A Bid For Love

didn't you call me, darlin'? What did he say to you? Something I'd want to belt him for, most likely. A smile quirked the corner of Scott's lips. So very protective, his love. Asher didn't want a scene. Logical, sensible...but it just made Scott want to hit something. The something likely being named Noah Wight.
    He glanced at his darling's desk. If Noah upset Asher too much, Scott really would haul him out of the field office and pound on him. It had been hard enough to watch the snipes and digs when he had no right to stand up for Asher, but now that he did... Well, he wasn't about to tolerate it anymore.
    Noah's glower from across the room didn't help. Whatever the convo, it looked like maybe Asher hadn't taken all the blows. It had been a year, easy, since Noah made it that much of a point not to look at Scott--since the last time Scott'd been stupid enough to bring up a hot guy at the Wizards-Lakers game. 'Phobe-Boy didn't stop twitching the whole rest of the game.
    Well, all right, darlin'! He grinned at the thought of how sharp-tongued his lover could be. He hoped Asher carved a good layer of skin off Noah's thick, annoying hide. Now if Asher would just call. Or walk in the door. What the hell had Noah said? The grin turned to a glower.
    "Nice work, people." Instead of Asher, Warren walked into the bullpen. "We got exactly what we needed. Surveillance is staking out the deal site and will clean up from there. In the meantime, a little FYI. Asher has put in for a transfer. He'll be moving to Benson's unit as soon as the paperwork is processed, probably a month."
    Holly's soft smile brushed Scott for just an instant before she put her head down and busied herself with something on the computer. Scott always knew she was a good one. She made him warm in the nicest sort of way.
    Noah's lips compressed into a tight line and he looked ready to draw his gun and use it. Now what about Asher's transferring could piss Prince Wight off that much?
    Warren held up a hand before Eva could even get her mouth open. "He made it very clear it had nothing to do with anyone in this unit; it was simply something he felt he needed."
    Noah snorted and glowered at nothing in particular. "Yeah, right." Accusation lasered in Scott's direction for an instant. Scott just glared back.
    "I've posted the opening, so hopefully we'll have a smooth transition and a new teammate ready to join us once Asher leaves for his new unit." Warren frowned at them both, but didn't ask.
    "He's leaving?" Eva's wide eyes said far more than her slack lips. "But why?"
    "My reasons are personal and benign. That's really all anyone need know." Asher strode in, pausing to drop a file in Eva's box before moving to his desk. "I wasn't aware it would cause such drama. It's only across the building."
    Eva just blinked at him, speechless for once. Noah's scowl reached new heights, rose coating his cheeks and forehead. "Yeah, personal." Dark eyes bored into Asher. "Takes care of that, I guess."
    Blue flame met Noah's glare evenly. "Yes, it does. Now kindly take your own advice and shut up."
    Holy... What the hell had Noah said to Asher? Scott pushed up to his feet. It looked more and more like his old friend was going to get the beating he so richly deserved. First he wanted to know how badly he should injure Noah. "Let me buy you a coffee, Asher." His glare dared Noah to say one thing more.
    "Wait a minute." Damn Eva's radar for all the wrong things where Asher was concerned. "You know the reason he's leaving, Noah? What about all that need-to-know crap?" She swung to where Holly still rearranged her fuzzy pen collection. "You know, too, don't you? So why are you all so special?"
    "Holly's my friend." Asher's voice would cut steel. "And Noah butts in where it's none of his business." The stare could, too.
    "Enough!" Warren could pull up a decent roar when he needed to. "Look, I don't know what's going on, but unless it's going to affect the approval of the transfer, I don't see a need for an interrogation. You all have reports to fill out from this morning's stakeout, so get to it!"
    Noah grabbed a file and slammed it on his desk, but Eva's look promised further prying as soon as she got the chance. Holly looked from one to the other with a surprised and troubled expression blanking her face.
    "Come on. I can still get you that cup of coffee." Scott took Asher by the arm in a grip that would appear forceful to the world, but in truth offered as much comfort at he