[Whitechapel drabble] - One Offer for One Lifetime - Chandler/Kent
Ten more steps.
Emerson Kent can spot him from miles away. Maybe it was the way he was standing. Maybe it was the way his eyes were seriously fixed on his Blackberry, going through messages after messages. Messages that might or might not contain any lead.
Emerson never thought he'd ever feel this strongly towards anyone. He used to think he'd had it all figured out. He lived day by day, doing what he does for a living, and law enforcement was his world. But if there was one thing, one thing that could turn his whole world upside down, it was having this one person, Joe Chandler, coming into his world.
Eight more steps.
There's been a number of cases, a number of office days, out of office days, from dramatic moments tracking down criminals to seemingly endless and boring paperwork. But whenever he's there, Joe, his Joe, everything seemed more than worth it.
Maybe it was how passionate he was with his work, maybe it was the way he arranged his desktop, maybe it was that fascinating mix of awkward order and pleasant guidance. But one thing's for sure. There's always a "thank you", a "good work" or a reply for his texts. There's always a warm voice, a soft look on his blue eyes, the way his face turned serious everytime Em presents him with his findings.
How much he held his staff, no more than that, his team members, in high regard.
Six more steps.
Em had tried to get close, maybe too close for comfort, he had tried to do a little bit more - just for a bit more attention, and he realised he craved it more and more.
Joe's little smile with his morning briefings, Joe's little office-cleaning rituals at end of shift. Until one day Em finally decided that at least, one time, he'd show a nice gesture. He had nothing to lose, because if he didn't he'd regret it forever.
He wanted his boss to know he cared. So in between the sounds of crumpled paper and shuffling of bins, he looked up and went, "Sir, can I offer you a coffee sometime?"
"Yeah, when I get some free time - that would be lovely, thanks, Kent."
"Sure, my pleasure, Sir. Just let me know when you're free."
Four more steps.
And, just like that, four more months had gone since that night. There's been numerous shifts, but the coffee never happened.
Em thought about what he said four months ago, and he'd come to a decision. What might never happen is much less important than all the precious moments he'd had with his Joe.
All the little glimpses of him through the office window, all his leading cases, those fleeting moments at the office, out of the office, at a party, Mansell's wedding - there was one common denominator.
His Joe and the way he charms his way into his soul without even trying.
Em had decided that he'd follow him for a lifetime, and if he could, he'd dedicate his whole life's work to him. Because even if whatever he's longing for towards Joe can never amount to anything, there's always those precious moments.
Two more steps.
Maybe it's love, maybe it's lust, whatever it is they call it. But Em knew, that unmistakable zest he feels in the morning, that shot of energy he gets whenever he catches a glimpse of Joe while stacking up all those pesky files, and the warmth that seeps deep within him when he knew his work's been appreciated - was all that mattered to him. There's always bits of advice, lessons here and there, moments of inspiration, but one thing's for sure, this was real.
And now, the man whom he'd decided will be his lifetime, his forever, was standing right in front of him. Perfectly wrapped in his tasteful overcoat, topped with impeccable hair and that flawless persona.
He made that one offer, he'd made his point, and that would be valid for a lifetime.
Because if there was one thing Em was grateful for, is that he gets to work alongside him sometime during his lifetime.
And when Joe turned to glance up from his phone, somehow a ray of light shot past the blustery streets behind him. Another case was waiting for them.
Just another case in Em's lifetime. A lifetime he'd entirely, and irrevocably offer for Joe and Joe only.
A smile crept up his face, followed by an adoring look.
"Good morning, Sir."
And Joe nodded with eyes already filled with a day's work.
"Good morning, Kent."
But Emerson wouldn't have his lifetime any other way.