Dancing Queen

Title: Dancing Queen
Author: Kim Riley a.k.a. MYSTIC
Disclaimer: The characters belong to the producers of Emergency. Also, the character Mike Stoker is in no relation to the real one. Since they are no longer using them I’ve decided to take our boys out of the ‘closet’ and let them play and be happy. Enjoy.
Summary: An unexpected moment of honesty during what is sure to be most embarrassing for Johnny, may lead to unexpected rewards.
Warning: Non-consent drug use. (Meaning someone forces drugs on another)
Rating: R (for drug usage and a touch of language…probably not really R, but what the heck.)
Pairing: John Gage/ Mike Stoker (Emergency fandom)
Archived: at (or will be archived at) http://www.geocities.com/mysticmcknight/KimRstorylist.html
If you want to archive it, please do, just let me know.
Feedback: Please! Mysticmcknight@hotmail.com

"Dancing Queen"

"Well, how is he doing?" Roy asked, as he sat on the exam table at Rampart, with Mike Stoker keeping him company, as Doctor Kelly Bracket and Nurse Dixie McCall entered.

"He's resting, and with the exception of a few scraps and bruises, he's going to be fine," Kel said, walking up to Roy and started giving him the once over. "You're blood tests came back clean, but I'd like to keep you overnight just to be sure," he stated, taking a half step back from his patient and friend.

"That's fine. Is Jo here yet?" Roy asked, concerned how his wife was going to take his 'latest' injury.

"Not yet," Dixie replied, moving on instinct to get Roy some water. "So, tell me. What happened?" she asked, knowing that Kel and the rest of Rampart was wondering what lead up to having their two favorite paramedics at patients for all things…drug use…illegal drug use.

"Well, it started out innocently enough," Roy replied, smiling his thanks for the water. "The day had been going like any other slow day when we got the call for man down at 828 West Harrington…"

"We found out later that dispatch was given the wrong address, it was 882 East Harrington," Mike added in a quiet voice.

"Yeah, big difference of neighborhood," Roy scoffed. "Johnny had commented the moment we arrived that the place looked 'creepy', just before calling us in," Roy continued.

"Isn't that, that development that's near the new construction down town," Kel asked for clarification.

"Oh yeah, and there is a big office building there too…'lot's' of secreta," ," Mike adds, a slight chuckle as he spoke.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Dixie asked, seeing the exchanged smirks between the two firemen.

"You'll see," Roy said. "Anyway, we headed to the house…"

*******

"Hello, did someone call the fire department?" Roy shouted, his partner right behind him as they walked right into the semi open door of the broken down brownstone, which was connected to several other broken down apartment buildings. "Are you sure this is the right place?" he asked over his shoulder as he stepped over some broken beer bottles.

"I checked the address…twice," Johnny replied, not liking the feel of this place any better than his partner.

"Well…up or down," Roy asked, for it looked like they would have to go in search of their patient.

Johnny really hated being here, this place gave him the creeps and the last thing he wanted to do was to go down into any basements…but Roy had kids and a wife… "Down, I guess."

Roy smirked, he knew Johnny hated basements, especially after that last horror movie Chet dragged the guys too on their monthly get together. "Being martyr on me again, Junior," he teased.

Johnny was not about to show fear, even if Roy was his best friend, "Well, someone has too. And last I looked, you don't look the hero type," he teased back, having teased Roy a few weeks ago, how heroes were always young, glooklooking, and single…since it was Roy's birthday and the man was approaching 30…in a few years.

Roy laughed, knowing Johnny was playing it cool; his sense of humor was aiding in elevating the tension he was feeling. "Okay, ten minuets…either way, check back here, got it?"

"Got it," Johnny replied and turned right, and headed away from his partner. "Fire Department," John called out as he entered the next room.

Roy moved up the stair well, "Fire Department," he too called out as he moved up the stairs cautiously.

He moved up the stairs and down the long hall, taking note that the doors to the rooms were either open or half off the hinge, either way he could see inside and they were empty; though he could tell that someone had been staying here recently by the pile of stuff and rumpled blankets, and half used candles. He stepped up his search so he wouldn't have to come back up here after his ten minutes were up.

Roy hurried down stairs, confident that no one was up there and relaxed at the exit, waiting for his partner to show. After a few minutes, when Johnny didn't show he was tempted to go straight and look for him, but his gut was telling him something was wrong and to get back up; since it was the same instinct that got him through Nam' he listened and moved outside to the squad and called for the engine, stating that no patiead bad been found. Then he went back to look for Johnny…he really should have listened better to his gut.

**********

"Turns out there was a gang or some group getting high in the basement and saw Johnny as 'new meat' as well as the…well wisher as they called him," Roy stated, shifting on the exam table, trying to get comfortable. "By the time I showed up, they had him cuffed to a pipe, and had rummaged through the drug box."

"So, how did you two…" Kel gestured at Roy and the invisible representation of Johnny, indicating how did the two paramedics wound up in this situation.

"Well, obviously they jumped me as they did Johnny, and cuffed me too. Then the leader, some ruffian they called Snake, just as high and demented as the rest of them, thought it would be fun to play a game with us," Roy replied. "He pulled out several drugs from the kit as well as things he had with him and started playing…chemist."

"That's why Johnny was so messed up," Dixie asked, truly concerned for her young friend.

"Yeah. They thought it be funny to see what would happen if they played some sort of drug roulette. He set up about seven or so needles and mixed them up so if anyone was paying attention to what he put in what, they wouldn't be able to keep track…I think that's why he did it. Then he told us we were playing too. We both told him we were not interested in his games, and I was praying that the engine would arrive soon…"

"Sorry we didn't arrive sooner," Mike stated, his remorse and guilt clear in his voice and eyes.

"It wasn't you're fault, Mike. They were so high and uncaring, even if they did hear the engine I don't think it would have stopped them," Roy told Mike, trying to assure his friend that there was no need to feel guilty. Roy then looked back at the others, "Well, as you can imagine, Snake was not too happy with our 'lacking' enthusiasm to play and decided that since we were being spoil sports we should go first."

"My word, you're both lucky he didn't kill you," Kel gasped.

"He threatened us, that if we didn't choose a 'hit' he would give us both two. Well, it doesn't take a genius to know our chances of an overdose with two unknown substances were even higher, so we both prayed for the best. We tried to guess what we were getting by the color, but it was difficult to see them as we picked one, though he never actually let us have them," Roy explained. He sat back and sighed. "Well, as you can imagine, he took them and had his 'gang' keep us still, for we still resisted. Johnny actually managed to kick one guy in the groin…"

"Too bad it didn't help in the long run," Dixie sighed.

"Yeah, it gets a bit hazy after that. Doc, what did he give me?" Roy asked, concerned over his condition.

"I don't have all the blood tests back yet, only the one stating your system is clean, but from all the symptoms you were showing, it was some sort of barbiturate."

"Great," Roy drawled too too pleased.

"So what happened next?" Dixie asked. "You still haven’t explained the secretaries yet."

Mike gave another chortle. "Well, I guess the next part in on me," he smiled, knowing that Roy wouldn't know this part as well as he did. "By the time we arrived, and the dispatch couldn't contact the squad, the police arrived with us. Well, they arrested the group as squad 10 was called in, for by then Roy and Johnny were out of it. Roy seemed…sleepy ast. st. Johnny seemed disoriented, so we didn't expect what happened to happen."

Just then the door opened to reveal Captain Stanley, "Hey pal," he greeted, glad to see Roy was not only looking better but smiling. "I came to check on you and Johnny, how is he?"

"Resting," Kel told the fire Captain. "He'll be out of it for the rest of day and probably will sleep for at least a day if not more."

"Poor kid," Hank replied, shaking his head.

"We were just telling them what happened," Roy informed his ain.ain. "Mike was about to tell us what I missed after you arrived."

"Oh boy, Chet is going to have a field day with this one," Hank Stanley laughed. "Though to be fair, Johnny had his sha share making us all look like fools."

Dixie giggles, w yow you have to tell me what happened," she insisted.

"Well, as I said," Mike continued as if not interrupted. "Squad 10 was called in, Brice and Dwyer were on duty. Brice thought Johnny too disoriented so didn't see the need to restrain him on the stretcher. Both were about to be lo int into the ambulance when Roy's vitals took a nose dive," Mike stated, patting Roy on the arm to show his concern.

"Don't worry, Roy, your heart never stopped," Kel assured his friend, seeing his slight panic.

"Anyway, Brice and the attendants naturally turned their attention on Roy, leaving what they thought was an out cold John Gage alone."

"That was a mistake, wasn't it," Dixie smirked, almost seeing what might have happened next.

"Oh…it sure was," Hank snickered.

*******

"He's stable, lets get them out of here," Brice said to his partner.

"Hey!"

The two paramedics, the attendants, as well as Mike, Marco and the Captain, turned toward the voice, which sounded like a very annoyed Chet Kelly. What they saw astounded them.

It seemed that John Gage had waken during the 'brief' crisis with Roy and had proceeded to remove the IV and free himself of the safety straps and had picked up a fire extinguisher that was near the back cab of the engine and had decided that Chet needed to be put out…laughing like a maniac.

"Not funny, Gage. Shouldn't you be on a leash or something," Chet growled. Then tried to grab Johnny, not only because he knew Johnny needed to go to the hospital, but because he was pissed off at being doused by a fire extinguisher and didn't like John sticking his tongue out at him.

Johnny side stepped Chet with ease and laughed at him, and side stepped the fireman three more times, as Chet tried to apprehend Gage, slipping and sliding like an idiot.

"Captain, it's obvious that Gage is not in his right mind. It would be advisable to apprehend him and restrain him before he hurts himself…" Brice paused seeing Chet fall on his butt, "or someone else," he added, suppressing the smirk he feltseeiseeing the other man fall…it wasn't professional. HankHank, Mike and Marco had no such restraint and laughed. "Okay guys, go get him," Hank ordered Mike and Marco.

Both firemen moved toward Johnny who seemed intent on Chet who looked like a turtle on his back, though they were not quick enough and Johnny was ns uns unaware as they thought as he whirled around and tossed the empty fire extinguisher to Mike. "I love Tag," he laughed and started running toward the engine.

Marco was hot on Johnny's trail; that was until Johnny hit one of the pump switches that would empty the tank should there be a need, and Marco went slipping and sliding in the sudden wave of water that hit him and the street. Thankfully Brice and the two attendants that were going to be transporting Gage were close, since they too were after the stoned Paramedic, and caught him before he could be hurt.

"I'll get the tank, get Gage," Hank ordered Stoker and the others, Roy now safely on his way to the hospital. Even the cops were now after Gage, since the others were also on their way to Rampart under arrest, but because of their condition, they would need medical observation before being taken to jail.

*********

"I never knew Johnny was so agile," Mike snickered.

"Yeah," Hank agreed. "You guys know Vince right?" he asked, sure that Dixie and Bracket did, and was right seeing them both nod yes. "Well, he actually managedgrabgrab a hold of Gage…"

"But didn't keep him," Mike laughed.

"How did he get away, he didn't hurt Vince did he," Roy asked, concerned for his partner and his friend.

"Just his pride," Hank laughed. "The little imp lifted his arms straight up and shimmied right out of his grasp so quickly, Vince didn't know what happened until Johnny was on the run again."

"Man, that must have been a sight to see," Roy laughed, imagining his partner giving everyone the slip.

"It was," Mike snickered. "He lead everyone on a wild goose chase, slipping passed us all, then he went into the construction site…"

***********

"Johnny no!" Mike shouted seeing Gage run into the construction site, they were refitting an older office building with a new look, so there was lots of heavy equipment laying around, as well as lots of scaffolds and other things that could mean serious injuries if something went wrong.

By this time, Mike was mainly on his own, for Gage had managed to temporarily 'take out' the others. Marco, with the help of Dwyer, was trying to get out of a trash can he got knocked into and was now stuck, and Brice was wiping the mud from his now 'broken' glasses, muttering something about tranquilizer guns and legalities.

Mike last spotted Gage dashing between the two buildings that stood close to each other, though one was getting work done, and heade tha that direction. He noticed as he went that it opened to another alleyway and was concerned that he may have lost Johnny when he heard a sound from his right and dashed that way. He didn't expect to be grabbed by Johnny and pressed up against the wall, with his slim body pressed against his.

"Why don't we forget the chase and get right to the fun," Johnny purred, as he rubbed himself up and down on Mike's firm body, while opening his shirt and planting kisses on his jaw, neck, and chest.

Stunned by Gages actions, Mike was frozen for a moment. This strange crazy day was suddenly turning into one of his wildest fantasies…then reality hit him, Johnny was not in his right mind and could believe he was a woman or something. "Johnny, what are you doing?" he asked, trying to get John to stop his ministrations for they were exciting him, and this was defiantly not the place for it.

"I'm tried of waiting, baby, I know you want me," John purred, and then kissed Mike senseless. "Now, why don't you show me how much by taking me right now," he whispered in a husky needful voice.

Stunned by what Johnny was saying, shocked at himself for even considering it, even if for half a heart beat, Mike pushed Johnny away from him, forgetting for the moment he was supposed to be restraining him.

"Oh, I see, your just like the rest of them, use me and abuse me," John shouted, his mood now angry and hurt. "N "No, Johnny, that's not it. You're not in your right mind now, you were given something…" Mike pleaded, upset with himself for putting that hurt in those dark eyes he has adored for years. "Let's just get you taken care of…then we can talk…" Mike added, for if there was 'any' chance that John was interested, he was willing to take that chance…but not this way.

As unpredictable as ever, John moved toward Mike than shoved him to the ground and started climbing the fire escape at a rapid pace. He was half way up when Marco and Dwyer showed up.

********

"I wish you could have gotten pictures or something…" Kel laughed. "I'd like to have seen Brice…all covered in mud," he chuckled as did the others.

Mike laughed too, for he told them about Brice, Marco and how he lost John in the alleyway…he's never hurt John by telling anyone what happened, including Gage himself if he didn't recall on his own.

"So he went to the roof of the building," Dixie asked, seeing the humor in the tale, but concerned for her friend.

"Yes. He once gain started his game of 'tag' as he saw it with us, and started going from roof top to roof top, at the time they were minimal jumps, but still dangerous," Mike replied, recalling how John danced across the room with the grace of a cat and with the mischievousness of an imp. "He was playing with us the entire time, letting us believe we were getting close then dash off…"

"You couldn't get him to hold still, and even if you though he was, it seemed he already had his escape route planned…that or he was just damn lucky," Hank added.

"I know Johnny's intelligent but…"

"Doc, try playing chess with him," Roy smirked, knowing that to do so would be a unique experience.

Kel laughed, "I take it you have."

"Oh yeah," Roy laughed. "You can't get him to hold still worth a damn but…"

"He still beat you didn't he," Dixie smiled warmly.

"With ease," Roy chuckled.

"Hey, didn't you once mention that you were rather good at chess," Kel asked recalling a thought from the past.

"I was state champion for one year," Roy replied proudly. "The next year I got beat out in the semi-finals by a girl named Susie Carmichael.

"And Johnny beat you?" Hank asked, suddenly reevaluating his youngest member of his team.

"Cap, his style is so…"

"Unpredictable," Mike finished for Roy, seeing that that was just how Johnny was at times.

"Yes. He seemed to be all over the board, then the next thing I knew, he was calling checkmate and damned if it wasn't," Roy confessed.

"So again, where does the office building come in," Dixie asked, wanting them to get back to the story.

"Well, as I said, he was on the roof, going from one to another, but the farther he went, the more distance between buildings there was and more construction. Eventually he was downtown near that office building I told you about," Mike continued.

*************

"Gage get back here, you're going to get hurt," Chet shouted, having joined his fellow firemen ie che chase, having dried off some, as he saw Johnny leap over onto another building with ease…but the distance in his failing a jump was decreasing with each jump…they were now up to getting a latter to cross the buildings for it was becoming too dangerous to attempt to jump.

"I can't get hurt, I'm superman," Johnny laughed and giggled as he moved away from his pursers, enjoying the chase way too much.

"You're not superman, man, you’re a paramedic who is way too high on something," Marco shouted back.

They all thought they might be catching a break as they watched John stop his running and slow to a stop, looking dizzy and a bit disoriented. Mike was the first across the ladder and waited half a heart beat to be sure that Dwyer, who was behind him would be safe before taking pursuit again.

"Hey, do you hear that?" Johnny shouted, looking around searching for something. He seemed to find it before Mike could reach him and started off once again, this time at an angle.

"What is that?" Chet asked as he joined the others, hearing a strange sound.

"It sounds like music," Marco replied.

"Music…up here?" Chet exclaimed. Both men shrugged and followed Stoker and Dwyer as they chased down Gage before their friend made one leap too many.

Johnny however had found the source of the sound; one of the construction workers had a radio blasting the latest dance music. The radio was located on a scaffold that stretched the main roadway below, over a fifty foot drop smack dead into traffic. It was narrow and by quick examination, not overly safe. Johnny however didn't see any problems with it and made his way out there with ease, suddenly taken with the urge to dance.

**************

"This is where the secretaries come in," Mike commented for Dixie. Seems it was lunch time and a lot of them were just heading out when one of them spotted John on the scaffold…dancing," he grinned.

"Well, I must admit, that must have been an interesting sight," she chuckled.

"Gets more interesting, especially when he tossed his jacket off," Hank smirked. "Someone started shouting take it off and guess what…"

"That's why he only had on his pants," Dixie laughed, picturing John Gage doing a strip tease in down town LA.

"Yeah," Mike added. "Someone also got the bright idea of matching the radio channel so the music really blared all around, so if you can imagine, Gage was dancing to Abba's Dancing Queen."

"Actually, this wasn't a bad thing," Hank interjected, seeing his friends in tears from laughter. "This distraction gave us time to get to him."

"Seemed his adoring public wasn't too happy with us," Mike laughed, though inside he was very relieved he had reached Gage before the young man embarrassed himself even more. One thing for sure, John knew how to move his body…and what a body! "We also got him out of there before the press showed up, so all they know was 'someone' dressed like a firefighter was out there, but not who." Mike mentally noted that he was glad that the jacket that fell to the street had no name plate and Johnny's uniform shirt got stuck on the scaffold and was easily retrieved.

"Poor Johnny," Dixie laughed, but she knew the repercussions from something like this could hurt the sensitive young man, regardless of how cocky he came off.

"W I s I spoke with the chief and told him what happened, and he informed me that no one is going to release any names and that unless someone can produce any 'evidence' that it was a real firefighter, they're going to remain in denial," Hank informed her and his friends.

"I'm glad to hear that, but what's going to keep the others quiet," Roy asked, concerned that Chet might blab or Brice feeling it's his civic duty might spill the beans.

"Mutual humiliation," rep replied, having already subtly threatened them both with the fact that if word got out about Gage's incident, they too would feel the sting of humiliation and retribution. Brice didn't seem as effected by his threat, until he saw how pale Chet got. Kelly knew first hand that it was a bad thing to get in Mike's dog house. One of the reasons the Phantom was not around as much as he use to be.

Once more the door to the treatment room opened admitting Joan DeSoto. "Oh Roy," she cried with relief to see her husband well.

"Well, we'll leave you two alone for a while and I'll make arrangements for your overnight…just for observation," Kel said, stressing the latter part so Joan wouldn't worry too much.

"Roy, what happened?" she asked, hugging him tightly.

"Well…"

****************

It had been a week since the incident and Johnny had been cleared to return to duty four days ago, but he had not done so, claiming he needing more time, and thankfully the department was being supportive of him, giving him sick time to recuperate.

The problem wasn't physical, it was mental. Physically he was fine, but he had humiliated himself in front of 'everyone' and worse yet, he made a bold pass at Mike Stoker. He could still feel the heat from his strong muscular chest, and taste the tangy sweetness of his lips…how in the hell was he going to face him now. It had taken him years to perfect his 'playboy' façade, when in fact he was gay. He knew any attention he got from Mike was general, and wishful thinking, but he recalled accusing Mike of wanting him, than kissing him…spirits he was in trouble.

He thought about transferring, but what station had not heard about what happened, even if they did manage to keep it out of the papers. No, if he was going to be a laughing stock he might as well do it with those he could taunt back. But there was still one problem…Mike. If he admitted to recalling everything, would Mike make an issue out of it…bring charges…or just let it go. Then there was that tiny spark of hope that what Mike said about 'later' being real…he was confused.

Johnny was startled out of his thoughts by a knock at his apartment door. The last thing he wanted was company, but knew sooner or later he would have to face someone. He shifted through his living room, subconsciously adjusting his red and black flannel shirt and tucking it in his jeans, no concern that he was barefoot as he opened the door to see the one person he really was 'not' ready to face…Mike Stoker. "Ah…Mike," he stuttered, then swallowed hard, and tried to plaster a smile on his face, but it was difficult. "Ah…what brings you here?" he asked, feeling very awkward.

"I came to see you," Mike replied, giving a shy smile. "Mind if I come in," he asked, taking note that Johnny was nervous. The question was, was it due to situation in general or did he remember what hned.ned. And if the latter, how best to play it off?

"Ah, yeah, sure man, come on in," Johnny replied realizing he was forgetting his manners by letting his friend stand out in the hall. He stepped aside and watched Mike enter his apartment and wondered what he was going to say if Mike brought up the 'incident' between them. "Can I get you anything, coffee, beer?"

"Whatever you're having," Mike replied, also nervous, wondering how to bring the subject up.

Johnny headed to his kitchen and looked in his fridge…no beer. //Guess I have to go shopping,// he thought, knowing that eventually he had to exit his apartment. He searched his cupboards and found some instant coffee. It wasn't his favorite, but it would take time to make a decent cup. "I've got instant or do you want to wait and I'll make us some?" he shouted from the kitchen.

"I'll wait for the good stuff," Mike replied, more than willing to wait for one of Johnny's cups of coffee. He was the only one who made it 'just right' as far as he and most of the crew believed. Gage was no chef, but he knew how to make great coffee.

"K' I'll be out in a sec," he shouted back.

Mike took the time to remove his jacket, and then put it back on…he was nervous. He settled for taking it off and laying it across a nearby chair and took a seat on the sofa, trying to relax as best he could.

"It'll be a few minutes," Johnny said, as he exited the kitchen, seeing Mike sitting on his sofa as if he belonged there. //If only he did,// Johnny thought for a moment. Then tried to push those thoughts aside and took a seat in the chair across from him. "So…how are things?" he asked, hoping some small talk would be enough.

"Not the same without you," Mike replied honestly. "Too quiet," he smiled softly.

Johnny gave a crooked grin in response, for it had to be true if Mike said it. He was not known for being anything but honest, which gave him hopes, but still… "Brice get his glasses fixed," he asked, knowing they would have to broach this subject eventually, might as well start on neutral ground.

"Yeah, the department covered it, since they broke in the line of duty," Mike snickered, but was glad that the department backed their men when needed. "Marco has developed a phobia of small trash cans," he teased, and relaxed seeing Johnny give a genuine laugh…it was good to hear.

"I hear Roy is back to work," Gage commented.

"Yeah, but he didn't have as much junk in his system as you did…"

"Well, yeah…" John looked away, some guilt in his eyes.

"Hey, it wasn't your fault," Mike said, shifting on the sofa so he was sitting up and leaning toward Johnny. "It could have easily been Roy…"

"Oh I doubt that," Johnny snickered. "The most you would have gotten out of him would have been a waltz…"

Mike had to snicker, "well, you dive ive us quiet the chase. In fact, Vince asked me to ask you to show him that move you used on him, in case someone else tried it on him."

"I'll think about it, I might need it again some day," Johnny replied, relaxing a little, but felt the subject getting closer.

"Look, Johnny, I'd like to talk to you about something," Mike stated, suddenly serious and nervous.

"The alleyway," Johnny replied, knowing now was the time. //Play it off,// he decided, not wanting to risk his career over wistful thinking. "Look, Mike, as you said, I was out of it…so no hard feelings," he grinned, giving his most charming, hoping to move passed this and hopefully go back to being friends. It would kill him to lose Mike's friendship.

Mike sat there for a long moment, staring at Johnny, seeing the carefree playboy attitude, the half grin that seem to make the incident just a jest for the moment, to be tossed aside and forgotten as a harmless prank. Problem was, it wasn't a joke to him, and as he looked deeper, having learned to look past Gage's facades, he saw the nervousness, the hesitation, the…hope? //Now or never Stoker,// he told himself. He slowly stood up and took a deep breath. "But there are hard feelings, Johnny," he said seriously.

//Oh no,// Johnny thought with fear. If he didn't act fast he was about to lose one of his dearest friends. He stood up also, "Look, Mike, I'm sorry….really…please don't be upset," he pleaded, not sure what to say.

Mike took a half step forward and saw Johnny flinch and realized the younger man though he might be in for a beating…he saw the fear; he never wanted Johnny to be afraid of him again and regretted seeing it in John's eyes. "I'd like a real chance," he said, hoping this would clarify that he had no intentions of becoming violent.

"Ah…what?" Johnny asked, startled by Mike's words.

"A real chance. As you said, you were high and not fully yourself. I'd like a chance to see what the 'real' you is like," he replied, feeling a blush fill his cheeks as he moved closer, thrilled that Johnny didn't flinch this time as he did so.

This wasn’t happening…was it? Mike Stoker, the man of his dreams was asking….wanting…what? "Mike, exactly what is it you want…" before he could finish his sentence he found out what Mike wanted…a kiss.

"Wow," was all Johnny could say as Mike released him, of the kiss, still holding him close.

"You are one of the most beautiful men I've ever met, John Gage, and I'm not just talking about that sexy body of yours, which you know how to move," he grinned, having seen Johnny dance, "but your compassion is unmatched and your heart seems unlimited. So, as I said, I have feelings for you, Johnny, hard feelings. I could say I love you, having known you for all these years, but that would be too soon, but I know it wouldn't take much at all for me to fall for you hook line and sinker. The question now is…how do you feel about me and am I worth the risk?"

//Wow!// Johnny thought, for the shy Mike Stoker got down and bold when he wanted too. He swallowed hard once again. "Mike, you…I…" he couldn't believe it…he was speechless. //Chet would have a field day with this if he knew,// he thought, still trying to form words. //Heck with it,// he thought and jumped Mike and kissed him with all he had. When he released Mike and saw the dazed look, he grinned, //now that should answer his questions.// he thought, pleased with his solution.

"I'll take that as a double yes," Mike finally replied, getting his barring once more. "So, how about we get some of your terrific coffee to go and go for a drive. I think we need to talk and to be honest having a bedroom this close is dangerous for us right now," he smiled, feeling the blush once more cross his face.

"Works for me," Johnny replied, and then grinned, he recovered his voice. "For regardless of what I let Chet think, I'm not easy," he smiled.

"Oh, I never thought that, Johnny. How about dinner and some dancing," Mike proposed.

"I don't know, I kind of had enough dancing for a life time," Johnny said as he moved to the kitchen to see if the coffee was done.

Mike followed, "Oh, please don't say that," he replied seriously. "I've been dreaming of se you you on the dance floor." He eyes Johnny's form and looked up to see the crooked smile he loved along with bashful eyes…it was quiet the sight.

"Really?"

"Really," Mike assured him.

Johnny smiled and got the coffee and himself ready in a few minutes and soon both men were in Mike's cherry red mustang with black convertible top; a car Johnny told everyone would be a classic a 60's classic someday. Mike turned the key and the radio started too.

"This one goes out to our unknown dancing firefighter from the ladies at Brinkmore Savings and loan. They said lunch would be on them if you'd dance for them again." Then the car filled with the same song from that day; Abba's Dancing Queen.

"I hope you don't mind, but I would prefer if you didn't dance for anyone else," Mike said, hoping Johnny wouldn't be upset with his old fashion ways.

"That's okay, I don't want to dance for anyone else," Johnny replied, sneaking a quick kiss. Then groaned, "I can't believe I tried to strip…to that? I really was out of it."

Mike laughed, "Sweetheart, you could have started dancing and stripping to Chopin and they would have loved it…" Seeing Johnny was still self-conscious about all this, "Com'er my dancing queen," Mike purred and kissed Johnny soundly not afraid of letting the man he knew he loved, he just didn't want to rush Johnny, know he was loved and special. "It'll be alright."

Having Mike with him, caring for him, Johnny knew things would work out and in the end be worth it. "You're right. Let's go," he smiled, relaxing and listening to the music.

"Oh, by the way…do you even like ABBA?"

"Why?" Johnny asked, as they headed out.

"Oh, no reason…" Mike said as they pulled out of the drive way, knowing full well all the 'dancing Queen/ABBA' things the crew had gotten to tease Johnny over the next month.

Johnny just stared at Mike as he drove and then groaned, "It had to be disco," was all he said.

THE END
(hope you enjoyed it.)