically.The Bartender grinned. “Come on, it’s got a shot each of Frangelico and Irish cream liqueur in a coffee mug with the best French Roast coffee added to fill it to the brim.”“I’ll give it a try. The coffee sold me.” Gibbs turned in his seat to look around knowing that Tony would be sauntering down after he called Abby. He looked toward the door and blue eyes landed firmly on green and time stopped. Everything that he had been worried about seemed inconsequential and he knew without a shadow of doubt that he could do what he had wanted to do for far longer than he was willing to admit.He waved Tony over and watched as the man made his way through the crowd towards him. Before he could talk himself out of it or find any other excuse to put it off indefinitely he took a chance.“Tony, would you have dinner with me tonight?” His eyes speaking the words his tongue couldn’t.Tony, knowing how to speak Gibbs, heard the silent promise of a possible future and gave a smile that no one had ever seen before to the only person that had earned it.“Nothing I would like more, Jethro.”
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Fraser stretched and cracked his neck. He realized had been sitting doing paperwork for so long that he had worked right through his lunch and into the dinner hour. He thought he’d better go into the kitchen and have a cup of tea and perhaps a bite to eat. Because Ray was with Detective Dewey bringing a suspect back from Springfield, Fraser’s routine had become completely off track.Fraser walked to the consulate kitchen, thinking how lonely it was and how much he wanted Ray to be with him (especially now since they had just declared their feelings for each other) when his musings were interrupted by the sound of talking and giggling. He rounded the corner to see Turnbull and Francesca Vecchio laughing over mugs of what appeared to be hot chocolate with whipped cream. Their physical proximity and the way they spoke made it very clear to Fraser that he was interrupting a date.Fraser cleared his throat and Turnbull spun around and greeted Fraser with a wide grin. “Constabable Fraser! Welcome!” He slurred. Francesca giggled and turned away.“Constable Turnbull!” Fraser admonished “Are you drunk?”“It would appear..hic…that I am a bit inebriated. Francesca did not inform me that her famous ‘Caribbean Hot Chocolate’ contained 1 1/2 shots rum and 1/2 shot crème de cacao in addition to the standard ingredients until I had indulged in a few.”“That would explain the slurred speech and the, um, whipped cream on your nose.” Fraser handed him a handkerchief and gestured towards Turnbull’s face. “So, what is going on here?”Francesca grasped Fraser’s shoulder. “Well, Frase, I finally let Turnbull take me out for dinner and a movie last week, so tonight I promised to make cocoa and watch movies with him. Do you want to join us?”Fraser tugged at his collar. “Er, you see, the thing is…” Just then he was interrupted by the sound of the door opening and Ray calling down the hall.“Frase? You here? Where are you?”“I’m in the kitchen, Ray.”“Hey! What’s everybody doing here?”“I was about to politely decline Constable Turnbull and Francesca’s kind offer for a drink as I have not had supper yet. Have you eaten, Ray?”Ray flashed Fraser a beautiful smile and shook his head.“Would you like to join me for a bite to eat?”“Let’s go! See yah, Turnbull, Frannie.”“Enjoy your evening Francesca. Constable, I assume I can expect everything to be in proper order tomorrow?”“Yes, sir.”Ray spied the whipped cream on the counter and waited for Frannie and Turnbull to turn their heads before swiping it. When Fraser raised his eyebrow, Ray mouthed ‘for later.’Fraser gestured towards the door. “After you, Ray.”Frannie waved at them. “Have fun, you two!”“Yeah, Frannie, we definitely got that covered.” Ray smirked as he and Fraser hurried towards the door.
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There was a knock at the door and Raymond opened to Mr. Kaplan. He wasn’t expecting her quite that soon. But he would figure it out. They needed to discuss the problem at the steel mill. Red needed the body taken care of and quickly. “Would you like a drink?” Red asked. “What are we drinking?” Kaplan replied. “It’s called a Balalaika Cocktail. You’re going to like it. Sit down and relax a little while I make them up.”She watched as Red took two shots of vodka, one shot of champagne and one shot of orange juice. He poured them all into a shaker with ice, strained it and poured into a martini glass.He took one for himself and one for Kaplan and handed it to her. She took a sip and said, “This is very good.”“I try not to serve any bad drinks in my home. Why do you look so puzzled?” She thought a moment and answered, “I was just wondering what a balalaika was.”“It’s interesting that you asked this, Kaplan. It’s a Russian stringed instrument, with a triangular body and only three strings. It’s amazing what lovely sound can be made with only three strings.”Without missing a beat, Mr. Kaplan said, “I will take care of the body in question in one hour. I just wanted to let you know that it will be taken care of. You give me a little more work than I would like, Red.”“I’ll try and be more thoughtful from now on,” he joked. Mr. Kaplan left and Red put a CD in the player. The room was suddenly filled with the gorgeous sound of the balalaika. Red wished that Kaplan could have heard that, too, but she really wasn’t interested, very few people were. Lizzy would have asked about it and wanted to listen. He knew that for sure. In fact, Red was going to order her a CD like this and have it delivered to her home. It was a great sound to relax to and Lord knows Lizzy needed to relax a little more.
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Root was having a drink at the bar when Reese and Shaw showed up. Shaw saw her first and asked Reese, “What’s she doing here?”“I have no idea. I didn’t tell her we were having a drink.”They sat next to Root at the bar and she said, “Let me buy you both one drink. Then I must go. I have things to do for Harold. I just felt like a quick drink.”“We only drink bomber drinks, Root,” Shaw answered. “It is a bomber drink, Shaw.” She clicked her fingers, got the bartenders attention and asked, “Could we have three Shoot the Root’s?”“Coming right up,” the bartender answered. “Don’t you find it odd that we’re having a bomber drink and it’s got your name in it?” Reese asked. “John, you worry too much. I know the bartender and he named the drink after me. Simple as that.”“So, what is in it?” Shaw asked. “I can’t believe you don’t already know. The name should really give it away.”Both Reese and Shaw just sat there looking at Root and Root finally answered, “It’s a shot of root beer schnapps and a beer. You know the routine. You drop it in the beer and drink it quickly. Now do you get it?” “We got it, “Reese replied. They got their drinks and all three of them tipped their head back and drank the mixture down. Once Root was done, she paid for the drinks and said, “Goodnight, you two. We’ll see you tomorrow. Or tonight, whichever happens first.”“Thanks for the drink,” John called out as she walked away. Once she was out the door, Shaw said, “That was disgusting. I don’t want another one at all.”John motioned for the bartender and asked, “Can we have two beers with two shots of tequila?”“Coming right up.”Once they got them, they dropped the tequila into the beer and drank as quickly as they could. Both looked happy. “This is more like it,” Shaw admitted. “I’m in total agreement. I have to go. I promised I would help Lionel with paperwork tonight. See you, when I see you.”Goodnight, Reese.”“Goodnight, Shaw.” They left the bar after paying and walked in separate directions. They were becoming a little more comfortable in their new roles and with each other. But Root was still Root. She was good at her job, but very odd.
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This was ridiculous. He desperately wanted to take the damn hat off his head, but Abby had given him the puppy dog eyes and that was that. In his defense, Tony had as well, and well, when those green eyes asked for anything, he was hard pressed to say no. The smile that came following his acquiescence was worth it.However, the hat was pushing it. Sighing, he looked around the room and couldn’t help but smile when he caught a glance of Tobias in a beaver hat. He was changing his mind…the hats were perfect. Walking over, he noticed that Tony was chuckling over something that the Feeb said.Sneaking up behind the younger man, he wrapped his arms around him, pulling him closer to press a gentle kiss on his neck.“Jethro, Tobias was moaning about the fact that I was gifted with a Black Bear hat and you with the Grizzly. Seems he is feeling slighted by the Beaver hat Abby bestowed upon him.”“Hell Tobias, don’t let her hear that or I will have to hear another lecture of the importance of all the woodland creatures.” He put up his hand before the whole smirk could form on the Feeb’s face. “I’d think twice about opening your mouth if I were you…you will be right there with me.”“Fine. You spoil all the fun Jethro.” Grumbling quietly he mumbled, “Just think I should have rated something better than a beaver”.“Don’t feel too bad. She gave Vance the Tit-mouse.” Tony grinned widely, gesturing over to the man in question.Tobias chuckled. “Don’t feel so bad now. What was this shindig for?”“S.W.A.N.: Save Woodland Animals Now. Seems when she was doing Habitat for Humanity this came up and well…you know Abby, she had to help. Come on, let’s go get a drink.” Tony turned towards the bar.“I warn you though…all the drinks have animals in their name and nothing is ordinary,” Tony shot over his shoulder.Reaching the bar, they looked at the offerings. Pink Squirrel, Snake Bite, Barking Spider, Mouse Droppings and Bionic Beaver.“What the fuck?” Gibbs rolled his eyes. “Just give me a Bionic Beaver.”Tobias chuckled. “Have to agree with you there.”Tony shrugged. “Make it three. At least it has enough alcohol to make wearing the hat worthwhile. I mean seriously, with a shot each of Vodka, Southern Comfort, Sloe Gin, Grenadine and beer, I’m game.”The Bartender placed all of the drinks in front of them and grinned. “Enjoy, gentlemen.”The three picked up their drinks as Tony grinned. “For the animals.” He nearly choked as Jethro whispered in his ear. “I’ll show you 'animal' tonight when we get home.”
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Francesca beamed as her brother, Ray, Ray Kowalski and Benton Fraser walked into her back yard. It was a perfect August evening, warm and not at all buggy, and the festive lanterns and candles provided a soft glow against the summer twilight. It was a wonderful night to celebrate her engagement to Constable Turnbull and to have a welcome back (very belatedly!) barbeque for her two “brothers” and Fraser.Francesca pulled all three men into a robust embrace. “Thank you for coming! Ren is picking up the charcoal and burgers. Can you believe he forgot them?” All three men smirked at each other and said nothing.“Hey! Don’t think I didn’t see that! Just grab a drink and relax.” She gestured to a table with pre-made drinks in tall plastic tumblers garnished with orange slices and a cherry.“Of course, Francesca. They look…delicious.” Fraser hesitated.“Yuck, Frannie! They look like windshield washer fluid!” Ray Kowalski scowled.“Shut up ‘bro!’ It’s called an Absolut Can Dew,” Francesca retorted. She placed her hand on Fraser’s arm. “Don’t worry. I have a club soda with lime for you. The rest of you, drink up.”Relief washed over Fraser’s face. “Thank you kindly, Francesca.”Ray took a sip. “Is this the one that has two shots of vodka and one shot of blue curacao with Mountain Dew?”“Yeah. It seemed like a good summer drink.”They were all quiet for a few moments while they sipped their drinks until Ray finally broke the silence. “So congrats, Frannie. It looks like you finally got your Mountie, even if it’s not the one you imagined.”Ray Kowalski draped his arm over Fraser’s shoulder. “Yeah, sorry about that one, Frannie.”“Something tells me you really aren’t that sorry, Kowalski.” Ray chuckled.“Yes, it does seem as though everyone has wound up with the most suitable partner,” Fraser said earnestly. “Even though it took you long enough! So, when are we gonna get you paired off, Ray?” Francesca said as she punched her brother in the arm.“She’s got a point, Vecchio. You don’t want to be the only single one here, do you?” Ray Kowalski chided.Fraser smiled warmly at Ray. “I’m sure Ray will know when the right woman comes along.”“Thanks, Benny. You always did know just what to say.”“You’re welcome, Ray. Now it looks like Constable Turnbull has returned. Why don’t we continue this discussion by the grill?”And so they did.
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“John, can we stop at a liquor store on the way home?”“Did someone give you a drink recipe today?” John asked, Dorian. “It was the captain. She said that since we’re off tomorrow, it was a good night to have some drinks. She gave me the recipe and I’m making it for you when we get home.”“What is it called, Dorian?”“Arctic Mouthwash, is the name. Captain Maldonado said you’re going to like it very much.”“Sounds weird, Dorian.”“Try it first before you decide you hate it.”“All I know is you’re going to make me into a drunken fool with all these drinks you give me. And why? Because you want to taste the flavor on my lips.”Dorian got out of the car when John parked and walked into the liquor store. He picked up tropical punch schnapps and mountain dew. How that was going to be good was beyond Dorian. He paid and walked out to the car. “You know, you don’t have to keep making me drinks in order to kiss me, Dorian.”“I know that, John. I can kiss you anytime we’re at home and not at work. But, I do like to taste flavors off your lips sometimes.”They got home and Dorian took the blender and filled it with ice. Then he poured in equal parts Tropical Punch Schnapps and Mountain Dew. He blended it and poured it into a Collin’s glass. John took it and tasted it and said, “It’s really good. It didn’t sound that good, but it is.”Dorian pulled John into his space and kissed him long and hard. As Dorian pulled away, he licked John’s lips so that he could taste this wonderful taste that Maldonado talked about. She was right. John’s lips tasted fantastic. “It does not taste like mouthwash at all,” Dorian pointed out. “Shut up and kiss me again,” John said moving into Dorian’s space once more. And Dorian did just that.
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After closing a complex, high profile case at home and then leaving a day later to consult with the Albany, New York police on a similar case, Jim and Blair were exhausted when that case was finally closed. Since earning a reputation as a highly qualified profiler, Blair’s skills were in high demand. Having Jim at his side with his own reputation as a case closer and dedicated detective, only further fed their status. Finished with his packing, Blair zipped his duffle and turned to see Jim looking at him with an unreadable expression.“What?”Jim tilted his head and smiled.“What?” Blair asked, hands on his hips.“How about we not go home?”Dropping onto the hotel bed, Blair asked, “You mean not today or ever?”Jim leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “Today. I already cleared it with Simon.”“Okayyy,” Blair said with a laugh. “What did you have in mind?”Jim suggestively eyed the king sized bed and wiggled his eyebrows.“Really?”Jim shrugged and made a gesture Blair took to mean he was half teasing.“We could rent a car and just drive,” Blair suggested. “See where we end up in a week.”“That sounds like a plan.”Two hours later, sitting in their rented SUV, Jim flipped a coin. “Heads we go north, tails we go south,” he told Blair. “Call it.”“Heads!”On IH 87 headed north, Blair read road signs and bill boards, looking for anything interesting.“Oh, hey, Lake George,” he said, smiling and slapping Jim on the arm.“Watch it,” Jim teased, smacking Blair back on the arm. “What’s so special about Lake George?”“Oh man,” Blair started, “it must be, what, nearly thirty years ago—”“Damn, you’re old!” “Anyway,” Blair snorted, “every year my mom would take us to the Lake George winter carnival. We’d drink hot chocolate and ice skate.”“You? Ice skating? With your lack of coordination?” Jim laughed. “What’d you break?”“Very funny,” Blair said with a snort. Jim kept an eye on Blair.“My wrist.”Jim laughed heartily, his whole body shaking. “Only you, Chief, only you.”“Whatever.”When the first exit for Lake George came up, Jim got off the highway. They meandered through back roads until finally coming upon a diner that looked promising.Feeling adventurous, they ordered the lunch special, which was a surprisingly hearty and tasty chicken and dumplings, followed by slices of homemade caramel apple pie. “Can you recommend a nice bed and breakfast around here?” Blair asked the waitress when she came around to refill their coffee.“Hmm,” she started, “let me think. You might want to check out Perry Inn. It’s not a bed and breakfast exactly, but it’s pretty nice and there’s a restaurant next door.” She looked around and dropped her voice. “Food’s better.”“Thanks,” Jim said, lifting his coffee mug.“It’s a couple miles down the road. Big white building with green shutters.”“Sounds good.” Blair smiled and leaned closer, “Anything special we should order?”She thought for a moment. “Nah, it’s all pretty good. Oh,” she looked around again, “make sure you order a Lake George Iced Tea.”“Is that like a Long Island one?” Blair asked with a laugh.“Yeah,” she nodded. “Tequila, rum, vodka, gin and triple sec, but it’s the pineapple juice and cola that make it a Lake George specialty.” She winked and ambled off to take care of another customer.“Lake George Iced Tea?” Jim asked.“After a nap at the Perry Inn.”“Damn, you are old!”“I’ll show your ass old!” Blair teased quietly.“Promise?” Jim winked.Blair did. And did.
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“Blast!” Eliot heard Sophie cursing as he made his way out the back door. Turning, he double timed it into the darkened bar.“Soph? What’s wrong?” Eliot looked around, assessing the threat level.“Oh!” she said, jumping at his appearance. “Nothing. I, oh, I was just trying to make a drink and...” she shrugged. “If it’s not a pot of tea or a whiskey neat, I’m all thumbs.”Eliot waved her away from behind the bar and slipped off his jacket.“What were you trying to make?”“A Black and White Martini,” she said sheepishly. “I had one a couple nights ago and it was just so good.”“Where was this?” he asked, trying to gage the level of skill the bartender would have had. The more upscale the venue, the more likely distinct the cocktail would be.“Kaplan’s.” Eliot nodded. Very high end.Pushing up his sleeves, Eliot assessed the bottles behind the bar. “Chocolaty?” “Yes.”“Vanilla?”“Yes.”Eliot nodded again and grabbed the vanilla flavored vodka and the dark crème de cacao. He filled a shaker with ice and then added the liquor, three times as much of the vodka, then closed the shaker, giving it a couple of hard, quick shakes.He set a martini glass on the counter and strained the mixture into it before sliding it across the bar.She eyed it thoughtfully. “Looks right.” She gingerly picked up the glass and took a sip. “Oh, my. It’s wonderful.”Eliot smiled, grabbed a beer mug and filled it from the tap. Guinness Stout.They shared the silence of the darkened bar, enjoying their drinks and the calm of the moment. Only with real friends can silence say as much as a few words.