{ denotes sign language }

Rafe nearly fell out of his car, his body on the verge of collapse, his features drawn with exhaustion. Catching the car door, he pulled himself upright and stood still for several minutes, willing his tired limbs to function long enough to get him safely inside his home. The slamming shut of the front door startled him and he realized he had walked from his car to his condo without conscious thought.

"Damn! I must be more tired than I thought." Throwing his keys on the small table that sat just inside the foyer, Rafe didn't even raise an eyebrow when they skidded across the highly polished surface and fell to the floor. He managed a half smile and said, "Catch ya later."

Pulling his tie loose, Rafe stumbled toward his bedroom, groaning softly as abused muscles protested each step. He paused only long enough to switch on the electric blanket before moving into the master bathroom. A shocked gasp escaped him when he finally caught sight of himself in the mirror, his reflection a brutal reminder of the past 48 hours.

A copy cat sniper had decided to terrorize the citizens of Cascade, providing all those involved with a bloody memory of this year's Christmas. An all out manhunt had drawn to an abrupt close when the sniper misjudged his step and skidded across a snow covered rooftop, falling to his death, his high power rifle impaling him in the heart.

Too tired to bathe, Rafe simply stripped off his clothes and threw every article of clothing in the trash can. After splashing his face with water, he walked naked into the bedroom and slid under the covers, his last thoughts barely making a dent in his consciousness.

It's Christmas and Jakob's coming over. I'll sleep a few hours, then get up and cook the turkey.

More than ready to dance with Mr. Sandman, Rafe waggled his fingers at his bedside clock and, fully believing he had set his alarm, tucked his hand beneath his cheek and fell promptly asleep.

+++++++

A strange sensation teased Rafe slowly awake. Someone was licking him, licking his nipples to be exact. Cracking one eye open, he found a mane of mahogany hair filling his field of vision.

"Jakob?" Groaning at the soreness in his shoulders, Rafe lifted his hand and tangled his fingers in Jakob's hair, tugging on the thick strands in an attempt to get the younger man's attention.

A grin of pure wickedness greeted him. "Merry Christmas, Bri. Have you been a good boy this year?" Jakob captured Rafe's answer in a kiss, taking advantage of the man's open mouth and thrusting his tongue inside to savor his lover's breathless moan. Nipping lightly on Rafe's bottom lip, Jakob purred, "Definitely yes! You have been a very good boy."

Rafe licked his lips as he turned on his side and snuggled deeper into his collection of pillows. { What time is it? }

Jakob slid further on the bed and started nibbling on Rafe's earlobe. "Ten o'clock. I know I'm early but I thought I'd come over and play around in the kitchen with you."

Rafe groaned. { Only ten o'clock? } The FBI agent swatted at Jakob's teasing tongue. { You have no idea the night I just had. Wake me up in a couple of hours and I'll start cooking our Christmas supper. }

Jakob smiled as Rafe covered his head with a pillow. He patted his hidden lover's head and announced, "I'll do the cooking, old man. You look like you need some major downtime.'

Lifting the pillow off his face, Rafe eyed his grinning lover suspiciously. "You can cook?"

Jakob peeled Rafe's fingers off his arm and proceeded to suck suggestively on each one. After twirling his tongue around the ring he had given him, he declared, "I'm a most excellent cook, if I may say so. Simon taught me."

"Uh huh. If I remember right, the only dish Simon knew how to cook was chili. And that was from the can." Rafe gripped Jakob's hand. "Please promise me you won't burn anything down."

Jakob crossed his heart as he made his pledge. "I promise I won't set your home on fire."

"Keep an eye on the stove. It's a bit persnickety," Rafe mumbled as he tucked the pillow under his head and closed his eyes.

"What was that? Bri?"

Rafe was dead asleep and Jakob sat watching him, thoroughly enjoying the simple moment. After a few seconds, he noticed Rafe had gone to bed without his usual designer pj's. Giving in to his curiosity, Jakob snuck a peek under the covers and whistled at the sight of Rafe's naked body, his gaze immediately zeroing in on the man's slumbering cock. Reaching forward to tickle the circumcised head, he whispered, "Forget the pecan pie. I say we eat that for dessert."

As if he knew Jakob was being naughty, Rafe rolled over on his stomach, shifting his cock completely out of sight.

"I was only going to take a little taste." Pretending to pout, Jakob rearranged the sheet and blanket over Rafe's lower torso before scrambling off the bed. "Time to go cook my first Christmas turkey."

+++++++

"Do you really think this is appropriate attire to be wearing while eating Christmas dinner?" Rafe smoothed his hand over the expensive leather jacket Jakob had given him as a present. "Not to mention a tad bit cold," he indicated the obvious lack of a shirt underneath his jacket.

Jakob slid his hands over Rafe's naked chest, scoring his nails over the man's nipples. "Well that depends…."

"Depends on what?" Rafe removed his lover's hands and took a seat at the dining room table.

Undaunted, Jakob moved to stand behind Rafe's chair and resumed his exploration of the man's chest as he whispered in Rafe's ear, "Depends on whether I want to make a meal out of you or the food I cooked this afternoon."

Rafe turned his head and nuzzled Jakob's cheek. { How 'bout we save this particular course for later? } Smiling, he offered Jakob a tender kiss before instructing, { Bring on the food, Emeril. I'm starved! }

Jakob reached over Rafe's shoulder and snagged his napkin. Shaking it out, he made a big production of settling it in his lover's lap, taking full advantage of the maneuver to stroke his hand over Rafe's crotch.

"Jakob," Rafe growled softly. { That is not on the menu. }

"Not at this moment." Jakob quickly danced away, avoiding the hand intent on swatting his behind. "We'll save that for a late night snack." Licking his lips, he grinned over his shoulder at Rafe as he disappeared into the kitchen.

"I swear all he ever thinks of is sex." Chuckling to himself, Rafe examined the banquet of food covering the dining room table, amazed at the delicious aromas drifting up from the various dishes.

"Dinner is served!" Jakob called out as he re-entered the room carrying the turkey.

Rafe smiled at his young lover, admiring the long sleeve cable knit sweater he was wearing. The moment Rafe had laid eyes on that particular garment and rubbed its softness against his cheek, he knew it would be added to the growing pile of gifts he had bought for Jakob. The dark amethyst color was absolutely perfect, not to mention the image of the sweater hugging Jakob's lean form was enough to get Rafe a little warm under the collar.

{ Now that is a beautiful sight. }

A slight blush colored Jakob's cheeks as he realized Rafe's compliment was aimed at him and not the turkey he was setting on the table. "Thanks."

Rafe reached forward and slid his hand along Jakob's arm, savoring the softness of the sweater. "You have no idea know how much I appreciate you being here." He pulled Jakob to his side and wrapped his arms around the youth's waist. "Not only has it been a hellish past couple of weeks but…." Rafe's gaze turned to the picture frames resting on the mantle over the fireplace. "… this will be my first Christmas without any family."

Jakob sank to his knees and embraced the older man, touching his cheek to Rafe's as he whispered, "You're not without family, Bri. Not this year, not ever." Cupping the sides of Rafe's face, Jakob brushed his thumbs over his lover's lips before kissing him softly. "You've got me plus three… we'll make sure you'll never be alone."

Rafe returned Jakob's kiss, sinking his fingers into the older teenager's long hair and pulling him closer, his mouth devouring the soft moans Jakob could not silence. After a moment, Rafe relaxed his hold and, with a tender smile on his face, carefully signed the words he had been wanting to share for months, { I love you, Jakob Sandburg. }

For once the brash young man was speechless, his usual expressive face hidden in the folds of Rafe's leather jacket, his hands convulsively gripping the soft material. Rafe held Jakob for several moments before helping him to stand, smiling at the unshed tears that threatened to escape down Jakob's face. Touching the teenager's cheek, he acknowledged the words his lover struggled to voice. "It's okay. Your eyes tell me everything you can't say."

Rubbing his suddenly runny nose, Jakob nodded his head toward the turkey. "You wanna do the honors?" He picked up the carving knife and handed it to Rafe, his brilliant smile of love almost blinding the older man.

Grasping Jakob's hand briefly, Rafe accepted the knife and began to carve the delicious looking bird, its outer skin crispy brown.

"Jakob? I thought you said you knew how to cook."

Jakob frowned at the concerned expression on Rafe's face. "Of course, I know how to cook, silly. That's the best damn looking turkey you've ever seen."

"Then why is all this pink juice running out of it?"

"Uh oh."

End of chapter 11

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