I fiiiiiinally got this finished! I had more than a little help from @carisiismyhomeboy (and bless Cara for putting up with all of my doubts and drafts). Also part of the new series, so enjoy! Also, this is the song I wrapped it around, in case you were wondering.
You shivered as you and Mike stepped out into the cold December night. Although the squad’s unofficial Christmas party was over, neither of you was quite ready for the night to end. Instead, you decided to head to your favorite coffee shop for a hot beverage.
Something had changed between the two of you since that night at the bar a few months ago. You and Mike were little more than strangers before that night, but that changed when he stood up to your ex for you. Mike was sweet and charming, and you two had quickly became friends. You guys hung out whenever your schedules allowed it, oftentimes going out for coffee or a quick bite to eat after his shift at SVU.
Your relationship, or whatever this was, had changed even more recently. Mike had invited you out with him to watch the World Series at one of his favorite bars. The night had gone well, except for the fact that both you and Mike had entirely too much to drink. The alcohol and the post-victory buzz had led to a kiss and a confession that you didn’t know what to do with at the time.
You never told him this, but you remember exactly what happened that night. It wasn’t that you weren’t interested, you were just hesitant to start a new relationship. Between the fact that your last relationship ended with your ex sleeping with someone else and the dates you’d been on since then ended in disappointment, you weren’t really sold on the prospect of dating at all, not to mention all the potential professional fallout for him if the relationship went south. It made sense for you to stay away.
There was something different about Mike, though. You enjoyed spending time with him, and looked forward to getting coffee with him once a week (or when your schedules allowed). Between the conversations, the laughs, and the card games you sometimes played, you had developed feelings for him. The only potential flaw you could see in all of this was your sister’s reaction. She liked Mike well enough, but you weren’t sure that she would like you dating one of her coworkers. You figured that was a conversation you could have later though, after you figured out whether or not you two had a future and what that future might look like.
As the two of you made your way into the coffee shop, you asked Mike to grab your usual table while you ordered up front.
“Hey, Claire! I thought you were going home for the holidays” you said, greeting your friend at the front counter.
“Hey yourself. I had to squeeze in a couple more shifts before I left so that I’m not completely broke before next semester starts. So, will it be just the usual for you guys tonight, or is tonight the night I finally convince you to try one of my concoctions?” she eagerly asked.
“Next time, I promise” you replied, with the honest intention of trying one of her inventions on your next visit.
“All right. I’m gonna hold you to that, you know?” she said, making her way to the espresso machine to start your drinks.
“Yes ma’am” you acknowledged, giving her a sly smile.
“Now, don’t leave that handsome detective you insist on dragging in here waiting. It’s not fair to him to have to sit alone in here all the time, especially if you insist on not dating him.”
When you got back, you noticed Mike staring very pointedly at the light fixture above your table.
“Is that mistletoe?” he asked, his gaze pointed toward the small leaves dangling from the lightshade.
“Yeah, I think it is.” you agreed. Claire had to have done this, knowing that you and Mike would eventually end up here, and sitting at your usual table. Hell, knowing her, that may have been part of the reason she stayed in the city for an extra day. You couldn’t decide if you were slightly annoyed with or grateful for her.
That was something you could think about later. It was now or never to make your move. You leaned across the table, gently placing your hand on his arm to get his attention.
He started to lean in and meet you halfway across the table, but paused with an anxious look on his face.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he questioned, his voice faltering, almost like he didn’t want to get his hopes up.
“Well, it is the season of giving.” you pointed out as you started to bridge the gap.
Moments later, he closed it with a tender kiss to your lips. Unlike the last kiss, this one felt very deliberate, as though he’d been waiting for the perfect opportunity to come along and he wasn’t going to waste it.
As he pulled back, a pregnant pause enveloped the table. Things would never be the same between you two.
“I’ve been wanting to do this with you for so long” he finally said, breaking the silence. “But I have to ask, is this a one-time thing?” His face was lined with cautious hope as he asked the question.
“Not unless you want it to be” you answered, your hand still lingering on his arm.
“How about I take you on a real date, maybe this weekend?” he offered.
“That sounds perfect” you respond. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Claire mouthing something that looked an awful lot like the word “FINALLY.” as she brought you your coffee. You subtly shook your head, trying not to let Mike hear your small snort.
“Can I walk you home tonight?” Mike asked.
“I’m ready to go whenever you are” you responded.
With that, the two of you grabbed your coffee cups and wandered into the night, your hands clasped together.
