"Now, you are really all right with this?" Kermit was speaking to the woman in his life, a self described twentysomething with an odd background and a wonderful loft apt in the city. They were sitting together in the floor in front of the couch, drinking wine and playing with her delicately beautiful black cat.

"I was all right at Christmas, wasn't I? And at New Year's? Besides, you said that you have to go this week." Jewel Adams was used to the mysterious jaunts her ex-mercenary friend, and lover, found so necessary. She made a point of never asking him to put one off, or skip it altogether, but, "I'm not going to lie to you, Kermit, I hate that we won't be together on Valentine's Day, but I'll see you when you get back."

He sighed and brushed his lips across her hair, resting his cheek a moment on her sleek crown. The dark red mass was pulled back in its usual severe plait, hanging straight down her back to her waist, and he reached around to tug at the scrunchie that held it together. "I'm going to miss you, you know." He told her quietly, and the young woman smiled, reaching to gently remove his dark glasses.

"Oh yeah? Show me how much?" she requested, drawing his head down to meet her kiss, as his hand pulled her hairband free. Her mouth tasted like the cold white zinfandel he'd brought home, sweet and leaving him hungry for more. Kermit pulled her against his hard body with one large hand, the other tugged rapidly through her braid, freeing the silky strands, feeling his hands catch and tangle in them as Jewel clung to him, her mouth eager under his.

She left streaks of some dark expensive lipstick on his shirt as she kissed his neck and shoulders, small hands tearing at the buttons as he deftly unzipped the light dress she wore in defiance of February weather, exposing soft skin over hard flesh that she HAD to caress, to taste and touch. The warm male scent of him set off something she never tried to explain to herself, something masculine and Kermit, that somehow made her feel more female than ever in his arms.

Kermit didn't notice when she distracted him from completely removing the light tank top she wore under the jumper dress, his back was alive with sensation as gentle fingers traced a line of fire along his spine. She pressed upward, and her lover, more sensitive than she when it came to her freedom during lovemaking, moved instantly, grinning as she urged him onto his stomach and straddled his body, now wearing only clean cotton boxers. He groaned loudly as her warm flesh made contact with his, stretching full length along his prone body, her hair like a million tickling fingers stroking his sides and back. Her lips teased the sensitive nape of his neck, her breath touched his ear, and strong hands reached around to his chest as she wriggled herself against him.

Kermit cursed softly as Jewel played her teasing game, a familiar one to them both, until he rolled her off and turned once more, fitting them together, holding her tightly as passion darkened her eyes. He kissed the exposed hollow of her throat as she came in his arms, kissed the straining muscles of her neck and shoulders as she threw her head back. Smooth legs wrapped over his ass urged him to his own climax, short fingernails digging into his shoulders and back, a soft voice whispering love words he couldn't quite hear in a throaty cadence.

They kissed good-bye at his car after a night without sleep, and Kermit left. Jewel headed back upstairs, fed Shade and hit the shower, stripping off the crumpled tank top and the old gym shorts she'd slipped into when Kermit was leaving. Without stopping to check the mirror, she stepped into the hot spray, keeping her eyes shut as she soaped her hair and body. The sponge slid over her shoulder and she winced, feeling the slick, newly healed scar tissue, exploring it with her fingertips, refusing to look at the ugly scar. Resolutely, Jewel finished washing, wrapped a towel around her hair and jumped into some clothes, putting it from her mind. She had a lot to do today at the office.

Two days later: The Middle East

Kermit balanced precariously on the jolting windowsill of the old truck as it bounced over the rough desert track at top speed. He leaned out and fired the weapon he held at their antagonists, then slid back inside and ducked as a spray of automatic gunfire hit the back windshield, first crazing, then shattering the thick glass. "Can't this rust bucket go any faster?" he yelled, then, as the driver ignored him, he pulled the smothery, sand encrusted cloth of his burnoose away from his face and yelled again. This time Mehmet turned and gave him a thumbs up before grabbing for the steering wheel as a rut jerked it out of his other hand. "Crazy bastard is enjoying this" Kermit thought grimly as he leaned out the window again and fired. "If I see a smile on his ugly face.." But fortunately for Mehmet, his own headcloth covered any possible grin as he coaxed even more speed out of their ancient transportation.

Same day: the city

Jewel tapped the print key on her computer, signed the last page of the report with her clear, flowing signature, then folded it and addressed the envelope with her client's address. She walked over to drop it in her pick up basket, then stretched and checked the clock. Seven p.m. was a respectable time to call it a night, the private investigator decided. Caine had asked her to stop by for tea one evening, and Jewel suddenly decided to walk over to his studio. She didn't feel like going home just yet. The loft, her sanctuary that she shared with no one, had begun feeling a bit empty without Kermit in the kitchen complaining about her lack of good utensils or exotic spices, lounging on the couch, or holding her at night. "Terrific, I'm Kermitsick. Wonder if Caine has a tea that can cure that?" Jewel thought wryly to herself, and left the office.

Sometime later: The Middle East

The honey cake was sweet in his mouth, and Kermit savoured it, tipping a few ice chips into his hot, thick Turkish coffee before drinking the strong, foamy brew. The remains of an excellent meal lay before him on the low brass table, and he sighed contentedly as servants carried away the leftover lamb kebobs with peppers and onions, loaves of flat bread, bowls of couscous and a tasty eggplant and tomato dish that he had particularly enjoyed. It was good to be clean again, in soft fresh robes, in his old friend's airy city dwelling. Its luxury was concealed behind a high plain stone wall, and the lavish gardens were behind the large house, immaculately groomed by a large, unseen staff of gardeners. He leaned back, taking another small cake, and his host laughed heartily. Mehmet, too, wore clean white robes and his thick black beard was glossy and scented with sandalwood, his oddly beautiful amber eyes amused and at peace. A young serving woman had brought him his water pipe and he added fragrant tobacco, letting her light it before dismissing her with a smile and a gentle wave of his hand. Then he turned back to Kermit.

"It is a good life, eh, my friend? Adventure, danger, excitement, and then this awaits us as a reward. You could do worse! This little escapade of ours has made you a rich man, and me a richer one, there is land here for the taking." He chuckled again, and Kermit joined him. This merry man, surrounded by cats, and children and comforts, seemed more a successful merchant than a hardened mercenary.

"I won't argue the point with you, Mehmet. You have everything you ever wanted back in the old days here."

His host gestured expansively. "I have more!! See?" He gave an order in swift Arabic, and shortly two young women in bright silks came gliding forward, bowing to the guest, their faces veiled. At a word, they removed the light gauze and smiled happily at the two men. Kermit stared behind his dark glasses. They were identical! Two beautiful women, with cafe au lait complexions and eyes like the finest bittersweet chocolate, one with a tiny beauty mark to the left of her mouth, the other with it on the right. "My wives, Miriam and Fatimah. Sisters, twin girls, they didn't want to be separated, and I didn't want to separate them!" Mehmet chortled happily, and his wives settled down on the cushions beside him. He put an arm around each, and continued. "I have six children, so far, four boys and two little daughters. I am a favoured man, my old friend. Allah has smiled upon me. Could he not smile upon you? My wives, their youngest sister is as fair as the dawn, intelligent, and also a good cook. Aiysha is ready to wed, and a young wife is a good thing for a man!"

Kermit bowed in his seated position, knowing that his friend was serious under all the laughter. He wouldn't have mention his young sister in law if he didn't think Kermit to be a worthy man to marry her. "It's a tempting offer, but actually there is a lady waiting for me back in the States. I thought this little job would take a lot longer than it has, and I think I may just hurry back and surprise her." He said musingly, and Mehmet grinned broadly.

"Aha!! I thought there must be a reason you have stayed so young, Kermit! A fair flower has stolen your crusty old heart. Is she a great beauty, like my two jewels?" the desert man asked, and Kermit grinned to himself.

"She's my only Jewel." He said, chuckling, and his host nodded.

"Good. Then go! Leave my house and fly back to her, you son of a she camel, before she comes to her senses. Your American women are allowed to make so many choices, she might choose someone who is handsome, you know."

"Arghh! I'll remember that the next time you send me a message asking for backup, you bearded buffoon. Take care, Mehmet." Kermit stood, and his friend did also, embracing his American brother formally, and saluting him with a kiss of peace on one cheek.

"Allah go with you, Kermit. If you ever have need of me, you have only to send word. If life gets too dull in your city, you know where to find me." And they parted.

Evening: February 14th: The City

The fire had died back to glowing coals in the dark room, and Jewel was asleep on the couch, a copy of JANE on the floor beside her and Harry Connick Jr. on the stereo. Shade was curled in the warm hollow of her back, and it was Shade who looked up as the door opened, green eyes glittering in the streak of light that fell across them. With an inquisitive "mrr?", the little ebony cat leapt down and went to investigate, delighted when Kermit swept her up in one hand for a quick cuddle as he shut and locked the door behind him. She padded along behind him as he quietly knelt by the couch and leaned in to kiss his sleeping lover, tenderly brushing a falling strand of hair off her face.

Blue eyes, dark in the dark room, opened, then opened wide as she recognised him. "Kermit!" and Jewel threw herself into his waiting arms.

For a long time there was silence as they held and kissed and caressed in the warm dim glow, then he felt her flinch as his hand slid under her t shirt, curved over her bare shoulder. "Sweetheart? What is it? Shoulder still hurting?" Her answer was muffled against his shirt and he tried again, moving back so he could see her this time. "Jewel, darlin', is it bothering you again? Have you been pushing it this week?" She shook her head and looked down, Kermit gently bared the tender flesh, and leaned down to kiss it better, but she jerked away.

"Gods, Kermit, don't."

He sat back, stunned. "What? Why not, Jewel..?"

Her voice was tight and she wouldn't look at him, trouble signs he'd learned to recognize. "It's... it's so ugly, Kermit. I can't even stand to look at it, so please don't pretend it's alright, because I know it isn't. It's disgusting, but the doctor said it's too soon to have it removed, something about fresh trauma to the area would just cause more scarring...I have to wait."

And he got it. "Sweetheart, you may have noticed that I've picked up a few souveniers from my past. You never told me how disgusting you found them."

Jewel turned to face him with a start. "Kermit! I don't! You're just the way you should be. I'm just thankful that you're alive after some of.." she trailed off, and an involuntary smile touched her lips. "Oh, very clever, Griffin. Reverse psych, and I fell for it!"

He pulled her across his lap, cradling her close as he spoke. "Jewel, I thought you were going to die that day. I would have given anything to save your life, and if the worse aftermath of your being shot is some scarring, I am more than thankful to your gods. I'd be thankful to mine, but as you know, I don't have any." He took off his glasses then, gently slipped the t-shirt over her head, and explored the area with gentle, knowledgeable hands. "Fully functional, skin doesn't pull at all, the colour is going to fade in the next year like you wouldn't believe, trust me on this. And if anyone ever says anything other than 'thank goodness you survived'.." he trailed off and mimed shooting off his gun, with a grin on his face

"You're nuts, you know that?" she leaned back, her voice and laugh were teasing, caressing , but her eyes were still unconvinced, and he trailed his lips down her neck, to her collarbone, and further, kissing, then nibbling at the sensitive flesh on her shoulder until she sighed.

"Still feels pretty good, huh, kiddo?" he asked cockily, and she shoved at him, but he wrapped her tightly in a two armed embrace. "Nope, you aren't going anywhere until you answer a question for me." he told her, and she sighed in mock frustration.

"All right, what, you big goof?" she teased, pretending to struggle as he slipped something cold over her head with one hand. She reached up, felt a small, heart shape nestled in the hollow of her throat, a cold stone that she knew intuitively was a diamond.

"Be my valentine?"

End

next Story: Duty, Love and Sacrifice

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