Hurricane Watch

By Melissa Good

The boat bobbed lightly up and down in the gentle surf, the brass riggings clanking softly in the easterly wind. The sky was mostly cloudless, just a few puffy white intruders drifting across it, sending elongated shadows across the blue green water as the sun tilted down towards the west.

To the east, a city skyline lifted, sturdy concrete nestled in clusters of green, as street lamps alternated with palm trees in a landscape in turns colorful and brassy steel, overflowing with tropical foliage and lacking in any elevation which marked it definitely as that of Miami, Florida.

The deck of the boat was draped in various types of scuba gear, two regulators hung neatly to dry out, along with webbed belts, buoyancy vests, net bags, and wide, duck webbed fins nestled in the well in the center. On the front of the boat, two figures were sprawled, soaking up the late afternoon sun dressed in brief, one piece bathing suits.

Both were women, but one was tall, with long limbs, a swimmer's build, and dark hair. The other was shorter, with much paler coloring and a more compact frame.

"Dar?" Kerry kept her eyes closed, as she yawned a little.

"Mm?" Her taller companion merely grunted an answer.

"You know, there's something really off kilter about spending the day before Christmas in my bathing suit, getting a suntan on the Atlantic Ocean."

"Yeah?" Dar lifted one eyelid, exposing a crystal clear blue eye and peered at her.

"Yeah…Christmas is supposed to be about sleighs, and ice skating on the lake, and Jack Frost nipping at your nose.. sweaters…static electricity.. you know." Kerry sighed. "I don't think I can do Christmas at 85 degrees."

"Ah. Not cold enough, huh?" Dar replied, opening her other eye and sparing her blond lover a droll glance. "I think you Northerners are nuts… out there singing in below zero weather…slipping on ice, crashing on the highway, having to have your driveways plowed…suffering with dry heat…" She spread her arms out, then let them drop to the soft deck pad they both were sprawled onto.

"No.. no.. you’re missing the point.. " Kerry objected. "Christmas has to have snow… and cold weather… snow draped on the roof like in the movies…your nose has to tingle..it's part of the season."

"Okay.. no problem.. here you go.'" A huge handful of shaved ice landed on Kerry's midsection. "How's that?"

"Yeeeeooowww!" The blond flipped over, brushing her stomach off and reaching for a towel. "Dar!!" She yelped indignantly. "That was cold!"

"Wasn't that the point?" The dark haired woman asked, reasonably. "You were just complaining it was too hot, weren't you?" She bit off a grin as eyes the color of the surrounding ocean suddenly were less than a foot away, narrowing calculatedly. "Uh oh."

"Uh oh is right, you.. " Kerry scrambled for the ice chest, and grabbed a double handful, managing to get a good sized portion down Dar's back as she attempted to roll out of the way. "Ah ha… gotcha."

Dar chuckled as she stood up and shook herself off, then stretched lazily. "Well.. it's time to go in anyway.. sun's going down, and I have three status reports to review." She extended a hand down to her friend. "I've been putting that off long enough…c'mon… it's getting a little breezy out here."

"Oh yeah." Kerry accepted the hand up. "It might go down to 80 degrees if we're not careful… that'd be dangerous." She slid up next to Dar, and ran a hand over the taller woman's body, encased in a striking white bathing suit. "I like this one." She complimented her companion. "Is it new?"

Dar padded over and stowed the cooler. "No.. actually, it's an old one I came across when I was emptying out that chest of drawers the other day." She said. "Found some other stuff I'd forgotten I'd even had.. and some of the things Aunt May left here when she passed on."

"Mm…. Well, it's nice, and I like it." Kerry stepped carefully around the end of the bow, and made her way down to where the steps lead to the cabin. "I'm going to put some dry clothes on…I think I have seaweed in places seaweed really has no business being."

The dark haired woman chuckled. "Make sure you didn't collect any cuttlefish in there again…you scared me half to death when you screamed from that last week." She let her eyes wander over her lover's slim form, in it’s rich burgundy suit. "You look pretty nice yourself, by the way."

Kerry paused on her way down the stairs, and threw a glance over her shoulder. "Thanks… but if you're trying to butter me up so I won't pull any surprises on you tomorrow, forget it." Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Birthday girl."

One dark brow rocketed skyward. "Oh brother." Dar muttered. "I'm in deep trouble.. how did I let myself get talked into this, anyway?" A sigh And for such an auspicious one, too, it being her thirtieth.

"What.. the party, having a birthday, or putting up with me?" Kerry asked innocently, then she came back up the stairs and relented. "I won't do anything horrible, I promise."

Dar took her hand off the throttle control, as she listened for the anchor to finish retracting, and gently cupped Kerry's chin, lifting it and kissing her with sincere passion. "Do your worst." She murmured, gazing into the sea green eyes. "But remember… paybacks are a bitch."

"Ooo… what are you gonna do to me?" Kerry crooned teasingly.

"Mmm… cross dressing full body stripper in the office?" Dar offered, with a full smile.

A momentary pause, while Kerry blinked. "Uh.. you wouldn't… do that… would you?"

Dazzling grin.

"Yikes." Kerry laughed, then leaned forward and kissed her back. "Don't worry… I've got nothing planned that will rate me that." She reassured her companion. "I was thinking more along the lines of making your favorite dessert for the party."

"Ah." Dar forgot about the controls, and found more interesting things to explore on the burgundy-suited body in front of her. "I don't know that I have a favorite… " She nuzzled Kerry's ear, and heard the soft sound of approval that trickled from the blond woman's throat. "Well.. not that you could serve at a party, anyway."

"You saying… " Kerry paused a moment to let her breathing catch up with her. "I'm better than Death by Chocolate?"

A low, seductive chuckle answered her, as Dar slowly eased her left strap down her arm, and ran a delicate finger across her sun-warmed skin. Kerry smiled at the answer, as she nibbled her way up Dar's neck, taking a slow backward step towards the tiny bedroom and drawing the taller woman along with her.

Dar went willingly, already working her other strap down, her hands warm against Kerry's damp skin. She returned the attention, easing the thin fabric over Dar's broad shoulders and tugging it down her body, running her hands over the taller woman's powerful back.

The quilt's warmth surprised her, as Dar caught her around the waist and boosted her up, joining her on the soft surface in one smooth motion, never letting up her nibbling. The windows in the cabin were open, and a rich, warm breeze came in, bringing to her the salt smell of the ocean and brushing lightly over her bare shoulders as a lone gull called overhead.

"Still think we need snow?" Dar's voice purred into her ear, as the strong hands slid over her hip and down her thigh.

"Nu uh." Kerry pushed her companion gently over on to her back, and started a slow exploration downwards, starting at her collarbone, tasting the sea's richness on her body. "Wouldn't wanna try this up north."

The sunlight painted rich golden stripes across them, in the fading sun of a tropical winter's day.

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

"Well." Kerry leaned against the console, now dressed in a pair of sweatpants and an overly large polo shirt. "I always wanted to see the skyline at night from this angle."

Dar sucked wryly at steaming cup of coffee, courtesy of the boat's small galley. "Lucky I have a position locator on this thing… we drifted a lot further than I thought we would." She aimed the boat northwest, roaring through the utter darkness of an Atlantic night. "Teach me to remember not to pull the damn anchor up and get distracted." She was wearing a sweatshirt over cutoff denim shorts, and a baseball cap to tame her windblown hair.

Kerry muffled a laugh. "I've never heard that many curse words strung together at one time, let me tell you." She peered ahead into the darkness, spotting a colorful string of lights. "Is that downtown?"

Dar shaded her eyes. "Yeah… that's the damn Centrust tower… " She identified the tall structure, kitted out in blue lights with white bulbs interspersed to imitate ornaments. "And I can see the Metrogonowhere from here." The people mover, which traversed a downtown that nobody actually lived in was lined with rainbow neon. The rest of the skyline came into view, tall buildings brilliant with lights.

"Is it still the Centrust tower?" Kerry inquired, enjoying the sight. "I think they went bankrupt, didn't they?"

"Yeah, yeah.. " Dar watched for the southern buoy. "I forget what it is now.. it's changed three times since then.. but I still remember it as the Centrust tower."

"Oh.. there's Bayside… wow.. it's really lit up." Kerry pointed. "Is that a tree on top of the Hard Rock?"

"It's something." Dar replied, with a chuckle. "Hang on.. I'm going to make the turn up Government cut."

Kerry obligingly slipped her arms around the taller woman, hugging her close. "Okay.. I'm ready." She announced, feeling the chuckle go through Dar's body, and the warmth as she circled Kerry's shoulder with one long, sweatshirt covered arm. "It's nice to have a couple of days off, huh?" She poked her boss in the ribs with a finger. "Glad you let me talk you into it?"

It certainly was, Dar reflected, steering the boat into the channel and heading for the island her apartment was on. First time for everything, I guess.. she mused. Prior years had seen her in the office even on Christmas, toasting the holiday with the grumpy cleaning staff who were forced to work. She'd brought eggnog last year, and it had actually turned out to be a little bit fun, coaxing smiles from the immigrant workers who hadn't expected to see any of the office staff in.

Not this year. They'd left work at five yesterday, and didn't have to be back until eight Monday morning, and she'd found herself looking forward to it even with it being her birthday, and having a threatened party thrown for her. "Yeah… I'm having a pretty good time.. you?" Dar answered, with a grin.

Kerry nodded, stifling a yawn. "Very much so….even if I have to settle for palm trees with strings of pink flamingo lights on them." Dar's Michigan born assistant had lived in Miami for several years, but had not yet quite acclimatized to the vastly different culture she'd found there.

Dar cut speed as she entered the marina, and steered between the concrete docks with casual skill. "Hey.. palm trees are naturals for lights." She pointed at the long row of the bushy topped trees that lined the drive coming into the marina. Someone had painstakingly woven tiny white lights between all the fronds on all the leaves. "See??"

Kerry peered. "Hey.. that's not bad looking, really." She conceded. "But I like our tree, though."

A real one. Dar had insisted that if she was being coerced into getting a tree, it was at least going to smell like a pine tree, and not like extruded plastic. So they'd gone out, and found one of the seven zillion tents scattered around selling the darn things trucked from North Carolina packed in snow, and picked out a Douglas Fir a little taller than Dar herself was.

She docked the boat, and they made their way up the winding path towards the condo, waving to various neighbors that Dar hadn't even known she had before the outgoing and friendly Kerry had started spending most of her time with her. A soft strain of Christmas carols were playing over the island wide loudspeaker system, gentle hymns that chased them from tree to tree along the path, and Dar found herself humming.

"Sorry.. I didn't catch that?" Kerry bent her head closer. "Did you say something?"

"Um.. no.. I was just.. " Dar flicked a hand at the speakers. "Humming along.. .I like that one." She put a hand on Kerry's back as they walked up the path to her door. "I think there'll be roaming carolers around tonight… you interested in listening?"

The blond woman gazed up at her. "Roaming carolers? Jesus.. I had no idea they knew what that was down here… sure.. I love Christmas carols. I can’t sing worth a poop, but listening’s great."

Dar opened the door, and stood back to let her enter. Kerry lived in an apartment in Kendall, but spent quite a few nights a week here, since Dar's place was undeniably larger, having a total of five bedrooms, three upstairs and two downstairs, and three bathrooms, plus the huge kitchen and living areas.

And it had a hot tub, on the stone patio outside they both loved to spend time in under the stars, looking out over the ocean, much more picturesque than Kerry’s yuppy congested, though comfortable apartment down south.

It was a tentative arrangement they had, as they cautiously felt out their fragile, little more than two month old relationship, maintaining a polite separation during the week that allowed them both space to adjust, especially since they worked closely together at the large information services firm Dar was the Operations Vice President at.

At work, of course, they were strictly business, under the luridly interested scrutiny of the several hundred staff members in their Miami office complex who persisted in making them the occasional topic of coffee room gossip anyway.

They were both taking a big chance. Exposure meant a transfer or worse for Kerry, and potential legal difficulties for Dar, but they'd made the mutual decision to try and balance their personal lives with their demanding professional ones, and so far, things had worked out all right.

So far.

Kerry glanced around at the now familiar condo, with it's marble tile floor and dark leather furniture, which had now been transformed for the holiday season, mostly under her influence. The fluffy tree sat in one corner, with strings of white lights nestled in it's branches, and colorful glass ornaments alternating with tiny carved ones Kerry had brought over from Kendall. Underneath the tree was a scattering…

No, Kerry corrected herself, piles of boxes, gifts they'd gotten for each other and wrapped in a frenzy of secretive sessions. She’d never quite had a Christmas like this before, where most of her time and energy were focused on one person, and just looking at those piles, and knowing at least half were hers…

Weird.

They'd put green and red pillar candles around too, and a prettily woven wreath graced the front door, no doubt surprising Dar's neighbors who had probably not even known anyone lived in the condo before Kerry started sharing space there.

"Something wrong wit the tree?" Dar came up behind her, and circled her with both arms, peering at what she though Kerry was staring at. "Interest you in some eggnog?"

"Um.. sure.." Kerry took a breath, suddenly a little nervous about the request she was making. "Listen, Dar… I know you're not a religious person.. but would you like to go to a service tonight?"

The dark haired woman paused, and studied her. "I thought you said there wasn't any of your brand around here?" She remarked curiously. "Or did you find one?"

Kerry tried to judge her companion’s comfort level with the request. Dar was hard to read sometimes. She’d spent so many years hiding behind her frosty, executive facade, her reactions occasionally weren’t honest, but geared to what she thought her listener expected instead. Kerry didn’t want her friend to be forced into an uncomfortable situation just because of her. "There aren't… really.. I… but my old pastor at home gave me the names of a few he thought I'd be comfortable with.. one's over here on South Beach." She paused. "It's.. not very formal." Dar was, she knew, distinctly unreligious, and had shown little or no interest in theological topics Kerry had occasionally brought up.

Dar cocked her head, and considered that. "You mean it's no big deal if we go and hold hands?" She asked with typical bluntness, holding back a grin at the blush which colored Kerry's neck and face.

"Something like that, yeah." The blond woman muttered. "Um.. never mind.. it's kind of a dumb idea." She hitched her gear back to her shoulder. "I'm going to put up a wash of this stuff.. want me to get yours, too?" It had been a stupid thing to ask, after all. There were some interests, she’d discovered, that she and Dar simply did not share.

"Hey.." Dar caught her arm, and swung her around so they were facing each other. "I know this stuff’s important to you."

"It’s okay." Kerry gave her a gentle push "It’s not your style… don’t worry about it."

Dar hesitated, then glanced over her shoulder. "Listen… I dragged you down to watch those alligator wrestlers.. fair’s fair. I can survive a church service." She tugged on Kerry’s shirt collar. "You have to poke me when I’m supposed to stand up or whatever though.. I don’t’ know much about any of it."

"Really?" Kerry peeked up at her. "I’ll treat you to ice cream afterwards.. how’s that?"

A grin escaped Dar’s usually serious face. "Ahhh… .so you think I’ll do anything for a hot fudge sundae.. is that it?" She traced a fingertip over Kerry’s visible blush. "Well, you’re right. I’ll take you up on your offer."

Kerry gave her a crooked grin. "I think I can do that.. it's not that hard, this kind.. not like we were going to Catholic Mass, or something." She tried to be offhanded about it, not wanting to scare her new partner off.

"I watched that on TV last year." Dar commented. "The Pope one. It confused the hell out of me."

Kerry laughed, more at ease. "Yeah… I watched that too, the repeat after we got home from the late service…it's quite a circus." She let out a relieved sigh. "Okay… well, it's not until eleven, so… you up for dinner?"

"After eight hours diving?" Dar snorted. "I could eat the couch for dinner, if you put a little A1 on it." She glanced outside. "It's beautiful tonight… could I coax you into joining me on a little outside table up at the.. um.. nice restaurant?" She lifted a brow hopefully.

"Ooo… starlight, candelight, and you…. I think I can twist my arm." Kerry agreed, relieved.. "On the single condition that you let me pay." She raised a finger at Dar's protest. "Ah ah… remember our deal."

A sigh. "Okay." Dar grumbled. "But the champagne's on me."

"Deal." The blond woman relented cheerfully. "C'mon.. I don't think sweats and polos are the dress code up there for Christmas Eve."

"Certainly not if you're wearing my polo shirt." Dar laughed. "But if you just add a belt to it, you could call it a dress, and that'd pass." The shirt hung almost to the blond's knees.

Kerry stuck her tongue out at her friend. "I like when they fit like this, and none of mine do."

"Well…. " Dar drawled. "Now I know to buy your shirts two sizes too big, and you'll be happy."

"Not the same." Kerry replied, a little shyly.

"No?" The dark haired woman inquired.

"They don't smell like you." Kerry admitted, looking up at her through fair eyelashes, as she delicately sniffed at her sleeve. "That's the part I like."

"Oh." Dar felt the blood heating her face. She cleared her throat. "I see… guess I'll just give you free reign of my closet, then."

Kerry sighed contentedly, determined to enjoy the evening now that she'd gotten Dar to join her. Even if the church was weird, and not what she was used to, it soothed her heart to know she'd be there at midnight, doing her part in the celebration of the Lord's birth.

If He chose not to listen….well, that was another thing all together. She impulsively turned, and hugged Dar, squeezing her tightly. "Thanks."

Dar patted her back, puzzled but pleased. "Anytime."

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

"So… you sure this is appropriate dress and all?" Dar deftly directed the Lexus off the ferry, and through the terminal parking lot. "I'd always thought of church as being a lot more formal.. you know, hats, floral arrangements, that kind of thing."

Kerry brushed a pine needle off her crisply pressed shirt, which was tucked neatly into a pair of dark Dockers, and surmounted by a festive, embroidered vest featuring running reindeer and holly wreathes. "Well, I called the pastor there.. and he tried to get away with the 'whatever you feel comfortable in' line. But I didn't go along, and I told him if I showed up in a bathing suit with a Santa hat on, and everyone laughed, I wasn't going to be very happy."

Dar laughed. "Oh my god.. I'd have paid to see that."

"Dar." Kerry gave her a look. "Anyway, he said most people wore jeans or chinos, and something other than t-shirts, one or two people wore dresses or suits, and there's one guy who comes in a reindeer outfit."

"With antlers or without?" The executive asked, seriously.

"Dar." The blond woman laughed.

"Sorry.. must have been those five glasses of champagne." Dar apologized. "Not to mention that Grand Mariner cake… wow." She exhaled a little. "I feel like I'm going to explode."

"Mm… tell me about it." Kerry rolled her head to one side, and regarded the dark water stretching away from the causeway they were on. "Should I be driving?" She gave her companion a concerned look. "You seemed okay."

"No.. it's all right." Dar shook her head. "I don't feel it.. I just tend to run off at the mouth when I've had a few glasses of anything." She gave her friend a light shrug. "Sorry."

Kerry patted her arm. "It's okay.. I think it's really cute." She confided. "Turn left up there, and it's three blocks down on the right hand side."

"I know." Dar muttered, as she navigated through the very busy traffic. "Jesus, it's a mess down here."

Kerry regarded her lover out of the corner of her eyes, approving the deep green sweater she'd put on over a collared shirt, which was tucked into her black slacks. The sweater was plain, but had pretty embroidery around the neck and cuffs, stylized birds chasing each other around and around in bold, clear colors. "I really like that sweater." She commented, reaching over to trace the embroidery. "It looks really good on you." Snug, but not too snug, in fact. She mused.

"Thanks.. you look pretty hot yourself." Dar commented casually. "Here we go." She pulled into a small parking lot adjacent to an old fashioned, two story concrete building. The back half of the structure seemed to have been converted into a church, based on the stained glass windows, and that part faced the sea. "Must look nice inside during sunrise."

"Mm.'" Kerry agreed, feeling a little nervous now that they were here. Was this such a good idea? She really had no idea how to act, given the open nature of the church, or what kind of beliefs or services they'd have. The pastor had mentioned music, and when she'd told him her own denomination, he'd said she'd feel comfortable, but… She exhaled.

"You okay?" Dar studied her.

"Yeah… " Kerry folded her arms across her chest. "I've just never…um… this is really stupid, but I've never been in a place where mostly everyone was gay before."

"Oh." Dar chuckled. "Relax.. just act normally… they don't stamp your forehead when you go in." She got out of the car and twitched her sweater straight, then she waited for Kerry to join her. "You're going to think everyone's looking at you, so just relax, because they are. "

"Comforting. Thank you." Kerry nodded, sighing.

"Just think of what it was like for you the first couple days at work." Her companion reassured her.

"Yippee." Being promoted to Dar’s assistant over the heads of lots of other people had certainly gotten her looked at, all right. "You've been down here… to South Beach before, I take it." Kerry inquired, as they started to walk across the lot, joining a small stream of others.

"Yes." Dar answered readily. "I used to cruise some of the bars down here in my younger years." She returned the appraising glances they were getting from some of the other attendees.

"Did you take your high school ring of then, Grandma?" Kerry poked her gently. "Listen to you.. 'in my younger years… yeah, when we had to walk to school uphill, both ways.. "

"Kerry.. " Dar put an arm around her and leaned closer. "Being a Miami native means you never, ever have to walk to school uphill." She reminded her. "Unless you live under the highway overpass."

They laughed, and entered the building, nodding at the tall young man who was courteously holding the door open for them.

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

It was weird. Kerry found her eyes flicking here and there, her eyes absorbing the collection of assorted couples and singles assembled in the chapel. That, at least, was mildly familiar, being roughly square, with a raised platform at one end, and rows of pews stretching across the floor. The pews were donated from various building projects from other churches, she noticed, and in one case, a temple. They were a mixture of woods and sizes, but no one seemed to mind. Missing were the typical Bibles, but there were hymnbooks, and she took one, thumbing through its well-worn pages to see old favorites and some she didn't know.

She and Dar were sitting about mid way on the left hand side, and as the room filled, she watched her lover's alert and interested eyes watching everything.

Of course, half the room, the female half, was also watching her. Kerry felt a mixture of pride and consternation at the veiled, and in some cases, not so veiled looks of lust directed at her companion, but Dar seemed oblivious.

Or maybe not. She felt a warm arm slide around her shoulders as Dar leaned closer, on the pretext of studying her hymnbook. "So. What's that?"

The pastor's arrival interrupted her somewhat meandering description of basic holiday services, and they both turned their attention to the man. He was of medium height, with sandy brown hair and pale colored eyes, about their age. He gave everyone a friendly smile, then launched into a short sermon.

It was…interesting. Kerry got the gist of it being a plea for more tolerance in the world, and she felt it probably was better off directed outside this room, since everyone in here seemed pretty darn tolerant to her. But she appreciated the sentiment, and he made several good points about how people who are persecuted tend to turn their anger outwards, and practice the same kinds of discrimination they themselves suffer.

Then three people got up, two men and one woman, and read some original poems they'd written. Kerry liked them a lot, and also the fact that they were contributing something of themselves to the ceremony. That seemed to her to be a good idea, and something other churches would be better off adopting. Sometimes the over usage of the old traditionals without infusing new blood made a church… well… she remembered being somewhat bored as a teenager in her own church, feeling that the people in charge really didn't have a handle on what was going on in her world.

These people had a handle - their works spoke of the lonely feeling of standing out in a crowd, of having family turn away from you, and the last, spoken by a short, owlish looking man with horn rimmed glasses and a buzz cut, was about what it felt like to be told that God hated you.

Kerry felt that one, but in a way it helped to hear it, because she understood she wasn't alone. She wondered briefly if someday maybe she'd have the guts to stand up there and mumble a piece of her own, then decided it would be a cold day in Hell first.

Dar leaned over, after the man finished. "That wasn't bad."

"Mm." Kerry agreed softly.

"Stuff you write is better, though." The dark haired woman confided casually.

Kerry felt like an icicle had suddenly grown in the pit of her stomach. "What?" She put a hand on Dar's arm, and gripped it. A suspicion formed and she felt her heart lurch. "How did you know?" The thought of Dar taking advantage of their closeness to read her private files was both chilling, and sickening.

"Uh… " The blue eyes opened wider, in consternation. "You.. you left a couple pages on the printer, I didn't… um.. " The crowd was rustling, as the choir arranged themselves up front, and she glanced around. "I'm sorry. .I didn't realize you… uh… " It was very obvious to her that Kerry was very, very upset. "Kerry, I'm sorry."

The printer. Right… of course, it hadn't been Dar's indiscretion.. it had been her own, forgetting to pick up her stupid print job on their shared device. Very slowly, she released the death grip on Dar's arm. "No… no.. It's my stupid fault… I left them on the printer." She got out. "That stuff is so personal.. I just… " Then she stopped talking, and her brow creased as she replayed the words in her head. "Wait a minute…you liked it?"

Dar let out a very relieved breath. "Yeah.. that one about the wind was great." She agreed enthusiastically. "And there was kind of a long one… um.. " The taller woman fell silent, reaching up and tugging an ear in obvious discomfort. "It was kind of…ah.."

Oh, god…not that one. Kerry ducked her head. "That was about you, yes." She murmured, hearing her heartbeat skip several paces. She peeked at her lover, who was definitely blushing. "You hated it, right?"

Dar folded her arms, and glanced around, the flush still very evident across her tanned skin. "It was beautiful." She muttered. "Never occurred to me that you were writing it abou…" She stopped in mid sentence, and took a breath. "I loved it."

Kerry nibbled her lip. "Wow. Cool." She tried to suppress a tiny smirk but failed. "Not the way I ever imagined showing you them but I guess that works."

Dar nodded, then straightened as the pastor resumed his podium. "I guess we've got something to talk about when we get home, eh?"

"Yeah." Kerry smiled. "I guess we do." She felt a quiet happiness lighten her mood considerably, and she turned the hymnbook over to the page he indicated. "Okay… this is simple. They sing, you sing." She instructed Dar, holding the book up. "I like this one… have you ever.."

"Mm.. yes… I’ve seen that one before." Dar replied blandly. "I think I can follow along."

They stood up, and waited for the choir to finish the first section, then joined in when the pastor indicated. Kerry started to sing, then stopped, as a crystal clear voice soared up from right next to her. She felt her jaw drop, and she turned to look at Dar, who was trying very hard not to laugh.

The chorus ended, and the choir started up again. "Something wrong?" Dar inquired, a definite smirk on her angular face.

"You can sing!" Kerry whispered incredulously. "I mean, not just sing, but like… that sounded incredible."

A light shrug. "Not something I use very often." Dar commented loftily, as she put her hands behind her back, and gazed around the room. Some of their neighbors were giving her interested, sideways looks, and she lifted an eyebrow at them.

"You never told me you could sing!" Kerry warbled softly.

"I don’t’ recall you mentioning poetry." Her companion answered, in a low voice.

They exchanged shy glances. Then Kerry reached over and took Dar’s hand, twining their fingers together as the rest of the congregation starting singing again.

The rest of the hymns went by in a blur, and before she knew it, Kerry found herself in a log jam of people all trying to get out of the small building, and into the cool night air. Hands stopped them, though, and she found herself being introduced to a rapid succession of faces, male and female, most of whom seemed friendly, and they received quite a few invitations to coffee, conversation, and in one case, a psychic reading on the beach.

Everyone seemed fascinated by Dar, who assumed her business face, all cool attention, and brisk politeness, until the pastor caught up to them, and offered a hand.

"You're new." He stated frankly. "Or is this just a convenient place to catch a service?"

"Um… actually, I called here earlier… asking about the church." Kerry answered, a little hesitantly.

"Ah.. bathing suit and Santa hat.. I recognize your voice." The man smiled, and then gave her a wink. "Honey, you could have showed up like that, and I guarantee nobody would have minded a bit." He shook her hand. "I'm David Argnot… the pastor, plumber, and all around handyman of the church."

That forced a chuckle from the mildly embarrassed Kerry. "Nice to meet you.. my name is Kerry.. and um… " She nodded her head towards Dar, who was fending off the choir mistress, a striking redhead almost the same height as the executive. "This is my friend Dar."

Hearing her name Dar turned, and regarded him, her pale blue eyes standing out with startling clarity against her tan. "Nice to meet you." She held a hand out.

He blinked. "Anyone ever tell you you've got fantastic eyes?" He took her hand and shook it gingerly. "Not to mention a killer voice."

Dar gave him a brief smile. "Thanks… that was a nice speech you made."

"Ah.. it was nothing." He grinned. "You should hear me when I don't have a major worldwide holiday to deal with… speaking of which… services are on Sundays, in the late afternoons, in case I hadn't mentioned it."

"Late afternoons?" Kerry had to laugh, used to crack of dawn ceremonies at home.

"We're hedonists, and don't pretend otherwise." He told her solemnly. "I have a standing reservation with a beach, a blanket, and a picnic basket on Sunday mornings." He rocked back and forth. "So.. how about it? You guys be back?"

Dar gave him a crooked grin. "Depends.. do you serve refreshments?" Her eyes twinkled with amusement.

His brows waggled. "What..do we look like Catholics to you? All that wine and cheese.. whoops.. wafers… " He took some joshing from the nearby listeners. "Nah.. just kidding… we usually get together after the service for some coffee over at the café across the street… they're used to us invading, and they make a killer seven layer dip."

"You should drop on by." The choir mistress urged. "There's lots of good talk, and stuff… we have a great time." She turned as a short, chestnut haired woman came up, and rested her chin on the redhead's shoulder. "Right, Anne?"

"Sure." The woman agreed. "As long as it involves orange juice and spanking." She gave Dar and Kerry a wicked grin. "Whoops.. I'm in church.. sorry about that."

Kerry had no idea if Dar liked, disliked, or was thoroughly freaked out by the group. "Sure. Sounds like fun." She finally said, figuring she could drop by on her own, at any rate. It was strange, and not at all like what she was used to, but…the people seemed pretty nice, and she liked the pastor, who definitely had a good sense of humor.

"Great… we'll see you guys next week, then." Pastor David smiled at them, and exhaled, loosening his collar. "Hey.. surf's up.. who's up for some midnight swimming?"

They edged their way out, and into the emptying parking lot, under the twinkling stars of a clear tropical night. Kerry waited until they were in the car before she cleared her throat. "Um.. that wasn't meant to agree on your behalf, by the way.. I know… I mean, it's kind of a weird place.. don't feel like you're obligated in any way to go back." She explained. "I can just go back by myself.. maybe talk to some of those people.. two of the women are from the same denomination I am, so.. "

Dar ran a hand through her dark hair, and backed the Lexus out of it's spot, then she reached over and ruffled Kerry’s hair. "Kerry, you know I love you, right?"

"Um… well, yes." The blond woman agreed, hesitantly. "I’d sort of gotten that impression somehow, yeah."

"Have you ever seen what piranha can do to a cow, in under a minute?" The taller woman inquired, turning onto the main street.

Kerry's brows knit. "What in the world does that have to do with anything?" She asked. "And.. yes, I saw that Animal Planet special, thanks." She made a face. "They almost ate Crocodile Man's parts." She referred to a favorite program on the cable channel.

Dar stopped at a red light, and turned to her. "Good.. because that's what that crowd would do to you… if you went back there alone." She grinned, and chucked Kerry's chin. 'They know an innocent when they see one."

"I am not an innocent." The blond woman protested, then she paused. "Am I? I thought they were nice… they seemed okay."

"They were very nice, and I'm sure we'll find some great friends there." Dar reassured her. "But you gotta know the ground rules first, understand?"

Kerry thought about that for a minute. "Oh." She chewed her lip. "You mean the social side of things… yeah, they've got that in our church too, but it's different." She reflected. "They tend more to quilting circles."

Dar muffled a chuckle. "Well, I'm sure some of what this group does involves a quilt, at some point." She muttered. "But it was a nice service.. I'm glad we went… did it make you feel better?"

Kerry leaned back. "Yeah.. it did… maybe it's just the going through the motions thing, I don't know…but the poetry was good, and I liked his sermon.. and that choir is not bad." She reflected. "It was really different, but I enjoyed it."

"Good." Dar gazed out the window at the now thinned out traffic.

"And I got to hear you sing!" Kerry remembered suddenly. "That was worth the whole trip." She poked Dar in the ribs. "You’ve been holding out on me, huh?"

The dark haired woman chuckled faintly. "Not…." Dar hesitated. "Not on purpose, or anything.. it’s just not something I think about a lot." She changed lanes, and leaned back.

They drove in silence for a bit, then Kerry glanced at her watch. "Hey.. it's after midnight."

"Yep.. it's Christmas." Dar commented. "Ho ho ho."

"It's your birthday." Kerry gently corrected her. "Pull over into that IHOP, Santa.. I promised you a sundae." She chuckled as Dar obliged, parking in the busy parking lot. They got out and entered the restaurant, where the staff was busy serving a number of like minded folks.

It took a few minutes to get a table, but they were tucked in next to a wide window that had been sprayed with fake snow all around it’s edges. A elf perched on the syrup bins, jingling at them with a goofy expression on it’s face.

Dar leaned on her elbows, and played with the edge of the menu. "Yeah.. it is my birthday, isn’t it?" She glanced up at Kerry with a wry look. "I can't believe I'm thirty years old."

"Given what you've accomplished, I can't believe it either." Kerry admitted. "I feel so inadequate."

Dar blinked at her. "Huh?"

"Well, Jesus, Dar… you're only two.. okay, three years older than I am.. and look what you've done already.. I mean, you're a vice president, you've got a great career, this fantastic lifestyle… you're gorgeous.. you're successful… " She threw up her hands. "It's incredible."

Her friend regarded her seriously. "I never considered it like that."

Kerry half smiled. "I know." She turned and ordered for both of them, having ordered ice cream enough for Dar to be confident in that, at least.

Dar's cell phone rang, and she sighed, then pulled it out and flipped it open. "Yeah?"

"Good morning, Dar." Mark's voice sounded annoyingly cheerful. "Merry Christmas." Mark Polenti was Dar's MIS Chief, and a good friend.

"Yeah yeah.. what's wrong?" Dar growled.

"Nothing." The MIS Chief drawled. "I was just calling to wish my favorite corporate shark a happy birthday."

Dar drummed her fingers on the table, and gave her blond companion a suspicious look. "And just how did you find out it was my birthday, Mark?"

Kerry peered innocently out the window. "Gee… look at that moon, will you?"

"A bird told me." Mark replied, the grin very evident in his voice.

"Uh huh.. is this bird about five foot six, with blond hair and green eyes?" Dar inquired wryly.

"Sorry, Dar.. that's secured info." The MIS chief clucked at her. "Anyway… you have a good birthday, okay? I'll see you tomorrow, at your.. uh… Christmas party."

Uh huh. "Thanks, Mark…. I'll remember this." Dar threatened, getting a wicked chuckle in response, before Mark hung up.

Kerry was still peering out the window, apparently fascinated by the fake snow.

Dar reached over and tickled her ribs, making her jump and squeal. "Little bird, huh?"

The cell phone rang again, and Kerry muffled a laugh as Dar sighed, then answered. It. "Yeah?" A pause. "Oh, hi Duks… yeah, thanks… I appreciate that… un huh… nope… what? Oh.. sure… hi Mariana… thank you… no, well, if I have to tell you, okay.. it's thirty." A longer pause. "Stop whining.. it's not my fault… okay, yeah, I'll see you guys tomorrow." She hit the disconnect, as the ferry docked on the island. "What did you do.. send out a message to MIAHQUSERS ALL?" She demanded.

Kerry whistled softly under her breath. The cell phone rang again. Dar glared at it, then turned her head as footsteps approached, seeing a huge bowl of ice cream approaching with a candle on top. She breathed in, then out, then looked at Kerry. "You are in such trouble."

Well. Kerry told herself, watching the bowl arrive. She could always hide under her desk come October.

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

Soft strains of Christmas music intruded itself into Dar's dozing mind, and her mind sleepily identified the song as Oh Tannenbaum as she nudged herself a little closer to consciousness. The other thing that was poking her was the smell of pancakes and biscuits.

"Mm." Her eyes opened, noting Kerry's conspicuous absence, which pretty much coincided with the delicious scents that now had her stomach growling. She rolled over and stretched, extending her arms out and yawning, as the morning light snuck through her blinds, and laid stripes across her bare body. She spared a glance down her length, tracing her recently reemerging abdominal muscles with an idle finger.

She’d kind of let that slip for a while, she acknowledged to herself, allowing the long work hours to nudge aside the frequent, long bouts of exercise that had been her habit. Then she’d met Kerry, and found herself dumped into an almost nonstop whirlwind of diving, climbing, running… and into a newly rediscovered involvement in the martial arts she’d only stayed on the fringes of previously.

Which was a damn good thing, in retrospect, for both her and her new found companion, because they both ate like starving wolves and if it hadn’t been for their shared love of physical activity, they’d both be in some serious trouble.

Fortunately, Kerry was an excellent cook, and had found ways to introduce undercover vegetables and other healthy things into their daily diet, and despite the late night raids on the ice cream container, Dar found herself in better shape than she had been for some time. She felt a lot more relaxed, in fact, and the bouts of quiet depression she’d been living through had vanished, replaced with a sense of fragile happiness that sometimes just made her smile for no reason.

She took a deep breath, detecting the positive scent of the fir tree in the living room, and she remembered the piles of presents tucked under it, all neatly wrapped. God, she'd had fun wrapping up Kerry's… she hadn't played with tinsel and ribbons in years, and she'd gone a little overboard, making little colorful curls and bows. With a grin, she hoisted herself out of the waterbed and padded to the dresser, donning a t-shirt and her flannel boxers. A trip to the bathroom to brush her teeth and splash a little water on her face, then she poked her head into the living room, hearing a soft humming coming from nearby.

Dar followed the sound, ending up in the kitchen next to a busily flap jacking Kerry, who was dressed in her favorite Tweety bird nightshirt, with her hair twisted back off her face. "Good morning ." Dar greeted her, with a smile, finding it hard to imagine what was like, only two months before, when all she'd have walked out to was the utter quiet, and sterility of loneliness.

No tree. No music.

Just another day. Dar swallowed, and took a shaky breath, then dismissed the thought, sliding both arms around Kerry’s middle and squeezing her.

Kerry leaned back against her, and tilted her head back, returning her smile. "Happy birthday." She kissed Dar gently. "Merry Christmas."

Dar glanced over her shoulder at the griddle. "Is that my present? I'll have birthdays every week, in that case."

"Chocolate chip pancakes, Eggs Benedict, biscuits, and that godawaful library paste you insist on eating." Kerry agreed. "It's almost done… go on out on the porch and let me bring it out." She'd only just been argued out of insisting on serving Dar breakfast in bed, curtailed only by the taller woman's demonstration of just how impossible it was to eat in a waterbed.

Well, food anyway.

"Grits." Dar replied, nibbling her ear. "Not library paste.. you just have to add enough stuff to it so it so they taste like something." She protested. "It's kind of like potatoes.. a delivery mechanism for butter, salt, and maple syrup."

"Right." Kerry gave her a push. "Go on… here, take some coffee with you.. I just put it in the carafe."

Dar took the pot, and two cups, and ambled out onto the porch which was drenched in sunlight, and washed with a freshening, cool breeze from the northeast. It was cool enough for the sun to feel good as it warmed her skin, and Dar took a seat, propping her bare feet up on the stone railing, and regarding the blue waters that extended to the horizon before her. Above the beach, a gull soared, banking on long narrow wings in search of a tasty meal. The breeze ruffled Dar's hair, and she smiled in pure, animal satisfaction at the beauty of the day, and how good that made her feel.

The sliding door opened, and Kerry maneuvered her way out with a large tray, setting it on the table and looking out at the water with a smile. "Wow.. nice day."

"Yeah." Her dark haired companion readily agreed. "You sure about this snow thing?"

Kerry pushed a lock of hair back behind an ear, and poured two glasses of very orange juice. "Well.. " She handed one to her lover. "I'm starting to consider alternatives."

They shared breakfast, except that Kerry refused to touch the grits, even at Dar's insistent coaxing. "Sorry… sorry… I just can't… they look too gross, Dar." She laughingly refused, taking seconds of eggs instead. "Leave me in peace with my hollandaise sauce, please."

"You could put that on the grits." Dar replied, undaunted.

"No." Kerry waved her off with a fork.

"What about if I put chocolate on them?"

"NO…. ugh.. look, I don't force you to eat broccoli, do I?" Kerry complained.

"Yes, you do." Dar replied. "In fact, you sneaked it into the soup the other week, and thought I wouldn't notice."

The blond grinned. "Whoops. Busted." She opened her mouth. "Okay.. one tiny taste."

Dar scooped up a forkful of the breakfast cereal, and placed it on her companion's tongue, with a wry chuckle at the trepidation on her face. "C’mon.. it won’t kill ya."

Kerry mouthed the substance, then paused thoughtfully. "Dar, all I taste is butter, salt, and maple syrup."

"Yes, thank you." Dar smiled. "Now, what's wrong with any of those?"

"Nothing." Kerry leaned over and took another forkful. "Share."

They wandered inside after breakfast, and settled in the living room, where the tree nestled quietly in one corner, it's twinkling white lights and bright ornaments livening up the room considerably. Kerry stretched herself out on the couch, and pillowed her head in Dar's lap, as the taller woman started up a new CD of Christmas music.

"This is very different." The blond woman commented, rubbing a thumb against Dar's skin idly. "At my parent's house, the first thing done on Christmas morning is everyone sits in the living room, and my father presides over the gift allocation."

Dar patted her arm gently, but didn't say anything. Kerry had spoken to her family once since Thanksgiving, a several minute long, anger filled, bitter confrontation that had left the blond woman shaken. There would be no going back there, and she knew it, and Kerry sadly accepted the estrangement, but Dar understood that it was still hard for her, even after what had happened, so deep was her innate love for her family.

"We.. never really had a tradition." Dar quietly said. "It was.. just whatever was going on at the time where we were… dad would always have a present for me, but we didn't do a lot in the way of decorating, or trees… " She glanced at the colorful tree, which she found appealing, in an odd way. "Too bad.. they're kinda nice."

"Yeah." Kerry smiled a little. "So.. you want to open stuff now, or later?"

Dar grinned like a little kid.

"I guess that answers that." The blond woman laughed, folding her arms over her stomach and gazing up. "Besides, we have to clear some space.. I've got a feeling a few more things might end up under there during the party." Her eyes twinkled.

"Urgh." Dar winced. "Well, if I have to… " She tickled Kerry's ribs through the soft cotton of her shirt. "C'mon.. let's go."

They settled at the foot of the tree, among little stacks of wrapped packages. "I think we went a little overboard." Dar remarked dryly, observing the piles. "Considering that there's only two of us here."

Kerry rubbed her nose. "Well.. maybe.. yeah.. but.. " She paused, and took a breath. "I didn't have too many people to shop for this year, so.. I guess I kinda made up for that with you."

Dar glanced down, and fiddled with the edge of her shirt. "So.. what's my excuse.?" She replied quietly. "My usual Christmas morning up till now has been a chocolate croissant, watching videos on VH1, and a run on the beach."

"I don't know… " Kerry pushed her hair back. "Maybe we can make some new traditions…I always looked on Christmas shopping as kind of a chore, especially for my parents, but it didn't seem that way for you."

"Yeah." The dark haired woman smiled a little, regarding the tile floor she was seated on. "I walked out of the mall the other week, and couldn’t believe all the stuff I had." She looked up. "Does that make you feel uncomfortable?" She knew Kerry felt very strongly about her own independence, and insisted on sharing all their expenses, regardless of the fact that Dar kept telling her she had more money than she knew what to do with.

"Well… " Kerry peered around at the veritable mountain of packages. "I'd probably freak out if you bought me a pony or something.. but I guess I'll survive." She grinned engagingly at her companion. "Besides…I think I kept pace with you…but I think you know that if you'd gotten me a box of Kleenex for Christmas, I'd have been happy." She leaned over and curled her fingers around Dar's. "You're the only gift that really matters to me."

Dar smiled. "Likewise." She glanced around. "But we'd better get this stuff opened." She squeezed Kerry's hand. "Hey.. the Disney parade is on at ten.. let me put it on."

Kerry laughed, and started sorting the packages, when her cell phone rang. "Oh hell.. " She glanced around. "Can you hand me that? " She'd arranged to have her apartment phone number forwarded to the portable phone., and now she opened it as Dar gave it over. "Hello?"

"Merry Christmas, chica." Colleen's laughing voice boomed. "I knew I wasn't gonna see you around here before the party, so I thought I'd call." Colleen was a good friend of Kerry's, who lived in her apartment complex.

Kerry smiled. "Thanks.. Merry Christmas to you, too, Col.. how did it go at your mom's last night?" Colleen's family opened their presents on Christmas Eve, before they all trooped solemnly off to Midnight Mass, being Irish Catholic and very traditional.

"O My God… " Colleen moaned. "I need a Uhaul to get all the stuff back here.. my mother, bless her Irish little heart, went berserk this year, and got me everything from new towels to underwear."

"Hey.. that's so sweet." The blond woman laughed. "Did all your brothers and sisters show up?"

"Oh yeah.. it was a real circus, let me tell ya.. the blarney was flying like nothing doing…we had a great time, except my brothers got into the usual fistfight, and we ended up dragging Mike to the emergency room after Mass to have a stitch put in his lip."

"Ow." Kerry made a face.

"How was your night?" Colleen asked.

"Well, we spent the day diving yesterday… then we had dinner overlooking the ocean, and we went to a service down here on the beach…it was really nice." Kerry told her, watching Dar pluck at a corner of wrapping, as she waited. "We just had breakfast, and we're about to get into some serious unwrapping."

"Trade ya." Colleen sighed. "I had to spend the night listening to my aunts and uncles tell me how it was in the good old days, and ask me when I was getting hitched, and tell me how chubby I am."

Interesting perspective, Kerry thought. "Funny.. that's exactly what I'd have been doing. " She commented. "No trade." She saw a slow, almost shy smile appear on Dar's face, as she pieced together the conversation. "So, when you coming over here?"

"Weeeell… you said the party started at seven.. but I figure if I show up a little bit early, you'll give me a tour, huh?" Colleen teased. "I want to see this famous fantasy island of yours."

"You got it." Kerry laughed. "See you then." She hung up and folded the phone, chuckling a little, then glanced up at her companion. "She's a lot of fun."

Dar smiled. "Yeah.. she seems very nice.. though I'm pretty sure she has her doubts about me." She handed Kerry a package.

Kerry took it. "Is this invasion going to drive you crazy?" She carefully separated the bow from the ribbon, and set it aside, then started working on the tape that held one end closed. "And Colleen does like you, by the way.. it just took her a while to get past your reputation."

"You can just tear that." Dar observed her. "And… no, I can deal with the party. I'm a big girl."

Kerry patiently unfolded the wrapping, and set it to one side, revealing a large, golden foil box. "I never tear the wrapping." She informed her companion firmly. "Now, go on and open one of yours so I don't feel so self conscious." She looked at Dar until the dark haired woman rolled her eyes and picked up a box, then she eased the top off her own, and peeked inside. "Ooo." A beautifully embroidered shirt peeked back at her. She had a feeling this was going to be a very interesting morning.

They'd gotten about halfway through, exposing a trade of clothing, and various computer trinkets, when her cell phone rang again. She picked it up, as she opened a box of wonderfully scented bath beads and oils, and answered it. "Hello?"

"Kerry?" The voice sounded strained.

"Angela?" She put down the box and listened. "Is that you?"

"Yeah… " Her sister sighed. "Michael's here too… we've kind of got a situation."

Kerry glanced at Dar, who had cocked her head in hearing her sister's name. "What's wrong?"

"Well… " Angela cleared her throat. "It's been…kind of bad at home this year.. I'm sure you can imagine."

"Sorry." Kerry answered quietly. Angela and Michael knew Kerry was the one who released the damaging information on her father's misdeeds to the press, though her parents did not.

"No.. don't be.. I mean… " Her sister hesitated. "You did what you had to do, you know? But anyway…all we've been hearing for the last two days is how our lives are all ruined…and Michael and I kind of got sick of it this morning."

Kerry felt a pair of warm arms circle her, and she leaned back against Dar's comforting presence. "Angela, I'm sorry…I know I screwed things up for both of you… I… "

"No…hold on." Angela's voice muffled a bit, then came back. "Michael says don't you dare blame this on yourself… you didn't do any of that stuff, he did, and it's his fault, not yours." She cleared her throat again. "Anyway… we sort of went off this morning about that… and how if it was anyone's fault, it was his, and he lost it."

Kerry took a breath. "Lost it?"

"Yeah.. he threw us out of the house." Angela laughed weakly. "Richard's on a business trip… Sally's with his mother, because I didn't want her around all the poison for Christmas.. she's too young, and she wouldn't understand."

"Wow." Kerry felt the hold tighten, and she pursed her lips. "Well, you can go by there, anyway…right?"

"Uh.. actually… " Now Angela's voice got muffled again, and Kerry was aware of an echoing sound in the background. "Actually.. Michael had this crazy idea… and before I could stop him, he kinda acted on it… so we're..um… " A slight laugh. "We're about to get on a flight down to Miami… to spend a little time with our favorite sister instead."

She couldn’t speak for a moment. "Angela, that's insane." Kerry finally breathed.

"Eyah… I know… but we're boarding… hope you don't mind." Her sister laughed. "Honestly, we really want to see you… we've got tickets back for tomorrow.. it was easier than I thought, because practically no one's flying today."

"No.. I don't mind." Kerry reassured her. "We're having a big party here.. it'll be great to have both of you.. I'll come pick you up.. we can spend some time before that… " She glanced at Dar helplessly.

The dark haired woman just grinned. "I love spontaneity." She drawled, privately very glad Kerry would get to see at least a part of her family. "The more the merrier."

"Great… gotta go." Angela sounded much more cheerful. "See you in a few hours." She hung up, leaving Kerry to exhale weightily.

"Well, that was a surprise."

Dar chuckled softly. "C'mon.. we'd better get finished opening stuff." She half turned, then scowled as her own cell phone rang. "Hello?"

"Merry Christmas, Dar!" Gerald Easton's voice boomed over the line. "I hope you got that little package I sent." The military general was an old family friend of hers, and had known Dar's father well before his death.

Dar held the phone a little away from her ear. "Yep.. and I hope mine got there all right."

"Sitting out under the tree even as we speak, my friend… we're about to start opening, and I thought I'd call to wish you a merry merry..oh, wait.. here.. all right, don't rip the damn thing out of my hands, you.. "

"Hey Dar!"

"Merry Christmas Jack." Dar smiled. "Got that home leave, I see."

"One frigging day, yeah.. " The pilot snorted. "How're you doing?" How's Kerry?"

"Fine and fine, thanks." The dark haired woman assured him. "And you?"

A bare hesitation. "Busy… hectic…the usual." Jack answered. "Hey.. Alabaster says hello, and wants to know if she can send you a present too?"

Kerry peered at her over one shoulder. "Alabaster?"

"Gerry's Labrador." Dar mouthed. "She has puppies."

"Oooooooo…. " Kerry squealed. "Oh, Dar.. those are SUCH cute puppies… did you get to see them?"

Dar regarded her with a solemn twinkle. "Had eleven of them crawling all over me, in fact." She assured her lover. "Yeah." She finally replied into the phone. "Sorry, what was that, Jack?" His voice was muffled.

"Oh.. nothing." Jack replied innocently. "So.. how's the weather?"

"Fine… why?" Dar asked suspiciously.

"Just wondering… I have to fly through Homestead on my way out tonight.. thought maybe I'd stop by and say hello." Jack replied brightly.

This party was rapidly getting to be about the size of an inaugural ball, Dar mused. "Sure.. why not.. we're having a get together over here.. I'll put your name on the list."

"Great… see you later!" Jack replied, a grin very evident in his voice, as he handed the phone back.

"Well, that's lovely." Gerald stated, sounding pleased. "You two get along so nicely."

Dar sighed inwardly. "Yeah, we sure do… listen, tell Mom I said Merry Christmas.. and I hope you like the gifts."

"Don't worry, rugrat… anything you send is always good stuff." Gerald chuckled. "Talk at you later." He hung up, and Dar let the phone drop to her knee.

"Rug rat?" Kerry grinned evilly.

"Don’t start." Dar warned jokingly. "He's been calling me that since I was twelve."

"Rug rat.. that's so cute." She leaned her head against Dar's arm. "He's nice."

"He is.. .he tries to be family to me." Dar replied quietly. "He was a good friend of dad’s.. Jack and I grew practically in each other’s houses." She reflected a moment. "I think both sets of parents thought we were going to..um… "

"Get married?"

A shrug. "Something like that… I do like Jack, a lot. If I had to marry a guy, he’d be the one." Dar admitted. "We have a lot in common."

"Yeah.. I know what you mean." Kerry agreed quietly. "That’s sort of how I feel about Brian." Her former fiance was living back in Michigan, and occasionally called her to see how she was doing. "Fortunately, I don’t’ have a marry a guy, though."

"Mm. .me either." Dar folded a piece of wrapping idly. "His wife's very sweet…and a great cook.. which reminds me." Now a dark brow edged up. "I hear I have a spy in my camp."

Green eyes twinkled. "Whoops… hey, you better be thanking me, because otherwise you'd have been munching on Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving."

Dar leaned over and kissed her. "Thank you." She murmured sincerely. "For coming into my life and changing it for the better."

Kerry hadn't expected that, and she had to swallow, and take a minute to get her breath back before she could answer. "I did that?" She uttered. "Funny.. here I was thinking about how you'd done that for me."

They kissed again, then Dar gently nudged the wrapping they were nestled in aside, and moved closer, pulling Kerry half into her lap so she could concentrate better. "Damn." She glanced up. "I forgot to hang mistletoe."

Kerry explored her lips. "That would be overkill, I think." She admitted softly, laying a hand along Dar's side and slipping it under the soft fabric of her shirt to the warm skin underneath. Her fingers traced familiar curves, and tickled Dar's navel, which caused the taller woman to muffle a laugh.

Warm lips brushed hers, and Kerry let her body relax into the touch, tasting a faint hint of chocolate chips as Dar’s palm slid under her nightshirt and up along her side, cupping her breast gently. A faint murmur escaped her, and she traced a line down Dar’s middle, circling her navel, then moving lower.

They moved a little apart, and gazed into each other’s eyes. Dar nibbled Kerry’s nose just for fun, then kissed her again. "Thanks for the birthday." She whispered, into one of Kerry’s sensitive ears.

"We haven’t had the party yet." Kerry answered, nipping her lightly through the fabric of her shirt, and feeling Dar’s body jerk in reaction.

Dar cradled her head, as they shared breath. "It’s already the best one in a long, long time."

"What do you think?" Kerry held up a pair of tiny, stuffed moose head earrings.

"I think you should hang those on the tree." Dar replied, plucking one out of her fingertips and doing just that. "There."

Kerry hung the other one on Dar’s pocket. "I like them.. I think they’re cute." They were both dressed and showered now, the wrapping cleaned up and the condo prepared for the party.

Sort of.

Dar nodded, straightening little bits of the tree in an almost nervous fashion. "So." She turned, and folded her arms over her chest. "It's been quite a month, huh?"

"Mm." Kerry agreed, as she sat on the edge of the couch and folded her hands between her knees. "It sure has…a lot of changes to get used to."

"Yeah." Dar swallowed. "Hasn’t been too bad, though, huh?" She furtively watched Kerry’s face, trying to gauge her reaction.

Blond brows drew together in puzzlement. "It hasn’t been bad at all… I mean, besides getting used to the traveling back and forth stuff, and trying to remember where I left what when, the apartment or here… it’s been all right."

"So… " She tried for light humor. "I haven’t scared you off then yet, I guess."

Kerry blinked a few times. "Scar…" Her eyes suddenly registered the tension in Dar’s body and she got up and walked over to her. "You haven’t scared me at all." She tangled her fingers in Dar’s belt loops. "Have I driven you crazy yet?"

"No." The dark haired woman visibly relaxed a little.

"Not even with my force feeding you vegetables?"

A smile. "No.. you put so much stuff on them, I hardly realize they’re there." Dar reassured her.

"I don’t make too much noise? Or bother your stuff? Get in your space?" Kerry persisted.

"No."

"Good." Kerry leaned against her and exhaled. "Because I really like being around you, and I’d hate to think it made you uncomfortable, or that you were regretting asking me to spend time here." They were, surprisingly though, pretty compatible. More than Kerry had really hoped for, considering the vast differences in their natures and backgrounds.

They both liked to do stuff outdoors, and in the water. They both liked similar music, television programs, and movies. They both enjoyed pretty much the same types of food, give or take a vegetable here and there, and a grit or two.

Of course, Dar was moodier than she was, prone to moments of dark introspection that Kerry had learned to recognize. Sometimes she simply left her friend alone, but more often, she’d figured out a way to coax Dar out of her funks.

It wasn’t always easy. They were two very different people, and it was more difficult in Kendall due to the apartment’s small spaces. Here, at least, there was plenty of room, both inside the condo, and on the island itself which had a range of things to do within walking distance. "It’s been a really happy month for me." She asserted.

"That’s good to hear." Dar murmured, her face creasing into an unexpected smile. "It has been for me too." She reached over and plucked something from the tree. "I… thought maybe you could use one of these.. I know the guards know you already but.. " She offered Kerry a bit of plastic.

"What’s that?" Kerry took it, peering at the colorful item.

"It’s a..er.. resident’s decal." Dar coughed a bit. "For your car, you know I… "

"Oh..oh.. right!" Kerry wondered if didn’t go just a little deeper than that. "Thank you.. now I don’t have to worry when there’s a new guy on the gate." She looked up, catching Dar gazing down at her with a half fearful, half hopeful expression. "Makes me feel like I really belong here."

Dar’s lips twitched. "Would you like to? Live here… all the time?"

Woo. Kerry breathed out slowly. She had her hand lying lightly on Dar’s stomach, and she could feel the short, tense breaths, and the rapid beating of her heart, despite the fact that her attitude was one of forced casualness. "That’s a big step." She admitted softly.

"Well, just something to think about." Dar told her. "No rush."

"Definitely." Kerry let the smile inside her come out, and she hugged her lover, feeling the tension relax a bit as she squeezed hard. "Thank you, Dar… I can’t tell you what you asking me that means." A powerful hug back was her answer. "Mm… I wonder if being in love feels this good for everyone."

I don't know." Dar seemed to be having trouble swallowing. "But it's never been like this for me before… and I doubt it ever will be again, so I hope this lasts a long time."

"Mm… I hate to tell you this, Dar… " Kerry's eyes gentled. "But when I was.. um… eight, I think, I decided if I ever fell in love it would be one of those forever and ever things." She took a breath, as she felt Dar stop breathing entirely. "I know that sounds really…. Um… "

"Perfect." Dar blurted. "It sounds… perfect… forever and ever sounds… just fine with me."

Forever. Something inside Kerry smiled contentedly.

Kerry glanced up. "Did you say something?"

The blue eyes seemed to deepen a shade, and a faint hint of amusement tinged them. "Nothing you haven't heard before… just that I love you."

Kerry's brows knit. "I thought…' Then she tugged her ear. "Hearing things…I love you, too."

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

The sun made Kerry wince as she turned westward onto the causeway and headed towards the airport. She flipped her sunglasses out of the Mustang's glove compartment, and slipped them on, getting relief from the intense glare. A Christmas music CD was playing merrily in her CD player, and she hummed along as she picked up I395, then made the exchange to 836 towards the airport.

Traffic was surprisingly light, and she figured she got everyone between those that did a big Christmas lunch and were now half comatose in front of football, and those who had Christmas dinner, and were making last minute preparations. Those people who eschewed the day all together, were probably at the beach, since just about everything else except Walgreen’s was closed.

The airport, on the other hand, was a royal mess. Kerry sighed, and dodged a number of taxis as she entered the arrival lanes, finding tempers flaring in the heat. She pulled off into short term parking, and grabbed a ticket, hoping to get lucky.

And of course, she didn't, ending up about as far away from the Northwest terminal as she could and still be in MIA, but she figured she was early, and the walk wouldn't hurt her any, not after that breakfast, at any rate.

Kerry ran a hand through her fair hair, and got out, locking the Mustang and squaring her shoulders. She was really glad they were coming, but the sense of guilt she felt for fracturing a good part of their lives was weighing heavily on her.

There was no one else to take the responsibility, after all. Dar had even been shocked she'd released the information, and only the fact that the server sent the documents out anonymously had saved her ass when the recipients received them, and the shit hit the fan.

Dar would have stood behind her, she knew. But resigning would have really been her only option - mixing the company up in business like that would have been something not even her powerful boss could have protected her from. It was bad enough she'd been called by the judicial subcommittee investigating the matter, to testify. That had caused a wild round of whispers at work, though… now that she thought about it, there had been more looks of veiled admiration than anything else, and Eleanor Anastasia had even slinked into her office, and commented on how much she respected Kerry for coming to work for a company her father hated so much.

One thing, at least, she didn't have to worry about them finding any way she'd benefited from the nasty stuff. She'd been self supporting since college, and she'd had Mark do a trace to make sure there were no hidden bank accounts with suspicious dollars in them under her name. But the press had been sniffing around anyway, and she'd been glad more than once that she worked in a secure building, and spent most of her time on a nice, inaccessible island in someone elses condo.

Kerry walked briskly across the parking lot, glad she'd chosen a light t-shirt tucked into faded jeans for the trip as she began to feel the heat. The concourse was invitingly cool, and she went inside with a feeling of relief, then she stopped, startled at the seemingly mindless chaos before her.

Bad weather in the rest of the country had forced hundreds, if not thousands of people to camp out in the airport, and there were bodies slumped everywhere, trying to get some rest. The restaurants were working overtime, and it looked like a multinational convention inside. "Wow." She headed off towards Terminal G, where Northwest was housed, and wandered over to a display, searching for the flight. It was one of the few on time, she was glad to note, and due in approximately ten minutes. Kerry assured herself of the gate, then she edged into a cappuccino bar, and ordered herself a double, as she sat down to wait.

She took a sip of her coffee, and enjoyed the strong taste as it entered her system, and perked her up. While she'd seen Angela at Thanksgiving, she hadn't seen her brother since the preceding holidays, and she wondered if he'd changed any. She knew she had, her hair was shorter, and a lot more sun-streaked, and she was packing an additional fifteen pounds of what was mostly muscle on her slim frame which had broadened her shoulders, and given her a completely different way of walking and moving.

That was all the swimming, diving, running, and climbing she'd been doing with Dar, which required an incredible amount of energy, but which had made her feel really good about the way she looked and felt. Everyone looked at her when she walked into a room now, and she liked that she'd found, even though she thought that was incredibly egotistical and she'd never admit it to anyone but herself.

Ah. A crowd of people were heading out from the Northwest flights, carrying overcoats, mufflers, scarves, and heavy winter sweaters. Kerry sincerely hoped they'd all take them off before the walked out the front doors, so they wouldn't cause a traffic jam when they passed out from heat stroke. She spotted her sister and brother as they headed towards the exit, and she stood up, draining her cappuccino and heading towards them, catching Angela's eye as she approached.

Her sister plucked Michael's sleeve, and pointed, and Kerry had to muffle a smile as her brother caught sight of her and his dark eyebrows jerked up as his eyes widened. Guess I do look different, she decided, as she closed with them. "Hey… "

Michael hugged her, before he stepped back, and held her at arm's length. "Holy shit, Kerry… do I know you?" Her brother was slightly shorter than she was, and had disheveled brown hair and hazel eyes. He was lightly built, and had a perpetual look of wonderment about him. "Check you out."

Angela chuckled, and shook her head. She was taller than Kerry, and had the same light brown hair as Michael did, slightly curly and longer though, framing an oval shaped face that bore little resemblance to her sister’s.

"This isn't a library." Kerry answered wryly, before she shook herself loose from his grip and hugged Angela. "Good to see you guys… even though the cause is pretty bad." She exchanged looks with them. "How was the flight?"

"Given the weather everywhere else, it really wasn't bad." Angela told her. "The change in Detroit was on time for once, and even though it was bumpy most of the way, once we'd crossed into Florida, it was beautiful." She glanced around. "This place is a zoo."

"No, that's further south." Kerry replied solemnly. "Actually, everyone's pretty much stuck here, because the weather's so bad up in the Northeast and the Midwest." She tugged their sleeves. "C'mon.. do you guys have any baggage? Hope not."

Michael shook his head. "Nope.. just these carryons.. we figured one change of clothes would be enough to get us through tonight… we've got a noon flight back tomorrow. Angela's supposed to pick up Sally at five, and I have a flight out to school at seven. "

Kerry deftly guided them through the concourse and towards the doors. "First off, take your coats off." She warned.

"We'll be fine" Angela laughed.

"Okay." Kerry hit the floor plate to open the doors, and they went from 72 degree humidity controlled air conditioning into 88 degree 98 percent mostly soup masquerading as air.

"Whoa." Angela stopped. "Gotcha.. coats gotta come off." She stripped out of her heavy jacket and draped it over one arm while Michael did the same, also pulling off his heavy sweater. "Good grief, it's green." She commented, glancing around. "It's so weird."

Kerry smiled. "You get used to it after a while… come on. I'm parked out in south nowhere." She started across the parking lot, and her siblings followed, with Angela catching up to her quickly. "How much does he know?" Kerry asked softly.

"Well.. he knows about.. um.. you." Angela answered in a whisper. "And about Dar."

"Darn good thing.. since we're going over to her place. " Kerry replied wryly.

"Really?" Angie gazed at her. "I thought… " She broke off at Kerry’s expression, and smiled instead. "I bet it’s nice there, huh? "

"Definitely is." Kerry agreed. "So he knows about us, huh?"

Angie accepted the subject change. "Yeah.. but he doesn’t know about me and Brian.. and he's.. um.. he's got the idea that he's going to make sure Dar can.. um.. as he put it 'take care of my sister.'"

"Oh boy." Kerry burst into laughter, quickly muffled. "Well, no problems there.. wait till he sees her place." She shot a glance at her brother, who was staring around with interest at the thick foliage.

"How's Dar, anyway? I forgot to ask you before." Angela asked, casually.

Kerry smiled. "She's fine…we just opened our presents to each other… Jesus, did we ever go nuts." She confided. "And it's her birthday today, too, so… " She glanced at her sister. "How’s the baby coming along?"

Angie put a hand over her stomach, being a barely visible three months pregnant. "Not bad… a little easier than the last one, really. I haven’t been as sick." She exhaled. "Dick is convincing himself it’s a boy." Dick was Angie’s husband, a stock trader whose family was close with Kerry’s parents. "Brian says he doesn’t care, but he hopes the baby looks like me."

Brian, on the other hand, Kerry’s ex fiance, was the father of Angie’s unborn child. "You know, I never expected our family to qualify for a TV movie of the week." Kerry sighed. "We’re Republicans, for God’s sake."

Angela had to laugh, though a bit wryly. "I know.. I was thinking of writing my memoirs.. think there’d be a market for them?"

"Are you kidding? You’ll be on the bestseller list." Kerry assured her, as Michael trotted back over to them. "So.. how's school?" She asked her brother.

"A pain in the ass." Michael replied sourly. "I had to tell my statistics professor off the other day." He kicked a rock, an oddly adolescent behavior considering his age. "It didn't help.. he failed me anyway."

Kerry sighed. "Uh oh… are you in trouble?" She gave him a knowing look. School had never been Michael's strong point. In fact, she wasn't sure what was his strong point, or if he even had one.

"Yeah." He peered at her sheepishly. "In fact, I owe you a big one, sis… if it hadn't been for you shaking up the world, I'd have had to tell em I flunked out this semester again, and they'd have cared." He admitted, as they approached Kerry's car. "Hey.. that hotrod yours?"

"Yes.. and no, you can't drive it." Kerry hit the automatic keylock, and popped the trunk for their carryon bags. "I like my insurance low, thanks." She waited for them to put their stuff in, then closed the hatch and opened the doors. "You'll get to meet some of my friends and coworkers tonight.. we had a party planned, so.. "

"Great." Michael gallantly got into the back seat, and allowed Angela the privilege of riding up front. "I wanna meet this Dar person, though… you should hear dad talk about her."

Kerry started the car, and put it into gear. "Don’t' worry.. you will." She promised, pulling carefully out of the parking lot and heading for the toll booth. "And Mike.. don't try anything with her, okay? She's out of your league."

Her brother snorted. "I'm wounded… like I would make a move on my sister's sweetie… yeah, right!" He gave Kerry a rakish grin. "I can't help it if girls think I'm cute, though…and what exactly do you mean, out of my league?"

Kerry didn't answer, as she was busy paying for her parking and navigating the exit roads to catch the right highway out of the airport. They talked about inconsequential stuff on the trip back, and Kerry pointed out a few landmarks as they hit the causeway, including the Port of Miami. "The cruise ships go out of there….it's quite a sight on Sunday mornings." She pulled into the ferry terminal. "You have to ride a boat out to Dar's place."

"Whooo.. now that's privacy." Michael stated, approvingly.

Kerry almost pulled into the guest's lane, then she remembered at the last moment, and diverted smoothing into the special row for residents, getting a smile and wave from the security guard.

Angela glanced at the sign, then at her. "Resident’s Lane, huh?" She asked, one eyebrow lifting. "Looks like they know you pretty well here."

"Hi Carlos." Kerry greeted the deckhand. "Merry Christmas."

"Feliz Navidad, Ms. Kerry." The man waved, the pointed at her new sticker and gave her a thumbs up, as he crossed the deck of the ferry and secured the ramp.

Kerry was aware of the looks she was getting from her siblings, but she waited for the ferry to undock, and start it's way across the cut before she glanced at them.

"So… you live here too?" Michael asked, curiously.

"Pretty much, yeah." Kerry replied. "Dar's got a big place.. five bedrooms.. there's plenty of breathing space there. She asked me after Thanksgiving if I wanted to move in part time.. and I said yes." She was aware of the awkward silence. "She inherited the condo from an aunt of hers.. pretty much rent free. We share expenses otherwise, though."

"Oh.. .like roommates." Angela answered, slowly. "Doesn't that mess you up at work?"

"Not really." Kerry replied, leaning back, and propping her knee up against the steering wheel. "We don't mention it at work… and we pretty much just do our jobs there." A shrug. "Then we just go home… I was staying at my place most of the week, but that's getting pretty pointless."

Another really awkward silence. "So.. this is.. like, really serious, isn't it?" Michael finally asked slowly. "You two are like.. living together, right?"

Kerry turned her head to regard him. "Yes… this isn't one of your flings of the week, Mike." She felt her temper prickling a little. "Or did you think I was just kissing my bosses ass?" A pause. "Literally."

She shocked both of them, she could tell, and she almost laughed at the expressions on their faces. "Sorry.. that was pretty crude."

Michael scrubbed his head. "Um… it's going to take a little bit to get used to this, y'now…I mean, Jesus, Kerry… of course I didn’t think you were just playing around, or anything.. it just happened so fast."

She snorted. "I remember you going through six girlfriends in four months last year.. .give me a break." She gave him a look. "Double standards, huh?"

"Well.. no.. it’s not that.. " He protested. "I mean.. that's me, Ker…. I've always been a freaking flirt.. we all know it… I had three dates for my senior prom, for Christ's sake.." He leaned on the seat and put a hand on her shoulder. "But you always said when you fell in love, it'd be just the one time, remember?" A smile. "So…"

Kerry gazed at him, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's the one time." She replied evenly.

They both stared at her. "Really?" Michael asked.

"Yep." Kerry answered, with a smile.

He digested this. "Well.. all I can say is, she'd better be worth it then." His lip poked out pugnaciously. "She'd better be good enough for my sister."

Kerry bit off a wry grin, and started the car up, as they docked. "You can judge for yourself in a few minutes." She directed the Mustang up the ramp, and through the courtesy spray, turning left and heading towards the condo. They were both quiet on the drive, and while she parked next to Dar's Lexus. "Okay… here we are." She popped the hatch and got out, hearing the door on the condo open as they walked around to get the bags out.

"Hey." Dar's voice, tinged with amusement floated over them. "Clemente just called and wanted to know if you wanted dark chocolate, or milk chocolate mousse."

Kerry looked up, to see her lover leaning on the stair balcony, dressed casually in faded cutoff denim shorts with a bright red polo shirt tucked into them. "Ah." She grinned. "I'll call him back." She noticed her siblings glances. "You know Angela.. this is my brother, Michael." She gave him a poke. "Mike, this is Dar. Say hello, and stop staring like a tourist."

"I am a tourist." Her brother protested, then he summoned up a bright smile. "Hello, Dar… it's nice to meet you."

One dark brow lifted, along with the corner of Dar's mouth on that side. "Nice to meet you too." She replied politely. "Hello, Angela.. welcome to Miami."

The chestnut haired woman returned the polite nod. "Nice to see you again, Dar." She looked around. "It's lovely here."

"Thanks.. come on up.. " Dar motioned them forward.

Kerry prodded them both up the stairs, and into the condo, exhaling as she felt Dar's hand patting her back in comfort as the dark haired woman followed them in. "Let me call Clemente.. you guys want something to drink?"

They were both glancing around the condo. "That would be great." Angela said, firmly. "Flying always makes me thirsty."

Kerry disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the three of them alone. Dar finally cleared her throat. "Would you like to sit down?" She asked, politely, indicating the couch. Families, she reflected, were tough. "Nice flight?"

Angela put her bag down and seated herself, glaring at Michael until he did the same, with an abashed look. He'd been studying the painting over the couch in fascination. "Um… it was a good flight, yes…" The woman stated. "The weather's causing a lot of congestion at the airports, but we didn't have any problem."

Dar was about to answer, when she heard the sound of glasses being fumbled in the kitchen. "Excuse me a minute." She produced a brief smile, then escaped to where Kerry was retrieving an errant tumbler. "Hi."

"Hi." The blond woman set the glass down on the counter, and got a pitcher of peach flavored ice tea from the refrigerator.

"You okay?" Dar asked, mildly, as she came up behind her lover and rubbed her shoulders, feeling the tension in them.

Kerry poured two glasses, then set the pitcher down, and sighed. "They're being weird." She turned and looked up at Dar. "It's just so strange… I feel like I should be apologizing to them half the time, and the other half I'm mad because I feel like they're passing judgment on me."

"Well." Dar nibbled her lower lip. "I don't have any experience in the sibling scene, but I think they're actually passing judgment on me, not on you." She fondly ran her hands through Kerry's hair. "Give em time… they'll loosen up, and if they don't, I'll take em on a tour and shake em up a little."

That got a laugh from her companion. "Jesus.. they're just my brother and sister… I feel like a first time debater at the nationals." She picked up the glasses. "Come on… let's go face the inquisition."

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

"I'll get that." Dar eased up from her seat and ambled towards the door, glad of the distraction after two hours of desperately clever conversation with her lover's family. She pulled the door open, giving Colleen an amiable grin. "Hello, Colleen."

The redhead nodded back. "Merry Christmas, Dar… this is some island you've got here."

The taller woman chuckled. "Thanks… c'mon in.. Kerry's brother and sister came down.. we're just getting to know each other." She'd gotten a touch friendlier with Colleen the last week or so, at the classes she taught at the gym, but there was still a reserve between them, and she suspected Colleen still harbored some doubts about Kerry's judgement in getting involved with her boss.

"Oo… " Colleen hid a grimace. "Families.. gotta love em… be glad it's not mine." She stepped inside and moved past Dar, who kept the door open, spotting the catering crew headed her way.

"Hello, Clemente… Merry Christmas." Dar gravely greeted the first of them.

"Feliz Navidad, Ms. Roberts." The sweating hospitality manager wiped his brow. "My people will bring in the tables, and do the setup now, if that is okay with you."

"Great… go ahead." Dar cocked an ear inside, where Colleen's rich tones had been added to the conversation, and things seemed to be loosening up a bit. It was curiously exhausting, dealing with people on this kind of emotional level, she mused, seating herself on the railing and watching as the uniformed busboys and porters brought folding tables, linen, and chafing dishes inside. It was much easier to stand in a boardroom among business adversaries, because that never touched you, not on the inside, where it counted.

It had been a long time since she’d had any family, and even then.. Dar gazed out over the neatly landscaped area. Her father, Andrew, had been career navy, and her childhood spent moving from place to place, though his longest postings had been here in South Florida and Dar had always considered this her home town. Her father’s family had shunned him after his marriage to her mother, whose eclectic tastes, and odd ways were as alien to them as a Martians would be. A wealthy northerner, liberal in her politics, esoteric in her religion, and an artist by nature, Cecilia Roberts had seemed ill suited to her admittedly redneck, conservative husband with his mostly poor, Alabama based extended clan.

Somehow, they’d gotten past that, though. That was what gave Dar hope in her own relationship with Kerry, because different as they were, they were nowhere in that league. Dar sighed, hoping she hadn’t pushed things too fast with the decal. As much as she wanted the security that Kerry moving in would bring, she didn’t want to seem like she was forcing the younger woman into a decision. "She looked pretty happy about it, though." She commented to the thin air, feeling a bit of optimism rise at that. Maybe it would be okay after all.

Dar watched as a waiter walked by, carrying a beautiful centerpiece, bathing her with a sweet, floral scent. She reached out and plucked a small, tightly budded rose from the arrangement, and twirled it between her fingers, sniffing it idly, before she girded her loins, as it were, and returned to the living room.

Kerry was seated on the love seat, still looking uncomfortable and facing the couch where her brother and sister were perched. Colleen had captured the chair next to her. Dar stepped around the end of the love seat and settled into place next to her lover, catching her eye and handing her the rose.

It threw Kerry off her balance, and she gave Dar a near breathless, startled look as she took the bloom, bringing it to her nose in pure reflex as the taller woman relaxed and extended her long legs, crossing them at the ankles. "Thanks." Kerry smiled, forgetting their guests for a long moment.

Dar winked at her, then turned her attention to the raptly watching trio. "Is there a problem?" She asked, in her best boardroom no nonsense voice, one eyebrow lifting up in question.

"Uh… " Colleen fished for a conversation starter.

"You know." Michael folded his arms across his chest, and grabbed the bull by the horns. "Outside the movies, I've never actually seen one human being give another human being a rose before." He cocked his head at Dar. "That is obnoxiously romantic."

Everyone kind of froze, waiting for Dar's reaction. She let them wait a beat, then smiled lazily. "My father taught me to do that." She replied simply.

"What.. to give people flowers?" Colleen asked, curiously.

"To let my actions speak louder than words." Dar answered wryly, feeling the ice breaking a little, as grins went around the room. Kerry moved closer, and leaned against her shoulder, tucking her legs up under her and relaxing. "Now.. someone explain to me the candles in the little paper bags I saw everywhere last time I was up north?"

"Well… " Michael rubbed his hands together. "There's this tradition…. "

Kerry regarded her lover's profile, feeling a warm wash of affection as she reflected on Dar's quiet sacrifice, her giving up of a tiny bit of her cool reserve to smooth the way for Kerry's own comfort.

Nice.

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

Dar leaned back against the sliding glass door, sipping on a glass of very spiked eggnog and listening to Duks relate a story of his last vacation in Germany. The party was in full swing, and after the initial shock of having so many people in her usually peaceful condo, she'd actually started having an acceptably good time.

Most of the invites had been from work. Duks Draefus, ILS’s Finance VP and Mariana Sookis, ditto for Personnel were friends of Dar’s. Mark and his fiance Barbara often joined them socially outside of work, and Maria was a longtime assistant of Dar’s. Colleen and Kerry’s siblings rounded out the group.

Kerry was seated on the couch, with her brother and sister on the loveseat, and Mariana and Mark next to her, and all five people were arguing about the appropriateness of sports salaries. Dar chuckled, as Mark predictably supported the 'pay em anything as long as they score' view, and Mariana insisted the money could be better used to feed orphans in third world countries.

Everyone had brought presents, and Dar had, using verbal and almost physical strong arm tactics insisted on their being put under the tree and opened at an unspecified 'later'. "I haven't opened presents at a birthday party since I was five years old, damn it.. " She'd told Kerry. "I'm not starting up again at 30."

Colleen was sitting with Duks, and Mark’s fiance Barbara, and an interested, but mostly very quiet Maria. Dar had been surprised Kerry had invited her, and more surprised that her secretary had attended, but she was glad, and she's spent a few minutes giving the woman a tour around the apartment, mostly to convince her she really, truly, didn't live in her Lexus.

"Dar?"

"Hmm?" She glanced down, startled, as her name was called. "Sorry… just thinking."

"You've been to the Netherlands, haven't you?" Duks asked. "Tell them.. is it not true things are so much more relaxed in Europe?"

"Well… " Dar slipped into the armchair she'd been leaning against and considered. "Yes and no… they're different cultures, and they all have things that they're very strict about.. the French about language, for instance. They hate Americanisms creeping into their speech.. and we get into trouble with that a lot because it's so damn hard to translate a lot of the technology terms."

"Si.. " Maria interrupted shyly. "When I'm having to order things for you, it's hard." She stated. "It is me speaking Spanish, and our salesman speaking Spanish, and we are every third word going to English for 'buses' and 'gigapets."

"Gigabytes." Colleen and Duks corrected simultaneously.

Dar nodded. "Right…and you have to be careful of the cultural bias… especially in the Pac Rim countries if you're a woman….I would say that in Europe they're certainly a whole lot more relaxed about sex."

The all laughed, and Maria blushed. "Um.. " Dar laughed herself." That came out wrong… what I mean is, like the Clinton scandal. The French look at us and say "You must be kidding.. you're spending how much on WHAT?.." She waited for the laughter to die down. "Because there, of course, mistresses are paid for as a matter of course in the government.. no one cares about that. They do care if the person does their job, so they think we're very hung up on sex, and frankly, it doesn't make much sense to them."

"Right.. that's true." Duks agreed. "And Americans can be the biggest as…." His eyes flicked to Maria. "Ah.. the most obnoxious people overseas… we do ourselves no favors a lot of times, and that makes the people view the entire country in a certain way."

Dar smiled, and sipped her eggnog. "There are places overseas I refuse to speak English in, when I'm out and about casually."

Duks rattled off a question in German, and she answered it, with a tolerant smile. "Not bad." He chuckled. "You've even got the accent right."

They all laughed.

Kerry peeked over, and smiled as she saw Dar lean back and take a casual swallow of her drink. The party was working out better than she'd planned, and she was even having a good time, catching up with her brother and sister, and trading techie horror stories with Mark. The caterers had brought in eight chafing dishes full of things she knew Dar liked, along with a polite bartender who was behind a well stocked mini bar they'd rolled in for the party. Everyone had done the buffet justice, and now they just had to get through the cake, and she could claim a success.

A soft knock came at the door, and she looked up, to see it open, and Jack poke his crew cutted head in, spotting her. He grinned, and stuck a hand inside, curling a finger at her then putting it to his lips.

Kerry darted a glance towards Dar, who hadn't noticed, and she stood, brushing her slacks off and stepping around the coffee table. "Excuse me a minute." She trotted across the apartment and reached the door. "Hi Jack.. c'mon in."

"Shh… c'mere.. " He tugged her outside. "I've got a present… but if I give it to her, she's gonna say no." He whispered. "But if you're holding it, I bet she says yes."

Kerry's brows knit. "What??" She muffled a laugh. "Aw, come on, Jack..I know she'll love what…" She stopped speaking, as he produced the present, a cream colored puppy wearing a tiny navy sweatshirt. "Oh… my….god…."

"Isn't she cute?" Jack whispered. "She rode all the way in my back seat, and she was such a good girl…" He held the puppy out. "Say hello.."

Kerry took the animal, who squirmed, and sniffed her hair, making a small whining sound. "Jack.. Dar’s going to go bananas.. you know that." She stroked the puppy's soft fur, and felt it's silky ears. "I don't know if she'll go for this."

"Listen… I got a maybe out of her when she was up by us… and she really likes Alabaster." He paused. "That's the puppy's mother… they're great dogs."

"Oh.. I know.. I know.. " Kerry scratched the puppy's chest, and it licked her, finding some errant sauce on her chin and searching enthusiastically for more. "But it's a lot of responsibility, and she's not home most of the day.. I don't know if that's fair."

Jacks' shoulders sagged. "You should have seen her face when she was playing with them… I know she really wants one… they're great companions.. you know, she could go running with Dar in the morning and all… " He looked at Kerry's face. "No, huh?"

Kerry sighed, gazing at the warm brown eyes that seemed to radiate love. "It's not my decision." She remembered Susie, who had looked at her with that same trusting gaze. "Hey sweetie…" She whispered, reliving the memory of that last morning, when she'd said goodbye to her friend, and felt the hurt all over again. She'd never gotten attached to a pet since, for what she thought was good reason. "I don’t'… "

The door opened, spilling light out onto the porch, and a pair of sharp, blue eyes captured them. "What on earth is going on out here?" Dar asked, glancing at Jack as Kerry turned to face her. "What are you two…. " A pause. "Oh. I see." Her eyes went from the puppy to her lover, then back to the puppy. "What have we here?"

Jack put on his most innocent expression. "You said I could bring her."

"I what?" Dar's brows shot up. "When was this?"

"When I talk to you today.. I asked if I could bring a special present, and you said "Yeah." " Jack put his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels. "So I did."

"Um.." Kerry shifted the puppy, and tried to keep it from chewing on her earlobe. "I … he called me out here.. and I um… oo.. stop that…" She lifted her eyes to Dar's in appeal. "I told him it'd be kinda tough for you to handle a pet."

"Ah." Dar eyed them both. "I get it.. he called you out here, trying to get you on his side, because he knew.. if you asked me if I wanted to keep the puppy, I'd probably say yes." She paused. "Right?"

Jack studied his flight boots, then glanced up through blond eyelashes. "It was a plan."

"Uh huh.. and what do you think of this plan, Kerry?" Dar inquired, a gentle twinkle in her eyes.

"Oh.. well… I um.. " Kerry watched as the puppy yawned, and put her head down on the blond woman's shoulder. "I mean, I told him I didn't think you'd go for it.. I mean, you're not here a lot, and a dog's a lot of responsibility, and all that." She stroked the animal's fur. "She's really cute though, huh?" The puppy nuzzled her. "Maybe I could…um.. " She let the thought trail off. "Find someplace…or …maybe I could…um… but I don't think my complex takes pets..I.." A small tongue licked her cheek. "Aww.. uh.. "

The puppy turned it's head and gazed at her. Kerry gazed at her. Jack gazed at her.

Dar burst out laughing. "Well, to be honest, you just beat me to it, Jack." She informed her pilot friend. "I was actually working on getting a puppy… " Her eyes dropped to Kerry's surprised ones. "A cocker spaniel…as a matter of fact.. but I suppose a Labrador will do." She gave Kerry a shy, somewhat hopeful look. "I figured between the two of us we could.. I mean I thought maybe a puppy would be a good Christmas present for you."

Kerry's jaw dropped as she saw the smile on Dar's face. "Wait.. you mean it's for me?"

Dar nodded slightly.

She asked faintly. "Son of a… " She turned to look at Jack. "You… "

He chuckled. "Merry Christmas, Kerry." His face crinkled into a smile. "When Alabaster heard what happened to you when you were a kid.. she insisted on personally sending a little gift down for you."

Kerry had to stop, and think a minute. Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly distinguish the beats. This was more than a puppy. It was a commitment, on Dar's part, to her. To them. Kerry took a deep breath, and looked up at her lover. "I guess… with two people.. maybe it won't be so bad." She hugged the puppy a little, and it licked her neck. "Oh.. that tickles.. " Her eyes lifted to Dar's. "Thank you."

Dar looked exceedingly pleased with herself. "Your welcome." She turned her head. "Jack.. you hungry? We've got enough food in here to feed half of Miami." She opened the door, and stood aside to let him enter. "Go on… there's a bar in the back.. you can stay over until tomorrow, right?"

Jack hugged her. "Yep… otherwise I'd have to stick to club soda, and what a waste of your birthday party that would be." He moved past her, leaving them alone on the porch.

Dar let the door close behind him, and then she leaned on the railing, taking a breath of the cool air and letting it out. "Picked a name yet?"

Kerry walked over and perched next to her. "My brain hasn't stopped spinning yet.. are you kidding? Dar… " She stroked the puppy. "I don't know what to say… I never thought you'd.. even consider allowing something so much trouble as this into your day to day life."

Dar scratched the puppy's chin, then crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back. "I've wanted a dog for a long time." She answered quietly. "My mother was badly allergic to fur, and we never had one when I was growing up.. but when I went to college, I found this mutt and I adopted him. Damn thing followed me everywhere…waited for me outside my classrooms.. "

Kerry just waited.

"Day after I graduated, he got hit by a car." Dar's voice was steady, and almost resigned. "I spent the whole day at the vet's office, but in the end, there was nothing they could do… I just held him while they put him down." She shook her head. "It's incredible how much you can become attached to an animal… it felt like it was a brother or sister that was dying."

"Dar… " Kerry's voice ached.

"My father said its because animals give you something humans never do…unconditional love." The dark haired woman concluded quietly. "They don't care how rich you are, or who your parents are, or what you do…it doesn't matter to them." She looked up at Kerry. "It's no trouble, Kerry… we'll find a way to work it out.. the worst problem is going to be getting someone in to suck up all the little bitty Labrador hairs… or we're going to end up wearing a lot of tweed to work."

"Hm." Kerry regarded the puppy, who yawned, and licked her face again. "I like tweed."

"I hate it." Dar replied cheerfully. "C'mon.. let's go introduce our new friend to the crowd." She reached for the door, and circled Kerry's shoulders with her other arm. "What are we going to call her?"

"You're going to have to give me a little while to think about that, Dar." The blond woman advised her, as they entered the condo. "Wait…she's so creamy colored… how about Cappuccino?"

Dar laughed. "Cappuccino it is…. Hey… " She raised her voice. "C'mere and meet Kerry's Christmas present… Cappuccino."

"Oh… Calinde… " Maria quickly came over, cooing at the puppy, who woke up and looked around in bewildered alarm at the sudden sea of faces.

Dar stepped back, capturing a miniature shish kebab from one of the chafing dishes and nibbling on it as she watched everyone fuss over her lover and the puppy. Kerry was steadily becoming more animated, and she quickly sat down on the tile and let the puppy run around, laughing at it's antics. The animal decided her shoelace was appropriate prey, and tugged it, growling and scrabbling on the slick surface.

"I think I can report back to Alabaster that her daughter has a good home." Jack commented, balancing his full plate on one hand and attacking forkfuls of it's contents with the other. "She'll be happy as hell."

"Yeah." Dar snagged a coconut shrimp and bit it in half. "Thanks, Jack… I owe you another one." She looked at her friend in quiet gratitude.

"No problem." The aviator grinned. "I got me a good plate of chow, a way comfortable looking couch for the night, the company of two lovely ladies, and a damn fine home for one of Alabaster's puppies. Can't ask for better than that."

Dar smiled contentedly, in silent agreement.

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

"Close the door."

Kerry took one more quick look around the now quiet, and mostly dark condo. Jack was snugged down on the couch, and she'd settled Angela and Michael upstairs, her sister in her room, and her brother in the spare room on the other side of her newly converted office. She shut the door to Dar's bedroom firmly, then turned and regarded her lover, who was sprawled on the waterbed, eyes closed.

"Whew." Kerry yawned, rubbing her eyes. "I can't believe it's 3am…I haven't talked that much since the debating finals in college."

"Mm." Dar nodded. "It was nice, though… good party."

Kerry perched on the edge of the waterbed. "Yeah? You had fun?"

One blue eye eased open. "Yes, I did." Dar sounded faintly surprised. "I think everyone did…and the picture you got of Duks falling asleep on the chair with that puppy is some of the best blackmail material I've seen in years." She remarked, lifting her arms over her head and stretching. "Killer dessert."

The blond woman's eyes lit up . She'd personally constructed it, a cake with one layer of dark chocolate mousse, and a second of chocolate chip cheescake, separated by a layer of crushed Oreo cookies, and covered in a crispy, hard milk chocolate shell. "You should know.. you had four pieces." She teased. "And I saved you some in the refrigerator."

Dar's eyes brightened. "Really?" She started to get up, only to have Kerry catch her shoulder and stop her.

"You're going to be sick to your stomach, Dar.. come on now." She laughed. "And you'll wake up Jack and the puppy."

The dark haired woman settled back down. "Yeah.. you're right." She agreed reluctantly. "There's always breakfast."

"Augh." Kerry covered her eyes and winced.

"What… I'll have orange juice with it if it makes you happier." Dar teased, then patted her leg. "Just kidding…we'll have it tomorrow night, after everyone leaves." She relented. "Did you type up the recipe for everyone? I think Maria wants to put it on the company bulletin board." Dar paused. "I hope she calls it something other than my birthday cake, though."

Kerry laughed, then let herself slide into the waterbed, resting her head on Dar's stomach as she gazed up at the ceiling. "I think my brother has a crush on you."

"Ah.. is that why he was babbling." The executive mused. "Is he prone to those?"

"OH yeah." The blond woman snorted. "No offense to you, or anything.. but he goes gaga over just about every pretty woman he sees… " Her head turned, and she glanced up at Dar. "And you definitely qualify."

The blue eyes warmed as Dar smiled back at her. "He's sort of sweet.. and your sister and I managed to have a nice conversation about the Miami area… she's funny."

"Mm.. she likes you." Kerry found herself a little surprised by that. "I wasn't sure if… Angie tends to be a little on the conservative side."

Dar rolled her head to one side. "But you said she knew about you… right?"

"I said conservative, not blind or stupid." The smaller woman replied wryly. "A lot of people make that mistake… just because someone doesn’t want to see something, doesn't mean they can't."

"Ah." Dar lowered a hand, and gently rubbed Kerry's belly, eliciting a contented murmur from her. 'Thanks for the party."

A green eye rotated up and gazed at her. "Does that mean I can do it again?" Kerry inquired.

"As many times as you like." The dark haired woman assured her.

Kerry rolled over so she could look up at Dar. "That's a lot of birthday parties."

That got a contented smile from her lover.

They gazed at each other in peaceful silence for a moment or two. "I think Maria knows about us." Kerry finally commented, surprised when Dar started laughing.

"Maria knew about us before I did." The taller woman admitted. "I should have realized when she asked me if I wanted one set of tickets or two for Thanksgiving, and whether to put us in separate rooms at Disney."

"Really?" Kerry almost sat up in amazement. "She did that? No wonder she went along with me on….uh"

A low, sensual chuckle. "On getting us to stay in the park?" Dar's eyes sparkled wickedly. "C'mon, Kerry.. I'd figured that one out at least." She gave the smaller woman a gentle poke.

Kerry blushed. "I was trying to get you to relax." She complained feebly. "If you'd figured it out, why'd you go along with it? " She glanced up at Dar. "You could have stopped it."

Gentle blue eyes regarded her. "I know. But I didn't want to."

"Oh." Kerry murmured. "Well, I'm glad you didn't." She smiled up at Dar. "Because I really like where it's taken us."

"You do, huh?" The dark haired woman idly traced a finger across Kerry's face.

‘Yes, I do." Her lover replied softly. She wrapped her fingers around Dar's, and lifted her hand up, pressing her lips against the back of it, then tucking it against her heart. "Thank you for the puppy."

Dar grinned wholeheartedly, then sobered. "Listen.. I didn’t want you to think I just got that puppy so…" She paused. "I mean, it wasn’t to pressure you into moving in here or anything."

"Oh." Kerry tilted her head to one side. "That’s too bad.. I was hoping that was part of the reason." She felt a tiny, mischievous smile appear on her face at the look of startlement on Dar’s.

"T… but… " Dar scowled engagingly. "I was trying to be serious here."

"Me too. I’m seriously glad you felt comfortable enough to make the offer, Dar." Kerry reassured her. "In fact, I think I’d like to give it a try."

Blue eyes widened in delight. "Really?" Dar watched Kerry nod. "Great." She smiled in relief. "Guess we’ve got some work to do this week then, huh?"

"Yeah." Kerry inched forward and kissed her. "First things first though…guess we'd better get undressed."

"Oh… sure." Dar replied agreeably, sliding her hands up over Kerry's hips and unbuckling the thin leather belt around her waist. "No problem."

"Well… that wasn't what I had in mind but… " Kerry unbuttoned the top button on Dar's cotton shirt with her teeth. "But I guess it'll serve the right purpose." She felt the cool of the air conditioning on her skin as her pants were eased off and Dar's familiar touch circled her thighs then traveled up to start unbuttoning her shirt.

"Mm.." She had Dar's blouse open now, and the taller woman lifted her body up a little, letting her slip the fabric off over her tanned shoulders. Kerry let her hands go flat against the tensed abdominal muscles, leaning lightly against them as she nuzzled Dar's bare neck, then lowering herself down as the taller woman did, letting their bodies touch and slide against each other.

The cool air now hit her back and she shrugged out of her shirt and a trail of warmth followed Dar's hands across her skin, sliding across her shoulderblades, and down her sides, then gently gripping her hips as the shifted, rolling over and tangling their limbs as she forgot the long day, and the fatigue that faded before the insistent nibbling along her neck that dipped to her collarbone, and beyond.

It was, Kerry decided, the perfect end, to a darn near perfect day.

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

The quiet afternoon sunlight drifted gently into the apartment, as quiet finally descended. Dar hitched one leg over the arm of the chair she was sprawled on, and leaned back as Kerry walked in, carrying their new puppy. "Everyone's safely headed home… finally." She remarked, as the blond woman perched on the chair arm, letting Cappuccino chew on her fingers.

"Finally." Kerry agreed. "I thought I'd never get my brother to shut up… did you have to come sauntering in this morning practically in your underwear?"

Dar gave her a look. "It's not underwear.. it's what I run in." She objected. "This is Miami, remember? Running in a sweatsuit is an invitation to heatstroke." She let her head rest against the back of the chair. "Damn… I have sixteen pages of email I have to go through before tomorrow morning."

"Don't remind me." Kerry sighed. "I have a position status report on two different accounts due tomorrow at the 9am staff meeting, and I haven't even started it yet." She cuddled the puppy closer to her. "Guess we'd better get started….we have a ton of leftovers for dinner, unless that really bugs you."

"Nah.. that's fine." Dar lifted a hand and stroked the backs of her knuckles against Kerry's bare thigh. The blond woman was wearing a pair of cutoff denim shorts and a tshirt, and Dar could smell the remnants of sun tan lotion clinging to her skin. "I really don’t feel like looking at that goddamned mail." She finally admitted.

"Mm.. well, I don't feel like doing those reports, so I guess we're even. " Kerry told her. "We could be like everyone else, and do our work when we're actually supposed to be working." She reasoned. "As a matter of fact, I can't believe we haven't had a major problem this weekend…that's a first."

"Shhh… " Dar implored her. "Please.. I don't feel like having to scream at people tonight." She tickled the sleepy puppy. "Hey, there girl." A smile crossed her . "She's really a cutie, huh?"

"Yeah… " Kerry smiled. "She was fiercely defending the kitchen from the broom earlier." She chuckled. "Tell you what… let's play with her for a little while, then eat dinner, then maybe we'll be in the mood for work."

"Okay." Dar moved over and allowed Kerry to join her on the couch, as she pensively played with Chino's fuzzy ears.

Kerry stroked the animal for a moment, then glanced at her face. "Something wrong?"

Dar's lips tightened. "No, not really… I was just thinking."

"About what?" Kerry tucked her feet up under her. "You're not having second thoughts about the puppy, are you? I mean… we can find someone… "

"No no.." Dar shook her head, surprised at the surfacing memories. "I was just… imagining how much my father would have loved to meet her." She felt a comforting hand circle her arm. "I wish he could have."

Kerry pursed her lips. "I wish I could have met him.. he sounds like he was a wonderful person."

Dar nodded faintly. "He was… " She exhaled. "They came to tell us he died on my birthday, seven years ago." She admitted, in a low voice. "It was a pretty lousy day."

"Oh, Dar… " Kerry was dismayed.

"Yeah… " Dar acknowledged the emotion. "Anyway… that's the other reason I didn't do much to celebrate after that. I think of that day, and it’s just a wash of misery. It was easier to pretend I didn’t have a birthday."

"I'm sorry." The smaller woman murmured. "I wish you'd told me… Dar, I would never have…"

"It's okay." She was told firmly. "I'm glad we did this…I had a good time, and I know… if my dad was here, he'd kick my ass if I'd have told you no." She looked up at Kerry. "It’s time I took that day back."

"Mm."

Dar looked at her. "I wish you could have met him too…I think you two would have hit it off." She managed a smile as Kerry hugged her. "Anyway… um.. did you say you had some of that cake left?" Time for a subject change. "I bet it goes good with ice cream… huh?"

"Yeah." Kerry murmured softly. "I bet it does."

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

The office was very quiet, as a late afternoon sun filtered inside, dusting the maroon carpet with soft, golden motes. It was empty, as though waiting for something to happen, the PC on the desk showing slowly pacing panthers, and a small tank on the wooden surface holding two Siamese fighting fish circling each other.

The door slammed open, breaking the silence, and a tall, dark haired woman strode in, carrying a stack of printouts which she tossed on the desk, circling it and claiming the chair with an air of impatient disgust. "Stupid pieces of half assed useless…"

It had been a tough day. Two meetings, and the last one had been mostly her yelling, at a table full of glum looking department heads who were weeks behind in closing their budgets.

Dar closed her eyes and rested her head in her hand for a moment, then straightened and pulled the folders over, flipping the first one open and looking at the contents. She read for a long moment, then reached over without looking up and dialed a number on her speaker phone.

"Sales Executive, good afternoon." A precise, Hispanic accented voice answered.

"Put Jose on the line." Dar snarled.

"Uno momento, Senora." The line went to Muzak.

"I’m not a senora, arroz for brains." Dar muttered at it, riffling through the pages irritatedly.

The inner door opened, and Kerry poked her blond head in. "Hi."

Dar waved, and pointed at the speaker phone. Kerry entered, moving across the carpeted floor silently and kneeling at her side. She picked up Dar’s pencil and pad and started writing, in neat, bold script, the pencil making a faint scratching sound against the paper.

"What do you want, Dar?" Jose’s voice abruptly broke the peaceful quiet.

"Competence." Dar shot back. "But I’m not likely to get it from Sales anytime soon, so I’ll settle for the damn budget numbers, like I’ve been asking for the last two weeks."

Kerry peeked up at her, then went back to her scribbling.

"You got them yesterday!" Jose barked back. "It’s not my fault if you can’t find your damn inbox."

Dar peered over at the tray, which contained precisely two, small, flat pieces of paper in it. She stood and picked them up, flipping them over and studying them. "Oh.. right. " She snorted. "Yeah, the bathroom supply requisition – yeah, I can see where you’d confuse your budget with that."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"The only thing in my inbox is the god damned toilet paper bill, Jose. So unless you’re submitting that, try again."

"Jesu.. Marta… como esta venta numerales?"

"Painted on your butt, probably." Dar muttered under her breath. She could hear the secretary scrambling on the other end, then a rapid exchange of frenetic Spanish. "I’m waiting." She yelled. "I’ve got four days to close the books, Jose… either get me those damn numbers now, or I’ll submit the budget without them!" She slapped the release on the phone, and tossed the top folder in the in box. "Jerk."

"Well." Kerry nibbled her pencil. "I was going to write you a note saying I was running by the apartment after work, to pick up some stuff to bring over."

"Mmph." Dar propped her head up on one hand. "I’d help, except I’ve got a client briefing at six, and that wont’ let out until after eight, probably. "

"That’s okay." Kerry told her. "Meet you at the gym at eight thirty then?" She inquired. "Ken said he was looking forward to trying that new stuff with you tonight."

Dar leaned back in her chair, and exhaled. "Boy.. I’ll be ready for a sparring session tonight, that’s for sure." She gave Kerry a wry look. "Can I go back to last weekend?"

Kerry peeked at the door, then leaned over and kissed her knee. "It’s a short week, Dar… we’ve got New Year’s coming up, and another long weekend.. hang in there."

"Grumph." Dar allowed herself the luxury of indulging in a riffling of Kerry’s hair, scratching the back of her neck and watching her lover drop her head forward, and release a tiny moan of pleasure. "Thanks for reminding me.. things going okay over by you?"

Kerry straightened. "Yes.. well, mostly." She amended. "Eleanor roped me into a meeting at four, but other than that, the day’s gone fine." A sigh. "I think she wants to bitch about you, and frankly, Dar.. I’m not in the mood for it today."

"Sorry." Dar apologized. "I had a run in with her this morning at the 8am meeting, and told her she wasn’t getting her extra personnel allocations this year." Dar lifted a page and reviewed it. "Two of the marketing campaigns flopped big time."

"Ouch." Kerry winced. "Did you get lunch?"

Blue eyes peeked guiltily at her.

"No wonder you’re so grumpy." Kerry got to her feet. "I’ve got half a sandwich at my desk.. let me bring it over."

"I am not a slave to my biology." Dar protested, scowling. "I’m perfectly capable of being a rampaging bastard even on a full stomach."

"Okay, boss." Kerry tweaked her ear tolerantly. "I’ll be right back."

Dar watched her disappear, enjoying the warm wash of sensuality brought on by the gentle swagger in Kerry’s walk. The door closed, and she sighed. "Down, slave." She chastised her rebellious body and swiveled around, pulling over the next folder and opening it.

"Hey, Kerry…. " Elaine Costas was standing in the kitchen, getting herself a cup of cappuccino. "How was your Christmas?"

"Nice." Kerry entered, going to the cabinet and removing her persona tea jar, then selecting two bags and setting up two cups to steep. "How about yours?"

The accounting assistant glanced at the cups, but didn’t comment on them. "Pain in my ass… my damn cat got into the tree ornaments, and pulled half the damn thing down on top of her, and she got tangled in the tinsel."

Kerry laughed. "Well, I got a puppy." She admitted, figuring that was pretty safe. "A Labrador Retriever."

"Really??" Elaine gave her a surprised look. "Wow… I didn’t think your complex allowed dogs… my sister’s cousin lives there."

Oh… turtle turds. Kerry drew in a breath. "They know I’m thinking of moving.. so they didn’t make a big deal out of it."

"Oh." Elaine nodded. "Yeah…. They’ll sometimes do that.. depends on who you get to talk to. So.. boy or girl?"

Phew. "Girl.. I named her Cappuccino. She’s a really creamy white color." Kerry smiled. "I’ll bring in pictures.. she’s really cute." Kerry added some cream, and a good size dose of honey to the tea, and stirred both cups. "See you at the gym tonight?"

"You bet." Elaine agreed. "I musta put on ten pounds over the weekend.. my mother just kept stuffing me like a turkey." She took her cup, then waited for Kerry to walk out before her, carrying her two cups. "Want me to get your office door?" She walked alongside the shorter woman and held the heavy door open. "There you go."

"Thanks." Kerry smiled, as she pushed the door inward. "See ya later." She walked across the carpet and set her cup down, then picked up the half sandwich she’d promised Dar, and took the other cup of tea down the back hallway. She could hear Dar’s voice as she got closer, and winced at the raw anger in it. "Dar… what am I going to do with you?"

She pushed the inner door open, and peeked inside. Dar was standing with her back to Kerry, leaning on her desk and yelling into the phone. There was a hoarse note in her bosses usually smooth voice that usually meant she’d spent too much time hollering.

Tea was good for that. Kerry reasoned, as she eased across the floor, and came up next to her lover.

"That’s it, Rory… either you people complete those circuits by tomorrow night, or I’ll find another provider." Dar stated flatly. "Do I make myself clear?"

"But Dar…"

"Don’t ‘but Dar’ me." She interrupted. "We put this order in two months ago, and I’ve got a live New Year’s Eve broadcast to support from London. It’s a firm deadline."

A sigh. "I’ll get right back to you."

Dar hung up, and sat down. "I swear, Kerry… sometimes I feel like I’m an Eskimo sled dog dragging half the continent behind me."

Kerry took hold of her jaw, and turned her head, examining her face intently. "Well.. you’ve got the eyes for it, that’s for sure.. they look like a Husky’s." She handed her the sandwich. "Here.. munch on this, and I brought you some tea."

"I hate tea." Dar sighed, unwrapping the chicken sandwich and taking a bite.

"I know.. but your voice sounds like you can use it, it doesn’t have caffeine in it, and I put enough honey and cream in so that you won’t even realize it’s tea. Try it." Kerry nudged the mug over. "I’m going to my meeting… wish me luck."

"Goff lockf." Dar swallowed, then gave her a look. "Thanks."

Kerry waggled her fingers and left.

Dar stared evilly at the steaming mug, then cautiously sniffed it. "Mm." An eyebrow lifted, as she picked the cup up and took a sip, mouthing the substance a little before she swallowed it. "Hmph."

Kerry walked into the marketing department’s meeting room, and set down her mug, giving the two junior clerks there a brief smile as she took her seat. "Afternoon."

"Hey Kerry.. ." Candy leaned forward. "I heard some gossip.. .I bet you can tell me if it’s true or not."

"I can try." Kerry answered warily. "What is it?"

"A little bird told me it was the Ice Queen’s birthday this past weekend… true?"

It was always a question, as to what was safe to admit knowing. Kerry figured this was relatively harmless. "You mean Dar? Yeah, as a matter of fact it was." Kerry told them. "Why?"

"Just curious." Candy sat back, tapping her lips with her pen. "Did she have a party?"

Kerry wished she’d talked to Dar about how much to say about it. She made a quick decision. "Yeah… a couple of us went over to her place, had a little get together. Me, Duks, Mari, Mark.. you know."

"Ah." Candy nodded. "So you know where she lives then?" The other woman was watching her closely.

"No. We were all blindfolded and put in the back of a bus, then knocked out with nerve gas before we got there." Kerry told them seriously. "I have no idea where it is."

Fortunately, Eleanor chose that moment to enter, with her favorite assistant Charlie. "Hello, hello… good afternoon, Kerry, how are you?" She put her papers down and straightened the wool suit she was wearing, a thick rust red color that reminded Kerry of dried blood. "Hope you had a good holiday?"

"Great, thanks." Kerry replied. "And you?"

"We had Justin’s whole family over, and everyone had a lovely time." The Marketing VP assured her. "Did you get to go home?"

It stung. "No.. I stayed here and spent the time with friends."

"She went to Dar’s birthday party." Candy interrupted.

"Really?" Eleanor lifted an eyebrow. "That must have been a treat.. I heard her royal highness suffered a birthday… which one was it?"

They all looked knowingly at Kerry, who suddenly felt very conspicuous. "I didn’t count the candles." She remarked dryly. "Did we have an actual subject for this meeting, or is it just a general gossipfest?" Her head tilted in question. "Honestly, I have no idea… and I’m not really sure why everyone is so interested in it.. but if you are, why not just ask Dar?"

Eleanor smirked. "Well, let’s get down to business, shall we? But Kerry, it’s so adorable the way you stand up for the old monster.. it warms the cockles of my heart."

Kerry scratched her ear. "If you say so." She indicated amused condescension. "All right – I think the first topic on the list is the plans for expansion in the Northwest next year."

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

"No, No, NO, NO NO." Dar spoke in ever increasing increments of volume, scratching out things with her green pen. "I am not moving allocations from Houston to Boston just so you can sell an account to your brother’s uncle’s cousin at half rate, Jose. I’m just not going to do it."

"Excuse me, Dar?" A polite, Hispanic voice interrupted her dark muttering.

Dar lifted pale blue eyes to the door and slumped into her chair. "Sorry… what is it?" She propped her head up on one fist and sighed. It was late, and she was tired, and admittedly cranky. It was Thursday afternoon, and the week had been a long one, despite it’s shortened nature. She was glad it was ending, though, and she was looking forward to the coming weekend.

Maria gave her an understanding smile. "Kerrisita left a message for you.. she said she was leaving, and was going to how you say.. the Bayside.. and the shopping."

Rats. Dar rubbed her eyes and nodded. "Yeah.. I was supposed to… ah, I mean I got stuck in that meeting longer than I thought." She stared at the stack of reports. "Listen.. why don't you get out of here?".

"You too, should go home, Dar." Maria chided her. "Is late… so many people are gone."

Dar sighed, and leaned back in her chair. She had a stack of things left undone in her inbox, and a half dozen matters still up in the air. But Maria was right.. getting things done when the rest of the world was on vacation was pretty damn useless.

"Yeah.. I.." A pressure around her wrist made her look down. "Oh.. that's what I was supposed to do… damn it.. I have to get this fixed." She stood up. "All right.. that's it.. I'm out of here. This stuff can wait until next year." She flipped off her PC and stood, grabbing her car keys and thumping the stack of reports into her inbox. "C'mon Maria.. I'll walk you out."

The elevator and hallways were mostly empty, and they rode down in companionable silence until almost the bottom floor. "Dar?"

"Hm?" Dar glanced at Maria.

"I am hearing the whispers again." Maria looked apologetic. "About you and Kerrisita."

Dar closed her eyes, and exhaled. "Yeah… Duks told me the same thing." She waited for the doors to open, and walked out, with Maria at her side. "I don’t’ know what we can do about it though.. we don’t even have lunch together anymore." Dar felt bad about that. She’d enjoyed taking a break in the middle of the day and spending it with Kerry, but that was so out of her normal routine it had made the gossip rounds immediately.

"Is stupid." Maria frowned. "They hear she went to your party, and it’s a big thing."

Dar shrugged wearily. "Let them talk, Maria… it’s not the worst thing I’ve had said about me around here."

They walked out together, and Dar got in her car with a strange feeling of freedom. An afternoon free was a rare occurrence for her, and she stretched as she settled into the leather seat, adjusting the rearview mirror before starting the Lexus, and puling out of the parking lot.

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

"God.. did you see that sale?" Colleen tugged Kerry's sleeve, as they wandered through Bayside. "Cept what would I do with men's Speedos?"

Kerry grinned, stretching her arms out in the sun and exhaling. "What a weird week…I'm glad we've got the long weekend off now."

"Hmm…. " Colleen studied her friend. "You staying out at the Island for the weekend? Like I have to ask?"

Kerry looked down at the ground, then visibly inhaled. "Yeah.. I… " She turned and looked at Colleen. "I was hoping you'd help me move some of my stuff."

The redhead gazed at her. "Oh.. wow." Glancing around, she steered Kerry to a table at the small café they'd just been passing. "Here.. siddown.. "

They looked at each other. "So.. you're doing it, then." Colleen murmured. "I thought you were going to see how it worked out."

The blond woman toyed with the table tent. "I did.. I mean…" She glanced up the perky waitress who approached. "Lemonade, please."

"Same." Colleen added, absently, shooing the woman off. "Kerry.. "

"I know.. I .. know." Kerry rested her arms on the table, and turned her head, gazing out over Biscayne Bay. "I said I wanted time.. I said I didn't want to rush into anything… "

"And? So what's this then?" Her friend asked.

Kerry propped her chin up on her fists and produced a wry smile. "Colleen.. I really like being with her.. around her… I'm miserable on the days we're not together." She accepted the glass form the waitress and poked her straw in, slurping up a bit before she went on. "We talked the other day… and she gave me my resident's decal.. she asked me if I wanted to make it permanent."

Colleen sighed. "Ker.. I'm glad for that, honest I am."

A little silence fell. "But you think I'm making a mistake." The blond woman stated softly. "Don’t' you?"

Her friend sipped at her drink for a moment. "You're really stuck on her, aren't you?"

Kerry sucked in a breath of the cool, salty air. "Yeah.. I sure am." She admitted. "I feel really comfortable around her, too… the other night we just sat out on the porch, with our arms around each other, and made patterns out of the stars." She paused, thoughtfully. "It's like I've known her all my life."

Colleen sighed. "Well, I'm gonna miss you." She gave Kerry a wry smile. "And for the record, no.. I don't think you're making a mistake.. I just worry about you isolating yourself out there. " She put a hand on Kerry's. "At least with you at the apartment most of the week, we can get together… you see your other friends.. it's not that I have anything against Dar, I just don't want you to forget about the rest of us."

Kerry considered that, acknowledging that it would be very easy to do. "You're right.. I need to make sure I get out and do things with other people… that place does tend to suck you in." She smiled at Colleen. "Hey.. maybe I can change Dar from being a recluse, to a party animal.. what do you think?"

The redhead rolled her eyes, then chuckled. "Well, that Christmas party was a lot of fun.. maybe you can." She finished her lemonade and pointed. "C'mon… I want some of those candles."

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

The parking lot was surprisingly empty, Dar mused, as she parked near the entrance to Penney's, and walked in the back entrance, making straight for the watch repair department. She stood quietly and waited until the desk clerk was free, then stepped forward and unstrapped the watch from her wrist. "Need to see if someone can do something with this."

The man accepted it, after giving her a friendly smile, and peered at it. "Oh.. you got it wet, huh?"

"Mm." Dar agreed, having rescued the watch from the bottom of Chino's water bowl. "I know it's supposed to be water resistant, but it was in there a while." Not to mention, the puppy had been digging in the water furiously after it, sending a wash of liquid all over the kitchen.

"Okay.. I can have the technician take it apart and clean the movement…see if anything need replacing." He carefully attached a tag to the watch, then glanced behind him. "We're not busy.. I'll give it to him now."

Urk. "How long?" Dar inquired.

"Hour, maybe… is that all right?" He looked behind her. "You can finish your shopping, and it'll be done, if you like."

My shopping was finished. Dar sighed inwardly. Oh well, at least it was an interest….oo. They had a Ben and Jerry's. "Sure.. that sounds great." She gave them man a charming smile. "Be back in an hour."

She headed out of the store and got her bearings, realizing her goal was at the far opposite end of the place. "Figures." Dar sighed, then reflected that at least they'd been under casual dress code for the holiday week, and she wasn't wearing a wool suit. She started out along the upper floor, casting a casually curious eye on the passing stores.

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

"What do you think of these?" Kerry inquired, running a hand over a soft, silky piece of fabric.

Colleen peered over her shoulder. "I think it's a kite, kiddo… where are you gonna fly it?"

"Oh. .I don't know.. " Kerry held out the beautiful construct, a shimmering rainbow of colors that fluttered in the breeze coming off the water. "We've got that golf course in the center of the island.. I bet I could fly it in there." She grinned recklessly, and folded the item up, handing it to the stall's owner along with her credit card. "You going over to your mom's house for New Years?"

"Ehhh.. I don't know… I'm still deciding." Colleen sighed. "They're having a party at the complex.. but Ramon's bragging he's making the drinks, and you know what happened the last time he did that… what about you? I didn't hear your plans."

"Ah.. well, the company's having a get together out at the Sonesta Beach, on the Key… it's a formal dance kinda thing." Kerry explained. "Neither of us really want to go, but Dar says if she doesn’t' show up for at least a while, she'll get all kinds of grief."

"Oooo….a formal? You got a dress?" Colleen asked, then plucked Kerry's crisply pressed cotton shirt. "One that fits you now?" She added, with a smile. 'Now that you aren't skin and bones anymore?"

Kerry blinked, then chewed her lip. "Holy crap…. Well, yeah, I've got two or three I could get away with…." She almost slapped herself. "I can't believe I didn't think of that, though… wow…well, I'll figure out something tonight, I guess."

"Nu uh.. c'mon.. Castellano's is right over there, honey.. let's get you a snazzy Cuban dress to wear to your dance…you gonna dance with Dar?" The redhead teased.

"Uh." Kerry blushed ."No.. I …that would be a little too much, I think." She gave her friend a wry look. "But you know, a new dress isn't a bad idea… maybe they'll have something more up to date than what I wore to that Viscaya thing last year."

Colleen made a face. "Kerry, you make darn near everything look good, child, but that.. that you had to really work at, ya know?" She put a hand on Kerry's back and steered her towards the store, an understated place which disgorged the smell of silk, and starch, and money out as they opened the door and entered.

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

Dar strolled around the inside of Sharper Image, peering with interest at the myriad of gadgets the store held. "Electric nose hair trimmer." She picked it up and looked at it, then put it down. "Hope I don't need one of those any time soon." She chuckled softly, and circled the full size massage chairs, gazing at them.

"Nope.. got something better than that." She told the item cheerfully, finding a slightly giddy smile crossing her face, remembering the loving rubdown she'd gotten the night before from Kerry after they'd come back from the island gym.

Dar exhaled, then shook her head silently, and moved on to the next row of gadgets, then reluctantly moved on, deciding Kerry probably didn't need a personal electric clock that displayed on the ceiling.

Out in the mall, she stopped and got some cinnamon roasted nuts, and nibbled them as she walked, eyeing the trendy fashions with a jaundiced eye. "Bellbottoms… never liked those the first time around." She muttered disapprovingly, noting that the passing teenagers were dressed in them, along with elevator sneakers and thin, pastel tank tops.

"Yech." Dar preferred her navy polo, tucked into pressed Dockers. "My father would have lassoed me before I could have left the house looking like that." She went over the words in her head, then chuckled ruefully. "Dar, you're getting old." Her eyes flicked to the right, then she slowed, to study the baubles in the window of Mayor's jewelers. "Mm… nice."

A voice sounded behind her. "Ah.. Ms. Roberts! Been a long time."

Dar stopped, and turned. "Hello, Richard.. yes it has." She politely greeted the salesman. "How've you been?"

"Fine, fine thanks.. you're looking well." The tall, immaculately dressed man smiled at her. "I've got some nice earrings.. can I show them to you?"

Dar sighed, then figured she had plenty of time, and she'd just lost one half of a favorite pair of studs anyway.. "Sure." She agreed, following him inside the marble lined doorway and into the jewelry shop.

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

"Let's see." Colleen held out a long dress with frilly lace twirls near the neckline, and a bustle. "What do you think?"

Kerry burst into laughter. "I'd look like Carmen Miranda, is what I think.. get out of here, Col." She shook her head, and browsed the selection, moving more towards some understated, sedately dark gowns with conservative necklines. "This is more the company's speed, I think."

"Oh god." Colleen rolled her eyes. "What's Dar wearing?"

"Um.. " Kerry’s brows knit. "A strapless black thing…very simple.. very drapy… made me drool… why?"

Colleen giggled. "Oh." She gave her friend a look. "She's certainly loosened you up in some ways."

"Huh?" Kerry peered at her, then blushed badly. "Oh… um.. eyah.. I guess she has."

She distracted herself by burrowing deeper in the racks of dresses, then stopped, as her hands touched a soft, deep green silken one. "Ooo."

Colleen was immediately there, peering over her shoulder. "Mmm….. " She lifted the gown out and examined it. It had one shoulder, leaving the other bare, and most of the back and one side was cut out, with a soft gathering at the hip then a straight fall to an uneven, edgy hem. "That's nice, Ker." She nudged her friend. "Try it on."

Kerry hesitated, then grinned. "Okay." She smiled at the hovering attendant, and followed them obediently into a fitting room, closing the door and hanging the dress up as she stripped out of her slacks and shirt.

"Okay." She reviewed herself in the mirror for a moment, then took the dress off the hanger and slipped into it, allowing the silky folds to warm against her skin as she adjusted the fabric. "Hmm."

She blinked, turning a little, and watching the gown's conspicuous gaps reveal her toned body. "Oo… not bad, Stuart… not bad at all." She grinned for a moment, with an unrepentant smirk at herself, then she exhaled and opened the door, assuming a more serious expression. "What do you think, Col?"

Colleen looked up from where she was leafing through a catalog, and stared, letting a low whistle escape. "Holy Mary, mother of God, Kerry." She chortled. "That looks fantastic…you should wear your hair up, too."

Obligingly, Kerry lifted her pale locks, and pulled them back, exposing the line of her neck. "Think so?" She glanced sideways, and caught her reflection in the mirror, surprised at it's sophistication. "Mm.. I think you're right."

The redhead closed in, and adjusted the shoulder a bit. "Definitely, a good choice… you can wear that old, silver necklace you've got… the one with the emerald?"

Kerry nodded. "Yeah… that'd go perfect… okay." She gave the salesman a nod. "I'll take it.. thanks." She ducked back into the fitting room and carefully removed the dress, pulling her shirt and pants back on. "Think you'll like that, Dar?" She murmured to her reflection, whose eyes twinkled mischievously back at her.

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

"Here… they're blue diamonds."

Dar took the black display pad, and examined them. "Huh… never seen any like that before." She studied the earrings, lacy platinum surrounding a carat size diamond, in a conspicuous blue shade. "Nice."

"Mm.. I thought of you when I saw them.. they come close to matching your eyes." The salesman smiled. "I was going to call you… but it's been so busy."

Dar nodded, debating with herself. They were expensive, but.. how often did she ever buy stuff like this for herself? She imagined Kerry's reaction to them, and that put a grin on her face. "I'll take em." She pushed the pad back towards the delighted salesman, then let her eyes roam around the display case. "Box em up.. in fact, I've got a company event I have to go to tomorrow night.. that'll work."

She got up and roamed around as he processed the purchase, and found herself looking down at a neat display of rings.

Rings. She wasn't fond of rings, really… she'd tried wearing one or two on occasion, but with her typing all the time, they tended to annoy her, making her take them off, and promptly lose them.

"Would you like to see anything, ma'am?" The girl behind the counter asked, politely. "We've got some new ones in.. they just arrived."

Before Dar could answer, she disappeared, and came back with a velvet lined box, which she opened on top of the counter and turned around, to face Dar. "We haven't even had time to really catalog these, but.."

Dar found her eyes drawn to the center of the box, where a brilliant stone was winking. She leaned over, and blinked, then gently picked the small rest the ring was on up, and lifted it.

It gathered the light in, and twinkled at her, a brilliant cut diamond at least two carats that had a definite hint of rose to it. The setting was appropriate, an exquisite tracing of rich gold shaped into a nest of rose petals that cradled the stone, and two smaller stones on either side.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" The woman asked hesitantly.

"Yes, it is." Dar murmured, suddenly grabbed with an insane impulse. "I'll take it."

Dead silence.

Dar looked up, to see the clerk's jaw hanging open. "It’s for sale, right?"

"Uh.. yes.. um.. um.. " She looked over to her boss, who was busy at the register. "Richard?? Mr. Ellis?"

"Just a moment, Judy." The manager murmured, holding a finger up.

The girl licked her lips. "We can.. um.. I think the jeweler is here now, we can have it sized.. is it for you, ma'am?"

Dar shook her head absently, still gazing at the ring. "No. it's for someone who's about a different from me as you can be and still be a human being."

As if she'd ever, ever have the guts to give it to her, right. Dar exhaled quietly. It didn't really matter.. just by her getting this, she'd know, in her own heart, what it meant, even if she never gathered up the courage to admit that to Kerry.

But wait. "Um.. size…" Dar chewed her lip, then dug out her cell phone and dialed. It rang three times, then was answered. "Hey."

"Oh. Hey!" Kerry's voice sounded surprised. "Where are you? I just tried to call the office, but I got the voice mail."

"I left early.. had to go get my watch fixed." Dar told her. "And I met .. ah…I met up with that guy who's doing the new handheld inventory counter for the warehouses.. you remember I told you about it?"

There was a pause. "Oh.. oh, right.. yes, I do…they wear it on their hands and just click.. yeah." Kerry answered. "So?"

"Oh..well, we were just spec'ing it out here.. he needs a size range to give the engineers.. and…ah…well, my hand's not a good example for the women.. what ring size are you?"

Dead silence. "Uh.. oh, yeah.. that's true.. yeah.. um… mine's a seven… a bunch smaller than yours, huh?" Kerry told her.

"About three sizes." Dar acknowledge wryly. "Great.. thanks, Ker…. Where are you, anyway?"

"Bayside… I… Col and I are just browsing.. I got a kite, and something to wear tomorrow night."

"Oh yeah? Can't wait to see it." The executive replied blithely. "Thanks, Kerry.. .talk to you later." She disconnected, and looked up at the bemused clerk. "Tell him a size seven."

The manager walked over, and peered over the clerk's shoulder. "What do we have here?"

"She's .. um.. she bought this." The clerk squeaked.

Richard took the ring, and cradled it in one hand. "Um.. Dar… I um.. well, that's spectacular… I'm thrilled, but um. This is a unique cut stone, and I.."

"Shh." Dar held up a hand. "Don’t tell me how much it is. I don’t' care." She handed over a different card. "This'll cover it, wont' it?"

The manager took the platinum American Express card and glanced at it. "Well, I had someone put a Jaguar on one the other day, so I suppose it will.." He cleared his throat. "Let me have Michael come out and size it for you.. I.."

"She wants it done a seven." The clerk supplied promptly.

"Can I get something engraved on it, while he' sat it?" Dar asked, suddenly. "Will that take long?" She brought out a scrap of paper and scribbled on it, then handed it to him.

He stared at the words, then at her. "No.. no.. a few minutes, certainly.. Dar, can I get you a cup of coffee or something, while you wait?" Richard asked, anxiously.

Blue eyes glanced up. "No.. not unless the coffee shop has double chocolate chunk ice cream.. that's where I was headed."

The manager gave the clerk a significant look, then shooed her towards the door with an almost frantic gesture. "Well, let me just go get Michael to take care of this for you right away.." He disappeared, along with the clerk, leaving Dar completely alone in the store.

She rested her chin on her fist, and regarded her reflection in the small mirror resting on the counter, watching the tiny tugs of emotion at the corners of her lips.

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

"That was weird." Kerry leaned back in her seat, and watched Colleen try on shoes.

"What was?" The redhead asked, looking up from her pink and green sneakers. "Dar calling you? She does that all the time, Kerry.. I think she's got your number plastered on the inside of those snazzy shades of hers."

Kerry chuckled, then glanced behind her. "Oo.. I'll be right back, Col… "

"Oh no.. not another jewelry store." Colleen sighed, rolling her eyes. "Jeez, you'd think you were shopping for the crown jewels of England, Kerry." She sighed. "You didn't find anything you liked in the last six ones we've been in, what makes you think this is the one?"

"Tch.. I'll never know if I don't try." Kerry scolded her. "Is it so bad I want to find Dar a nice present? It has to be just right for her." She got up and trotted out, heading across the mall breezeway to a small, rustic looking store just opposite.

The door tinkled gently as she entered, and a small, gray haired man behind a wooden counter looked up. "Allo." His voice was accented, but not one she readily recognized.

"Hi.." Kerry pushed her hair back off her forehead as she advanced, glancing around. There were wooden trees snaking sinuously about, draped with gold and silver jewelry, and she smiled, liking the place for it's informal air. "I'm looking for something.. um… for a gift..I. "

"Ah." The man got up and spread his arms. "That covers bout everything in here, m'dear.. take yer choice. Anything in particular? Is it a man, or a woman?"

"A woman." Kerry answered, decisively. "Only I'm not sure… she doesn't wear much jewelry, so I don't really know what she likes."

"Mm." Faded gray eyes twinkled a bit. "Them's who doesn't wear much, are usually real particular… I've got some real nice necklaces here.. " He drew her attention to a huge abalone, lined in soft, dark blue cloth with pretty golden chains resting on it. "That there's polished mother o pearl as a setting.. see.."

Kerry leaned on the counter, gazing at the piece. It was a conch shell formed from the abalone's surface, with a double pearl set inside, one black, and one white. "Wow.. that is unusual." The entire thing was mounted on a thin cup of gold, which curled over the edges of the abalone in outline.

Would Dar like it? Kerry cocked her head to one side, and regarded the necklace. Yeah.. I think she would. "Okay.. I'll take it." She grinned at the man. "That was easy, huh?"

He chuckled, and removed the necklace gently, taking back behind the counter and preparing it for her. "Good choice.. it's a local artist.. all this stuff is. I sells it on commission for em.. they do one of a kind pieces, not like what ye find in the big stores."

"Mm." Kerry was scanning the rest of the jewelry, admiring the unique designs. "Yeah.. these are different." She touched a set of earrings made of tiny, dried starfish. "Not sure I'd want to wear those, though."

"Stinks, they do.. ifn they were bigger." The man commented. "But folks like em.. I've got sundials that bitty too."

The blond woman moved on, leaning on the counter to gaze down through the glass. Below her were rings, in all shapes and sizes, and one fanciful oyster shell lined in silk that contained….

Kerry blinked. "Boy.. that's a nice ring." She breathed, startled when the shopkeeper appeared at her elbow. It was a delicate pale gold ring, with interlacing that formed an intricate Celtic knot. Nestled in the center was a square cut diamond that seemed to gather in the surrounding light and bury it deep in the center of the stone, producing a visible glow.

"Thanks." The man answered quietly. "That un's my work."

She looked up at him. "It's beautiful." And before she could stop herself. "I'd like to buy it."

He looked profoundly surprised. "Well.. all right, then lass…it's a little pricey though.. you might want to.."

"Nope." Kerry made the decision before she could stop and think it out. She pulled out a card and handed it to him. "Go for it."

A delighted chuckle. "Will do… hang on a bit, and I'll measure you for it."

"What size is it now?" Kerry inquired.

"It's a ten.. a bit big, but I wanted to keep the right perspective and I.."

"That's perfect." The blond woman assured him. "Absolutely perfect….thanks."

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

"Here you go, ma'am… all ready." The watch clerk handed Dar her watch back. "We had a heck of a time with it.. what was in that water?"

"Puppy saliva." Dar responded, straight faced, as she took the package. "Thanks." She left the store, and headed for her car, feeling the pavement under her shoes oddly far away.

The doors unlocked at a touch of her remote, and she slid into the leather seat, setting her packages down on the other seat and starting the car. Then she sat there for a long moment, letting the air conditioning blow against her face, and considering what she'd just done.

Heck. It was just a ring. Just a piece of metal and stone, with a couple of words engraved in it.

And yet, in a way, it stood for something far more profound, to her. It was, even if in her own mind only, crossing the line into a commitment she'd once promised herself she'd never allow. She took out the ring and opened the box, staring at the glittering stone that winked back at her.

Then she removed it, and studied the words, feeling an unexpected sting of tears as she considered their meaning, understanding the truth of them, regardless of whether or not Kerry felt the same of her.

Yours Forever

She hoped so. She hoped she'd have the guts, someday, to hand it to Kerry, and find out. But for now, she merely tucked it back into it's box, and put it away, taking a deep breath and putting her sunglasses on, as she put the car into gear, and negotiated the parking lot.

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

Kerry stepped out of the bathroom, the air conditioned atmosphere a little bracing after the apricot scented steam bath her shower had created. The late afternoon sun cast her balcony in shadow, and she turned on her dresser lamp as she planted herself in front of the mirror, and studied her reflection.

"Ew." She raked her fingers through her hair, which was damp and sticking out all over the place. "ChiaKerry." That brought a smile to her face, and she watched her reflection smile back. She exhaled, then turned and glanced around the room, her room now, and nodded a little at the familiar bedspread, and the throw over the comfortable chair in one corner. It wasn’t much, but it was a start, this slow process of making this space hers.

She walked over to the huge walk in closet and opened the door, turning the light on inside and going to the back of the still somewhat sparsely populated rack, to the dark blue garment bag that held her new dress. She unzipped the front and removed it, hanging it up on the door hook and reviewing it critically. It’s neatly draped folds shimmered softly in the light and she found herself grinning a little as she pictured herself wearing it.

"Okay." She murmured, exiting the closet and finishing her toweling off. She quickly dried her hair into it’s customary wavy neatness, then gathered it’s length into a knot at the back of her neck and secured it with a quietly elegant pin. It occurred to her, suddenly, that her coworkers, and her boss for that matter, had only ever seen her in casual clothing, or business clothing.

Or, of course, in Dar’s case, no clothing. Kerry giggled to herself. No one had seen her really dressed, as she was accustomed to being around her father’s complicated professional requirements. "Should be interesting." She informed the figure regarded her in the mirror.

Her underthings were already laid out on the bed, and she wriggled into the lacy, strapless bra, a pair of natural toned panty hose and the silk, low cut half slip, which warmed against her skin as she walked towards the mirror again and turned, checking the line of the soft fabric. "So far so good."

A bit of perfume next, as she touched the backs of her ears, and her pulse point, then she walked to the closet and slipped the dress off the padded hanger and slid into it, fastening the catches and twitching the rich, green fabric to lay neatly across her curves.

Slowly, she lifted her eyes to the mirror, and studied the results. "Hm." The green fabric was attached above her left shoulder, leaving her right shoulder bare, and swept down across her chest and torso, gathering at the point of her right hip and dropping to an uneven hemline that bared her right knee, and covered her left. There were gaps on either side that exposed a portion of her ribs and belly. She took a breath, and watched the bones move under her tanned skin, though they weren’t nearly as prominent as they once were.

She gazed at her reflection, pleased with the overall look of poised sophistication. Then she stuck her tongue out and grinned, before ambling forward and rooting around her jewelry box, selecting a few pieces to wear. The gorgeous jade and pearl earrings Dar had surprised her with at the very end of Christmas winked shyly from her earlobes as she picked up the antique necklace her aunt had given her, fastening it around her neck and allowing the clear, mossy green stone to nestle in the hollow of her throat.

"Right?" The necklace glinted softly, it’s age darkened silver contrasting with her tanned skin. "Right." Kerry padded into the bathroom and applied her makeup, a touch more than her usual with a definite eyeshadow, and a neat outlining of her lips with a nice coral peach colored lipstick she’d found out at Bayside. She dusted her face with a little powder, then composed herself, before wiggling her feet into her medium height heels and heading for the steps.

She paused on the landing, peering down into the condo. Dar was standing near the sliding glass doors, gazing out at the sea, and she had a moment just to look at her.

Wow.

Dar was wearing a simple, strapless black sheath, in a matte silk that clung to her body, and outlined it’s athletic grace with beautiful clarity. She had her hair loose, it’s neatly layered glossiness crackling around her head and matching the dresses color almost exactly.

Kerry cleared her throat a tiny bit, and fastened her eyes on Dar’s face as she turned, and looked up, reading everything she’d hoped for in the widening baby blues and the dark, lifting eyebrows. "What do you think?" She asked diffidently, lifting her arms a little and indicating her outfit.

Dar walked slowly towards her, a frank, appreciative grin spreading across her face. "I think I’m in deep trouble." She crooked a finger at Kerry. "C’mere."

Her ego smirking contentedly, Kerry complied. She eased down off the last stair and stood quietly as Dar stepped forward, circling around her like a tall, nice smelling jungle cat sniffing it’s prey. "Oh yeah." The dark haired woman sighed. "I’m in big time trouble." She leaned over and sniffed Kerry’s neck, then nibbled it lightly. "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you." Kerry felt the goosebumps spread across her skin. "But why are you in trouble?" She watched Dar slide around to face her, and take her by the waist, her fingers slipping under the fabric and exploring her bare skin.

"Because I have to be your God damned boss tonight." Dar whispered. "And I don’t want to be."

Kerry exhaled, running her hands up Dar’s body and feeling the warm skin under the cool fabric. "Oh." She felt a distinct sense of disappointment. "I wish you didn’t have to be either." She lifted her eyes. "You look wonderful, by the way." She tilted her head, "Oh.. are those new?"

Brilliant, soft blue stones glinted from Dar’s earlobes. "Yeah… " Dar lifted a hand and touched one ear. "You like them?"

Kerry stood on her tiptoes and examined them. "They’re fantastic… they match your eyes, Dar.. wow."

Her lover smiled, then laid a finger on the necklace Kerry was wearing. "This matches yours." She brushed the soft, errant hairs near Kerry’s ear that had escaped her knot. "I like your hair up."

They gazed at each other. "Tell you what." Kerry suddenly blurted. "We go to the company party.. then maybe we can go out someplace else?" She watched the interested look appear on Dar’s face. "Someplace really nice?"

White teeth flashed in a delighted smile. "You’re on." Dar agreed readily. "Listen.. how attached to that lipstick are you?"

"Um.. well, I’m not but…. Oh." Kerry thoroughly enjoyed the kiss, and the wonderful scent of powder and Dar’s perfume, and the soft feel of silk under her fingertips. They paused, and she sighed, resisting the urge to go further, damn the party. "I think I’m in trouble too." Her hands outlined the familiar curves under the fabric. "But everyone thinks I have a crush on you anyway so…. "

Dar chuckled wryly. "C’mon. Let’s get this over with." She bent her head for another kiss though, and they moved together in a wash of crimson light from the window, bodies easing against each other, exchanging light touches that left them both breathing hard. "Oh boy." Dar released a ragged breath.

"Mm." Kerry forced her hands to their restless searching. "When does this stupid thing start?" Dar’s fingers were still lightly stroking her ribs, and her body growled softly in frustration, wanting much more. "Hey, Dar?"

"Huh??" Dar was exploring the edge of her ear with tantalizing nibbles.

"If… " Kerry had to stop a moment. "You don’t’ want to be wearing a black lace doily… you’d better cut that out."

"You want me to stop?" The voice whispered into her ear, every touch stoking the growing fire in Kerry’s guts.

"No." She found herself answering helplessly, as her body slipped disobediently out of her control and rubbed up against Dar’s in an explosion of sensation. "But we’re going to be late."

Dar moved around to the other side, nibbling across her throat. "Do you care?"

Kerry lost track of the question for a moment. "No. " She finally replied softly.

A loud noise startled both of them, and they jumped. "Wh. ." Dar glanced around dazedly, then realized it was coming from the dining room table. "Son of a bitch." She groaned, feelingly, as she identified the sound as both of their pagers going off in tandem, rattling on the wood and skittering across it’s surface. "I’m gonna throw those things in the God damned Atlantic Ocean right now."

"Shh." Kerry caught her breath. "They’d just get you another one." She patted Dar’s side, then gave her a little hug. "We’ll have plenty of time later to snuggle."

"Grumph." Dar looked definitely unhappy. "Bite me."

Kerry complied, getting a muffled scream from her lover. "Whoops… little sensitive there, huh?" She gave Dar an apologetic look. "Sorry."

Dar started laughing weakly. "My fault…

Kerry gave her a last hug, then went over to the table, and lifted both pagers, glancing at the displays. "Ops." She glanced at Dar. "I doubt they're paging us to wish us a Happy New Year." She reached for the condo phone, then paused. "Damn.. I keep forgetting that." She fished her cellphone out of her briefcase and dialed the ops number. "Hi.. it's Kerry Stuart…"

Dar leaned against the couch, folding her arms over her chest, trying to beat down the annoyance that was creeping up and putting her in a bad mood. Part of it was, she wryly admitted, her subverted libido. But the other part of it was a feeling of irritation that she and Kerry had to keep so much of their lives hidden, to the point where Kerry didn't dare use the condo phone to call work, because the caller id would immediately identify where she was calling from.

She could block it, of course, but that led to other questions. Dar sighed. "What's up?"

Kerry covered the receiver. "Some kind of glitch in the main backup systems." She mouthed. "Yes.." She added, into the phone. "No.. I haven't… have you tried her at home?" She glanced at Dar and rolled her eyes. "I know, but… oh. I see." She covered the receiver. "You wrote the program that runs it?"

Dar nodded. "Yeah." She reached for the wireless phone. "I'll call em.. they probably did a core dump again. " She dialed the same number Kerry was talking to.

"Okay, well, let me know if there's anything I can do." Kerry spoke reassuringly. "Bye." She closed her phone. "He had another line ringing.. imagine that."

Dar smirked. "Yeah?" She barked into the phone.

Kerry walked over and rubbed her back, leaning her forehead against Dar's shoulder for a brief instant. Then she straightened, and picked up her purse, clipping her pager and phone to the strap and holding her keys up where Dar could see them. "Meet you there?" She mouthed.

Dar looked decidedly unhappy, and answered with a shrug. "I guess." She whispered back. "Drive careful, okay?"

Kerry patted her leg and nodded, then headed for the door.

***********

"Wonder where the Ice Princess is?"

"She's probably too busy screwing someone over to show up… we'll hear about it Monday."

Kerry held her temper with difficulty.

"Screwing someone over, or screwing someone… didn't she have a meeting with that new account executive from Aldax?"

"The redhead? Yeah… that's her type all right."

Breathe. Kerry sipped her drink grimly, and tried to pay attention to what Mark was saying. "Sorry… did you say they were putting in a hundred megabit there?"

"Yeah.. " The MIS Chief, resplendent in a neat suit and tie, nodded. "Alan says he heard they were going to petition the account team to go to DS3's there.. I dunno."

"Means new substructure." Kerry shook her head. "They're gonna have to pay for it."

"Mm… hey." Mark changed the subject. "Have I told you that's a killer dress?"

"Twice." Kerry smiled at him. "But thank you… I appreciate the compliment."

Mark smiled back. "No problem.. uh.. " He moved closer, conscious of the three or four other employees around them. "Do you know if the boss is gonna show?"

"I think so." Kerry answered carefully, seeing ears perk around her. "She said she was on Thursday, but you know how it is. I got paged from Ops right before I left.. they were trying to get ahold of her for the backup systems."

"Shit." Mark scowled. "Yeah… she wrote the damn thing.. they always call her when it crashes." He set his drink down. "Lemme go call.. see what's going on." He walked to a more secluded spot and pulled out his cell phone, leaving Kerry to observe the slowly filling room.

The ballroom was large, and full of colorful decorations. Balloons were knotted in cheerful clusters, and multifaceted glitter was scattered everywhere. Each table had a festive centerpiece, and the dance floor was large, though at the moment mostly empty. The celebrants were trickling in though, wearing an intriguing collection of suits and dresses.

"Well, good evening, Kerry." Eleanor wafted up, in an elegant silver gown with a plunging neckline. "Don't you look wonderful." She turned. "Have you met my husband? Darling, this is Kerry Stuart, the new staff member I've been telling you about."

"Pleased to meet you." Kerry extended a hand to the tall, urbane, gray haired man.

"Same.. " The man eyed her with interest. "You're Roger Stuart's kid, aren't you?" He asked. "One of em?"

Kerry swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth. "Yes." She admitted. "His oldest daughter."

The man was about to answer, when Eleanor made a sound between a snort and a sneeze. "What do you know? I didn't expect her to show up tonight."

They all turned, and watched as Dar entered, greeting the two or three people closest to the door as she made her way into the room.

All her defenses were up, Kerry could tell, seeing the cold, almost arrogant attitude as her lover swept the room with her pale blue eyes, ignoring the stares coming her direction ranging from curious, to lustful, to disgusted. For a brief instant, their eyes met, and she saw the flash of sudden warmth sweep over Dar's features, disappearing immediately as she angled her steps towards the bar.

Everyone was watching her. Dar's powerful stride, and striking good looks drew the eye like a large, animate magnet, and you couldn't help but get caught up in that aura of attractive danger. Kerry watched along with the rest of them, then dropped her gaze as Eleanor started sniping.

"I have no idea why everyone thinks she's so good looking."

"She is." Kerry heard the words, and just kept herself from looking around to see who said them when her brain acknowledged that she had. She managed to keep her composure as Eleanor turned sharp eyes on her. "C'mon, Eleanor…you don't like her, but you can't say she's ugly."

Her husband laughed. "Pinned her correctly, Ms. Stuart." He was watching Dar as well. "El, she's a bitch by your lights, but she's a damn fine looking one by mine."

Miffed, Eleanor stalked off, dragging her spouse with her. Mark came back. "Looks like everything's okay." He reported, then looked where Kerry was pointing. "Huh…Oh!" A low whistle sounded. "Wow… "

Kerry smiled wistfully, as Dar accepted the drink she'd gotten from the bartender, and started working her way around the edge of the room. "Yeah." She murmured.

"Hhey, Kerry?" Mark edged closer, and lowered his voice.

"Mm?"

"She dance?"

Kerry smiled. "Why don't you ask her?"

"Yeah?"

The blond woman nodded. "Wish I could." She admitted.

Mark studied her, then glanced around the room. "This must suck for you, huh?" He sympathized. "If you guys so much as go to the bathroom together, I'll hear about it on Monday." He watched Kerry's jaw tighten. "Sorry."

"Not your fault." Kerry replied quietly. "It's true… I heard yesterday that a story's going around about how I bring Dar's coffee to her every afternoon." She rubbed her temple lightly. "I bring her tea, once… once, Mark.. and that's what happens."

Mark wisely remained silent, and cast his eyes on the floor.

"Oo… look what the cat dragged in there." The voice drifted over. "Guess she didn't bring her little redheaded friend with her… "

Kerry ground her teeth.

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

"Good evening, Dar." Duks straightened his snug bow tie and made her a half bow. "You are looking very well tonight."

Dar took a long swallow of her very alcoholic beverage and cocked her head at him. "You too." She glanced around the room. "Late start.. I thought I'd walk into the thick of things - got caught on a call with the office."

"Traffic coming up Biscayne." Duks explained. "You didn't hit it because you come over from the beach.. anyone coming from Kendall or south is sitting twiddling their whatevers." He scratched his jaw. "Except Kerry, of course."

Dar glanced at him warily. "Maybe she found a better route."

Duks chuckled. "She should hire out to the Department of Transportation in that case." He put his hands behind him and rocked on his heels. "I would venture to say the Operations division is beautifully represented this evening, in fact." His eyes drifted over to where Kerry was standing next to Mark.

Dar peeked. "Hmm." She hid a smirk behind her glass. In the sea of glamorous dresses, Kerry's simple elegance stood out clearly, and her boss noticed more than one envious glance tossed her way. "Yes it is." She agreed. "You interested in the buffet?"

"Certainly." Duks assented gravely. "I intend to have one of everything, before Mari gets here and makes me stick to bits of white fish and broccoli." He gestured. "After you, Madame?"

Dar finished her drink and set it down on a nearby bus tray, then proceeded across the dance floor to where the food tables were attracting a growing crowd. She picked up a plate and reviewed her choices, then was suddenly aware of a warm presence at her elbow. Her sense of smell told her who it was before she looked, and she only barely kept an uncharacteristic smile from crossing her face. "Evening, Kerry."

"Hi there." Kerry answered amiably. "How's the backup system?"

"Working." Dar held her plate out for some sliced roast beef, then added a large scoop of mashed potatoes, blithely ignoring the subtle throat clearing from next to her. "They connected up the new servers in the print room and the algorithms didn't recognize them." She plopped two biscuits and a bunch of grapes on her plate, then wandered along the rest of the display, marking several things to go back for. She was aware of Duks coming up behind her, with a plate of his own. "Pick your own seat, or did they do assigned seating again this year?"

"Assigned." Duks nudged her with an elbow. "Number twelve is us… Mari did the seating, so you should have a peaceful dinner, at least."

Dar claimed a chair and seated herself, noting the small list on the table. Herself, Duks, Mariana, Mark and his fiance Barbara, Maria and her husband Tomas, and, of course, Kerry. Mark was leading Barbara over, and Maria had just entered.

Dar looked up to see Kerry approaching, and smiled grimly as the blond woman hesitated, trying to pick a politically correct place to sit. 'Hey, Kerry." She indicated the seat next to her. "Save everyone else the trouble of finding an excuse not to."

"Why?" Kerry put her plate down anyway, and took the seat next to her boss. "Do you throw your food or something?"

That caused a chuckle.

"Ever see me at a meeting? Only one with two empty chairs on either side of me." Dar gazed around the table sardonically. "You'd think I had spikes."

"You do." Duks replied seriously. "Those damned pencils you use… how many times you have poked me with them? I go across the table, thank you very much."

Another chuckle.

"Hi, Maria." Kerry smiled warmly at the older woman as she approached. She stood and extended a hand to the short, owlish man with her. " You must be Tomas.. I've heard so much about you.. I'm Kerry Stuart."

Tomas took her hand and shook it vigorously. "Yes, Maria has told me much about you as well.. it is good to meet you finally." He gave Dar a timid look. "Hello, Ms. Roberts.. it is nice to see you again."

"Evening, Tomas… " Dar waved a fork at him. "I think I remember asking you to call me Dar last time we met though.. wasn't it at the picnic?"

"Si." He gave her a mildly abashed look. "Pardon, Dar. "

"The'yve got some nice things on the buffet, Maria." Kerry advised her. "Nice, fresh green beans." She forked one and held it up.

Dar sniffed at it. "Looks dangerous to me." She went back to her pile of mashed potatoes, puddling the little well of butter she'd melted in the center.

"How would you know?" Kerry felt herself relaxing a little, now that she was in a circle of friendly faces. "The last green thing I saw you eat was that lime Jell-O we had in the cafeteria the other day."

Everyone laughed. "Dios Mio, Dar… " Maria peered at her bosses plate. "I think that is half of the bull you have there."

"I will not comment on Dar and bulls." Duks intoned soberly. "It is not something we discuss in public."

"Hey!" Dar gave them all a dire look. "If I wanted abuse over dinner, I'd have gone over and sat next to Jose."

Abashed faces quickly reddened, and an awkward silence fell. "Pardon, Dar." Maria said softly. "I did not mean any trouble."

Dar glanced around. Kerry was staring at her plate, and Duks fiddled with his fork. "I was joking." The dark haired woman told them quietly. "It's okay to give me grief about my eating habits, really." A pause. "I started it, remember?"

Everyone relaxed a little, and Dar sighed inwardly.

"I think we are all just jealous, my friend." Duks admitted, regaining some of his cheerfulness. "We all wish we could eat like you do, and still look like you do."

Dar accepted the compliment with a graceful nod of her head. "You want to borrow my dress, Duks?" She inquired, a brow lifting. "Is that what you're getting at??"

"Tch… you know black is not my color." Her friend rose to the occasion. "Now, that red thing you wore last year…"

Everyone let out a relieved laugh, and went back to getting their food, and settling at the table. Kerry was still quiet though, sitting erect in her chair and eating with natural, but impeccable manners. Dar put her fork down and reached for a glass, using her motion to cover her other hand slipping under the table cloth and closing it's fingers around Kerry's knee.

A faint smile tugged at Kerry's lips, and she visibly relaxed. She gave a very quick look around, then surreptitiously snuck a green bean onto Dar's plate, and dared her not to eat the evidence.

The pale blue eyes narrowed a trifle, then Dar speared the intruder and smothered it in buttered potatoes before popping it into her mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing, then winking at her.

Kerry sighed, and chewed on her forkful of fish filet, and added a bit of steamed cauliflower to the mouthful. When she looked back down at her plate, she was very surprised to see a mound of mashed potatoes nestling next to her fish, and she gave Dar a startled look.

"I don't know, Dukky… that account's never going to consolidate if they don't start integrating their systems with ours." Dar was saying, pointing her knife at the Financial VP.

"Oh Dar… can we talk about the weather instead of business?" Marina broke in, as she arrived, and seated herself next to Duks, with a filled plate. "Seen any good movies lately?" She paused and smiled at Kerry. "Hello, Kerry… how do you like your first formal ILS party?"

Kerry was caught with a mouthful of potatoes, which she'd been enjoying. She swallowed them hastily and wiped her lips. "Very nice, thanks… and the last movie I saw was Like Water for Chocolate.. it was really interesting."

"I saw that." Mari agreed. "Good performances… "

"I'm going back up.. anyone want anything ?" Dar asked, getting to her feet. "No?" She shrugged and stepped around the table, heading back for the buffet.

Mari leaned over past Duks. "Kerry.. how in the hell does she get away with that?"

Kerry sighed, and lowered her voice. "A lot of hard work, if you mean her figure. What gets me pissed off is that her cholesterol and blood pressure are lower than mine." She complained. "Is that fair?" She held up a piece of cauliflower.

Duks and Mari chuckled. "No, it's not." Mari agreed wryly. "But you've been sharing her gym time, I see." She indicated Kerry's muscular arms. "Good for you.. I wish I had either the energy or the willpower."

Kerry smiled to acknowledge the compliment. "Actually.. it's a lot of fun, and what I found was, the more you do it, the more energy you have." She pushed her chair back. "Excuse me." She drained her water down, then headed outside for the restroom.

She pushed the door open, and slowed, as a small group inside turned, voices cutting off in mid syllable. Wonder who they were talking about. She wondered in silent sarcasm. "Hi."

"Oh.. hi, Kerry." One of the marketing executives smiled sweetly at her. "Having fun?"

Bite my left kneecap. "Sure… it's a nice party." Kerry replied. "How about you?"

"Great." A second woman also smiled. She was an outside sales agent, Kerry remembered. "Pretty dress… that color looks good on you."

"Thanks." Kerry easily handled the false banter. "I love that purse… did you get it to match your shoes?"

"Yeah, Macys.. well, gotta go." The two women left hastily, with their two companions following them. Kerry watched them go and sighed, then shook her head and used the facilities, deciding that she still hated panty hose and they still made her itch in inappropriate places. She stood at the mirror when she was done, washing her hands, and glanced into the reflection as the door opened behind her.

Beautiful blue eyes appeared.

"Do you have any aspirin?" Kerry asked plaintively.

Dar entered, and let the door close, then eyed the stalls to check for other occupants. "Yes, I do." She came up behind Kerry and put both hands on her bare neck, massaging it with sure, powerful fingers. "How are you doing?"

"If I had a two by four, you'd have a lot of paperwork to sign, and Mariana would be very, very, very pissed off at me." Kerry growled. "Don’t' these people have anything better to do with their time than trash other employees?"

Dar shrugged. "To each their own entertainment." She placed a daring kiss on Kerry's neck, just under her ear. "I prefer mine."

Kerry inhaled.sharply. "Dar, if you start that, and then make me go out there and pretend not to know you in the biblical sense, my brain is going to explode." She got an impish look, but Dar ceased her nibbling, and scratched Kerry's neck lightly with her fingertips instead.

"C'mon.. I've got some pills in my purse.."

The door swung open abruptly, almost hitting them, and Eleanor stalked in, obviously miffed. She stopped short when she spotted the two of them standing there, though Dar had dropped her hands to her sides at the first sound of the hinges.

"Problem?" Dar lifted an eyebrow.

"Strategy session?" Eleanor asked, with acid sweetness. "Don't let me interrupt." She turned and entered a stall, closing the door with a sharp snick of the lock.

Dar and Kerry exchanged wry looks. Dar patted Kerry's back and indicated the door. "Like I was saying, Kerry… sometimes you can just ping and ping, and you never get a valid response."

"Sometimes what you're pinging doesn't even have an address." Her assistant remarked. "It's just a dummy device."

Dar snickered, as the door rattled. "Ring in, but no ring out."

"Sixty megahertz card in a hundred megahertz bus."

"A SIMM short of a bank."

"A SCSI chain with no terminator."

Eleanor emerged, jerking her clothing straight. "You know, one of the biggest problems we have is that only a few people in our company speak normal ENGLISH." She stomped out, leaving the two nerds in momentary peace. Dar chuckled, then sighed, and gestured towards the door. "We've had our fun… c'mon.. before everyone thinks I'm planning a hostile takeover in here."

Kerry pulled the door open and followed Dar out, watching eyes in the lobby flick to them in interest. "I should carry my palm pilot around and pretend to be taking notes on everything you say." She muttered, giving two of the fourth floor art designers a smile as they passed.

"Think they could get any closer to each other?"

The whisper carried in a moment of broken sound to Kerry's ears, and she glanced at Dar, puzzled. She wasn't that close to her, no closer than she…

With a sigh, she dropped back a pace. Yes, they were that close. Inside each other's personal space as a matter of fact, far cozier than the normally very standoffish Dar would have allowed anyone else to be.

She wondered if Dar even realized it.

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

"Ugh." Kerry leaned against the door, flexing her tired toes as Dar keyed the code into the condo's lock. She'd followed her boss home, after the dinner had ended, and a few rounds of dancing had left her with sore feet, and a dislike for fruity men's cologne. "Ever consider company wide dancing lessons?"

Dar smiled, and held the door for her. "At least you got to practice." She remarked, having spent the rest of the evening mostly watching, and exchanging brief comments with the few people brave enough to approach her. "Mark's not bad."

"No." Kerry kicked off her heels, and sighed in relief. "I'm not used to these anymore… I used to have to suffer through this stuff once a week when I was younger."

"You're a good dancer." Dar complimented her. "A lot better than I am… anyway." She continued on into the living room, removing her own shoes and stretching a kink out of her back. "Went better than last year, though…I ended up in a scream fest with Jose outside the men's room that time. Ugly." She went over to the glass doors and peered out. "It's early yet… you interested in going over to the Mansion? Looks like they've got a nice party going over there."

Kerry joined her, looking out at the well lit old house, where the courtyard outside had been transformed to a dance floor under the bright stars. She could see tuxedo'd and gowned forms dancing together, and attractive as the sight was, she was suddenly reluctant to go again into the limelight, under the eyes of all those people. With a sigh, she rested her head against Dar's arm.

The dark haired woman glanced down. "Tired?"

Kerry gave her an apologetic look. "Dealing with all those people was exhausting." She kissed Dar's shoulder. " Could I interest you in some music, some good champagne, and a few waltzes right here? The living room's big enough."

Dar smiled. "Sure." She leaned closer. "I may be able to find some chocolate covered strawberries to go with that champagne."

"Oo."

"Besides… I'm honestly not a good dancer, Kerry… I'm really kinda glad no one asked me at that damn party." Dar leaned on the door frame. "I can't even remem.." She paused, thinking. "Anyway.. just don’t' move too fast, huh?"

Kerry sensed her change of mood, and she turned, leaning against the glass so she could see Dar's face. "I won't… listen, you okay? We can just relax if you want.. put on the Times Square thing, and watch the ball drop."

Dar folded her arms. "No.. I'd like to share a few turns with you." She smiled at the blond woman. "I grew up fast, when I was a kid… I was too tall for most of the guys to ask to dance."

"Their loss." Kerry took her hand. "I didn't have that problem. Everyone wanted to dance with me… but for none of the right reasons." She straightened, and got closer to Dar, letting her hands rest on her lover's hips, as Dar circled her shoulders. "They were all looking out for themselves.. wanting to catch my father's eye. I always felt like.. a dressed up stepladder."

Dar reached behind her, and turned the sophisticated stereo system on, her own addition to the condo. A quiet melody emitted, and she smiled at Kerry, as they nestled closer together, swaying to the music. "I can't believe that, Kerry." Dar said. "How could anyone be this close to you, and not notice how beautiful you are?"

"Well… " Kerry laid her cheek against Dar's shoulder. "I never thought of myself that way, and I don’t' think any of them did either… I always felt gawky.. I wasn't very coordinated and I was always worried about doing something wrong, and getting yelled at by my parents." She moved in a little circle, and Dar followed her lead. "You can't tell me with your body control, and reflexes, that you're not a good dancer, Dar.. I just won't believe it."

"Mm." Dar slid closer, and found the rhythm of the music. "Let's just say a navy base isn't a place where you learn refined skills like dancing, at least… " A wry chuckle. "Not this kind. I can do a mean break dance if you force me to it."

Kerry stopped dead. "You mean that spinning on your head stuff??" She peered up at her lover incredulously. "You're kidding."

"Nope." Dar pulled her close again. "I'm sure if we'd met as high schoolers, you wouldn't have looked twice at me."

Kerry thought about that, as they made the music louder, and swayed across the marble floor. She tried to imagine Dar coming to her Christian high school, set down in a world that would have been as alien to her as a military base would have been to Kerry.

She remembered how she felt then, just coming out of puberty, just becoming aware of who her father was, and how her family was viewed, her friends so carefully picked, her activities strictly regulated. A single day in her junior year stood out, when she'd flexed her developing intellect, overtaking both the girls, and most of the boys in her class, and finding not acceptance and good will, but disdain, and suspicion, and her father's disapproval for making a fellow Senator's son look bad in the process.

She'd been so confused.

What if Dar had walked into her life at just that moment? "You're wrong." She murmured softly.

"About what?" Dar had her eyes closed, and was simply enjoying the closeness.

"I would have been drawn to you like a iron plate and a magnet." Kerry told her. "For one thing, your intelligence would have reassured me that I wasn't a freak." She in haled. "I would have been totally fascinated by you."

Dar thought about that, as they moved in a lazy circle. "Think we would have been friends?" She sounded surprised.

Kerry smiled. "You would have been the friend they couldn't run off.. and who wouldn't have deserted me."

Dar kissed her. "Your folks would have hated my guts." She gazed into Kerry's eyes. "But you're right." They kissed again, then slid together, as fireworks off the shoreline arced upwards, leaving a faintly heard whistle and pop behind them.

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

The office was mostly silent, save the faint scratching of a pen on paper, and the soft, distinctive hum of the computer on the desk. It was a room filled with warm mahogany wood, with a small conference table on one side surrounded by chairs, a discrete credenza holding a tray containing a pitcher of water and a set of glasses on the other, and the desk in the rear center, it's back facing a large, floor to ceiling window which afforded a horizon view of a choppy, greenish blue Atlantic Ocean.

Dar was seated at her desk, dressed in a conservative gray skirt and white silk shirt, the sleeves of which were rolled up past her elbows, exposing tanned, muscular forearms. Draped over the back of the chair was a gray blazer, and her dark head was propped up on one fist, while the other hand curled about a busily moving pen. One paper was completed, and then it was turned over, coming to rest next to a small aquarium where the two suspicious Siamese fighting fish swam languidly, sparing occasional fishy eyes for the desk's tenant.

"Twelve down, eighteen to go." Dar sighed, scratching her jaw with the edge of the pen. "You'd think we'd have gotten our staff evaluations on computer by now." She paused, and then punched a button on the large console phone on her desk. "Mari?"

"Yes… hello, Dar. Good afternoon." The Personnel Director's voice was relaxed and friendly.

"Mind if I ask why one of the largest goddamn IS companies in the world can't put it's evals the intranet?" Dar asked, testily. "Do you know how much faster it would be?"

"Ah, Dar." Mariana sighed, as though she'd been answering that very question all day long. Which she had. "If we did that, how would we comply with the regulation that dictates we insure all our senior staff know how to write longhand?" She inquired lightly. "Now now… you shouldn't complain… you only have thirty people you're directly responsible for. Think how Jose must feel? He has two hundred."

Dar considered this, chewing the end of her pen. "You're right. That put me in a much better mood." She chuckled. "He must be tearing what's left of his hair out."

"You're not kidding." Mari sighed. "Actually, the reason they're not e-forms is because there were some concerns about employee security - the eforms might be accessible by people on the intranet that really shouldn't be able to read them."

"Oh." Dar thought about that. "So.. I probably shouldn't tell you that I just passed by the main printer room and saw all of Jose's completed forms printing out, right?"

Mari sighed aggrievedly.

"It was like a feeding frenzy in there." Dar grinned at the phone. "Everyone was peeking."

"And you didn't stop it? Come on, Dar… you're supposed to be responsible management up there." The Personnel director sounded peeved.

"Hey… how was I supposed to know that wasn't a new sales incentive of his?" Dar asked, reasonably. "After all, I fill out mine longhand."

"Jesu. All right.. I could use a cup of coffee anyway.. I'll wander down there. " Mariana exhaled. "How are you doing?"

"Bout halfway. "Dar lied.

"Uh huh." Mariana sounded supremely unconvinced. "Why do you all you guys have to wait until the last minute?"

"Because it's such a pain in the ass, Mari!!!" Dar responded, exasperatedly. "Tell Houston to get their anal pusses into the 21^st Century with the rest of us, and put these damn things online! If they'd migrate to IIS4, security wouldn't be a god damned problem!"

"Can you spell that phonetically, Dar? I'm sending them a carrier pigeon." Mariana responded, in a serious voice. "All right… I'll put in a recommendation, again, for the forms to be changed to eforms."

"Thanks." Dar grumped. "Gotta go." She hung up, and went back to her task. Each form had fifty categories, in which she had to grade her employees, and a comments section which by regulation had to be filled in. "Jesus Christ… " She sighed, riffling through the stack. "Can't I just send in a slip of paper that says 'If they're not fired, they're fine?'" She complained to the fish, who wiggled their fins at her.

"No, huh. " She bent her head to the paper, reaching out and snagging a piece of dried fruit from a cobalt blue dish on her desktop and nibbling it.

A tap at the outer door was a welcome interruption. "C'mon in." She called out, looking up to see her secretary poke her head in. "Maria… have we gotten the status reports from Marketing yet?"

The short, older woman shook her head. "Nada…and I have called that new facilitatoria there three times." She walked across the carpeted floor and put several folders into Dar's inbox. "Three new accounts.. Kerrisita is going to be busy this week."

"Mm." Dar agreed, the mention of her assistant bringing an unconscious smile to her face. "Hang on.. " She punched a number into the phone. It rang twice, then a perky voice answered. "I need to talk to Jose." Dar stated crisply.

"I'm sorry.. he's in conference right now." The voice answered.

"Tell him to get out of the john and onto the phone or he'll have me in there hunting him down in thirty seconds." Dar replied, pitching her voice lower.

Dead silence. "One moment, please."

Dar waited, checking her watch. Maria covered her mouth to keep a laugh from escaping. Twenty seven seconds later, the phone picked up again.

"What the hell, Dar?" The Marketing VP snarled.

"I need those status reports ." Dar snarled right back. "And I frankly don't have the time to have my god damned staff running around the building chasing down your staff to get them."

In the silence, she could hear his heavy breathing. She waited making a few more comments on the sheet she was working on, and munching another piece of dried fruit. "I'm waiting." She commented crisply.

"Hold on." The line went to music, and Dar hummed along, selecting a pecan from the dish and pushing it towards Maria. "Want some trail mix?"

The secretary accepted the offer, picking up a piece of apricot and putting it into her mouth, privately amused by her bosses' sudden fondness for the relatively healthy snack, replacing her usual dish of chocolates.

"They'll be there in five minutes." Jose's voice came back on. "And stop scaring the shit out of my staff."

"If your staff did their jobs, I wouldn't have to be calling you, now would I?" Dar replied silkily, before she disconnected. "Asshole." She muttered, shaking her head. "Okay.. if you don't get those reports by the time you get out to your desk, lemme know."

"Si… Dar, have you seen Mr. Jose's new assistant?" Maria lowered her voice. "I'm not the one for to be talking in corners, but I hear twice today he is very sharp, and they are looking for him to how you say… go against you."

Dar leaned on her elbows and fiddled with the pen in her hands, then looked up. "I've heard the same thing." Her pale, intense blue eyes regarded Maria. "Kerry's in a meeting with him, and Eleanor right now in fact… he called the facilities projections for this year into question."

"Dios Mio." The older woman's brow creased. "Is trouble, no?"

A slow nod. "Mr. Fabricini and I have met before." The executive remarked quietly. "In fact, we used to be friends." Her former classmate, whose hiring had been a very unpleasant surprise when they'd gotten back from the holidays. "We are not friends now." She told Maria frankly. "It could get very ugly, yes."

Maria sighed. "Is bad." She frowned. "Why can not everyone just come, do their work, go home… not spend all day making problems." She exhaled. "Poor Kerrisita.. stuck with those two."

A quiet smile edged Dar's face. "She's tough… she'll be fine, Maria. " She reassured her secretary. "Listen, I know I've got a meeting after lunch with the executive committee, but did we reschedule that client briefing for tomorrow or is it still at four?"

"I'll check." Maria headed for the door. "And I'll let you know about those reports."

"Thanks." Dar let out a breath, and went back to her task, concentrating for a minute, then dropping her pen down and leaning back, her eyes thoughtful.

So. Even Maria had heard it. Dar felt a familiar frustration rising in her, triggered by the secretary's plaintive question. Why couldn't everyone just show up and do their job? It was obvious by their first encounter that Steven Fabricini had been hired specifically because he knew Dar, and Jose was hoping that knowledge could turn things to his advantage in the boardroom.

Not that he wasn't qualified, Dar mused. He was, more than Jose was, in her honest opinion. But he was also less scrupulous than the blustery Cuban, more ruthless, and far more aggressively antagonistic.

Like her, if she wanted to view things very objectively, in which case Jose's choice hadn't been a bad one, for his purposes. Their first meeting hadn't gone well.

Since then, it had been a series of little testing jabs, culminating in a challenge, two days ago, to the projected facilities additions they'd structured before the end of the last year. She knew Steven was looking to prove himself to Jose, and use this as an opportunity to fence with her, so she'd reviewed the information, and sent Kerry to the meeting he'd demanded instead.

She wondered how it was going.

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

The meeting room was small, only an oval table, with six chairs around it, and a whiteboard stark against the beige corded wall covering. Four people were seated around the table currently, three of them staring across the table at the fourth, a young woman of middling height with blond hair and pale green eyes. She was clad in a plain, dark blue skirt with a matching sweater, contrasting with the other occupants pinstripe business suits and bright red skirt and blazer.

"I'm sorry.. I'm not sure I understand the question. " Kerry stated, turning her pencil in her hands, and peering patiently across the table. Jose, Eleanor and Steven rounded out the participants, and Kerry had the very uncomfortable sensation of being a rabbit in a cage with three hungry snakes.

Fortunately, she sighed, rabbits did have claws, and teeth, and could use them when needed. "What does half a dozen prospective leads that haven't even gone to bid status have to do with projections from last year?"

Steven Fabricini had been very obviously miffed that Dar had sent her, Kerry realized, but she also understood why her boss had done so.. she had the answers to their questions, and it prevented the meeting from appearing to be a forum where Dar would be pushed into the defensive, attacked by the three Sales and Marketers.

Now Steven stood, walking to the whiteboard. "Well, as I see it.. if we can show that kind of potential, then facilities has the obligation to add bandwidth so we have the ability to close the deals. " He held his hands out. "What is there to understand?"

Kerry cocked her head. "That's like saying you're going to buy six hamburgers at McDonalds because you might be hungry." She stated. "Upping bandwidth on the network is done via a formula based on your department's past performance… if you want that changed, you need to close more contracts, because they're not going to acquire hard circuits on the possibility of leads." She consulted the information Dar had printed out for her. "According to the last five years projections, infrastructure is increasing the acquisition of circuits based on a new account rate of ten percent." She looked up. "Are you saying we're going to close more new accounts than that?"

"We have no idea!" Jose threw his hands up. "But we can't sell the accounts if we don't have the bandwidth to handle their demands immediately."

"Don't you see, Kerry.. " Eleanor added smoothly, smiling at her. "We have to have a bargaining chip."

"Ah." Kerry stated, folding her hands over the papers. "Okay.. so what happens if we don't add that many accounts, and we end up with a negative balance we have to compensate for?"

"See? That’s your problem, cupcake.. you can't think like that.. you have to think positive." Steven pointed the marker at her. "You're too conservative.. and it's killing our potential to sign new business."

Kerry propped her chin up on one hand. "No… we're just following the written guidelines for new business, as set down by corporate, in Houston. If you have an issue with how the business case has to be structured, you need to address that with Alastair McLean, since it's his model." She neatly flipped the tables on him. "And those five accounts you tossed into this issue do not adhere that standard.. in fact, two of them show significant potential for our taking a loss on the overall account, despite the bonus you all will get for signing the new business." Her voice was gentle, and almost pleasant. "So, as you can see, I'm really not convinced we should go to Infrastructure on this, and ask them to accelerate their program." She stood up. "Now.. if you'll all excuse me, I have a lunch meeting I'm due at in twenty minutes."

Jose grabbed his papers and left, with a disgusted look. Eleanor trailed him out, leaving Steven and Kerry in the room. He sauntered over to her. " You're pretty sharp."

Sea green eyes regarded him. "Thank you." She picked up her papers. "Excuse me."

"Hey.. hey.. hold on.. " Steven circled around and perched on the table. "I'm not going to bite you." He smiled. "Unless you want me to, of course." He flicked the papers. "No need to be hostile.. we're on the same side, remember?"

"Are we?" Kerry asked. "Then why accuse our division of deliberately sabotaging yours?" She held up the printed out email. "Or didn't you write this?"

"Aw, c'mon.. " Steven chuckled. "It's just a game… loosen up." He slapped his folded papers against her arm lightly. "We're both pretty new here, right?"

"More or less. " Kerry replied relaxing her pose.

"So… we can talk.. look, I'm not here to make trouble, okay? I'm just trying my best to jump-start some sales here.. it's to all our benefit, remember?" His brows lifted. "We can help each other… things are kind of stagnating… and if we work together, maybe we can get things moving again."

Kerry studied him. He was charming, he knew it, and she could feel the allure of that engaging smile. "I'd be glad to help in any way I could." She answered, carefully. "Without compromising our standards."

He moved closer, in a casual way. "Ah.. now Kerry.. would I ask you to compromise your standards?" He grinned. "I heard you say you have a lunch meeting… maybe tomorrow we could grab a bite in the cafeteria and chat.. how about it?" Steven captured her eyes, and his lips twitched a little.

"All right." The blond woman said, quietly. "We can do that." She shifted her papers. "I have to go… I'll be late for my meeting." She favored him with a gentle smile.

He winked. "Go on, cupcake.. .see you later." He watched her leave, then smiled to himself, letting out a low, soft chuckle.

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

The cafeteria was crowded with the early lunch people, staff who came in before eight, and by noon were more than ready to eat. Kerry picked up her tray, and wound her way through the room, spotting Maria and several other older women seated near the back where a window allowed a view of the water. "Hi." She greeted them, putting her tray down by an empty chair. "Looks like we're going to get some rain."

"Si." Maria agreed, looking out at the threatening clouds. "How are you, Kerrisita? Did your meeting go all right?"

Kerry seated herself, and picked up her silverware. "More or less… " She took a sip of her ice tea, and speared a piece of lettuce. "We agreed to disagree… you know." She gave the older woman a wry look, then glanced around casually. "Boss get stuck again?"

Maria nodded. "Si… a conference call from France… she asked me to bring her up a sandwich."

Kerry clucked and shook her head, but didn't say anything. The table talk turned to the latest episode of a favorite TV show, and she joined in cheerfully.

"Guess that honeymoon ended fast." The faintly sarcastic remark made Duks raise his head, and regard the speaker coolly.

"Excuse me?"

Comptroller Selene Advosan leaned closer. "C'mon, Duks…when she first started, her and the ice princess were tighter than a champagne cork in a bottle… I haven't even seen them eat lunch together since the New Year.. I guess the novelty wore off."

The Financial VP chewed his corned beef sandwich thoughtfully. "Never noticed." He shrugged, then glanced over at Kerry, who appeared perfectly at home with her tablemates, and was laughing at something Maria had said. "Maybe they're just busy… Dar never did lunch much anyway… and they seem friendly enough."

"Yeah.. but I thought we had a juicy one going there for a little while." Selene sighed. "I should have known better.. Dar's way out of her league."

"Mm." Duks dismissed the subject, and concentrated on his lunch.

Kerry put her tray away, and joined Maria as the secretary ordered a sandwich for their boss. The older woman checked the available options, then glanced sideways. "What you think…chicken salad?" She inquired, her brow creasing.

"Tuna melt, on raisin toast." Kerry murmured. "With french fries."

"Aie." Maria winced, and gave her an appalled look. The blond woman shrugged, and smiled. "Dios Mio. All right." She ordered the sandwich, and gathered some napkins as it was being made. She took the bag the counterman handed her and clucked, then followed Kerry out the door and to the elevator, which swallowed them up along with several other staff members. At the last minute, running footsteps and a hand between the door delayed them as Steven Fabracini slid in.

"Well, hello there." He sorted his way through the mailman and two administrative assistants, choosing to lean against the same wall Kerry was. "How was lunch?"

"Fine thanks." The blond woman replied readily. "This cafeteria's really not bad…it's better than most of the restaurants around here."

"Ah.." He watched as the doors opened, and one woman left. "You live in the area?"

"Kendall." Kerry answered amiably.

"Hey.. me too." Steven smiled. "Seems like most of the building does…either that, or up in Miramar." He glanced up as the mail man and the other woman left. "Guess we're headed to the same place." He noted, seeing the fifteen button the only one left lit.

"Guess we are." Kerry eyed him. "Where in Kendall did you end up?"

He told her, crossing his arms. "It's a nice little complex…got a clubhouse, and all that."

"That's not too far from where I am…I like the area. We go rollerblading down to that little bakery on the corner near the mall all the time." The blond woman commented.

"Hey.. I blade al the time." Steven smiled. "Maybe we'll bump into each other sometime down there… I like that little place." The door opened and he gestured. "Ladies first.. "

Kerry followed Maria out, seeing the stiff set of the secretary's back and biting off a tiny smile. Steven accompanied them down the hall and into Dar's outer office, where the executive's distinctive, vibrant voice could be heard growling through the thick wood paneling. "Aie.. what now." Maria sighed.

Steven chuckled. 'Dar never needed a reason to be rude, crude and obnoxious." He brushed by them and walked into the dark haired woman's office, closing the door behind him.

Kerry and Maria exchanged glances, then Kerry picked up the paper bag. "I'll drop this off." She paused with a hand on the doorknob, then opened the inner office door, and stepped inside.

"Mike, I don't give a god damn what they're telling you, it's bullshit." Dar punctuated her words by slamming her pencil on the desk. "I'm not going to accept sixty days to pull a lousy circuit, so they better come up with something else."

"Look, Dar… we've been going around and around with them for two months.. they won't budge." The man's voice answered, sounding tired. "They've got unions to deal with up there, and facilities that are older than my damn mother."

Dar looked up as the door opened, and her nostrils flared a bit as Steven walked brazenly into her office. "Hang on a minute. "She hit the hold button. "People knock before they come into this office."

Steven clucked, and dropped into a chair. "Get your panties out of a wad, Dar."

"What do you want? I'm in the middle of something." The dark haired woman snapped back.

Steven leaned back, glancing up as the outer door opened, and Kerry slipped in. "Thought people knocked first?" He asked mockingly, smiling at Dar.

"She doesn’t have to knock. She works here." Dar replied. "You've got ten seconds. Talk, or get out."

Kerry paced quietly across the carpet and deposited the bag on Dar's desk. "Lunch." She murmured, then headed for the inner door that lead down a service corridor to her own office.

"Thanks.' Dar spared her a brief glance. "Hold on a second.. I have some contracts to turn over to you." Then she focused back on her unwelcome guest. "What is it?"

"I want a task force." He leaned forward abruptly. "I want two people from your staff so I can figure out what the hell you're trying to accomplish around here, and see if I can straighten it out. " He pointed. "I want her, and whoever else you have assigned over to me for a period of two months, starting tomorrow."

Silence fell. Dar folded her hands over her desk, and blinked at him. "That's what you want?" She inquired mildly.

"That's what I want." He smiled.

One long, powerful finger pointed at the door. "What I want is you out of my office." The executive stated flatly. "I don't have the time, or the people to dedicate to you for your wild goose chase. If you want to bring in temps to play with files, talk to Mariana."

"Afraid of what I'll find, Dar?" He crossed his legs, and smiled at her, as he glanced sideways at the quietly waiting Kerry. "You can't hide it forever."

Dar merely stared steadily at him.

"Fine." He stood up and brushed his pants off. "I'll just make it a formal request up the line… I'll get what I want… and everyone will know it… sorry, Dar.. I was trying to spare you that for old time's sake." He winked at Kerry then left, the door closing behind him with a bang.

A silence settled, then Kerry cleared her throat. "You know what I want?"

Dar raised an eyebrow at her.

The blond woman walked over and settled on the corner of Dar's desk. "I want a shower." She pointed "Right in that corner, so every time I have to talk to that sneaky little piece of pig manure I can go and wash myself off." She made a face and gagged. "He makes me feel so slimy!!" She shuddered. "Ugh! Dar! Gag! Gross! Yuck!!!"

That got a weary chuckle from the taller woman, who shook her head and sighed. "He's a piece of work, that's for sure. " She punched the phone button. "Mike you still there?"

"Yeah.. " A muffled voice answered. "Just eating my lunch."

"All right.. gimme the name of someone up in their chain.. I'll see what I can do to shove things along a little." Dar propped her head up on one hand. "Sixty days… my dog could pull a circuit in less than sixty days."

"Probably do a neater job of it. "The voice agreed. "I'll email you with some names… thanks Dar."

"Yeah, yeah…" Dar sighed, as she disconnected, and turned to face Kerry. "Hey."

Kerry cocked her head and smiled.. "Hey." She indicated the bag. "Tuna on raisin… better eat the french fries before they soak through the bag."

Dar's expression gentled, and she captured Kerry's hand, squeezing it. "Thanks.. how'd the meeting go? You must have made an impression, or he wouldn't be asking for you."

Kerry rolled her sea green eyes. "I think he's just bound and determined to screw you over…he went from being condescending and antagonistic, to hitting on me." She made a face. "He wants to do lunch tomorrow." She watched Dar's right eyebrow lift. "Here… just in the cafeteria." She amended with a gentle twinkle. The eyebrow remained where it was. "Oo.. do I sense some territoriality raising it's head?"

"Hmph." Dar snorted softly. "No… that's not… you can go to lunch with whoever you want to, Kerry.. I'm not.. um.. "

A hand cupped her cheek unexpectedly. "I'm flattered." Kerry whispered.

Dar fell silent, then chuckled a little. "I do have a pronounced possessive streak. " She admitted wryly. "But be careful, all right? He's very sharp."

The blond woman leaned closer. "Not as sharp as you are." She murmured softly. "Even though he thinks he is." She informed her boss. "What is his problem with you, anyway/"

Dar sighed. "We went to school together… we were pretty good friends, even though we don't have much in common.. we were both in the martial arts together, hung out with some of the same crowd… the trouble started when I beat him in the nationals that year."

"Ah." Kerry lifted a hand. "I get it… let me guess, he was god's gift to karate?"

"No." Dar replied, surprisingly. "He wasn't really that good, maybe that was the problem.. he never made it past the preliminary rounds, and I was the one that kicked him into the loser's bracket… purely by chance. " She exhaled, remembering. "He felt I should have helped him get further… because he was trying to impress this girl on the opposing team he'd been after for years… it was why he got involved in the stuff to begin with."

"That doesn’t make sense.. why would you have taken a dive for him?" Kerry inquired. "I can't see you doing that in any case."

Pale blue eyes winked at her from under long, dark lashes. "It was complicated.. he thought I owed him the favor.. but at any rate, I didn't, and he lost, and he dropped out of the karate program after that." She paused, ordering her thoughts. "He was majoring in systems design.. and through a chance routine I was running, I discovered he'd stolen his entire senior's design matrix from someone else. "

"Uh oh." Kerry winced.

"Yeah… well, me being a moral and upright bastard in the old days, I had to go running to the department head with it, and he was tossed out of school." Dar sighed. "Our last meeting wasn't very pleasant.. he told me he'd get back at me someday, and now, here he is trying."

"Jesus… he should get a life.. what was that, ten years ago? What a waste of time." Kerry folded her arms across her chest. "He gives me the creeps."

"Mm." Dar agreed. "Well, we have to deal with him.. if he keeps pushing you, you can tell him you're not interested.. or that you're involved with someone."

"Both of which are completely true." Kerry agreed." Your sandwich is getting cold." She gave her boss a not so subtle nudge.

The dark haired woman smiled, then opened the bag, tugging out the sandwich and munching on a fry. "Mm… bet Maria made a face at you for this." She bit into the gooey sandwich happily. "She usually brings me chicken salad on pita."

Kerry watched her indulgently for a minute, then stood up. "Yes, she did… but not nearly as nasty a face as when old Stevie Snake was flirting with me." She touched Dar's shoulder. "I think she has a protective streak, too."

"Mmhmm… " Dar nodded, with her mouth full. "She thinks you're a manifestation of the Blessed Virgin for getting me to eat trail mix instead of malted milk balls."

Kerry snorted softly. "That didn't take much effort at all.. c'mon…anyone could have done it."

Dar studied her sandwich for a moment, before taking a bite of it. "No one else ever tried." She remarked casually, as she chewed the mouthful, enjoying the gentle tang of the raisins in the bread. "Even my mother gave up on me."

"Well." Kerry reached oven and gently pushed an errant, dark lock out of Dar's eyes. ""I'm pretty stubborn." She smiled. "Not to mention a little on the possessive side myself." She confessed. "Was your mother into greens?"

"Vegetarian." Dar replied, wiping her mouth. "She tried… but my father told me even as a baby I used to chuck up the strained peas, and go after his hamburger. Must have driven her nuts." She finished off her fries and neatly disposed of the bag. "Thank you…now I have just enough time to review this damn status report before the executive committee meeting… and I'm stuck with a new client briefing at four… I won't get out of here before seven."

Kerry nodded. "I'm meeting a few folks over at the gym for a climbing session at six…will you be over for our class?"

"Oh yeah." Dar responded positively. "I'll be ready for that…. It's been a long, aggravating day, and it's only lunchtime."

"Yikes." Kerry's hands had found their way across her bosses neck, feeling the tension in her shoulders. She stood up and went behind the chair, reaching over and giving her a gentle massage, enjoying the warm feel of Dar's skin under the cool silk of her blouse. "You're all wound up, huh? "

"Mm." Dar closed her eyes and dropped her head forward, submitting to her companion's touch gratefully. "Yeah… Ow… oh… damn, that feels good." It was such a nice feeling, she reflected. Not just the massage, which was relaxing her, but the warmth and caring she could practically feel pouring from Kerry.. She finally leaned back, as the blond woman finished, and looked up at her. "Thanks."

Kerry smiled back. "Your welcome.. I'd better get going .. did you actually have stuff to give me, or was that just a reason for me not to leave?"

A soft chuckle. ""I'm not that bad. Here… " Dar handed her the three folders. "Three new ones…and in case I didn't say it before, the two you structured last week were very well done." She meant it, too, the business plans had been very well thought out, and the start up schedules were efficient, and thoughtful. "I got a note from Eleanor regarding the New England Power meeting…she was very impressed with how you handled it."

Kerry positively beamed. A big, sunny grin covered her face, and her eyes sparkled, as she drank in the compliments. "Wow.. thanks…" Somehow, when Dar discussed business with her, she managed to forget their relationship, and simply react as anyone else would in getting praised by their boss. It was a weird sensation, almost like she and Dar were two different people, the ones who worked together, and the ones that lived together. "Glad I did good."

Dar's phone buzzed. "Dar?" Maria sounded resigned.

"Yes?" The executive answered, leaning on an elbow.

"Personnel, line numero uno."

"I bet I know what this is." Dar sighed. "Thanks.." She hit the button. "Dar Roberts."

"You are such the troublemaker, you know that?" Mariana's voice sounded halfway between irritation and wry amusement. "Are you trying to set some record for complaints against one employee?"

Dar lifted her hands and let them fall on the desk. "What did I do?"

"Oh.. let's see.. " A rustle of paper. "Being rude, obstructionist, uncooperative, detrimental to the progress of business… "

"She really wasn't, Mari." Kerry spoke over her bosses shoulder. "I was here…she was really polite, as a matter of fact."

Mariana sighed. "What did he want?"

"Me." Kerry replied. "He wanted me, and another staff member assigned to him personally for two months, while he.. as he put it, straightened us out."

A soft curse in a fluid language followed. "And you told him no, I take it?"

"I told him I didn't have the time nor the staff to go on wild goose chases.. if he wanted dog's bodies to hunt stuff down, to go see you." Dar replied. "I'm not assigning one of my staff, not even mentioning my very valuable, and very efficient assistant to that horse's ass."

"Mm.. I see." The Personnel VP sighed. "Well, he kicked a copy of this up to Alastair, along with a bunch of statistics… it looks pretty nasty, Dar.. I'll forward you a copy."

Dar drummed her fingers on her desk. "Did he copy Jose?"

A moment's silence. "Um…now that you mention it, no." Mariana replied.

Dar smiled. "Okay.. thanks.. I'll handle Alastair if he decides to get involved." She pulled a folder over to her. "Meet you in the conference room?"

"You got it." Mariana agreed, and hung up.

"He sound like he really means to make a case out of this, Dar." Kerry stated quietly, her brow creasing in concern. "Would it be easier if we just went along with it? I mean.. it's not like he's going to actually find anything if he investigates our area."

The pale blue eyes thoughtfully roamed the room, settling on Kerry's face with quiet intentness. "Yes, it would be easier." She stated flatly. "But I'm not gonna do it." The ferocity in her voice surprised Kerry. "He wants a fight? He'll get one."

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

Dar glanced at her watch as she entered her office. The briefing had lasted an hour longer than predicted, but it had ended on a good note, so she considered the time well spent. It was a few minutes to seven, though, and she lifted her cell phone, dialing a number without looking. Three rings, then four, then a breathless voice answered. "Hey."

"Oh.. " Kerry paused to breathe. "Hey… what's up?"

"Where are you?" Dar inquired, hearing the panting.

"Halfway up the climbing wall, holding on by one hand." The blond woman replied. "So..as much as I love talking to you, could you kinda…"

"Sorry." Dar apologized. "I just got back from the briefing… I'll be over in about ten minutes."

"Right.. I'll let everyone know." Kerry responded. "Ooof…oh..wait..okay." She sighed. "That's better.. I was sort of upside down, and trying to hold myself up… my arm was giving out."

The executive chuckled softly. "Okay.. .well, get both hands back on those holds, okay? I'll see you in a bit." She was looking forward to the class, and her sparring time with Ken. "Take care."

"Okay.. see ya.." Kerry hung up, then managed to clip her cell phone to the back of her workout shorts. "Glad I got the lightweight model." She commented to the rough wall before her eyes. "Well, time to go down.."

She worked her way slowly across the wall, moving from handhold to handhold, and finally let go of the last one, landing lightly on the floor. Her shoulders and thighs ached, and she straightened up slowly, then leaned against the wall and caught her breath. "Whoo." She shook her arms out and flexed her hands, then paced back out of the climbing room and paused, searching the crowded gym. "Ah." She spotted Ken standing next to his small office, and she headed in his direction.

He looked up as she approached, and a smile creased his friendly face. "Hey there."

"Hey Ken… " Kerry wiped her brow with the towel she had tucked in her waistband. "Dar's on her way over… she had a late meeting."

Ken rubbed his neck. "I'm still sore from last night." He complained wryly. Dar had surprised him with a side kick that had nailed his jaw, and snapped his head sideways. "Maybe we can just have coffee tonight, huh?"

Kerry laughed gently. "I think she's really enjoying your sessions… but I'm sure she'd take it easy on you if you asked her." She looked up as Colleen approached, already in her workout gear. "Hey, Col… it'll be a few minutes. Dar's on her way over."

The redhead grinned. "Good..I thought I was going to be late..I had two tellers come up short today, and we spent an extra hour trying to figure out what happened." She tugged on Kerry's shorts. "Let's get a drink while we're waiting."

"Okay.. I"ve got to put my stuff on.. " Kerry agreed. "You want anything, Ken?"

"No… " The gym manager shook his head. "You two go on.. I've got to give a few tours." He indicated a small group of uncertain looking women. "New members."

Kerry nodded then followed Colleen towards the juice bar. "Order me a strawberry banana, would you.. I'm going to go change." She angled her steps towards the locker room, waving at three sweating women who passed by. "Hey guys.. "

"Hi Kerry." The closest one, a programming specialist who worked in Mark's department answered "The boss around?"

"On her way." The blond woman smiled, as she continued into the tile lined locker room, which echoed with the sounds of the showers, and the clank of locks against the metal doors. She went to her assigned space and unlocked it, pulling out her light cotton pants and top, and the white belt that went with them, and stripped off her shorts and the t-shirt she wore when climbing, along with the knee protectors that kept her kneecaps from being smashed against the rough concrete.

Idly she glanced to the right, and caught sight of herself in the mirror, and she paused to evaluate the reflection. Turned sideways as she was, she could see the smooth curve of her thigh muscles, which had become a good deal more pronounced and she slid a hand up along her waistline, where she was just beginning to be able to see a little definition. "Hmm." She raised an eyebrow at the sight, watching the rounded shoulder muscles shift as she moved her arm. It had taken her a while to get used to it, to be honest.. she'd been so accustomed to thinking about herself in a certain way, that this sudden change had made her a little uncomfortable at first.

Okay, she sighed, as she slipped into the cotton pants. A lot uncomfortable, as her mind fought against a lifetime of being subject to her mother's views on what a woman should, or should not look like. Women were not supposed to look like wrestlers. Slim, yes. Poised, yes. Buff?

Ah, no. And there were a lot of people here at the gym who fit into her mother's views, keeping strictly to the light aerobics, and the sweat rooms to produce bodies like whippets, all slim bone and taut skin, who avoided the weight rooms and machines like the plague.

Dar had gone a long way towards providing her with an example of a different way of thinking. The taller woman regarded strength training as an important part of her fitness regimen, and was completely unapologetic over the amount of smooth muscles that covered her body, explaining to Kerry a touch sheepishly that she preferred it that way, since the muscles burned up a lot of the excess she tended to indulge in.

That made a lot of sense to Kerry, and she'd decided if she was going to share a life with Dar, she'd better make an effort to insure sharing the taller woman's eating habits wasn't going to be totally self destructive. And she'd found that she liked the activities, as well as her growing competence at them, comfortable with the thought that the hour of climbing she'd just enjoyed would also make the pound of strawberries and crock of thick, dark chocolate waiting at home equally and guiltlessly enjoyable. As if on cue, her stomach started growling, and she rolled her eyes, locking her locker and heading for the door as she tied the belt around her.

"Took you long enough." Colleen gently pushed her drink over to her. "So.. how's the week been?"

Kerry sighed. "Personally, great. Professionally, great, except that new guy I told you about… he's been driving us crazy this week." She took a long gulp of the frothy fruit drink, enjoying the tangy sweet taste. "He's got it out for Dar."

Colleen sipped her own drink, and fiddled with a napkin. "Well, you be careful, there, m'dear.. don't get caught in the crossfire." She warned. "Dar's full capable of taking care of herself."

"I'm already in the middle of it." The blond woman sighed. "It's a mess…but we'll handle it." Her eyes went to the door just in time to see it open, and a familiar form ease inside. Dar was still in her business suit, but had her gym bag hitched over one shoulder, and she pushed it back as her eyes swept the interior of the gym.

It took less than five seconds. Kerry counted. It was a game they played, sometimes, to see how fast they could find each other. On the count of one thousand four, the blue eyes zeroed in on hers, and Dar's lips twitched into a grin. She made her way over to where they were seated, gracefully sidestepping a pair of power walkers, who were strutting their way across the machine area.

"Hey." Kerry offered her a sip of her drink. "How'd it go?"

A shrug. "Same as always." Dar accepted the glass, and took a swallow of the fruit smoothee. "Hello, Colleen."

The redhead smiled. "Hi, Dar…any chance of going over those punches today?"

"Sure." Dar replied, handing Kerry back her cup. "I'm going to go change… meet you guys over by the mats." She headed into the locker room, crossing to her locker, right next to Kerry's, and unlocking it. She put her bag inside, and changed quickly, glad to get out of her skirt, hose and pumps, and into a comfortable pair of cotton pants and soft boots.

She hung up her work clothes, and shrugged into the mid length shirt, pulling the long, black belt from her bag and glancing at it before she wrapped it twice around her waist and tied it off. Putting this on had felt very strange, she remembered. She usually worked out with the trainer on the island in a pair of sweat pants and a tshirt, but when she actually started teaching class, Ken said it would make the students feel less awkward with their own new garb if she wore hers as well. So she'd rooted around in the three trunks tucked into the condo's closet that represented her personal possessions, and dug the old thing out, a little surprised it still fit. She'd had her doubts about wearing it, but then Kerry had told her she liked it… okay, she'd told Dar she thought she looked really cute in it, and since then she hadn't minded wearing it again.

"A little egotistical?" She asked herself wryly. "Oh. Just a little." She chastised herself, as she locked the locker and headed out towards the class area.

They were all waiting, a group of ten including Kerry and Colleen. Dar took them through a series of warm up routines, using the time to stretch her own muscles out, then went over several concepts she'd taught the week before, and linked that into the day's lesson. As always, Kerry watched her with that little look of utter concentration, her brow furrowed, the tip of her tongue poking out a bit, as she repeated the exercise, at first uncertainly, then with more confidence.

"Nice. " Dar complimented her. "Okay.. now you and Colleen go at each other." The rest of the class watched, as the blond and the redhead squared off, and Kerry edged forward, getting the hold on Colleen's arm, then correctly dumping her on her butt. "Right."

"Ugh." Colleen squinted up at her friend. "I'll be needing a pillow on me butt, much more of this."

Kerry grinned, and offered her a hand up.

Dar hadn't expected to enjoy teaching. She'd volunteered on the spur of the moment, and afterward had almost regretted it, but as the weeks went on she'd found herself looking forward to her little class. "Okay.. good." She nodded, as two of the men squared off against each other, and demonstrated. "Right.. a little higher on the kick.. you have to get it just above the knee." She got in closer, and tapped the man on the thigh. "That's it."

The class finished, and she leaned against the wall, watching as Ken ambled over, an apologetic look on his face. "Evening, Ken." She greeted the shorter man. "How's the neck?" She really hadn't meant to nail the poor guy like that.. she'd just been trying out a move she hadn't been able to do in a while, half expecting it not to work, when it did, they'd both been pretty surprised. Or rather, she'd been surprised, Ken had been too busy counting stars on the mat to be anything other than in pain.

"Hurts like heck… " He admitted. "I think I'm going to have to give it a miss tonight."

Dar chewed her lip. "Sorry about that." She told him, sincerely.

"Don't worry about it." He chuckled deprecatingly, then he glanced up at her. "Say, Dar… you ever give any thought to going back into competition?"

The question surprised her. "No, I…" She paused. "No..c'mon, Ken.. it's been ten years. I'm way past that."

The short man shook his head. "I beg to disagree… I mean, I don't know if you're interested, but I was at a match this past weekend, and I have to tell you, honestly, Dar… you'd have walked with the trophy." He put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "I know it was just a little local thing, but if you wanted to, you could go back into that… you've still got the moves, it would just take a little work."

Her first instinct was to say no. Absolutely not, she didn't have time for that, her life was too complicated as it was, there was no way she'd have time to do it right.. to get into the kind of shape she knew she'd have to in order to really compete.

But.

A seductive tendril she'd thought long buried surfaced, reminding her of just how much she'd enjoyed competing. How much she'd enjoyed winning. Maybe seeing Steven had shaken that loose and brought it to the surface, she mused. Her eyes flicked over Ken's waiting face. "Something to think about." She replied quietly. "I don't know… I really hadn't considered it before."

He grinned. "Well.. you think about it…" He patted her arm. "We'll talk about it in a couple of days."

Dar walked slowly across the busy gym, her eyes thoughtful.

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

Kerry relaxed into the soft leather seat and sighed. "God, I'm starving… I am so glad I stuck that bowl of chicken satay in the refrigerator before we left this morning."

"Mm… that sounds good." Dar agreed, as she gazed out at the road.

The blond woman glanced at her, studying Dar's profile. "You're quiet tonight." She said, after a moment of silence. "Everything okay, or are you still stewing about Mr. Slimeball?"

Pale blue eyes left the road and gazed at her for a moment. "He's not worth stewing over." She stated, knowing it for a lie. "I managed to put a corncob up Jose's tailpipe… I gave him a copy of that email." She chuckled softly. "I haven't seen him change that shade of red in a while.. I usually cause that."

Kerry stretched out, and leaned on the armrest. "What does he hope to accomplish, Dar? Fabricini, I mean."

"Bottom line?" Dar turned into the ferry terminal and drove onto the boat, which had just docked. She put the car into park and rolled the windows down, then turned the engine off. The cool January air blew in, ripe with the salt tang of the sea and she settled back, propping one knee up against the steering wheel. "He wants Jose's job, and my head." She said. "If he can prove we lost money because of something I did, he's got a good chance of both."

Kerry blinked. "But… how can he prove that? You know nothing like that happened."

Dar ducked her head to one side. "No one's perfect, Kerry… it's possible he could dig up something where we could have done our jobs better, and we lost out because of it… we've got so many things going on at once, and so much of it involves making decisions based on the best information available… it can happen." She settled her hands on her knee. "But I've got a pretty good batting average.. he'd have to find something really major, and I'm not really worried about that." She fell silent, and watched the ripple of the water in the ferry's wake, scattering the moonlight over it's surface.

"So.. what are you really worried about?" Kerry prodded gently. "Is it because he's made it so personal?"

Dar thought about that. "Maybe." She acknowledged. "Or maybe it's because he's sniffing after you…" She let rueful grin cross her face. "And if he does find out about us, he will most certainly make an issue of it."

"Mmph." Kerry rolled her head to one side, waving at the deckhand as they docked on the island. "Well, we just have to make sure that doesn't happen… right?"

Dar drove off the ferry, and through the spray, then turned onto the access road that lead to the condo. She pulled in next to Kerry's Mustang, and turned the car off. "C'mon.. let's go get slurped." She got out and took her bag, then waited for Kerry to join her before she trotted up the stairs and keyed the door open.

They ducked inside and turned the lights on, then Kerry dropped her bag on the couch and continued on into the kitchen towards the utility room, which was issuing shrill yelps. "Okay, okay Chino…. Take it easy.. " She unlatched the gate, and let the three month old Labrador puppy out. "Did you miss us?"

The puppy scrambled up her leg, hopping up and down until she picked her up and cuddled her. "Hey… " Kerry laughed as the pink tongue got her neck. "Hey.. no nibbling!" The sharp little teeth nipped her skin, as she glanced into the puppy's area. "You were a good girl, werentcha!"

Dar wandered over, and the puppy whined, wriggling towards her. "Hey, puppy… "

"All right…all right… here… " Kerry turned her over. "Go… I know who your favorite is… look, Dar.. she was a good girl all day."

The dark haired woman suffered a nose nibble, then peered into the room. "Hey… look at that. Good girl." She praised the puppy. "Getting resident services to come and let her out twice during the day was a good idea, huh?"

"You bet." Kerry agreed. "Want to take her for a walk while I get dinner up?" She watched indulgently as Dar scratched the puppy's chin, and cooed at it, the little tag on her collar, which bore her name, and their address jingled softly as she moved. "Dar?"

"Hmm?" The executive glanced up. "Oh.. right.. sorry." She kissed the puppy on the head. "C'mon, Chino… let's go out… see if you'll piddle for me, huh?" She slipped out the back door, and down the patio steps into the moonlit grassy area.

Kerry had to laugh, as she rinsed her hands off. "No one at work would believe hearing that." She shook head wryly. Dar had proven to be an extremely soft touch when it came to their little addition, and Chino had learned all it took to get a puppy biscuit was a pair of soulful brown eyes, and a tiny paw. She'd find Dar, and sit next to her, raising the paw up and patting Dar's leg with it, and the well trained human would immediately produce an Iams biscuit which Chino would crunch contentedly.

It was cute in the extreme, and Kerry loved watching her intimidating lover turn into a blue eyed puddle over the puppy's admittedly adorable ways.

She put up the satay and some rice, then added some fresh green beans to the steamer. "That'll do." She dusted her hands off and retrieved her bag, glancing around the living room with a sense of quiet satisfaction. At one time, it had seemed very sterile to her, but since she'd moved in, she'd coaxed some personal items out of Dar, and added her own stuff to it, resulting in a warmer and more cheerful atmosphere that now included some prints they'd picked out at the Grove Art Festival, a colorful native woven blanket that was draped over the central table, and a brass sculpture of dolphins and waves sitting in the middle of it. She'd even gotten a few pictures out of Dar, including two of her at school age which Kerry thought were adorable and added her own in the niches of the entertainment center.

Nice. Kerry trotted up the stairs and dropped her laptop off in her office, then went into her room.

Her room. She still had to run that through her head when she walked in, as the spacious, vaulted ceiling and the wide, glass doors that opened out onto the Atlantic Ocean hit her eyes. She'd moved most of her things up from her apartment, though she was still retaining the lease there temporarily, and it still seemed a bit strange to see Pooh holding out his arms for a hug from the comfortable, overstuffed chair perfectly situated for reading as the sunlight came in the room. She'd hung her pictures on the wall, and it was her quilt on the bed, and the dresser held her things in a slightly jumbled disarray.

Kerry put her bag down and went to the glass doors, sliding them open and going out onto the wraparound balcony to just stand, and gaze out over the black, rippling water for a long moment, watching the quarter moon send a tiny splash of light over the waves. It smelled of salt, and the rich scent of the freshly fertilized lawn below her, and the hint of hickory smoke from the beach club just down the way.

It was beautiful, and she loved it, even though she had to pinch herself sometimes just to prove it was real, and not just some outlandish dream Not just the house, but her life. Sometimes she was a little afraid to go to sleep at night, fearing she'd wake up one day and it would all be gone as though it had never existed.

A sigh. "C'mon, Kerry… get changed, and stop being goofy." She went back inside, closing the doors, and slipped out of her work clothes, exchanging them for her favorite sleep shirt and hanging her jacket and skirt up in the huge walk in closet that Kerry swore was the same size as her bedroom in her Kendall apartment.

A tiny whine alerted her, and she looked up as Chino pushed the door open with her nose, and came stumbling in, having laboriously negotiated the stairs. It was a new skill of hers. "Hey, Chino… c'mere honey." Kerry sat down and let the puppy scramble over her. She played with her for a minute then got to her feet and headed downstairs, with the animal trotting behind her.

Dar was in her office, working on something, and she looked up as Kerry poked her head in. For a minute, they just looked at each other, then Dar leaned back in her comfortable chair. "That smells great." She put her hands behind her head and exhaled, pulling the thin fabric of her worn baseball shirt against her body. "Ken sprang something on me tonight… he… broached the subject of me going back into competition."

Kerry came forward and perched on the arm of the couch. "Really?" She watched Dar's face. "You think you want to?"

The dark haired woman nibbled the inside of her lip. "I don’t know.. when he first mentioned it, I came up with all the reasons why I couldn't… and they seemed like good ones. "She shrugged. "I mean, it takes time, a lot of effort.. training…" She sighed. "It's been a long, long time… I don't know if I could still do it."

"But?" Kerry saw the indecision in her expression.

Both hands lifted, then fell to the arms of the chair. "Maybe the stuff I've been doing with him… triggered some stupid adrenaline gene in there… I don't know… I've been getting quite a kick out of trying to see how much I could get back." She looked up. "What do you think?"

The blond woman studied her in silence. "I think you should go for it." She grinned. "I love the classes, but watching you and Ken go at it afterward has been such a blast… you get this incredible look on your face when you get past him."

Dar scratched her jaw, looking a touch embarrassed. "I do?"

"Yes, you do." Kerry held out a hand, as she checked her watch. "Come on.. we'll talk about it over dinner. It should be ready."

They settled in front of the large screen television, Dar flipping in on after she set her gently steaming plate down. "Oh… look, it's the Crocodile Fanatic." She peered. "What's he after now?"

Kerry observed the screen. "Snakes." She took a bite of chicken and then a mouthful of the steamed rice, which she'd put a touch of ginger and spices into. "Mm… yeah, rattlesnakes." She shook her head. "Jesus… he's picking them up by the…. Dar, he's crawling into a cave of those things… isn't the Discovery Channel afraid they're going to have a lawsuit on their hands when he gets eaten alive?"

Dar pulled her plate over and took a bite. "They probably had him sign a document in quintuplet that absolves them of any responsibility for him." The spicy peanut sauce on the chicken contrasted with the gentle, gingery taste of the rice, and she sighed contentedly. "Kerry, this is great."

"Thank you." Kerry took a sip of ice tea. "We have strawberries for dessert, you know."

"I know." Dar chuckled softly, as she settled an arm over the blond woman's shoulders, eating one handed. "So. What's he doing now? Oh…hey, is his wife pregnant?"

Kerry peered. "Either that, or she's been munching on the crocodile crackers overtime." She watched. "And he drags her up into mountains, and hands her the tail of rattlesnake to hold onto…Jesus!" The man on the screen cooed at the angry female rattlesnake. "You gotta love them? No Steve.. I don't!" She chewed. "He's got such a cute accent, though." She reached over and picked up a green bean from Dar's plate, and offered it to her. "Here… I sautéed them in a little garlic butter… just pretend it's a French fry."

Dar obligingly took the bean, chewing it speculatively. "I think I'm being condescended to." She blinked. "Look at him… there must be a dozen snakes under that rock.. can't he just leave it alone? Wait… did he just say 'shit'?"

Kerry's brow creased. "Yeah.. he just said 'shit'…what's… oh man, did you see how pale he just got?" She turned up the sound a little. "Oh… Jesus… he's got a snake between his legs."

Her lover burst out laughing. "Well, it's not original, but.. "

"Tch.. Dar! NO! He's got a rattlesnake between his legs! Look… they're going nuts… he doesn’t know what to do!" They watched as the man on the screen eased out of the way, and scooted out of range. "Wow… that was outrageous.. I wonder if they'd show it if he actually got nailed in the nuts by a poisonous snake."

"Well." Dar laughed helplessly. "At least he could get a tourniquet in place.. not like if he got bit on the face." She sighed, and chewed a mouthful of rice. "I think he's an adrenaline junkie." She quieted for a moment. Looking for that fix.. that excitement… was that what was tugging at her towards resuming the aggressiveness of competition? Other wise, what was the attraction of going back ten years, and trying to recapture that particular bit of glory? Or was this even a reaction to her turning thirty… a reassurance to her ego that she still had 'it'?

Now.. that was a depressing thought, wasn't it?

Conceit, or a challenge it would just be fun to attempt? She studied the image of the undefeatable Steve Irwin bounding over the rocks in search of yet more snakes, undaunted by his close encounter.

Hmm. She finished her dinner thoughtfully.

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

"So.. how'd a sharp girl like you end up in a rat's nest like this?"

The smile was meant to make her understand it was all in good fun. Kerry reflected, taking a thoughtful sip of her peach ice tea. "I submitted a resume, and it was accepted." She replied dryly. "And I happen to like it very much." It had been a slow morning, unfortunately, and no crises had developed that might have excused her lunch invitation from Steve Fabricini.

Though, Dar had volunteered to create one, if she really didn't want to go, the executive having been in a fairly good natured mood after an early morning meeting with one of their newer account teams. Someone had clued them in, she'd informed Kerry, having been fed strawberry crepes and biscuits for breakfast, instead of the usual fruit cup at the meeting, her twinkling eyes indicating who she thought was the culprit.

"You do, huh?" Steve chuckled, scooping up a spoonful of yogurt. 'That's hard to believe considering who you work for."

Kerry shrugged "You know, people say that a lot, but I've really enjoyed working for Dar… she's smart, she knows her stuff, she gives credit where credit's due.. and she stands up for her staff." She commented, honestly. "If you know what you're doing, you have no problem with her." Just like Mark Polenti had said, at their first meeting. "Of course, if you don't… " She let the thought hang.

He laughed. "You poor little thing.. wait until you get thrown to the fire as a sacrifice the first time she has to take the blame for something… you can't really be that naive, can you?" He leaned forward. "Listen, cupcake.. I know her, all right? You don't…she will turn on you like a rabid dog at the first opportunity."

"Really." The blond woman nibbled on her sandwich. "Well, thanks for the warning."

"Anytime." Fabricini smiled, the lowered his voice. "Listen… there's no reason we can't work together, all right? My job here is to try and punch through these roadblocks we seem to be coming up against.. and if I do it, the whole company benefits. Don’t' get caught on the wrong side of that, hmm?" He put a hand on her wrist. "You're a sharp kid… everyone says so, and when this all shakes out, there could be opportunity for you, if you know what I mean."

Kerry smiled kindly at him. "You mean, if you dig up enough things to force Dar out, I might get her job."

He smiled back. "I said you were sharp." A dangerous glint entered his eyes. "Stick with me, cupcake."

The blond woman wiped her lips with her napkin, and set it down neatly on her plate. "There's just a few things I'd like to get squared away first." She paused.

"What's that?" He smiled, a triumphant look on his face.

"One, you need to let go of my wrist before I sink my fork into the back of your hand." Kerry responded, very mildly. "Two, if you call me cupcake again, I'm going to be forced to file sexual harassment papers." She smiled right into his eyes, enjoying the shock. "And three, where Dar goes, I go." She stood, as he let go of her and picked up her tray. "Have a nice day."

She left him sitting there, as she counted to twenty under her breath, waiting for her heart to stop hammering in her ears from anger. "Stupid piece of god damned… oh. Sorry." She'd collided with Mark Polenti, who glanced behind her.

"You okay?" He asked, having heard her growling. "Hey.. what did you do to puss face over there? He looks like he's been hit in the head with an obsolete mainframe."

Kerry took several calming breaths. "He is such a pig." She put her tray down in the washing area. "He wants me to work with him to find dirt on Dar, and then had the balls to say if I did, he's see if he could get me her job when it was all over."

Mark burst into laughter. "Boy.. did he ever get his lines crossed." He patted Kerry's shoulder. "Guess he picked on you because you're the newest.. figured the rest of us had our loyalties set by now." He put his own tray down. "So.. what'd you tell him?"

"To kiss my ass." Kerry replied, with a hint of a blush. "Only more politely."

They both watched as their subject sauntered up, his neck still red from anger, and deposited his tray. "My mistake." He oozed savage politeness to Kerry "Your loss." He left, giving them a disgusted look.

Mark and Kerry eyed each other. "Asshole." The both said in sync. Kerry sighed. "Well, at least I won't have to worry about him asking me out on a date, now." She remarked wryly.

"Yeah.. but he could get nasty that way." Mark replied, snagging two large chocolate chip cookies and offering her one. "You know how rumors are."

"Been there, done that." Kerry accepted the cookie, and bit into it. "I think everyone's over that one already." Meaning the whispers about her and Dar, which had subsided dramatically since the new year had started. They'd been careful not to hang around each other at work, going to far as to not even have lunch together, and it seemed to have cooled the rumor mill to the point where everyone had gone on to something more interesting.

"Yeah… but be careful." The MIS chief warned, as they headed for the elevator.

Kerry sighed, and punched the button for the fifteenth floor, then held the door as she heard footsteps approach. She couldn’t see outside from where she was, but somehow… a smile was already pulling at her lips as Dar stepped inside, moving to the rear of the car and leaning against it. "Speak of the devil." Kerry commented, as the doors slid shut. "I just pretty much blew up my lunch meeting."

"Oh really?" Dar leaned against the elevator wall. "Great… I've got a meeting scheduled with him, Jose, and Mariana in twenty minutes.. what happened?"

"He asked me to help him screw you and I told him to go to Hell." Kerry replied.

Dar rubbed her temples. "It might have been better if you'd agreed."

Kerry and Mark both stared at her. 'What?" They asked simultaneously.

The doors opened onto the fifteenth floor. "Then he'd have told you what his plan was." Dar exited, blowing the hair out of her eyes with an impatient breath. She headed into her office, with Kerry following her and waved at Maria as she continued through the inner door.

Kerry waited until Dar was seated behind her desk before she came closer, sitting in the left hand side visitor's chair. "Are you serious?"

Dar propped her head up on one fist, visibly a little frazzled. "No… that was just my frustration talking." She admitted. "I'm not looking forward to dealing with him, and I wish I had a way to avoid it."

"Mm." Kerry grimaced. "Sorry… I think I just made it worse." She gave Dar an apologetic look. "Maybe I should go stick my head in my monitor and do something useful."

"Ah ah." Dar shook a finger at her. "Don't start with that stuff… he's the asshole, Kerry, not you."

A faint smile. "Whatever you say, boss." Kerry stood and sighed. "Good luck." She left through the small back hallway door that led to her own office, closing it gently behind her.

Dar watched the empty space in front of her for a minute, as though expecting it to change back into her assistant, then she rubbed her eyes, and took a sip of the cold coffee from her mug.

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

It was dark out before she got back to her desk, dropping a stack of papers down on it and slumping into her chair before she swiveled it, and regarded the darkened water outside. Then she pulled her top drawer out and removed a bottle, uncapping it and spilling out several pills which she tossed into her mouth, and washed down with a little soda from the can she'd carried in with her.

Then she sat forward and gave her trackball a spin, brining up her screen saver and typing in the password. Her inbox was a solid black mass of new messages, and just looking at the number of urgent flags made her already aching head pound even worse. "Shit."

A soft knock came on the inner door, and she looked up in surprise. "Yeah?"

It opened, and Kerry entered, her silk shirt sleeves pushed all the way up, and her jacket off. "Hey."

Dar smiled for the first time in hours. "Hi… thought you'd have gone home by now."

Kerry shook her head, walking over and perching on the edge of Dar's desk. "I've got a major restructuring of that new account I'm working on… and we lost two processors in Kansas, so…"

"Ah."

"And I was waiting for you." Kerry admitted, with a tiny smile. "I heard you walked out of the meeting with Mari." She sighed. "I had a visit from our friend Steve - saying he wanted to start over, and really get a working relationship going with me."

"Ugh." Dar put her head back and closed her eyes. "Yes, I walked out… I told them both to grow up and start acting like corporate executives instead of high school locker room sweepers." She opened a blue eye and regarded Kerry wryly. "Then I had to go to a marketing projection session with Eleanor, and explain to her why spending money on television advertising doesn't do a thing for an international IS company."

The phone buzzed, and Dar put a finger to her lips before she answered it on speakerphone. "Yeah?"

"Well.. good evening to you, too, Dar." Alastair's voice sounded less chipper than usual. "Thought I'd still find you there… got a minute?"

Dar exhaled, and let the tip of her tongue protrude for a second. "Sure.. what's on your mind?" She asked the CEO.

"Well, I had a meeting with the Sales leadership today." Alastair paused. "They're projecting a slowdown in the next two quarters, and frankly, that's not going to wash with the board."

"And?" Dar rubbed her temples.

"I asked them for an explanation.. and I was told they can't project any better because you're deliberately putting a hold on them… now.. " Alastair held up a verbal finger. "I realize that's probably mostly bullshit.. but what's the deal, Dar?"

Dar lifted her hands, and let them fall on the chair arms. "Alastair - the problem is, they can't substantiate enough new accounts for me to increase infrastructure." A pause. "Period.. they're projecting twenty new accounts a quarter, they want me to provision for fifty.. and I'm not gonna do it! I am not going to sit there at the end of the year and explain to you why Ops is over budget three hundred percent while they're sitting over there, fat and happy with what sales they did make."

Alastair sighed. "This is one of those cart and horse things."

"I can't help that." Dar replied. "Hell, if it were up to me, I'd rebuild the entire god damned network from start to finish, and give them a thousand times more bandwidth, but the executive committee wont' give me the discretionary funds to even back up the frigging netops positions we do have."

"Hmm."

"They're full of shit."

"Dar.. you have to repressing this stuff. Let me hear how you really feel." Alastair remarked dryly. "I get the picture. Now, second subject." He cleared his throat. "Rumor has it you've gotten involved with someone."

Kerry's eyebrows lifted in silent astonishment.

"Did that make it on the board agenda?" Dar answered acidly. "Whose damn business is it?"

"Ah.. so it's true then?"

Dar weighted her options quickly. "Yes." She replied. "Got a problem with that?"

"Not unless you do." Alastair replied soothingly. "Relax, Dar… there was just a comment made that you weren't around the office as much… and Beatrice said the scuttlebutt was you'd started seeing someone."

Mm.. that was true. Dar couldn’t deny it, and didn't see any point in trying. "Yeah.. I got a life. You holding that against me?" But she consciously softened her voice a little.

"Nah… I never have before, have I?"

"No."

"Hope you have better luck this time… be careful, willya, Dar?"

Dar steepled her fingers, the lamp light casting most of her face in shadow. "I will. Thanks, Alastair."

"Well, I'll see what I can do with those sales projections… we might have to compromise a little, though, Dar.. can you get three, four percent more out of infrastructure if I need it?"

"Oh.. so you get to be the hero, huh?" Dar remarked. "Everyone's screaming, and Alastair the Brave uses his legendary negotiating skills to coax more lines out of that bastard Roberts in Ops."

Alastair cleared his throat. "That's not…"

Dar chuckled. "Yeah… if it's that desperate, I'll get you what you need, Alastair.. just don’t' make it too easy, okay?"

A sigh. "Thanks Dar… have a good night, willya? Go home."

"Night." Dar hung up the phone, and leaned back, meeting Kerry's eyes. "Good old Beatrice."

The blond woman got off the desk and knelt at her side, resting a hand on her knee for balance. "Are we in trouble? Good grief, Dar.. just because you've been leaving work a little early… people start rumors?"

"A little?" Dar smiled wearily. "Kerrison… before you and I met, ten pm was an early night for me." She chuckled at Kerry's shocked expression. "I'm not surprised someone noticed… don’t' worry about it." She patted Kerry's shoulder. "Besides.. I got myself an assistant, remember? So I wouldn't have to work that hard anymore."

Kerry reached out and clasped her hand. "In that case, can I take you out to dinner I hear a little Thai place calling our names." She kissed the fingers tangled with hers lightly. "I'll drive."

Dar got up and flipped off her screen without a second thought. "Lead on."

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

bridge, next morning

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

Mariana was waiting in front of Dar's office door, however.. "Uh oh." The executive murmured. "That doesn't look good."

"Dar, I need to talk to you." Mari said, as she approached. "You're not going to believe what they just dumped on us."

"Oh.. I'll believe anything… once." Dar gestured towards the door. "C'mon…" She led the way into her office. "Maria, book me for 1pm at a meeting, and cancel the briefing conference call, please."

"Si." Her secretary looked up from the phone. "Dar, your little puppy called."

"Thanks." Dar said, absently, as she went through the door to the inner office, then she stopped short, causing Mariana to crash into her. "Wait a minute.. .what??" She turned. "Sorry.. " She poked her head back out. "Maria, who did you say called?"

The older woman smiled. "Si.. the puppy… I got a call, I picked up, is nothing. I said, hello, hello… and then, Buenos Dias, but nothing. I almost hang up, and I hear.. " She made little whining noises. "I check caller id, is your house."

Dar blinked, ignoring the muffled laugh from behind her. "She must have gotten out.. and knocked the phone off the hook in the living room.. do me a favor, call resident services out there and have them go check, will you?" She shook her head and ducked back in the office. "Great… my luck, she went and called Singapore while she was at it." She muttered, as she closed the door. "All right.. what's up?"

Mariana threw a packet on her desk for an answer. "Before you start screaming, I've already been on the phone with Alastair, twice, and he's not backing down."

Dar circled her desk and sat down, picking up the packet. Her eyes scanned it, and she looked up. "You're joking."

A shake of Mariana's head. "Nope… it's an executive retreat, with a program specifically for team building. They have a reservation for twelve of us, starting Friday afternoon. They're sending a bus to pick us up." She crossed her arms. "Alastair says they've been using a very similar program out in Texas for three months, and it's worked great for them."

Dar covered her eyes. "Let me see if I understand this." She muttered. "He wants to send us all on a bus, out into the wilderness, to climb over rocks, and trees, and live in a cabin, and that's going to help us get along?"

"That's essentially it, yes." Mari nodded. "For the record, I've read up on this stuff, since I was trying to find some kind of help here, and it's got it's merits, Dar.. but it depends on the participants."

"In our case, it depends on the participants not KILLING EACH OTHER." The dark haired woman ending up yelling, her voice bouncing off the walls. "Is he NUTS?" She punched the phone. "Beatrice, is he there?" Then she drummed her fingers, until the line opened.

"Now Dar, before you say anything, let me get my spiel in." Alastair's voice was cheerful, as usual. "Okay?"

Dar folded her hands on her desk. "Okay." She responded, in a quiet tone.

"I got that email yesterday.. and to be honest, it concerned me." The CEO stated. "Not because I thought it was true.. although you can be a stubborn obstructionist when you need to be, Dar - but it's always been in our best interests when you have. "

"Uh huh." Dar grunted.

"I see it as an overall problem… company wide, and that's why we've been using these seminars.. they're wonderful! You'll love it.. listen, it's just a weekend out in the middle of nowhere.. no cell phones, no computers… the food's pretty good… and we found the damn things really do work, to get people to know each other better."

"Uh huh."

"So, I'm sure if this new guy, and you, get to know each other things will smooth out.. and besides, the rest of the group needs a little team building. I've been getting a bunch of grumpies from that office lately."

"Alastair?"

"Yes? You can go off on me now, Dar."

"The problem with me and Steve Fabricini is that we do know each other - I got him thrown out of school ten years ago and he's kept a grudge" Dar paused. "You think sending us both out into the woods is a good idea?"

Long pause. "Ah." Alastair muttered. "I see… wish I'd known that."

"Can we cancel this now?" Dar asked, hopefully.

"Well.. see, its' prepaid, and we've already transmitted the payment." The CEO sighed. "And if we cancel, we lose all that money.. " He thought. "Let's do it anyway, Dar… and I'm counting on you to set an example, and bring everyone back with at least a little more team spirit."

Dar sighed. "Alastair, I really don't have time for this… and you're tossing my top ops staff out incommunicado.. what if something goes wrong over the weekend?" Her last trump card.

Alastair chuckled. "Dar, we both know you pick the kind of people who won't screw you over in a pinch… your staff can cover things.. go on, have a good time, and loosen up a little. I went on one of these things, and I had the time of my life, trust me." He heard the repeated sigh on the other end. "You're mad at me, huh?"

"If I thought this was going to do a damn bit of good, I wouldn’t be." Dar snapped back.

"Ah ah.. keep an open mind, Dar…you never know what can happen.. you all could come back best of friends." Alastair chuckled. "And, by the way.. I just processed your year end bonus. I know I forgot to send you a birthday card, but see if that's an acceptable substitute."

"Alastair… "

"Gotta go… the chairman of IBM is here, we're going to swap lies and exaggerations over rubber chicken." Alastair told her. "Just do it, Dar… when you get back, if it was that awful, I'll make it up to you."

"How?" Dar inquired sourly.

A slight pause. "We'll talk about resolving the issues in a more direct way."

Dar's dark eyebrows lifted. "All right." She agreed quietly. "That's worth a weekend."

Alastair chuckled. "That's my Dar… try to have a good time, huh?" He hung up.

Mari shifted in her chair, and shook her head. "You have such an interesting relationship with him." She sighed. "You're one of the few people I can say for sure he really, really likes."

"Well, I tried." Dar gave her a wry look. "This is going to be a nightmare, Mariana."

"I know ." The personnel VP agreed. "You and me, Duks, Kerry, Jose, Steve, Mark, his second, Eleanor, Duks and El's assistants, and my assistant Mary Lou." She paused. "You know what you're biggest problem is going to be, don’t you?"

"Besides not killing Steve?" Dar played with a pencil. "Yeah. I do."

Not letting everyone in on their little secret. "You two have such a cute little chemistry when you're around each other. " Mari told her wryly. "That's going to be tough to hide, out there in the wilderness with nothing to do but talk to each other and roast marshmallows." She stood up. "Thanks for trying, my friend.. it was a good fight.. and you'd have had him if we hadn't already coughed up the bucks."

"Yeah." Dar leaned back, exhaling. "I should have just offered him my bonus back to cover it." She told her friend wryly. "It would be worth the money."

Mari chuckled as she turned to leave. "It's just two days, Dar.. we'll be back in Miami on Sunday afternoon.. I'm sure we'll survive."

Dar regarded her back as she left, then she threw her pencil down on the desk, leaning forward and studying the packet in consternation. A light tap on the inside door, however, put a wry smile on her face. "C'mon in."

Kerry poked her head in, then entered. "Hey."

"Hey." Dar leaned back in her chair and folded her hands across her stomach.

"Are we in trouble?" The blond woman inquired curiously.

"We may be." Dar pushed the packet over to her. "Cancel your plans for the weekend." Actually, they hadn't had any concrete ones, just a vague plan that included diving, a trip to Bayside, and spending some quality time with Cappuccino.

Kerry took the packet and sat down in one of Dar's visitor chairs, studying it with interest. "Oh.. I've heard of these." She glanced up with a smile. "This sounds interesting…it's upstate from here, isn't it?"

"Mmhmm." Dar acknowledged.

A shrug. "Sounds like it might even be fun, Dar…I mean, there are cabins, it's not like you're out foraging for hickory nuts or something."

Dar chuckled. "If it were just you and me, or just you, me, Duks and Mariana, and even throw Mark in there, I'd agree with you.. but we're going to have Steve, Jose, Eleanor, and a couple other people with us."

"So?" Kerry peered at the agenda. "Oh.. that's cool… they have obstacle courses, and you have to help each other through them… " She looked up. "Who knows? Maybe it'll help, Dar."

The dark haired woman gazed at her. "So.. you don't mind spending an entire weekend pretending not to know me?" She inquired mildly. "Other than as your boss?"

Kerry blinked. "Oh." She bit her lip. "Right. Hmm.. you couldn’t get us out of this?" She winced.

"I tried." Dar lifted her hands and let them fall. "Alastair had already paid for the damn thing.. we're kind of stuck."

They looked at each other. "Ew." Kerry finally sighed. "Well, I'm sure we can do this…I mean, we manage pretty well during working hours anyway." She stood up and put the packet back down on Dar's desk, then circled around and perched on the edge of the wood next to where Dar was sitting.

"We do huh?" The executive's lips twitched. "Well, I have to say you're the first assistant I've ever had who's made a habit of camping on my desk." She tweaked the edge of Kerry's skirt. "Most of them wouldn't get within ten feet of me."

Kerry's eyebrows lifted. "Their loss." She replied, in sultry tone, which brought a genuine smile to her bosses face. Reflexively, she reached out and touched Dar's cheek, letting her thumb trace the smile, then she uttered a soft sigh. "Two days, huh? This is going to be a bitch on wheels, Dar."

The smile widened slightly, then the dark haired woman curled a hand around Kerry's knee, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "We'll survive." She glanced at her watch. "Let's got to the damn meeting…I want to see Stevie baby's face when he sees what his email kicked off… what did he want from you, by the way?"

"Oh." Kerry stood, and backed to get out of Dar's way so she could stand up. "He wanted me to sell you out for the possibility of getting your job."

Dar paused in the middle of standing, then she slowly straightened and ran a hand through her hair. "Funny." She commented briefly. "That's the deal Elana took."

Kerry snorted. "I knew she was an idiot when I saw her… trade you for this job??? Give me a break!!!" She bumped Dar lightly. "Not for any job on earth… or anything else on earth for that matter, or anything on Mars, Jupiter.. the moon… " Her words were abruptly cut off by a pair of warm lips, and a fierce hug. "Mm.." Kerry murmured, when they parted. "I'm not sure.. but I think that might clue them in to our relationship, Dar." She leaned back in and ran her hands over the cool fabric of her lover's shirt, and kissed her again.

"Yes it would, but thank you." The dark haired woman caressed her cheek, and pressed her lips against Kerry's forehead before she released her. "C'mon… we're going to be late."

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

They could hear the yelling halfway down the corridor. "Oh, this sounds pleasant." Dar muttered, glancing at her companion, who pursed her lips in agreement, and pulled the door to the conference room open, motioning Dar to precede her.

The loud voices ceased as her six foot plus frame cleared the door, and all eyes turned her way. Dar was aware of Kerry entering behind her, but she kept her attention on the group around the table, and paused, putting her hands on her hips.

The silence went on for a long moment, then Dar lifted one elegant eyebrow. "Is there a problem?" She snapped, putting aggravation into her voice. "Or are you people just yelling at each other out of boredom?"

Jose stood up, or to be more accurate, stood further up, since he was already kneeling on one knee on his chair. He waved a familiar looking packet at her. "Have you seen this shit?" He slapped it on the table. "What is this crap?"

Dar's eyes went to Mariana, who was leaning with her fingertips on the table. "I take it you've filled everyone in?" She waited for the Personnel VP to nod.

"Certainly she did." Eleanor tapped her pen on the table. "Good grief, Dar… surely they can't expect us to just pick up and go… we all have lives!" A sweet smile at the Operations VP. "At least most of us do, at any rate."

"Yeah… I'm not going along with this." Steve stated suddenly. "It's senseless."

Dar sauntered around to the head of the table, which they'd left conspicuously empty, and leaned on the back of the chair there. "It's paid for. We're going." She stated bluntly "It wasn't my idea, but Houston's insistent, and that's all there is to it."

A chorus of voices thundered at her. Dar put up with it for a moment, then she straightened, and sucked in a breath. "SHUT THE HELL UP!" She thundered, making the glasses on the sideboard rattle. Kerry's eyes widened, and she slumped down in her chair a little in pure reaction, as a conspicuous silence dropped over the room. She let that go on a minute, then she pointed at Steve. "Next time, be careful what you ask for." She pitched her voice low, and her eyes swept over Eleanor and Jose. "You people had to start this, now Houston answered, and by god you're going to go to this stupid thing and not say another word about it, or I'm gonna take the charge for the course out of your damn paychecks." Each word had gotten louder, and more penetrating, until the last word barked out, making the glasses rattle again. "Understood??"

Silence.

"I'll.. um… bring a deck of cards." Mark offered, hesitantly.

Steve snorted, and leaned back. "I'm not going." He stated, staring insolently at Dar.

"Jes, you are." Jose turned on him. "If I gotta do this, you gotta do this." The Sales VP gave the room a disgusted look. "Lemme go call my wife."

Mariana passed a packet out to each person. "There are instructions in here on what to bring, and what not to bring. No electronics, no cell phones, that kind of thing. Four changes of comfortable clothing, sundries, and any prescriptive drugs you need. "

"Does that include tranquilizers?" Eleanor muttered, glancing at the glowering Dar. "I'll bring some extra."

Duks had been fiddling with the packet, reviewing it. , then he glanced at his assistant, a young, heavyset woman with short blond hair and thick glasses. "Sandy.. you all right with this? "

She pushed her glasses up her nose. "Yes.. I'll get mother to watch my cats.. it'll be different, at least." She glanced sideways at Kerry. "Have you been on one of these before?"

"No." Kerry had been keeping an eye on her boss, who still had distinct, angry waves pouring from her. "I never have.. but I'm sure it'll be a learning experience, if nothing else." She glanced at Steve, whose face had settled into a grim mask, and whose eyes were fastened on Dar.

Duks rubbed his jaw, as his glance followed Kerry's. "Oh.. yeah." He nodded solemnly. "We are going to learn something, of that, I'm sure."

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

Kerry glanced between two different shirts, then finally chose one and stuffed it in her overnight bag which hadn't gotten much use since she'd moved in with Dar. Her lover had taken Chino in the cart, and was scooting off across the island to the small Italian shop in the center, to pick up two orders of pasta for dinner. She had protested that she could just make some, but Dar had told her they'd both might as well relax as much as possible, since it was even money the next couple of days were going to be just a bitch.

Despite her usual optimism, Kerry had to reluctantly agree about that, and besides, she had a taste for the trattoria's fettuccini alfredo, which was really tough to make from scratch.

She finished packing her bag, zipping it up and trotting down the stairs, stopping to review the chewed boot that Chino had gotten to, after the clever little puppy had escaped from her utility room dwelling. "Ooo… you're a lucky little girl, Chino… this is an old one." She chuckled, turning it over and running a finger over the shredded heel. The puppy had pulled it out of Dar's closet, after turning over the wastepaperbasket, and managing to knock the phone off the hook. A visit by the puppy sitter had returned her to her room, but now they had to figure out how she got out in the first place.

The back door opened as she passed through the kitchen, and Dar walked in, carrying the puppy under one arm, and a large, nice smelling bag under the other.

"Mm… that smells good." Kerry smiled, taking the bag from her. "I can just imagine what we're going to get at the retreat.. what do you think.. beanie weenies?"

Dar sighed, and put Chino down. The puppy immediately went to her bowl and started to lap water. "Probably…from what the packet said, it's very 'rustic' - which usually means burgers and dogs… guess it could be worse."

"Oh yeah.. they could have picked one that only served raw vegetables.. they have those you know. It combines a heath food seminar with a corporate twist."

A low snort. "I'd have flown to Houston and beaten Alastair with a bag of celery until he screamed if he'd done that to me." The dark haired woman muttered. "It's going to be bad enough as it is." She tugged the two containers out of the bag and pulled out a long, fragrant loaf of garlic bread stuffed with cheese. "You all packed?"

"Mmhmm.." Kerry retrieved some silverware, a pair napkins, and tugged Dar towards the living room. "C'mon, Dar… it's not going to be that bad… I bet everyone get so involved in either what we're doing, or in how uncomfortable they are, that they'll forget how much we all don't like each other." She opened her container of pasta and breathed in the rich scent. "Mm… "

"Maybe." Dar sighed, prodding at her own dinner with a fork, a large pile of angel hair bolognaise. She split the garlic bread in half, and gave Kerry her portion. "Here… "

The blond woman accepted the fresh bread, and tore off a chunk, dipping it in the alfredo sauce and taking a bite. "I mean… we are all adults, after all.. and professionals, for goodness sake.. surely we can get along for two days."

Dar chuckled. "You may be right, my friend.. and I hope you are, or it's going to be a damn unpleasant weekend." She swallowed a mouthful. "Did you read all the way through that packet? They observe us, and a status report gets sent back to Houston. " She gave Kerry a wry look, as the blond woman flipped through the channels and settled on the History Channel. "That should kick start some cooperation… no one wants Alastair to know they acted like a cranky little baby."

Kerry licked her fingers. "Do you think he's really concerned about our office? " She asked. "You don't think he's buying into Steve's accusations, do you?"

Dar shrugged, as she plowed through a mouthful of her dinner. "Hard to say. "She answered, after she swallowed. "How's your pasta?"

Kerry leaned over and kissed her gently. "Taste for yourself." She teased, then offered Dar a forkful.

"Uh uh." Dar evaded the fork and went for the source, running her tongue over Kerry's lips before she returned the kiss, putting her almost finished container down on the coffee table and freeing up her hands to stroke the blond woman's face, then travel down her shoulders. "Oh yeah.. I like that." She breathed.

"Me too." Kerry put her own dish down, and turned her attention fully to her companion's body, which her hands were itching to feel. She loved the silky texture of Dar's skin, and her fingers slid beneath the cotton t-shirt eagerly as they spent a leisurely few minutes exploring each other. She nuzzled Dar's neck, and tucked a playful touch under the waistband of her jeans, feeling the muscles contract as she did giving her easy passage. "Wanna give In Search of Ancient Mysteries a miss?" She inquired softly.

'This qualifies, doesn't it?" Dar replied, with a chuckle, as she teased a shirt button loose.

"Who you calling ancient?" Kerry bit down on a tasty earlobe, feeling the laugh travel through Dar's body. "Hmm?" She tickled Dar's belly button, an area she'd discovered was very sensitive. "C'mon, I hear a nice, warm waterbed whispering my name." She nipped the soft skin on Dar's neck, then glanced up. "Hey!"

Dar reacted, her body shifting as she straightened up. "What in….oh." A soft laugh. "Chino, what do you think you're doing?"

The puppy was busted, tiny paws propped up on the low table, face covered in bolognaise sauce, wide brown eyes fastened on them in a big, canine "uh oh." A thin strand of spaghetti drooped form her mouth, and the pink tongue licked at it.

"Bad puppy!" Kerry scolded her sternly, getting a tail wag. "No..don't wag your little butt at me… bad girl!"

The small, creamy ears drooped, and she dropped off the table, sitting down and looking up at them through dark eyelashes. The effect was ruined by a satisfied lip lick, however. Both women laughed. "Oh. It's not funny. " Dar sighed. "But I can't help it.. look at that puss."

"Yeah.. she's got a better pout than you do." Kerry replied, with a faint giggle.

Both dark eyebrows lifted. "I most certainly do not have a pout." Dar stated sternly.

Kerry traced the warm, coral colored lips with a delicate finger. "Yes you do… when you want something you know is bad for you." She teased gently. "Like that cake I made for your birthday." The lips edged in a sheepish grin. "See?" She laughed. "I love that smile."

"Does that mean I get the cake?" Dar asked, ingeniously. She reached down and tickled Chino's ears, and the puppy stumbled over, putting her paws up on the edge of the couch and licking Kerry's arm. "I bet you'd like some too, hmm?"

"No no no.. no chocolate for her. " Kerry rubbed the silky ears. "I'm glad Colleen agreed to come puppy sit…I'd feel really bad leaving her here with just the island people dropping in once in a while." She flicked a glance to Dar. "That is okay, right? "

"Mmhmm." Dar agreed. "That works…I was going to see if Clemente could have someone hang out in here, but Colleen's a better choice.. even if I do think she's still a little unsure about me." She tugged lightly on a lock of Kerry's hair.

Kerry sighed. "It's….she just worries about me, that's all… she thinks it's great we're together, but the work thing weirds her out." She admitted, slowly. "And it is sort of weird.. I feel like I'm two different people sometimes."

"Mm… yeah, me too." Dar agreed.

"And I feel so… " Kerry pushed a lock of Dar's hair back. "I get upset when you get so stressed… like when you were yelling at everyone at the meeting today.. my guts hurt me." She admitted. "I got so mad at that creep today, I almost slapped him in the lunchroom, and it wasn't because I felt he was insulting my intelligence… it was just that he was doing something to get at you, and I just couldn't stand it."

Dar remained quiet, letting the puppy chew on her fingers while she considered Kerry's words. "Sorry." She finally muttered. "It's just the way I do things."

"I know." Kerry smiled a little. "It's just so…" She paused. "Your reputation is based on reality, and I forget that sometimes, because I know you mostly like this." She put a hand on Dar's cheek. "I forget most everyone else sees a different picture."

Dar exhaled. "You make me sound very schizophrenic." She made a wry face. "And unfortunately, you're going to have to live with Ms. Hyde this weekend…I'll apologize in advance."

Kerry laughed ruefully. "Probably better off that way.. or I'm liable to forget, and start hugging you in front of everyone." She demonstrated, settling more comfortably as Dar returned the hug. "Mm… that feels so good. "

"How about we get rid of our plates, and keep searching?" Dar rumbled, right into her ear, the warm breath sending a light, pleasant shiver down Kerry's back. "I don't want to think or talk about work any more tonight."

Kerry murmured agreement, as she nipped her way along Dar's collarbone. She broke off reluctantly, and turned to grab the containers, only to find a cream colored puppy with an Alfredo colored nose licking her chops. "Oh… poo.. Dar, she's going to be sick to her stomach."

Dar lifted the pasta out of the puppy's reach and brought them into the kitchen, putting them in the garbage and dropping the silverware into the dishwasher as Kerry slid up behind her, capturing her with a solid grip around her waist. "Whoa." The hands slipped up under her shirt, and explored her skin, making her knees shiver and almost unlock, and she grabbed the counter momentarily for balance.

Then she turned and met the relentless attack , wrapping her fingers in Kerry's blond hair and ducking her head as the smaller woman pressed up against her, losing herself in the intense passion, and letting the complications of her life drop away, fogging her awareness as her heart started pounding.

That must have been why she imagined she lifted Kerry up, and carried her to the bedroom, because she knew she wasn't capable of doing that.

Right?

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

Kerry became aware of her surroundings when a sharp crack of thunder rattled the windows. She blinked her eyes open, and glanced at the clock, realizing that though it was close to dawn, the weather was keeping it very dark outside.

Thunder rolled again, accompanied by several flashes of lightning. She peeked up to see the dim reflection of the clock's light against half open blue eyes. "Sounds nasty."

"Uh huh." Dar agreed.

"You're not considering going out and running in this, are you?"

"No." Dar snorted lightly, as she ran light fingertips across Kerry's bare ribs. "You think I'm nuts?"

"Just checking." Kerry nuzzled the soft breast she was resting on. "You've been very consistent lately."

Her lover snuggled closer, and made a soft noise deep in her throat. "Running's a good way to start the day out… kinda clears my head…gives me a little time to think." Thunder grumbled overhead. "However, this is perfect sleeping in weather." She muttered.

Kerry eyed the rain lashing against the window, along with the almost constant flashes of lightning. "Yeah… it sure is." She slid a knee between Dar's thighs, and went belly to belly with her, curling an arm around her back and exhaling contentedly. "Well, we have an hour or so before we have to get up, then."

"Mmhmm." Dar tugged the covers a little closer, and let her eyes slide shut.

The phone rang.

Dar cursed softly, and untangled one arm, reaching out and capturing the instrument. "Yeah?"

"Dar, it's Mark." The MIS chief sounded pissed.

"What's up?" Dar answered, stifling a yawn. "Meteor fall on Houston, or something?"

"Worse… the overseas gateways are down. Exxon tanker dropped anchor in the wrong place going across the North Atlantic, and snagged the cable. Took out three hundred pairs."

"Ugh." Dar winced. "Jesus… can we reroute?" She felt Kerry stir against her, and she stroked the woman's back lightly. "Oh shit… they've got a transatlantic sales meeting with four new British clients this morning." ar

"I know." Mark replied. "That's why I'm calling… the shit's going to hit the fan in so many directions, we might as well set up a freaking stand and sell fertilizer." A soft sound of clicking keys came through the phone. "One of the pairs that was cut was the admin line.. they can't tell who's up and who's down, and they can't reroute until they get some diagnostics over the cable…it could take hours, maybe all day."

"Can we buy transponder time and go via sat?" Kerry uttered, very softly.

Dar considered that for a minute.

"Did you say something, Dar?" Mark inquired. "Thought I heard something."

Tell him? What the hell, he knows she logs on from here all the time. "Kerry suggested a possiblity.. switch it to a sat conference and rent uplink time."

"Oh… tell her I said good morning. " Mark's voice held a touch of triumphant amusement, despite the circumstances. "That's… well, they were going to do a multimedia real time… I'm not sure the sat can handle that kind of bandwidth, but it's a thought. We'd have to reconfigure all the sets here, and there for the different network type.. I'd have to put that on the fiber backbone."

"Is there any other possibility? Other than the reroute, which we have no reasonable ETA on?" Dar inquired.

"Not that I can see, boss.. that's why I was calling you." Mark replied. "Got two for the price of one too.. Kerry was next on my list of notifies."

"Please don’t' page me." Kerry mumbled. "I left it on vibrate, and it's on the dresser… it always scares the crap out of me when it goes off."

Dar muffled a laugh. "Okay… contact Intelsat, see if we can get one.. no, get two transponders.. and bring some of your people in early to go up and reconfigure the presentation system in the big conference room." She gave Kerry a hug. "Good work." She mouthed.

Kerry shrugged modestly. "I learned from the best." She mouthed back, resting her chin on Dar's breastbone with a contented sigh.

"Okay.. will do." Mark replied, amid another clatter of keys and a rumble of thunder. "See ya in the office."

"I'll bring pastalitos." Dar remarked wryly. "And lots of Cuban coffee." She hung up, then sighed, as she regarded the dimly seen ceiling. "So much for sleeping in."

Kerry didn't let go of her. "Why? Is there anything you can do in the next hour there?" She asked, reasonably. "It's going to take at least that long for Mark to get someone at Intelsat to answer him, considering they're in California, and it's only quarter to six here." She started a slow, teasing rubbing up and down Dar's belly, running her fingers over the lightly rippled surface in little circles.

Dar hesitated, torn between a natural urge to pounce on the situation, and her body's insidious desire to remain right where she was, in this nice, warm cuddle, where she could almost feel the affection surrounding her in the circle of Kerry's arms.

Shockingly, her body won out, and she capitulated, resettling her hold around her lover's body, and exhaling softly. "You're right… no sense in going in there just to pace around the carpet." The gentle stroking was relaxing her and she felt her eyes flutter closed, as she eased forward, finding Kerry's lips waiting for her.

They were both too sleepy to go too far, but they spent a very pleasant half an hour in nibbling and touching each other, until the reluctant gray light warned them of the growing dawn. Dar stretched, and rolled out of bed, offering a hand down to her languidly watching lover. "I'm gonna go take a shower… the coffee should be ready."

"Y'know… " Kerry hopped out of the waterbed. "It would save time if we both showered at the same time."

Dar's dark brow lifted. "Oh it would, would it?" She laughed. "And save water, too… maybe." She agreed. "All right… let's go." She lead the way into the bathroom, flipping on the light and ducking into the free standing stall shower to start the water running.

"Mm.." Kerry curled an arm around her, and nipped her waistline. "You know, Dar.. I think the thought of not being able to touch you for two and a half days is making me… um… " She hesitated.

"Horny." Dar supplied, giving her a quick kiss. "That's all right." She smiled at the dull red flush that covered Kerry's neck and face. "C'mere." She drew the blond woman into the shower, and let the warm, pulsing water cascade over both of them. Then she picked up a natural sponge, and added some liquid soap to it, and started scrubbing Kerry's body.

"Mmm." Kerry swayed a little, then captured her own bit of sponge, and returned the service, rubbing the soft surface against Dar's tanned skin. She'd gotten halfway around her ribcage before she found herself sliding closer, and replacing the sponge with her lips, unable to deny her body's cravings.

Dar responded, dropping soap slick hands down over Kerry's hips, pulling her forward and into the intense flow from the shower head. She let herself forget the time, as Kerry's hands slid up her thigh and they allowed a spiral of passion to take them over, building to a fiery intensity, then leaving them both shaking, as Dar leaned back against the water warmed shower tile and managed to keep her legs from collapsing under her. "Whoa."

Kerry sucked in a breath that was half heated skin, and half chlorine tinted water, with the soft tang of their soap on the peripheries. "Oh.. …" She caught her breath, and bumped her head against Dar's arm. "Guess we're skipping breakfast this morning. "

Dar chuckled, on an uneven breath. "Thought that was breakfast." They finished showering and got out, wrapping towels around each other and easing into the living room, where they could hear faint whines as Chino heard them moving. "Okay… " Dar sighed, running her fingers through her damp hair. "Onward to Hell." She gave Kerry's blond head one last kiss. "Oh… Eleanor… you wish you had as much of a life as I do."

They both laughed.

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

Kerry reached over and flicked her computer on as she sat down at her desk, glancing at her inbox and taking sip of fragrant, steaming coffee. She leaned back in her comfortable leather chair and smiled a little, resting her head against the soft surface as she waited for her computer to finish booting up.

It did, and she was logging in when her phone rang. She punched the button. "Kerry Stuart."

"Hi, Kerry? It's John Brown in Charlotte." The man's voice sounded harried, but friendly. He was a supervisor in the networking office, she recalled.

"Good morning, John.. what can I do for you?" She answered cordially.

"Well… um. I got a request from your office, and I just wanted to check it out with someone.. I don't want to do something then get my ass nailed, if you know what I mean. I tried Ms. Robert's office first, but she's not there."

"She's just down the hall in MIS.. but what's the problem?" Kerry inquired curiously. "What did we ask for?"

"It's the fractional T1 we use for the insurance division's data transfer… we got a request to turn their link off, and reroute network traffic from your office to the London conference center." John replied. "They're gonna go bonkershits if we do that.. so… "

Kerry's brow creased. "We asked for that? Wait.. no, I mean, I know we've got a problem with the overseas links, but we found a way around that.. who made the request?"

Ruffle of papers. "Someone named Fab…Fabarini or something." He muttered. "I didn't get the spelling.. one of my guys took the call, and he gave it to me to check out." A pause. "You want me to go ahead?"

Kerry drummed her fingers on her desk. "No." She replied evenly. "In fact, don't do anything from this office unless you get it from Dar, Mark, or me."

A long pause. "Uh..okay." John replied, obviously confused. "I mean.. usually I wouldn't question stuff like that.. I mean you guys ask for shuffling all the time, but this seemed a little drastic, you know?"

That stupid piece of… "Yes, I know… but, as a favor to me, just clear everything through Operations here first, okay?"

A shrug she could hear even through the phone. "Sure." John agreed amiably. "Better for me… that way I don't get my ass nailed from Insurance and Banking when they find out their pipe got taken down." He rattled a few keys. "Thanks, Kerry."

"No problem." The blond woman responded, and hung up. She stewed for a moment, then she stood, about to head out the door for MIS to find Dar. The phone rang before she could move, though, and she punched the button again. "Kerry Stuart."

"This is Jose." The VP's voice sounded flustered. "We're having a meeting here.. come down. I can't find Dar."

Green eyes regarded the phone. "Sure." Kerry replied. "Be right there." She circled her desk and strode out of her office, heading for the large conference room at the end of the hall. She opened the door, seeing a group of six or seven people in side, and walked on in.

"We were heading right for disaster!" Steve Fabricini was insisting, thumping a fist on the table. "Can you imagine the egg on our face?" He turned and saw Kerry approaching. "And you people didn't do a god damned thing about it! This is disgraceful!" He threw his hands up. "If I hadn't been here, I can only imagine what would have happened!" A pause. "Nice of you to show up.. waltzing in here at nine o'clock."

Kerry paused, and regarded him, then walked around to an empty chair and sat down, folding her hands on the table. "Mind starting at the beginning? I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Jose threw a pencil on the table. "We have a big goddamn conference with the overseas office in London.. and the lines are down."

Kerry nodded slowly. "The intercontinental trunks.. yes… we were notified." She replied calmly, savoring what she knew was coming. "I was paged this morning. " Well, not quite, but…

"And you did nothing." Steve fumed. "Well, I took care of it.. I have the network office tying in some extra lines for us, so we'll be okay."

The blond woman cocked her head. "No you don't." She replied calmly. "Netops cleared it through us, and I told them not to do it."

"What?" Jose sat up. "Are you crazy woman?"

"That's it! I knew it.. you are trying to sabotage us." Fabricini accused, leaning on his hands.

Kerry exhaled. "Those extra circuits belong to a live account, which you were going to take down without any prior notification.. so yes, I told them not to do it." She stood and put her hands on her hips. "And it's not needed, because we already have an alternate link up."

Silence. "What?" Jose asked again, looking at Steve. "You said there was nothing." He looked back at Kerry. "No one was in your office… we called three times!"

The blond woman shrugged. "No one paged me." She replied simply. "Or called my cell phone, or left me voice mail… or contacted Maria. Seems to me someone didn't try very hard to find out if we were doing something." She brushed a fleck of dust off her sleeve, then she walked over to the presentation computer, and signed into it, hitting the key which would switch the output to the overhead screen. She waited, then accessed their intranetwork, and started a conferencing session. A list of remote offices popped up, the London one conspicuously in the center. "There you go." She glanced up. "Is there anything else I can do? I've got a pretty big inbox to clear."

Steve wasn't finished. "Okay.. so who did you steal lines from?" He asked, sarcastically.

Kerry smiled at him, with no humor in her face. "No one. We bought sat time, and used an uplink." She replied briefly. "And it's been done before dawn, so I guess you can say I've been working for three hours longer than you have." She gave them all a look, then walked around the table, and headed for the door.

"You should have let us know." Jose interrupted her. "You can't blame us for thinking we were high and dry, Ms Stuart… I have a department and company to protect here."

Kerry turned at the door, and regarded him. "You're right." She told him, sincerely. "We should have paged you… but we were hoping to get the alternate route up before anyone even realized there was a problem. " She admitted "I apologize for that…I'll make sure you get notified the next time."

Jose fiddled with his tie. "Exactly.. exactly.. yes. Good." He nodded, then waved at his secretary. "Get this conference hooked up, will you?"

Kerry slipped out the door, glancing back in as she closed it and seeing the hostile eyes watching her. She sighed, and let the lock click behind her, leaning against the wall as she willed her body to stop shaking. She hated face to face conflict like that. All at once, her stomach rebelled, and she got to the ladies room just in time to lose her breakfast, her body violently reacting to the sudden, unexpected stress. She leaned against the wall afterward, closing her eyes and hoping her stomach would settle. "Okay, Kerry… just relax.. you've been in more tense situations that.. what's up with you?" She asked herself silently. And it was true, she had… with her father, with Dar, for heaven's sake.. so why did this bastard get to her like this? She sighed, and trudged to the sink, washing her mouth out and splashing water over her face, which felt overheated. She was just drying her face off with a paper towel when footsteps approached, and she glanced up as the door swung open, and a familiar dark head poked in. "Oh..hi.." She greeted Dar. "I was just coming to look for you."

Dar slipped inside and let the door close. "I was just coming to look for you… " She gazed at Kerry. "You okay?"

Embarrassed, Kerry nodded. "Yeah.. yeah.. I'm fine…" She decided Dar didn't need any more stress of her own. "I was just making sure the conference went off… I logged on and confirmed the London servers were accessible from the big presentation room."

The blue eyes studied her in puzzled concern for a moment. "Good… good… I'm glad you did that.. " Dar glanced behind her then came closer, very gently touching Kerry's cheek. "You look really pale.. you sure you're okay?"

Kerry also glanced around, conscious of how public a place they were in. "Yeah… I'm sure.. something disagreed with me.. maybe that meat pastalito I had.. " She put a hand over her stomach. "But I'm fine now."

Dar stepped back, giving her a relieved nod. "Oh… yeah, they were kinda greasy this morning." She commented. "Well, if that crisis is done, I've got another one for us to work on."

Kerry exhaled. "Lead on." She responded. "What's up now?" She followed Dar outside and down the hall hearing the faint sounds of the presentation going on in the conference room.

"We took over a manufacturing plant's IS and we've got two mainframes down." Dar responded.

"And?" Kerry inquired. "That doesn't sound too tough."

"It's in Hong Kong." Dar replied dryly. "Which now has a technology restriction and we can't get parts in to fix them."

"Oh." The blond chewed her lip. "That sucks."

"Mm… "

"Smuggle the chips inside fortune cookies?"

Dar chuckled wryly as they headed down the corridor.

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

"Dar?" Maria's voice broke into her concentration, as she poured over circuiting diagrams. Dar glanced up with a start, aware suddenly of the time.

"Yes?" She asked, checking her watch. Shit.

"Mariana just called… the bus is here." The secretary said. "She asks, are you ready?"

Dar sat back, regarding the pile on her desk with a look of mild disgust. "No.. but that's not going to stop this thing from happening, is it?" She muttered in response "I've got a six inch stack of paper I need to go over.. and three reports that are due…. " She sighed, and rubbed her temples. "Tell her I'll change, and be down in the lobby in ten minutes… you might want to call Kerry, and see if she's headed down."

"Not quite." A soft voice answered, from the inner door.

Dar glanced up, to see Kerry's head poking into her office "Never mind on that last, Maria…she's right here. "

"Okay… I will wrap things up here, Dar… try to have a good weekend, okay?" Even Maria sounded doubtful, knowing what the situation was. "Good luck."

"Thanks." The dark haired woman sighed. "You have a good weekend too, Maria." She glanced at Kerry. "You ready?"

Kerry entered, already changed into jeans and a sweatshirt. "As I ever will be." She gave Dar a wry look. "I finished up everything I could Dar… but there's still a lot of stuff pending… next week's going to be a bitch."

"I know." Dar sighed, and stood up, stretching her six foot plus frame out and rolling her neck around to loosen it. "What a day… all right, let me go get out of this monkey suit, and we'll head down." She stepped around the desk and held her arms out. "One for the road?"

No argument from Kerry. She slid into Dar's embrace, feeling the cool silk under her fingers that warmed as she closed her arms around the taller woman's body. "Mmm…. " She sensed the pressure of lips against her head, and she let herself absorb the sweet feeling, wishing she could just stay like this and not have to get on that damned bus.

After a long moment, they parted, reluctantly, and Dar let her fingers brush across Kerry's cheek. "I resent having to spend an entire weekend pretending not to be desperately in love with you." She stated, seriously. "I think I resent that more than having to go in the first place."

Kerry blushed a little. "I just hope I don't slip up and forget you're just my boss." She admitted. "You'd better stay far away from me at night." She gave Dar a pat. "Go change… I'll get my bag."

Dar sighed, but complied, changing out of her dark blue suit and into a comfortable pair of jeans and a polo shirt. She ticked the ends of it in and buckled her belt, giving herself a cursory glance in the mirror as she did so, then running a comb through her hair before she put her suit on a hanger and headed back to her office.

"Dar, it's cold out." Kerry scolded. "You need a sweater or something.. you're going to catch a chill." She dug through her bosses bag, and retrieved a soft, fleece sweatshirt. "Put this on."

"Yes, mother." Dar chuckled, but did as she was told, slipping the fabric over her head and adjusting the waistband. "Better?"

Kerry reviewed the rich, crimson color against Dar's tanned skin and dark hair, and smiled. "Oh.. I like that… you look really good in red." She shouldered her bag and exhaled. "Okay.. let's go."

They went down the hall to the elevator and got in, riding it down in silence and exchanging one, last look before the door opened.

The rest of the group was there waiting, and they collected several annoyed looks as they joined them. "Sorry. "Dar addressed the woman sent to collect them briskly. "Just tying up loose ends."

The woman, a perky blond with an infectious smile, nodded. "Well, that's great…glad you could join us. " She checked her clipboard. "You would be Roberts and Stuart, right?"

Dar nodded. "Yep."

"Excellent. Well, okay… my name's Skippy, and I'll be your guide during the seminar." She checked her list. "What we're going to do is get on board the bus, and get started… the camps about three and a half hours north of here, and on the way we'll have you fill out some questionnaires, and pass out a little snack in case anyone gets hungry, okay?"

"A snack?" Jose objected. "Hey, come on now… most of us didn't get lunch." He glanced around, twitching his jacket closed. "It's almost six o'clock." Several other people nodded with him.

"All right." Skippy didn't miss a beat. "We also have some full dinners on board… so let's get going, and I'll explain more about the program when we're on the way." She checked them over as they boarded the huge, chartered bus. "Now, no one has anything nasty, like a computer, or anything like that, right?" She reminded them. "We're trying to get your minds into a different space this weekend."

"I wonder how many people have asked her if she has any peanut butter." Duks commented, in a low murmur. Causing Dar to chuckle. "I cannot believe I am doing this, my friend… or that you are, for that matter."

Dar shrugged. "Won't hurt us." She replied laconically, as she watched Kerry board, then stepped up after her, glad to leave the thick, diesel smell behind. The bus was plush, with two rows of seats going back on either side, spaced far enough apart to provide a decent amount of leg space. There was really no excuse to squeeze in, so Dar reluctantly went past the row Kerry had settled in, and slid into the row past her, pushing the arm between the two seats up and stretching out. If she leaned against the window, she could see Kerry's head doing the same and as she watched, the blond woman turned and peeked back through the opening at her.

Sticking her tongue out, and making Dar smile, which she quickly muffled as Steve settled in the seat across from her, his dark eyes regarding her coolly. Duks took the seat behind her, and Mariana took the one behind Steve, and she briefly kicked herself for not arranging to do the same with Kerry.

Great. Now she was stuck looking at Steve's obnoxious puss for three hours. With an aggrieved sigh, Dar propped one knee up, and rested her arm against it, as the bus pulled out of the parking lot, into the fading twilight.

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

"Here you go." Skippy smiled at Kerry, as she handed her a clipboard with a sheaf of papers on it. "Just fill everything out, and feel free to ask me if you have any questions."

Kerry took the papers. "Okay.. what's this all for?" She asked, glancing at the forms.

Skippy put a hand on the seat back next to her. "Well, it's so we know you better.. so we can tailor the seminar more closely to your needs."

"Ah… wouldn't it have been more efficient to give us these before hand?" The blond woman asked, curiously. "I mean… it's not like you'll have much time to do any tinkering."

Skippy's perky smile became a little fixed. "Why, we'll stay up all night if we have to.. don't you worry…if you'll just fill out that information."

Kerry pulled the cap off her pen and studied the papers. "If I didn't know better.. I'd say this was just to keep us busy on the trip." She murmured, with a shake of her head. "Because I don’t know how much tailoring you're going to get done with a list of my favorite library books."

"Now now.. you just let us do our jobs… that information tells our analysts a lot about you." Skippy informed her, as she escaped down the row, handing Dar her clipboard and leaning over to give Steve his. "There you go.. any .. um.. questions?"

"Yeah.. do you have an assigned seat, or can you help me fill mine out?" Steve asked her, giving the young blond a smile.

Skippy beamed at him "Well, let me pass out the rest of these, and I'll come back to give you a hand, okay?" She scuttled down the isle, making sure everyone had a clipboard. "Yes sir?" She leaned over where Duks was seated. "Did you need something? A pen?"

Duks held up one of his never-ending supply of mechanical pencils. "No, thank you."

"You must be an accountant." She smiled at him. "They always have those things."

Duks nodded gravely at her. "When you graduate from college with a financial degree, they give you a dozen cases of them." He assured her. "With your name on them." He held his up. "See?"

"Oh… yes" Skippy edged away from him, and turned a bright smile on Dar, who was neatly printing in her name. "And what are you?"

"Trouble." Dar replied, peering at her from under dark lashes, and leaving a faint smile on her lips.

"Ah." Skippy backed off. "Well, how about some pop, huh? We've got cola, orange, and lime."

"Milk." Dar replied, intent on sucking as much enjoyment out of the weekend as she could. That included tormenting little blond girls who were far too perky for their own good.

"Milk… okay..I think we have some of that.. let me go look." She escaped down the row towards the front of the bus, where Eleanor and her assistant were installed in regal splendor. The Marketing VP had a colorful, warm woven throw tucked around her knees, and her assistant, a tall, thin man with nervously blinking eyes and thick glasses was hunched over the forms. Just about everyone else had chosen to wear jeans, except for Jose, who was in a pair of neatly pressed chinos and a guyabera.

Dar tucked her knees up and rested her clipboard against them, chewing on her pen top as she studied the forms. They were a collection of questions meant to probe her innermost psyche, she reasoned, other wise why ask if she liked chicken instead of fish, or if she picked a aisle seat in an airplane or a window? She half believed Kerry was right, and this stuff was just to keep them occupied for a while, until they got there, or until the boredom of the trip set in, and they fell asleep.

Skippy came back and handed Dar a small carton of milk, then sat down next to Steve and started going over the questions with him.

"Psst." A soft whisper caught her attention, and she glanced over at the back of the next seat. Kerry's green eyes were peering at her.

"Yeah?" She asked softly.
"Do we get points if we can answer more than ten percent of the questions with 'none of the above'?" The blond woman inquired. "I hate all those animals in question six."

"Hey.. " Jose's voice rose. "What you mean here, relations with animals? What kind of people do you think we are?"

"Sir.. that means pets." Skippy smiled perkily at him. "You know, like doggies and kitties.. do you have any loved pets?" Her smiled faded. "Not do you..uh..love… pets.. not in that way.. um… we really don't… care to know about that."

"What about my python?" Duks commented dryly from his dark corner. "Do you consider the rats I feed her pets too?"

Dar covered her eyes and bit back a laugh.

"Um…. Well, no.. because they're kind of.. um.. transient, right? We mean permanent pets." Skippy replied. "Like that are there all the time."

"Like my Sweetiepie." Mariana mused, from her seat across from Dar. "She's the prettiest parrot:"

Skippy smiled at her. "See? Yes.. that's what I meant.."

"Mm… I loved her so much, I had her stuffed when she died." The Personnel VP added. "Now she's the most permanent thing in the house."

Dar clamped her jaw muscles tightly.

"You people are so disrespectful." Steve suddenly said, sharply. "This woman is here to do a job, and you all think it's a joke." He glared at them, and Skippy beamed gratefully at him. "The company takes this seriously, and you should to." He sat down, smiling at the guide as she eased into the seat next to him.

Dar sighed. It was going to be a long weekend.

The droning of the bus's tires finally changed, and Dar shifted, blinking her eyes and glancing out the window. It was pitch dark outside, only the very occasional lamp flicking by, along with the rare, desultory billboard. She glanced to her left, between the seats, and spotted the gentle curve of Kerry's cheek, as the blond woman dozed, her head resting against the chill window.

Across from her, Steve and Skippy were conversing in low tones, and everyone else seemed to have fallen asleep. Dar straightened, and checked her watch, then stood and stretched the kink out of her back from the semi comfortable seat. "Almost there?" She inquired quietly.

Skippy turned her head. "Yes.. we just turned off the expressway.. we've got a little bit to go yet." She replied cheerfully. "It's way, way out there… we wanted to get to where you couldn't even hear the traffic at all."

Dar leaned against her seat back and peered out the window. A billboard went by. "Aardvark Bail Bonds." She commented. "Next right." Her head turned. "Guess you're not the only ones who wanted some privacy."

Skipping blinked at her. "What do you mean?"

Dar peered out again. "Bill's Bail Haven." She enunciated. "No waiting, six lines." Her blue eyes regarded her wryly. "We're out near Stark."

"Stark?" Steve asked, obviously disgruntled at having his discussion interrupted. "What are you talking about, Dar?"

"The Federal Penitentiary." Came the droll response. "There's also a state jail out near here.. if I'm not mistaken.. no wonder it's empty."

"Oh.. well.. we're not going there." Skippy assured her. "It's a camp just west of here, really.. we wouldn't take you to a prison."

"Oh, I don't know." Steve sniped. "I'd like to see that, myself."

Dar gazed at him. "Steve.. you'd have a lot more to worry about than I would." She replied silkily.

He leaned back. "Oh.. I don't think so… I think those women would knock that tough attitude of yours right off."

The dark haired woman put her hands on her hips, and smiled at him. "At least my attitude has something to back it up." She replied meaningfully.

Skippy had been watching them, her head bobbing between them like an errant, blond ping-pong ball. "Oh… do you two know each other well?" She asked brightly.

Steve studied Dar's tall form speculatively. "C'mon, Dar… those days are long behind you.. cut the crap." He laughed. "When was the last time you even hit the mat?"

"Mat?" Skippy seemed to sense a fight, and dove into an attempt to divert it. "What kind of mats are those? Are you into aerobics? I am."

Dar decided to ignore them, and instead strolled off down the aisle, ending up in the back of the bus where there was a toilet, and a small refrigerator. Dar explored that, finding a can of Yoohoo to her muted delight. She also picked up a bag of pretzels and held on, as the bus took a right turn, and slowed drastically.

"Oh.. we're almost there." Skippy stood up and went to her seat at the front, gathering up her stack of paper and peering out the front window. "Okay, folks.. you'd better wake up." Her perky voice stirred the rest of the group, who struggled awake, peering around.

Dar made her way back to her seat, and dropped into it, opening her soda and sucking at it in silence. A blond head appeared over the seat in front of her, and she glanced up, only just barely keeping herself from giving Kerry a friendly smile. The green eyes, amber in the buses low light, twinkled a little in acknowledgment, and instead, she offered the blond woman some pretzels.

"Thanks." Kerry replied politely, selecting one and munching on it.

The bus passed through a set of stately gates, and curled through a circular driveway, stopping with a soft jerk, and a hiss. "Okay." Skippy stood up. "Here we are." She checked her clipboard. "Why don't you come on inside, and we'll get everyone settled down for the evening. We've got hot drinks, and some snacks inside if anyone's still hungry."

They shouldered bags in silence, and followed her off the bus, and through two large, wooden doors into a large lodge type building. Dar glanced around, taking in the sedate décor, and nodded slightly. The lodge had a large sitting area near a fireplace, and a round table where two other of the retreat's staff were waiting. It reminded her vaguely of a good, if rural corporate hotel.

"Not bad." Duks remarked.

"Hm." Mariana agreed.

"Come right this way, ladies and gentlemen." Skippy led them over to the reception desk. "Now, this is how the retreat is set up. We've got rooms that were designed for two people. What we'd like to do is split you up first, into men and women."

"Which do you qualify as, Dar/" Steve sniped. Jose snorted, and shook his head in amusement.

Dar merely looked him up and down, then smirked.

"Okay." Skippy had two bowls in her hands. "This is how this works, so it's nice and fair. Each of these has sets of pictures, folded up. Everyone picks one, and the people who have the matching pictures, room together. Got it?"

"Why cant we have our own rooms?" Eleanor objected. "I'm very uncomfortable sharing quarters with people I hardly know." Her eyes, without question, rested on Dar.

"Now, it's just for two nights." Skippy coaxed. "The rooms are nice sized.. you really have nothing to worry about. Part of the retreat is to let you break down some of the usual barriers with the people you work with, and this really helps. We used to have all the women in one room, and all the men in another, but that didn't work out as well." She held up the dishes. "Okay, let's pick."

They picked.

"Now unfold your papers, and hold them up."

They unfolded. Duks let out an almost imperceptible sigh. "Come along, Jose.. I am hoping you do not snore too badly."

"Hey. My wife tells me I never do that." Jose replied, insulted.

Kerry peered at the small black star on her paper, then glanced up at the others. Her eyebrows lifted as she spotted the other star holder, a very innocent looking Dar Roberts. "Fair's fair, I guess." Kerry commented, holding up her star.

"Lucky you." Eleanor muttered. "Snoring should be the least of your problems."

Dar let out a long breath. "You know, Eleanor.. .one of these days, I'm just going to get to the point where I'm over your bullshit." She told the Marketing VP crisply. "It's been a long day. Don't push me."

Eleanor stared at her, then she turned to Kerry. "There's five women, Kerry… why don't you double up with Sandy over there, and let Ms Congeniality go by herself? Everyone'll be happier, I'm sure.. and Sandy doesn't mind, do you?"

"I mind." Kerry replied. "It has been a long day, I'm tired, and I just want to get some rest. No offense to Sandy, but I'm perfectly happy rooming with Dar. She's housebroken, she puts the seat down, and she doesn't snore." She was aware of the faintly shocked looks. "You forget we travel together all the time, I guess."

"Well.." Skippy put a determined smile on her face. "That brings me to our first little exercise. " That got their attention. "Here are your keys. Your first task is, find your rooms." She exhaled. "Have a great night.. we'll wake you for breakfast." She pointed. "Coffee's there, if anyone needs it."

The retreat staff retreated, closing a plain, white door behind them.

They all looked at each other. Dar ran her hand through her hair and looked around. "Well, it's one building.. they can't be far."

Fabracini strolled around the edges of the big room. "Other than the front door.. let me see. We've got two other possibilities. That door they went through.. and this locked grate."

"This is bullshit." Jose snapped, obviously disgusted. "What kind of stupid games are they playing? I'm not going to put up with this crap, I'm telling you." He glared at the walls. "I can sleep right here on the damned floor."

Kerry walked to where Fabracini was standing, and examined the grate. It had a lock in it, and as he pulled against it, it sounded very solid. Kerry knelt, and examined the lock curiously.

"You going to develop a useful skill, like picking those?" Steve asked, with a chuckle.

"Dar.. is that a Yale?"

Blue eyes regarded the key. "Yes."

"Let's all try our keys in here." Kerry suggested gently. 'If this is the only way out, it would make sense one of our keys would open it."

Duks did. He inserted his key after Dar and Steve tried theirs, and it turned, making a solid click as the lock disengaged. Steve turned the handle and pulled it back, and revealed a stairway leading up. "Good work, Kerry." The accountant patted her on the back. "One obstacle down.. shall we?"

They trudged upstairs, finding another door at the top of the stairs, also locked. This time, it was Eleanor's key that worked, and they proceeded down a short hallway to where a wider spot featured an octagon of rooms, with all the doors facing inward around a central area, which had a round table in it. Each room, instead of having a number, had a small animal plaque next to the door, and Dar peered at her key to see if something matched. "Tiger." She pointed, with a wry look.

"Mine is the pig." Duks observed gravely.

"Half right."

Mariana nudged Dar in the ribs. "C'mon, be nice."

Dar glanced at her, and raised a brow. "Why? No one else is." She stalked to the door and opened it, politely holding it as Kerry ventured past, then following the smaller woman inside before letting it shut.

"Urf." Mari rubbed her temples. "Gonna be a long weekend."

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

The sound of catty voices drifted through the door, which Kerry let close very firmly before she held up her paper. "Okay. How'd you do this? I didn't think you were into sleight of hand."

Dar smiled. "I have many skills." She glanced around the room, which was plainly decorated, but comfortable. It looked very much like a hotel room, with a single dresser and mirror, two chairs, a small table, and a bed. A single, though quite large bed. "Damn good thing, too." She shook her head.

"Mm." Kerry was at her elbow. "One bed, huh? That must be giving them all fits."

Dar put an arm around her shoulders. "Yep."

"Breaking down of barriers thing, huh?" Kerry mused. "Me waking up snuggling with Eleanor would certainly break down a barrier all right."

"Ew." Dar's nose wrinkled. "Well, if I have to put up with them during the day, at least the nights'll be pleasant." She inclined her head and kissed Kerry, who responded in like fashion.

"Uer… what if they're filming this or something? "

"Who.. the retreat people.?" Dar murmured, continuing her exploration of Kerry's face.

"Mm.. to send back to Alastair or something."

Dar lifted her free hand, and made a rude gesture towards any potential watching electronic eyes. Kerry chuckled. "You're such a bad girl." She felt the soft gust as Dar snarled against her lips, the faint vibration sending a little thrill down the length of her body. Dar rested her forehead against Kerry's and exhaled.

"So.. how did you do it?"

"Hm? Oh." A smile. "I watched Skippy Junior when she was folding them.. memorized which ones went where, and made sure you and I picked first."

Kerry absorbed this information respectfully. "Wow." She murmured. "Really?"

A mischevious look took over Dar''s face. "Would you believe me if I told you we just got lucky?"

The blond brows lowered. "Knowing you? No."

Dar laughed. "Well, we might as well get some sleep. I'm sure it's going to be a long, bitchy day tomorrow." She cocked her head, and they listened as irritated voices came through the thin walls around them. Eleanor's rose to a shout, then they heard a bang. "Bitchier for some than others, I guess."

"Well…" Kerry patted her gently to remove the sting. "You're not helping much, honey." She heard Dar sigh. "Not that I blame you really… I feel like giving them all a sedative enema."

Dar set her bag down on the dresser and opened it, stifling a yawn as she pulled out her pyjamas. "I know.. I shoudn't let it get to me, but lately.. " She gave the familiar jersey a frown. "It's really rubbing me raw.. I'm not really sure why."

Kerry finished stripping out of her jeans and shirt, and tucking them away in her bag. "You seem a little…" She paused, considering her words, aware of the stiffening of Dar's back. "I don't know, maybe it's just so different… work and what it's like after we leave the building. I feel it too."

"You do?" Dar didn't turn.

"That irresistable urge to bitch slap people? Yeah." Kerry pulled her tshirt over her head, and exhaled. "Especially when they say bad things about you. I just want to kill them."

Dar turned, and leaned against the dresser. "I thought you were a little snippier than usual with Eleanor." She smiled. "I put the seat down? Kerry, why the hell would I leave it up?"

"Grmpfh." The blond woman walked over and buried her face into Dar's shirt. "I did say that, didn't I? I don't know.. she was just stomping all over my last nerve with those spike heels."

Dar reached over and flipped the light off, leaving them in stark, pitch darkness. The window outside was a blank square, the stars outside covered by clouds, and the city lights far, far away. Dar blinked, and waited for her usually excellent night vision to adjust, but the air remained impenetrably dense. Ah. She edged closer and found the outline of Kerry's face by nibbling it. "Now, this is my kinda challenge." She felt an unexpected touch sneak up her thigh. "Mm."

"We could get in a lot of trouble this way." Kerry whispered, not really caring. "These are real thin walls, Dar."

Her lover's hands slid under the soft cotton shirt she was wearing, and eased it up, exploring her skin curiously. "Scream quietly." Dar advised, right in her left ear. Kerry's nostrils flared. "Think of it as a character building exercise."

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

A loud crack of thunder brought Kerry bolt upright, her heart thumping in reaction half at the noise, half from the dream she'd been shaken out of. A flash of lightning lit up the room, and she caught a brief glimpse of Dar, lying asleep next to her, so still that Kerry reached out in unthinking reflex and touched her chest, only breathing herself when she felt the warm surface move under her hand.

"Buh." She rubbed her face with her other hand, trying to erase the chilling memory of kneeling over her lover, knowing the stillness was something more than just a peaceful sleep. She could almost smell the dream's scent of fur, and wood, and unfamiliar spices for a moment, then the image faded, and she was just aware of the musty, faintly antiseptic smell of the retreat's bedroom.

"Kerry?" A concerned voice came out of the darkness, and fingers closed over her hand. "What's up?"

"Just me." Kerry laid back down. "Bad dream."

"Mm.. c'mere." Dar tugged her closer, and she curled her body up against the taller woman's with a sense of relief. "Listen to that thunder… what time is it?"

Kerry lifted her head a little. "Five… I think it was the noise that woke me up." She put her head back down on Dar's shoulder, and hugged her. "But I'm glad.. I hate nightmares."

Dar rubbed her back lightly. "What was it about?"

The sting of tears was very unexpected. "Nothing intelligible." Kerry said. "Just my subconcious doing some housecleaning." She listened to Dar's heartbeat, steady under her ear, and found it relaxed her. There was something very familiar about the sound, and she allowed it to lull her back into a light doze.

Dar gazed up at the unseen ceiling, now wide awake, her memory focusing on her own dreams, which had been far more peaceful.

She'd been lying in the sun, in a thickly forested area just next to a small spring. It had been cool, just enough to offset the warmth of the sunlight, and she'd been aware of being sleepy, and contented, half curled on her side with Kerry cuddled up next to her.

And then she'd realized the woman in her arms was pregnant, the gentle swelling prominent beneath her encircling arm. Her dream's memory had even felt the soft flutter of life under her relaxed fingertips.

What on earth was that all about? Dar wondered in confusion. She felt Kerry snuggle closer, and release a breath that fluttered the cotton fabric across her chest, and warmed the skin underneath it. The blond woman's body was pressed against hers, and it's slim, familiar contours certainly held no hint of impending motherhood, so…

Weird.

Dar had never really paid much attention to her dreams, never really remembered most of them, for that matter, leaving the studying of that stuff to her mother along with the rest of the esoterica. Now, she had very little hard data to go on in figuring out her puzzling vision.

A bizarre reaction to their deepening relationship?

Deeply hidden maternal instincts popping up?

A sudden need for a more traditional household?

Dar scratched the side of her nose. More likely a reaction to the two packages of moon pies she'd scarfed down on the bus trip. That'd been enough sugar to cause nightmares. And come to think of it, she'd shared her chocolate booty with Kerry, so that was probably the source of her friend's dream as well.

Satisfied, Dar closed her eyes and resolved to avoid reexperiencing the problem.

She'd only have one package next time.

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

Bong.

Bong

Bong

This time, Dar sat up straight, her eyes snapping wide open at the deep, sonorous chime that rattled the walls. "Son of a bitch."

The window had just started turning a pearl color from the dawn, and she could see the inside of the room outlined in a silvery glow, which quickly outlined Kerry's shifting form as she pushed herself up onto one elbow, blinking in utter confusion.

"Huh?"

Bong

Bong

Bong

"Yow." Kerry covered her ear on one side. "What in the hell is that?"

A click answered her, then a cheerful female voice invaded their nest. "Good morning, everyone."

Dar pulled back the covers and got out of bed, moving towards her bag with singleminded intent.

"It's six thirty, and time to get up. We're serving breakfast at seven thirty, which you can find in the service area right outside your rooms. Please dress comfortably, we'll be inside this morning due to the weather."

The voice signed off with a satisifed click, and Dar, rummaging in her bag, found what she was looking for. She removed a tool kit, and selected a set of diagonal cutters, then pushed sleep dishevelled black hair out of her eyes and started a search and destroy mission for the speakers.

"Dar."

"Shh. I can hear the residual hiss."

Kerry covered her face with her hands, and scrubbed the skin, trying to summon some kind of wakefulness. "God, you're such a nerd." She sighed, and raked the covers back, then scrambled out of bed and dodged her hunting geek companion and trudged into the bathroom. "Bet you fixed the projector in high school, didn't you?" She called out.

"I substituted the films with porno." Dar muttered back, absentmindedly. "Ah." She discovered the speakers hidden behind the air conditioning grill, and she retrieved a screwdriver with a chuckle of triumph. "Gotcha." She hopped up onto the small table and spent a moment removing the grill, then reached inside and clipped the wires with a definitely satisfied snick. "Bong this."

"Nerd."

Dar replaced the grill and climbed down, in a much better mood. "There." She put her tools away and removed her selection of clothing instead. "Wanna share a shower? Might as well get as much enjoyment out of the day as possible before the torture starts."

"Sure." Kerry agreed. "But you know, Dar… maybe it won't be so bad. Try not to go into it so negatively." She patted her friend on the stomach. "It might even help… you know?"

"I'll consider the weekend a success if we don't end up in litigation." Dar grumbled. "I know what today's gonna be like… they used to do these 'team building and sensitivity development' sessions in college..I hated them."

"Why?" Kerry unbuttoned Dar's shirt, and tugged her towards the shower. "It's just so people can get to know you better."

"I don't want people to know me better." The dark haired woman replied, turning on the water and letting it warm. "I just want them to do their jobs… is that so hard?"

They stepped under the water together, bare bodies tangling in a well rehearsed dance of soap and chuckles. It didn't take long to finish washing, but Dar noticed the water was getting colder as they rinsed off and prepared to get out. "Huh." She joined a dripping Kerry outside the stall, and stuck her hand under the water, now finding it cool, but not ice cold to the touch. "Only enough warm water for one set of showers… bet that's going to go over like a soggy pastalito."

"Hm." Kerry picked up a towel, and started drying Dar off, admiring the taller woman's tanned form as she did so. "Guess that's to make people work together… you know, one takes the first shower one morning, the other takes it the second…right?"

"How unimaginative." Dar dried Kerry's hair, then ducked her head and nibbled on her friend's neck. "They could solve the problem like we did."

Kerry was about to answer, when a knock came at the door. She jumped, and grabbed for her towel, wrapping it around her body as Dar did the same.

"Go ahead… finish up. I'll see what that is." Dar offered, tucking the end of the towel under one arm and padding out of the bathroom towards the door. It sounded again as she turned the handle and opened it, finding Jose fuming on the other side of it. "Yes?"

"Dios Mio, Dar. Put your clothes on." The Cuban spluttered loudly.

Doors popped open on either side, and very curious heads poked out.

Dar smirked, perversely complimented. "Why? Do you shower with your clothes on, Jose? That explains a few things.. gives your ring around the collar a whole new meaning." She leaned an arm against the doorjam and lifted her eyebrows. "What do you want?"

Jose made a show of averting his eyes. "You have taken the hot water!"

Dar pointed a finger at her own chest. "Me? What do I look like, a 160 pound sea sponge?" She snorted. "Twelve people taking showers at once, Jose… drains a hot water heater. Get a grip."

"Twelve people?" Steve eyed the towel wrapped woman with a smirk. "Only six of us could at once… unless you and your friend in there are doubling up."

Everyone gazed at Dar, who rolled her eyes and backed up, slamming the door in their faces.

Kerry was brushing her damp hair out, perched demurely in a pair of jeans and a kelly green shirt neatly tucked into her waistband. "I think you were just busted."

Dar sighed, and removed her towel, ruffling her hair with it as she crossed to her bag and rooted out her own pair of jeans. "Jerk."

"Here." Kerry helpfully handed her a pair of cotton Dogbert briefs. "Nerd."

Blue eyes glanced sideways at her, then Dar chuckled, and relaxed. "C'mon. Let's go see what they've got for breakfast." She dressed quickly and raked a brush through her hair, then accompanied Kerry as they eased out the door and into the hallway.

Ooo. Kerry gave everyone a pleasant smile and picked up a plate, reviewing her options. "Morning." She selected a muffin and some marmalade, scooped herself some eggs and added several pieces of bacon, then took a seat between Duks and Jose. Everyone had a vaguely grumpy look on their faces, even the usually even tempered Duks, and she wondered how badly the rooming assignments really had been.

"Well, little Miss Sunshine." Steve was sitting across from her, pouring skim milk over a bowlful of what looked like Grape Nuts. "Sleep well?"

"Yes, I did." Kerry poured herself a cup of coffee, and added cream and sugar to it. "The storm woke me up once, but otherwise it was fine.. how about you?"

"The floor was great." Steve gave Mark an acid smile.

"We flipped, you lost." The MIS chief took a big bite of biscuit.

"Sleeping on the floor is good for you." Eleanor stated primly. "Don't you agree, Mariana?"

"Oh yeah." The Personnel VP had her nose stuck in a cup of coffee.

Dar and Kerry exchanged glances. Dar rubbed a hand over her mouth to hide the smile that momentarily transformed her face. "I think I just figured out why Ops is the only division that works." She remarked, spearing a potato and popping it into her mouth. "What kind of idiots are you all.. those beds were big enough for the entire damned board of directors to sleep in together… just share them."

A moment of frozen silence greeted her words, broken by the appearance of Skippy.

"Well, good morning!" The retreat organizer took her place in the center of the breakfast display, perched on a stool in her crisp khakis and pressed blue shirt. "Did everyone sleep all right?"

"What was the purpose of only having one bed?" Eleanor snapped.

"Well.." Skippy took a breath. "I know it's a little awkward, but really, once you think about it, they're very large beds, and I'm sure you found a way to work things out so that you all were comfortable." Pause. "Right?"

Mostly hostile stares answered her.

"Oh dear."

"Y'know." Dar was busy munching. "If you'd lay out the rules beforehand, you might get more cooperation."

"Dealing with the unexpected really does build team morale." Skippy disagreed. "Don't you think that's so, Ms. Roberts?"

Lazily amused blue eyes lifted to hers. "Lady, all we do all day long is deal with the unexpected… it never helped before, I doubt it will now."

Several snorts were audible around the table.

"That's pretty negative." Skippy mused.

"That's Dar. Ms. Negative." Jose sniped.

Dar waved her spoon at herself, then at Kerry. "We slept just fine last night.. unlike the rest of you." She reminded them.

Skippy regrouped. "Well, that's great. Why don't you tell us how you did that?"

"Did what?" Kerry nibbled her muffin. "Went to sleep? We laid down, closed our eyes… you know."

"No.. I mean, how did you work out sharing your space?" Skippy turned to Kerry, glad of a more pleasant victim. "Maybe some of the others can use the same techniques you used."

Kerry burst into helpless laughter, almost choking on her breakfast. "Um… no, really.. I don't think it'll work for anyone else… we really just didn't debate it." She took a sip of coffee. "It just didn't seem to be an issue - you're right, those beds are huge, and logically it made no sense to do anything other than just go to sleep." She was aware of the resentful looks and realized she was just making things worse. "But I think Dar's right.. maybe if we knew what to expect, it would have been easier to deal with."

"Definitely." Duks grunted.

The rest of breakfast was consumed in somewhat prickly silence.

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

"Okay." Skippy took her seat at the big, round table, with her twelve reluctant participants. They were seated alternating men and women, and had pads of paper, cups of water, boxes of crayons, and pensive looks to work with. "We're going to do some ice breaker exercises right now. I think we certainly can use those, don't you all agree?" She didn't wait for the answer that didn't come. "Right. Now, first, I'm going to go around the table, and I want each of you to tell me what your hobbies are." She turned to her right. "You first."

Steve gave her a pleasant smile. "I'm a marathon runner." He stated, with obvious satisfaction.

"Isn't that wonderful!" Skippy looked delighted. "So am I! We'll have to compare notes later." She gave Steve a warm smile. "Next?"

"I collect pencils." Duks deadpanned.

Skippy sighed.

"No, really, I do." The accountant objected. "My oldest one is from 1902.. it's a very interesting subject, pencils."

"Absolutely." Skippy recovered. "And you?"

Eleanor's quiet assistant Peter cleared his throat. "Um… I raise tropical fish." He answered. "Salt water."

"Really?" Dar perked up her ears. "What size tank?"

"Three hundred gallons." Peter replied, proudly. "Takes up my whole garage."

Even Dar's eyes popped. "That's not a tank.. that's the Seaquarium." She uttered. "Damn."

He looked very pleased with the response. "My family helps me take care of it… I've even got a baby nurse shark in there.. but I had to segregate him because he was eating the rest of the fish and getting fat."

"Remarkable." Eleanor murmured, though it was not clear if she meant the fish, or the revelation that her assistant had a life outside work.

"Excellent." Skippy praised him. "Ms. Stuart?"

Everyone looked at Kerry curiously. "I write poetry." Kerry informed them, with a brief grin, enjoying the expressions of mild surprise.

"Great." Skippy nodded. "Ms. Sookis?"

"I quilt."

"Mr. Guiterrez?"

"Dominos."

Skippy looked very pleased, then her eyes fell on Dar's daunting expression. "Ah. Ms. Roberts?"

"I collect shrunken heads." Dar remarked, with a straight face.

Skippy sighed. Everyone else stared at Dar.

"Well, that's what you all expected, wasn't it?" The ops VP queried dryly "Actually, I scuba dive." She relented, getting a prim smile from their counselor.

"Figures." Steve snorted. "You always were an unsocial loner."

"Steven." Mariana enunciated his name carefully. "That was uncalled for."

"Actually.. " Kerry spoke up. "You've got it wrong.. the first rule of diving is never do it alone.":

Eleanor leaned forward with sly interest. "Are you a diver as well, Kerry?"

Uh oh. Kerry hesitated, resisting the urge to look at her partner. Oh well, too late now. "Yes, I am." She smiled agreeably.

Jose looked like he was about to ask the obvious question, when Skippy mercifully intervened. "Well, that's terrific. Okay… " She took a breath. "As you can see, our hobbies make us more well rounded people…and you all have such interesting hobbies, so I'm sure you're all very interesting people." She nodded briskly. "The next exercise we're going to do is to have you look at the person to your right, and tell me one good thing, and one bad thing about them." A bright smile. "Ready?"

Dar sighed, and wished she were at the dentist's office.

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

After lunch, they moved into a different room, with individual tables. Kerry watched Dar choose a table near the wall, and seat herself behind it, her eyes cold and watchful. The exercises they'd gone through earlier hadn't worked particularly well, though it hadn't really been Dar's fault. She'd played along, and even come up with something gracious to say about Jose, but when it was Eleanor's turn to speak on Dar…

Kerry sighed. The tension was giving her a headache, and she wished it was dinner they'd just eaten, not lunch, and she and Dar could escape back to their room and relax.

Skippy had a partner now, named Dave. Dave was as relentlessly positive as his blond partner, and now he ambled from table to table, putting down white cardboard boxes. "Okay, folks… here's how this works. I want you to pair up, and one member of the team opens this box, and reads the instructions. You're not allowed to talk. After reading the instructions, you have to give the contents of the box to your partner, and instruct them on how to put together the parts inside, without telling them what the end product is."

Dar rested her chin on one fist.

"Now, don’t' pair up with the person you're rooming with." Dave continued. "Okay?"

Mariana gave Dar a wry look, then selected Duks as her partner, as Mark and Elaine joined up, and Jose and Eleanor settled next to each other. Kerry gave Peter a grim smile as he proved discretion the better part of valor, and that left Steve to saunter over and perch on the chair next to Dar.

"I'll take that." Steve plucked the box from the table. "See how you like being told what to do for a chance."

"We'll definitely fail, then." Dar remarked in return. "Since you couldn't direct someone out of a paper bag with instructions printed on the inside."

"Come on now, folks. Let's not get negative. It's so unproductive." Dave chided them.

"This weekend is unproductive." Dar responded edgily.

"Dar.." Mariana interjected.

"Dios Mio.. finally!" Jose burst out. "We have something we agree on! Dar is right."

"I'm with you." Eleanor agreed.

"Well… you know, your company sent you all here because they thought our program would do you some good." Skippy frowned. "But there's not much we can do if you're not willing to cooperate with us."

"These are child's games." Jose protested. "They mean nothing!"

"Actually.. I think they do have a point." Kerry spoke up. "I think it's to try and get your thoughts away from what you usually have to think about, and.. hopefully, to get you to see things a different way."

Skippy gave Kerry a very approving look. "Exactly."

"That's what I've been saying." Steve said. "It's what this company needs.. a fresh perspective. So let's just give it a try, hmm?" He unfolded his instructions, and read them with apparent interest.

"We're here - just make the best of it." Mariana stated, as she fingered the contents of her box. "Alastair wants this to work."

Dar snorted, but kept silent. Steve finished reading, then pushed the box over to her. "Okay.. take the pieces out."

Dar obligingly dumped the box over, sending the wooden parts all over the table. She reviewed the bits, then lifted a hand and scooped them all towards her, ending up with them in a pile. One eyebrow lifted.

"All right.. you got a long one there, take that, and the two shorter ones, and make a box."

"Boxes have four sides." Dar drawled.

"Take both long ones." Steve went on smoothly. "Then after you have a box, take the two flat pieces and put them on either side."

"There are four flat pieces. Two short, two long Which ones do you mean?"

"Ms. Roberts.. you're not supposed to ask questions." Dave hurried over. "Just do what he tells you to."

Dar's brows creased. "How can you define and solve a problem without asking questions?"

"Please. Just go with the program." The man told her. "And, Mr. Fabricini, you have to be more specific, like you were talking to a child."

Steve laughed. "That'll be a pleasure."

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

They all filed into dinner quietly, taking seats around the round table now set with neat placesettings, the center of the table filled with condiments, and a nice basket of flowers. Kerry, who was right behind Dar coming into the room, reasoned by that fact she could sit next to her boss without causing much comment.

So she did.

Dar started playing with her napkin, and Kerry watched as she tore off a corner, and started ripping it into tiny pieces. They'd gotten through the castle building exercise, with less trouble than Kerry had frankly expected, and now they just had dinner to complete, and then they were free to spend their evening however they wished.

Of course, since there were no televisions, no books, no radios, and the nearest store, ten miles distant, was a seven eleven, their options were very, very limited. Kerry suspected the retreat engineered this to encourage people to stay around the fire they'd built in the lodge sitting room and talk. And if everyone did, her disappearing with Dar upstairs would look odd, to say the least.

Kerry sighed, rubbing her temples to dispel the stress headache that had developed during the afternoon. She'd become aware that she was being watched, and it was making her very self conscious, especially around Dar. She folded her hands in front of her, and resisted glancing at her boss.

Skippy entered and took her seat. "Hi there! I hope you like what we're having for dinner. We've got a choice of chicken breast, fish filet, or meatloaf, and a couple of different side dishes. They'll be putting everything out shortly, and it's family style, so we'll all share."

"That sounds great." Mariana stated sincerely. "Unless you're a vegetarian."

Skippy's face went still, as she obviously hit a snag she'd not anticipated. "Is… anyone here a vegetarian?" She asked, weakly.

They all shook their heads at her.

"Great." The blond woman sighed. "Okay… I thought I"d start the ball rolling tonight by having us all talk a little bit about our families, and where we grew up." She smiled at the servers, who were putting down large platters and bowls. "Doesn’t that smell great?" She took a breath. "Okay, I'll start. I'm from Kansas…"

"Have any pets when you grew up?" Dar asked, suddenly. "Little dog, maybe?"

"Dar." Mariana lifted a hand to hide a smirk.

"Um.. no.. I had rabbits." Skippy bravely went on. "My mother and father were farmers, and I grew up on a farm." She turned her head. "What about you?"

Steve finished serving himself some fish, and a helping of steamed vegetables. "My dad's a stockbroker, and my mom's a real estate agent." He answered amiably. "I'm from Seattle." He handed a bowl of brocolli to Eleanor. "Next?"

"I can't see where it matters." The Marketing VP looked annoyed. "I'm from upstate New York, and my family owns several banks."

"This is sort of interesting." Kerry whispered to Dar.

"Gonna feel that way when it swings around to us?" Dar muttered back.

"Mm." Kerry glanced down, stung by the comment.

"Ms. Roberts?"

Dar's low voice answered, carefully noncommittal. "I grew up in South Dade, at Homestead Air Force Base… my mother's an artist, my father was career navy."

"You're a military brat? It figures." Steve's voice was amused. "That explains things."

"It certainly does." Eleanor smirked. "Maybe it's inherited.. I hear you've got a friend in every airport, isn't that true, Dar?"

Something snapped. Kerry realized later it was the wooden handle of the fork Dar had been holding. She glanced at her friend as Dar stood slowly, seeing the rage just under the surface of her calm features.

"You know, I have to work with you people. That's more than enough." Dar stated, then simply moved out from behind her chair and left the room.

"That was really uncalled for." Mariana gave Eleanor a look.

"Cmon, Mari.. I was just joking.. what the hell's the matter with her, all of a sudden?" Eleanor lifted her hands in rightous innosence.

"Getting a little touchy in her old age." Steve laughed.

"Acutally" Kerry raised her voice, overriding them. "Dar's father died in Desert Storm."

They stared at her in surprise.

"They were very close, and it's something she feels very strongly about."

Eleanor had the grace to look uncomfortable. "Well, how in the hell was I supposed to know that?"

"How is it that you know all that?" Steve asked, swirling ice tea in his glass, and watching Kerry closely.

"I asked." Kerry answered. "I took the time to get to know her, and I'm glad I did." She took a breath, then let it out. "And this constant fighting is one of the worst things about working here. I hate it." She lifted her eyes to Skippy's surprised face. "If you're writing it down, I'm from Michigan, and my parents are Senator and Mrs. Roger Stuart."

Now she shifted her glance to Eleanor. "GO ahead.. make a catty comment about the trial. It's par for the course."

Everyone was awkwardly silent, even Steve, who made a show of taking a drink of his tea. "Well, if you are going to spend time in this company, you had better learn to be less sensitive." Jose advised her. "We are all bastards here."

Skippy blinked. "Let's just leave our exercises for tomrrow, okay? I can see everyone's a little tense." She took a deep breath. "Maybe we can talk about something more neutral… anyone into sports?"

Everyone relaxed a little, and the discussion turned to current events. Kerry forced herself to join in, putting a firm hold on her desire to leave the room and go find Dar. After they finished, everyone moved towards the door and into the sitting area, and only then did Kerry allow herself to stay behind, and corner Skippy. "I need a container."

The woman was caught offgard, and now Mariana came over, seeing Kerry stay behind. "What's wrong, Kerry?"

"I'm going to bring Dar some dinner." Kerry said, as Skippy left to go find a box. "It's just been a really long day."

"Mm." The older woman agreed. "I've never seen her go off like that… is she not feeling well, or something?"

Kerry shrugged. "I don’t' think so… she just doesn't see much point in this, and frankly.. " She glanced around. "Neither do I."

"Some good may come out of it." Mari disagreed. "You never know.. but tell her to relax a little, will you?" She patted Kerry's arm. "I don't know how she rigged that room assignment, but I'm glad it worked out.. I just hope our nights will be as peaceful." She made her way out the door, and Kerry had a moment to relax before Skippy brought her a styrofoam container. She took it and selected several pieces of meatloaf, then added mashed potatos, and a half ear of corn on the cob. A piece of chocolate cake just barely fit into the space remaining, but she managed, and picked up a set of silverware before she went out the other door, and up the stairs.

It was very quiet near their rooms, and she paused a moment, before she inserted her key into the doorlock, and opened it. It was mostly dark inside, but she could make out Dar's form sprawled on the bed barely outlined in the light from the bathroom. She set her container on the desk and walked over, sitting down on the bed and meeting Dar's eyes. "Hi."

"Hi." A faintly hoarse response. "Sorry about that. I don't know what's gotten into me lately."

Kerry stroked her face tenderly. "Would it be supremely egotistical for me to say maybe it's my fault?" She smiled wryly. "Don’t worry about it.. I brought you some meatloaf." She got up and got the container, then sat back down. "Besides… they pushed a button they didn't even know was there."

"Hm… yeah, I guess." Dar rolled over onto one side, and propped her head up on her hand. "I've been thinking a lot about my father lately.. I'm not really sure why." She watched as Kerry opened the foam lid, and wielded her fork, cutting off a piece of meatloaf and scooping up some potatos with it. Then she offered it to Dar,who accepted it and chewed.

"I know you loved him a lot." Kerry offered another bite.

"Yes, I did." Dar swallowed. "I still do." She considered. "Maybe loving you just makes me remember that all the more clearly."

Kerry swallowed, caught by the simple emotion of the statement. She leaned over and rested her head against Dar's, finding a safe space in the chaos of the day. "I'm sure they're talking about us downstairs."

"I don't care." Dar reached out and curled her arms around Kerry's warm body.

"Me either." She dabbed a spot of potatoes on Dar's nose, then kissed it off, earning herself a smile. "Hell all day, Heaven at night."

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

Camp Day Two Section - in progress

************************ 

Bridge scene with Fabricini

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

"Oh God.. is it Friday yet?" Kerry leaned her head on her hands, trying to block out the sight of her overflowing inbox. A glance at her calendar told her she was still one day short. "This week is lasting a month." She sighed, speaking to the empty space before her.

Her phone buzzed, and she hit the answer button. "Operations, Stuart."

A panicked voice answered. "Oh…great… uh… Ms. Stuart.. this is Roger, in Charlotte.. uh… we've got a problem?"

"Okay." Kerry leaned forward, kicking her problem solving brain cells into gear. "What is it?"

A loud sound of splashing came through the phone. "Uh… ow!" Roger yelped. "Um.. the sprinkler system went off over here.. and umm. Yeeoww!" The phone fumbled and clattered, then was picked up. "Damn chair hit me in the.. uh… well, anyway, we're flooded."

"Flooded." Kerry repeated carefully. "As in underwater?"

"Shit!" He yelped. "Uh.. sorry.. yeah.. the control room's three feet deep.. and it's not getting any…wow!" A loud popping and snapping was heard. "Yow.. I think that was the main breaker panel going… "

"Roger?" Kerry spoke loudly into the phone.

"Yeah??" He answered. "Oh.. wait I gotta get up onto the desk.. "

"Get out of there!" Kerry yelled, then put him on hold and dialed Dar's extension, waiting for her boss to pick up. "Help!" She barked into the phone, then switched back to the other line. "Roger?"

"Uh… I've got a problem, Ms. Stuart." The man answered nervously.

"More than one." Kerry told him. "What is it?"

"I can't swim." He answered. "And I think I just saw a 3270 float by." The phone suddenly disconnected.

"Shit." Kerry glanced up as she heard running steps, then half stood as her inner door burst open, and Dar pounced inside, her pale blue eyes snapping, and every inch of her bristling with unreleased energy.

"What's wrong?" She snapped.

The blond woman drew in a breath. "God, you look sexy when you do that."

Dar was obviously knocked off stride. "Wh… buh… " She exhaled. "Kerry! You yelled for help.. what in the hell's going on?"

"Oh.. right… Charlotte's been flooded out." Kerry quickly explained. "Sorry about that.. they're in big trouble." She walked over and put an arm around her lover. "Sorry, Dar.. I didn't mean for you to think that I was.. um… " She rooted around for a phrase.

"In mortal danger?" Dar relaxed a little. "You know I just knocked a Xerox repairman so far back onto his butt they're probably going to have to remove the toner drum from his throat surgically." She sighed, and rubbed her face. "Okay.. so we've got a potential disaster, right?"

"Mm… the guy from Netops just told me he thought he saw a 3270 terminal floating in the control room." Kerry advised her.

"Anyone check to see if they're burning hemp around there again?" Dar snorted. "3270's don’t float." She exhaled. "Okay.. let me go start working the problem… try to get them back on the phone, or call the cells… " She muttered, as she walked back out, shaking her head.

Kerry smiled a little, as she heard the interested, but muted excitement in Dar's tone. She loves this, the blond woman realized. She loves when things are really tough and hard, and she can go in and fix them. With a soft chuckle, she turned back to her desk and called up a network schematic, wincing at the flashing red dots that indicated down sections. "Oh.. that bites." She started dialing emergency numbers.

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

"Look.. I don't give a damn about what you have to do to release that." Dar growled into the phone. "I need your damn president on this phone in five minutes, or the next call is from our legal department. Your choice." She glanced up as Maria stuck her head in, and waved a small cardboard tray. One hand lifted and waved her forward. "I'll hold."

Maria came over with the pastalitos and offered them to her. "I have three of those little queso ones." The secretary whispered. "I know you like them."

Dar's eyes twinkled gently as she nodded, and put her hand over the receiver. "Thanks." She mouthed, as she accepted the pastries and the steaming cup of creamy looking coffee, glancing up and meeting Maria's eyes. "Tough week."

"Si." Maria agreed. "I will look forward to the weekend."

"Me too." Her boss agreed wryly. "Maybe I'll take a ride down to the Keys."

"That is a good idea, Dar." Maria nodded. "Kerrisita will like that." She smiled, and ducked out of the office, closing the door behind her.

Dar regarded the closed door in startled silence, then looked up as a voice came back on the line. "Well?" She snapped.

"Ms. Roberts, we have a team of people heading out that way… I'm not sure.. " The voice hesitated.

"Look." Dar growled, sending her voice down to it's lowest pitch. "I need to know what chemicals were in that sprinkler mixture and I need to know NOW!" She punched up the volume, feeling the sound reverberate in her chest. "Or you're going to take responsibility for the bill when I have to fly a chemical hazard team in there on a god damned Learjet!" The insurance company was refusing to allow any employees to enter the networking office, until the dangers were evaluated, and they had fully three quarters of the domestic network down, three hours after the accident had happened.

"Dar.. " Maria poked her head in. "Mariana on line numero dos." She called, in a low voice.

"Not now." Dar muted her current call. "I'm in the middle of a disaster." She watched as Maria disappeared, then she propped her head up on one hand and released the mute button with the other. "Do I get that, or do I call my legal department? I'm done screwing around with you people."

Rustling papers, and low mutters. "Where do you need the information sent?" The voice stiffly answered. "We can pass along our usual information, but you have to understand that the composition will vary depending on local water quality, and the types of pipes.. and.. "

"Just send it." Dar interrupted him, and repeated the fax number at their insurance company's branch office in North Carolina. She looked up as Kerry entered, suppressing a smile. "And I'd like to know why that system discharged." An idea occurred to her, and she spent a moment examining it for loopholes. Then she smiled.

Kerry circled her and picked up a pastry, nibbling it as she perched on the corner of Dar's desk, listening to the agitated muttering coming from the phone. "Everyone's screaming." She mouthed.

Dar lifted her hands and let them drop. "Bite me." She mouthed back. "I didn't set off the god damned sprinklers."

Kerry obligingly put her pastry down and captured Dar's fingers, lifting them and nibbling on a thumb instead. "Okay."

"Ms. Roberts, we just don't know what caused it yet." The hapless voice came through the phone. "It could have been a false heat reading, it could have been a mechanical error.. there's no sense in speculating since we don't really have any data. My team is on their way there.. as soon as they get there and figure out what happened, believe me, I'll call you."

Dar felt an enjoyable tickle as the neat white teeth scraped lightly across the sensitive skin on the side of her finger. "All right." She agreed. "But I have an entire data center down, and they can't even get in there to start cleaning up… so they'd better move their asses." She hung up.

The phone rang again, and she glanced at it. "Your line."

Both of their pagers went off simultaneously. "We can talk later. " The blond woman gave her a wry grimace. "Wasn't anything big.. really." She reached for the phone. "Operations, Stuart."

A harried voice answered her. "Kerry, this is John Collins… I've got the New York office breathing down my neck, and I can't get ahold of Dar… you gotta give me something to tell them."

Dar put the call on hold a moment. "John's a nice guy, but he's got the spine of a jellyfish. Whatever you tell him, he'll repeat as gospel." She warned, with a smile.

Kerry smiled back. "All right." She spared a glance for the phone, still flashing. "Now.. what in blazes do I tell him, Dar?"

"Huh?" Dar's brow creased as she followed Kerry's eyes. "Oh… right." She rubbed her temples. "Um… tell him we're sending an executive team to North Carolina to take charge, and get the systems back up as soon as possible."

Kerry reached for the button, then hesitated. "We are?" She asked, curiously.

A sneaky, seductive grin tugged at one side of Dar's mouth. "Yeah.. I figure eight hours to get their asses in gear, and a couple days for us in a little cabin I happen to know about near there." She hesitated, both brows lifting hopefully ."Sound okay?"

Sea green eyes blinked. "You mean us?" She pointed at Dar's chest, then at her own. "You and me.. we're going up there?"

Dar simply nodded, shunting aside the objections she knew would be raised. If she got it done… no one would remember how she did it anyway.

"Awesome." Kerry pronounced, then hit the button. "Hello, John?" She muted the mic for a moment. "They don't have any horseback riding up there, do they?" She released the mic. "John, we know it's really bad.. you can tell them that Dar's going up there to take charge personally."

Pause. "No shit?" The man replied, clearly impressed. "That'll get them off my ass.. thanks Kerry… you're the best."

"It's my pleasure." The blond woman assured him cheerfully, all thoughts of Steve dissolved. She disconnected the line and turned to Dar. "Now.. we were discussing horses, right?"

A chuckle. "Yeah.. they've got some trail riding.. figured we could do a little hiking while we're up there." She offered. "If we leave tonight, we'll have tomorrow and Friday to get the network office back up, then the whole weekend to play." The idea had come to her right before she'd started over, and she'd put the plan in action before she'd left her office. "I've got Maria making reservations."

Kerry smiled. "Want me to go home and pick up our bags?" She offered. "When's the flight?"

"Seven, and that would be a great idea." Dar praised her. "Make sure you pack some warm stuff.. it's chilly up there." Her brows lifted seductively. "A little too much for any scanty lingerie, unfortunately."

Kerry stood and slid a fingertip down the buttoned closure of Dar's silk shirt. "I don't know.. I think you look really sexy in just that old jersey of yours." She whispered.

A soft chuckle. "Oh, you do, do you?"

"Mmhmm… " The blond woman lowered her voice even more. "But then.. you're gorgeous, Dar.. you'd look sexy in a burlap sack." She confided, brushing her lips against her lover's. "I'm going to go get our stuff.. I need some fresh air anyway." She patted Dar's leg, then stepped around her desk, pulling her jacket off her chair and swinging it over her shoulders as she headed for the door.

Dar watched her go, then let out a long, slow breath. "Wow." She ran a hand through her hair. "I think I need a little fresh air myself."

The sunlight winked merrily at her feet in cheerful agreement.

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

"Yeah, that's right, Col." Kerry stretched her legs out and closed her eyes, sucking in a deep breath of the sun warmed air coming in the window of the Mustang. "We're going to North Carolina…we've got a big mess there to take care of."

"OH.. right… yeah, I heard about that." Colleen advised her. "My boss was screaming… the interbank transfers won't go through." She cleared her throat. "No problem, Ker…staying out there isn't any kinda hardship, you know? Breakfast on the ocean… little tuxedoed manikins puttering about… no problem at all."

"Great." The blond woman sighed. "I never thought I'd be glad of a disaster.. but I can't say I regret this one." She stifled a yawn. "After we fix things, we're going up to a place Dar knows near there… for a little R and R."

"Oh?" Colleen sounded more interested. "Well now, me lassie.. you didn't tell me that…so you and the tall dark one are finally taking some time off together… that's great."

"Yeah." Kerry smiled at the convertible's roof. "That'll be a first for us.. even over Christmas we had so much going on, we hardly had time to breathe, much less relax.. I'm really looking forward to a few days alone with her." And wasn't that the truth. Kerry found herself impatiently wishing the crisis was well over and solved, freeing them to leave the technical problems behind and concentrate on each other.

A weekend hiking up in the quiet of the wilderness was very, very appealing, and she knew they both could use the break. . "You think they'll have a hot tub?" She mused.

Colleen laughed. "Well, if it's the kinda place I think Dar likes, I'm sure it will have… you can do some lovely skiing up in the mountains y'know." She commented. "Get yourself a nice fireplace, and toast you up some marshmallows, girl."

"Mm." Kerry could taste the warm, slightly burned morsels in her imagination. Then she imagined sharing them messily with Dar, and grinned, feeling the skin around her eyes crinkling up in amusement. "Sounds good to me."

"Heh… your eating habits surely have changed." Colleen teased. "And then there's the food, as well."

Kerry almost swallowed her tongue. "Colleen!!!!"

"Ah ah.. don't you be Colleening me, little Miss Michigan snowballs wouldn't melt in me mouth." Her friend laughed. "I'm just joshing, Kerry…honestly, I think Dar's the best thing that ever happened to you."

"Oh yeah.. she's turning me into a pleasure loving little butterball, that's what." Kerry laughed. "But thanks… " She added quietly. "I'm glad you ended up liking her." She put her car into gear as the ferry docked. "I'm going to get our stuff packed… talk to you later, Col.. thanks for staying over again."

She hung up the phone, and steered carefully onto the island, pausing for the spraydown before she turned onto the perimeter road and headed to the condo. The sprinklers were on in the center of the island, making an interesting chatter, and sending a whiff of mineral laden moist air to Kerry's nose. She pulled into her parking spot, then paused, backing up a little. "Aww.." She found herself grinning stupidly. The maintenance department had painted her name on the concrete bumper. "K. Stuart… check that out." She got out of the car and examined it, the neat black letters crisp against the white concrete, matching the "D. Roberts" right next to it half hidden behind Dar's tires.

It was such a tiny, insignificant thing, but it touched something deep inside Kerry, reinforcing her sense that this was, indeed, home. She gave the Lexus a little pat, then shouldered her briefcase and headed up the stairs, plucking the mail from the mailbox before keying in the lock code. Chino started whining the minute the door opened, and she dropped her case on the loveseat as she headed towards the kitchen. "Okay.. okay honey.. I hear you." She ambled across the tile floor and opened the gate, letting the puppy out to attack her feet fiercely. "Hey… hey.. careful… " She put the mail down and crouched, petting Chino's soft fur. "Okay… okay… I know.. I'm glad to see you too."

Chino whined ecstatically, her whole body wriggling with joy as she chewed on Kerry's fingers. Then she cocked her head, and looked past the blond woman expectantly. Kerry laughed. "Sorry, kiddo… she's not with me." She scratched the puppy's ears. "I know she's your buddy, huh?"

Chino blinked, then apparently gave up on Dar, and concentrated on attacking Kerry's shoes. "Raowr." The puppy tugged on a lace, dropping it and barking in outrage when the thing persisted in remaining attached to Kerry, and all the animal's pulling couldn't budge her.

"Okay… why don't you go out while I get some stuff done, huh?" Kerry opened the back door, allowing the puppy to scamper down into the tiny, walled garden. It was safe for her there, since Dar had spent most of one weekend puppy proofing it, which included making sure there were no gaps under the fence, and taking out the tiny pebbles the animal would surely try to consume. She watched Chino sniff around for a minute, then she went inside, and started getting together two bags, starting with Dar's.

Which was easy. Jeans, soft, neatly pressed polos, two sweaters which were all she owned, her one flannel shirt, the sweatshirt Kerry loved on her, and nice warm socks. And underwear, of course. Kerry had fun picking out her favorite ones of those, including the really cute ones with tiny pictures of Dogbert on them. Oh, and the baseball jersey and shorts, and her bathroom kit, which held shampoo, soap, her toothbrush and the small bottle of interestingly spicy smelling talc powder Kerry loved to sprinkle over her. She sniffed it and closed her eyes, a tiny humming noise erupting from her throat that almost startled her.

"Jesus." She clapped a hand on her forehead. "I'm turning into such a hedonist." She muttered, putting the bag away and zipping up the carry on duffel Dar always used. But that's how Dar made her feel, she reflected.. all sexy and sensual, like she was taking a bath in pheromones most of the time. Everything seemed more intense.. the smell of her.. the deep, rich color of her eyes…

"Oh boy." Kerry stopped and took several breaths. "Okay… I think I need a drink of water." She carried the bag to the couch and let it drop, then continued on into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of peach flavored ice tea, which slid down her throat in a cool, nicely sweetened wave. She leaned against the counter and sipped it, thinking about TCP/IP routing tables until her body had settled down again, and she could head upstairs to her own room.

Her bag was a little tougher, mostly because she actually had winter clothes to choose from. She threw in a few pairs of jeans, though, since they were more comfortable than the heavy corduroy that were her other choice, Dar's having informed her she really liked the way Kerry looked in jeans having nothing to do with the decision of course.

Of course. Kerry smiled, as she flipped through her collection of soft wool sweaters, selecting two that were favorites of hers, and one whose color reminded her of Dar's eyes. That one was a gift from her brother, and it hugged her curves, bringing out an appreciative smile on Dar's face the last time she'd had the occasion to wear it. She tucked inside her tan leather bag, alongside a couple of long sleeved shirts she could wear under them. She also added a pair of mittens, and her own warm socks and bath kit, glad she wasn't due for her period until late the week after.

Once she had everything packed, she started to go down, then stopped, setting the bag on her bed and going to the dresser where she tugged the drawer open, and pulled out a small, velvet case. Pensively she opened it, her eyes tracing the now familiar outlines of the beautifully made, filigreed ring inside. Was it time?

Kerry sighed, and closed the case, putting it back in the drawer. Part of her wanted to just push through the insecurities, and go ahead with the gift… but another part of her hesitated, caught between the fear that Dar wouldn't want that kind of commitment, and the inner knowledge that she, Kerry… needed it in some deep, almost uncomfortable way.

Maybe… She chewed her lip. Maybe on Valentines' day? It was only two weeks… a nervous ball formed in her stomach. Maybe she could sort of feel Dar out this weekend.. just to make sure she wasn't going to make a total fool out of herself when she did it.

Oh, come on, Kerry… you know she loves you. She chastised herself. Jesus…she's not going to laugh or anything.

Right? Kerry drummed her fingers on one thigh, then snatched the case up and tucked it into her bag, zipping it up and hitching the strap up onto her shoulder. Maybe she'd practice, she decided, going downstairs and putting her bag on the couch next to Dar's, then sitting down and leafing through the mail. "Oh." She pulled out the three or four pieces that were hers, forwarded from the Kendall address. Two were bills, a third was an offer to beta test the new Microsoft applications suite, and the fourth… "Haven't heard from her in a while." Kerry turned the letter from her great aunt over in her fingers before she lifted the flap and pulled out the creamy, soft stationary, faintly scented with the smell of dust and memories. She opened it, and spread the paper out on her knees, studying the thin, spidery script.

Dear Kerrison,

My dear, word has come to me that you are estranged from your parents - and this troubles me greatly. Not for their sake, as you know well that I never did get on with your father, but for your sake, as I know how much family means to you.

Your sister tells me you are well, and living there in Miami, with a person she tells me you are quite fond of. With her usual feckless nattering, she managed to talk all around the subject, but I am going to assume this person is another woman, and while you think my aged nerves can't take this, I will gladly inform you that this is not the case.

Splendid for you, my dear. I would love to meet this person, and I want to assure you that regardless of what your parents seem to think, your extended family is not cut off from you in anyway. You are welcome in my home, and I know Mitchell would love to see you. Please do call me, when you get a chance, since I also would like to get the real story, as opposed to the bowdlerized version your sister saw fit to grace my supposedly tender ears with.

With great affection,

Aunt Penny.

Kerry grinned, as she reread the letter. "Good old Aunt Penny. " She shook her head, remembering the old, but sharp woman who she'd last seen before she'd moved to Miami.

When she'd given her the ring, and laughed, making Kerry turn around in the light, watching her with twinkling eyes the same shade as Kerry's own.

Who had been one of the only people in Kerry's life who had told her, point blank, that she was pretty, displacing years of her mother's continual harping on her looks. Kerry would have cherished her for that alone, but she'd always gotten a sense of warm affection from her aunt and she was glad even this latest disaster hadn't broken that tie. She made a mental note to call her aunt after the weekend, and, on a whim, went back up to her room and got a small box of writing paper, tucking it inside her bag along with a couple of her favorite pens. "That's what I'll do, Chino.. I'll write her a note.. she'd like that." She told the puppy, who had curled up contentedly at her feet. "I bet she'd like you… she had a Scottish terror. I mean, terrier who used to eat my shoes when I went over there."

Chino looked up, then settled her chin on Kerry's foot, and sighed.

Kerry sighed too, and leaned back against the couch's soft leather, drinking in the peace of the place. She picked up Chino and cuddled her, smiling when the puppy sprawled across her chest, the warm breath sneaking between the buttons on her shirt.

She'd just relax here for a minute, then head on back to the office.

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

"Here you go, Dar." Maria bustled in, handing over two sets of airline ticket folders. "I have you both booked on the plane, and your hotel room is okay." The secretary gave her an impish smile. "They have only rooms with… how you say, a jaguar in them."

Dar stopped what she was doing, and looked up, startled. "What?" She glanced at the tickets. "A jaguar?"

"Si… with the bubbles.." Maria made a circling motion with her hand. "In the water."

"Oh..oh.. a jacuzzi." Dar chuckled, and gave her a stern look. "It's strictly business, Maria."

"Si.. si.. but you know how important is it to stay very clean, Dar." Maria replied, virtuously. "You know, it is bad if you come back with the germs."

Slowly, pale blue eyes lifted and regarded her, a mischevious grin tugging at Dar's lips. "Maria.. if I didn't know better, I'd say you were encouraging me to do something against company policy with my very talented assistant."

Maria blinked at her. "Oh, si." She nodded seriously. "I will see you Monday, Dar… have a good time." She trotted out, leaving a very bemused, and somewhat taken aback boss sitting behind her desk. "A jaguar, huh?" She tucked the folders inside her jacket and glanced at her watch. "And speaking of my lovely and talented assistant… " She picked up the phone and dialed Kerry's cellular number.

It took four rings before there was an answer, and the voice sounded a little dazed. "Oh shit."

Dar regarded the phone with some amusement. "And a good afternoon to you, too, Kerrison." She drawled. "What's up?"

"Shit, shit shit… " Kerry sighed. "I'm sorry, Dar… I got things packed, then sat down and played with Chino for a minute and I fell asleep." Sounds of rustling came from the phone. "I'm on my way back… I don't know what in the heck came over me." She sounded disgusted. "God…"

"Hey.. take it easy." Dar laughed. "We got up early, we didn't get too much sleep last night, and if you're tired, it makes sense to take a damn nap.. you didn't miss anything. " She reached over and took a sip of coffee from her cup. "The center's still down, they still need our help, I've got our tickets, and Maria booked us in a hotel room complete with a Jacuzzi."

Momentary silence. "Oh really?" Kerry had closed the car door, and the sound of the engine starting up was heard. "A Jacuzzi, huh? She's subtle." A pause. "Sounds good, though… Colleen was tempting me with visions of you, me, a fire and some marshmallows."

"Oo." Dar purred. "I could go for that…I love marshmallows." She stood up and started packing up her laptop. "I'll be waiting downstairs… we can pick up a quick snack at the airport before we get on the plane."

"Okay." Kerry stifled a yawn. "See you in a few minutes."

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

The plane was quiet, being only half full, and Dar took the opportunity to relax in her comfortable seat, a glass of white wine balanced on the console between herself and Kerry. The blond woman was curled up half on her side, a soft, blue blanket tucked around her as she idly watched Dar's profile. "We'll have to go out to the office as soon as we get there." Dar commented, laying a casual hand over Kerry's. "It's going to be a long night."

"Okay." Kerry mumbled, shifting over and curling her fingers around Dar's. "As long as I can spend it with you, I don’t' care how long it is." She closed her eyes and exhaled.

Dar gazed at her quietly, absorbing the unexpected compliment. "Thanks." She finally said, softly. A sea green orb appeared, and studied her. "That was a really sweet thing to say."

Kerry blushed gently, and closed her eye again, giving the fingers held in hers a little squeeze. "You bring out the poet in me." She admitted softly. "It's the weirdest thing."

"Oh really?" Dar rolled half onto her side, facing the blond woman. "Got any handy?"

Alarmed green eyeball. "Any what handy?"

"Poems." Her lover replied, a wicked twinkle in her eyes. "You said I brought that out in you.. I know you're writing them.. I'd love to hear one."

"B.." Kerry's brain ran around in circles for a minute. "I.. b…"

"Well, that sort of rhymes, yeah." Dar mused. "Doesn’t have much emotional impact, though." She took a sip of her wine. "Is that one of those haiku things?"

Kerry burst out giggling. "Dar!" She chastised her boss. "I.. um… you know I…that kind of thing sort of embarrasses me." She looked up to see a look of veiled disappointment on Dar's face. "Well, maybe one." She relented, hesitantly. "But I'll have to drag my notebook out when we get there… I don’t memorize them."

The blue eyes continued to regard her.

"Come on, Dar.. I can't just make one up on command, you know." Kerry tried to avoid looking at the soulful expression. "It just doesn't work like that."

Dar sighed. "Okay." She let her head drop down onto the seat's surface and lowered her gaze.

Kerry chewed her lip, her brows knitting as she regarded the angular profile facing her.

In the darkness of the world we walk,

Unwilling pawns, and victims of the night,

With no guidance save that of false prophets.

But I walk the shadows and fear not their dangers,

For my heart shielded by the shining defense

That is the armor of your love.

She felt very awkward, and could hardly look at Dar's face as she finished, a solid, dark blush coloring her cheeks. "I know it's really kind of corny.. and I have no idea what made me…oh."

Lips very gently brushed against hers, and she tasted their sweetness.

"It's not corny." Dar rumbled into her ear. "I think it's incredible." She kissed Kerry again, glad of the dimmed cabin lighting. "Just like you."

"Mm… " The blond woman found her hands moving irresistibly towards the warm body next to her. "Now.. which one of us is the poet??"

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

It was a dark and stormy night. Kerry rolled the words around inside her head, as she peered through the darkness surrounding them. They'd gotten to the airport safely, and retrieved a rental car, then headed out to the networking office.

"Pretty remote out here." Dar commented, the small muscles on the sides of her face tensing as she tried to see through the rain. The road was a two lane blacktop, bordered by trees and rolling up and down hills. Only the very occasional street lamp appeared out of the gloom, and the rain was so hard, it reflected Dar's headlights into a blurring glare.

"You said it." Kerry agreed. "Something like the area I'm from.. but more hilly." She hung onto the strap as Dar took an unexpected curve, then blinked as the road banked down and to the left. "Whoa."

"Yeah." Dar nibbled her lower lip. "I don't do hills very much.. sorry." She consciously slowed down, and ran a hand through her hair, wishing it was light out. "It's not that much further, though… whoa!" The car slid out from under her control, and she instinctively steered with it, resisting the desire to slam on the breaks. They did a three hundred sixty degree turn, and almost went off the road before the taller woman wrestled the car around straight, and slowed down almost to a crawl. "What in the hell was that?"

Kerry put a gentle hand on her arm. "Ice." She exhaled. "Um.. you want me to drive? I think I'm a lot more used to it than you are.. they probably don't have icy roads much in Miami."

Dar considered that, then prudently pulled off the road and stopped, tugging her jacket up before she opened the door. "Okay… yeah.. we get rain slicks, but nothing like this." She exited out into the frosty rain tinged with sleet, and exchanged places, settling into a cloth seat still warm from Kerry's body.

It was a surprisingly sensual moment, especially since she caught her lover's scent still clinging to the fabric. She sat back, a little bemused, and watched Kerry adjust the seat so her booted toes could reach the pedals. "Sorry.. I should have moved that."

Sea green eyes suddenly glanced up, a hint of mischief in them. "Or you could have just stayed there, and I could have sat in your lap."

A dark eyebrow crawled up Dar's face almost into her hairline. "Oh really?" She was tempted, then sighed. "Maybe after we get outta there.. it'd be a little conspicuous pulling up to the site like that."

Kerry finished her adjustments, then put the car in drive and slowly pulled out. "Mm… yeah, I guess." She studied the road. "Straight ahead?"

Dar nodded. "Yeah…turn right onto the next major cross road.. it has a state highway sign." She let her head rest against the seat back and stretched her legs out, giving Kerry a look as she reached down and adjusted the passenger seat all the way back. She decided she liked being a passenger, because it gave her the opportunity to study her lover's profile at her leisure, admiring the slightly upturned nose, and the smooth line of her jaw, the muscles shifting a little as she concentrated on the road.

Kerry was painfully aware of the eyes on her, and she fought the instinct to fuss with her hair nervously, which was a habit of hers. "Um… " She tried to think of something to distract Dar. "So, what are we going to do when we get there?"

"Well." Dar folded her arms across her chest, pulling the leather of her jacket tight around her body. "It depends on what the situation is…probably we'll have to push a few people around, kick a little ass, get nasty… hey, Kerry?"

"Kick ass.. take names.. be nasty… huh?" Kerry flicked a glance her way. "What?"

"You're really cute." Dar grinned.

The car slid sideways, with Kerry hanging on and cursing for several minutes before she regained control of it. "Dar, don't do that." She pleaded, willing her blush to recede. "We're going to end up in a ditch."

Dar chuckled softly. "Sorry." She fell silent, and let her companion concentrate on navigating the slick roads.

The dark countryside passed slowly, broken only by the occasional car or truck going in the other direction. It was another hour before Dar nodded towards a half hidden driveway. "In there… see where the arc lights are set up?"

Kerry nodded. "Yeah.. wait.. oh, yeah, I see the road.. okay." She steered the car into the parking lot, seeing several trucks hazily in view through the rain. "Looks like a circus." Groups of people were milling around, and she parked near a large clump of them, putting on the parking break carefully and unbuckling her seat belt. "Well boss… now it's your turn." She glanced at Dar, who was watching the activity with sharp, shifting eyes.

"Right." Dar murmured, letting the warmer side of her personality slip away, and calling up the cool aggressiveness she knew she'd need to deal with the situation. "Okay… you got your cell and the laptop, right?"

Kerry nodded, watching her in uneasy fascination. "Yes."

"Right. Let's go." The dark haired woman zipped up her jacket and opened the car door, slipping outside into the rain and closing it behind her.

"Okay then." Kerry murmured, tucking her phone into the pocket of her jacket and picking up her briefcase. She ducked out the driver side door and closed it, keying the lock and striding after her boss, who was already halfway to the building.

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

"All right, so when can we get in there." Dar said, standing under a dripping tarp in the very center of the building's front lawn. Two men were opposite her, clearly uncomfortable.

"Ms. Roberts.. ." One said, with a sigh. "Look, the environmental people won't clear us, because that chemical has been confirmed to be toxic." He gave her a look that indicated the last thing he'd expected was to have a VP Ops drop into his tent, where they'd been having a pizza and beer.

Dar's face tensed. "How long?" She snapped.

He shook his head. "I don’t know.. the regulator told me an hour ago she wouldn't even have a team here until tomorrow noon."

Pale eyes almost silver in the glaring lights studied him thoughtfully. "Where is she?" Dar's voice dropped a bit, taking on a predatory burr.

The man glanced at her nervously. "Well, she's over there.. by that van of theirs, but let me tell you, ma'am, she doesn't take any bullshit.. I've worked with her before. "

"What's her name?" The burr deepened.

"Anne Simmonds." The man answered. "But… I mean, really ma'am… if she decides to get tough on us, we could be here for weeks."

Dar turned and stalked out without a word, letting the rain drive against her in freezing darts, conscious of Kerry's quiet form a pace behind her. She was met by a young man as she approached the van, who was dressed in a white coverall. "I'd like to see whoever is in charge. "She told him quietly.

He cleared his throat and pushed pair of glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Well.. Dr. Simmonds is inside.. but she's busy.. can I help you?"

Dar stepped up closer, and stared him down, her eyes inches above his own. She let the silence grow for a moment, watching him swallow a few times in reflex. "No." She finally told him. "I'd like to speak to Dr. Simmonds, please."

"Uh…. " He looked past her, to Kerry's damp head. She smiled briefly at him. "Uh.. well, I.. I can ask her.. but.. um.. okay, are you from this company or.. "

Dar cocked her head and pinned him with a stare. "I'd appreciate that…my name's Dar Roberts.. and I'm from our Miami office."

"Okay." He nodded. "Okay.. um.. wait here.. I'll be right back." He turned and walked towards the van, startled to find Dar pacing next to him. "Oh.. we.. we're doing some experiments.. I.. "

"I'd like to get out of the rain. "Dar overrode him. "I won't break anything, I promise."

He looked past her.

"Me either." Kerry smiled kindly at him. "Really.. my mother used to take me into china shops when I was a child."

Dar hurriedly wiped a hand across her face, muffling a laugh, then cleared her throat as they approached the van, which had a tarp extending from it's passenger side, shielding several work tables with people busy over them. The young man went over to a figure bent over a microscope and touched her arm.

"What?" The woman snapped, not looking up. "You just shook this whole slide.. I'm trying to take pictures, Michael." She was very short, shorter than Kerry even, and slim, with dark auburn hair that was pulled tightly back under a close fitting cap. Her bearing was powerful though, and exuded impatience.

"Um.. yes.. doctor, I know.. but there are two people here from Miami.. they wanted to talk to you.. and I.. "

"Tell em to go the hell back to Miami.. I'm not having some stuffed suits smelling of Cuban cigars hanging around my neck asking stupid questions." The doctor snapped back. "Nothing doing, Michael, so you march your lily white butt back out there and.. " She glanced past his shoulder, where two shadowy, strange forms were standing. "Get rid of them."

"Actually." Dar's low voice spoke clearly, and concisely, as she strode forward, coming into the light with startling impact. "I don't think I'm going anywhere." She stopped precisely in the center of the tent, letting the garish light outline her in stark detail. "And I've never been partial to cigars."

The doctor was… surprised. Kerry decided, watching the smaller woman's eyes flick over her bosses truculent form warily.

An uncomfortable silence dropped over them, until Dar took a step forward, and offered a hand. "Dr Simmonds? My name is Dar Roberts." She waited impassively as the doctor studied her for a long time before extending her own hand. "I need some answers."

It was the charisma. Kerry gave the doctor a brief smile, as Dar released her hand and half turned. "This is my assistant, Kerry Stuart."

"I don’t have answers." The smaller woman recovered her composure and scowled, giving Kerry a brisk nod. "I told you people that hours ago.. that damn extinguisher company put so much toxin in that system, it's a damn good thing your folks evacuated, or they'd have been glowing like fireflies."

Dar exhaled. "What is it?"

"I have no god damned clue.. and those people won't say." The doctor stated, disgustedly. "So damn scared of a lawsuit they won't even admit to having first and last names."

Dar glanced at Kerry, who handed her the cell phone without a word. She dialed a number and waited. "Evening, Alastair."

"Jesus, Dar… it's.. " A yawn. "Midnight.. what in bl.. are you in North Carolina?" He cleared his throat. "Listen.. we've got twelve accounts set to cancel if we're not back up by tomorrow morning."

"Now you tell me?" Dar barked. "Good god, Alastair!"

"I wasn't worried… I heard you were on your way.. in fact, I went to bed." The CEO told her cheerfully. "You know I've got all the confidence in the world in you, Dar."

The responsibility slammed down on her shoulders with an almost audible crunch. "How much business are we talking about?" Dar asked, cautiously. "It doesn't look good here, Alastair."

"Well… " He paused. "It's not good, Dar." His cheerfulness vanished. "In fact, it's not very good at all… we can't lose them.. not like this, and remain competitive."

Dar's eyes drifted out to the rainy ground. "I see." A dull throbbing started in the back of her skull. "Wish you'd told me that earlier."

"Didn't know until after six, you'd already left for the airport." Alastair told her. "And anyway.. what more could I do? You're the best we have, Dar.. if you can't solve it, no one can."

Dar rubbed her temples. "All right.. I need someone from Legal to call whoever's in charge of that damn extinguisher company, and threaten them with a full liability lawsuit, naming the officers as personal respondents if they don't give the people here the name of the stuff they put in that god damned system."

"Hell with Legal.. I'll call him.. I know him.. he's my second wife's third ex husband's brother in law." Alastair advised her. "Call you right back."

"Right." Dar disconnected, studying the building thoughtfully. Then she dialed again, glancing over her shoulder "Call Bellsouth.. I'm going to need someone very high up in their provisioning department." Her voice had taken on a grim tone.

"Okay." Kerry got out her own phone, and her palmtop, and checked the number, then dialed, sensing the sudden change in her lover, and feeling a sick gnawing in her guts.

Dar listened for a minute, then heard Mark's voice. "Evening."

"Ah.. Dar.. hi." Mark's voice sounded blurry. "Um… I was just… uh.. "

"Sleeping at your desk." Dar remarked dryly. " Listen.. I need an inventory check.. can we duplicate the setup in NC?"

Momentary silence. "You're kidding, right?" Mark answered, faintly. "You know we can't do that."

"Thought so.. call up Cisco, and find out what they have on hand." Dar sighed. "We're locked out of here." She hung up and faced the doctor. "I need to get in there and get equipment out."

"No way." The woman answered instantly.

"Look.. " Dar started.

"Hey.. I said, no way." Anne put a hand up. "So don’t' try it, lady.. I've said no to a lot worse than you."

Kerry put her hand over the mic on her phone and stepped artfully between the two women, seeing the sudden icy glare settle over her bosses face. "Here.. Dar.. it's some Executive VP of something or other.. was that high enough?" She passed her the phone, watching the flare of Dar's nostrils as she took the instrument.

"Yeah. That's fine." She muttered, taking a breath before half turning away to talk.

"So." Kerry gave the doctor a grim smile. "Any coffee around here?"

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

"Well, that's it." Anne Simmonds closed up her cell phone. "All right, guys.. pack it up." She yelled to her team, then turned to a waiting Dar. "Sorry. They're going to have to bring in a team to scrub the place. Thanks for getting me an answer, though."

Kerry shot a glance at her boss. "What does that mean?" She asked.

"Means the stuff is so toxic, we can't go in there without environmental suits." The doctor answered succinctly. "And I'll be glad to get out of this weather.. you might as well do the same."

"How long?" Dar spoke for the first time, her voice sharp.

The doctor shrugged. "Who knows? Take the team a day.. maybe two to get here.. then probably a week or so." She packed up her kit.

"I can't keep this facility closed a week." Dar stated flatly.

"Well, that's just too bad." Simmonds replied. "Because I'm leaving a trooper there to keep everyone out." She gave Dar a grim smile. "Have a nice day." She shouldered her bag. "Oh, and Ms. Roberts?"

Cold blue eyes watched her silently.

"My boss, Shari, says have a nice day too." She turned, and walked off, joining her group as they got into their van and closed the door, driving off and leaving them in the fitful, freezing weather.

Kerry watched them, then turned and studied her bosses face, which had gone dark, and cold, with a glittering anger in the pale blue eyes that sent a chill down her back. "What was that all about?"

Dar felt the sour taste in the back of her mouth. "Old history." She replied, then returned her attention to the building. "All right. C'mon… we're going to have to do this the hard way." She started towards the tarp the rest of their assembled group was huddled under, at a brisk pace.

"But.. " Kerry caught up to her, tugging her collar up a little. "Dar.. I don't.. um.. "

"Okay, folks." Dar stated, as she ducked under the blue plastic. "Bad news. We don’t' get in for a week, at the least." She pointed to the Bellsouth regional service coordinator who had just arrived. "I need all the circuits in that building stripped, and redropped.. and I need them tonight."

His jaw dropped. "You're joking, right?"

"No." Dar stared him down. "Just get started.. I'll let you know where I need them dropped.." She turned and faced the building manager. "I have seventy Cisco 7200's headed here on a charter… find someone to go pick them up."

His jaw dropped too. "What in the hell are you doing, Dar? You make it sound like we're rebuilding the goddamn complex."

A dark brow lifted. "We are."

"That's impossible." He told her flatly. "There is no way this facility is going to be duplicated overnight."

"Have you ever tried it?" Dar countered, her temper building. "No? Then how do you know it can't be done?" She pointed "Just get moving.. and get me someone here with a truck, who knows the area…and you.. " She pointed at another woman who was muffled in a large macinaw. "Start getting your people back in here. " The staff had been sent home earlier.

"Look.. Dar.. " The regional manager objected.

She whirled on him, and jabbed a finger into his chest. "You want a job tomorrow morning?"

Silence.

"Then start moving your ass." She snarled. "All of you!"

A low muttering sprang up as people started to move, more than one whisper of "crazy" leaking back to Dar's ears. She turned her back on them and walked to the edge of the tarp, staring out into the darkness and trying to calm the churning tension ion her guts.

Kerry took a breath, then stepped up next to her. "Hey..look, Dar… I think he's right.. this is really crazy."

The back facing her stiffened, and it was a long moment before Dar turned her head and looked right at Kerry. Her face was an unreadable mask, but the turmoil in her eyes was unmistakable. "If you don’t' want to help out.. just go back to the car and wait." The taller woman spoke with low intensity. " But don’t stand here and tell me what I can't do.. I don't need that from you."

Kerry felt her knees start to shake, and she sucked in a shocked breath, having not expected the response. She tried to think of something to say, but before she could, Dar simply turned and walked away, out into the darkness. Alone.

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

The freezing rain now matched her mood completely. Dar stared into it, hardly even feeling the sting against her face as the last warm spot inside her dissolved, replaced by a damp bleakness that already regretted her words to Kerry.

Damn it. She tucked her hands under her arms, ignoring the pain the cold was inserting in her joints, and took a quick glance over her shoulder. Kerry had disappeared. The knowledge sank into Dar's guts, and she felt a long moment of just wishing she could scrap the entire night, and go after her.

And say what? Sorry for being an asshole.. it's just something you have to get used to? Wasn't it good old Shari who had told her she'd never have a successful relationship, because she always put everything else ahead of it?

Yeah. Funny she should turn up right at the moment. She let the freezing rain drive against her, numbing her face until heavy footsteps ran up and she turned, to see the Bellsouth supervisor pulling his yellow rain suit tight against him.

"All right.. we've got the pairs pulled out." He told her, scrubbing his face. "Now what? I can't keep those guys up on those poles, Ms. Roberts.. you need to give us some direction here.. we're pulling all the stops out, but I'm not putting my guys in danger, and it's icing up."

More than you know. Dar rubbed her arms, then exhaled. "Okay.. let's see where everyone else is." She led him back to the tarp, ignoring the angry looks she was getting by the rest of the team, channeling her focus only on the goal. "What's the status?'

"Plane just landed with the routers." One man grudgingly admitted, blowing on his hands. "I got a truck… we were about to leave to go pick them up."

"Good." Dar nodded. "Take off."

"Staff's headed back in.. those I could reach." The older woman told her. "But I had to get pretty tough.. no one's happy.. and a few flat out refused."

"Fine." The dark haired woman told her. "Okay, now we just need a.."

"The warehouse next door is empty." Kerry's voice quietly interrupted her. "They have a telco punchdown, and the landlord's on his way with a key."

The flapping of the tarp was suddenly loud, as everyone turned to look at her, and Dar felt an irrational jolt deep in her guts. She studied the set, serious face for a moment. "Thank you, Kerry… good work."

Kerry nodded, and glanced down at the churned, half frozen mud they were standing in.

"All right.. let's move everything over there.. we'll get inside as soon as they open it up.. it'll be warmer and drier at least." Dar stated quietly. "John… that's where we'll need the lines dropped.. I think I spotted a block on the back end of that building."

"Right you are." The Bellsouth manager nodded briskly, pulling out a walkie talkie and speaking into it. "That's an easy swing… they might even be wired for it already.. that used to be a telemarketing operation."

Kerry listened to the conversation, letting it roll over her, until she was aware of footsteps leaving, and then silence. With a sigh, she lifted her head, almost jumping when pale blue eyes met hers. "Oh." She'd thought Dar had gone with them.

They studied each other for a long, pensive moment.

"Sorry about that I.." Kerry started.

"Sorry I snapped at you. .I " Dar rumbled at the same time.

Silence fell again, then Dar released a breath and wiped a weary hand across her face. "You didn't deserve that."

Kerry stepped closer. "No.. I shouldn't have questioned you, Dar." She put out a hesitant hand, and touched Dar's arm, as though reassuring herself. "You needed my support right then, and I blew it."

Dar dropped her eyes to the ground. "I don’t want you to think that." She said, after a moment's thought. "Sometimes you need to question me, Kerry.. I don’t' know all the answers, and sometimes I push too hard… and the result doesn't end up justifying the means." Her eye swept up, in startling honesty. "You should know that." She sighed and looked around. "I don't know if this is the right thing to do… but I don't know what else to try.. and I have to try something."

Kerry nodded, and moved another step closer. "I know… I went over to the truck there and sat down.. and I thought about it.." She paused. "That's why I called about that warehouse.. I knew that's where you had to go next."

Dar lifted a hand and gently laid it alongside her cheek. "Thank you." She murmured, sincerely. "That really was well done…how'd you know about the punch down?"

Kerry smiled, feeling her cold stiffened facial muscles protest. "Modern technology.. I linked up to the local real estate page and did a search on available commercial property in this area.. listed my specifications, and it popped right up." Her eyes twinkled gravely at the widening of Dar's eyes. "Even had the landlord's number there." She added. "He wasn't happy about me calling him at two am, but since I offered twenty percent more than what he was asking, he made an exception, and said he'd get right over here. He lives about ten minutes away."

Dar gave a little shake of the head, then she impulsively pulled Kerry into a hug, reveling in the warmth as the smaller woman wound her arms around her and squeezed really hard. "You're the best."

Kerry smiled in pure relief, ignoring the dampness of Dar's jacket. Then she released her boss, and patted her gently on the side. "And.. hey, Dar?"

"Mm?" The now warm blue eyes regarded her.

Kerry lifted her chin. "If and when you want to talk about the old history.. I'm here."

Dar's eyelids fluttered as she ducked her head for a moment, then raised it. "Thanks." She replied quietly. "Maybe we'll have time this weekend." For a lot of things, she mused.

"Okay." Kerry exhaled. "Well, I think that's our landlord over there… I guess we'd better get started…but Dar, I have to ask you.. we're replacing the routers, but what about the mainframes? We can't duplicate those.. not even if you commandeer half the air force."

Dar slipped an arm over her shoulders and started to walk towards the now lit building behind the operations center. "No… but the mainframes are in a separate room.. they connect over a fiber optic LAN bridge." She pointed. "And the access block is on the roof."

Kerry stared at the roof, then her eyes shifted to a new truck that had just pulled up, bearing the fiber optics division insignia of the telephone company. "Oh.. you're just too good." She turned an admiring gaze on her boss. "That's slick, Dar.. but do we know they have power and are turned on in there? I thought those environmental people turned everything off."

Dar let out a breath. "We'll find out… but we've got a lot to do before then.. and it's going to be a race."

Kerry lifted her head and regarded the growing crowd they were heading towards. "I have a feeling I'm going to be present at yet another Dar Roberts legend in the making."

"Hmm.. let's just hope it's not my swan song." Dar muttered.

Kerry stood back and watched the group disperse inside the large, ill lit warehouse, scattering out from the door and trying to avoid the tumbleweed size dust bunnies that were rolling languidly across the stained carpet. It smelled like a cross between a dirty shed and a mildewed garage, and Kerry wrinkled her nose in pure reaction.

But at least it was warm, sort of, and not raining inside. Dar was standing in the center of the room, her hands on her hips and her eyes regarding the space they had to work with, and Kerry noticed the rain dripping off her jacket with a frown.

"All right." The tall, dark haired woman finally said. "Truck here yet?" She turned to the facility manager. "Thought I heard the engine outside."

He nodded. "Just got here… I'll have them stack the boxes over there, and start unpacking things."

"Right… there should be racks with them, and a spool of Cat 5." Dar told him. "Better start having people make the jumper cables.. I'll work with telco to get the lines dropped in."

"Okay." He rubbed his eyes. "Damn… wish we had an urn of coffee in here." He moved off towards a clump of grumpy looking technicians.

Coffee. Dar wished he hadn't said that. She could feel the day's exhaustion catching up with her, and she had to make a conscious effort to jump start her brain, turning it to the stuff still undone. The cold had stiffened up her muscles as well. With a sigh, she turned, almost slamming right into Kerry. "Wh.. oh.. sorry."

The blond woman pushed a bundle of cloth into her hands. "Here… go change you're making my teeth chatter."

Dar put her hands up in reflex, and found them filled with warm, dry clothes. "Whe…um… thanks." She gave Kerry a grateful smile. "Where's yours?"

Kerry showed her the bag slung over her shoulder. "I'm going to make a quick run out with Mary…" She indicated the day manager who had called in the staff. "When I get back, I'll change…they're offloading the routers now."

Dar nodded. "I know…okay, I'm going to start getting the T1's punched down."

"After you change." Kerry persisted. "Right?"

A soft chuckle. "Right." Dar followed the hastily lettered signs which indicated the rest rooms, and ducked inside the one marked Women, wincing at the smell of rotted grout. "Oh god." She debated holding her breath, then decided passing out would be a bad idea and simply turned her mind to more pleasant thoughts as she quickly stripped out of her soaked clothing. It was almost a sensual experience pulling on the clean, dry denim over her chilled legs, and she quickly tucked the flannel shirt Kerry had retrieved into them, buttoning the jeans closed and tugging on her sweatshirt as well. "Damn, that feels good." She commented to the empty room, gathering up her dripping shirt and pants, and draping them over a stall divider, tucking her drenched underthings into the pants pockets.

Then she sat on the edge of a water basin, tugging on a pair of thick, warm socks and her dry sneakers, letting her hands fall as she finished and reveling in the simple pleasure of being warm and dry after so many hours of damp misery. She wondered briefly how long it would have taken her to do this on her own, feeling a little guilty about having Kerry have to nudge her into it. With a sigh, she stood and gazed at her damp reflection, flicking her fingers through her hair to order it somewhat. "Drowned rat." She told the reflection, which looked wryly back at her. "No wonder everyone thinks you're nuts."

She trudged back out into the open warehouse, only then wondering where Kerry had scooted off to.

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

"Okay.. " Kerry peered out of the windshield. "We need to find a place to get sandwiches or something for everyone… they must be hungry." Of course, she had a personal motive for asking, but it seemed much nobler to think of the group first. "Any 24 hour groceries around here?"

Mary looked at her. "You're joking, right?"

"Come on.. we even had one in Saugatuck." Kerry eyed her. "Okay.. a Seven Eleven.. a Wal Mart.. anything?"

"How about a Big Fat Boy's Eat Em All?" Mary asked, with a perfectly serious face. "They've got some good pie."

Kerry held her breath to keep from giggling nervously. "Oh.. okay.. sure.. "

"And there's a Stop and Shop.. if you want." The woman added.

"Both." Kerry nodded firmly. "Um… the restaurant first… do they take credit cards?"

Mary just laughed.

"Okay then.. the stop and shop first.. maybe they have an ATM." Kerry sighed.

The other woman put the car in gear and headed out, driving the dark back roads for twenty minutes before pulling into a lonely looking, but fairly well lit convenience store. They got out and entered, and Kerry wasn't surprised to find they were the only patrons. She went to the obviously brand new ATM, standing in a place of pride near the slurpee machine and selected her corporate card, swiping it and keying in her id number. She considered a moment, then entered an amount, idly imagining an electronic gasp from the machine as it thought about her request. Finally it grudgingly gave up the cash, and she tucked her card away, turning around and prowling the aisles thoughtfully.

What a selection. She sighed, going up to the cashier, who was watching her with sleepy eyes. "May I have a box, please?" The man gave her a puzzled look, but went into a back room and came out with a cardboard carton, which he handed to her wordlessly. "Thank you." Kerry took it over to the shelf and scooped the meager choices of Twinkies and other goods into it. She stuck to recognizable items, leaving some dubiously packaged sweet rolls behind, and lugged the box up to the front. "Ring that up, please." She told the man, before she went to the freezer case and studied it. A brief grin crossed her lips, and she tugged the case open, retrieving an item and bringing it back to the cashier. "Okay." She paid the man, then claimed her box and followed Mary outside.

"I can't believe you're doing this." The woman commented, opening the trunk for her and watching as she put the box inside.

Kerry was about to answer, when a shadowy figure wandered over.

"Hey there cute stuff." His bearded face was slightly flushed, and he walked with a tiny stagger. "You look all wet.. lemme dry you off." He put a hand out, but Kerry evaded him. "Hey.."

"No thanks.. I'm fine.. but thank you for offering." The blond woman backed off, moving around to the side of the car.

"Aw.. c'mon.. " The man staggered after her, surrounded by a queasy cloud of alcoholic stench. "Nice little thing like you… c'mere… I won't hurtcha… "

"No.. really. .I'm fine.. " Kerry waited, as Mary unlocked her side and reached inside to unlock Kerry's door. "No.. stop.. "

He grabbed her jacket, and pulled her closer, bloodshot eyes eagerly looking at her face.

Kerry sighed. "I'm just not in the mood for this." She wrenched her arm free, then grabbed his hand, swiveling around and pulling him over her shoulder in a well practiced move that landed him on his butt in the freezing mud. Then she yanked the door to the car open and dropped into the seat, slamming the door shut and shaking her head with a muttered comment. "Jerk."

Mary started the car without a word, and pulled out.

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

"Did they send an Ethernet hub?" Dar leaned on the newly assembled racks, and watched as yet another box was unpacked. The musty smell of the warehouse was almost completely overrun with the scent of newly opened electronics, and the worn and dirty carpet was covered with tired looking techs busy making cables and assembling wiring harnesses.

"Yeah.. it's over there." The man she was addressing pointed without looking up, busy on his task and oblivious to the asker.

Dar didn't mind. She went over to the box he'd indicate and stuck her head inside, spotting the item she was looking for and tugging it out, pulling it free of the bubble wrap packing and dusting the top off. "Great." She limped over to a hastily set up table and set the box down, pulling a small pocket knife out of her jeans pocket and slitting the tape on the top of the container. Her eyes scanned the device, then she lifted it from it's nest of packing and carried it over to the first rack, sliding it into place above the first of the routers and screwing it down. "There… if the patches are ready, we can start hooking these damn things up."

"Right." The facility manager agreed wearily, plugging the hub into power. "At least they sent surge suppressors.. but I'm glad we found those extension cords in the basement here."

"Mm.' Dar agreed, flipping the switches on the installed routers. "Oh shit… " She rubbed her temples. "I need a damn straight through serial cable and 9pin to program these damn things."

John cursed softly. "Christ.. all right.. let me see what we have.. maybe I can have someone wire a piece of Cat 5 in serial."

Dar leaned against the rack for a moment, the straightened and moved over to where the telco technicians were screwing down two huge blocks and wiring. "How's it going?" She asked, examining the jacks. "Nice."

The nearer tech looked up. "Just about done.. ya got lucky, lady.. this is the only multi jack in this part of the Carolinas.. I got no idea how you got inventory to give it up to us."

Dar's nostrils flared. "I'd tell you, but I'd have to kill you." She joked faintly, recalling a twenty minute, top of her lungs, cursing in two languages conversation with a mid level infrastructure manager at the phone company. "Can we start plugging in?"

He finished one last screw into the peeling paint on the punch down board. "Yeah…you got drop cables?" He looked up as Dar lifted a handful of the requested items. "Oh.. right." He took the handful and started plugging them in while Dar connected the other end to the equipment. "What time is it, anyhow?"

Dar checked her watch. "Four thirty." She winced. "All right.. is the fiber drop in?"

"Almost." The man remarked, moving towards the door.

Dar finished her task, the she stepped back, and regarded the assembly of equipment. "What a mess." There were wires everywhere, connecting the routers, and the interconnecting hubs, not to mention the power cables running everywhere. Green and red leds were beginning to blink on the routers, and she ran a hand through her hair, trying to shove back the exhaustion as she figured out what needed to happen next. Oh. Right. She pulled her cell phone out and dialed.

"MIS." The voice answered.

"Mark… okay.. we've got the.. " Dar started.

"Circuits up.. yeah, I see them.. but they aren't terminated yet." Mark replied, amidst a rattle of keys. "Shit, that was fast, Dar.. what did you do, coerce the entire phone company?"

Dar sighed. "We got lucky.. there were already terminator blocks in this damn warehouse… they just had to assign the pairs." She found a box to sit down on and took a deep breath. "That was the easy part.. now I have to configure the routers, and get the fiber line in… and hope to god those damn mainframes are still running off the generator, or we're doing this for shit."

"You sound beat." Mark commented quietly.

"Been a long day." Dar acknowledged, letting her elbows rest on her knees and allowing her eyes to close momentarily. "Wish I had some.. " She stopped talking, and looked up as the smell of fresh coffee hit her nose, and found warm green eyes gazing back at her. "Oh, are you a sight for sore eyes." She murmured.

Mark chuckled in her ear. "Tell Kerry I said hi." He remarked wryly

Kerry handed her the large cup of coffee and took the phone from her. "Hi Mark.. can we call you back?" She waited for the answer, then hung up. "Sorry it took so long.. you have no idea how hard it is to find open places up here at this time of day." She looked around. "Wow."

Dar sucked on her coffee without comment, feeling some life come back into her as the warm, sweet liquid hit her stomach. "I was about to send out a search party." She advised her lover. "We've got the circuits up, but… " Dar let a tendril of doubt in. "Damn, Kerry.. I don't know if we can do this… there's just so much to get done." She cast a glance over her shoulder at the half assembled system. "Maybe I was crazy to try."

Kerry gazed at her in concern.. Dar's face and her arms were covered with smudges of dust and dirt from the equipment, and there were dark circles under her eyes, visible even in the dim light. "Dar… if you didn't belive this was going to work.. you wouldn't have done it." She sat down next to her boss. "I brought back food for everyone… that should help… and I can program the routers, if you give me a chance to change first."

The bloodshot blue eyes lifted and regarded her. "That's right..you are Cisco certified, aren't you?" Dar let a reluctant smile tug her lips. "Go change.. I have the making up cables for the laptops… if we both work on it, we can get enough done so that the other techs can get in and start downloading the routing tables."

"You got it." Kerry slung her bag over her shoulders and headed for the rest room, changing quickly and hanging her wet clothing next to Dar's. She returned to find her boss hunched over a box, studying the screen on her laptop. The silvery reflection flickered over her tanned features, which shifted as Kerry put her own laptop down next to her. "Okay." The blond woman smiled as a tech handed her a cable. "Thanks." She plugged it in, then ran the other end to one of the routers. "Oh. I'll be right back."

Dar nodded, absorbed in her screen. "Let's hope I remember how to do this." She muttered, shoving down her annoyance that they'd been unable to locate the hardware group for the facility, meaning that only she and Kerry really knew how to get in and program the complicated devices. "It's been a while." The scent of cooked food spread through the room and most of the techs had wandered over to where Kerry had left the boxes, leaving Dar in relative isolation as she puzzled through the software.

The screen started to fuzz out, and she stopped after what seemed like the twentieth screen, leaning back and rubbing her eyes, as her back protested against her hunched posture. "I think that's it.'" She commented to Kerry, who knelt at her side. "Wh.. "

"Open wide." Kerry instructed, capturing her gaze.

Dar stared, uncomprehending, then hesitantly opened her mouth, startled when a spoonful of cold, chocolate ice cream was deposited into it. She blinked a few times. "Mm." She swallowed the rich cream. "Was that Haagen Daz?"

"Yes." Kerry informed her, offering up another spoonful. "And don't you ask me where I found chocolate Haagen Daz in the middle of backwoods North Carolina, okay?" She watched Dar's whole attitude perk up, and was convinced if the dark haired woman had possessed a tail, it would have wagged enthusiastically. "It's amazing what ice cream does to you, did you know that?"

Dar licked her lips. "Hey.. it beats recreational drugs." She remarked wryly. "What did you bring the rest of these guys?"

Kerry glanced over her shoulder. "The best of 'Big Fat Boy's All U Kin Eat buffet." She told her boss, taking a spoon of ice cream for herself. "And a box of Twinkies, Snowballs, Ring Dings, and Mallomars."

The dark haired woman covered her mouth quickly, and stifled an almost hysterical laugh. "Did you get some buffet?" She managed to ask. "Damn.. I thought it was more.. uh… "

"You're joking, right?" Kerry fed her more ice cream. "I'd like to live to get back to Miami, thanks.. and I got the lecture that yes, during the day, it's much more sophisticated around here… but those places roll up the sidewalks at night, because all the workers go home."

"Well.. " Dar accepted another spoon and chewed it contentedly. "It was a good idea, though.. it might give everyone enough energy to get through the morning." She paused, and regarded her lover. "So, no buffet for you?"

Kerry sucked on the spoon. "Um.. no.. actually.. I… " She made a tiny face. "I have a weakness for Snowballs." She admitted, a touch embarrassed. "That was enough sugar to get me going."

Dar laughed. "Ah! I see…. " She teased gently. "Those white ones, with the chocolate insides?"

Green eyes batted their golden lashes at her. "Yeah." She confessed, a little shamefacedly.

"Wanna share a pack?" Dar inquired, one brow lifting.

Kerry cleared her throat. "Oh.. no, I'm okay.. I… " Then she glanced up. 'Well, maybe one."

Dar grinned, finding the energy to stand up, and stretch. She could feel her own determination returning, and she glanced out over the room, planning her next move.

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

Dawn broke, turning the darkness outside to a dull gray as the rain continued. Inside the warehouse, it was marked only by a break for coffee, from the multitude of thermos bottles that littered the worktable.

"All right, Mark." Dar leaned against the wall, crossing her ankles and exhaling. "Can you see them?"

Clicking. "No.. no.. wait." More clicking. "Ah.. yep.. there they are…"

Dar closed her eyes in utter relief. "All of them?"

"Wait.. I'm getting Unicenter booted." The MIS chief muttered. "Hang on.. hang on… okay.. yeah." He confirmed. "I'm seeing all the gateways, and both backbones." A beat. "Wow… tremendous work, boss… that kicks ass."

Dar let her head rest against the wall. "I had a lot of help." She muttered. "Okay… now.. I'm going to boot the fiber hub." She reached over, and flipped a switch.

Across the room, bodies were slumped on the carpet, or leaning against the far walls, and the door kept opening fitfully, letting in cold, damp air.

"I don’t' see it." Mark's voice cut through her exhaustion.

"Shit." Dar shoved her body off the wall and examined the piece of equipment. "I don’t.. it's connected… let me.. "

"Did you set the IP?" Mark asked, gently.

Dar thought about it. "I don't remember." She glanced up as Kerry came over. "Mark sees the backbones and the routers.. but not this box.. did we program it?"

Kerry brought the laptop over, and connected it, then ran through a few screens. "Nope." She typed in a few commands, then reset the unit. 'Try now."

Mark clicked a bit, then grunted. "Got it." He entered several commands rapidly. "Needs the secondary table though.. hang on.. I'm in there… I can download it from here.. wait.. okay." He sighed. "Got it.. got it… you're going to have to IPL the mainframes, though."

Dar and Kerry exchanged glances. "What?" Dar asked. "I thought they were up?"

"They are." Mark said. "But the ports shut down when you don’t' have activity after a certain point… it's a bug or something.. you need to reset them."

Dar let out an explosive breath. "Son of a fucking bitch.. Mark, we can't get in there." She told him. "Cant' you remote IPL?"

"Has to be a hardware reset." The MIS chief responded. "God, Dar… I'm sorry.. I knew that, in the back of my head, I should have told you before.. I didn't realize… "

No. Dar let her head smack against the wall, and she cursed softly under her breath.

Kerry chewed her lip in thought, watching her lover anxiously. "What if we cut the building generator off and on?" She asked suddenly. "It's outside."

Dar stared at her, then dropped the phone onto the fiber rack and took hold of the blond woman, kissing her soundly in full view of the room. "I love you." She patted Kerry's cheek, as she headed past her towards the door.

Kerry stood rooted in place, stunned beyond speech. She had her back to everyone and could almost feel the eyes beating against the back of her head. Finally, she picked up the cell phone and cleared her throat. "Um.. hi."

Mark also cleared his throat. "Hi." He responded. "Guess she liked that idea, huh?"

"Uh.. yeah." Kerry winced, as she slowly turned, relieved to see most of the techs still passed out and paying no attention to her. There were a handful of bemused faces, though, and she mustered a weak smile for them. "I just hope it works."

"Hey… that sure beats Q bucks." One tech laughed. "I think I'll move down to Miami.. they got a better bonus plan." A round of tired laughter followed.

Kerry scrubbed a hand across her reddening face, and sighed. "I'm gonna kill her for that." She muttered, then glanced up as Dar reentered the building.

"All right folks.. we've got fifteen minutes, and we'll know if this all has been worth it." The dark haired woman announced. "And if it is, or isn't… I'd like to say thanks to all of you who hung in there…I know we asked a lot."

A weary silence fell over them, and everyone settled in to watch the routers, whose traffic led's were dark. Dar walked over to where Kerry was standing and slid down the wall, clasping her hands lightly in front of her.

Waiting.

Kerry sat down next to her and fiddled with the phone, sitting cross legged and resting her elbows on her knees.

Fifteen minutes passed, and there was no change in the lights. Dar closed her eyes and let her head drop in defeat, hardly feeling Kerry's hand on her arm. Of all the times to fail, she had to pick this one. She refused the hear the disappointed murmur that echoed around the ill lit room, as the tired waves finally crashed over her.

"It was a damn good try." Kerry rested her head against Dar's shoulder.

"Not good enough." Came the whispered reply.

The blond woman moved closer, accidentally jerking the power plug of the fiber hub from the wall. 'Oh.. crap" She shoved it back in with an annoyed grimace. "For all the good that'll do." She muttered, turning her attention to her lover. "Hey.. c'mon.. no one could have done any more, Dar."

"Hey!" A tinny voice distracted her, and she lifted the phone.

"What is it, Mark? It didn't work." Kerry admitted.

"Bullshit.. yes it did!" The MIS chief yelled. "I'm getting packets!!"

Dar's head jerked up on hearing that, and they both stared at the router racks, where led's were coming alive in an electronic dance. "Son of a bitch."

Yells were now coming from the techs, who were pointing at the routers.

"Wow!" Kerry let out a surprised, and delighted laugh. "I guess it just took a few minutes longer… "

"No.. " Dar looked up at the hub over her head. "You did it.. you reset the optics hub." She grabbed Kerry and hugged her. "You did it!"

Dumbfounded, Kerry stared at her. "I did it?" She jerked around and looked at the plug. "It was an accident!"

"Waaahoo!" Mark yodeled through the phone. "Infriggingcredible, Dar! Give that woman a kiss for me."

Blue eyes now alive with mischief fastened on Kerry's face. "Oh.. I think I can do that." She stood up and pulled Kerry up with her, as a round of tired cheers went up around the room.

"Uh.. Dar?" Kerry whispered frantically. "Um.. you know, I love when you kiss me.. I really, really do, but um… could we just kinda… " She jerked her head in the direction of the watching technicians. "I feel like a video game."

Dar chuckled. "All right.." She relented, draping an arm over Kerry's shoulder instead, and walking towards the now excitedly talking group. She took the phone from Kerry. "So.. everything coming online?"

"OH.. yes… " Mark chuckled. "Oh wait.. there's the hotline.. figures, sun just started coming up." He rustled around. "MIS Ops, Polenti." A pause. "Hmm? Oh.. yeah, we're up.. no problem." Another pause. "Yep.. that too.. .the whole network's online." A longer pause. "Yeah, I've got her on the other line.. wh…ok…I'll relay that.. thanks." He hung up. "Hey, Dar?"

"Yeah?" Dar replied, accepting the cries of congratulations from the crowd.

"Alastair said to tell you he slept like a baby." The MIS chief related. "He said you'd understand."

She let a brief, humorless smile cross her face. "Yeah.. I understand." She replied. "All right.. let me get off this thing… I'm going to make sure this is stable, then go get some sleep." The thought of a warm bed, and snuggling with Kerry was suddenly overwhelmingly attractive. "Later." She hung up and tucked the phone into her pocket.

Fresh staff was entering the building, cautiously peering around the doorframe until they spotted familiar faces. A supervisor was busy making a schedule, and two other new faces were pulling out monitoring consoles from boxes and setting them up. "We did it." Dar stated, in a wondering tone. "I don't believe it."

Kerry exhaled. "We sure did." She confirmed.

They both looked up as someone called Dar's name out. A man trotted towards them, pulling up as he reached their sides.

"Ms. Roberts?" He asked. "There's some people outside… I think it's the environmental people.. they want to see you."

Dar went very still. "Same people as last night?" She asked cautiously.

He nodded. "Yeah.. that same doctor.. but she said her boss is here.. wants to talk to you." He made a face. "They were kinda rude about it." He added, then turned as someone called him, and moved off.

Kerry looked up at Dar's face, seeing the confusion and reluctance there. "You want me to take care of this?" She asked bluntly.

Pale blue eyes flicked to hers. "Thanks.. but.. um.. I'd better go." Dar told her heavily. "You wait here.. it shouldn't take long.. since I don’t' really care when they clear the other building now.. as long as we keep the generators going."

Kerry didn't back off. "Sure you don't want company?" She had no idea what was spooking Dar so badly, but she was damned if she wasn't going to find out. "Two of them.. only fair if there are two of us."

Dar hesitated. "Her boss and I have a history." She finally admitted.

"I gathered." The blond woman answered quietly. "That was the old history, right?"

A nod. "Yes."

"Dar, it's been a really long night.. you're tired… let me go take care of them for you." Kerry pleaded gently, seeing the stark indecision in Dar's eyes. "Or at least let me come, too."

She gave in. "All right." Dar ran a hand through her hair. "Let's get it over with… I want to get out of here." She picked up Kerry's duffel, and slung it over her shoulder. "We can just go after that."

They walked out, side by side, into a gray drizzle.

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

It was almost like her stomach was twisting into knots. Kerry paced along side her boss, watching the jaw muscles bunch and relax on the side of her face as they moved around to where the networking office was. Two figures were standing under the overhang out of the rain, and Kerry almost felt Dar bristle as she spotted them.

This was potentially very ugly, she realized, studying toe two people. One was Dr. Simmonds, she knew. The other, a taller, stocker woman with sun streaked chestnut hair was standing quietly, watching Dar like a hawk as they approached. Kerry had an immediate, very visceral desire to kick her in the shins, and had to wonder about her newly found physical nature.

"Hey, Dar!" A voice interrupted them, and they stopped, turning to let a jogging figure catch up. It was the Bellsouth regional manager, who held a hand out to Dar as he came up to them. "Hear it worked.. congratulations!"

Dar mustered a smile, and took his hand. "You made it happen." She amiably told him. "You guys really came through for us.. don't think I'll forget that."

They were close enough for the two women to overhear, Kerry realized, and she saw their faces fall. A grin worked it's way onto her face. "Yes.. it really was great working with you." She added, shaking his hand as well. "Your techs were wonderful… they got us back up with no problem." She made sure her voice was a little louder than necessary.

"Well, thanks.. " He grinned. "Can I treat you ladies to an old fashioned country breakfast?"

Dar regretfully declined. "We've got things to take care of.. but thanks for the offer." She nodded towards the waiting women. "I think the scientists have something to tell us."

"Right.. well, you take care." He waved, then trotted off, hailing one of the techs nearby.

"You know, Dar.. " Kerry fell into step beside her as they resumed their stroll. "If I didn’t know better. I'd say those people were disappointed to hear things worked out." Her eyes flicked to their targets.

"Mm." Dar murmured. "You could be right." She swallowed, to get the cotton out of her mouth, and tried to ignore the pounding of her heartbeat, very aware of Shari's eyes on her. She summoned her coldest, fiercest outer persona, and wrestled it into place.

"Dar?" Kerry's voice dropped to a low murmur.

"Hmm?" She ducked her head a little, nervously clenching and unclenching her fists.

"I love you."

Dar blinked, then looked up as they came even with the two women. Shari who? "You needed to speak with me?" She asked amiably, feeling the dread fall away, nudged aside by the living, breathing acknowledgement that Shari had been wrong, all those years ago. Her eyes met her old lover's, and she gave her a small nod of acknowledgement. "Hello, Shari."

"Dar." The woman answered, in a low, musical voice. Her eyes flicked to Kerry's face, then an eyebrow rose.

"Sorry.. " Dar felt a smile edging her lips. "This is my associate, Kerrison Stuart.. Kerry, this is Shari Englewood. "

"Pleased to meet you." Kerry responded politely, extending a hand, and returning the firm grip with one of her own.

An awkward silence fell. "Would you two please excuse us." Shari finally said. "I'd like to speak with Ms. Roberts in private."

Dr. Simmonds ducked away immediately, seemingly glad to get out of the situation, but Kerry paused for a long moment, gazing at the chestnut haired woman steadily before she took the duffle from Dar and gave her boss a quick grin. "See you at the car."

Dar half turned her face, and winked at her. "Won't be long." She watched Kerry stride off towards the vehicle, ducking her head against the still falling rain. Then she turned back and folded her arms over her chest.

And waited. The cool gray eyes studied her, and she returned the look without flinching, keeping her expression noncommittal. Shari hadn't changed much, save that she'd gotten a bit heavier, and her face had taken on a colder, more predatory expression. She was, Dar acknowledged, still very attractive, and the look of those familiar eyes brought up old, and painful memories she tried to shove back down.

"You haven't changed much." Shari finally said. "You still running around doing their dirty work?"

Dar refused to take offense. "Sure." She drawled. "Only now they pay me more to do it., and I've got an office in the penthouse." It gave her quite a bit of satisfaction to say that, and a tiny smirk caught the edge of her lip as the jibe registered. "And incidentally, if the chemical team finds no trace of your dangerous substance, you'll find the bill for this sitting on your desk."

"Oh, they'll find it." She responded. "I wouldn't have bothered making that up.. I was just so happy to hear it was going to screw you up, that I had to come see for myself." Her eyes wandered over Dar's body. "But you pulled out the fucking rabbit out of your ass again, didn't you?" She snorted. "That sucks, Dar.. I should have come over last night, when Anne told me you were tearing your hair out."

"Sorry to disappoint you." Dar replied. "Now, unless you actually have something to say, I have a Jacuzzi and a nice warm bed waiting." She let a frank grin shape her lips, watching the minute reaction in Shari's pale eyes.

A tiny shake of her head followed. "I'd forgotten how different you look when you smile." The other woman mused. "You going to be in town long, Dar?"

Uh oh. "Just until tonight… then I'm heading up into the mountains for a few days." She replied, cautiously. "Why?"

A shrug. "Thought maybe we could just sit down and talk for a few minutes." She paused. "You seeing anyone?"

Dar could hardly believe what she was hearing, and she felt a cool anger start to brew. "Yes." She answered quietly. "Despite your prediction."

A soft snort. "I'd love to meet… her?" She wrinkled her nose in question.

Dar caught her balance. "You just did." She answered mildly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to be going." She gave Shari a nod, then turned and started back towards the car.

"I hope she knows what she's getting into." Shari yelled after her.

Dar stopped, and turned. "You were right about something." She gazed at her through the icy drizzle. "I had no idea what love was." She watched in savage satisfaction as the comment was understood, then she turned her back and walked off.

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

Kerry was glad it was light out, at least. She was tired, and she knew her reflexes were suffering, but the traffic was very light. "Right turn up there?" She asked softly, her eyes flicking to her companion.

Dar nodded.

Kerry was worried. Dar had been withdrawn since she'd gotten back into the car, allowing her head to rest against the glass of the window, her reflection bleakly evident to Kerry's watching eyes. A little hesitantly, she reached over and folded her hand over her lover's, encouraged when the long fingers tightened over hers immediately. "You okay?"

"Yeah." Dar sighed. "Just tired." She turned her head and studied Kerry's profile. "I think I need a nap."

Kerry glanced at her. "Me too." She confessed. The blond woman waited a beat, then took a breath. "That woman still bothering you?"

The jaw muscles along Dar's face clenched, the relaxed. "It… she just brought up some old, bad memories… that's all."

"Mm… " Kerry waited, but nothing else came. "Anything you want to share?'

Dar thought about that a long time, as rows of damp, gray shadowed trees went past them. "I.." She stopped, then cleared her throat. "I never…I've never really talked about any of that with anyone before…maybe a pair of friendly ears would help." It was, she acknowledged privately, a huge chasm she'd just leapt over, but Kerry couldn’t know that.

The corners of Kerry's mouth crinkled up, as she guided the car carefully across the slick road and up a long driveway, where a sign announced the presence of the hotel they were staying at. "I think that could be arranged." She pulled the car up under the valet parking overhang, and put it in park. "C'mon."

Dar willingly followed her up the stairs, shouldering her overnight bag and giving the valet a brief smile as Kerry turned the keys over to him. They approached the desk, and Dar gave her name quietly to the desk clerk. 'We were supposed to check in last night, but… "

"Yes, Ms. Roberts.. your office called and told us." The woman smiled at her. "We held the room.. it's no problem.. and um.. " She chuckled a little. "I think you have a little surprise waiting up there."

Dar and Kerry exchanged wary glances. "A surprise?" Dar asked. "What kind of surprise?"

The woman smiled cheerfully at her. "Now.. if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise… but don’t' worry. It's nothing bad." She handed over the room keys. "Here you go… we have room service available twenty four hours, and you're on the concierge floor, so you can just ask as you get off the elevator if you need anything."

Dar sighed. "Thanks." She took the key and gave Kerry hers, then followed the smaller woman as they went to the elevator. "I hate surprises." She groused.

Kerry patted her belly tolerantly. "C'mon, Dar.. it's probably a fruit basket." She scolded her boss. "Would you relax? All the hotels do that for VIP's nowadays."

"Mmph." Dar leaned back against the elevator wall and tried to stifle a yawn. "Yeah.. I guess." She waited for the doors to open then pushed off the back wall and trudged through them, giving the pink and wide eyed concierge a nod before moving past his desk.

Their room was on a corner, and Dar pushed the keycard in, then pulled it out, turning the handle when the light flashed on and shoving the door open.

The scent of chocolate hit them and stopped them both in their tracks. "Whoa." Dar got out, as she flipped the lights on.

It was a large room, with a wide window and one big, comfortable looking bed. A door to one side led to a bathroom, and one on the other side to a tiled Jacuzzi. In front of them was a round table, which was currently covered with a huge, completely stuffed, overflowing basket of assorted things of the species chocolate. Dar found herself staring at it with a stupid grin. "Oo."

Kerry peeked past her. "Thought you didn't like surprises?" She commented, giving her boss a slap on the behind as she moved past her to put her bag down.

"Tell you what.. anytime you want to surprise me with fifty pounds of chocolate, you go right ahead." Dar responded, plucking the card from the ornate holder and examining it. "It's from Alastair."

"Gee." Kerry grinned. "What a surprise." She came over and peeked at the card. "That's really sweet of him."

"Well." Dar poked into the basket's contents. "Considering we just saved his gray flannel butt, it's not unprecedented." She glanced at Kerry. "There were twelve major accounts on the line if we hadn't gotten that stuff working this morning."

Kerry stopped dead, and stared at her. "Why didn't you tell me that?" She asked, stung.

Dar glanced at the table top, and fiddled with the card. "No sense in both of us being worried sick.. I guess.. I don't know… I should have." She gave Kerry a contrite look. "Not that you could have done more than you were doing." She paused awkwardly. "I'm sorry."

Kerry gave her a vexed look. "No.. but it would explain why you were so damned tense." She started to go on, then saw the almost imperceptible flinch in Dar's face. Not now, Kerry. Her mind warned her. Not now.. she's tired, you're tired, and she apologized for not saying anything. Just drop it. "Jesus, Dar.. .tell me next time, huh? So I can chew my nails along with you?" She gave her boss a lopsided grin.

Dar relaxed a little. "I will." She promised, stripping off her jacket and hanging it up in the small closet. "Wonder how long it'll take us to get through that basket." She turned a grin of her own on Kerry.

The blond woman gazed at the huge thing in trepidation. "I think we'll get sick to our stomachs if we try." She commented wryly, taking off her own jacket and tugging her shirt out from her jeans. "He must have worked pretty fast… it's not even nine o clock."

"Well.." Dar pulled off her sneakers and tossed them near her bag, then slipped her sweatshirt over her head, dropping it neatly on the chair before unbuttoning her flannel shirt and removing it. "If I could get seventy T1 circuits and routers installed before dawn, I guess he could handle a basket of chocolate." She leaned back and stretched, wincing as both shoulders popped before she straightened and ran her fingers through her hair, rubbing the back of her neck. "God, I'm tired." She admitted. "I'm glad that's over…we can rest here until dinnertime, then drive up to the cabin. It's about an hour from here.. and it looked like the weather's clearing a little."

"Sounds good to me." Kerry ambled over to her, already having shed her pants and half unbuttoned her shirt, while she worked on unfastening Dar's jeans. Her fingers slid easily under the waistband, and she unhooked the first button, letting her thumbs trace the ripple of muscles just under the skin. She leaned forward and gently kissed the soft skin, feeling the ribs move under her lips in an uneven breath.

Then the room's air was cool against her skin as Dar peeled her shirt off, the taller woman's hands sliding slowly down her arms, then releasing them and moving across her ribcage, causing a jolt of pure sensation as the wandering fingers brushed over her breasts. "Thought you were tired. " Kerry burred, nuzzling her face against a soft curve.

"The smell of all that chocolate must have woken me up." Dar replied, catching a thin fold of skin between her teeth and nibbling it gently. "Thought you were tired?"

Kerry undid the second button and moved lower, tracing the edge of her lover's navel, then working up to the tip of her breastbone. "I wish I could blame it on the chocolate." She murmured, inhaling greedily. "But it's not that smell that's giving me these goosebumps."

"Mm.. yeah.. lookit that." Dar's fingertip made a lazy trail across her shoulder, then her lips traced the same path, as her body woke fully, forgetting about the long night and the frustrations of the day. Even the last, haunting echoes of the past caused by Shari's appearance faded, replaced by the solid, comforting present now wrapped around her body. She stepped out of her jeans, finding herself being tugged towards the bed, and she gladly tumbled into it, her arms full of warm, bare skin.

Kerry rolled her over, and pounced on top of her, ending up with Dar's earlobe lightly caught between neat white teeth. " You let me know.. " She whispered in a muffled tone. "When I start squashing you, okay?"

Dar chuckled low in her throat, and gave her a pat on the butt. "Not a problem…I hardly feel it." Which wasn't quite true, but close enough. She stretched and wrapped her legs around Kerry's, and surrendered herself to a pleasant wave of passion.

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

The phone rang, dragging Kerry out of a sound sleep, and she fumbled the receiver off the hook, managing to get it somewhere near her ear. "Yeah?" She cleared her throat. "I'm sorry.. I mean hello?"

"Hey.." Mark's voice echoed weirdly. "Kerry?"

She pulled her wits around her, gently moving away from Dar's warm body. "Eyah. I'm here…. Go on." She paused. "Mark?" A glance at the clock told her it was close to four pm, and she rubbed her eyes, having been startled out of a weird, but interesting dream.

"Dar there?" Mark inquired.

Kerry glanced down at the long, powerful arm circling her stomach and grinned quirkily. "She's here.. she's sleeping.. what's up?"

"Oh.. nothing really… um… she should probably.. uh.. check her email when she gets a chance. "Mark said, innocently. "You know… nothing urgent."

"Actually. .I was going to ship the laptops back to Miami… I was hoping for a few days without them." Kerry admitted. "Is it something important, Mark?"

He chuckled softly "Nah.. Sunday night'll be fine… she'd just might want to check it before Monday morning, though." A rattle of keystrokes. "By the way, you guys are furking big time no shit heroes around here today."

"I bet." Kerry let herself back down onto the pillow, and snuggled back against Dar, who immediately hugged her closer. "Mm."

"What was that?" Mark asked.

"Uh.. I was just agreeing." Kerry mentally slapped herself. "Well, I'm glad everyone's happy about it… I guess there'll one huge meeting on Monday, though, huh?" She sighed. "That'll be a trip…I can just imagine the arguments."

Mark chuckled. "Uh… well, yeah.. it's certainly going to be quite a Monday." He agreed. "Listen.. you guys have a great time up there, okay? Relax, take it easy… unwind a little."

Kerry yawned. "Will do… I'll bring you back some maple syrup or pecans or whatever the heck they have up here." She listened to the laughter, then hung up, and allowed her body to sink back down into the warm pit she'd been resting in, while she sleepily regarded the quiet, peaceful room.

Dar was really out, she knew, glancing back over her shoulder. The taller woman had fallen asleep after they'd made love, and had hardly moved an inch in the intervening hours. Kerry debated going back to sleep herself, then realized they'd have to start moving around shortly if they wanted to get up to the cabin.

"First things first." She decided, reaching for the phone. "The only thing we've both eaten in the last twenty four hours just about is a half dozen Snowballs and a gallon of coffee. Even Dar can't live on that."

"Sure I can." The soft mumble tickled her ear. "That's.. what.. two of the food groups, right?"

"Shh." Kerry dialed the phone, after checking a card on the dresser. "Hi, this is..oh, you know what my room number is, great." She said, as someone answered. "I see you've got pizzas? Okay.. can I have two small.. " She got a poke in the ribs. "Um.. sorry.. two medium pizzas.. one a vegetable combo, the other with.. " She gave Dar a look. "sausage, and pepperoni on it." Another poke. Kerry sighed. "And extra cheese."

Dar grinned, and nuzzled the back of her neck.

"Thanks.. and a pitcher of ice tea, please… excuse me? Oh.. yes, no… that'll be fine." Kerry finished ordering and hung up, then squirmed around in Dar's arms and regarded her fondly. "Mark says we're heroes."

"I bet." The dark haired woman responded sleepily, her eyes still closed. "Guess we gotta get moving, huh?"

"Mm.." Kerry idly traced a tiny scar on her lover's chin. "You said you wanted to get up there before dark." She watched as Dar's eyelids fluttered open, revealing her startlingly blue eyes, and allowing Kerry to gaze into them.

To drown in them. Slowly, she leaned forward and kissed Dar lightly on the forehead, then hugged her, unable to either define, nor explain the suddenly overwhelming sense of devotion and connection she felt.

This was just so precious, she wanted to cradle it gently in her hands, and never let it go. Dar's hand smoothed the back of her hair in a familiar gesture, and she let herself sink into the embrace, feeling a resonance chime deep inside her.

"Hey." Dar whispered softly, a worried tone in her voice. "You all right?"

Kerry nodded mutely, breathing in the scent of the dark haired woman's skin. The feeling subsided, leaving her only conscious of a pervasive warmth, that she could almost feel running between them, leaving her body and entering Dar's, and coming back again. "Yeah… yeah.. I'm fine… " She took a deep breath and let it out, aware of the beating heart under her ear. "Just felt like hugging you.. that's all."

The long fingers slid down the side of her neck and lifted her chin, and she had no choice but to look up at Dar, knowing she was wide open to her, and helpless, tears edging wetly around her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Her lover asked softly, capturing a tear with one thumb, and gazing at her anxiously. "Did.. something happen? Did…wh… "

She felt Dar's heartbeat pick up, under the fingers she had pressed against her chest. "N…nothing…. I.. I don't know.. I just.. it got really intense there for a minute.. I'm not really sure why.. maybe I'm just overtired." She put her head back down and stroked Dar's side gently, needing the touch. "Felt so weird."

Blue eyes now alert flicked over her, as Dar took in a careful breath and released it. "Well…I mean.. it felt kinda nice." She offered, hesitantly. "Kinda.. warm." She started stroking Kerry's hair again, and felt the smaller woman relax against her completely, her body going totally limp. They stayed like that for almost a half an hour more, until Dar glanced at the clock and stirred, regretfully. "Better put a shirt on… don't want to shock the room service person when they get here."

Kerry's eyes drifted open, pale green in the late afternoon light. "Hmm.. you're right." She agreed peacefully, rolling onto her back and stretching her body out lazily, humming low in her throat as Dar took the opportunity to trace a gentle path from her neck to her groin. 'Thought you said we have to get up." She drawled softly, giving Dar a look from half closed eyes.

The dark haired woman released a half grin, and inclined her head in agreement. "We'll have plenty of time later." She conceded, then she planted a hand on either side of Kerry, and pressed her body over her lover's, landing neatly on the carpeted floor, straightening with a fluid motion. "Guess I get to open the door." She commented, as a soft knock was heard.

Kerry was too busy getting her eyeballs around her lover's sunset lit body to hear. "Uh.. what?" She blinked, then tugged the covers up as Dar slipped into her shirt, buttoning it up and managing to be decent by about two inches. "Uh.. Dar.. don't bend over to pick anything up, okay?"

Pale blue eyes glanced over one tanned shoulder at her, and one of them winked. "Okay."

"Unless you're facing away from me, of course." Kerry added impishly, just as Dar opened the door.

That got her an over the shoulder of the short, tow haired, frazzled looking room service waiter look, complete with an elegantly raised eyebrow. "Hi." Kerry smiled at the boy. "You can just put that down next to the fifty pounds of chocolate we're going to have for dessert, thanks."

Muddy brown eyes went to her, then to the table, then back to her. The scraggly moustache drooped as he chewed it nervously. "Uhm…ma'am… ah don't think I can put this tray down."

"Here." Dar slipped up behind him and lifted the basket out of the way, coming perilously close to breaking several county ordinances. "G'wan… put it down." She drawled, low in her throat.

He would have been all right if he hadn't tried to pull up his trousers and put down his tray at the same time. Dar managed to save the pizza, by hastily dropping the basket and making a grab, but the ice tea evaded her, and it smacked the hapless waiter in the chest, sending ice cubes flying across the room. The waiter juggled the carafe, sending himself off balance until Dar braced a muscular thigh up against the chair and pinned him in place with her knee.

"You all right?" The executive demanded, setting the pizza trays down.

The man's eyes dropped slowly down her to where the long, sinewy length of her leg was braced against him, then they rolled peacefully back up into his head as he dropped like a rock.

Stunned silence fell for an instant. "What in the hell???" Dar complained.

Kerry pulled the covers up over her head and burst into laughter.

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

It was just getting dark when they pulled up a long, sloping road to the quiet retreat Dar had chosen. It was off the main streets, and up into the mountains away from city lights. Dar pulled the car up to the low roofed main building, and turned the engine off. "Well, we made it."

Kerry was peering out the window, studying the peaceful scene with interest. Scattered up and down the hilly ground, tucked into alcoves and shrouded with trees were small cabins, neatly cedared paths leading the way towards each one. "Yep.. we sure did.. though I was wondering there for a minute, after we had to revive your liveried friend at the hotel."

"Hey..it's not my fault he couldn't take the sight of a little skin." Dar objected ,mildly.

"A little?" Kerry giggled. "Your leg was longer than his body, Dar… I'm glad we tipped him all right, though." She returned her attention to the outside. "Mm… "

In the distance, she could see larger buildings, and the lodge they were parked in front of, where yellow light poured from the windows, and painted gilded stripes across the lightly frosted ground. "Wow… this is nice." She finally said, giving her companion a smile. "C'mon." She opened the car door, starting a little as the cold, pine laden air hit her in the face. "Brr."

Dar smiled, and popped the trunk, then exited the driver's side and closed the door, walking around to the back to get their bags. A warmly jacketed valet appeared, and she tossed the keys to him, then shouldered the two bags and evaded Kerry's attempt to retrieve hers. "Ah ah… I got it." She waved Kerry on and chuckled as the blond woman swept the door open, and bowed her inside. "Why thank you, ma'am."

They entered the lodge, which was a long building that dog legged to the right past the reception desk. Sounds from the other side of the building indicated some kind of restaurant, and Kerry could see a dimly lit bar just ahead, half filled with shadowy forms. They walked up to the desk, and Dar quietly gave her name to the clerk.

"Ah yes, Ms. Roberts… my goodness, we haven't seen you here in a long time." The clerk smiled and looked up, pushing a pair of half glasses up onto her nose. "I swear, you haven't changed a bit."

Dar smiled politely at the compliment. "Thanks, Milly…hard to believe you remembered me."

A salt and pepper eyebrow lifted at her. "You're pretty memorable, I'll have you know…we reserved the far cabin for you.. since you said you wanted some quiet space." She glanced up at Kerry. "And you've brought a guest this time… how wonderful. Welcome.. Ms. Stuart, is it?"

"Kerry." The blond woman extended a hand across the counter. "Nice to meet you.. this place looks fantastic."

Millie laughed. "Well, we like to think so.. we've been here for over fifty years." She folded a packet together, then handed Dar a pair of keys. "Here you go… do you remember the way, or do you want me to have Charles take you over?"

Dar paused, then exhaled. "I remember the way.. thanks Millie." She looked over towards the back of the room. "What's the special tonight?"

The gray haired woman laughed. "Just your luck.. it's roast beef."

Dar chuckled. "Just my luck." She repeated, then gently bumped Kerry. "C'mon… let's go change, then I'll show you around… they've got a nice fireplace just inside."

"Lead on." Kerry remarked, cheerfully, as she followed, her eyes watching everything with interest. This, she considered, was going to be great. Dar knew the place, and it held some good memories, Kerry decided, just from the childlike grin that kept trying to break through on her companion's face. They'd have time to relax, and just talk.. something that had been rare since… Jesus. Kerry thought about it. They hadn't really had time away without any distractions since that trip to Disney World. Even at home, there was always work, and the calls in the middle of the night, and complications. But not here. They'd left their laptops locked in the trunk, and after a bit of convincing on her part, both pagers as well. "Colleen has the number up here in an emergency." She'd argued. "And so does Mark.. but they both know not to use it unless the world is coming to an end."

Dar had thought a moment, then shrugged, and relinquished the electronic device. "Okay."

Now, Kerry tugged up her collar as she followed Dar out the front door, and down a path which sloped a little downward, her sneakers crunching softly on the cedar chips that lined it. "Mm." The air was sweet, and rich with the scent of cold, and pine, and the wood she was walking on. "This is great."

In the semi darkness, the sudden glitter of Dar's eyes was startling. "Glad you like it." She drawled. "I used to spend semester breaks up here..it's not an expensive place, but it's family run… Millie's husband is ex navy."

Kerry nodded, looking around. "It looks like it's well cared for." She commented. "They seem to know you pretty well." She glanced up, seeing the quiet smile on Dar's face. "When was the last time you were here?"

The smile vanished. "Christmas, a few years back." Cam the quiet answer. "I'd… I'd just broken up with Elana.. I guess I needed some.. time out."

Kerry tucked a hand around her arm as the walked along. "Well, I hope you'll have better memories from this visit." She commented mildly. "We… we had a place out off the lake we used to go to in the summers, it was a little like this." She took a breath, aware of Dar's intent concentration on her words. "It was supposed to be a family vacation.. but it was usually a circus.. I mean, people coming and going… deals.. the press..you know."

"Mm." Dar agreed, leaded her down a fork in the path.

"Sailing was my favorite thing to do… but as we got older, my mother made sure there really wasn't much time for that… she had parties and whatever… kept us going from summer estate to summer estate.. talking to people I didn’t' have much in common with, even then." She sighed. "And dressing up… that was always a trial.. me and Angie paraded in front of her and usually my aunt, to make sure we looked all right."

"Doesn't sound like much fun. " Dar remarked, as they came up to a small, tree shrouded cabin with a wooden porch. "Closest I ever came to that was my mother making sure the rips in my jeans weren't going to get me arrested in some of the more rural counties down there." She put a hand on Kerry's back as they mounted the three low stairs, the wood echoing lightly under their steps. "I always liked this one." She turned and nodded. "Nice view."

Kerry also turned, and gasped a little, faced with a beautiful moonlit lake, reflecting a canopy of brilliant stars. "Oh my god, yes." She let out a delighted laugh. "It's wonderful, Dar." She turned and poked her companion. "Very romantic… is this where you always bring special friends?"

Dar gazed at her, a little sadly. "No… you're the first." She turned and continued across the porch, opening the door and gesturing her inside. "I always used this as a very private retreat…I never considered bringing anyone else here before."

"Mm." Kerry ducked inside without further comment, flipping on the light just inside the door. "Oh." She blinked in surprise. "This is really nice." The cabin was mostly one large room, with a neatly made bed against the far wall under a window, covered in a thick comforter in shades of crimson and navy. There were Indian patterned throw rugs on the floor, and one, a thick sheepskin, resided in front of the small fireplace. A garment press stood against the wall, and a doorway led to a luxurious bathroom, complete with a sunken hot tub surrounded by warmly weathered wood. "Oh.. I think I like this."

Dar chuckled softly. "Oh yeah.. that comes in handy after a day of horsebackriding, especially if you're not used to it. Trust me." She put their bags down on the bed, and looked around. Hadn't changed. She mused, walking over to the window and peering out at the silent, gently murmuring lake.

"Ah… " Kerry was exploring the counter against the back wall. "I see we have the essentials… coffee, cookies, and hot chocolate. " She investigated the supplies. "Cups and..let's see.. tea bags… oh.. and little muffins.. this is really cute, Dar."

The dark haired woman tossed a stuffed bag down next to her. "Well, we can add our little stash here." She grinned, her good humor restored. "Never thought we'd fit all that chocolate in there."

Kerry snorted, and lifted the bag up. "I can't believe we brought it all.. we're going to get sick on it." She sniffed at the bag. "Mm…. On the other hand… " The rich scent was alluring, and she sighed. "Later… dinner first?"

"Sounds good to me." Dar agreed. "Those pizzas were tiny."

"What pizzas..oh, those. Right." Kerry slipped out of her sweatshirt and pulled a heavier sweater over her head, settling the edge over her jeans. "Yeah… good thing I didn't order smalls.. we could have used them as drink coasters."

"Could have used them as that anyway." Dar complained, changing into a thick sweater of her own, and rubbing her hands. "It's cold here, Kerry."

The blond woman turned, putting down the brush she'd been pulling through her hair, and walked over, taking Dar's hands into hers and pressing them against her body. "Aw..my poor little hothouse flower." She giggled at the blue eyes widened in outrage. "You southerners…. Talk about thin blooded… we'll have to get you some mittens." She gently kissed Dar's fingers. "Thank you for inviting me up here, by the way."

Dar smiled at her, obviously charmed. "I'm glad you like it."

"Here.. bend down." Kerry released one hand and recaptured her brush, running it through Dar's dark locks to bring some order to them. The silky strands crackled with the dry air, and clung to the brush, winding themselves around her hands as well. "Ack…one nice thing about Miami… you don't get this much." She patiently untangled herself, meeting the watching blue eyes with a grin as she fluffed the usually disheveled bangs. "Your hair would look pretty in braids.. want to try them tomorrow?"

Dar blinked at her, obviously surprised at the question. "Um.. sure." She straightened as Kerry finished. "If I can do yours.. " She gently tucked the blond hair back into a tail, studying the effect.

Kerry smiled, loving the feel of Dar's fingers in her hair, as they brushed against her sensitive scalp. "You're on." She agreed happily. "It's a vacation, right? We can do whatever we want."

"Yep." Dar put an arm over her shoulder, and nudged her towards the door. "C'mon… they've got some really good roast beef."

"Oh yeah?" Kerry obligingly slipped an arm around her waist. "With gravy?"

"Uh huh… and killer mashed potatoes." Dar promised. "And homemade ice cream for dessert."

Kerry let out a little moan. "Uh oh.. I'm in trouble." She lamented. "I'm a sucker for home made ice cream."
"Yeah.. me too." Dar agreed sheepishly. "But it's vacation, remember?"

"Mm… good point.. how much trouble can we get into in two days, anyway?"

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

"Dar?" Kerry's voice floated out of the darkness, as they made their way back after dinner. It had gotten colder, and the sky seemed razor sharp, the inky blackness drenched in pinpoints of light so numerous you could hardly see the constellations.

"Yeah?" The taller woman ambled along contentedly, sucking on a mint.

"If I explode, is that covered under workman's comp?" Kerry asked idly. "God, that was good.. that chef is positively dangerous."

"Don’t' explode." Dar objected. "Do you have any idea the amount of paperwork I'd have to fill out if I had an employee explode on a business trip? I'd have to spend hours and hours in CAS." She paused, and moved her mint from one side of her mouth to the other. "Not to mention having to explain to Mari how I, a responsible corporate officer, allowed such a thing to happen."

"Allowed?" Kerry snorted. "You were feeding me maraschino cherries, you fink… you aided and abetted."

A soft chuckle. "Hmm… that's true… maybe I could claim I was performing research and development." She slipped an arm around Kerry and ducked her head, kissing her gently. "So… we've got a couple of choices… we can take a run up the mountain for some skiing.. or hike.. or go out on the lake.. or do a little riding.. what's your poison?"

"Well." Kerry steered her up the steps to their cabin. "How about…riding in the morning, and go out for a sail on the lake in the afternoon?"

That would work. Dar opened the door and exhaled. "Sounds good to me." She'd always mostly gone on solitary hikes up here, to small caves just uprange for some pensive solitude. It would be strange to have Kerry along.

They went inside and Dar spent a few minutes in the bathroom before coming out to find Kerry efficiently stacking wood in the fireplace. "Whatcha doing?"

On one knee, Kerry turned and regarded her. "Making a fire." She put another log in place, then tucked some tinder inside it. "I know that's an alien concept for you, Dar, but it can be very cozy."

"It's not alien." The dark haired woman protested. "I"ve been outside Miami, remember?" She studied what Kerry was doing. "I've just never had to actually.. um… " She waved her hands a bit descriptively. "Make one." She knelt. "What's that?"

"Moss." Kerry packed it between the logs. "It makes the logs burn." She looked around. "Do you see any matches?"

"Um.. no.. but I think you use this." Dar took down a flint and striker from over the mantel, and offered it to her. "Right?"

Kerry giggled. "Not in this century, Dar." She stood, and put her hands on her hips. "I think I've got some…hey!"

Dar had studied the items, then cocked her head, and positioned the striker, smacking the flint against it with devastating efficiency, and sending a shower of sparks down onto the neatly packed tinder. It obligingly caught fire, and started to burn, little tendrils of smoke wafting up. Dar spread her hands out, and looked insufferably pleased with herself. "Like that?"

"Son of a bitch." Kerry marveled. "I've never seen a twentieth century human being actually do that before." She regarded her boss. "What other hidden skills do you have?"

Dar chuckled, returning the tools to their place, and getting out of the way as Kerry gently blew on the flames, and shepherded them into a crackling blaze. It was nice, she decided, regarding the flickering light and holding her hands out to the warmth as it grew. Behind her there was a low couch, covered in colorful throws, and she settled into one corner, wriggling into a comfortable spot and looking up as Kerry joined her, the blond woman tucking one leg under her as she seated herself.

They both watched the fire grow, in a friendly silence that was broken when Kerry shifted, taking a breath and studying her hands, before she looked up at Dar. "I think we're going to have fun this weekend." She started, tentatively, planning her words with care.

A smile pulled Dar's lips. "I hope so… it's been a long week, huh?"

"Yes… yes it has." Her lover agreed quietly. "A lot's happened."

"Mm." A very soft murmur.

"I want to have a fun weekend… I think we both need it…. " Kerry felt the words getting out of her control a little. "I mean..well.. I"ve got something I wanted to talk to you about before we… I.. " She stopped, sensing something, and looked up, seeing an unguarded look of quickly veiled fear in Dar's eyes. Her train of thought derailed in reflex. "Why do you do that?" She asked, instead.

"Do what?" The taller woman replied, with forced nonchalance.

"Expect the worst, all the time?" Kerry asked.

A quick head shake. "I don't…what do you mean?"

"You do.. I saw it in your face just then… you don't know what I'm going to tell you ,but you think it's something bad… why, Dar?" Kerry asked, very gently. "Have I done something that makes you worry about that?"

Dar looked trapped. She turned her head, and knitted her fingers, long digits twisting around each other in upset. She hadn't expected Kerry to ask. Not like this.. not…

Not so soon. "I… you didn't do anything, Kerry." She finally muttered. "It's my hangup… it has nothing to do with you."

"Of course it does." Kerry felt her way gingerly, putting a casual hand on Dar's knee. "If it's part of you , it has everything to do with me." She could sense Dar withdrawing, and the dark haired woman exhaled unhappily, and folded her arms, tucking her hands against her sides. "Please talk to me." She asked, simply. "I want to understand.. I don't want to hurt you."

It took a long moment, as Dar stared into the flames, their flickering light outlining her sharply planed features in exotic detail. Then she apparently made a decision, as she nodded slightly. Her head turned, and the ambered blue eyes regarded Kerry seriously. "There's no really simple answer to that, I guess." She sighed. "I'm not very good at discussing myself…I try not to think about why I do what I do most of the time, it just gets too strange."

"Mm." Kerry murmured encouragingly, hoping by the time Dar finished telling her whatever it was, she'd have the guts to go ahead with her own issue.

"I guess you know I… haven't been really successful in relationships." Dar continued, awkwardly. "I don’t know.. it's probably my fault…I get so driven… I get so caught up in work, and … " She stopped, and shrugged a little. "Anyway… I.. I guess I was in my senior year at college.. I'd just figured out my orientation.. that was a shock.. " She exchanged grim little smiles with Kerry. "At any rate…I don’t know, I guess I must have been a dreamer when I was a kid.. always expecting… things to be like the books, I guess I.. " She stopped, trying to find words.

Kerry just stroked her leg, gently.

"I.. um.. I guess I fell in love." Dar said it as thought she wasn't sure. "And.. I was this idealistic kid, and I'd read about… fairy tales, mostly…I guess I thought that's what it was going to be like… I threw everything I had into it.. I figured I'd found my future." She thought back to that golden fall wistfully. "It was… I remember being deliriously happy." A pause. "Stupid. I know."

Kerry's eyes closed in empathic understanding.

"Anyway… I um.. it went along great for a while.. she was older than I was… really pretty.. successful in school.. I couldn't believe it…I felt like I belonged to something… to someone for the first time ever." Dar's voice was gentle, almost abstract. "I figured she felt the same way I did… so one day.. I remember it was a Saturday… we were supposed to go to the movies."

Kerry picked up a walnut from the dish, and fingered it, her body tensing against what she knew was coming. "Yeah?"

Dar shrugged. "I told her how I felt… how I wanted to spend my life with her."

Kerry looked up, reading a long lost pain in her lover's face. "And?"

The answer was almost spoken casually. "She laughed."

The sharp crack startled them both, making Dar jump a little. She stared at Kerry, who blinked, and looked at her hand, where shards of walnut were tumbling down. She opened her clenched fist to reveal the cracked nut and sighed. "Sorry."

A tense little smile caught Dar's lips. "Anyway… she proceeded to tell me just how deficient I was in all aspects.. and how she wouldn’t have been caught dead with me at any place other than one of our local pool halls. " Dar looked down at her hands. "She said I was unsophisticated, which I was, and uncultured, which was also true, and that I'd never have a relationship based on anything other than mutual bed sports because I just wasn't emotionally capable of it." This last with a wry grimace. "And she was right."

"She was not." Kerry shot back angrily. "She was stuck up piece of horses ass without the sense that god gave a dead hedgehog, Dar."

The taller woman laughed gently. "I know that, now." Dar stated softly. "But the kid I was then didn't." She looked lost, and very bleak. "And I believed her… I think some parts of me still do." She admitted lowly. "SO that's where that reaction comes from, Kerry… there is a part of me that remembers what she said.. and what she told me about nothing being permanent.. and how people really just use each other until they're ready to move on." A pause. "I guess I… intellectually I know better, but emotionally, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to fall." She finished, regarding the flames quietly. She decided she wouldn't tell Kerry about the little prayer she said every night, as they were falling asleep. "So.. what's bugging you?" She asked, quietly, knowing something had been, for some time now. At least she talks about it, Dar mused. At least she'll give me a chance to try and fix things… if that's what's wrong. She watched Kerry pluck at her sleeve, and noticed the slight tremor in her hands. If it's that simple.

"Dar." Kerry picked up her hand, feeling the chill in it, and kissed it gently. "I guess that brings me to my… little problem." She cleared her throat nervously. "I..um… I"ve been really thinking.. about things.. and about what I…about what I need in order for me to live… my life, I guess."

Dar gazed at her, with an open, haunted expression. "Yeah?" Her voice cracked, and she wondered what was coming.

"And… see, I've got this… I'm not really sure what you would call it.. maybe it was the way I was brought up.. I don't really know…. " She sucked in a breath again. "God, I'm having such a problem with this.. I don't know what's wrong with me.. you'd think I could just spit it out." She stood, and paced back and forth, visibly trying to relax. "Okay." She turned and saw blue eyes round with apprehension. "Oh Dar.. don't look at me like that.. you'd think I was going to tell you I was a cross dresser, or something. "

It broke the tension, and Dar muffled a relieved laugh. "Sorry… but the way you're pacing… Jesus, Kerry.. you're putting me all in knots just watching you… what is it?" She swallowed once. "I thought maybe…I thought you were maybe still mad about last night, or…"

"Last night…oh." Kerry exhaled, thinking about that. "Um.. next time, you might want to let me in on what your plan is… just so I understand what's going on first."

Dar nodded. "Yeah." She exhaled. "I'll try." A pause. "So.. was that what was bothering you?" She felt a little proud of herself for figuring it out… communication never having been one of her strong points, and she knew that.

"Um..no." Kerry stopped, and turned, facing her. Now or never.. just suck it up, Kerry, and do it! She hesitated, then she took two steps forward, and knelt at Dar's feet, resting one hand on the taller woman's knee for balance. "I have this thing about commitment."

A double thump of the heart. Jesus.. she knows I've never been in a long term relationship… maybe she…god. Dar's eyes scanned her face alertly, then a brow edged up a little. "You do?" She murmured softly. "Um.. I mean.. well… yeah, I know you're a very.. um… you seem to be a very loyal, and committed kind of p… Kerry, what exactly is this about?" If her lover was having a problem with her, she wanted to know right now. "Just level with me."

The blond woman scratched her jaw. "Um." Now that she was right down to it, the whole thing started to seem really silly to her, and she hesitated, torn between continuing and just…"This is going to sound maybe a little crazy to you… " She temporized. "And.. I just want you to know it's… it's just something that I…" She stopped, and dug in her pocket, pulling something out and focusing her attention on the tiny, embroidered fir trees that were dancing across Dar's chest. "Okay… look…" She put her closed fist against Dar's stomach, still staring intently at her sweater. "I tried to find a way just to let you know…how important you are to me.. and how important our relationship is to me."

"Okay." Dar responded, obviously deeply at sea. "Well, Kerry.. it's very important to me, too.. I hope you know that…it's changed my whole life."

Kerry regarded the sweater. "Is it a good change?" She whispered.

Long fingers gently grasped her chin and tilted her head back, so that she had no choice but to meet Dar's now very serious eyes. "Is that an honest question?" Dar replied. "I hope not…I hope you know the answer to that already." She paused. "Yes… it's been the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Kerry managed a nod. "Good." She stammered softly, folding Dar's fingers around the small box she'd taken from her pocket. "Because for me.. it's this all my life thing.. and I want you to know that.. I want you to understand that even if we can't go into a clerks office and say this, I want this to be forever, Dar… that whole.. in sickness and in heath, for richer and for poorer, in good times, and bad.. and have death never part us.. " Her words fell into a shocked silence. "Kind of thing. " A long pause. "Okay?" Well. That was the stupidest proposal in the history of the lesbian world, wasn't it? Maybe I should have downloaded those practice scripts form the internet…. She eyed her lover unhappily.

There was a soft, almost incoherent sound as Dar started breathing again. "K.." Her voice disappeared into a soundless squeak, and she self consciously cleared her throat and tried again. . "K..Kerry did… did you just… " Another sucking in of air. "p..propose to me?"

Kerry chewed her lip, trying desperately to gauge the response. "Um.. yeah.. I did." She glanced down. "On the bended knee thing and all." At least she realized that's what it was.. there's a point, Kerry. She watched her lover's face trying to process several different emotions at once. "I.. what I really wanted you to know, Dar.. is that… you're not going to roll over one morning and find me not there."

Dar very slowly lifted a hand, and slid it across Kerry's cheek, cupping the back of her head in an almost hesitant gentleness. "I'm not sure what in the hell I ever did to deserve this, but I can't think of any single thing in the world that would make me happier than to accept it." She pulled Kerry towards her. "C'mere." She wrapped her arms around the utterly relieved woman, who practically climbed up into her lap and threw a bear hug around her. "You know you didn't have to do that…"

"Yes, I did." Kerry mumbled into the wool of her sweater. "Yes, I did… because I want you to understand you're stuck with me, Dar… you're not going to be able to get rid of me, okay? Not unless you… I don't know.. toss me off a cliff or something."

Dar let out a pained laugh, trying to ignore the tear that tracked it's way down her face. "There aren't any cliffs in Miami, Kerry." She replied softly. "But if there were, and you fell… I jump right off after you." She cradled the younger woman's head , stroking her hair and pressing her cheek against it's softness. "Thank god you had the guts to do this.. it would have taken me either half a lifetime, or half a bottle to have done it."

Kerry peeked up at her, seeing the dampness glinting in the firelight. "Really?"

A hesitant nod. "I made myself a promise… that I'd never let myself risk what I felt when I was that poor, stupid kid back then ever again. " Another tear spilled out. "I never realized that when it happened… I wouldn't have a choice." Dar regarded her wistfully. "I've never been so scared in my life."

Kerry gently wiped away the tears, feeling a sense of almost overwhelming relief go through her. It was what she'd been scared of.. that Dar wouldn't.. or couldn’t… allow herself to accept the risk of the commitment Kerry was offering. But maybe she was right.. maybe she didn't even have a choice.

Maybe Kerry didn't either.

She wasn't sure she wanted one. "Are you going to even look at it?" She asked, shyly. "It took me forever to pick out.. I kinda wanted one like that old one I have, but they don't make those anymore."

Dar slipped her hand around in front of her, and offered it. "Open?"

Kerry leaned against her, her legs sprawled over Dar's, as she sat quietly in her lap. "Okay.. " She took the box and opened it, watching Dar's eyes pick up the glints of the fire off the ring. " It was kinda… I mean.. you're sort of tough to pick a ring out for, you know that?"

Dar gazed at the item, her eyes following the Celtic interlace that surrounded a square cut, understated diamond. "It's beautiful." She managed to get out. "Dear god, Kerry…. You didn't have to… that must have cost a… "

"I have no idea." Kerry replied, simply. "I didn't look at the prices… and it hasn't hit my credit card statement yet. "

Dar stared at her, her jaw dropping a little.

"Well, it was less than the card's limit, Dar." She replied, putting a finger on her lover's chin and closing her mouth. "Stop looking like I bought Pro Player stadium."

"W… what was the limit on that card?" Dar spluttered. "Good grief… "

"Um…. " Kerry was enjoying herself, now that she knew Dar's feelings. "Well. I don't really know.. it might have been the platinum… I'll have to check." She almost giggled when the blue eyes widened even further. "Oh… calm down." She leaned over and gave Dar a light kiss on the lips. "It wasn't that bad." A pause, while a hesitant smile claimed the dark haired woman's mouth. "I think."

"Kerry." Dar realized she was being tweaked. "Well… " She drawled softly. "At least you won't have anything to say when I give you yours, then." A slow, sexy smile appeared. "Because I didn't look at price tags either, but I know I got a bouquet of twenty four red roses from the guy who sold it to me at the office the next day."

Kerry's mouth dropped open. "Uh." She glanced up guiltily. "So that's where those came from."

"Yeah, I guess he… " Dar stopped, and stared closely at her lover, who was showing a slow flush up along her neck. "Were you … wondering?"

Kerry didn't know where to look, so she just dropped her head and didn't answer.

"Kerrison." The gentle voice recalled her, and she peeked up, reluctantly. "You could have asked me."

The blond woman sighed. "Jealousy is a very embarrassing, not to mention generally icky emotion." She admitted. "I wasn’t' very proud of how I felt."

Dar lifted their linked hands, and brushed her lips across Kerry's knuckles. "No.. I know.. but.. it's um… " She rubbed the unresisting hand against her cheek. "It's very flattering." She offered. "From my perspective, I mean."

Kerry's eyes softened, and misted over. "So you were thinking of making this more formal, huh?"

Dar dropped her gaze, her fingers tracing a light, idle pattern "I have this thing about commitment, too." She finally answered, her throat working. "I think I discovered I really like being a part of someone else's life." She paused, then indicated her carry sack. "Hand me that?"

Kerry handed it over, watching her as she dug inside and pulled out a small, velvet bag. "You carry it…… " She stumbled. "W.. with you?"

Dar stared at the bag, then looked up and nodded. "Yeah… if I ever found the courage to do it.. I wanted to be ready." She held out her hand. "Go on." She added, simply. "I'm not very good at picking things out for other people… shopping for this was… an interesting experience." Her mind remembered the conversation. "Is this for you, ma'am?" "No.. this is for someone as opposite from me as you can get and still be the same species."

Kerry took the bag, startled a little at it's weight, and opened the velvet cord, shaking the bag gently over her hand until a ring tumbled out.

The room went very still. "Oh." Kerry sighed, softly, finding it hard to catch her breath. It was so pretty. It sat in her hand, winking at her, a sturdy, yet elegant band which cupped up into a rose, whose delicate petals framed a brilliant, round cut diamond stone. She tipped it up a little, and looked at the inner band, where she spotted some engraving. "Dar wh.. " She looked up as the skin under her arm grew very warm, and she was shocked to see the profound blush on her lover's face. The blue eyes were fixed firmly on the fire, and Dar's nostrils were flared slightly. She looked back down at the ring, then bent her head closer.

With the words, something clicked home in Kerry's awareness, with a certainty that made her lightheaded. "Dar." She managed to whisper.

"Yes." The response was clearly, and precisely enunciated.
"I think I'm going to pass out." Kerry felt a strong grip take hold of her, and she let herself go limp, one hand closing loosely over the ring. She floated in a pleasant haze for a moment, hearing in the back of her mind a soft, affectionate chuckle. "That is so beautiful."

"The ring?" Dar murmured, into her nearby ear.

"The words." Kerry corrected her.

"Oh."

"The ring's gorgeous too."

"So.. you like it?"

Soft lips were the answer.

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

It was too quiet. Dar cocked her head as a tree branch brushed against the window, making a soft scraping noise. She'd forgotten how quiet it really was out here, without the ever-present sound of traffic, or airplanes.

Or air conditioning. She glanced at the ceiling in mild amusement. The AC provided a white noise that most Floridians were subliminally used to. It's absence was almost uncomfortable, as the silence beat down on her ears broken only by Kerry's soft breathing.

Her soft, adorable breathing, which was warming the skin right above Dar's heart, since the blond woman was nestled against her right side, with her head pillowed on Dar's shoulder, and one arm wrapped securely around her stomach.

It was nice and cozy, and she'd discovered, much to her own personal amazement, that she really, really enjoyed all this cuddling stuff.

A revelation. Her parents had been anything but physically affectionate, even with each other, Dar had only seen the occasional hug. A pat on the back, sure. A gentle slap on the leg, her father's favorite attention getter, yes. But hugs?

Hell no. In fact, she honestly couldn't remember the last time her mother had touched her…oh, no, maybe she could. Dar reflected quietly. Yeah… the first.. no, second time she'd broken her arm.. the bad one, when the bones had been sticking out of her arm, and had left the thin, straight scars Kerry always liked to trace.

Mom had held her then, while she tried so hard not to scream.

But then her father had come in, and she'd bitten her lip almost through to keep the crying inside, her efforts rewarded by a brief pat on her cheek, and his approving. "That's my tough girl."

Dar chewed her bottom lip reflectively. It had been an ever-present argument between them, she knew…until her mother had just given up, and allowed her to follow in his footsteps as far as she was able.

It couldn't have been easy to watch, she realized. She hadn't been an pleasant child, and going through adolescence had been one long string of fights, and trips to the principals office, and threats of reform school. She'd had one principal who wanted her out in the worst way, with only one thing blocking his case.

She'd been a straight a student.

Musta driven them all nuts. Honors everything, advanced placement, the whole nine yards. She'd gotten into college on an academic scholarship, and frustrated her friends, what few there were, by her ability to breeze through classes with little studying, and less preparation.

She'd graduated in the top two percent of her class, with honors.. but at that point in her life, she hadn't cared. She'd tossed her rolled up diploma into a basket in her room at her parent's house, and spent an entire weekend so drunk she still had no recollection of it.

Then she'd gone out into CAS, and found the first job that would pay her enough to cover the monthly payments on a car, rather than just her junk food budget, and spent her free hours under water, away from everything.

Alone.

Kerry stirred, shifting a little, then lifting her head and looking up. "Hey?"

Dar exhaled, and gave her a fond look. "Hmm?"

"Why are you still up?" The blond woman rested her chin on Dar's breastbone. "Do you want some hot milk?" Her dreams had nudged her uneasily awake.

A quiet smile, as Dar rubbed her arm lightly. "No.. I was just thinking.. that's all.."

"Mm… bout what?"

Dar hesitated, then shrugged, pursing her lips a bit. "Nothing really concrete.. my folks.. a little bit about school…" She moved a stray lock of hair out of Kerry's eyes. "Go on back to sleep…you looked so peaceful."

Kerry considered her words. "I wasn't really fond of school." She commented. "I wasn't that good at it… except stuff like English." She admitted. "I belonged to a lot of clubs.. Key club, Young Republicans, that kind of thing."

Dar smiled. "You were a Young Republican?" She queried. "I think the only club I ever joined was.. um… " She thought. "Some jock club or other.. I was on a lot of sports teams in high school."

"Oh, gee.. there' s a surprise." Kerry grinned at her, then her expression faltered. "Not me.. I wanted to play softball, but…" She paused in memory, then sighed. "I probably would have sucked at it anyway." Her mother's horror at the very thought. "I got stuck with golf."

"I'm sure you wouldn't have." Dar objected, mildly. "You've got good eye hand coordination.. and a nice running style…you'd have been fine." She analyzed. "I never had the damn patience for golf.. how in the hell did you stand it?"

Kerry peered at her in silence, then she let out a quiet breath. "Do you know something, Dar?" She stated softly. "Do you want to know when the very first time was that I was told I was capable and intelligent?" She had no idea why she was going into this, save that it had been a night of open truths, and this had been weighing on her.

The blue eyes peered at her in puzzlement. "Sure."

"You should know." The blond woman told her. "You wrote it, in an email."

Dar stared at her in shocked silence.

"And you hardly knew me.. you'd met me for what… a half an hour?" Kerry shifted, propping her head up on her fist. "Even the bosses at Associated…I mean, sure.. I was always spoke of as a hard worker… a nice girl… always on time… but despite what Robert said, the only reason I got that job was because the guy in there before me left with the accountant's wife in the middle of the night, and they needed someone real fast, and real accessible."

"That's not true, Kerry.. you were an excellent director.. your personnel record carried the highest recommendations in it." Dar argued. "You're highly skilled, highly motivated, very intelligent, and.. and…."

Kerry gazed at her wistfully.

"And adorable." Dar finished, having run out of professional descriptives. "Don’t tell me that's why you decided to come work for me.. because I stated the obvious????"

A soft sigh. "It might have been obvious to you, but it sure wasn't obvious to me." Kerry admitted. "I had a mental note somewhere to say thank you for that, by the way…I think you were the first person in my life who just took me at face value.. and didn't assume I was some fluffball muffinhead who got the job because of my father." She reflected. "Even Robert, who liked me… when he put me in as manager, he told me he didn't expect much.. just that I should try to keep things going until he could find a real director."

Dar watched her, stunned. "You're serious." She muttered.

A slow nod. "What did you see in me, Dar… that no one else did?" Kerry wondered aloud.

Dar actually reached up and slapped her own head. "Okay, for starters, you had guts." She spluttered. "And.. and you held yourself together in a very stressful situation.. and…you came up with some very good, and very intelligent plans for the takeover…and… and you told me to go hell, for chrissake… do you know how many people have done that and gotten away with it??"

"Not many, huh?" Kerry was guiltily soaking up the praise like a sponge.

"Try ONE." Dar hitched herself up and regarded her lover. "Listen… I know talent when I see it.. it's part of my job, Kerry.. and belive me, my talent meter went off the scale when I saw you." She sighed, perplexed. "Good grief, Ker.. you'd think I hired you because I had the hots for you or something."

An awkward silence fell, as Kerry's eyes dropped to the comforter, the sudden strike at her own hidden insecurities going home with a vengeance. "I…"

Dar felt her heart drop. "You didn't think that." She questioned softly. "Kerry? Look at me."

Fearful green eyes slowly lifted to hers.

"Kerry, I hired you because I thought you would be a tremendous asset to me.. and an excellent assistant." Dar told her gently. "And I was very, very right.. what would make you think otherwise?" She felt a little bewildered.

Kerry's eyes dropped again. "I… I don't know." She confessed softly. "Maybe because I've been told all my life that's how things work." Her eyes crept up Dar's still body. "You don’t get things because you work hard, or because you deserve them… you get them because someone pays for them, or because someone wants something from you."

Dar looked stricken. "Kerry… "

"I know… " Kerry let her head fall and rest against Dar's skin. "I know… my head knows, and god.. my heart knows differently, Dar.. but sometimes… sometimes I look in the mirror, and I can't help thinking… why me?" She lifted her head. "It's like I'm in a fairy tale…and one day a wicked witch is going to wave her wand, and I'll be back home…or you'll get t..tired of me.. or… " She blinked her eyes, and tears hit Dar's shoulder. "I can't help it."

Dar exhaled in dismay, understanding a little more about her lover. "Kerry…." She cupped the smaller woman's cheek, seeing the glittering tears. "I meant those words…and I promise you… I promise you, I'll always be here for you…no matter what." She reassured her. "I will never leave you."

"What if I screw up at work?" Kerry asked. "What if I can't do this?"

'Sweetheart, I don't give a damn." The dark haired woman told her. "If you want to quit, and do nothing but sell seashell futures over the internet from the condo, that's more than okay by me…are you really worried about it? You do a fantastic job."

"I don't want to ever disappoint you." Kerry whispered.

Dar tucked the blond head against her chest, and hugged her. "You won't."

Kerry rested there for a moment. "Sorry." She finally muttered. "I'm not sure where that little bout of insecurity came from." She played with the edge of Dar's sleep shirt. "In the middle of the damn night, too.. "

"It's all right." Dar rubbed gentle circles against her back, willing her pounding heart to slow. "We've both been through some rough times."

Kerry nodded. "I know….it makes it very hard to trust this doesn't it?" She gently returned to her position, curling an arm back around Dar's belly.

"Yes, it does." Dar admitted, circling her with both arms and pulling her closer. "But we'll get through it."

Kerry relaxed against her. "Together." She added quietly.

"Always." Dar confirmed.

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

"Brr." Dar snuggled further down into the covers, giving the early morning light an evil look. "It's cold out there." She glanced at the thermostat, then back at her trying not to giggle bedmate. "We forgot to turn the heater on."

"You are such a wuss." Kerry butted her head into Dar's chest, then she rolled onto her back. "All right.. I guess I have to prove my northern roots and get up to turn the heat on." She ducked out from under the covers and winced as her feet hit the cold floor. "Yow… " She scampered across the surface and got to the thermostat, tossing it up into the broil range, then bounded back and hopped into bed like a large, blond kangaroo. "Yikes.. that is cold."

"Hah hah." Dar grinned. Then she relented and tossed the covers around Kerry, pulling her back into a pocket of wonderfully Dar smelling warmth. "Thanks."

"Ungh." Kerry ducked her head under the blanket and deliberately snuck her chilled hands under Dar's shirt, grinning as she felt the taller woman's gasp. "Heh.. you're nice and warm." She gently tweaked the skin under her fingertips.

"Yeah.. except for these blocks of ice up against my stomach." Dar gave her a mock glare, now very wide awake. "How did you get so cold in that short a time?"

Kerry shrugged, snuggling closer. "Heat all rushed to my brain, I guess… to keep me from plowing into the window." She yawned, making a soft, squeaking noise. "So…a little riding.. then some sailing.. right?" She found herself really looking forward to the day.

"Breakfast first." Dar corrected. "Millie makes the best cheese grits I've ever had."

"Cheese grits." Kerry sighed. "That ranks where on the health meter.. between munching on a solid stick of butter and swallowing chocolate syrup?" Sometimes she seriously wondered how Dar had actually lived as long as she had, and was in the physical condition she obviously was. Maybe her chemistry burned things differently or something. "Jesus."

Dar chuckled softly, used to the woebegon protests by now. "I think they serve a sprig of parsley with them., if it makes you feel better." She told her innocently. "Besides, you like them." She reminded her lover.

Green eyes peeked warily up from the dark recesses of the comforter. "You are a bad influence." Kerry informed her. "You tricked me in to liking them."

"You're the one who brought home Snowballs for dinner the other night." Dar teased the blond woman, who tickled her in revenge. "Hey!"

"Like I had a choice?" Kerry persisted, finding a good spot just under Dar's ribcage that was making her squirm. "It was either that, or eat The Eggs from the Black Lagoon, and Son of Maybe it Once was Bacon, but now, who knows?" She shuddered. "Believe me, the mystery crème in the snowballs was much safer."

Dar was laughing helplessly. "Okay.. okay.. I give up… you win." She draped her arms over Kerry's body and exhaled, watching the rising sun inch it's way into the window. The gentle, pink beams were broken by the leaves outside, and they laid an intricate pattern over the blankets. "Nice day out."

Kerry burrowed up a little, and peeked at the window. "Mm… yeah… this is going to be fun." She looked up at Dar with a frank, happy grin. "I haven't been riding for years.. I hope I remember how."

Dar gave her a squeeze. "Don’t worry… it comes back to you." She promised. "They've got a nice string of horses here.. only one or two meanies."

"One or two, huh?" Kerry eyed her speculatively. "Let's see.. " She raised a hand to her head and pressed her fingers to her temple, then closed her eyes. "My psychic ability is telling me… those are the ones you pick." One green orb opened, and it's brow tilted up. "Yes?"

Dar let out a low, throaty chuckle, and rewarded her with a sexy grin. "Very good, Madame Poo Poo." She inclined her head in agreement. "Hey.. I can get you a 900 number for the office.. make you a profit center. How about it?"

Kerry laughed. "Oh yeah. I can see that.. "Operations and Prognostication, Stuart speaking." She mimicked herself, rolling her eyes when Dar started laughing too. "I'd be a real hit in Sales meetings."

"Nah.. " Dar disagreed. "What would they do with their Ouiji board, and the 8 ball Jose keeps stuffed up his butt?"

"Oh god.. that's bad. What a visual picture." Kerry winced, covering her eyes. "Ewww…ew…. Dar.. gross.. I need to flush my cache."

"Here." The dark haired woman fished her out of the covers, and pulled her up, kissing her soundly. The contact continued past where she'd intended, and after a long moment they broke off and looked at each other, panting a little. "Better?" Dar asked, on an irregular breath.

"Than what?" Kerry wondered, gazing at her in goofy adoration. "Is it just my opinion that you're such an awesome kisser?" She reached up and traced Dar's lower lip with a finger, shaking her head a little. "Or is it that everything you do takes on such a deeper meaning for me?"

Dar cocked her head and thought about that. "I don’t know. "She finally answered, honestly. "I've never had anyone tell me that before…but I've noticed that just about everything I do with you is.. um.. " She pursed her lips and rocked her head from side to side. "Right, if you know what I mean."

"Mm." Kerry waggled her eyebrows. "I know what you mean." She stated, then blushed a little and tucked her head into Dar's shoulder. God, Kerry.. you are turning into a wanton little hussy, aren't you? "Shall we go and find you some cheese grits, boss?" She gave Dar a squeeze. "Maybe you'll humor me and have a nice chicken sandwich for lunch, hmm?"

"Sure." Dar agreed amiably, remembering Millie's chicken sandwiches, which consisted of a deep fried breast, covered in gravy, on toasted, buttery roll. "No problem."

Kerry eyed her suspiciously, but the blue eyes peered back with devastating innocence. "You know I’m just doing this for your own good, right?" She queried. "Not just to be a pain in the neck."

Dar touched her forehead to the blond woman's. "Yes, I know that." She paused and thought. "It's actually kind of nice to have someone be worried about me… my parents gave up on that a long, long time ago."

"Really?" Kerry murmured.

"Yeah.. " Her lover admitted. "She told me when I was…I guess sixteen or so, that if I did whatever I wanted, and had my body fall apart at age thirty, don’t come back and complain about her being right all those years."

Kerry peeked under the blanket, then gazed at her. "Dar?"

"Hmm?"

"She was wrong."

"I know… my father always said his genes could beat the pants off of a diet that would kill just about anyone else." The dark haired woman laughed a little self consciously. "I guess I'm just lucky I take after him."

"Hey Dar.. I was just wondering.." Kerry wrapped a thick lock if dark hair around one finger, and gave her a wistful smile. "Do you think we're best friends?"

The silence of the cabin lengthened as Dar regarded the covers pensively. "I have no idea what that means." She finally admitted, looking up at Kerry. "I have nothing to judge it against… really."

"Mm." Kerry let out a small breath.

"I do know I feel closer to you than I have to anyone else in my life before." Dar offered, a touch hesitantly. "I've told you things about myself that I've never said to anybody else." She paused. "Or wanted to." She searched Kerry's face. "Does that count?"

"It's hard to remember." The blond woman rolled out of bed and paced across the floor, running her hands through her hair. 'It's been a long time for me." She walked over to the built in hot water dispenser, and picked up a cup, dropping a fragrant peach scented teabag into a cup and pouring water over it. After a moment, she pulled down another cup, and riffled among the assortment of teas, choosing a blackberry one for Dar and steeping it. "Angie and I were always pretty close. " She commented. "But it was a sister thing…I had friends in grade school, but they kinda got fewer as I got older."

Dar had gotten out of bed and came up behind her, putting her hands on Kerry's shoulders and gently squeezing them. "That happens." How would you know, Dar? You've had what… six friends in all? Including dad? "People grow apart."

Kerry nodded, stirring sugar into the cups. "I know… I had a…a best friend in high school." She answered. "Peggy… her parents and my parents were friends, so we saw each other a lot." She turned, and handed Dar her cup. "We had sleepovers, went to movies.. shared our crushes.. you know."

Dar studied her. "Yeah." She finally nodded.

Kerry took a sip of her tea. "You don't know, do you?"

Surprisingly, the taller woman chuckled. "Kerry, I was the girl your mother told you to stay away from." She admitted. "The one who ran with the guys… got into trouble, picked fights, and raised hell." She sighed. "No.. there weren't many sleepovers in my checkered youth…the movies were mostly R and X rateds we snuck into, and crushes… " A faint shake of her head. "I didn't have time for those." She glanced up. "You still talk to Peggy?"

A quiet, sad look crossed Kerry's face. "No…" Her gaze dropped to the floor. "In our senior year, she got into trouble… a guy she'd been dating got a little frisky, and she didn't know enough to say no…she got pregnant." A quiet pause. "They sent her away somewhere… I got a letter from her… twice… the second time she told me she'd had her baby.. a little girl."

A silence fell. "And?" Dar gently prodded. "What happened?"

Kerry looked up. "I don't know.. I never heard from her again… when my folks found out about the letters, they were furious.. they told me if they caught me with any more, I'd be punished." She exhaled slowly. "I never got close to anyone again after that.. it was just.. to complicated."

"You're friends with Colleen, though." Dar objected, a little concerned at her lover's pensive air. "Kerry…everyone loves you.. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't, unless it was a total asshole who even his own mother would hate." She spread a hand out. "You could have hundreds of friends.. you know that."

"Too many people to worry about." Kerry responded seriously. "I've tried to keep my life simple since then."

"Until now." Dar stated quietly. Until me. Which one of us took the bigger risk, I wonder?

"Mm." Her companion wryly agreed.

"Kerry?"

"Yeah?"

Dar put a hand on her cheek. "I think we are best friends." She leaned over and kissed her forehead. "C'mon.. let's go get some breakfast."

Kerry smiled, then raised herself on her toes and claimed a proper kiss. She could taste the blackberry on Dar's lips, and decided it went well with her peach. It felt so good, after all these years, to be unloading a little of this stuff. She wondered if Dar felt the same about it. "Okay… you're on."

They washed and dressed quickly, but not so quickly that a sponge fight was missed, then headed across the dew scattered ground in the brisk early morning air.

"So." Kerry linked an arm through her companions' "You were a hell raiser, huh?"

"Oh yeah." Dar confirmed. "First class.. I even had a switchblade."

"Did you really?" Kerry gazed at her, in bemused surprise.

"Yeah.. of course, the one time I almost had to use it I opened it backwards and nearly cut my own finger off, but.. "

They both started laughing, as their steps scattered the rising mist.

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

It was a very… tall.. horse. Kerry reflected, as she collected her reins, and gently nudged her chestnut mare in the ribs with hesitant knees. Wow..has it ever been a long time. She sighed, watching Dar enviously as the taller woman vaulted up on just the snazziest looking gray stallion, with neat black hooves, and a beautiful black mane and tail. The horse was restive, but Dar settled into her seat as though she was used to doing this on a daily basis, her calves pressing against the sleek gray sides, and calming the agitated horse down.

It figures she's good at this too. The blond woman sighed, trying to remember exactly how she was supposed to direct the horse, thrashing memories from her early high school days, when her mother had grudgingly allowed her English riding lessons from a local stable.

She'd loved the horses themselves, really, more than riding them. The feel of the sleek, hard bodies under her hands as she learned how to clean them, and the soft feel of the tiny hairs on their muzzles as they lipped corn from her palm. They were simple, and undemanding, wanting only good grass, and clean water, and from her, nothing but corn, and the odd apple if she felt so inclined.

Dominick had been her favorite, a stocky brown hunter, whose back she'd spent hours on learning to balance without holding on. She'd been so excited the first time she'd done the entire circuit without once grabbing for the front of the saddle, or the reins, or Dominick's clipped mane.

Kerry smiled in memory, and patted her mare's neck, comforted when the sedate animal craned her head around, and snorted a little at her. "Hey there, girl… we're gonna be good friends, right?"

The mare tossed her head, then looked up suspiciously as the gray stallion closed in, picking up his feet meticulously. "Hey… you ready to move out?" Dar asked, reaching around to adjust the pack she carried behind her, which was full of a neatly wrapped picnic lunch. "We can go up a nice trail just north of here.. it ends up on a little plateau overlooking a little spring.. it's nice place, and about a two hour ride."

"Sounds great to me." Kerry agreed, tipping her head back and drinking in the sunlight. The weather had cleared nicely, and it was cold, with a light breeze. She was wearing a thick sweater and her heaviest jeans, complimented by a pair of boots Dar had insisted on buying for her, saying she couldn’t ride all that way in sneakers.

Sure I could. Kerry reasoned, glancing down at the soft, creamy tan leather that snugly covered her calves. But they're killer boots, and I've wanted a pair like this, so… She settled her heels contentedly and glanced over at Dar, who was resplendent in the very cheerful, heavy red sweater Kerry had insisted on reciprocating with It contrasted nicely with her dark hair, and tanned skin, and Kerry decided she very much liked Dar in that color. The taller woman's hair was pulled back into a neat braid, and her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, delighting the watching Kerry.

Her own hair was also neatly braided, and tucked into a knot at the back of her neck, and she enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her skin, and the cool touch of the wind which unexpectedly brushed across the bared back of her neck. She nudged her horse into a walk, following Dar's stallion towards the start of a half hidden path going upward.

It was a wonderful day for a ride, and she nudged her horse a little faster, until she was side by side with Dar, as they ambled up the path together. The trees, pines mostly, rustled over head, and she became aware of the small sounds of the forest around her.

Dead leaves rattling softly down.

The wind moving branches.

The soft, rhythmic footfalls of the horses.

Her breathing, and the rustle of wool as Dar turned, and glanced at her.

"It's beautiful." She murmured, glancing back. "God, it's been so long since I've done this."

Dar adjusted her hold on the reins, settling into her saddle with a feeling of quiet contentment. She'd managed to keep up her riding skills mostly due to a friend in the Redlands, who had a stable full of retired racers and half broken mustangs he'd let her rope and ride on, during the odd weekend she could escape from the city. It had been a while for her, though, the last time she'd gotten down there had been in early October, and she suspected her legs were going to remind her of that when the day was over. She watched Kerry out of the corner of her eye, and speculated they might be spending the evening giving each other massages.

A grin took over Dar's face. "Good boy." She patted her stallion's neck enthusiastically, finding nothing wrong with that prospective thought. "Yeah, it is nice up here… I've been up here when the leaves are changing colors.. that's a sight." She commented to Kerry.

"I know." The blond woman laughed. "I've seen them… that was one of the weirdest things to get used to about living down there.. no seasons."

"Tch.. there are too seasons." Dar gave her a mock scowl. "Summer's different than winter."

"Oh.. right.. 88 degrees and 100 percent humidity, versus 88 degrees and seventy percent humidity." Kerry grinned at her. "I forgot." She straightened a little, then relaxed into her mare's walk. "This type of saddle's more comfortable than the one I learned on."

"English?" Dar inquired, receiving a nod in response. "I learned bareback."

"Figures." Kerry laughed. "I bet you open cans with your teeth, too."

Dar laughed with her. "Not these pearly whites, thanks." She disagreed cheerfully, then she pressed her knees into her mount's sides, and urged him into a faster pace. "C'mon… let's see if these guys can move."

"Oh.. um… er.. " Kerry frantically tried to remember how to balance as her mare followed the now cantering stallion. "I think I.. oh.. " She leaned forward a little and caught her balance over the horse's stride. "Okay.. that's better." The mare was apparently encouraged, and she sped up, matching her stablemate's pace. "Good girl.. yeah.. that's it…" She gripped hard with her knees, and leaned forward, as the mare caught up to Dar's horse, and she came even with her lover, who was grinning happily. "Very nice, Dar.. very nice… I like this." She shouted.

"You do?" The blue eyes twinkled merrily. "Great!" With that, she leaned forward, and gave the stallion a nudge, pushing him from a canter into a full gallop, as the path opened up into a long, narrow grassy area. "C'mon!"

"Oh boy." Kerry settled down and hung on, as her mare sped up doggedly to match the gray horse, her pace moving into a gallop that whipped the wind past Kerry's ears, and made her eyes tear up. It was very shaky for a moment, then she relaxed a little, and began to enjoy it. "Yeah!" She urged the mare forward. "Go get im."

The two horses raced alongside each other, the grass whipping against their legs, and the wind tearing across their laughing rider's forms.

Dar let the race continue until she knew they were coming to a narrowing in the path. She gently pulled the stallion up, and allowed Kerry to thunder past her, as the blond woman quickly started to slow when she saw Dar do so. She half stood in her stirrups and pulled back on the reins, as the mare reluctantly slowed. They cantered down the narrowing path, and up into a steepening slope for the next part of the ride. "Wow.. that was fun." Kerry grinned. "Brings back a lot of good memories." She exhaled and caught her breath.

Dar gazed at her, smiling at the way the activity had brought a ready flush to her face. "Yeah? For me too." She slowed her mount to a walk, patting the warm neck with an idle hand. "Here." She handed over a water bottle.

"Thanks." Kerry gratefully accepted it, and sucked down a mouthful, tasting the mineral tang of the local water as she swallowed. "Oo.. did you see that squirrel, Dar?" She pointed with the bottle at a bushy brownish red animal, who was clutching to the far side of a tree near the path, peering at them suspiciously.

"Sure do." Dar slowed her horse and stopped him, then carefully fished a handful of nuts from her pouch, and tossed one at the ground under the squirrel's tree.

Then she waited, sitting in perfect silence, the wind blowing stray tendrils of dark hair about her face.

The squirrel peered at her, then slowly inched down the tree and scampered across the leaves, sniffing at her offering warily.

Kerry watched her lover, the angular face quietly intent, pale blue eyes flicking minutely as she watched the squirrel pick up the nut and nibble it. A smile pulled at the dark haired woman's lips as she tossed another nut down, and the squirrel scampered right over to snatch it, apparently assured of her harmlessness.

Too bad I didn't bring my camera. She mused. Dar Roberts feeding squirrels.. no one would believe it. I'd put it on my desktop as a wallpaper. "He's cute." She commented softly, getting a suspicious glance from their tiny friend. "Yeah, you." She told him.

Dar shifted her eyes to Kerry, then she held a nut up at about shoulder level, near the tree the squirrel had been perching on. Obligingly , the animal scuttled up the bark, edging around until his head was level with hers, and they could see his earnest brown eyes.

"Here you go." Dar murmured softly, holding it closer.

"D… " Kerry held her breath, watching the creatures sharp teeth get closer to her lover's hand.

One clawed foot worked itself loose and made a grab for the nut, brushing Dar's fingers as she released it. The squirrel darted around the back of the tree, and onto a branch, where he sat, nibbling the nut and chittering at her impudently.

One long finger pointed at him. "Watch it, buddy… there are Fortune 500 CEO's who've gotten less from me with a whole lot more trouble." She warned the animal, then pressed her knees into her horse's side and moved away from the tree.

Kerry joined her, glancing back at the squirrel, who was watching her with a vaguely disappointed air. "That was pretty amazing."

Dar glanced at her. "What.. that he ate nuts?" She raised an eyebrow. "No it wasn't."

A gentle laugh. "Okay.. if you say so." Kerry agreed amiably. "But I know you wouldn't have caught me getting my hands that close to something with teeth that sharp."

Dar just laughed, and led the way upward.

It was a pleasant ride, mostly in the shade, mostly passing quiet trees and softly mossy rocks, where the scent of the forest was strong around them, and the cold air brushed against their skin. Finally, the climb let out on a small plateau, which sloped to a rock surrounded spring. It was sunny, and Kerry found a smile crossing her face as they pulled the horses to a halt and she leaned back in the saddle. "Wow.. this is nice."

"Thanks… glad you like it." Dar shook her boots free of her stirrups and swung her leg over her stallion's neck, dropping down off his back and landing with a little thump. "Whoo." She stretched cautiously, moderately pleased at the relative lack of stiffness. "You up for some lunch?" She laid a hand on the mare's neck. "There's a nice spot over there.. I used to come up here and just spend some time, listening to the water and… " she paused. "mostly just thinking."

"Sure." Kerry got off her mare in a more conventional manner, getting her boots on the ground and easing her knees straight. "Oh.. brother." She rubbed her thigh. "I'm going to feel this, that's for sure."

Dar took the mare's reins. "Come over here… I'll get the lunch and try to work the kinks out of you, okay?" She felt a little guilty about dragging Kerry out on a ride this long. "You could have said you wanted to do something shorter."

"No no.. I'm fine." Kerry tensed and relaxed her quadriceps. "Really." She walked gingerly after her lover, feeling the cramping ease as she kept moving. "It was great.. it was definitely worth it, Dar."

"Uh huh." Dar tied the horses under a tree, where there was a patch of mostly dried but still edible grass, and removed the lunch pack, carrying it with her as she guided Kerry up to a sunny spot near the spring. She set the pack down and dropped to the ground next to it, patting the earth. "Siddown."

Kerry did so, cautiously stretching her legs out in front of her and leaning back on her hands. "I feel bowlegged.. that horse is a lot bigger than the ones I rode." She studied her mare. "A lot chunkier, too."

Dar chuckled, and eased down with one knee between her lover's calves. "Okay.. just relax." She began to work on the tense muscles under the snug denim.

"Ungh." Kerry closed her eyes in pleasure and exhaled. "You are sooo good at that." She relaxed as the long fingers worked their magic, easing the tight cramping.

"Better?" Dar finished, patting her leg lightly.

"Uh huh." Kerry agreed, gazing at her through half closed eyes. "Do I get a repeat when we get back?"

Dar settled on the ground cross legged, tucking her boots under her knees and pulling the pack over. "Sure." She answered with a chuckle. "That hot jacuzzi sounds good, doesn't it?"

"Mmmmm…" Kerry sat up and gingerly crossed her legs. "You bet.. whacha got?"

Dar pulled out packages containing sandwiches. "Chicken sandwiches." She told her companion innocently, handing Kerry hers. "Just like you asked for."

Kerry peeked under the wrapping and burst into laughter. "Dar.. you are just a… a…. " She slapped the taller woman on the leg. "You're so bad." She smoothed the paper out and sighed. "Smells good, though." She admitted, as the scent of the crispy fried chicken sandwich rose to her. "What else?"

Dar pulled out two padded cases out, and handed one to Kerry. "Newest gadget.. keeps things warm for over three hours." She opened up a large napkin onto the ground, and set her case on it, then pulled out small dispensers of salt, pepper, and three small jars.

"What in th.. " Kerry unzipped the container, and was surprised when steam escaped, bathing her face in a gentle, familiar scent. "You brought Mr. Potato Head on a wilderness picnic?"

Dar peered inside. "Yep." She indicated her own container. "I have salt, butter, pepper, chives, sour cream, and bacon bits for them, too." She announced in a satisfied tone, as she speared a mini carrot with a toothpick and stuck it in Kerry's potato. "There.. I even brought you a carrot." She pointed. "Look.. Mr. Potato Head has a nose."

Kerry removed it and stuck it in her mouth." Not anymore." She disagreed, munching the carrot.

"What about an ear?" Dar next poked a bit of cold broccoli in place, and then evaded Kerrys' hands and added a slice of melon as a mouth. "There…"

"Stop it." Kerry slapped her. "Stop playing with my food, Dar.. or I'll turn Mr. Potato Head into Mashed Potatoes ala Dar's shirt."

The taller woman took the hint and chuckled, then broke open her own potato and applied everything she could get her hands on to it. "Steve sort of reminds me of a Mr. Potato Head. "She commented wryly. "Must be those ears."

Kerry laughed, as she neatly sliced up her lunch and ate it. "Yeah.. maybe… I'll have to get you one of those to keep in your office."

A dark brow cocked. "So when I say 'off with his head' I can demonstrate?" She inquired wryly. "No thanks.. it sends a very mixed message." She finished up her sandwich and scooted back a little, leaning against a sun warmed rock and stretching her legs out. Kerry tucked her wrappers away as well, and crawled over to her, snuggling up against her chest and relaxing as Dar wound an arm around her waist and she leaned back.

Dar felt the warmth of the rock at her back, and the warmth of her lover against her, and decided it was about the most pleasant feeling she'd ever had. She gazed over Kerry's shoulder, watching the running spring with a peaceful sense of contentment.

And familiarity. Her brow creased. No, she and Kerry had never done this before, that she was pretty sure of, and yet…

She gave the blond woman a little squeeze, and Kerry reciprocated by pressing a hand against hers, and laying her other hand on Dar's leg, stroking it gently.

She could smell the clean scent of Kerry's shampoo, where the blond woman's head was resting just under her chin, and she let her cheek drop a little, to rest against it, feeling a sudden wash of strong familiarity, that brought a faint, pained smile to her face.

It was her dream, one of them. One of those strange ones, where she clearly remembered resting in a quiet glade not too different from this one, with the soft sound of water, and the smell of the forest around them. She'd been leaning on a rock, her arm wrapped around a warm, somnolent body, whose fingers had gently traced across her thigh just..

Exactly..

As they were now.

Dar shivered in pure reflex, her eyes opening, as a silver hued image of the dream flashed through her mind.

"Hey?" Kerry turned to look up at her. "What's wrong?"

A soft exhale. "Just a bit of…I don't know.. déjà vu, I guess." She forced a laugh. "Or something from a dream.. I.. "

Kerry's eyebrows knit. "You know, I get that a lot around you." She commented casually. "Or I have these weird dreams where you and I are doing really strange stuff."

Dar gazed at her. "Me too." She admitted softly. "Like just now.. " Her eyes shifted. "I think I had a dream a lot like this… trees, water… you and I.. lying like this.. I was holding onto you.. " She paused, considering. "Weird."

Kerry shrugged. "It happens… I used to have dreams like that when I was in school.. about stuff going on there.. it's just your brain cleaning house."

"Yeah." The taller woman agreed, feeling a sense of relief. "You're right… hey.. " She picked up a flat stone and flipped it towards the spring. "Can you do that?"

"Oh god.. I've always wanted to.. figures you can." Kerry dug into the ground next to them and came up with a couple more relatively flat stones. "Here.. teach me."

With a tender smile, Dar reached and arm around her and guided her arm, feeling a sweet echo in her words. "Okay.. like this.. sideways.. "

They spent a very pleasant hour just tossing rocks, and snuggling in the sun, as the horses contentedly cropped grass, and the sun rose over head. Finally Dar patted her leg. " You ready to head back?"

"Mm… " Kerry had her head pillowed in Dar's lap, and was stretching her legs out in lazy bliss. "At least we get to sit down this afternoon.. are you going to let me teach you to sail?"

"Sure." Dar agreed readily. "I've never been on one of those small boats.. the big ones you just keep out of the way of the crew… I'm looking forward to it." She tickled Kerry's ear. "C'mon… let's get going."

They stood and gathered their things, with Dar packing everything neatly back inside the lunch pack while Kerry wandered over to the spring and tasted it's water. "Hey.. that's not bad." She grinned at Dar. "It's sweet."

Dar glanced over. "Yeah.. watch it.. looks like there's a bee hive over there.. be careful."

Kerry blinked. "Oh.. .. thanks." She carefully skirted the spot and walked over to where her mare was, untying her and gathering up the reins. "Okay, girl… what's your name again.. Cookie?"

"Brownie." Dar supplied wryly. "But you were close." She got up into her saddle and settled her knees, tucking her reins in one hand as she half turned the stallion towards Kerry's horse.

"Yeah.. yeah.. what's his name… Silver?" Kerry put a foot in the stirrup and hoisted herself up, feeling the mare shift under her. "Ah ah… none of that."

"Smokey." Dar replied amiably. "Careful."

Kerry slid forward a little in the saddle, and tried to find a comfortable place for her knees to grip. They were still a little sore, and she shifted, then half turned. "Do yo..whoa!"

The mare had stepped sideways, and one hoof caught on a root. With a snort, the horse crab hopped sideways, bucking a little and almost throwing Kerry off. "Whoa!!" The blond woman hung on, though, and pulled the mare's head around, grabbing tight as she jumped up out of the little hollow she'd moved into and bolted towards the stream for a few steps.

Enough to bring her right up against the bush with the beehive, her hindquarters brushing it's outer leaves, and disturbing the sluggish insects.

"Kerry.. uh.. " Dar's eyes widened a little. " Be careful there.. I.. "

"I'm being careful.. " The blond complained, trying to get the mare straightened out. "C'mon.. you… a…holy.. whoa…whoa.. shit!!!!" j

The mare snorted, as several bees settled and stung her, then she squealed and bolted, jerking the reins out of Kerry's hands as she headed out and down the long, sloping path. "Hey!! Hey!!! Slow down!!!!"

"Son of a.. " Dar slapped her stallion on the side, kicking him into a run as she gave chase. "Kerry!!!!"

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

I'm in trouble. Kerry hung on to the front of the saddle, watching the reins fly uselessly near the ground. Shit. "Hey… c'mon…c'mon… slow down!" She called to the mare, who was snorting. Both back heels kicked up, almost tossing Kerry over the horse's head, and she gripped the saddle frantically. "Okay.. okay…"

The mare whinnied, and bucked, then chose a cedared path down the hillside, shaking her head as the reins irritated her. Kerry heard hoofbeats catching up, and she half turned, to see the gray stallion bearing down on her, Dar's body pressed to his back, one hand free, the other clenching leather reins.

Cursing, she turned around, and leaned forward, trying to grab one of the flapping pieces of leather, which flicked annoyingly just out of her reach.

"Hang on, Kerry." Dar yelled, as she closed, her horse snorting as his nose neared the mare's flying tail.

Unfortunately, this only scared the already terrified mare, who redoubled her pace, slipping a little in the cedar chips. "Whoa.. whoa… " Kerry yelled, her eyes widening as she saw a bend coming up. "Whoa.. take it easy… wh.. " The horse spun, and kicked, and she lost her grip, her body going the opposite direction and flying peacefully through the air. The mare got around the bend and took off running, as her former rider slammed unceremoniously against a tree trunk, then dropped to the ground with a leaf scattering thump.

Oh my god. Kerry just lay there for a long moment, trying to get air back into her lungs, almost not hearing the rapidly slowing hoofbeats, and the thump as something large hit the ground running, scattering cedar chips all over her as the steps came skidding to a halt at her side.

Hands touched her, and then Dar's urgent voice reached her ears. "Don't move."

"Couldn’t if I wanted to." She murmured, counting the stars circling her head. "Ow… damn that hurt."

"Where did you hit?" The low voice asked. "You got any shooting pain anywhere? How about your neck?"

Kerry had to think about it. "My shoulder." She flexed her hands a little. "Fortunately it was my butt that hit the ground…I'm sure I didn't take any damage there." The numbness was wearing off, replaced by aching. "Whoo."

"Can you feel everything?" Dar asked nervously. "Your hands, feet.. no numbness?"

Fingers, toes, eyelashes.. "Yeah… " Kerry sighed, moving her head a little. "It's all there.. it just hurts… I think I just got the wind knocked out of me." She told her companion. "We weren’t going that fast."

Dar sat down heavily next to her. "Jesus." She gently eased Kerry back from her curled up position, examining her carefully. Her sweater and heavy jeans had protected her from the tree bark, and she appeared relatively unharmed. "You scared the hell out of me."

Kerry managed a grin. "Me too.. what on earth happened?" She moved her arms and legs, shifting her feet to a more comfortable position, and took a deep breath. "Did that horse go nuts, or what?"

"I think she got stung." Dar explained, slipping an arm over Kerry's shoulders and supporting her solicitously. "You sure you're okay?"

Kerry leaned her head against the convenient shoulder, and sighed. "I'm shaking like a leaf, but yeah." She glanced off down the path. "Looks like I'm walking home, though." She exhaled as the throbbing receded.

"You most certainly are not." Dar snapped, her adrenaline still surging, making her hands shake almost uncontrollably. She took a few deep breaths, willing her heart to calm.

Surprised green eyes glanced at her, reading the ghosts of recent terror there. "Hey.. it's okay." She added gently. "I'm all right.. I'm not the first person who ever fell off a horse." She laid a hand on Dar's chest in comfort, then inhaled, as she felt the racing heartbeat under her fingers. "Take it easy there, tiger."

"I'm fine." Dar replied, a little shortly. "You can ride my horse.. I'll lead him."

Kerry put a hand on her lover's thigh. "No, Dar.. you're not going to walk five miles back to the cabin.. now, just relax.. I'm fine.. I just got shook up a little."

Stubborn blue eyes glared at her. "We'll both ride then… he's a big horse." She replied. "We'll take it real slow."

Kerry considered arguing, then saw the set jaw, and the tensed muscles, and decided to let this one go. "Okay." She agreed. "Poor horsie.. you better get him some apples when we get back."

"He'll survive." Dar relaxed a little. "We're still under the weight limit." She added, letting a slight grin cross her lips, referring to the three hundred pound sign prominently displayed on the stable wall.

Kerry poked her. "Not by that much." She teased. "You still owe him apples." She allowed Dar to lift her up to her feet, though, and she stood gingerly, testing her body out before she nodded. "Okay…I'm all right… let's go."

Smokey stood, watching them suspiciously as Dar collected his reins, and studied him. "I'll drive." She decided, putting a foot in the stirrup and pulling herself up, then neatly sidestepping the horse over to where Kerry was standing, and extending an arm down. "Grab on.. I'll pull you up."

Kerry felt herself smiling for no apparent reason, and as she reached up, her hand slid past Dar's to grip the taller woman's arm above the elbow, giving her a handle as she also reached for the back of the saddle.

The sensation of being lifted was so familiar, she almost laughed, as she threw her leg over the horse's hindquarters, and settled in behind Dar in the large saddle. "I'm going to squish you." She warned.

"No problem." Dar advised her, feeling the warm pressure as Kerry's body melded into hers. "Just hang on."

A gentle laugh bubbled it's way up through her lips as Kerry wrapped her arms around Dar's body, squeezing her a little. "Absolutely no problem there." She assured her lover. "Where you go, I go, buddy."

Dar stopped, and half turned, gazing back at her with one eyebrow lifted. "Buddy?"

Kerry grinned charmingly at her. "Aren't you my buddy?"

A shake of the dark head, then Dar turned back around and nudged her mount down the trail. "Okay, Smokey.. nice and easy.. I don't want any road bumps."

The silence dropped around them again, and Kerry was able to put her aching shoulder aside, as she leaned against the warm body in front of her. The smell of sun warmed wool tickled her senses, and she let her chin rest against Dar's shoulder blades, feeling the bones move a little as the taller woman shifted.

"Mm." She rubbed her cheek against the soft fabric, then blinked as it reminded her of her dream a while back. "Hey."

"What?" Dar whirled, almost unseating her, glancing back anxiously. "Are you okay? You're not starting to feel dizzy or anything, right? How's your shoulder."

Kerry cleared her throat, and resettled her legs, finding the contact with Dar both familiar and comforting. "Well, it'd be a lot better if you'd stop jerking around like that." She admonished her companion. "Would you relax already? I just wanted to mention that this whole thing reminded me of that dream I had."

Dar faced forward, feeling a little embarrassed. "What dream?" She asked gruffly.

"The one with you in the armor." The blond woman placidly answered. " You remember?"

"Oh yeah." Dar grunted. "Me in armor.. silliest thing I ever heard."

Kerry closed her eyes, trying to remember the sensations. "And no pants."

The horse stopped stock still. "What?" Dar looked cautiously around at her.

"Your legs were bare." Kerry replied, opening her eyes and patting her companion's thigh. "So were mine for that matter." She giggled. "Half naked horsebackriding… whoa… I'm quite the wild thing in my dreams, huh?"

Dar started laughing." Doesn't say much for me.. what kind of idiot would wear armor and no pants?"

"Hmm.. there must be something deep and Freudian in that." Kerry mused.

"Kerry?" Dar hesitated.

"Hmm?"

"Don't go there."

"Mm.. yeah, okay."

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

They got in an hour later than they expected to, since Dar insisted on keeping poor Smokey to a pace somewhere between a turtle and a turtle. The stable man ran out to greet them, and took Smokey's reins, while Dar jumped down, then solicitously caught Kerry as she tried to follow, and let her down gently to the ground. "The mare got bee stung.. threw her and took off." She explained tersely.

"We figured." The man nodded. "Had to pull four or five stingers out of her butt… sorry about that.. you all right, ma'am?" His eyes turned anxiously to Kerry.

"I'm just peachy, thanks." Kerry assured him, as she looked up at Dar. "You can let me go now, I think." She straightened her legs with a wince, but they held.

"Oh. Sorry." Dar gave her a little pat on the back and cleared her throat. "Listen.. let's save the sailing for tomorrow, okay? " Her eyes flicked to the stable man's. "Anything going on here tonight?"

He considered. "We've got a hay ride scheduled." He offered. "Out to the big firepit after dinner."

"That sounds wonderful." Kerry spoke up, with a grin. "I love hayrides… c'mon, Dar.. I bet they'll have marshmallows."

"Yes, ma'am, we do.. the riders make s'mores, in fact." The man smiled back at her. "And we've got a couple folks who play guitar, and some that tell stories, too."

Kerry gave Dar a wishing look, and was rewarded with a tolerantly knowing grin. "Sure." Dar agreed. "C'mon.. let's go change into something that smells less like horses, and relax before dinner." She circled the smaller woman's shoulders and they headed off towards the cabin, pausing as they noticed a large group clustered around the tailgate of a work worn blue pickup truck.

"What's up?" Dar inquired, as they neared it.

Millie turned, and shook her head. "Poor people… they've had an awful rain out in Arizona… just look at it." She pointed.

In the back of the truck was a portable television, running off the truck's engine. A grainy picture showed, of a hapless man in a blue poncho, standing with his microphone in a complete downpour as bits of trees and small animals floated by in the background. A caption at the bottom was labeled Channel 12 News. "Man, look at that." One of the workers whistled softly. "And that damn storm's heading our way, too."

Dar and Kerry exchanged glances. "When?" They both asked together.

The worker blinked, surprised, and glanced at them. "Um…Monday night, Tuesday morning… why?"

"Thanks.. no… we were just curious." Kerry smiled at him. "C'mon, Dar… I hear a Jacuzzi calling my name."

"Right." Dar agreed, shaking her head at the screen as cactus floated by past the reporter. "I wonder if that's causing us any problems?"

Kerry tugged her forward. "I'm sure they'd call if it was." She assured her lover.

"Right." Dar murmured again, as they walked away.

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

The warm water felt absolutely wonderful, Kerry decided, as she squirmed around to let the jets rush against her ribs, and watched Dar approach bearing a couple of nicely chilled glasses.

Not that she noticed the glasses, especially, since her eyes were mostly fully engaged by her hormones due to the fact that her lover was jaunting around the cabin buck naked.

"Here." The dark haired woman sighed, handing her a glass and seating herself, stretching her long legs out and letting her head rest against the edge of the tub. "Boy, that feels great." She paused, expecting an answer, then glanced over when all she got was silence. "Kerry?"

"Sorry." The blond woman took a sip of the chilled champagne and swallowed it. "Just thinking." She wiggled her toes contentedly and exhaled. "I suppose it could have been worse.. we could have gone skiing."

"Probably would have been me that slammed into a tree then." Dar remarked. "How's your shoulder?" She peered worriedly at the smoothly muscled bodypart in question, examining the bruise that covered Kerry's arm. "You sure nothing else hurts?"

"Dar, can I ask you a question?" Kerry peered at her. "How can a person so oblivious of their own physical well being be so damned solicitous of mine?"

The taller woman stopped, and drew back in silence. "Sorry." She muttered. "Didn't realize I was bothering you."

Kerry studied her, a little bewildered. "No.. it.. it didn’t.. doesn't bother me, I just didn't expect… that… of you."

Dar gave a little nod, and took a sip of her drink. Truth be told, she hardly knew why she was so damned concerned herself. The woman was obviously all right, so she should just back off, and let her be.. after all, that's exactly what she'd want in Kerry's place, right?

Right. She hated when people fussed over her, and here she was.. being the biggest fusspot this side of an old fashioned nursery nanny. No wonder Kerry was annoyed. With an effort, she relaxed, and closed her eyes, trying to recapture the good mood she'd been in at lunch.

She was surprised when a warm body fit itself around hers unexpectedly, and her eyes popped open in startlement, to see two pale green ones peering back at her from a very close distance. "Uh.. hi."

"Hi." Kerry answered, with a quietly apologetic look. "Sorry.. I assumed that because you hate people pawing over you, that you naturally would just expect everyone else to buck up and pretend gaping head wounds are nothing."

"No." Dar acknowledged quietly. "I don’t' expect that at all."

It was a quiet, willing surrender, she knew. "Good.. then could you give me a hug, please.. I really feel like crap… my legs are killing me, and my entire back feels like an accordion." Kerry sighed. "And what kind of good drugs did you bring that might help?"

Dar felt a curious smile crossing her face, as she put her glass down and folded her arms around her lover, then lifted her, gently cradling her in the frothy water. "Let me take some tension off your back, then." She replied, as the blond woman nestled her head against one of Dar's shoulders. "Just put your arms around my… yeah." She gently stretched Kerry's body out, working the stiffened muscles with one hand while supporting her with the other. "I've got some Percogesic…it's pain killer and a muscle relaxant.. how does that sound."

"It sounds great." Kerry mumbled. "But I feel much better already.. I think you're one kick ass drug yourself, Dar." She snuggled closer, absorbing the clean, chlorine tinted warmth of the water, and the even warmer silkiness of the skin she was nestled against.

Dar felt a sincere, through sense of relief. "Well… I doubt it.. " She joked.. "The AMA would never approve me, that's for sure.. but let's get you out of here and comfortable, okay?"

"Sure." Kerry agreed amiably. "Wh.. Dar!" She grabbed a tighter hold as she was lifted out of the Jacuzzi. "Stop that.. you'll hurt yourself!"

"Nah." Dar stepped carefully out of the tub. "Grab that towel." She instructed, then carried Kerry out into the nicely warmed cabin, and set her on the bed. Taking the towel, she knelt. "Hold still. This won't hurt."

"Bu… " Kerry spluttered, then subsided, slowly relaxing as Dar dried her gently.

It was remarkably erotic, and she had a hard time keeping her hands still, as the soft, almost rough fabric of the towel brushed against suddenly sensitized skin. She had to force herself not to react, force herself to let Dar take complete control.

To trust completely.

Her breathing slowed, and let herself become aware of Dar's close presence, to feel the warmth as her still damp skin brushed by Kerry's hand. She could hear the soft breaths, and the whispery sounds of Dar's hair as it slipped over her bare shoulders. She could smell her, that inimitable faintly spicy musk that clung to her lover's skin, along with the chlorine scent of the water. Her world stilled for a perfect instant.

And then lips touched hers, and the towel's rough warmth was replaced by knowing fingertips that traced a path across her skin leaving a shiver of anticipation in their wake. She let her eyes slide open, to see Dar's looking back at her, a teasing grin moving her lips. One long finger came up and balanced itself on her nose. "Don't go away." Dar told her softly, as she stood and went to their baggage, coming back with a bottle and a cup of water. She knelt down again and shook out two pills, handing them to Kerry. "Here."

Kerry gazed at her, mesmerized. "Do I need these?" She asked softly. "It doesn't hurt anymore." She reached out and bypassed the pills, resting her hand on Dar's cheek. "I just need you."

Dar put the bottle down without breaking eye contact, and eased down on the bed, stretching her body out next to Kerry's and laying a hand on her stomach. She felt the muscles contract under her fingers, and watched as the pale green eyes darkened at no more than that light touch. "All right." She leaned over and brushed her lips against the soft curve of a breast. "I can't guarantee it's going to be relaxing, though." She moved up, feeling the sudden intake of breath as Kerry felt the teasing pressure. "You sure you're up to it?"

She finally let her hands loose, and they greedily reached for Dar's close presence, tugging her closer as her body growled with desire.

"Guess that answered that." Dar chuckled low in her throat, and succumbed to the insistent tug, feeling a warmth of connection between them that was pulling her closer, and closer, until she could swear…

That they were simply two halves of a whole.

Of course you are. Her mind whispered at her, as she let go and allowed the passion to take her, hearing a faint, knowing chuckle somewhere deep in the back of her mind.

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

"You're being quiet." Kerry commented, glancing over at Dar as they mounted the steps to the lodge. Her hands were tucked firmly in her pockets against the chill air, and her breath escaped as puffy clouds of vapor.

Dar also had her hands hidden, and she sniffled a little against the cold. "I'm not generally speaking a noisy person." She responded mildly. "I was just thinking, that's all." She reached out and pulled the heavy door open, then inclined her head for Kerry to precede her.

"You always do that." Kerry commented. "Open doors."

"Well.. you need to, Kerry.. or you crash into them and get a lot of splinters in your face." The taller woman responded drolly. "How's your shoulder doing?"

"It's a little stiff, but okay." Kerry replied. "Actually.. " She blushed a little, and moved closer. "My butt hurts more."

The blue eyes twinkled a little. "You probably bruised your tailbone." She patted the spot gently. "I'll have to get you a pillow for the office for a week or so."

They went into the dining room, already half full with guests at the scattering of tables. A table near the window was made available, and they settled into it, gazing out at the view of the last rays of sunset over the lake. The room was fairly dim, wall sconces made to look like candelabra and torches were the motif, and they spread a warm, reddish glow around rather than a harsh brilliance. A fireplace in the rear crackled merrily, and leant to the rustic atmosphere.

"It smells great in here. " Kerry commented, as their server arrived, bearing a basket of warm, fresh biscuits and a bowl of sweet butter. "Is it the wood they're using in the fire?"

Dar glanced over at it, as she snagged a yeast biscuit and broke it open. "Um… that might be hickory, so yeah." A tiny hint of a smile appeared. "You know, this winter stuff isn't all bad." She tugged on her collar. "Except that this wool's driving me nuts."

Kerry laughed. "Well, you look really nice in that sweater… even if it's tickling your chin." The turtleneck, a rich, solid electric blue brought out the color of her eyes like nobody's business, and framed her angular face wonderfully.

Dar looked pleased at the compliment. "You look very nice, yourself." She returned it, eyeing the blond woman's layered flannel and sweatshirt combination. Kerry's face had a gentle tinge of color from the wind they'd ridden through, and her pale hair was pulled back into a pony tail, with a few wisps escaping around her pink ears.

Which grew a touch pinker at the words, something Dar found eminently adorable. "I'm glad our flight's not until 8 tomorrow.. gives us the whole day." She remarked. "You're going to teach me to sail in the morning, right?"

"Teach you? Dar you've been on the ocean all your life.. what do you mean teach you?" Kerry protested, smiling a thank you at the server as he put a cup of frothy local ale in front of her, and a similar one in front of Dar.

"Um… " Dar took a sip, and raised her brows. "Not bad.. um.. I can drive about anything on the water that uses petroleum products, and I even got to sit at the controls of something that uses…" She paused, and waggled her head. "A more esoteric form of fuel, shall we say.. but I've never sailed."

"Really?" Kerry thought about that. "Esoteric? I don't…" She remembered what branch of the service Dar's father had been in. "Oh..oh.. I get it.. .right… " Pause. "They didn't let you drive a submarine, did they?"

Dar held up a finger to her lips. "Sshhhh…. I didn't even have a driver's license at the time."

Kerry covered her eyes. "Oh.. I suddenly feel so…soo….safe… " She sighed.

"I didn't hit anything." Dar objected mildly. "And I'm a safe driver, you know that."

Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a large family, who took a table not far from them. The father was an older man, gray haired and stocky, dressed in a flannel shirt and corduroys, and he directed the three assorted children to sit down while his wife pulled the waiter aside. The children were all slimly built and meticulously dressed, and the mother had, incongruously, a mink stole around her shoulders.

Dar snorted as she took a sip of her ale, then glanced over and saw the pensive look on Kerry's face. She reached over and covered the blond woman's hand with her own, chafing the fingers of it lightly. "Hey."

Green eyes flicked her way, then held.

"Memories?" Dar guessed.

"Something like that." Kerry acknowledged softly. "When we were younger, we used to go up to a Christian retreat up in the north lake area…it was a little like this, except that the focus was bible teaching, and family building." She let out a faint, bitter laugh. "Family building.. what a joke.. it was just one big excuse to get us all together in one place so we could be preached at for week.. and told our faults."

Dar winced. "Not all families are like that." She told her friend, giving the nervously moving fingers a squeeze.

Kerry dropped her gaze to their hands. "I know." She looked up. "But I see kids like that.." She jerked her head towards the family. "And I always wonder."

Dar studied the children quietly, noting the almost furtive glances as they looked around. The eldest girl was probably about sixteen, and the youngest about ten, she reckoned. As she pondered, the oldest happened to look her way, and their eyes met briefly. The girl immediately dropped her eyes, and a blush made itself evident on her face.

A dark brow lifted, as Dar wondered what had garnered that reaction, then she realized she and Kerry were still holding hands. Ah. She drummed the fingers of her free hand on the table. Well well. "So." She casually pulled Kerry's knuckles over and brushed them with her lips, then released them. " What were we talking about.. sailing, wasn't it?"

"Um…" Kerry looked a little flustered. "Dar…you know, we are in North Carolina."

Dar blinked at her. "I know that."

Green eyes flicked around the room, then back to her face. "Don't they still lynch adulterers here?"

The dark brows knit for a long moment. "Wha…oh." Dar sat back, nonplused. "I… " She looked around in a startled manner. "B…"

Kerry hid a smile behind one hand. "Dar… Dar… relax… I…didn't mean… " She covered her eyes, and felt her skin warm. "I just.. I sort of had you pegged, I thought, as someone who didn't do PDA's." She peeked at her lover hesitantly. The angular face was very still, as Dar processed her words, then an indescribable look took it over. "Dar?"

"I…" Dar released a breath. "I didn't think I did either." She folded her hands and studied them. "I'm sorry.. I didn't realize it was bothering you." Her voice was steady, and casual.

But Kerry had learned something about her companion over the months. Sometimes she said what she thought the person she was talking to wanted to hear, rather than what she was feeling in her heart, and it usually showed in subtle shifts in her body language.

Like when her neck muscles relaxed, and it dropped her shoulders a little. It wasn't quite slumping, but Kerry could see it nonetheless. "N.. no, it doesn’t' bother me… " She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I love when you touch me.. you have no idea how special that makes me feel." She watched the dark head lift, and wary blue eyes peeked out at her. "I guess I'm just not used to being conspicuous."

"Conspicuous?" Dar repeated.

"Yeah.. I um.. " Kerry twiddled her thumbs. "I made it a practice to attract as little attention to myself as possible.. it was sort of a survival reflex."

"Oh." The dark haired woman murmured. "I never thought of that." She played with her roll. "I never really cared if I attracted attention or not."

Kerry rested her chin in her hand, and gazed at her magnetically attractive companion. "No.. I bet you didn't." She remarked wryly. "But it's going to take me a little while to get over that."

Dar bit her lip, looking for all the world like a scolded child being denied dessert. "Sorry.. I… I wasn't .. doing it on purpose, I just..." Damn it, I should have realized.. what in the hell is wrong with me? "I'll try to keep my hands to myself from now on."

Kerry felt a definite pang hit her in the chest, just hearing that self disgust in Dar's otherwise even tone.

It was a quiet dinner, and Kerry noticed neither of them ate much. She zipped up her jacket and followed Dar as she made her way out the front of the lodge, towards where the hayride was forming up, a soft round of laughter coming from the people who were waiting. A large wagon really full with hay was standing there, with two large work horses hitched to it, their placid, gentle eyes regarding the crowd with little or no interest.

The family had decided to go, and so did six or seven other couples, two of them with children. Kerry bounced on her feet a little in the chill, as she watched them all mill around, waiting for the lodge worker to allow them to climb up onto the wagon.

Dar stood quietly nearby, her hands tucked into her pockets, a look of polite interest on her face. Her breath showed as a gentle stream of vapor, and as Kerry kept an unobtrusive eye on her, the stream doubled, as she let out a long sigh.

"All right, folks… let's get aboard.. we want to get over to that campfire real soon, cause this weather ain't getting any warmer." The cheerful driver told them, as he unhooked the chain and let the back gate down, the put a set of stairs in place. "Up you go."

Dar and Kerry were the fourth set of people to get into the haywagon, and they settled themselves in one of the front corners, out of the way of the giggling children who were burrowing in the hay, tossing bits of it around. Dar drew her knees up and put her arm against them, resting her chin on one forearm.

She thought about what Kerry had said, and found herself resenting the other couples there, who were free to hug and kiss each other, with no fear of any adverse reaction. In fact, the two older couples were watching one pair of lovebirds with an indulgent look on their faces.

She felt, in that moment, as though something very important had been taken away from her, and it was making her mad. So was Kerry's assumption that she wouldn't like public displays. So was the annoying cold, that was making her throat dry out and giving her a headache.

She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back, letting herself slide into a fully fledged, self acknowledged really bad mood. Part of it was at herself, since she really should have guessed that Kerry wouldn't be comfortable announcing their sexual partnership to the world, especially here in what she assumed was a bastion of conservatism. Another part of it was because she hadn't even realized she was doing it, which made her kick herself for being so damned self absorbed.

The cold pressed in on her, and she dropped her head a little and let it in, remembering the last time she'd been here.

Living through the hurt, and rebuilding her defenses, determined to go back out there, and never, never let anyone get close enough to make her feel that lousy ever again.

So what the hell was she doing here now?

Then the other half of her slapped her upside the head. Get a grip, Dar… she didn't blow you off, she just asked for some time to adjust. So just chill out.

Well, at least that was easy enough. She glared morosely at her visible breath, bracing her feet as the wagon started, and the other occupants laughed in delight. The horses started to pull them down the road, their hoofbeats making a regular pattern in the still, cold air. Stop behaving like a spoiled brat, already. Jesus, Dar…what would dad say? He'd kick your ass for acting like this. "Pretty night out, huh?" She forced her bad mood down, and turned to Kerry, shocked at the effort it took not to reach out and gently move aside the soft blond hair obscuring her face.

Kerry's jaw was working, and her brow was knit. She turned her head towards her lover in almost slow motion. "Yes, it is." She responded thoughtfully. "It's cold, though."

"Yeah." Dar agreed softly, as she rubbed her arms with her hands.

The blond woman studied the wagon's occupants, noting the huddled duos with a speculative eye. Then she took in a breath, and expelled it. "Dar?"

"Hmm?"

Kerry chewed her lower lip a minute. "I'm over it." She announced. "I guess the world'll just have to expand it's horizons."

Startled blue eyes regarded her. "What exactly do you mean?"

The smaller woman shifted, then crawled the short distance between them and wrapped herself around Dar's body, tucking her head into the hollow of her lover's shoulder and exhaling. "Is this explicit enough, or do I need to suck your tongue?"

Dar felt a surge of heat erupt, as a flush colored her skin, warming her rapidly. "Uh.. no.. no.. this is fine.. I get the idea." She blurted, knocked offbalance by Kerry's sudden change of heart. She put her arms around the blond woman and settled back, letting their conjoined body heat chase away the chill of the air. "What made you change your mind?"

Amazing, how fast a bad mood could vanish, whisked away on the cold wind.

Kerry thought about the question for a while, as she regarded the people around them. After a few initial, startled glances, they were being mostly ignored, which was fine with her. "Well." She picked up a stalk of hay and chewed it. "I thought about how uncomfortable I felt about everyone staring at me, and then I weighed that against how comfortable I knew I'd feel if I was snuggling with you, and snuggling won."

"Just like that?" Dar asked, in mild disbelief.

"Essentially, yeah." Kerry replied. "Oh.. there was more to it.. and I'm still wrestling with stuff…but I realized when I thought about it that you've been doing all that stuff ever since we.. um… "

"Yeah."

"So…just because we're in a strange place, why should that matter? I know I joked about them lynching people.. but then I figured out if anyone's got a problem here, you could probably kick their ass, so.. " Kerry shrugged. "What the hell? I never rebelled as a teenager.. maybe it's time."

"Oh."

"Maybe I'll get a tattoo."

"Uh…" Dar peered at her. "Don't get all drastic on me, okay? How about we start with a rainbow sticker for your bumper."

"I don't know, Dar.. " Kerry mused. "A nice knotwork design, around your name.. right on my.. um.. " She glanced down.

"Uh.. Kerry… " Blue eyes glanced at their neighbors, one of the older couples who were watching them with interest.

"Shoulderblade." The blond woman finished, with a twinkle in her eyes. "I bet that guy at the desk knows where I could get one around here."

"All right.. " Dar gave her a look. "Now you listen here, Kerrison Stuart.. I am not going to stand by while you get my name tattooed on any part of your body in some hack shop in the backwoods, you hear me?"

Kerry's nose wrinkled up as she grinned. "Would you do it?"

"Get your name tattooed on me?" Dar countered.

The blond nodded, but said nothing.

The angular face went serious, suddenly, intense as Dar met Kerry's eyes and held them. "I already have that." She whispered, touching her chest above her heart with a finger. "Written so deep there, nothing could ever remove it."

Kerry just looked at her, forgetting their watchers, her eyes softening and carrying the sudden glitter of unshed tears. She started to speak, then shook her head, and buried her face in Dar's shoulder.

Hmm. The dark haired woman rested her cheek against Kerry's pale hair. Not bad, from a hard bitten, cold and ruthless bitch from hell, huh?

Up ahead she could see the brightening glow of the campfire, sending crackling sparks up towards the bright stars winking over them.

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

The sun poured down on ruffled blue waters, unobstructed by a single cloud, and warm enough to offset the chill of the wind that coasted over the lake. Kerry expertly turned the small boat and filled the sails, sending them over the waves, and causing a cold spray to dust their skin.

Dar was seated in the bow, her long body sprawled over a padded seat, and her face turned into the breeze as they plowed through the waves. "This is great. "She sighed.

Kerry smiled, as she moved the tiller, and checked the tension on the sail. "It sure is." She agreed, her body dredging up old memories of many hours spent out on Lake Michigan in boats not much larger than this one. "The best day of my young life was the day I got qualified in a sunfish.. and I didn't have to have anyone with me when I went out."

Dar reached out and touched the canvas sail, as she watched Kerry's smooth, and precise motions. "You're good at this." She commented, enjoying the sight of her lover's wind whipped figure. "And you look really cute."

"Oh sure.. I probably look like an afghan hound with his head out the window of a car going down US 1." Kerry laughed. "Glad the sun's pretty strong, though.. or it'd be really cold out here." She tied down the sail, then balanced herself and pulled off her heavy sweatshirt, leaving herself only her collared rugby top over her jeans. "Whoo.. that's better."

Dar followed suit, taking off her tan sweater and tucking it under the seat, and pushing the sleeves up on the bright red shirt she was wearing underneath. "You ready for some breakfast?" She inquired.

"You bet. .I'm starving." Kerry informed her, as she edged the boat towards one of the small islands that dotted the lake's wide surface. "I figure we can shelter on the lee of that land there, until we're ready to go back." She studied the wind. "I'll have to tack back… but that's okay… we've got all the time in the world. Right?"

The words brought a smile to Dar's face. "Right." She edged closer to where Kerry was sitting, and broke a freshly baked blueberry muffin in half, offering a portion to the blond woman. "Here.. take a nibble of this."

"Mmm…. " Kerry captured it in her teeth and chewed. "Oo.. you have more of those?"

"I have more of those." Dar informed her. "And I have those ones with all the nuts in them you liked.. and I have cornbread."

The blond woman stopped chewing. "Cornbread? I don't get it."

"Northerner." Dar snorted softly. "Here." She took out a miniature loaf of the corn bread, and spread some soft, sweet butter on it. Then she drizzled a touch of honey over that, and broke off a piece, putting it in Kerry's open and waiting mouth. "Try that."

Kerry closed her mouth and chewed. "Mmm… " It was a rougher texture than the almost cakelike muffin, and the butter and honey made a nice counterpoint to the earthy taste of the corn. "Oh.. I like it… now I know why the South lost the Civil War.. they were too busy cooking."

Dar laughed in pure reflex. "I don't think that's why.. but we definitely go in for comfort foods in the South." She moved down the padded seat while Kerry skillfully moved around one of the small islands, blocking the wind. She took down the sail and tossed over the small anchor, then squirmed over to where Dar was, leaning against her as they rocked gently in the waves.

She let her eyes roam the skies over head, watching a hawk circle lazily. Dar reclined next to her, breaking off mouthfuls of her assorted goodies and popping them in Kerry's mouth as they shared companionably. "Jesus.. this has been such a long week." The blond woman commented.

"Uh huh." Dar fed her another bit of cornbread. "I'm glad we had a few days up here just to relax." She paused. "Well, sort of." She chuckled. "Barring a fall from a horse or two." She brought out a large thermos and uncapped it, releasing an intoxicating scent of chocolate into the air.

Kerry accepted the cup of hot chocolate, and gave Dar a gentle kiss. "It's been wonderful.. despite the horse." She gazed into the blue eyes. "We’ll have to come up here again when we can spend more time." They were sitting in the bottom of the boat, with their heads resting against the padded back seat, and Dar shifted, slipping an arm behind Kerry and drawing her closer.

Kerry put the cup down, and half turned, sliding her hands over Dar's shirt and tangling her fingers in the fabric, as she willingly met the lips searching for hers. They tasted each other for a breathless moment, then backed off a little, as Dar reached up and stroked Kerry's face. "I wish we didn't have to go back."

Kerry studied her face, evaluating the statement. "You mean that."

The blue eyes dropped. "Yes." Dar exhaled, as she regarded the rippling water. "I keep trying to dredge up interest in going back into that office on Monday, and I just can't." She confessed. "I don't know if I can just go back to business as usual."

Kerry's blond head cocked to one side. "Dar… I don't understand…I thought you'd worked things out … did something else happen?" She put a hand on her lover's arm in concern.

A soft laugh. "Sort of. " Dar's lips twisted into a wry smile. "We happened." She stated quietly. "I don't think I can put that aside, when I have to be the company bastard anymore." She glanced up at Kerry honestly. "It’s starting to get to me… maybe it has been for a while, but lately… I know I’ve been losing it."

Kerry felt a little shocked. She hadn't expected that, hadn't even considered it, really. "Dar.. you don't know that… I mean.. we've hardly had a chance to… "

"I do know it." The dark haired woman interrupted gently. "I knew it that afternoon up at Disney." She picked up Kerry's hand. "When I wouldn't trade a roll in the sack for a contract.. just because you were there."

A slow intake of breath. An exhale. "Oh."

"Yeah." Dar murmured. "What you think of me matters, Kerry… I've never had to worry about that before." She tangled her fingers with her lover's. "I can't do things the old way… and I don’t know how to do it otherwise."

Kerry tried to jump start her brain into action. "Find another way then." She offered, faintly. "We can do it.. you and I."

A long pause, as the hawk called overhead, lonely and regal.

Finally, Dar blinked. "Maybe." She murmured. "I guess we'll find out." She smiled. "Just another challenge, right?"

Kerry nodded, profoundly relieved. "Right." She rubbed Dar's hand against her face. "Speaking of challenges, you ready to learn to sail?"

A smile spread across Dar's face. "Yeah." She cupped Kerry's cheek affectionately. "Teach me."

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

"Morning." Kerry smiled, as she entered the small cafeteria, and nodded as the waitress behind the counter held up two fingers.

"Morning, Kerry." Mark grinned. "That was sooommmmeee freaking day on Friday, huh?" Mark was seated with two of his cronies, devouring Cuban egg sandwiches. "Good job!"

Kerry chuckled, leaning against the counter as she waited for her, and Dar's breakfasts. "Don't thank me.. I didn't do that much. Dar was incredible." She told him, peripherally aware of the listening audience. "She got there, and just started making things happen…about all I did was find a new place for her to put the stuff."

"And rebooted the optics hub." Mark reminded her. "That was like… so cool. I was on the phone to Alastair, and I was like, we're up, and he was like… of course we are, but you could hear the 'holy crap' in his voice when he said it."

"When did you get back, Kerry?" One of the marketing admins asked, from across the floor.

'Sunday night." Kerry replied. "Dar wanted to make sure everything was going to stay stable…you know how she is."

A round of laughter followed, but Kerry detected an odd tinge to it.

"Rumors flying again." Mark muttered. "Every damn time you two go on a trip together, they start up."

Kerry rolled her eyes. 'What is it this time, that we used the weekend to run off to a secluded mountain retreat?"

"Nah… " Mark shrugged. "Just that three days in NC must have been so boring, you guys had to have found something else to do."

"Oh." Kerry took the bag from the waitress, and smiled. "Well, spread the rumor that we used the time to run off to a secluded mountain resort where we spent our time toasting marshmallows, horsebackriding, and sailing on the lake."

"Uh.. sure." Mark glanced around, then lowered his voice again. "How true is that?"

Kerry smiled at him, wrinkling her nose and showing her neat, white teeth. "Gotta go." She patted him on the shoulder. "See you in the ops meeting at ten."

She took her brown bags, and exited the café, walking across the marble lobby and getting into the nearest elevator.

Unfortunately, it was occupied. "Well… what do we have here?" Steve asked, hitting the door close button. "Dar's lackey.. .bringing the old witch her breakfast, sweetie?"

Kerry's better sense neurons went on strike. "I sure am." She gave Steve a big old smile. "If I do it, she doesn't need to use the food taster."

That made him pause for a moment. 'Very funny." He complimented her. "She does act like she thinks she's the Queen." He changed the subject. "We were trying to contact both of you late on Friday."

"I saw the page. " Kerry shrugged. "We had to sleep sometime… we were up all night at the facility." She shifted, glancing at the climbing lights and willing the elevator faster. "We figured anything after that could wait until we got back."

"Sleeping? Oh, I’m sure you were doing that." Steve looked at her. "I bet you two just lit up North Carolina."

Kerry turned and looked at him. "Mind explaining what you’re talking about?"

The doors opened, and he half bowed, gesturing her to go ahead of him. Kerry felt vaguely uneasy at the smug look on his face, but she complied, moving purposefully down the hall towards Dar's office with her bags.

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

Something was up, and Dar was already in a bad mood. Fallout from the previous week had been dumped into her inbox, and she'd realized very quickly that no one had tried to handle it, or get the customers who had been screaming answers - they'd merely deferred them to her, and kept their hands clean of the situation.

Dar stalked into the executive committee meeting after lunch with a pile of the stuff, and dumped it on the table before she circled to her usual spot, claiming it and leaning back, steepling her fingers and glaring at the rest of the committee from behind them.

"Well, I guess we're all here." Duks started, being the facilitator for the week. "We might as well get started.. I'm sure the chief topic of conversation will be the systems failure from last week."

"I have an issue." Dar interrupted him sharply.

Eyes went her way.

"I wanna know why not one goddamn person in this room was willing to step up and be a spokesman for the company while I was freezing my ass off in North Carolina trying to solve a problem."

"Nobody had any goddamn answers!" Jose shot back. "What in the hell were we supposed to tell them, Dar? It's not like you were letting us know what was going on!"

"Lie." Dar came right back. "You do it all the time anyway.. what's the problem?"

"Dar." Mariana gave her a warning look.

Dar rolled her eyes. "How hard would it have been to tell the damn customers we had a facilities failure, and it was being worked on?" She gave the stack of papers a push. "If you think I'm having someone from my staff go and write up all these situational recaps, you're deluded."

Duks cleared his throat. "For those of us who use computers as footwarmers, Dar.. what did happen?"

The Ops VP sighed, and picked up a pencil. "The halon and regular fire systems discharged in the center."

"Why?" Eleanor asked.

"I have no idea. The engineers are going in there as soon as the environmental people clear it." Dar answered with tolerable politeness. "The EPA shut the door on us, we could not gain access."

"Jesu."

"The only option even remotely feasible was to duplicate the facility."

There was a momentary silence. "What?" Duks asked, obviously surprised.

Dar shrugged. "Seventy routers counter to countered overnight from Cisco, ditto an Etherhub, ditto several miles of Cat 5, ditto twelve integrated racks, and one fiber hub with interconnects."

"You… had them do that in one night?" Duks was having problems visualizing the concept.

Another shrug. "It cost us five million dollars, but yes, I did." She watched the shock roll down the table. "That, and having the entire telecom endpoint rerouted… we got lucky. Kerry located an old telemarketing warehouse right next door, and got us access to that. Telco just had to swing the circuits over."

"Son of a puta." Jose cradled his head.

"Yeah. It was a long night." Dar acknowledged softly. "We didn't get a positive resolution until sunrise.. I didn't think anyone would appreciate a phone call at that point. MIS and Ops were notified, and Alastair was told…. Whoever else found out wasn't my problem."

"What do you mean, it wasn't your problem?" Jose snapped back. "We had customers to answer to, damn, it Dar! You owed us a report!"

"Go to hell."

"Dar." Mariana rubbed her eyes.

"You were too busy screwing your little friend to care, I bet." Jose stood up. "It's disgusting!"

Dar felt a cold anger take her, and she stood, facing off against him. "That's out of line, Jose." She warned softly.

"It is most certainly not!" The Cuban man stated. "It is no secret.. the whole damn company knows about the way the two of your are… what do you think we are, idiots?" He threw his minutes down on the table. "It’s not bad enough you waltz around in here… you have to go and do disgusting things in front of half of North Carolina?"

There was a frozen silence.

"I've always thought you were an idiot, yes." Dar finally replied coldly. "You just confirmed it."

"Well, I'm sorry.. but I have a problem with the two of you taking a weekend on company expense, leaving us here to hang out to dry." Eleanor stated. "Let's not even get into the legal issues of this.. or the moral ones, for God’s sake… how could you be that stupid, Dar!"

Dar felt a sort of sad calm settle over her. "Well… if what Kerry and I did over the weekend is more important to you jerks than the fact we saved two dozen accounts, fine." She pulled her id badge off and tossed it gently on the table. "Find another VP Ops. I've got better things to do with my life than spend it saving your asses."

"Where in the hell do you think you’re going?" Jose demanded. "We’re not finished here, damn it!"

Dar turned and stared right at him. "Since you’re too stupid to understand what I just said, let me repeat it to you in one syllable words, Jose – I quit."

And then, she simply walked out, unhindered by even a squeak as the room sat in absolute shock.

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

"You what?" Kerry barely got the words out, standing next to her lover behind Dar's desk as she watched the taller woman lay keys on the table. "Dar… wait…wait… hold on..you can't just do this."

"Sure I can." Dar mentally counted, then pulled out her two pagers and the cell phone. "Oh.. wait. No, this cell's mine… the company just picks up the bill." She clipped it back on her belt. "I'll call BellSouth and have them transfer the account over."

"Dar."

Blue eyes looked up at her. "I know. I'm being an asshole. I'm leaving you in the lurch. I'm a jerk, I'm being irresponsible, I'm being totally selfish. Anything else?"

Kerry stepped forward, putting a warm hand on Dar's belly. "Don't do this." She pleaded softly. "Just sit, and think about it for a minute, okay?"

"I did." Dar's shoulders dropped. "I just can't take it anymore, Kerry… I'm sorry… it's not fair to you, and I know that… but I just can't sit in there and take that abuse any more.. fifteen years and it's just gotten to me."

Kerry shifted her touch to Dar's cheek. "They're not going to let you just walk out."

Dar snorted. "They'll throw a party.. I expect to see the catering trucks lining up as I leave." She put her hands on Kerry's shoulders. "I'm sorry.. listen, we'll talk about things when you get home tonight.. I'm not going to just leave you hanging here. I'll do whatever I can to help you out."

"No you won't." Kerry replied, with a faint smile. "You don't seriously think I'm staying, do you?"

Dar just looked at her.

"You told me what they said in that meeting… you think that makes me want to stick around?" Kerry felt horrible. "It's not you who should be sorry, Dar… it's me. I did this to you."

A vigorous head shake. "No…no n no no, ma'am." Dar disagreed. "I wouldn't trade you for this entire damned company wrapped up in a bow and given to me tax free."

They both looked at each other. "Go home and just rest a while, Dar." Kerry told her. "I'm going to close things up here…. Then we'll decide what to do." She exhaled. "You can't just give up and walk out… not after all this time. There has to be another way."

Dar gave her a hug, then picked up her briefcase, oddly light without it's laptop, and shouldered it. "Call me if you need anything." She glanced down at the desk, and bit her lip, the first sign of emotion Kerry had seen on her face. "Take care of the fish, okay?"

Kerry clamped her jaw down to keep the tears back herself.

The door opened, and Mariana came in, closing it behind her. "Dar… let’s talk."

"I’m over talking." Dar turned, and gave her a direct look. "I’ve had enough, Mari… enough sniping, enough potshots.. they hate my guts so much? Fine. Let em find someone else."

"Come on now." The Personnel VP held up a hand. "Dar, this isn’t worth your job… since when do you care what Jose says? "

"Since you let him hire someone specifically to nail me." Dar shot back. "Since everyone in the damn company, including you, stands back and lets me take every piece of abuse two bit assholes lay down on me, and when I say something back, I’m the one who gets the warning."

Mariana stared at her. "You give as good as you get, Dar, and we both know that."

"Go to hell." Dar turned and walked towards the door. "I have to defend myself… no one else will." She turned the knob and stepped through, then slammed it behind her.

After an awkward moment, Mari and Kerry looked at each other, and the younger woman sighed, tucking her hands under her arms to hide their shaking.

"What in the hell is going on with her?" Mari asked, bluntly. "Since when does she fly off the handle at some bit of stupid gossip?"

Kerry exhaled. "Since it was true." She admitted shakily. "Maria told me what they were saying.. about someone seeing us in North Carolina… well, it happened."

Mari’s jaw dropped. "You’re shitting me."

A head shake. "No… it was very late, and very, very stressed… Dar knew what kind of consequences were laying on her shoulders.. we thought we’d failed, and I did something… and it worked, and…" Kerry lifted a hand. "Jesus, if I’d have been a guy, no one would have thought twice about it, Mari."

The Personnel VP sank down on the edge of the desk. "I can’t believe this… and she knew after it came out it would either be her.. or you.. and she… "

Kerry hadn’t even thought about that. "Her or me?"

Mari stared at her. "Surely you knew what going public would mean?"

"I wasn’t thinking about that at all." Kerry covered her eyes. "Jesus… I’d have left in a heartbeat… how could she have thought… " She took a breath. "I am not going to let this happen."

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

The ferry terminal was awash in warm, golden light, the deckhands gathering in small clusters chatting during this slow part of the day. Dar drove into the resident’s lane and parked, waiting for the ferry to arrive, it's ’ow rumble audible through the window she opened.

Across the dock, several men sat on the seawall, idling the day away with watching the gulls circle, and the large ships go through the cut, occasionally shifting to eye the cars parked waiting for the island shuttle. Dar cocked her head, regarding them curiously, wondering if they were just drifters, or free spirits, who could spend their hours any way they liked.

One was fishing, a long line depending from a short, plain pole, gripped in a tanned fist propped against one denim covered knee. Something about the outline was vaguely familiar, but just as Dar was searching her memory to find out why, the ferry arrived and she was force to pay attention to the deckhands loading the vessel up.

She missed the eyes that turned, watching her speculatively from within a dark, windbreaker hood before they went back to studying the ruffled surface of the water.

It was weird getting on the ferry in broad daylight. Dar slid back in her seat and rested her head against the doorjamb, thinking about what she'd just done.

Quit.

The word made her a little queasy, remembering her father's highest praise of her, that if nothing else, Dar wasn't any kind of a quitter. But this was different, right? She couldn’t have gone on after that.. after they'd dragged her and Kerry out in the public like that, and…

Dar sighed. C'mon, Dar… you always knew this was a possibility… hell, you knew it was a probability. Nothing stays secret forever, and once it was out… better you leave, than have to fire Kerry, or move her under someone else, and have her have to deal with all that political bullshit.

It sounded sensible. If Dar left, attention would focus on her, and Kerry would more than likely be allowed to stay in her position, or… Dar recalled her latest evaluation sent to personnel. Maybe they'd even offer Kerry her job.

Would Kerry take it?

Dar put the car into gear and drove up the ramp and through the spray, and parking under her condo. She got out and paused, gazing at the empty spot next to hers for a very long moment. K Stuart. It brought a tiny little smile to her face, before she trudged up the stairs and keyed the lock, opening the door to a chorus of frantic yipping from the kitchen.

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

Kerry got back to her office and sat down, staring at her desk for a long time without moving. "I can't believe she did that." She finally sighed. "I can't believe she did it without even talking to me about it.. like I was some kind of kid that needed protection or something." She stood and began pacing back and forth.

"I can't let her do that."

Pace pace pace.

"I know she think she's doing it for the right reasons." Kerry sighed. "I know she wants to protect me from all that legal crap.. but what she doesn't realize is that I'm a lot more politically savvy than she thinks I am.. she forgets who my father is."

Green eyes regarded the window. "Right… so what in the hell am I going to do?" She drummed her fingers on her desk. "The first thing I need is allies." She regarded the phone, then dialed a number. It rang several times, then went into voice mail. "Damn it, Mark.. where are you?"

She was answered in a very unexpected way, when her door opened and Polenti slipped in, an angry look on his face. "Oh… you heard."

"What the hell is going on?" Mark asked, putting his hands on his hips. "Did she just quit?"

Kerry sat on her desk. "It's complicated, but essentially, yes… she did." She crossed her arms. "The question is, what are we going to do about it?"

"Hold on.. can we start with why?" Mark held up a hand. "Not that I'm not with you in doing something, but I'd kinda like to know what book I'm reading, much less what page we're on."

Kerry pursed her lips. "Bottom line? She did it because they accused her of dereliction of duty because we didn't answer our pagers this weekend. "

"What??? After what you guys did!???" Mark was incredulous.

"They were more interested in how we spent our time together." Kerry shook her head. "Dar just had it… and to tell you the truth, after what she's been through the last few weeks, I can't really blame her."

Mark looked at her curiously. "I bet that asshole Fabracini's behind this… he came in this morning spreading trash around all over the place.. said he's got a cousin in Bellsouth field services up in NC that saw Dar.. um… "

"Kissing me?" Kerry inquired, wincing.

"Um.."

"Well.. she did." The blonde admitted. "You heard her, as a matter of fact."

"Shit.. yeah, I did." Mark sighed. "So.. he was telling the truth… wow.. that sucks."

Kerry shrugged. "It… probably wasn't the smartest thing we've ever done.. but it was late.. we were both exhausted…. Overstressed…"

"She a good kisser?" Mark came back with a wry smile.

"Yeah." Kerry felt the word escape before she could censor it, and she blushed.

"She should have just stood her ground." Mark shook his head. "They need her more than they need that asshole… wish she'd have just slugged him."

"I know… but I'm not going to let her get away with it." Kerry acknowledged. "So… first off, how much trouble can you cause him?"

Mark sat down and put his hands between his knees. "Trouble? Well.. I can boot him off the network, or reroute his mapping so he can't find his files."

Kerry leaned forward and caught his gaze. "No, Mark… not that kind of trouble. The real kind." Her green eyes glinted. "The kind I know you're really good at."

He cleared his throat, blinking at her in surprise. "I didn't think you…. Well, okay, I can cause him a lot of trouble, why?"

Kerry smiled. "I would like you to cause him as much trouble as you humanly can, okay?" She ticked off points on her fingers. "I'm talking credit cards, taxes, driver's license, legal, utilities.. everything."

Mark's jaw dropped. "You're serious."

She nodded. "I'm serious."

"Wow." He rubbed his nose. "You're nasty." He glanced up with a rakish grin. "I like that." He got up. "What are you going to do?"

Kerry's face hardened, and her eyes went cool and calculating. "I'm going to make them understand just how indispensable she really is." The blond woman told him, as she circled her desk and looked something up on her screen. "Let's see, where was..oh, okay.. yeah, there it is." She dialed a number on the phone, which was answered on two rings. "Yes, this is Kerry Stuart in Miami Ops..I need to speak with Alastair McLean, please." She paused. "It's urgent." She put the call on mute. "Start with turning off his electricity, Mark…I like the idea of him walking into sentient mildew."

Mark grinned. "Yes, ma'am." He trotted out the door, closing it behind him.

Kerry nodded at the door grimly. "Mess with me, will you? You pitiful little excuse for a half baked dog poo."

"Excuse me?" A male voice asked, from the phone. "Didn't quite catch that… is this Ms. Stuart?"

"Sorry… I was talking to someone else." Kerry bit off an embarrassed grin. "Yes, it is.. Mr. Roesenthal? I think we need to talk."

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

A lone seagull circled over the beach, riding the warm air drafts. The soft hush and whisper of the waves was the only sound that cam to Dar's ears, as she sat quietly on the porch with her bare feet propped up against the stone porch railing.. Her head was resting against the glass, as she gazed, eyes half lidded at the gull.

On the table, a half finished bottle of sweet wine rested, a glass next to it. Dar lifted an arm and filled the glass again, then took a sip, rolling it around in her mouth before she swallowed it. Chino was sleeping on the tile near her feet, the puppy exhausted from her delighted antics at Dar's unexpected arrival.

The phone had run several times inside, but Dar had decided to ignore it, preferring instead to gaze across the horizon, and evaluate her options.

It felt strange not to be working. It felt even stranger not to be sure that the decision she'd made had been a good one, and not just based on a knee jerk reaction to a perceived attack on Kerry. She knew she owed Mariana an apology as well, but figured she could always call the Personnel VP at home later, off company time. She took another sip of wine and swallowed it, then glanced up as her cell phone rang. "Ah… I wonder who that is, Chino." She picked up the phone and flipped it open. "Yes.?"

"Hi."

Dar felt a gentle wave of relief pass over her. "Hi."

"You at home?" Kerry asked.

"Yeah.'

"You're not answering the phone there."

"I know.. I'm outside on the porch with Chino." The dark haired woman replied. "So…they give you my office yet?"

A soft laugh answered her. "Well, since I just got out of a meeting where I told two senior VP's to kiss my ass, probably that's not in my cards today."

"Mm." Obscurely, that pleased Dar. "Which two?"

"Jose and Eleanor… Mariana went home." Kerry replied. "And I'm out of here too.. since the entire division's on strike.. there's no real need for me to be here."

"Mm… that's nice… wait." Dar sat up. "What?"

"Must have been something in the cafeteria… fifty two people in operations, coincidentally, all got sick and had to go home." Kerry told her, blithely.

Dar sighed. "Kerry.. it's a nice gesture, but that's just going to get everyone in trouble." She informed her lover.

"Dar, I didn't ask them to do that." Kerry's voice came back. "I don't think you quite realize just how much these people respect you… Maria tendered her resignation, there are ten more of those pending including Mark's, and Personnel's been bombarded with official letters of protest. You know it was Fabracini who started all the rumors this morning."

"Was it?"

"He's got a cousin in telco up there.. who was at the facility when we managed to get it working."

"Oh." Dar murmured. "And he saw us… "

"Yeah."

"Ah." Dar exhaled. "Well… can't really refute that, can I?"

"No… not that I'd want to." Kerry told her. "It feels kind of nice not to have to pretend anymore." She shifted a little. "So Fabracini's got a bunch of people pretty pissed off at him.. he was waltzing around the hall ways earlier before he found out his network access somehow vanished."

"Oh?"

"And his car got keyed."

"Oh." A different emphasis.

"And his tires got slashed."

"Ah.. Kerry… "

"And his electricity, phones, gas, and water got turned off."

"Kerry… ." Alarm now.

"And his credit cards got canceled."

"Hey!"

"His auto deposit got rerouted into the Women's and Children's fund."

"KERRY!"

"Just kidding about that one." Kerry chuckled.

"Come on now.. you're going to get yourself in a lot of trouble." Dar told her, in an aggravated tone.

"Yes.. and I'm perfectly capable of getting myself in and out of that, Dar… I don't need you throwing yourself in front of situations for me." Kerry responded, just as seriously. "I'm really pissed off that you quit because of me, you know that?"

She had no answer for that.

"Dar?"

"Yeah." Dar replied quietly. "I'm sorry.. I guess I managed to screw this up pretty badly." She regarded the gull glumly. "Maybe I should have just stayed home today."

"Dar?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

A faint smile twitched at Dar's lips. "I love you too." She paused. "Sorry if I overreacted."

"Apology accepted, if you forgive me in advance for trying to get you to change your mind."

Dar smiled a little sadly. "I don’t' think it's my choice now, love."

Kerry chuckled.

"What was that for?" Dar inquired, curiously.

'I'll see you in a little while." Her lover replied. "Bye."

Dar regarded the phone. "Now, what's she up to?" She asked a sleepy Chino, who wagged her tail. With a sigh, Dar pushed herself to her feet and caught the edge of the door for balance, surprised at the lightheadedness. "Damn, Chino… that was only a half bottle of lousy wine." She complained. "Guess that's why I don't drink much, huh?"

The condo phone rang as she trudged into the kitchen, and she stared at it, debating. Then she shrugged and walked over, picking the wireless device up and putting it to her ear. "Hello?"

It was quiet on the other end, though Dar thought she could hear the surf, and a clanging that meant ships. "Hello?" She asked again, a little impatiently.

"Hello, Dar." A low, raspy voice answered, hesitantly.

Dar slowly turned and leaned against the counter, unable to believe her ears. Her heart went double time, and she felt her legs shake in pure reaction.

"Dar?" The voice again, uncertainly.

"D… Daddy?" She whispered. "Is that you?" Her knees unlocked suddenly, and she grabbed onto the counter.

"Yeah, it is, Dardar."

The childhood nickname almost wrecked her. Dar lowered herself to the tile floor and just sat there for a minute, pressing the phone to her ear. Chino huddled between her legs, brown eyes anxiously watching her. "I… I thought… "

"Long story." The low voice sounded tired, and a little lost. "Just wanted to see how you were… "

"Daddy." Dar stared at the tile. "Where are you? Can I… can I come see you? Are you here? In Miami?"

Her father didn't answer for a bit. "I ain't much to look at." He finally said. "Don’t' want t'scare you too much… maybe…"

"Where are you?" Dar asked again. "Please.. I'll catch a plane.. or whatever.. I don’t' care.."

"Wall." The voice took on just a hint of warmth. "Ain't no need for that. I'm over here t'other side of the cut, watchin them ferryboats take on off."

"H.." Dar fought the impulse to drop the phone and run. "Don’t' you move… don't you move.. I'll be right over there."

"All right."

Dar hung up, then pulled herself to her feet and caught her breath, several emotions warring to gain control of her. She put the phone down, then walked in a dreamstate to the living room, where she picked up her keys and continued on to the door. "Be right back Chino.." She murmured to the whining puppy following her. "Be right back."

Outside, she went to the Lexus, then looked at her shaking hands, and decided driving wasn't a good idea. She took a deep breath, and changed directions, lurching into a run down the tarmac road towards the far off sound of the ferry.

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

Kerry walked into the condo, immediately aware there was something wrong. She found Chino out, and the floor covered with toilet paper, the puppy's contribution to it's décor. It was too quiet, though, and she went to Dar's bedroom, glancing in to see the bed empty, and the room very quiet, only Dar's work clothes folded neatly on the dresser, everything else in perfect order.

"What's going on, Chino?" She asked the puppy now cradled in her arms. "Where's mommy Dar?"

Chino whined.

Kerry searched the rest of the condo, seeing that her partner hadn't even gone in her study. She spotted the wine bottle on the table outside, however, and wandered out there, picking it up and peering at the level. "Half a bottle… mm." Dar rarely drank… finding this wasn't a good sign. Kerry went back inside and checked the kitchen, finding the phone on the counter, but little else. She checked the caller id, and found her own two calls, unanswered, one from Houston she'd bet was Alastair, and another one, a pay phone that looked like it had come in shortly after she'd spoken to Dar on the cell.

"Pay phone?" Curiously, Kerry dialed the number, but it wasn't' answered. She put the phone down and sighed, wondering what to do next. "Ah." She dialed Dar's cell phone, and heard a buzz nearby. "Damn.. she doesn't have it with her."

Where could Dar have gone? Kerry searched for a note, and found nothing. With a frustrated sigh, she trotted upstairs and went to her office, putting down her briefcase and pausing, as she spotted something on her desk. She sat down in the chair and picked up the small, but nicely formed rose that had been nestled between two of her favorite chocolates.

She breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay… so she's not mad at me. "She unwrapped a chocolate and bit into it, enjoying the dark chocolate truffle interior. "Maybe she went to the store… so just chill out, Kerry.. and give her a while to get back." She glanced at the computer, then picked up the other chocolate and wandered into her bedroom to change. "What do you think..burgers for dinner, Chino? Nothing fancy?"

"Yawp." Chino nuzzled her. .

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

Dar stood the entire trip over the channel, her face plastered against the glass window in the passenger's lounge of the car ferry. If she'd been allowed, she'd have just stayed on deck, but rules were rules, and she'd been banished to the indoor room, which had molded fiberglass seats for those people who chose to ride back and forth and not bring their cars.

She watched the dock, her eyes searching the darkness intently, finding the bank of payphones empty, but surrounded by dark corners that could easily hide a man in them.

An ordinary man, that is. Dar found one corner that seemed less empty than the others and fastened her eyes on it. She waited for the ferry to dock, and went through the door as the ramp was coming down, ignoring the deckhands instructions and hopping on it before it finished moving, heading up the sloping metal surface and onto the mainland oblivious of the curious stares around her.

It was cool, and slightly cloudy. The moonlight lit half the ferry base in silver and she passed through bars of it as she walked directly towards her chosen corner, hoping her legs wouldn't collapse from shaking before she got there. Her eyes were already trying to resolve the shadowy form, and as she passed through a wide patch of street lamp enhanced moonlight, she saw motion there, a shifting…

Then a body was outlined dimly against the wall, and she felt a smile start to move her lips. It was tall, topping her by several inches, and broad, the head covered in a menacing hood that obscured any visible features, but she felt no fear, and as she came closer, a hand lifted towards her, and the very motion struck chords of familiarity that launched her into a run, covering the remaining distance between them in mere seconds.

"Easy there, Dardar."

She halted mere feet from him and reached out a hand. "Dad?"

Her hand was taken, in a warm, callused grasp and she walked forward in a dreamy daze, finding herself being enclosed in a pair of strong arms she'd last felt what seemed like half a lifetime ago. She sucked in a breath, an audible gasp, and felt hot tears rolling down her face in simple reaction.

"Hey, Dar… " Her father's voice sounded hoarse, and raspy, but the familiar tone was there.

"Oh god… I can't believe it." She murmured into his shoulder. "It's really you."

"Yeap." A hand patted her back comfortingly. "Been a long time, ah know."

Dar released him reluctantly, but not all the way, just enough to back off so she could look at him. He had his back to the streetlamp, so she could only see vague shadows, but the moonlight reflected off his eyes, which met hers for a long, wonderful moment.

She had to tilt her head back to do that, something she had to do so very infrequently.

He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her towards the light a little. "Lemme see ya."

Dar obliged, blinking as the light hit her face and revealed the tears. "H…how long… .um..wh… "

"Hang on." Her father took out a bit of cloth and wiped the moisture off. "I ain't been round too long, Dardar… just had t'pick the right time, I guess…I been through a bunch, an it's kinda scary lookin."

"Have you called mom?"

"No.. and you will not do that."

"B… "

"Paladar… promise me." Her father's voice was very serious. "I got mah reasons… don't make me regret callin you."

Dar started crying, unable to prevent herself, unable to control the reaction. She clamped her jaw shut and held her answer, swallowing hard and trying to stifle the almost overwhelming emotion.

"Hey… " Her father's voice changed, and become much gentler. "Hey… " He reached out and pulled her close again in wordless comfort, hugging her as sobs jerked her body. "Honey. I'm sorry… easy, now."

Dar took the respite, and got herself back under control, taking deep breaths to steady her nerves. "I'm sorry.. it's just so much to take in." She mumbled. "And it's been a… really long day.. first I quit my job.. now this." Her voice was shaking though, and she could feel the erratic jumping of her heart.

He released her, then took her hand, chafing it gently. "It's good t'see you, Dardar…. Sorry it knocked you all to hell and all."

"No. .I'm all right." The moon flickered out from behind a cloud, and she got a very brief glimpse under the hood, seeing twisted skin, and angry scars before the shadows returned. "Will you come over to the island with me?"

Her father hesitated. "Maybe we should wait nother night… you seem kinda shook up."

"Please." Dar's voice cracked a little. "You can't just leave again… at least let me talk to you for a while." She pleaded softly. "I'd like you to see where I live… just for a little while?" She didn't want to release him, afraid he'd disappear again, and be gone forever.

"All right." He agreed finally.

Dar felt a sense of relief flow over her. She held a hand out to him, and closed her fingers around his when he took it. "C'mon… we can catch this ferry back."

They walked together across the dock, and down the ramp onto the ferry. Dar lifted a hand towards the deck hands, who nodded back to her as she led her father into the dimly lit passenger lounge. The ramp lifted, and the ferry's engines rumbled as it backed off from the dock, then changed pitch as they started driving the ship forwards across the lightly choppy channel.

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

Kerry checked her watch for the sixth time, then ran a nervous hand through her hair. "All right, that's it, Chino… I'm taking the golf cart and going hunting for her. It's a small island, she's got to be somewhere. " She grabbed the key to the cart and headed for the door, then paused, as she heard footsteps outside. "Ah. Of course.. .I should have tried that earlier."

Chino heard them too, and started hopping up and down in her cage, yipping excitedly and confirming the identity of the visitor, as if Kerry had any doubts. She dropped the key back down and headed for the door as it opened, taking in Dar's tall form with a relieved sigh, then stopping in surprise when she realized her partner wasn't alone. "Hey."

Dar gave her a quick, almost nervous smile, and stood back, allowing her companion to enter. "Hey… sorry I didn't leave a note but..um…"

Kerry walked forward curiously, cocking her head at the tall, broad shouldered figure who paused inside the door, a thick cotton hood covering his head, and hiding his features. "It's okay… um… " She got closer, and now as he turned slightly, she could see his face.

Horrible scars crossed it, twisting one side into a painful knot and raking the other side, as though a huge cat had clawed him.

But Kerry's eyes went right past that, to the pale, ice blue eyes that flicked to hers, framed in an angular bone structure she immediately recognized. "Oh… " She breathed in shock. "You're Dar's father, aren't you!" She blurted in surprise.

One of his eyebrows lifted, visible even through the scarring. "That's right." He rasped softly.

Dar recovered herself from her own surprise. "Um… well, yes… Kerry, this is my father, Andrew Roberts… " She took a breath. 'Dad, this is Kerry Stuart.. my um… partner."

"Wow." Kerry trotted forward and paused before him, reaching a hand out tentatively, and finding it grasped by one much larger than her own. "This is so fantastic." A smile creased her face in genuine delight, as she shifted her eyes to Dar's face, and saw the almost heartbreaking, shy wonder there. "I was about to go searching for you.. I just put Chino in her cage."

The puppy was whining piteously, and Dar cleared her throat. "C'mon in… Ker, let the puppy out… um, I'll give you a tour.. and maybe we can have some dinner?"

Andrew was turning his head, as he reviewed the condo. "All right." He agreed quietly. "Nice t'meet you, young lady." He released Kerry's hand and exhaled. "Lord.. May never did do this by half, did she?" he seemed to relax a little.

"No." Dar agreed, leading him through the living room. "That's my room… my office." She watched her father examine everything with a characteristic curiosity. "Three more rooms upstairs… Kerry has a bedroom up there, and her office.. and a spare room."

"Mah gosh." Andrew paused by the television, and picked up a picture of Dar in her younger years. "Ah remember that outfit." He murmured, then glanced down as his foot was engulfed by a frantic ball of cream colored fur. "Wall wall. What have we here."

"That's Cappuccino." Kerry answered, coming back in the room and crossing over to Dar. "Um… I was going to order some dinner… can I get something for you, Mr. Roberts?"

Andrew looked up from examining the puppy, who was on her back under his petting hand and wriggling happily. "Ah'm not much fer fancy stuff, thanks."

"I was thinking maybe burgers, actually." Kerry smiled at him. "And French fries." She glanced sideways at Dar, who was watching her father with a wide eyed wonder. "Sound okay to you."

"Sure." Dar agreed absently.

"All right." Andrew nodded. "That's be fine… thanks." He paused, and stood up. "Don’t' suppose they got any ice cream?"

Kerry burst into laughter, clapping her hand over the receiver she'd just started to speak into .

"Was that funny?" The tall man asked uncertainly, giving his daughter a quick look. Dar was gazing at the tile floor, a smile on her face. "You still fond of ice cream, Dardar? "

"You could say that, yes." Dar replied, with a faint chuckle. "That's what Kerry is laughing about… now she knows where I get it from."

"Ah see." Andrew stuck his hands in his pockets. "Wanna show me the rest of this place?" He followed Dar as she led the way.

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

"I think Chino has a new friend." Kerry commented, chewing on a French fry as she watched the puppy tap Andrew's leg with an imperious paw. "She loves fries."

Dar's father eyed the little animal. "She does, huh?" He tested the theory, and found it sound. "Cute little sucker."

"She likes you."

"Ah’m feeding her.. course she likes me." Andrew replied, with a rakish grin in Kerry’s direction. "So you work with Dar?"

Kerry studied him, noting his almost embarrassed shift as he pulled his hood a little closer, to hide the horrible scarring. It was pretty scary to look at, but she’d found her eyes getting used to it after a while, watching his eyes for reactions more than facial expressions that seemed painful for him to make. "Yes I do… I’ve learned a lot from her."

"Mph." Andrew chewed a fry reflectively. "She’s a sharp kid."

"Very." Kerry’s eyes twinkled. "I think that’s what impressed me the most when we started working together… she has an uncanny instinct for finding what the problem really is.. when she first hired me, I’d sit there and listen, and just shake my head."

"She picked you then? You must be pretty sharp too… mah kid don’t suffer fools none."

Kerry blushed. "I like to think so." She glanced up, noting that Dar had been gone for a few minutes. "Um.. I'll be right back." She got up and trotted into the kitchen, spotting her lover leaning on the counter staring out at the waves. "Dar?"

The dark head turned towards her, as Dar quickly wiped her sleeve across her eyes. "Sorry.. I just… "

"Hey." Kerry came closer, and put her arms around the taller woman. "Are you okay?"

Dar shook her head. "No." She sniffled. "I can't believe this is happening."

Kerry hugged her tightly. "Dar.. it's so wonderful… I can't believe it either." She felt her lover suck in a breath, and release it, and she rubbed Dar's back comfortingly. "And your dad is so nice… I knew he would be but… I really like him."

"Yeah?" Dar whispered in her ear, as they swayed a little, together. "Not like me at all huh?"

Kerry snorted. "I know you're joking… you are so his image." She marveled. "You both even do that eyebrow thing the same way." Dar didn't answer, she just held onto Kerry, burying her face in Kerry's hair and warming her scalp with soft breaths. "Two of a kind, right?"

A pensive sigh. "We used to be." Dar murmured. "I don’t know what he'd think of who I've become now."

Kerry was puzzledly silent for a moment. "What part of you being a successful, intelligent, beautiful woman is he going to object to?" She asked in confusion. "Or is it us you mean?"

Dar didn't answer for a few seconds, then she snorted a little, and released one hand, rubbing her face with it. "No, it's not us… my brain just went south for a minute on me. Thanks for mailing it a map." She circled Kerry's shoulders and nudged her. "C'mon… my burger's probably an ice cube by now."

They reentered the room, and Andrew glanced up from his steadfast new friend, the edges of his mouth quirking up as he watched them enter together. "Found her, I guess."

"It’s a big kitchen." Kerry replied, keeping her arm around Dar as they sat down. "She was hiding behind the cookies."

"Hey." Dar managed a startled smile, glancing sideways at her. "You’re the one who can’t reach the cabinet they’re in."

"Hey.. no short jokes!" Kerry warned, shaking a finger at her. "Or I’ll start keeping the milk on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator." She earned a faint laugh, and felt some of the tension in Dar’s back relax, as the taller woman sat back in the loveseat and pulled her burger over. Kerry stole a fry and ate it, then winked at Andrew, who chuckled silently.

"What parts you from, Kerry?" He asked.

"Um.. Michigan." Kerry answered. "Saugatuck, as a matter of fact."

"Uh huh… been up there a few times." Andrew acknowledged. "Big change from this place."

"Oh yeah." She agreed. "A nice change… I like the weather.. and a lot of other things down here much better." Her eyes went unconsciously to Dar, then back to him.

"Got family back there?"

Sigh. "Yes… my… um… my parents, and a brother and sister."

Andrew must have sensed her mood change, because he looked up and studied her, then flicked a glance at his daughter, before resuming his assault on the medium rare burger she’d ordered for him. "Bad question?"

Dar was glad of something to distract her from her own nervousness. She put an arm across Kerry’s shoulders and felt her cuddle instinctively. "Kerry’s family is not exactly enthusiastic about us." She told her father dryly. "At least her parents aren’t… I think Michael and Angela are okay, though, aren’t they?"

Kerry nodded, concentrating on chewing her French fries, reluctant to talk about her family.

"Yeap.. .well, been there done that myself." Andrew told her. "It’s rough, ain’t it?"

Their eyes met, and Kerry saw the wry understanding there. She nodded again and pressed her lips into a little smile. "It was worth it though." She looked up at Dar. "I have no regrets."

Andrew smiled, as though at a private memory, then looked down and offered a French fry to Chino. "Naw.. I always figgered Dar for a good catch."

"Dad." His daughter protested mildly. "That’s not what you told my senior prom date."

The atmosphere eased considerably, as Andrew lifted an eyebrow at her. "That was not a date, young lady. That was a person with a damn tattoo bigger than an aircraft carrier’s anchor."

Kerry snickered. "Got any pictures?"

"No." Dar stated.

"Ah just might." Andrew gave Kerry a sideways look. "Longside of the ones I got of Dardar in her nappies."

"Oh God." Dar hid her eyes.

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

Kerry beat the clock awake, and she carefully reached over and turned the alarm off before she half turned and regarded her lover. Dar was normally a very light sleeper, but this morning she was still deeply asleep, her face totally relaxed and unresponsive. She'd been very quiet, and almost withdrawn the night before as they'd gone to bed, but it wasn't an unhappy kind of quiet, just a wondering one.

The three of them had talked far into the night, about the company, and their jobs, skirting around painful subjects like what had happened to Andrew, but getting a sense that he'd been somewhere he couldn’t talk much about, and had only recently returned to Miami.

Andrew was, Kerry discovered, a genuinely nice guy with a dryly humorous wit, and a sweetly obvious love for Dar, that brought clear to her the equally obvious adoration she had for him. Unfortunately, the entire thing had thrown her partner very much off balance, and she also sensed that Dar was in a very vulnerable state at the moment, not a good thing given what was going on with work.

What am I thinking? To hell with work. Kerry reminded herself. This is so much more important to her than that stupid company… my God, she lost him for all those years, and now… wow. I can't imagine what that must be like. Kerry marveled. To have someone come back into my life like that.. everything else was just so irrelevant.

Well, Kerry had a few minutes, so she indulged herself in merely watching Dar doze peacefully, her face outlined faintly in the early morning gloom, only a faint, irregular twitching moving the soft, tanned skin Kerry twirled a lock of dark hair idly around her fingers and brushed it against her lips, absorbing the peace of the moment. It was hard to pull herself away, and she found herself fighting against the urge to remain here at Dar's side, to hell with the company.

Finally she sighed, and edged carefully out of bed, tucking the comforter back around Dar's body before she padded out into the living room, heading for her bedroom upstairs. She stopped short when she almost collided with a seated form on the floor. "Oh."

"Morning." Andrew Roberts uttered, in a low voice. He had Chino between his knees, and was playing with her, the delighted puppy rolling around on her back as he rubbed her belly. "Thought I'd catch a ride out early with ya."

Kerry knew Dar wanted to ask him to stay for a while. She could read it in her lover's face, and in the wistful look as she regarded her father, but she'd kept silent, as though she were afraid if she pushed him, he'd just vanish again. Well. Kerry regarded the dim form before her. Maybe I can help that.

She settled herself cross legged on the cold tiles next to him, and pushed her hair behind one ear absently. "Um… I don't suppose I could convince you to stick around here today, huh?"

He glanced up and scowled at her. "Naw, c'mon now Kerry.. last night was nice, but I've got to get going.. and I.. " He paused, pinned by the soft green eyes. "Why?" He asked, warily.

The blond woman exhaled. "Well…I have to go into work." She stated quietly. "I don't want to… it's going to be a mess, and I'm not sure I can deal with all of it, but I have to."

"Uh huh."

"And if I leave Dar here all alone, she's going to go crazy between being bored, and wondering what's going on." Kerry continued. "I think she could use some company, and I know she'd love to spend some time with you."

"Mm."

"And I'll be a nervous wreck all day, wondering what's going on with her." Came the soft words. "But if you're here, she won't be bored, and I won't have to worry." Kerry finished, her eyes settling on him in silent appeal. "Please?"

"Y'all ever think of going into diplomacy, young lady?" Andrew Roberts queried wryly.

"It's the truth…I mean, you know Dar better than I do.. isn't it?" Kerry replied, reasonably.

He looked down at his hands, the edges of the hood obscuring his ruined face. "All right." He finally responded, reluctantly. "I'll stay for a bit… can't say I don't want to see my kid, neither."

Kerry squeezed his hand. "Thank you.. I won't be all day.. I promise."

He nodded, and tickled the puppy. "She's a cute little thing." He commented.

"Mm… yes, she is." Kerry replied. "I think she really likes you." She laughed softly as the puppy squirmed happily against his foot. "I think you know her grandpa… General Easton?"

Andrew’s eyes lit up. "Gerry? This is one of Alabaster’s get?" He glanced down at the animal. "How d’you like that." He murmured.

"Mm… his son, Jack brought her over for Dar’s birthday..only she turned out to be my Christmas present." Kerry scratched her ear. "I’m not really sure how that happened."

"You want one?"

Kerry fingered Chino’s soft paw. "Yes… I had.. kind of a sad thing happen to me when I was younger…Dar knew that, so…" She shrugged a tiny bit and looked up.

"Kid’s got a good heart." Andrew acknowledged.

"I bet I know where it comes from." Kerry replied, with a smile. "I’m really glad I got a chance to meet you, sir."

He scowled at her. "Don't you have to get dressed to go on into that place, or do you work in your jammies?"

Kerry stood up and grinned at him. "I get the hint." She trotted towards the stairs, trying to psych herself up for the day to come. Then she paused, and walked a step or two back. "Thank you, Mr. Roberts."

The darkness hid his face, but she had the feeling he smiled. "You're welcome, Kerry."

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

Andrew paused in the doorway for a bit, leaning there and just watching his daughter sleep. Dar was curled half on her side, with one arm wrapped around her pillow, the firm, toned muscles obvious even in the faint light coming in the blinds.

He glanced around the room, finding a familiar neatness and order, and he smiled to himself, shaking his head a little before he entered, walking over and dropping to a knee beside the bed, regarding one of the two faces that had kept him company in his dreams for seven long years. "Dardar?"

There was no response. Andrew hesitated, then put a hand on the bare shoulder nearest him and shook it a little. "Dar?"

The tanned face slowly took on tension, then Dar's eyelashes fluttered open, revealing pale blue eyes that tracked immediately to his face and held there. First utter wonder, then a look of sleepy surprise appeared. "Hi." Dar cleared her throat of it's hoarseness. "Wh.. " She looked at the clock. "Wow… I um… I didn't expect you to still be here.. I.. "

"Yep.. me neither." Her father drawled. "But your little green eyed friend had other ideas."

Dar rubbed her face. "I feel like I'm in a dream." She admitted, rolling over and stretching her body out as she recalled the events of the previous day. "Guess I'd better get my lazy ass out of bed, huh?" She was a little embarrassed at having been caught sleeping in. "I don't usually…sleep this late."

Andrew poked the mattress. "Good lord.. what is this?"

"A waterbed." Dar remarked wryly. "Appropriate for a navy brat, I thought."

Experimentally, her father pressed down on it. "Damn thing's warm."

"It's uh.. heated." Dar muttered, feeling direly decadent. She eyed her father’s face in apprehension, wondering what he was thinking.

Andrew whistled under his breath. "Y'know.. I like that idea." He approved.

"Really?" Dar smiled in relief, and rolled over, clearing a spot and patting it. "Wanna try it?" She watched as he cautiously slid over the railing, and onto the water mattress, making her rock slightly as his weight was cradled. Then he laid down flat and peered up at her ceiling in sober speculation. "Well?"

"Ah do like this." Andrew nodded, flexing his body a little. "Feels real nice on these old bones."

"Mmm." Dar rested her chin on her wrist and studied him, wondering if the scars hurt as much as they looked like they did. "Tell me where you're staying.. and I'll get you one." She coaxed slyly.

A blue eye pinned her. "Ah do not think the navy would appreciate that, Paladar." His voice softened. "But thank you for the offer."

They both looked away, a little embarrassed, then Andrew rolled carefully up and out of the bed. He stood, and extended a hand to his daughter. "C'mon"

Dar took his hand, and let him haul her up. "All right… let me splash some water on my face…put some shorts on.. I can give you a tour around the island if you want."

"Later, maybe… " Andrew picked up a piece of bright orange cloth. "You call them shorts?" He viewed the skimpy cut skeptically.

Dar looked, then cleared her throat. "Um.. those are Kerry’s." She felt her skin warm.

"Oh." Her father seemed equally embarrassed, then they both chuckled, and Dar swiped the shorts from his hands and folded them, placing them on the dresser. "Cute color."

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

Kerry felt like she had a huge, red white and black target painted right on her chest as she walked into the building. She already had a stomach ache, and she hadn't even hit the elevator yet. She nodded nervously at the guard as she moved past him.

"Ms. Stuart?" The man said, leaning towards her a little.

"Yes?" She paused, wondering if he had orders to stop her or something.

He walked around the desk and came closer. "Is Ms. Roberts doing okay?" He shuffled his feet nervously, and looked around. "I know you guys usually come in together, so.. "

Kerry smiled warmly at him. "She's fine… thanks for asking." She reassured him. "Did anyone else from my floor come through here yet?"

He knew what she was asking. "No, ma'am.. you're the very first. "

Kerry nodded. "Okay.. thanks.. I'll tell Dar you were asking for her." Her green eyes twinkled. "Wish me luck today."

He licked his lips. "Are you …" He left the statement unfinished.

Taking over? "Oh no. " Kerry shook her head firmly. "But someone has to hold the paper bag up while everyone else jumps through it, you know?" She knew the word would spread within minutes. "Dar asked me to."

He nodded. "Gotcha." He sketched a salute at her. "Good luck, ma'am."

Kerry continued on, riding in solitary splendor up to her floor, and exiting into a very empty corridor. Her steps took her to Dar's office first, and she used her key for the first time, letting herself in to where Maria would usually already be working. The outer office was somberly silent, the secretary's desk was neat as a pin, but missing the usual personal items Maria had kept there. Her cube of pictures, for instance, and the intriguing prism that scattered light over the room, a gift from Dar.

Kerry felt irrationally sad at the sight, and she ran a hand over the wood of the desk, swallowing down a surge of frustration. "This is so senseless." She picked up the contents of the in box, then she moved into the inner office, feeling her lover's absence like a physical blow. She noticed that Dar had left everything the way it was, even the fish were sitting forlornly on the clean surface of the desk, the light from the window catching them in flashes of blue and crimson. The only thing she'd taken, Kerry realized, were the dolphins she'd given her.

"Oh, Dar." Kerry exhaled, feeling sick. The laptop sat in silence, giving mute testimony of it' owner's abandonment. She wondered what had gone through Dar's mind as she'd given that up? It was the tangible badge of her office, really, giving her access into the heart of the company. Giving her the authority, which now, albeit briefly, rested in Kerry's hands. With a sigh, she collected what was in Dar's inbox as well, and then stepped around the desk, and headed for the back entrance to her own office.

She could, she knew, boot up the computer in Dar's office and work from there, but she had no intention of sending that particular message. She even had Dar's passwords.. the ultimate expression of her lover's trust in her, and if she'd wanted to, she could have brought down mainframes all across the world with Dar's top clearance and access, which she knew Mark hadn't touched before he'd left yesterday. But she had no intention of sending that message either.

She entered her office and put the papers down, reaching over and booting up her computer, then grabbing her coffee cup and trudging across the hallway to get some coffee.

Her back was to the door, and she didn't see who entered, but it also gave her a moment to decide on her response when the newcomer greeted her.

"Kerry." Mariana's voice sounded very tired.

The blond woman turned, and took a breath. "Hi."

"I didn't expect to see you here." The Personnel VP told her honestly. "How's Dar?"

Kerry took a sip of her coffee. "She's all right… taking it easy at home." She paused. "She tried to call you last night."

The other woman sighed, and leaned back against the wall. "I went out and got drunk." Mariana admitted. "I saw her number on the caller id.. I was going to call her back today." She looked at Kerry. "You know Alastair has put a hold on her resignation."

"Yes, I know." Kerry answered quietly. "I spoke to him." She exhaled, "Let's go into my office a minute." She followed Mari into the room and closed the door. "Look.. I don't know what's going to happen… " She began.

"He's on his way here, Kerry." Mariana told her wearily. "And he is royally pissed off."

"I know." Kerry responded. "I talked to him for about an hour yesterday.. I told him everything… about Jose.. about Eleanor.. and about that pig bastard."

"Fabracini?"

"Yeah… though.." Kerry wiped her face. "It's not like it wasn't our fault… we both knew the risks… neither of us was thinking straight that night."

Mariana slowly sat down in one of the visitor's chairs. "No." She disagreed quietly. "Oh, yes, I mean sure.. you're right, but he never should have gotten that far, Kerry." She leaned on her elbows. "Dar was right…I should have stopped it."

The woman looked like a truck had driven over her. Kerry sighed. "Well, no sense crying over spilt milk, they always say. " She turned and regarded her mail, wincing at the pages and pages of urgent marked messages. "Let's see what happens when Alastair gets here…I know he considers Dar a very valuable employee."

"That he does." Mariana agreed. "She's really come through for him on a number of occasions…she's really come through for all of us, and that's why this whole thing is so.. disgusting."

Kerry regarded her hands, folded on the desk. "You said you should have stopped it.. why didn’t you?"

The older woman glanced at the carpet. "I spent half the night thinking about that." She admitted. "And the conclusion I came to was that we're all so used to Dar doing the dirty work.. taking the hits and drawing the fire to herself that we've all gotten to be… " She paused. "It was easier just to stand back and let her go."

Kerry nodded, accepting that. "I was hoping that was the case… " She said softly. "I was hoping it wasn't just that everyone was standing back and letting her take a fall." She glanced up at Mariana's startled expression. "She once told me.. that everyone she'd ever trusted in business had turned on her…and last night, before we went to sleep, she told me if I… if it turned out that I saw everyone here….celebrating… her leaving, that I shouldn't feel bad about it."

A soft exhale. "Kerry, I think you know that's not true." Mari spread her hand out. "You've got a dozen empty offices to prove it." She stated. "You've got a division in pieces, the CEO headed out on the first flight… Duks wouldn’t even come in today, hell.. I only came in because I can't avoid it.. all the stuff that's going to hit the fan is going to hit MY fan…for god's sake, most people don’t hate her."

"I know." The blond woman acknowledged softly. "But, I guess.. the few that do are so much more vocal, it seems that way sometimes." She turned a pencil over in her hands. "When I started.. that's all I heard for the first few weeks.. was what a horrible bitch she was."

Mariana sucked on her lower lip.

"I had to find out for myself how wrong they were." Kerry sighed. "But most people don’t get that chance."

"She doesn't make it easy." Mari stated quietly. "She keeps everyone at arm's length, Kerry.. even Duks and I, and we've been friends for years." She sighed. "Even Mark…whom everyone knows is hopelessly in love with her."

Kerry's lips tensed into a faint smile. "You know, I never saw her like that, so…I mean, I knew she had a tough side, because I saw that right off, but there was always something… I don't know.. I could always just see there was more to her than the alpha bitch."

"Well." Mariana gave her a wry look. "You had a mitigating circumstance, as the lawyers like to say." She pondered that. "But I see your point.. if this does work out all right, I think we need to change the way some things are handled.. do some workgroup things to try and reduce some of the stress and the infighting."

Kerry accepted that.

"Things will change, though." Mariana told her gently. "For both of you, I mean."

Kerry studied her twined fingers. "It’s so stupid… we both like what we do… we’re both pretty good at it…"

"That’s not the issue, Kerry.. you’re not just pretty good, you’re excellent, and you have months of solid performance to back that up. I don’t’ think anyone’s questioning that." Mari stated flatly. "You are, and I want to say this, without doubt more than qualified to do what you do."

"But."

"Mm." Mari agreed, with a sigh. "It stinks, Kerry… do you know how long we searched to try to find someone who could work with Dar, handle her antics, and not go insane in less than a week?"

Kerry made a face. "Sorry."

"Professionally, I hate you. Personally… " Mariana folded her arms. "I was very glad the two of you found each other. Dar’s been alone too long." She inhaled. "Well, let’s see what the day holds. Who knows? Maybe Alastair will come in and fire the lot of us." She shook her head and walked out, leaving Kerry to stare after her thoughtfully.

"Who knows?" Kerry's phone rang, and she watched the keypad indicating it was a forwarded call from Dar's office. "Here we go." She punched the button. "Operations, Stuart."

"This is John Adams in Providence… we've had an order pending for a new circuit for a week.. what the hell's going on down there!"

Kerry sighed inwardly, giving Mariana a look. "Just a moment.. what's your account ID?" She typed in a number and started to work.

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

They were both still a little nervous, and a little tongue tied, Dar realized, as they sat quietly, her stretched out on the couch with Chino on her stomach, and him on the love seat, his back to the window and his face thrown into shadows by his sweat suit hood.

Well, neither of them were real conversationalists… but someone had to start things. "So.. have a place to stay?" She asked, quietly, nursing a tall glass of chocolate milk.

"Couple of em." Her father answered. "This place, that place.. you know." He regarded her in silence for a moment. "I do a few little things here and there.. they give me this card.. " He pulled a small folder from his waist pocket and displayed an innocuous looking silver plate that looked like a credit card. "I just put everything on that.. they take care of it."

Dar nodded slowly. "Because of mom?" She hazarded a guess, remembering the sometimes obscure, sometimes unfathomable ways of the government.

"Yeap." He tucked the folder away. "She's got my pension.. the benefits...that's how I want it. They take care of me." His voice seemed to end that line of questioning.

All right, round two. Ding ding. Dar nodded again, playing with one of Chino's soft ears. Then she looked up and studied his face, regarding the scars that twisted the flesh into an almost unrecognizable mask thoughtfully. "What happened?" She paused. "If you can say." Then she just waited.

He thought for a long time. "Just a gig that went bad." he finally said, almost emotionlessly. "We went in to check out some stuff we'd heard about a chemical weapon... it was a setup... three guys died, and I ended up wishing I'd been one of em." He reached up and touched one of the scars, wincing a little.

Dar considered that. "I'm only going to say this one time." She stated, softly. "Mom wouldn't give a damn about what you look like."

He studied his hands in the silence. "I know that." He admitted, falling silent for a bit. "She didn't want me to go this time." He finally added quietly.

"I remember." Dar quietly exhaled. "But I thought... " They'd worked things out.. at least, that was how it had appeared to Dar… her mother upset, yes, but supportive as always. "Dad.. how can you not call her? Losing you… " Dar paused. "Look.. I know how I felt seeing you again.. I can’t imagine how she’d react."

"Yeap, well... she done told me if I went, she wouldn't be there when I got back this time." Andrew replied, flatly. "Said that was my choice." He blinked a few times, his eyes moving restlessly in his scarred face. "Going or her."

Dar was truly shocked. "She wouldn't have left you."

Pained blue orbs lifted to hers. "Wasn't her leaving.. it was me, the way she looked at it." He swallowed. 'She was right,Dart.. it was my choice... and I chose to go." He took a breath. "Thought I could work things out when I got back " He stared at the table. "Except I didn’t."

Dar absorbed it. "She was just trying to get you to stay." She finally said. "She was afraid for you.. she was afraid of losing you." She protested. "She would have been there when you got back, and you know it."

His eyes closed. "I like to think that." His voice was quiet and sad. "It's this little game I play with my head.. keeps me from going nuts and just takin a dive off a bridge somewhere." His voice was lightly ragged. "Tried calling the numbers I remembered when I got back here… but she’d moved on."

"Dad.. why don't you call her?" Dar leaned forward, willing him to listen. "You can go home… she'd understand… I know it." She held out a hand. "I’ve got her new number… Richard gave it to me."

He looked at her. "Rich Edgerton?" A pause. "You use it much?"

Dar felt trapped, but there was no escaping those eyes. "No." She found a spot on the tile to stare at. "Mom hasn’t talked to me since the funeral."

The silence lengthened. Finally Andrew sighed. "Paladar."

"It was her choice." Dar spoke in tiny, bit off words. "Not mine."

There was a creak of leather, then hands covered the ones she had resting on her knees, and she had to look up. "She tell you she didn’t want you calling her?" Andrew asked, gently.

Dar nodded. "Said I reminded her too much of you."

He flinched, and his eyes dropped for a long moment, before lifting again. "Honey, I’m sorry.. I know you two never got along, but I never wanted that to happen."

"I know… " She managed a halfhearted smile. "You were always the peacemaker." She met his eyes, so close to hers now. "So.. I guess now it’s my turn. Call her, daddy.. I know she waited for you."

A very tired sigh. "I can't." He answered softly. "Cause then I'd know.. y'see? And if she didn't...if she meant that, or if she... " An agonizing pause. "I can't face it, Dar...I can't live with that.. you understand me?" He pleaded softly. "I can't face knowing that she doesn't.." He just stopped, his throat working audibly.

Dar let out her held breath in a pained trickle. "Oh, daddy." She murmured.

He sighed. "Doesn't make much sense to you, I reckon." He rubbed an impatient hand over his eyes. "Damn."

She gazed at him in bleak understanding. "Yes it does." Dar shook her head in long remembered pain. "I went after what you and mom had, and I thought I'd found it." She told him quietly. "And I was wrong." A sigh "I… kinda gave up on it after that."

"Huh." Her father grunted. "Till now." He glanced up shrewdly at her. "Cause I don't know how you feel about her, but that little green eyed gal's lost her mind gone for you, Paladar."

Dar smiled, wistfully. "Until now." She acknowledged. "When I met Kerry, I realized I finally really had found the real thing." Her eyes found her father's. "So I do understand, daddy...that’s why I think you should call."

He got up and sat down next to her, and they regarded each other in silence. "You stuck on her?" Andrew finally asked, watching her face.

"Yeah." Dar answered without hesitation. "Like a superglue factory." She admitted.

Andrew put a hand on her knee. "Don’t you ever let go."

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

The phone buzzed, for the thousandth time it seemed, and Kerry looked up at it, as she rested her head on one hand. "No, no, I don't know, no, it's not ready yet, I have no idea, no, she didn't tell me, no, and no." She muttered, then pressed it. "Operations, Stuart."

"Hi."

It was like a mouthful of ambrosia. Kerry found a smile working it's way onto her face before the syllables even faded and she let out a soft sigh. "You have no idea how good it feels to hear a friendly voice."

"Mm.. rough, huh?" Dar rumbled softly through the speaker. "How's it going?"

"Sucks." Kerry rubbed her eyes. "I feel like I've been dragged behind a dump truck hauling chicken poop all day." She replied. "Alastair is here…he's been in meetings with Mari, and the others for a couple of hours." She paused. "How’s it going there?"

"Eh." Dar answered. "I slept late.. felt washed out all day. Dad and I talked for a while.. then we had some lunch… now we're watching Crocodile Hunter." She hesitated. "Thanks.. by the way.. for asking him to stick around."

Kerry smiled, and tapped a pencil against her upper lip. "Thought you might like the company." She replied quietly, then glanced up as her phone buzzed. "Hold on a minute. " She put Dar on hold, and picked up her other line. "Operations."

"Ms. Stuart." Alastair's voice sounded quiet, and rather grim.

"Yes, that's me." Kerry answered, feeling her stomach drop. "What can I do for you?"

"We're having a meeting in the executive conference room.. could you come over, please?"

"Sure." Kerry replied evenly. "Be right there." She hung up, then took a breath before she picked up the other line. 'Hi."

"Bad news?" Dar inquired.

"Don't know… that was Alastair… they want me up in the big conference room." Kerry told her. "Look.. the worst they could do is fire me, Dar… and like… whoop, you know?" She shook her head a little. "After today, I'd probably thank him." She added grimly. "My respect for you jumped even higher."

"Mm." Dar considered that. "Relax, be honest, don't let him rattle you." She instructed Kerry gently. "Keep your head up.. you've only ever done good for the company, Kerry." She hesitated. "He’s not a bad guy.. he’s always found a way to be in my corner, even when it probably wasn’t a good idea for him to."

"I got the feeling he likes you." Kerry agreed. She felt herself calm with the words. "All right.. I think I can do that." She answered. "But if he or anyone else starts trashing you, they're toast."

A soft chuckle answered her. "That's my Kerry."

The blond woman grinned. "You bet your boots I am." She stood up and straightened her collar, then donned her jacket. "Wish me luck." She sighed. "I'll call you one way or the other when I get out of there."

"Good luck." Dar answered, obediently. "I'm with you."

Green eyes twinkled gently in the afternoon sunlight. "I know." She replied. "Talk to you later." She hung up, and ran a hand through her hair. "All right…let's go."

It was a short walk to the conference room, and she gathered her wits, along with the knowledge of Dar's confidence in her as she reached the door, and knocked lightly on it.

"Come." The voice inside sounded, and she pushed the handle down, pulling the door towards her and walking inside, to a room where the hostility was so think, it was almost like a smoke pall. Jose, Eleanor, and Steve were there, as was Mariana, and of course, Alastair. Kerry lifted her chin a bit, then walked across the carpet to the end chair, directly across from the CEO, resting her hands on the back of it and regarding them coolly.

"Sit down, Ms. Stuart." Alastair told her, courteously, his eyes regarding her with interest.

Kerry took the end chair, the one Dar usually sat in, and settled into it, folding her hands on the table and cocking her head in a listening attitude.

She waited, patiently. Make them talk first, Dar had advised her. Let them lay their end on the line before you do.

"Well. We've got quite a mess here." Alastair cleared his throat and started.

"Yes, we do." Kerry agreed mildly. "I've done pretty much all I can, considering the circumstances."

'That's bullshit!" Steve stood up. "You haven't done squat except for screw things.."

"Shut up." Kerry snapped at him. "You clueless, spineless, useless piece of wannabee macho pissant." She caught the Alastair' gray eyebrow rising across the table, and she stood up, feeling the blood pump through her. "Ten thousand things are going wrong, and all you people can do is sit around and bitch about it..I haven't seen a more useless collection of idiots in my life… no wonder Dar is always cursing at you."

"Hey, you can't." Jose stood and challenged her.

"Sure I can." Kerry responded hotly. "You people couldn’t find your way out of a paper bag unless Dar wrote directions on the inside of it, and you've got the balls to be in here criticizing a situation that's your DAMN FAULT." Her voice rose to a yell, all the anger she'd been holding in for two days boiling out.

"We didn’t ask her to quit!" Jose responded.

"Oh, but isn’t that what you were after?" Kerry countered, leaning forward on her hands. "Or else why hire someone with the specific intent to go against her?" She pointed at Steve, who was seething at his side. "Someone who had written instructions from YOU" She pointed at Jose. "To "find that bitch's weak spot and put a knife into it.".. wasn't that the quote?"

Silence.

"Well. You got what you wanted." Kerry continued. "And now the problem is everyone knows the only thing that kept the damn company running was her. You sure can't." A long pause. "I can't… after one day, I can't imagine how in the hell she managed to put up with all this for so long."

Jose stared at Mariana, who was chewing on a pencil. " You're going to let her get away with that?"

The Personnel VP shrugged. "Ms. Stuart is speaking her mind. We claim to value that, as a company." She paused delicately. "In theory."

"That's just because you and Dar are thick as thieves.. " Eleanor stated hotly. "No wonder we can't get anything done… God knows the four of you probably.."

"Excuse me." Alastair barked, an impressive volume of noise that set the glasses rattling.

Everyone looked at him in silence. "Thank you." He adjusted his tie. "I would like everyone to excuse themselves with the exception of Ms. Stuart." He paused. "Now."

In silence they filed out, avoiding Kerry's gaze with the exception of Mariana, who patted her shoulder as she passed.

The sound of the door closing behind them sounded unbelievably loud to Kerry, but she didn't react to it, sitting down instead and folding her hands on the table.

Alastair regarded her across the entire length of the conference table, then he stood up, and walked around to where she was, perching on the edge of the wooden surface and crossing his arms over his chest. "That was gross insubordination, Ms. Stuart." He remarked coolly.

"I know." Kerry replied, looking up at him. "I hear that runs in my department."

Alastair McLean had grayish blue eyes, almost as striking as Dar's. Right now, they were regarding her with the faintest hint of… something. "Your former boss was not known for a being a team player."

Former. Kerry felt a little sad. "No.. it's just that she refuses to play on a losing team." She replied. "I was given to understand you approved of that."

He nodded a little. "I have her position to fill, Ms. Stuart… you're smart, you're sharp.. I think you'd do well in it."

Kerry gazed at him. "Respectfully, sir… I wouldn't work for someone who allowed someone like her leave without just cause." She considered. "Regardless of the incentive."

He cocked his head. "I believe that's the most politely put 'kiss my ass' I've ever heard, Ms. Stuart." Alastair remarked. "So you don't want the job? It comes with a nice raise.. good perks.. a big advancement for someone your age and experience level."

The green eyes glinted dangerously. "I guess I didn't explain myself clearly." Kerry cleared her throat. "Kiss my ass." She paused. "Sir."

The CEO rubbed his jaw, then got up off the desk and pulled the chair next to her out, sitting down in it so they were knee to knee. "You know, Ms. Stuart… when you first got brought on board, I thought Dar was nuts." He twiddled his fingers together. 'I had no idea what she was up to, but I let her go ahead with it because I trust her judgment." He paused reflectively. "She's earned that trust."

Kerry remained quiet, merely watching his face intently.

"I’ve had to put up with her since she was fifteen years old, and she’s been a thorn the size of Texas in my side most of the time since then, but you know what, Ms. Stuart?"

"What?"

"When my balls are in a vise… she comes through every single time." Alastair informed her. "She’s never let me down. Do you understand just how valuable that is for someone in my position?"

"I think so."

"Do you understand that I can’t put a price on what that’s worth to me personally, and to the company?"

Kerry gazed at him, chancing a hint of a smile. "Yes."

"You think you can get me an audience with her?" Now the blue gray eyes took on the faintest hint of a twinkle.

The blond woman glanced down at the table, hiding a smile, then looked up. "Yes.. I can do that." She answered softly. "She's at home."

Alastair smiled at her. "Good."

Kerry took a breath. "That was a test, wasn't it?" She hazarded warily. "Offering me her job?"

The eyes twinkled visibly now.

"Did I pass?" She dared.

"Like a champ." He replied, with a chuckle. "You've proven a true disciple of Dar, Ms. Stuart…so take it easy."

Kerry exhaled. "Sorry.. it's been a really long day." She admitted, as she got up and walked across to where a phone rested on a wall side credenza. "Hang on." She dialed a number, not surprised when it was picked up before it even rang once. "Hi."

"Hey." Dar's voice was worried. "Everything okay?"

"I think so." Kerry told her, in a low voice. "Alastair wants to come see you."

"Ah." Her lover mulled this over. "Yeah.. sure.. why not?" She replied. "If you can bring him over then run dad back over to the mainland…give us a few minutes to duke it out."

"Gotcha." Kerry felt a quiet sense of relief flood over her. "See you in a few." She hung up and returned to the conference table. "I'll give you a ride over there if you want." She told the CEO.

"Best offer I've had all day." Alastair replied, cheerfully. "Let's go."

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

Dar put the phone down, and glanced at her father. "Well." She scrubbed her face. "I guess I'd better go take a shower and put some clothes on… my boss is coming over."

Andrew put his hands behind his head and stretched out his body, stiff from a long afternoon of crocodile watching. "He all right?"

"More or less.. yeah." Dar hoisted herself to her feet and moved towards her bedroom. "Be right back."

Her father scratched Chino's head and crossed his ankles. "Be careful, now, Dardar.. don't be slipping up in there."

The dark haired woman stopped, unseen, at the doorway and gazed at him with quiet affection. Then she shook her head and moved into the bathroom, stripping off her pajamas and starting the water running. She waited for a moment for it to warm, then stepped under it.

It felt great. She scrubbed her body, and washed her hair, standing under the force of the water for several minutes, just letting the pressure ease some of the tension out of her.

Then she reluctantly shut the water off, and stepped out of the shower, grabbing one of the long, fluffy beach towels she kept in the bathroom for drying off. She wrapped it around her, then took a second and roughly dried her hair before she exited the bathroom.

What to wear. . She considered, then shrugged and pulled on a polo shirt and a pair of jeans, tucking the shirt inside and giving herself a cursory glance in the mirror. "Gonna have to do." She made a wry face at herself, running a brush through her hair quickly.

"Hey, Dardar?" Her father called from the other room.

"Yeah?" She walked to the door and went through it, finding him near the sliding glass doors. "What's up?"

He turned. "You have a nice birthday last month?"

Dar walked over to him. "Yeah…. " She nodded, hesitantly. "I did… Kerry made me a party here, and I… " She paused. 'It was nice."

Her father carefully examined the horizon. "Almost called you that night." He met her eyes briefly. "Sorry I didn't."

What a birthday present that would have been. "It's okay." Dar reassured him. "I'm just glad you did now."

Andrew seemed nervous all of a sudden. "Yeap.. well.. " He cleared his throat. "You still go out there?" His head indicated the sea.

Dar nodded. "I stopped for a while." She admitted quietly. "But Kerry loves it… she got certified and we go out almost every weekend."

"Good fer her." Andrew stated. "She's a nice kid."

A soft chuckle. "She's got me back involved in a lot of things.. ." The dark haired woman sighed. "I was… " She hesitated. "Considering getting back into competition."

Her father's eyes lit up. "Were ya?" He studied her seriously. "Looks like you could." He poked her experimentally. "Better than some of the pups they sent out with me the last time, I tell ya that."

Dar laughed, a touch embarrassed. "Yeah.. I kept that up… " She murmured. "You're responsible for that…I always thought you'd be disappointed if I hadn't."

Andrew remained silent for a moment, then he put a gentle hand on her arm. "Honey, I could never be disappointed with you." His voice was sincere. "Doesn't matter what you ended up doing… who you ended up being.. you're my kid, and ain't nothing's gonna ever change that."

Dar found herself unable to answer, and she swallowed a lump in her throat.

"Nuff of that mush." Andrew cleared his throat. "You go back into that stuff, you let me know, hear?" He fumbled a white card from his pocket and handed it to her. "That'll get me."

A pager number. Dar smiled at it, and tucked it into her shirt pocket. Then she walked over to her briefcase, resting on a chair nearby and removed one of her own cards. She scribbled the home phone at the condo on the back and handed it to him. "Fair's fair." She told him. "Give us a call sometimes."

He stared at the card, turning it over in his fingers. "Paladar.. you did not exactly ever get around to telling me what you did for that company now." He gave Dar a look. "You are the Vice President of that thing?"

"I was." Dar admitted. "I even had an office with a nice, big window."

Her father laughed softly. "They get you to dress up fancy?"

Dar laughed with him, a little sheepishly. "Yeah… I even wear heels." She admitted. "I kick them off under my desk, though." Self consciously, she stuck her hands in her pockets, remembering teenage arguments over torn jeans she knew her father was also recalling. "Wanna see pictures?" She asked hopefully, wanting to distract those twinkling eyes.

"Hell yes." Andrew responded immediately.

Dar went to the cabinet nearby, and drew out the manilla folder of pictures Kerry had gotten back from the New Year’s Eve party. She pulled out the one Mark had taken of both of them and handed it over. "Proof."

Andrew took it and dipped his head to examine the image. A low, melodic whistle emerged from his lips. "Son of a gun.. wouldja look at that pair of gorgeous young ladies."

Dar scratched her ear, caught somewhere between extreme pleasure and extreme embarrassment.

"Would you mind if I took this and had a copy done?" Andrew asked. "They got a photo lab on the base now."

"You can have that one. We’ve got the negatives." Dar told him, happy he asked. She gave him an extra envelope that had come with the picture. "Kinda big, though."

Andrew very carefully put the image inside, and closed the top. "I appreciate that, squirt."

They both heard the sound of a car outside. "Guess that's them." Dar stated quietly. "Thanks for sticking around today."

"You can thank Kerry for that… was her idea." Andrew mumbled. "Well.. I'll go round back and wait for her… you take care of yourself, you hear?"

Dar hugged him, feeling him tense for a moment, then relax and return the hug. "I love you, daddy." She whispered. "I missed you."

He took a shaky breath, and patted her side. "Same here." He broke off and cleared his throat. "Be good." He gave her arm another pat, then slipped out the back door and into the darkness..

Dar watched until his shadow blended into the foliage, not turning until she heard footsteps outside the front door.

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

Kerry parked the Mustang next to Dar's Lexus, and glanced at her passenger. Alastair had been looking around with great interest, and it gave her a chance to study him in return. He was in his sixties, of medium height and stocky, with gray hair and intelligent eyes. He had a round face with a snub nose and thick eyebrows, which moved her way as he turned to address her.

"Nice place." He'd chatted amiably about the area as they drove, avoiding any mention of work.

Kerry nodded. "Okay… well, that's the condo, so.. " She opened the door and got out, waiting for him to join her before she led the way down the walk and up the stairs. As she approached the door she hesitated, lifting her hand to knock, then made a quiet decision and let her fingers drop to the keypad instead, keying in her code and unlocking the door.

Alastair made no comment.

"After you." The blond woman opened the door and held it, gesturing with the other hand. A quick peek inside showed her Dar leaning casually against the back of the love seat, regarding them. There was no sign of Andrew, but she hadn't expected there to be. "Hi."

Dar's eyes flicked to hers, and she gave her a tiny wink. "Hi." Then her attention turned to Alastair. "Hello, Alastair… c'mon in."

Kerry lifted a hand and moved a step back. "Later."

Dar lifted a hand in response, and watched the door close behind her lover, then she turned her gaze on her boss.

They regarded each other in silence for a moment, then Dar exhaled and stood up. "Siddown.. you want a drink?"

"I think I need one." Alastair replied wryly, as he took the invitation and settled on the couch, leaning back and glancing around. "Nice place, Dar."

The dark haired woman nodded. "Thanks." She went over to the cabinet against the wall and took out a bottle, pulling the top off and pouring a portion of honey golden liquor into two glasses. Then she put the top back on and made her way back, handing Alastair his, before settling in the easy chair across from him.

"So." He took a sip, eyebrows raising at the taste. "Very nice." He added approvingly.

"Thought I remembered you liked scotch." Dar commented, taking a sip of her own glass. The smooth twenty year old alcohol burned warmly on the way down, and she was glad she’d had a healthy sized lunch not long ago to buffer it.

"That I do." Alastair agreed. "That I do." He looked around. "You know, Dar… not that I spent a whole lot of time thinking about it, but I never pictured you in a place like this." His eyes fell on the spacescape. "High tech apartment in a high rise off Brickell, sure.. but.."

Dar smiled briefly. "An aunt of mine willed it to me."

An awkward silence fell.

"So." Alastair said again. "Where do we go from here, Dar?" He sipped his scotch and watched her over the rim of his glass. "I think you probably realize I've got someone real hefty sitting on that resignation request of yours."

Dar considered that. "Flattering." She commented briefly.

"Let's not bullshit each other." Alastair advised her. "We both know I consider you an essential part of my management team, and it would kill me to lose you." He paused. "Especially over something as ridiculous as this." He waited, but she didn't comment. "So what really happened here, Dar? I've heard Mari's side, and Jose's side, and I just don't get it. I thought you had a thicker skin than that."

Dar regarded him in silence for a moment, then she exhaled. "Good question." She paused, and gave a little shake of her head. "It's gotten to the point in the last month where I've been attacked more by my own company than any of our competitors.. and maybe I started to wonder what in the hell I was doing here."

Alastair thought about that, sipping his drink slowly "You're a high profile kinda gal, Dar… you've always attracted slings and arrows, you know that." He ventured. "Was this guy really that much of a needle in your shorts?"

A shrug. "Maybe." Dar regarded the table. "Maybe because it was personal, not professional.. maybe because I knew a colleague had brought him in deliberately to attack me… " She shifted the glass in her hands. "But I think I could have dealt with that."

Alastair nodded twice. "But?"

"But he went after my people." Dar concluded. "And I'd just had enough." She looked up at Alastair. "I'd had enough of being the whore bitch from hell until you needed something."

Alastair leaned forward. "Dar, the fact that most of the operation is at a complete standstill, and I have over fifty empty desks should tell you not everyone feels that way." He replied, seriously. "And I think you know that I don’t' feel that way either, or I wouldn't be sitting here right now. I'd be home in Houston, watching a ball game, considering who I was going to promote to VP Ops."

Dar cleared her throat a little. "I should have called you first." She admitted. "I owed you that."

A tiny smile crossed Alastair' face. "An apology from Dar Roberts.. thank god I'm sitting down." He kidded her gently. "I think that’s a first."

"Probably." Dar aknowledged, in a quiet voice. "I don’t know, Alastair.. it’s just been building and building lately.. or maybe I’ve just become more sensitive to it."

Shrewd eyes studied her. "Could be that once you open up part of your life to something new. .it’s hard to keep everything around you from being affected."

A faint shrug. "Maybe."

Alastair leaned forward. "Do you really want out, Paladar?" He asked her seriously. "If you do, I’ll slit my wrists, but you’ll get the best parachute I can staple together for you."

Dar pondered that. Finally, she exhaled. "I can’t keep doing business the way I have been." She told him. "I’m not going to fight an uphill battle for everything up to, and including the toilet paper changing frequency anymore. I can’t do it."

"I’m not sure you should have to." Alastair replied. "We believe in a peer system, Dar… when you have a group of very strong minded peers, like we do here, sometimes that gets out of hand, and creates more gridlock than it solves problems."

A tilt of her head. "Interesting perspective."

"From my perspective right now, I’d say you’ve been holding this end of the operation together with a bucket of guts and your own willpower. True?"

Dar shrugged. "What choice did I have? Someone had to force things to happen, and I yell the loudest."

"Right.. except that… if you have to divert that willpower to some other object…say… a significant other, you start resenting that need to yell, don’t you?"

A sigh. "Yeah."

"And you start resenting having to spend twenty hours a day here, and working Saturdays, and pulling everyone’s cojones out of the fire eight days out of seven. " Alastair stated. "Right?"

Dar gave him a look. "Yeah."

"So.. that’s why you got in that room, got hit with a boatload of bs, and decided to chuck it all."

"Could be." A wry smile tugged at Dar’s lips. "I guess that’s why they pay you the big bucks, huh?"

"Honey… I’ve been there, and done that.. I’ve got thirty years on you, remember?" Alastair reminded her wryly. "What I had to do was find someone who I could trust, and let them take half the load." A smile. "So.. that’s what you did… which was great idea, except…"

"Except the solution was the cause of the problem." Dar finished, meeting his eyes honestly.

Her boss nodded slowly, then inhaled. "Dar, I’m going to ask you a question, just between you, and I – and I want you to tell me the truth. I don’t care what it is, all right?"

She nodded.

"When you hired Kerrison Stuart, was it because you two were romantically involved?"

"No." Dar answered easily, and immediately. "And on a conscious level, I have to tell you it was strictly a matter of acquiring someone who my gut instinct was telling me would be good for the company."

Alastair looked relieved. "That’s what I thought… and you two just clicked, and it went on from there."

"Yes."

"She’s a sharp cookie." Her boss admitted. "Based on what I’ve heard from other people, and what I saw today, I think you made the right decision."

Dar smiled.

"As usual." Alastair complimented her graciously.

They were both quiet for a moment. "Dar." The older man paused. "For a lot of totally selfish reasons, I don’t’ want to lose you." He studied her. "If I can fix it, so that the gridlock gets better, are you willing to remain my employee?"

Dar considered the request. "Will you leave Kerry where she is?"

A sly twinkle. "She’ll either remain at, or exceed the position she’s in currently, yes." Alastair reassured her. "I don’t’ generally go around breaking things that work.. there are enough broken things for me to worry about."

"Okay."

A hiked eyebrow. "That’s your only condition?"

Dar nodded. "Oh.. well, there’s one other small thing." A faint smile appeared. "Jose’s little bastard."

Alastair laughed. "Saw that coming." He leaned back, obviously relieved. "My problem is, I need a way to bounce him legitimately. " He told Dar. "Otherwise, the little bastard is going to sue for wrongful dismissal, and I don't want the publicity."

A slow, sexy smile crossed Dar's face. "I'll give that to you.. if you let me be the one to ax him." Her eyes glinted dangerously. "Absolutely legit."

Alastair nibbled his lip. "It's going to be a rocky few weeks… there's a lot of hard feelings in there." He replied. "But I have a lot of confidence in you… I’m not worried." He finished off his scotch. "Now, onto more pleasant subjects. You free for dinner? I hate to waste an opportunity.. I hardly ever get to see you."

Dar's lips twitched. "Actually, I had plans.. but you're welcome to join us." She stated blandly. "There's a great little Italian place over on the other side of the island… and it's casual."

His eyes twinkled a little. "Well, I did enjoy my conversation with the enigmatic Ms. Stuart… sure she won't mind?"

Dar was outrage to find herself blushing, and she was glad the fading twilight hid it. "I’m sure she'll be fine." She got up and went towards the kitchen. "In fact, let me page her."

"She could have stayed…I wouldn't have cared." Alastair remarked. "After all, she lives here, doesn't she?"

Dar chuckled as she put the phone to her ear, listening to it ring.

"Hope things go okay." Kerry put her Mustang in park, as the ferry got under way. "I don’t want to repeat the day I had today."

Andrew grunted. "Feller flew all the way here from Texas… I’d guess he’s got something on his mind he wants to say."

They exchanged shy glances. "Whatcha got there." Kerry nodded at the envelope curiously.

"Picture of two real pretty ladies at a party." Andrew drawled.

Kerry thought, then blushed slightly. "From New Years?"

"Yes, ma’am." He assured her cheerfully.

"Eek." Kerry grinned wearily, and let her head rest against the seat back. "My scary green dress? God, the trouble that caused."

Andrew cocked his head at her. "You catch a chill in it?"

She laughed. "No… Dar really likes it, and w… " Kerry cleared her throat. "Um.. I mean.. it um.. kinda started people talking." A pause. "Again… I don’t know why, it’s not like we even talked to each other all night." She recalled the frustrating evening. "I really wanted to dance with her, too." A sigh.

"Kumquat, you don’t’ have to chit chat with my kid… your eyes tell the whole tale just fine." Andrew informed her.

Kerry turned her head. "What did you call me?" She asked, incredulously. "Is that one of those navy things?"

"Na… naw." Andrew chuckled. "It’s a… wall, it’s a bitty orange, grows wild round here… real pretty color, smells nice, but it’s tart inside.. shocks the daylights out of you."

Kerry’s nostrils flared, as she sorted through the explanation, trying to figure out if it was a compliment or an insult. "Um… okay… "

"Favorites of mine." He amended.

"Phew." Kerry muffled a nervous giggle. "I was hoping you weren’t calling me a little tart fruit."

"Tch."

They exchanged glances, then started laughing.

The ferry docked, and Kerry put the Mustang into gear. "Where to?" She steered up the ramp and across the salmon cobblestones.

Andrew considered the question. "There’s a spot near the beach, bout ten minutes north. You can leave me off there."

Kerry simply looked at him. "You’re not going to tell me you sleep on the beach, are you?"

"Sometimes." Dar’s father muttered. "Depends… ah like the stars at night over me." He glanced at Kerry. "I got a bed to sleep in, don’t get yer feathers all ruffled." He shifted. "Just got a lot to think about tonight.. rather do that without a bunch of noise."

Kerry put the car into gear and turned onto the causeway, heading out towards the beach. "I understand. When I want to think, I go out to the beach too." She told him "So does Dar."

Andrew nodded. "I know that… it’s where I first caught sight of her couple months back.. just sitting out there, looking at the stars." He plucked at the seam running down the leg of his denims. ‘Knew her right off."

"You didn’t go over to her though." There was no judgement in Kerry’s tone, only quiet curiosity.

"No.. I.. " His lips tightened. "I was still pretty messed up…thought it was better just to… " He never finished the statement, just looked outside the window at the passing lights.

"Why now?"

For a long time, she got no answer, and they drove in silence through the night. Kerry didn’t push the issue, she just navigated the busy streets through Miami Beach, heading down to the spot he’d mentioned. It was a nice night out, only one or two fluffy clouds obscuring the stars, and a cool breeze was coming in from the northwest.

She pulled into the small parking lot next to the public access beach and stopped the car, opening the windows and turning the engine off. Immediately, the sound of rustling palm fronds drifted in, with muted traffic noises, and the rhythmic hiss and rush of the surf. The air was tinted with salt, and the smokey scent of a barbeque in progress, that made Kerry’s stomach growl as she remembered forgetting lunch.

Her cell phone rang, making her jump, and she answered it. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" Dar’s voice answered, a warm note evident in it’s tone.

"Off Southpointe park… is everything okay?" She caught Andrew’s head turn as he listened.

"Yep."

Kerry gave her passenger a thumbs up. "Great… are you still working for us?"

"Yep."

Kerry’s nose wrinkled into a grin. "Still my boss?"

"Yep."

She did a little dance in her seat. "I knew you’d work it out… boy, am I ever glad." She winked at Andrew, who smiled back at her. "I told your dad, too."

"C’mon back… Alastair’s going to have dinner with us." Dar told her. "Give dad a hug for me."

"If I can get away with it, sure." Kerry told her. "Be over in a minute." She hung up and folded the phone into her pocket. "Everything’s fine."

"Good to hear." Andrew looked relieved. He opened the door and started to get out, then hesitated. "Thanks for the ride, Kerry."

She got out on her side, and circled around the car, meeting him as he stood up, uncertainly. "Please don’t be a stranger." Their eyes met. "Whatever your reasons were.. I’m really glad you decided to call… that was a pretty big hole in Dar’s life you just filled back in."

He gazed at her. "Didn’t have a choice." The words seemed to come out only reluctantly. "I just couldn’t go another day without seeing my kid." He studied his sneakers, as a hand lifted and touched his chest. "She’s a pretty big piece of me."

Kerry thought about asking permission, then just decided to go for it. She stepped forward and put her arms around Dar’s father, who at first stiffened in wary surprise, then relaxed, and somewhat awkwardly returned the embrace. He was much bigger than Dar was, but, she found, he had the same solid feel to him, and she gave him an extra squeeze before she released her hold, and stepped back. "Thanks Mr. Roberts."

"Hey." A blue eye cocked at her in the dim light. "Ain't no such person."

"Excuse me?" Kerry replied, uncertainly.

"There's a Commander Roberts, Andy, or shithead.. take yer pick.. but there ain't no Mister Roberts." Andrew told her quietly.

Kerry gazed at him in the dim street light. "Would you mind very much if I called you dad?"

Dar's father regarded her in surprise. "Why would you want t'do something like that?"

Good question. Kerry gazed at the sidewalk, then lifted her head. "Cause I think you're a really good one."

The shadowed face shifted, visible even inside the hood. "Decided that already, have ya?"

"No." Kerry shook her head. "I decided that a long time ago, just listening to Dar talk about you." She took a breath. "I'm a little jealous of her over that."

Somehow, she got the impression that Andrew was blushing, even though she had no way to confirm it. He made a small sound, perhaps clearing his throat before he answered.

"You go ahead and call me that if you want, Kerry."

She smiled warmly at him. "Thanks, dad." Impulsively, she reached over and squeezed his hand, then backed off.

He closed the card door and tucked his picture under one arm. "You take care, all right kumquat?" A hand reached out and patted her shoulder as he started off towards the waiting sand and water.

"All right." Kerry whispered, watching him for a moment. "You too."

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

Dar looked at her watch as they entered the condo. "Jesus.. it's past midnight." She commented in surprise. "Didn't think it was that late."

"Uh huh." Kerry yawned, trudging inside and collapsing on the couch. "That was a nice dinner, though… he's sort of an interesting person." She picked up Chino, who had bolted out of the utility room when Dar opened the door. "Hey honey.. whoa..whoa.. .don't chew up mommy's fingers, okay?"

Dar came back in with two tall glasses of chocolate milk, one of which she set down on the table. "Here." She eased down on the couch next to her lover, and slid back, extending her legs out and groaning. "Too much pasta."

"I don't think so.. I told you not to have that second helping of gelato." Kerry reminded her, with a poke. "How about a few minutes in the hot tub?"

Blue eyes turned to her and brightened. "Now that's a great idea." Dar complimented her. "It's a beautiful night out… c'mon." She allowed Kerry to support her as they wandered into the bedroom, and exchanged jeans for bathing suits.

"I like that one on you." Dar had snuck up behind Kerry, and now slid both arms around her middle, hugging her gently. "It's the color of your eyes." Kerry's suit, a shimmering, almost translucent green blue glittered in the low light, accented her toned body. .

Kerry leaned back against her and folded her arms over Dar's. "Thanks."

They went outside, taking their glasses with them, and Kerry held them both as Dar eased into the water.

"Ungh. " The dark haired woman stretched her arms out, and took the milk. "This feels great." She watched as Kerry joined her, nestling up against her immediately. "I'll put these down." Dar advised her, setting them on the coping, then putting an arm around Kerry's shoulders.

For a few minutes they just sat there, absorbing the sensation of the water, a mist of warm, chlorinated water drifting across their faces. The ocean was at high tide, and beating against the seawall, and off in the distance, they could hear the buoy bells ringing on the inshore wind.

"It's beautiful out here." Kerry murmured, tipping her head back and regarding the starry sky, scattered with the odd, occasionally puffy cloud.

Dar turned her head and regarded the moonlit profile next to her. "It sure is."

Kerry caught the glance and smiled a little, blushing lightly. "So." She cleared her throat. "Everything worked out okay, huh?"

"Mmm." Dar wiggled her toes contentedly. "Alastair asked me to reconsider, I told him I had two conditions, he met them, presto. That was it." She stifled a yawn. "You were one condition, Steve was the other."

Kerry mulled that over. "So.. did he know about us, or.. " She left the thought hanging.

"He knew." Dar chuckled softly. "He said he knew when he saw those first sets of pictures.. from Orlando.. but he was content to let that fall in the background."

"Isn't that a problem?" Kerry queried. "I mean.. we've been doing this cat and mouse thing for months, because it was this big rule.. so..??"

Dar shrugged. "It comes down to.. what's more important? Company rules, or profits?" She advised her lover dryly. "He can make exceptions.. and yes, it's a problem, but it's not like it's never happened before, Kerry.. and what the rule is for is mostly to protect the junior of the two employees."

"Protect?" Kerry cocked her head. "Oh.. from harassment, that kind of thing?"

A nod. "Exactly.. it's so bosses don’t take advantage of their subordinates.. and it's a good rule." She reached over and brushed a droplet of water off Kerry's cheek. "But I told him I needed you.. and he's satisfied you're not being pressured, or coerced in any way, so he's going to just work around it."

"Oh." Kerry thought about that. "Awesome." She kissed Dar's shoulder. "So I can bring you lunch and not feel guilty, right?"

Pale blue eyes shifted her way. "So I can wander down the back corridor a couple times a day and not feel conspicuous." Dar replied dryly. "I mean, it's just like anything else… we treat each other professionally at the office, we just don't have to worry about people finding out what we do outside of it."

"Hmm." Kerry nodded a little. "So.. can I call the rest of the staff and tell them to come back in tomorrow?" She asked, wistfully. "Because I don't think I can handle a few more days like today was."

Dar smiled. "I'll call em in the morning." She rested her head against the blonde woman's. "They're a loyal bunch."

"With good reason." Kerry smiled back. "We love our boss." .

The taller woman exhaled gently, and let her head rest back against the tub's wall. "What a day." Her mind lingered over the earlier part of it, absorbing the wonder. "Did Dad say anything to you when you let him off?" She tasted the words with uncommon pleasure.

"A few things." Kerry murmured. "He's such a sweetie.. I can see why you're so crazy about him."

Dar tilted her head. "My daddy." She breathed, in amazement. "I'm glad you like him… I hope he's not going to just…vanish again. I mean.. just knowing he's out there is great, but…"

"I don't think so, Dar." Kerry answered slowly. "He said… the reason he contacted you is because he couldn’t stand not seeing you for one more minute."

A smile tugged at Dar's lips. "He told you that? Really?"

'Yes, he did." Kerry assured her. "I don't think he's going to disappear again.. and besides, he said I could call him Dad." She grinned. "That is so cool."

Dar hugged her. "I knew he would if you asked him that. He's always loved kids." She told her partner. "I think he'd have liked more… but I guess after me, they figured one was more than enough." She exhaled. "I wish he'd call my mother, though."

Kerry stroked her. "Give it a little time, Dar… it took him time to contact you, remember?" She smiled. "I have a feeling it'll all work out."

"Good." Dar ducked her head again and found Kerry's wandering lips, and she pulled her over onto her lap, sliding an arm around the blond woman's waist securely. She felt Kerry's hands glide down her shoulders, and her eyes closed in reflex as their bodies pressed against each other in knowing familiarity.

They'd deal with all that trouble tomorrow. That was another day. Right now, all that mattered was the rich, night breeze, and the stars, and each other.

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

Kerry stifled a yawn, as she trudged across the kitchen, headed for the coffee machine. She mechanically portioned the Irish crème flavored grounds into the basket, and started the coffee going, blinking at little as she leaned against the counter.

She could hear Dar's voice as a low murmur coming from her office, and she guessed her lover was making the promised phone calls to their stubbornly missing staff. "Any luck?" She called in, as she heard the phone disconnect.

"Oh yeah." Dar moved to the doorway of the office, stretching and catching the edges of the sill with her fingers as she rocked her head back and forth to loosen her neck muscles. "I got Mark.. he cursed me out because he was planning on working over one of his bikes, but he said he'd be in, and that he'd call the rest of his staff in so I didn't have to do it." The tall, dark haired women released the door, and walked across to where Kerry was standing. "Now I have to do the tough one.. Maria."

"Ouch." Kerry slid a hand up Dar's belly, feeling the warmth of her skin under the fabric. "She was sooo pissed off, Dar… you should have heard what she called Jose."

"That Latin temper." Dar acknowledged wryly. "I bet she could kick his butt, too." She moved past the blond haired woman and into the kitchen, retrieving a bowl and her Frosted Flakes from the cabinet. "Want some?"

A sigh. "Dar, do you think you could make me feel better by at least putting a little banana in that?" Kerry asked, mournfully. "And no thanks.. they crunch too loud and hurt my ears this early in the morning." She bumped Dar out of the way and opened the refrigerator, snagging a fruit and cheese Danish from a neatly packed box. "I prefer a quieter, gentler breakfast… I'm going to go snag a shower, okay?"

Dar grinned, munching away noisily, and pressed a key on the kitchen console.

"Dar Roberts, 656 new messages, 234 Urgent." The computer responded promptly.

"Oh, Jesus." Dar almost inhaled a flake. "Delete all unmarked." She told the computer. "Forget it.. they can resend the damn things."

"Deleted. Dar Roberts. 234 new messages, 234 Urgent."

"Delete all messages, duplicate subjects." Dar instructed. "That also have same sender." She glanced at Kerry who was chewing her Danish and had padded over to pull out two large mugs. "That should get rid of half of those."

"Deleted. Dar Roberts 155 new messages, 155 Urgent."

"I'll read them when I get in." Dar decided, closing the program, and wandering over to the window.

She had, she realized, mixing feelings about going back to work. Part of her was glad, needing the excitement and the challenge, but there was another part, a guilty, hidden part that had been secretly hoping the resignation would stick… hoping that she and Kerry could then take a few weeks off and just…

Dar's eyes found the horizon. She'd found herself wanting very much to take time out of life, and spend it getting to know her lover better, taking her places Dar liked.. maybe even out skiing… down to Key West.. all the things they didn't have time to do now.

She sighed, and nibbled her lip. Well, one thing, if Alastair knew about them, and they decided to take off the same week, it would be all right. In fact, she decided, that's exactly what we're going to do. She straightened and went back inside. Pick a week, and take off. To hell with the company. She exhaled, and headed for her own shower.

Hearing the sound of water running as she entered her bedroom, and spotting the naked, patiently waiting figure leaning against the door, arms crossed, darkened green eyes watching her with seductive intent.

Oh yeah. Dar sucked in a breath as a sensual jolt hit her right in the groin. To hell with the company. "Well well.. what do we have here?" She inquired, moving closer and sweeping her across the lithe body in front of her. Kerry's appearance had changed quite a bit since she'd met her three months prior. Her indoor pallor had deepened into a golden tan, and the painful thinness had disappeared. Dar had always found her attractive, but the changes had also brought Kerry a new self confidence that seemed to glow inside her, rendering her almost mesmerizing in Dar's appreciative eyes.

"Gotta make sure you don't slip and fall in the shower, Dar." Kerry informed her cheerfully, reaching up and unbuttoning the top button on her shirt. "I just got my boss back.. I don't want to lose her again." She unbuttoned the second button. "Do you mind sharing a shower?"

"Heh." Dar slid both hands down her sides, and traced the now barely visible ribs with gentle thumbs. "Oh, I think I could suffer through that all right." She ducked her head and kissed her. "Somehow.. "

"Mm.. " Kerry unbuttoned the third and fourth button, sliding the shirt up and over Dar's shoulders and letting it fall to the ground. Then she traced a gentle pattern down the tall body and got to the shorts, sliding those down as well. "I bet you could" She nibbled the soft skin over Dar's jugular and stepped forward, brushing their bodies together. "You taste so good." She murmured.

Dar felt her heart jerk, and start pounding. "Do I?" She moved closer and slipped her arms around Kerry, feeling her shoulderblades move as she reciprocated and the warmth of the contact between them surged. She ducked her head and captured an ear, tracing it's curve with the tip of her tongue. "So do you." She purred softly, hearing the gentle intake of air as Kerry's breathing caught.

Slowly they moved into the shower, trading the chill air for warm mist, and the spicy scent of the soap Dar preferred flowed around them. Dar squeezed a little of the gel onto her hands and began to lather Kerry's back, moving her fingers over the strong shoulders and down across her hips.

A soft sound escaped the blond woman, who had started spreading soap down Dar's sides. She pushed away a little, allowing the taller woman's hands to continue their motion up her belly as she let her fingers trail down along Dar's thighs. "My pastor always taught me.. " She murmured, moving back against Dar's soapy body. "That cleanliness is next to godliness.."

"Oh yeah?" Dar inclined her head and nipped a the skin on Kerry's shoulder.

"Mm… I gotta send him a card sometime and let him know how right he was." Kerry uttered, starting a slow, tantalizing progression right down the center of Dar's body, with a few east and west detours.

Dar just chuckled.

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

Kerry unfolded the paper that had been resting on their porch, and set it on her knees to study it as Dar drove onto the ferry. "Cajun Festival's next weekend… interested?"

"Why yes, my spicy little mud bug." Dar drawled, giving her a tickle along her ribs. "Let's see if Mari and Duks want to go."

"Okay." Kerry agreed amiably, ignoring the sports section and checking the business headlines. "Hey.. Dar? What's a CIO?"

"Chief Information Officer." Dar replied promptly. "A member of a company's board of directors who's responsible for IS direction, and implementation, that sort of thing. Why?"

"ILS doesn't have one?"

"No.. Alastair's been waffling on that since his last one left four years ago." Dar replied. "I didn't care, because it removed a layer of management I had to deal with."

"Oh. Well, we have one now." Kerry informed her. "Named this morning."

"No kidding?" Dar was shocked. "You'd have thought he'd… guess he's hedging his bets. Who'd he name?"

"You."

Dead silence.

"Excuse me?" Dar turned all the way around in the seat and stared at her.

Kerry held up the business section, which featured a large picture with very familiar blue eyes staring right back at her. "Way to go!" She muffled a laugh at the look of utter shock on Dar's face. "Nice picture, too."

"I'm.." Dar cleared her throat, as the word came out in a squeak. "I'm gonna kill him." She scrambled for her cell phone. "Oh.. I'm gonna kill him.. I'm gonna book the first god damned flight to Houston and beat him to death with his own necktie.."

"Dar.. Dar… Dar.. " Kerry grabbed the phone. "It's six am in Houston.. he's probably still sleeping.. .besides, I thought the reaction to a promotion is supposed to be 'thank you' not 'I'm going to kill you."

"That son of a bitch." Dar exhaled. "How in the hell can he have done that without god damned telling me????" She was ridiculously indignant. "He said nothing would ch… " A pause. "Wait a minute…. So that's what he meant."

Kerry lifted her brows in question.

"I asked him if you were going to be left in your position.. he said you'd maintain or exceed it.. at the very least. Damn him.. he knows he can do it because he's finally got someone who can take my position in Ops."

"Who's that?" Kerry inquired.

Dar looked at her.

"Oh..no no no no… " Kerry waved a hand." No no.. oh, no, Dar.. I can't do your job.. no no… I tried that the last few days. No no. Not me. Uh uh."

"You could do it." Dar disagreed, folding her arms.

"Dar, no I can't." Kerry shook her head.

They studied each other, as the ferry's engines shifted for the turn to the mainland. "Guess I'll have to turn him down then." Dar remarked. "Because there's no one else I"d trust to replace me."

"That's not fair."

A shrug. "Life isn't, sometimes." Dar watched her a moment more, then dropped her eyes. "Would you at least think about it?"

"Dar.." Kerry knew what would happen next, and sure enough, before she could turn away, the gently entreating blue eyes had captured her, tugging at her heartstrings irresistibly. "Dar.. I've been fighting for years to get out from under my father's shadow."

"And? Won't this achieve that, Kerry? This is all by your own efforts." Dar protested.

Kerry sighed unhappily. "If you promote me, there's not going to be anyone who won't believe it's because we're lovers."

"Bullshit." Dar snapped immediately, starting the SUV's engine. "You've been here long enough for everyone to know how good you are."

Had she? Kerry folded her hands. "Well. Let me think about it." She answered softly. "No promises."

Dar reached over and patted her knee. "I'm still going to kill him."

Kerry poked her lip out and scowled. "Me too."

Dar smiled. "Well, let me give Maria a call.. see what's going on." She dialed the office number, and waited for it to be answered.

"Good Morning, Operations, Maria is speaking." The voice came back, a tad more official sounding than usual, given that it was eight o clock in the morning.

"Morning, Maria." Dar drawled.

"AEEEIIII!!!!" The secretary squealed, startling Kerry who jumped. "Dar! Dios Mio! You are higher than el presidente now!!"

"Well… yeah, sort of." Dar laughed. "Take it easy.. I haven't accepted the damn job yet."

"Oye, Dar…have you seen the paper this morning?" Maria inquired.

"What paper?" Dar asked, innocently.

"You mean the one with her picture in it?" Kerry interrupted helpfully.

Maria laughed. "Si, si… Mark has put the picture into the computer, and we all have it as our screens."

"What???" Dar barked.

"Oh.. that's wild." Kerry chortled. "Did he get it on mine?"

"Don't you start in." Dar warned her, shaking a finger. "Maria, you tell him I want that off the desktops by the time I get in there, or he'll be wearing one of those monitors."

"Aww… c'mon, Dar… " Kerry objected. "I think it's great."

"It's not your picture, is it now?" Her boss shot back. "Maria, get Mark on the phone."

"Dar… " Kerry turned gently pleading eyes on her. "I wanna see it… I bet he did a great job.. it was a fantastic picture of you."

Frustrated blue eyes fixed on her face. "Absolu…" Dar felt herself melting at the sight of those beseeching orbs, and sighed. "All right.. just until we get there. But then, OFF IT GOES!!"

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

It was a very weird experience. Kerry paced quietly alongside Dar. Usually they split up when they entered the building, but today… no. Today she kept her head up, and regarded the people around them, knowing they were without a doubt, the center of attention.

"Morning, Ms. Roberts, Ms. Stuart." The guard greeted them, giving Kerry a wink.

They got on the elevator, and the conversation cut off as though the other rider's had suddenly contracted acute, spontaneous laryngitis.

It was deafening. "So." Dar finally said, making everyone jump. "How's the weather been here?"

"Fine"

"Great"

"Warm"

"Raining"

"Lousy."

Dar nodded. "I see." She leaned back against the wall as the elevator seemed to take forever in it's upward motion. "Good to hear."

A cleared throat. "How was.. the.. um.. weather in North Carolina?" This was Miles, a senior auditor of Duks.

"Cold." Dar replied, succinctly. "Rained the first couple of days, but after that it got kind of nice."

"Ah." Miles rubbed his earlobe. "Well, it rained here." He cleared his throat. "Um… congratulations."

A murmur of agreement rose quickly, and several very grateful eyes fastened on the auditor's face.

Fortunately, the doors slid open, allowing them to escape. "Thanks." Dar commented wryly, as they scooted out, leaving her and Kerry to continue up another two floors. "Think I was the topic of conversation before we got on?"

"Oh… yeah." Kerry nodded firmly, as the doors opened and they got out. "Wait.. I'll go down to the cafeteria for coffee… see how fast a hush falls over that room, despite the fact that most of the conversation is in Spanish, and I know about six words of it." She remarked wryly. "You want some?"

"Oh.. god.. yes." Dar murmured pathetically, as they reached the outer door to her office. "And all the cheese pastalitos they have." She pushed the door open, and smiled at Maria. "Morning."

The secretary beamed at her. "Buenos Dios, jefa." She waggled her fingers at Kerry. "Buenos Dias, Kerrisita."

"Any mail?" Dar crossed to the desk, shifting the strap on her laptop case a little. "I was expecting the new batch of contracts in." She reached down to pick up the stack in the in box, when her hand was captured.

"Mi Madre." Maria's eyes widened. "Dar, that is so beautiful."

The executive found herself suddenly speechless, as her brain frantically rooted around for some kind of coherent response. She'd forgotten she was wearing the damn thing, and on 'that' finger, and that surely someone would notice.

"Um… thanks." She finally replied, taking her hand back and flexing the fingers a touch nervously. "Listen, I'll be inside… trying to catch up." She clutched her papers, and headed for her office, ducking inside the door and closing it behind her with a sigh.

Then she looked up, stopping short as she caught sight of her desk. "Holy shit."

Kerry felt herself blushing, as Maria gave her a knowing smile. "Um. I think I'd better go get some work done." She cleared her throat. "I'm… going to.. uh.. get some coffee.. you want any?" She asked, rubbing the side of her face and feeling the heat against her fingertips.

Maria walked over, and took her hands. "Kerrisita."

Sea green eyes peeked at her uncertainly. "Yes?"

"You have been such a gift to her." Maria told her softly. "God bless you."

Kerry dropped her eyes, and felt her blush intensify, almost making her light headed. She sucked in a few breaths and finally looked back up. "Thanks." She whispered. "I think this feeling is God's greatest gift to anyone." She managed to get out. ""I'm glad I was in the right place at the right time."

"Si." Maria smiled at her. "It is a wonderful thing."

Kerry kept that warmth with her as she ducked outside, and got in to the elevator. She put her hands behind her back as she leaned on the wall, gazing with total lack of interest at the buff weave on the inside of the elevator. It would be weird day, she knew, and as if to confirm that, the elevator stopped on the ninth floor and two of the marketing secretaries got on. Their chatter stopped the minute they saw her, and they lapsed into silence.

I could get tired of this real quick. Kerry decided. "Hi." She remarked casually.

They exchanged glances. "Oh.. hi, Kerry." The older one said, a fake smile plastered across her face. "So.. how's things?"

"Great." The blond woman replied. "How about you?"

"Oh.. great…great.." She turned to her companion. "Right?"

The shorter of the two women nodded. "Yep.. everything's terrific."

An awkward silence proceeded to fall. Fortunately, the elevator reached the bottom floor, and they could all escape. Kerry headed off towards the cafeteria, shaking her head a little. At the entrance, she almost collided with Mark, who was just coming out. "Oh.. hey."

"Hey!" Mark gave her a big grin. "Great… that means the big kahuna's here too, right?"

Kerry muffled a smile. "If you mean Dar, yes… she's upstairs.. we just got here." It was so nice just to have someone be normal, she reflected. "Just trying to get things settled down…it's a little wild today."

"Uh huh." Mark sipped his coffee, regarding her. "Word's out about you guys." He added, lowering his voice quite a bit.

Kerry picked up a napkin, looking around and seeing the eyes dart off of her. "I figured." She replied. "After that whole thing with Steve… I knew he'd spread that around." She exhaled. "We'd pretty much decided to just be open about it anyway… after all, Alastair doesn't care."

"Mm." Mark grunted. "Kinda rough on you, though, isn't it?" He gave her a sympathetic look. "People assume shit."

Yeah. Well. "They can bite me." Kerry responded. "They assumed all kinds of things anyway, Mark… the hell with them." She glanced up as her order arrived. "Thank you." She reached out and took the bag. "Let me get back upstairs.. I know it's going to be a zoo today."

"Hey.. " Mark touched her hand, giving her a hesitant grin. "Nice ring ya got there."

Kerry paused, flexing her fingers a little. "Thanks.. yeah.. um… " She felt herself blush. "Dar gave it to me."

"She's got good taste." The MIS chief admired it. "But then, we kinda knew that." He winked at her, chuckling as her blush deepened. "Listen…don't let all the crap bother you, Kerry.. you do a great job, and most everyone knows that. A lot of the shit's just jealousy… there're people that have wanted to get inside that office.. and you'll excuse the disgusting comment, but inside Dar's skirt for years." He shrugged. "It drives em nuts that you just walked in here, and shazam.. " He snapped his fingers. "You got the job, the perks, and the hottest looking VP this company ever had all in one, bigass fell swoop."

Kerry took the cover off her coffee and took a swallow. "Thanks, Mark… I know it's kinda hard to believe… in fact, sometimes I find it kinda hard to believe myself." She added, in a low tone. "It's like magic, you know?" She glanced up at him. "I feel like a little kid at the circus sometimes."

He gazed at her, a little disconcerted. "I don't know.. that's kinda beyond me, Kerry..I don' t know about a lot of that stuff.. but I do know Dar's been through a lot of shit…and if she finally found someone she really likes, fuck the company, you know?"

That got a smile from the blond woman. "Yeah, I do know." She agreed quietly. "We'll work it out…it's just going to take some time for everything to settle down again. " She leaned forward, changing the subject firmly. "Did you really put her picture up on everyone's desktop?"

He grinned. "You friggen betcha." He stood, and indicated that she precede him. "C'mon… I've been hiding cause I know she's gonna kick my ass when she sees it.. but it was too good a shot to pass up."

Kerry laughed, and held the door for him. "Oh…yeah, she was having a fit.. but I convinced her to leave it until we got in, because I wanted to see it."

They walked outside and almost crashed into Eleanor and Jose, who were entering. Both executives backed up, and gave them dirty looks. "Good morning." Kerry smiled at them.

"Good morning." Jose replied gruffly, circling her as though she were some kind of dangerous animal. Eleanor followed him without a word.

Kerry and Mark exchanged looks. "Ooo." The MIS manager winced. "Gonna be some meeting this morning."

Yeah. Kerry watched the reactions as they got back into the elevator, and noticed a subtle, but distinct edging away from her. Is there such thing as a scarlet L, she mused. Or do they think it's contagious? She leaned back, trying to wash the thought out of her mind.

"Hey, Kerry."

She looked up, to see Elaine, one of the data entry supervisors actually coming closer to her. "Morning."

"I hear you guys did a kick ass job up in NC… way cool." Elaine commented, with a grin. "You going to meet with the climbing group Wednesday?"

Kerry smiled, relaxing a little. "Yes.. I think so.. my hand's a little sore but I think it'll be okay." She gave Elaine a grateful look. "I missed going this past week.. be nice to get back to it." Her eyes moved to where they were getting a disgusted look from one of the administrative assistants. "Do you have a problem?" She asked the woman directly.

Only the squeak of the elevator was heard for a long moment. Kerry held the woman's gaze, her own unamused and stony. "You can say yes, ma'am, or no ma'am, take your pick." She added, icily.

The woman sucked in a breath. "No… ma'am.. I have no problem."

The doors slid open on the eight floor and the two younger women escaped hastily, leaving the doors to close after them. Kerry settled back against the wall and sighed. "Jerks."

Elaine rolled her eyes. "Phobes." She shook her head, then glanced at Kerry. "Don't let them get to you."

Them. Kerry considered, as the elevator went to the fourteenth floor. "So it's us and them." She mused. "Are there a lot of us?" She asked Elaine curiously.

An enigmatic smile crossed the tall blond's face. "I'll send you an email." She remarked, as the doors slid open, and they got out. "You'd be surprised."

Kerry inhaled, as she watched Elaine and Mark saunter off down the hall. "Would I?" She shook her head and trotted towards Dar's office, opening the outer door and slipping in. "Hi Maria.. I'm back I… " The secretary glanced over, and smiled at her. "I got you some coffee."

"Muchas Gracias, Kerrisita… " She pointed at the door. "I think el jefa is still in the shock… you better go see."

Puzzled, Kerry set down Maria's little cup of cafacito, then took her bag and entered Dar's office.

The scent of roses almost bowled her over. "Jesus." She blinked, trying to find her lover behind a huge arrangement of three colors of the flowers, which dwarfed her desktop. "Hello.. Dar? Do I need to go get a machete?"

Blue eyes peeked out from behind a creamy, peach colored rose. "Hi." It was Dar, at her most sheepish. "It's a little big, huh?"

Kerry edged around the desk, to find her lover slouched in her chair, regarding her flowers with some treipidation. "Dar, it's gorgeous… who sent it?" There must have been three dozen blooms, a dozen in red, in peach, and in yellow. The scent was almost overwhelming.

Wordlessly, Dar handed her the card she'd found on it.

That's my girl. "Awww… " Kerry bit her lip, giving her companion a delighted look. "That is sooo sweet, Dar.. I told you he was proud of you."

Dar leaned back in her chair, bracing one foot against her desk and fiddling with her pencil, looking oddly adolescent. "Guess so." She replied gruffly, almost but not quite masking the little grin that trembled around her lips.

Kerry leaned over and kissed her on the head. "You're daddy's little girl, all right." She watched as Dar struggled with what was evidently an overload of emotion, then finally sighed, and gave into a broad grin. "Here… " She handed over the coffee, then gently cupped a rose in her hand and sniffed it. "Oh god… these are incredible…I love that smell."

"Mm." Dar buried her muzzle in the cup and regained her composure. "Guess we can take them home and put them on the dining room table for a few days… hmm?"

Kerry giggled." Thank god you're driving, not me.. I can't imagine trying to get us and these flowers into the Mustang." She looked past Dar to the monitor, and laughed. "Oh wow.. he did a great job with that!"

Dar sighed, peeking at the screen. Mark had taken the shot from the newspaper, and scanned it in, then composed a nice looking scroll background, with little dancing Dogberts all over it. "I'm gonna kill him for this." She groused, then sighed. "I have thirty two pages of mail to get through, six inches of inbox, three meetings, and I can't even get to my desk because there's a jungle on it. " She paused. "Can I just go home?"

Kerry divided her inbox stack. "I'll take half." She carefully moved the floral arrangement, carrying it over to the side credenza, where she set it down and arranged the flowers carefully. "There." Then she crossed back over and headed towards the door to her office. "Forward me any stuff you don't want to deal with.. I'm going to get started on my own avalanche." She looked back over her shoulder, regarding a happily munching Dar. "Dar… at least save a few for after lunch.. you're going to get sick if you eat all of those."

Dar licked a flake of pastry off her lips, and took a sip of coffee, then poked her tongue out at her lover.

Kerry sighed, and shook her head. "Stubborn…. Let me tell you what." She opened the door and slipped through it, heading for her own office.

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

First things first. Dar dusted her fingers off, and dialed a number on her speakerphone. A pleasant voice answered.

"ILS Corporate Executive Offices, Beatrice speaking."

"Beatrice." Dar purred. "Alastair there?"

"Hm." Alastair's longtime admin replied. "You mean the Alastair whom, on hearing your voice just tried to hide himself behind my office plant? That Alastair?"

"That'd be him."

"Hang on. He's putting on his plate armor." Bea put her on hold, and she listened to the annoying music for a few minutes, then the line clicked open.

"Why, hello there, Dar." Alastair sounded desperately cheerful. "Great morning, huh?"

"It was. I had a wonderful morning, up until the moment I unfolded the Miami Herald and saw my picture on the front page of the business section." Dar replied. "You must have had that in motion before you saw me last night."

"Well.."

"What in the hell were you going to do if I hadn't agreed to come back?"

"Let's just say.. I considered it an acceptable risk." Alastair sounded smug now. "Besides, you wanted me to fix the logjam, well, lady, I fixed it for you." He paused. "And, in all seriousness, Paladar, it's something I've been thinking about for quite a while."

Dar sighed.

"You said you wanted the chance to do things your way. Now you have it." Her boss said. "You've got a protégé I respect, also."

"Kerry's not sure she wants to step into that role right now." Dar told him. "And I'm not going to push her. We'll see how it goes."

"I'll leave that entirely to you." The CEO replied. "Still mad at me?"

Dar sighed again. "Alastair - it would have been nice to have been asked. That's a lot of responsibility."

"Well." Alastair replied. "I did give you a raise with it.. not that I thought you'd really need that as a deciding factor.. and you get all the usual perks…ditto. Besides, it really helps our EEOC profile on the board, which I don’t need to tell you is full of stuffy old white men like me."

"You're not stuffy." Dar finally relented, chuckling. "You hired me, remember?"

"Hmm." Alastair chuckled. "I must be getting a wild streak in my old age.. maybe I should go get a tattoo.. That'd shock the missus."

Dar had to laugh. "Y'know, Alastair.. I always figured you for an anchor tat on your backside."

"Ahem. Well, talk to you later, Dar… gotta go." Her boss signed off with a chuckle, leaving Dar to regard the phone wryly.

It obliged her by buzzing.

"Dar, I have Mariana on line one for you." Maria spoke quietly.

"Ah. Okay." Dar pressed the button. "Morning."

"Hi." The Personnel VP sounded very tentative. "Could I ask you to come over here for a few minutes? I want to talk to you, and there's a matter Alastair said you'd take care of."

"Sure." Dar hung up and stood, picking up her coffee cup before she left her office.

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

"Think you won, huh?"

Kerry continued to mix her tea. "I think ILS won." She replied quietly, not looking up at Fabracini. "I was glad to see that Alastair McLean makes decisions based on the good of the company, not on bullshit personal crap."

"Sure wrecked your little innocent image though, didn't it?" Steve leaned on the counter next to her. "I didn't figure you for a dyke though. You surprised me."

"I did figure you for an asshole." Kerry now looked at him. "You didn't surprise me at all."

Fabracini lifted a brow. "Showing your true colors?"

"You should talk." Kerry snapped back.

"Honey, I wasn't the one locking lips with my boss all over North Carolina."

"Damn right we were." Kerry turned and straightened, her eyes flashing. "After Dar pulled off a god damned miracle to keep all those customers for this company, in a damn ice storm, with uncooperative assholes running around all over the place, she moves heaven and earth to get the job done, and what do you do? Do you care about that? No. All you care about is getting one up on Dar… " She pushed him backwards. "Well, it backfired, didn't it?"

"Hey.. watch it." He warned.

"You watch it." Kerry growled. "And while you're at it, take your snarky remarks and get your ass back to the sales department and out of my sight."

A throat clearing made them both look up. Jose was in the doorway to the break room, a look of grim irritation on his face. "Steven, come with me please."

Fabracini looked at Kerry, then at his boss. "Fine." He spit out, as he followed Jose from the room.

Kerry let out a breath, and leaned on the counter, closing her eyes as Duks got up from the table he'd been sitting quietly at, and came up behind her. "Ugh." She murmured, very surprised when he put a hand on her shoulder, and squeezed it.

"Kerrison." The Financial VP rumbled. "Your fierceness inspires me."

"My what?" Kerry exhaled. "I don't feel very fierce right now. I mostly feel sick to my stomach."

Duks gazed solemnly at her. "You actively practice the art of friendship. That is very rare." He patted her arm. "Come… let's take a walk outside."

Kerry picked up her cup and followed him through the hall and out the back door onto the fourteenth floor balcony, which was drenched in morning sun. They leaned against the railing, and gazed out over the water, it's peaceful blue green surface only lightly ruffled with fluffy white breakers.

"It was unfortunate that someone in the Carolinas knew our friend in there." Duks offered, conversationally. "Nothing would have come of it otherwise."

Kerry shook her head. "It was just… I feel so stupid when I think about it, and I know Dar does too." She glanced at Duks. "We were both just so exhausted… there was so much riding on what we were doing. Dar was so stressed… she knew more about the consequences than I did, even, and there was a scientist there.. someone she'd known a long time ago stirring up some ugly memories.."

Duks blinked. "Not Shari, surely."

Kerry nodded. "Yes."

The accountant exhaled. "How unkind. " He murmured. "When I first met Dar, and we started working together on various projects, the teams used to go out after work, and socialize." He sipped his coffee. "Occasionally, it would get quite rowdy, but I noticed that no matter how wild things had gotten, Dar would never indulge."

Kerry watched him.

"I asked her once, since I am a curious sort of person, why she never drank to excess." Duks pondered. "She told me the last time she'd gotten drunk, she'd almost killed herself." He looked up at Kerry. "It was quite matter of fact, you understand, so very much like Dar is."

"Yes."

"I was on the account where we acquired the company this Shari was working for, and Dar terminated her. She told me, very briefly, of course, that it was in repayment for.. how did she put it? The situation that last caused her to become drunk."

Kerry remembered those hauntedly fearful eyes looking back at her, and now tiny things fit into place, and made sense. "She told me a little about it."

Duks was quiet for a bit. "I am glad you were there with her, no matter what the consequences."

"Me too." Kerry agreed softly. "Me too."

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

Dar stood near the window, gazing out over the city spread before her. Mariana's office was on the opposite side of the building from hers, and traded a water view for one of the city and the daily colorful sunsets.

The door opened, and Mariana came in, walking quickly to her desk and taking her chair, swiveling it so she could watch Dar. "So."

Dar turned. "So."

"Sit down." Mari leaned back in her chair, as Dar took a seat in one of her visitor's chairs. She sighed before she started talking. "I'm sorry, Dar." A pause. "I wish I'd realized things were getting so out of hand."

"Wasn't your fault." Dar crossed her arms. "It was me, Mari. I'd acted a certain way for so long, you'd all developed a way of dealing with me. Then I up and changed, and didn't send a memo first… yeah, it was getting a bit much, but I should have come to you before now."

Mari relaxed a little. "How are you feeling today?"

A dark eyebrow lifted. "Now that I've been promoted to CIO, you mean?" Dar answered wryly. "Well, it was a uniquely Alastair way of resolving what he considered to be a major issue."

"Mm." Mari agreed.

"We'll see how it goes."

"Fair enough." Mariana pulled a folder across her desk and opened it. "Now.. about Mr. Fabracini."

"We’re going to fire him." Dar said.

"Dar, we can 't just… " Mari sighed. "Well, no, that's not true. You can, if you want, simply fire him. However, it means possible legal issues for us."

"He falsified his employment documents." Dar folded her hands across her stomach, and watched Mari's face go blank, then startled. "It's a termination offense."

"You know that for sure?"

"Yep." Dar got up and leaned over the folder, pointing two items out. "He never graduated, and he never worked for these people."

Mariana regarded the paper, regarded Dar, and smiled. She dialed a number. "Jose? Could you please come here?" She straightened the folder. "And bring Steven Fabracini with you."

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

"I'll be right in." Dar gave Mariana a wave, as she ducked into the bathroom. Fortunately, it was empty, so she spent a moment just twitching at her clothes, and giving herself dire looks in the mirror. She was wearing the gunmetal gray suit today, with a black silk shirt, the only splash of color the pin Kerry had gotten her down on the boardwalk.

Okay, Paladar. Her jaw muscle twitched. They're all in there, waiting on you. This isn't an executive committee meeting anymore. This is a staff meeting. They're your staff now.

Dar winced, and her face wrinkled up into a grimace. Ugh. The slightly widened blue eyes gazed back at her mournfully. I'm too young for this. With a sigh, she reached up and ran her fingers through her dark hair, arranging it in some kind of order, then she took a deep breath, and let it out, settling the neatly pressed fabric over her broad shoulders. Okay. How do we do the 'tude..

Grumpy? Casual? Bitchy? Annoyed? Hey… I could say I was PMSing. She considered that for a moment, then discarded the idea. Nah. They'd never be able to tell the difference.

She lifted a brow experimentally. How about…. She let a sardonic grin edge across her face, to join the brow. Amused. Okay, I can do amused. I'll just think of them all in their underwear.

The grin widened. And I've seen some of them like that, too. With one last look, she left the bathroom and headed into the executive conference center, where the rest of the upper management staff was waiting.

"Whereinthe hell is she?" Duks whispered, nudging Mariana with one knee.

The Personnel VP glanced at him. "She'll be here in a minute.. would you calm down?" she whispered back, eyeing the restless group. Jose and Eleanor were seated next to each other, with frosty looks on, and the rest of the staff was a mixture of excited, annoyed, scared, or just plain bored.

The door opened, and everyone stopped talking, as Dar let herself in. All eyes fastened on their new CIO, who strode across the room with a smooth, powerful stride, and took her end chair in a blizzard of self confidence that simply rolled down the table at them.

In silence, Dar let her icy blue gaze go from face to face, then a slow, lazy, amused grin pulled her lips upward just slightly. "Morning." Her low, richly toned voice echoed slightly in the silence. "Let's get started, shall we?"

Everyone swallowed, Mariana noted, astounded at the amount and quality of sheer presence Dar could produce when she was in the mood to.

"For… obvious… reasons.. we didn't have a meeting last week." Dar put her fingerips on the table, and leaned on them slightly, the fabric of her jacket tensing across her shoulders. "And since I've got crap piled up on my desk six feet tall, this is going to be a short one."

Silence.

"First item on the agenda." The tall, dark haired woman gazed down the table at them. "Every department get a fifteen percent operating budget cut. Effective today."

Jaws dropped.

Dar waited.

"Hold on a god damned minute." Jose stood up. "What in the hell, Dar?"

A chorus of protest rose after him, belatedly courageous once the Sales VP had broken ice, so to speak.

Dar waited. Silently. Blue eyes roving from face, to face, her attitude one of quiet menace.

The voices trailed off, until they were left again in uneasy silence.

"I'm going to take that budget, and duplicate the networking hub." Dar continued, as if nothing had been said. "Because, let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, I am not spending another night out freezing my ass off in North Carolina jury rigging some god damned patch panel to run this company off of."

Duks chewed on his pencil. "Budgets are already figured for the quarter, Dar." He commented quietly.

"Rework them." She answered back, inflexibly. "Or sell your damn desk chairs, I don’t' care, but I'm going to go ahead with the facilities regardless."

Jose was still standing. He put his hands on his hips. "I think we should consider the options, here Dar.. and I.."

She pointed at him. "This.. is.. .not… a ..committee." Each word was spoken sharply, with fierce enunciation. "There are no options."

Silence. Dar watched them. "All right, we're going to go around the table, you bring up what you think you need to, but be quick about it. I've got a ton of things to do." She finally sat down, and took a sip of water from the glass in front of her, then leaned back and gazed at Duks, who was closest to her. A brow lifted at him.

Impudently, he poked the very tip of his tongue out, where only she could see it. "Congratulations, my friend."

Her eyes twinkled soberly at him, the faintest hint of a grin pulling at the corners of her mouth. "Thank you."

"I have some good news." Duks went on. "The retirement fund had an investment in a group of technicals, and we made a killing last week. We're thirty percent over expectations in the fund."

Murmurs went around the room.

"Nice." Dar commented. "Who picked those?"

Duks named one of his assistants. "Damn good job of analyzing." He added. "I put a commendation in his file."

"Put a little commendation in his paycheck." Dar suggested wryly. "Before Merrill Lynch steals him."

A faint, nervous chuckle skittled across the table. "That it for you?" Dar inquired.

Duks nodded, then turned, to where Mariana was seated next to him. "Next?"

They went around the room, receiving clipped replies from Jose and nothing from Eleanor, and everyone left when she closed the meeting, save Duks and Mari. Dar waited for the door to close, then glanced at them. "So."

Duks leaned on his elbows. "That was different." He commented. "Giving notice that your reign is not going to be business as usual, my friend?"

"Give me a break." Dar snorted, leaning back and allowing herself to relax from the almost painful tension of the meeting. Her entire body ached from it, and she exhaled in relief. "You know it won't last… next week they'll all be in here bitching again."

Mariana laughed softly. "I don't know about that, Dar… you made quite an impression… you have a very powerful presence, you know."

Dar gave her a wry grimace. "Well, I don’t' hold out a lot of hope.. but at least we didn't spend five hours going over crap we've been through for the last two years." She sighed, and studied her pen, which she turned over and over in her fingers. "I'm going to need to pull a project team on that new facility."

Mariana nodded. "I gathered… you want to put in a new orgid for you? We can slot them in there, and charge them off against the operating budget."

"Sounds good." Dar agreed mildly. "Well, I've got two phone conferences, four client briefings, and a major proposal to review, so… you two going to be around later? Maybe we can all have dinner or something."

Duks and Mari exchanged looks. "I hear you know a good Thai restaurant down on Biscayne.. sound good?" Mari asked. "We can save all our chitchat for there… will you be able to unbury Kerry from her desk by then?"

Dar chuckled. "Yeah.. I think so." She caught their eyes and realized where they were looking. Just barely keeping herself from sticking her hands in her pockets, she merely flexed her fingers instead. "I'm not going to fill my position right away."

Silence, as they digested that. "Good idea." Mariana nodded approvingly. "You slowly going to shift responsibilities to Kerry?"

"Yes."

"Smart." Duks nodded also. "Give everyone a chance to see what she can do."

Silence again. Mariana cleared her throat gently. "Are you going to um.. " She considered, fishing for a way to ask delicately. "Change your beneficiary information in CAS?"

Dar almost laughed, as she kept her eyes on her pen. "Yeeahh.. it looks like it." She admitted, glancing up to see a twinkle in Mari's eyes. "Talk about an obscure way of asking."

Duks chuckled. "C'mon, Mari.. we've got things to do, and so does the grand poobah, here… let's be getting a move on." He stood, then leaned over and clapped Dar on the shoulder. "Good job, Dar."

"Likewise." Mari added, as they pushed their chairs into place. "I think it's going to turn out for the best for everyone. "

Dar felt her pager go off, as she watched them leave, then she sighed, looking around the empty conference room. "I sure hope so." She stood and went to the phone nearby and rang the office. "Maria.. what's up?"

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

So much for that idea. Dar leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, letting the argument over the speakerphone travel past her. The moon shone in her window, and she half turned to regard it, as she lifted a hand and rubbed the back of her neck.

Board meetings, when your board was international, were a pain in the ass. But Dar hadn't been able to wriggle out of this one, since Alastair was using the opportunity to introduce her to the rest of the board members.

She sighed. Kerry had gone home hours ago, dropped off by a cooperative Mark, and she wished she could just hang up on the group and go join her lover.

"Don’t worry about it. " Kerry had said. "We've got all week.. and besides, it's been a really long day."

Yeah, yeah, yeah… Dar grumbled silently, closing her eyes and wishing she had some aspirin. She tried to put the headache out of her mind, and think about something more pleasant instead. Hot tubs, for instance… Kerry had definitely mentioned hot tubs for tonight… and a spicy chicken stir fry with noodles that was very, very tasty….

"Dar? What do you think about that?" Alastair' voice interrupted her daydreaming.

Oh shit. "What I think about that is…that it's ten o clock here in Miami, and we're going rapidly nowhere. Why not schedule a meeting when everyone has their acts together?" There. Throw a few insults.. see if that gets things moving. "That's what I think." Dar added, for good measure.

She took a contented sip of chocolate milk as the soft hiss from the phone indicated a shocked worldwide silence. Another Dar Roberts legend in the making, I bet. She rolled her eyes, regarding her bare feet resting on her desk, crossed neatly at the ankles. Regretting your decision already, Alastair? Next time, you'll ask first, huh?

A gentle clearing of the throat. "Well." Alastair responded. "That would be a novel idea." He sighed. "Okay… so Monday after a disaster was a bad choice of times… let's reschedule for Friday, same time?"

Fine. She'd call in from her cell phone, while floating on the Atlantic. "Sounds good to me." She agreed, stifling a grin. "I'll have the proposal for the new networking center by then."

"Good.. good… all right then, good night, ladies and gentlemen." He paused. "And Dar."

It hit her unexpectedly, and she burst out laughing, hearing a rustle of sound as the rest of the group belatedly joined in. "Good night." She sighed, hitting the release button, and shaking her head. So much for my first board meeting… But at least it was more productive and less antagonistic than their usual staff gatherings.. so maybe that was a good sign.

It was very quiet in the office, with only the soft hum of the air conditioning, and the gentle, sporadic clatter of her hard drive to break the silence. With a sigh, she slipped her shoes back on and stood up, pulling her jacket over her arms and shouldering her briefcase.

The elevator ride was quiet also, and she was conscious of her own footsteps as she crossed the long, empty lobby and headed for the door. The security guard met her and opened it, touching his head in a military type of manner.

"G'night, Ms. Roberts." He remarked, politely. "Late night, eh?"

"Night, Pete." Dar gave him a smile. "Same old, same old.. you know how it is.:"

"Yes, ma'am, but we haven't seen you here at night for a while.. I was wondering if you'd changed offices."

No, just priorities. "I've been here… just not late." She commented. "Take care."

She walked across the parking lot and unlocked the Lexus, dumping her briefcase inside and getting in, exhaling as the cool, soft leather surrounded her. She closed the door and sat for a moment, resting her hands on the wheel, before she started the car up and pulled out of the parking lot.

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

Kerry was curled up contentedly on the couch, her head resting on the arm, and Chino tucked up in a ball against her belly. She let her eyes follow the action on the television screen, though she found herself watching the clock almost as much. Darn it, Dar… what kind of stupid meeting can you have this late at night?

C'mon, Kerry.. it's her job, remember? Don’t make her feel bad for doing it… there are going to be times when you're stuck at work too, so there.

Oh well. She snuggled down further into the couch and watched the crocodile man try to trap a crocodile. He was just stringing his net up when the phone rang. She picked it up immediately. "Hello?"

"Hey." Dar's voice sounded quietly over the dull roar of boat engines. "I'm on the ferry."

"So I hear." Kerry responded. "How'd the meeting go?"

"Bullshit." The executive replied. "It was mostly Alastair just blowing hot air across three continents.. I finally called him on it, and he rescheduled for Friday."

"Ew." Kerry replied. "That's no fair."

"Nah..we'll be out on the boat…that's why god made cell phones." Dar chuckled. "How'd your night go?"

Kerry rolled over, and let her head rest on the sofa arm. "Well.. I got home.. and put together a little dinner for us… then I stuck that in the frig and took Chino for a nice long walk."

"I could live on Frosted Flakes, you didn't have to do that." Dar protested gently.

"You can not live on Frosted Flakes, Dar Roberts… so hush." Kerry shot back. "So then I went over to the gym and worked out for a couple of hours".

"Yeah.. I haven't seen much of it lately." Her lover responded ruefully. "But it's pretty well stocked…they've got a circuit there I really like.. the gym by work doesn't have it."

"Mm.. yeah.. so then I got home, and took a shower, and now I'm just watching Steve Irwin, and waiting for you." Kerry concluded.

Dar couldn't help the silly little grin that crossed her face at Kerry's words. "Waiting for me?"

"Yep." Kerry confirmed. "Chino and I are right here, watching the door."

A soft laugh. "Well, I'm pulling into the parking space right now, so.. guess I'll see you in a minute." She hung up and got out of the car, closing and locking it and heading for the condo entrance. At the door she paused, reflecting.

How many times had she come home, just like this, to a quiet emptiness? How many years had it been? The idea that someone was in there…god.

Thoughtfully, she keyed in the lock and opened the door, stepping inside as a scrambling puppy and a smiling blond greeted her. "Hey guys." Dar dropped her briefcase and knelt, playing with Chino for a moment before she stood and faced Kerry.

"Hey.. here, let me take your jacket.. you look wiped." Kerry reached for it, only to have her hands caught and held, as Dar stepped closer to her. "Wh… "

Dar released her hands, and let her arms rest on Kerry's shoulders, gently interlacing her fingers behind the smaller woman's neck. She gazed into the puzzled green eyes, and wished she had the words to fit the emotion she could feel balling up inside her. She tried, but nothing would come out, so she merely drew Kerry's head forward, and gently kissed it. "Thank you."

"Dar?" The blond woman asked, softly, pulling back and little and giving her a worried look. "Are you okay?"

There was really no way she could explain. "Yeah.. " She managed a smile. "Just been a long day, that's all." Awkwardly, she dropped her hands, then backed off a step. "I'm going to go change… I think I need some coffee." She rubbed the back of her neck wearily. "Haven't had a headache like this in a while."

Kerry cocked her head to one side. "Mm… let me help." She gently drew Dar into her bedroom, and peeled off her jacket, draping it neatly over the back of the chair near the dresser.

"I am capable of taking my own clothes off." Dar protested mildly, finding herself intrigued by the absorbed look of concentration on her lover's face.

"Well, sure.. I know.. but it's a lot more fun for me if I do it." Kerry replied, working the buckle loose on the thin, ornate belt then reaching around to unbutton Dar's skirt. "Because if you do it. it's just like.. well, you know, changing. But if I do it.. " She slid the zipper down, and removed the skirt, leaving Dar in her silk blouse.

"If you do it.. " Dar repeated softly, tracing the line of her jaw. "It becomes a lot more interesting."

"Right." Kerry agreed, slowly unbuttoning the shirt and letting it fall open, releasing a scent that was mostly Dar, and a touch of perfume. She slid her hands under the fabric and let her fingers slide up the smooth, powerful back, clucking softly at the tension she felt there. "C'mon, lie down." She gently peeled the shirt back, and Dar let it fall down her arms to the floor, feeling the slight chill as the conditioned air brushed her skin.

It felt like a dream, really, but Dar couldn’t find it in her to protest. She allowed herself to be led over to the waterbed and gently pushed down onto it, feeling the surface give under her weight. She rolled over and spread her arms out a little, feeling the cool air suddenly warm on her back as Kerry settled over her, straddling her hips.

Fingers slipped under the hooks of her bra and released it, then smoothly rubbed the area. Kerry's hands were warm, and strong, and Dar felt the stiffness relax almost immediately as her companion started to work, kneading her shoulders and wringing tiny murmurs of appreciation from her. "Ungh."

"God, you really are tense." Kerry commented softly, sliding her hands up Dar's back to her neck and shoulders, which eased grudgingly under her touch. "We've got to get you a recliner for your office or something.. " She felt Dar chuckle, the vibration felt through her fingertips as they eased around the taller woman's ribs.

"Hey." Dar chuckled again.

"Whoops.. sorry.. forgot you were ticklish there." Kerry teased, hitting the spot again on purpose, just to hear the laugh. She reached over and got a small bottle of oil from the night stand and uncapped it, putting a little on her fingertips and rubbing them together before she started back to work. "How does that feel?"

The oil left warm traces across her skin, and Dar let out a long, satisfied breath. "You're the best."

Kerry regarded the smooth, tanned back with a distinct feeling of pleasure. "I am?" She queried. "The best what?"

"Everything." Dar mumbled. "The best assistant.. the best cook.. you give the best massages… "

The blond woman chuckled delightedly. "That's really cool.. I've never been the best at something before.. except debating." She amended. "But that doesn't really count.. all it means is I can win arguments."

Dar folded her arms, and rested her chin on them, glancing back quietly. "You're my best friend." She added, with a touch of wistfulness. "I never thought about having one of those until I met you."

Kerry gazed down at her, then she leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on the center of Dar's back. "I'm glad you feel that way." She moved up and put another kiss a little higher. "Because you're my best friend… and the best thing that's ever happened to me in my life." She uttered softly, right into Dar's ear.

A gentle smile in return. She rubbed Dar's shoulders lightly. "Turn over.. so I can get the front."

That got her a saucily raised eye brow, as Dar twisted under her, and she was suddenly face to face with those amazing blue eyes, and a bare, powerful body trapped neatly under her own.

Whoa. Kerry put her hands down lightly on the flat belly, spreading her fingers out and starting a gentle, rhythmic massage. God, Dar was so strong. She could feel it, as she moved up across her collarbone to her shoulders, feel the thick, powerful muscles just under the skin that flowed into her upper arms. Kerry leaned forward to get enough pressure, and found herself looking almost straight down at those twinkling, amused blue eyes. "You know.. " She paused, holding Dar down, and feeling the faint motion under her fingertips. It was almost scary. Almost intimidating.

"What?" Dar asked, watching her face.

"I think I know how Steve Irwin feels when he's on top of a crocodile." Kerry told her.

Both dark brows shot up. "Gee, thanks." Dar drawled.

"No no no.. I don't mean you look like a crocodile, Dar… " Kerry laughed. "It's just that they're always so much stronger than he is, and you get the feeling that at any moment, the croc might.. whoa. .. yeow!"

Kerry felt the room whirl, then a heavy, warm weight settled over her. She cracked one eye open to see a blue orb inches from her. "Uh oh."

"Might turn the tables?" Dar asked, with a seductive grin, as she leaned forward and pinned her lover down, taking a gentle nibble at her neck. "Like that?"

Kerry felt her breathing go ragged. "I'm pretty sure a croc nibbling his neck doesn't make old Steve feel like this." She responded, swallowing a few times. "But yeah."

Dar rolled back over, and allowed the blond woman to resume her place. "I kinda liked it this way. " She reached a hand down and stroked Kerry's calf. "Where were we?"

Kerry slid up and found her lips. "Right here." She felt Dar's hands start to roam, lifting up the light t-shirt she was wearing and letting the cool air brush against her skin. "I was just about to say.. " She tasted Dar's lips again, then slowly lowered herself down, feeling the instant heat as their skin touched. "That I love you."

Dar soaked the feeling up in quiet wonder. "I love you too." She responded, on an irregular breath. "And I always will."

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

Dar woke abruptly, disoriented for a minute as she caught her bearings, and shook the sleep out of her eyes. "Wh… " The bed next to her was empty, though she could still, faintly, catch Kerry's scent on the sheets, and she put her head back down, wondering what had woken her up so violently.

The fragments of a dream faded out of her consciousness, something dark and vaguely frightening, and she thought she remembered walking down a long, dusty road at night, all alone, in tears.

Ugh.. what was that? Dar shook her head to clear it, then put the thought aside. Can't blame it on dinner, since we skipped it…just one of those weird ones, I guess. She exhaled.

Then she cocked her head, and listened, expecting to hear Kerry moving around in the bathroom, or maybe coming back from the kitchen. She heard neither, and her brows contracted. She's a big girl, Dar.. she can probably handle getting milk by herself. She sternly told the niggling anxiety.

It didn't help. An uneasy tension in her guts sent the covers flying back, and Dar rolled out of the waterbed and padded off in search. The bathroom was empty, and so was the quiet, dark living room. She stuck her head in the kitchen, then she exhaled, and made her way up the stairs to the second floor. Kerry's door was partially ajar, and she poked her head in, spotting her lover curled up in the large bed, her arms wrapped around her pillow.

For a long moment, Dar froze, unsure of what to do. Surely Kerry had the right to sleep wherever she wanted to, without being questioned on it right? Dar nibbled a fingernail, running her mind over the evening's course, and trying to figure out if she'd done something wrong.

No. Not unless her understanding of 'right' and 'wrong' when it came to Kerry was way the hell off base. Kerry had been in a very good mood when they'd dropped off to sleep.. so…

Just then, the figure on the bed shifted, and Dar heard a sharp intake of breath, and a tiny sound of pain. Without further thought, she bolted across the floor and knelt at the bedside, putting a hand on Kerry's tense arm. "Hey… "

Green eyes gone silver in the moonlight blinked at her. "Wh.. oh, Dar.. god.. you startled me."

"What's wrong?" The taller woman asked, softly. "Are you okay?"

"Oh." Kerry sighed. "Yeah.. it's… I've got cramps, really, really bad." She gave Dar a wry look. "I was expecting it this week, but it just got me a lot worse than usual." She curled her fingers around Dar's hand. "I didn't want to wake you up."

"Mm." Dar gazed at her. "Sorry about that.. did you take something?"

"Yeah.. a handful of Advil." The blond woman muttered. "They'll work, eventually." She reached over and pushed a lock of dark hair out of Dar's eyes. "Go back to sleep… I'll be fine."

Dar hesitated, finding herself unwilling to leave Kerry, but not having any good reason to stay. "Um.. all right.. I guess." She paused. "Can I get you something? Hot tea, maybe?"

"No.. I'm fine… really, Dar.. go on.. you need to get some sleep." Kerry told her.

Reluctantly, Dar stood up. "All right." She agreed, unhappily. "Call me if you need anything, okay? I've got some muscle relaxants left… if those Advils don't help after a while." She stroked Kerry's upper arm in attempted comfort. "Or maybe a hot water bottle…that usually helps me."

The blond woman smiled at her. "All right, Dr. Roberts." She teased her companion gently, feeling a little better just to have her nearby. She wished she could just ask Dar to stay with her, but that would be totally irresponsible, since the poor woman had to work tomorrow, and there was no sense in both of them being zombies. Right? "I'll call you if I…" She stopped, seeing the worried look in Dar's eyes. "Boy, that's so stupid."

"What is?" Her lover knelt again, and rested a forearm on the bed.

"Like I ever stop needing you." Kerry admitted, with a smile.

Dar's face, though thrown into shadows, appeared quite pleased with that. "Actually.. " She cleared her throat a little, embarrassed. "Waking up downstairs was um… " She paused, searching for the proper word. "Strange."

"Alone, you mean." Kerry clarified.

"Mm." The dark head nodded.

Kerry considered that. "Big bed." She indicated the surface she was resting on. "It's kinda empty and cold up here." She added. "I'd go back downstairs, but I sort of have to move around a little, because of the pain, and… and I didn't want to bother you." She sighed. "Which is kind of pointless, I realize, because here you are, right?"

"Right." Dar agreed. "Mind some company?"

"No." Kerry curled up a little tighter as a spasm hit her. "Ugh."

A solid weight settled behind her. "Here.. " Dar spoke quietly. "Let me try something.. "

Kerry felt fingers touch her back, and start a slow kneading rhythm down her spine. Maybe it was the warmth, or just Dar's presence distracting her, but the cramps paused, and seemed to lessen a little, and she stretched her body out to allow her partner better access. "Ooooo…you have magic fingers."

Dar chuckled softly. "No I don't…I've just been here, and done this… I had to find a way to get rid of the pain before competition, because taking a lot of aspirin when you're doing contact sports is not a good idea."

"Really?" Kerry murmured. "I thought… "

"It's a blood thinner." The dark haired woman explained. "I used to get a lot of bruises."

"Oh." Kerry nodded. "Right…that makes sense… they made us use contact analgesic when I was doing gymnastics.. but the serious girls played around with the pill so they wouldn't get it during meets."

"Mm… yeah, I tried that." Dar worked her hands lower, getting to the tense knot she could feel right along the end of Kerry's spine. "But the stuff made me sick… I had to quit using it."

"Ummm…. "Kerry let her head drop to the pillow. "You are so good."

A dark brow lifted saucily, unseen in the murky darkness. "Oh really?"

"Oh yeah… your hands are poetry in motion." Kerry murmured. "Spreading little bolts of wonderful all over me."

Dar's eyes widened at the phrase. "Little bolts of what?" She leaned over and nibbled Kerry's ear. "You're the poetic one, kiddo." She rubbed her thumbs in little circles above Kerry's kidneys, then slid an arm around her waist, and began a slow massage of her belly.

"Ohhh… " Kerry felt the tension slowly relaxing, and she leaned back against Dar's warm body in utter relief. She wasn't sure if it was the aspirin finally kicking in, or her lover's attentions, but she frankly really didn't care, since she'd been tied up in knots for over an hour and a half, and it was just nice to not be in agony for a while. She felt guilty about bothering Dar, but not guilty enough to make her leave, especially since the taller woman didn't seem to be minding too much. "Sorry I wo… wait, I didn't wake you up, Dar.. what are you doing awake anyway?"

Dar put aside the memory of the nightmare. "I dunno.. .I just woke up.. maybe the ac clanked or something." She temporized. "You weren't there.. but I figured you went to get a drink or whatever… but I couldn’t hear you, so I decided to go see what was going on." She glanced at the bedside clock. "It's almost four.. how long have you been up?"

Kerry sighed. "Since two…I was having trouble sleeping anyway." She exhaled, blinking a little as the gentle massage continued. "So I thought it would be better if I just came up here…I usually don't get it this bad."

"I know." Dar pulled her a little closer, and felt Kerry's body relax against hers. "You're one of the luckier ones… doesn't last long for you, either."

"Mm… we're both lucky that way." Kerry remarked, biting her lip to stifle a yawn. "Though.. I was contemplating the other day how choosing an alternative lifestyle ought to bring a magic pill to eliminate this stuff at the same time."

"Heh…. If we advertised that, the one in ten would be two out of three." Dar snickered. "Besides, lots of gay women want, and have kids, Kerry."

The blond woman sighed. "Yeah, I know…but they can be selectively fertile, if you know what I mean.. they don't have to worry about accidents." She couldn't stifle the yawn this time, and gave into it. "Mm… think those pills are getting to me now."

Dar rocked her gently, and watched the pale green eyes flutter closed. "Good….get some sleep." She told her lover, as she settled her arms around Kerry's body, feeling the breathing deepen as she did so. "Atta girl."

"Mm." Kerry mumbled sleepily. "You're the best."

Dar sighed happily, and put her head down, gazing out over her now sleeping companion through the window. The stars winked solemnly at her, and the trees outside swayed in a silent wind, as she reflected on a simple change in her viewpoint.

She'd never wanted to be responsible for anyone. That's why she'd never considered kids, never gotten a pet…she'd been very, very damn sure she didn't want the hassle, or the headaches of all that.

So how come taking care of Kerry felt so damn good?

She rested her cheek against the soft, pale hair and peered out at the lapping waves. Tell me it's a long suppressed, deeply skewed maternal instinct surfacing. Right? She glanced down as Kerry stirred a bit, then snuggled closer to her, with a contented little sigh. God, what in the hell is happening to me? Dar felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her. I don't even recognize myself anymore.

Another sigh. But is that good, or bad? Dar considered thoughtfully. Well. She finally decided. Something that feels this good can't be bad, and not be illegal. So I guess it's good. She yawned, and closed her eyes, letting a peaceful sleep take her.

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

Kerry pulled her pale blue terrycloth bathrobe around her, and sipped at her tea, trying to muster up the energy to go and take a shower. The drugs had worn off after she'd woken, and even taking more wasn't really helping at the moment. The ache was making her cranky, and tired, and she wished she could just crawl back into bed. "Well, no time for that, Chino… I'd better get moving."

Bare footsteps made her look up, to see Dar ambling into the kitchen, a towel tucked neatly around her damp body. "Hey." The taller woman glanced at her, then put the cup down she'd been reaching for and stepped closer. "You still feeling lousy?" She inquired.

Kerry shrugged. "I'm okay… just a little sore.. give me a minute and I'll get going." She eased off the stool in the kitchen, then paused, biting back a grimace. "Jesus."

Dar took her cup out of her hand and grasped her by the shoulders. "I think you better stay home." She decided, speaking in a firm voice.

The blond woman straightened, and shook her head. "C'mon, Dar… don’t be goofy… I'm not calling in sick for a dumb stomache ache.. that's crazy." A cramp hit her, and she leaned on the counter. "I'll be fine."

Dar put her hands on her terrycloth covered hips and gave her a look. "You listen here, Kerrison Stuart… you are not going to develop all of MY damn bad habits, just because we live together, got me?"

Kerry peeked up at her, speechless.

"You are staying right here, in that cute little bathrobe, and watching Oprah all day." Dar stated. "That's an order."

"B.. "

"Ah ah!" Dar put a hand over her mouth. "You can logon from here if you have to.. that's why I have a damn ISDN in the house."

Kerry kissed the palm of her hand, and smiled as it was withdrawn. "Okay." She felt a huge wave of relief, knowing she didn't have to wrestle into her business clothes and put up with how that would feel all day. "Thanks, boss." She added, gratefully.

That got a frank, open grin from Dar. "That's better." She leaned over and kissed Kerry's forehead. "Play with Chino, munch on ice cream, and relax…all right?"

"Nice prescription." She stuck her hands in the pockets of her robe. "And I do have some things I need to take care of.. so maybe it's a good idea anyway." She butted Dar's arm with her head. "G'wan… you're going to be late."

With a satisfied chuckle, Dar turned, and walked out, humming lightly under her breath

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

"Computers are great things, Chino." Kerry mused, as she reviewed her screen. She was curled up in her leather office chair, her robe tucked around her and soft, fluffy pink booties on her feet. "Online banking really does make life a lot easier." She clicked on a screen, then typed in an amount. "Okay. .that's the last of the bills to pay.. I got my car, the credit cards…all set." She made a tick mark on a piece of paper sitting next to her keyboard. "Let's not let mommy Dar see that one, hmm?"

The puppy glanced up at her and licked her chops.

"Yeah.. that's the bill for the ring… and she'd have my head on a platter, I think." Kerry laughed gently, picking it up and looking at it. "But it was worth it, and they said you should budget two month's salary for that kinda thing, right?"

"Yawp." Chino yawned.

"Well, it's just our secret." She tucked the bill away. "Okay.. let's see where we are." She reviewed her bank balance, pleased with the result. "Hey.. that's not bad, Chino… " She glanced at her payments. "Okay, I think it's time to reduce one part of this." She picked up the phone and hesitated, then took a deep breath and dialed. She waited through three rings. "Hi, Mr. Mahoney?"

A low, pleasant voice answered her.

"It's Kerry Stuart… yeah…I know, the lease is up next month. I wont' be renewing it." The words felt so strange, and had taken her so long to decide to say. "No.. no, it's great, I just… well, I'm living with someone.. and I wanted to make sure it worked out… you know."

The landlord was very understanding. "You've been a great tenant, Ms. Stuart…anytime you need a referral, you let me know, okay?"

"Thanks." Kerry responded. "I'll be by to pick up the few things I've got there… but there's nothing valuable - you can show the apartment if you want to."

"Right you are.. and I know it's in great condition… thanks for letting me know, Ms Stuart.. I really appreciate it." He paused. "And best of luck to you.. I hope things go really smooth."

"Me too." The blond woman responded. "Talk to you later." She hung up, and regarded the phone. "Well, Chino.. that's that." She glanced at the puppy. "I mean.. it's not like I haven't been really living here before, but… " It was a line crossed, and she knew it. "She's stuck with me now."

"Grrrr.. yawp." Chino rolled over, and put her head down, peering up at Kerry sleepily.

"Hmm…" Kerry turned her attention back to the screen. "Okay.. now let's order some groceries. " She switched over to the internal Island site that allowed her to pick and choose what she wanted from an extensive list, and have it delivered. "Let me check…oooo.. Dar, you little piggy wonk…. I'm gonna hurt you." She shook a finger at the screen, as she clicked into the personal options, and changed the credit card the groceries were billed to back to her own. "Damn it, I can afford this, Dar. .how many times do I have to tell you that?"

Irritated, she clicked over to her email, and whipped off a short, scolding note to her lover, and sent it. "Bad girl."

Chino lifted her head and whined.

"Not you." Kerry reassured the puppy. "Now..let 's see… " She selected a variety of fresh produce, and some staples, then drummed her fingers, but went over to the goodies section and clicked on a number of Dar's favorites. "By all rights, I should restrict you to Brussels sprouts for that trick, but… " A mental image of the little puppy dog eyes Dar was capable of when the mood struck her surfaced, and caused a grin to appear on Kerry's face. "I can't resist that pout and you know it."

She finished her shopping, which she'd discovered one night while roaming around the Island website, and which Dar had no idea existed. "Not surprising.. " Kerry snorted softly "Coming from Ms. I can Live on Frosted Flakes." She reached over and took a sip of her ginger peach tea, breathing in the fragrant steam with a sense of quiet pleasure. The drugs had kicked in again, and she only felt a gentle ache, which was better than the spasms of the morning. Still, she was glad she was curled up here in her robe, with a heating pad nearby if she needed it.

Not that the pad could equal the comfort provided by a living, breathing Dar, but…Kerry smiled quietly, recalling her lover's solicitous attentions. She'd cope.

She set about balancing her checkbook, and putting things in order. "Hmm… we've got a little extra here this month, Chino… let's see if we can find a treat or two." She clicked over to an online computer store. "Ooo… digital camera… what do you say, hmm? Does that sound good? Is that a treat?"

The puppy heard the word "treat" and immediately got up and trotted over, standing up on her hind legs and putting her small paws up on Kerry's thigh. "Rgrro?"

"Oh.. you want a treat?" Kerry laughed, and fished a puppy biscuit from her pocket, giving it to the animal. "Here you go." She watched Chino chew for a minute, then she returned her attention to her browser. "Yeah…that would be cool.. gimme." She glanced down as her mail icon flashed. "Hmm?" She clicked it, and smiled as she saw the sender.

Roberts, Dar - Sent 11:22 AM

All right - consider me chastised. I switched it so I could take care of the boat charges, and forgot to switch it back. We could just get a joint card or something.

Dar

PS.. how are you feeling? I didn't want to call in case I woke you up.

Kerry studied the note, feeling a little prickle of recklessness. She hit reply, typed in a few words, and hit send. "Let's see what your answer is to that, Paladar." She grinned, then resumed her surfing.

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

Dar paused outside the conference room, running her fingers through her hair before she put a hand on the latch and pushed it down. She entered the long room and let the door close behind her, aware of the several pairs of eyes that fastened themselves on her. "Good afternoon." She remarked, as she moved around to the head of the table and sat down. The rest of the room contained representatives from two companies they'd just signed alliances with, along with representatives from sales and marketing and one of Duk's people.

"All right…we're here to discuss the potential acquiring of the statewide benefits contract in Idaho. " Dar pulled out a folder, and flipped it open. "Suppose you people fill me in on what progress you've made with the state government so far?" She flicked a cool glance at the company representatives from that state. "You want to start?"

They glanced at each other, then the older man cleared his throat. "Well, all right… "

It was a long meeting, and Dar was slightly frustrated by the time it ended, sensing a communication problem but unable to pinpoint exactly what it was. She kept trying to get information from the newcomers, but she could tell the older man, at least, was being evasive, and they all seemed to want to keep their strategies under their hats, and keep her company around just to pump cash into things.

That wasn't going to happen. Dar fiddled with a pen as they filed out, and scowled a little. "Elle.. hang on." The marketing representative paused, then walked back across the now empty conference room and stood, visibly uneasy. "Relax.. sit down a minute."

The woman did, folding her hands on the table and waiting.

"What did you think about them?" Dar inquired.

"Me?" Elle's brows lifted. "Um… I don’t know.. they were okay, I guess.. a little on the quiet side." She sniffed, and pushed her thin, wire framed glasses up on her nose. "I took them on a tour before the meeting.. they were kind of prickly, if you know what I mean."

Dar nodded, pursing her lips. "Yeah… I got that feeling myself… well, okay. Thanks."

Elle blinked at her. "Um.. you're welcome." She stood, and ducked her head a little awkwardly, then she turned and left.

Dar sighed, then stood and gathered her things, walking back to her office in time to see Maria returning with a large, white bag. "Hello, Maria."

"Is your meeting over, Dar?" The secretary held the door for her, and followed her inside. "I brought you back some arroz con pollo…from my trip outside."

Dar smiled at her. "Thanks… yeah, it just ended…I've got another one after lunch… then a conference call after that."

Maria bustled over to her desk, and put her bag down. "And how is Kerrisita doing?" She asked, pulling out a Styrofoam container and handing it to Dar. "I stopped at he farmaceria, and you take this home to her, yes?" She handed Dar a bag. "Is to make tea.. is good for her."

Dar held the bag. "Um… I.. I don't know, I haven't spoken to her since I left the house.. I'm sure she's fine.. and thanks, she likes tea."

Maria gave her a severe look. "Poor Kerrisita is home so sick, and you don’t' call her?" She scolded her boss.

"Uh." Dar was caught flat footed by the older woman. "It's just some cramps, Maria… she's not a baby, you know."

"That is not the point, jefa." Maria stated. "Is good she knows you are concerned, no?"

"Uh…" Dar gave up. "Yep. You're right.. I'll go call her. " She fled the outer office, and escaped into her own, putting her lunch down and circling her desk. "Jesus.. you'd think she was an infant or something.. I bet she's napping.. or she doesn't want me calling every five minutes… " With a sigh, she sat down and dialed her home number. It rang several times, and she was about to hang up when it was answered. "Hey."

"Hey!" Kerry's voice perked up audibly as she recognized the caller. "Wow.. I was just thinking about you."

Dar settled her chin on her fist. "I was just thinking about you too.. I just got out of a meeting I wish you'd been at… maybe you could have given me some insight into a few new associates." She sighed. "How're you feeling?"

"I answered that in the email." Kerry told her dryly. "Which I guess you haven't seen yet."

"Um.. " Dar sat down and rolled her trackball to check her mail. "Ah.. no.. I just got back.. let's see… oh." She started laughing. "Oh." She felt a blush coming on. "Well, I'm glad you liked the service last night."

Kerry chuckled as well. "It's on and off.. I take drugs, it gets better, then they wear off, and I feel like a manure pile…I don't know what's with me this time." She sighed. "Chino's keeping me company, though… and I've been surfing."

"Uh oh." The taller woman uttered. "That could be dangerous."

"Mm.. yes, it certainly could.. did you know Victoria Secrets has a great website?" Kerry asked, innocently.

Dar's blue eyes widened. "Any particular reason you're letting me in on this little tidbit of news?" She inquired, hesitantly.

"You like blue, right?" Kerry asked, ignoring the question.

"Um.. yes… why?" Dar felt her curiosity crawl up her spine and perch on her shoulders, almost making her lean forward towards the phone. "Kerry?"

"Yes?" The blond woman purred. "Something wrong?"

Dar chewed her lip. "Um.. no." She felt a little thrill of excitement, almost of danger. "Nothing."

Her intercom buzzed. "Hang on.. " She pressed a button. "Yes, Maria?"

"Dar, I have a Mr. Evans, from Interlock, he is wanting to talk to you?"

Ah. Her reluctant associate. "All right.. give me a minute, Maria, then show him in." Dar pressed her other line. "If you're done teasing me, I've got a potato farmer that wants in here."

"Teasing? I'm not teasing you, Dar." Kerry objected, with a chuckle. "Can I interest you in a couple of burgers with the works for dinner? The Beach club just updated their menu, and they've got some new ones."

Dar smiled at the phone affectionately. "Sounds great to me… see you in a bit."

"Right.. have fun." Kerry hung up, and Dar exhaled, glad she'd taken Maria's advice. She glanced up as the door opened, and the tall, gray haired man entered. "Come in, Mr. Evans… Maria, thank you for reminding me of that pending issue."

The secretary looked blank for a moment, then she smiled, and shook a finger at her boss, but said nothing as she closed the door behind her.

Dar motioned to her visitor chair. "Sit down, Mr. Evans.. I hope you won't mind if I catch up on my lunch while we talk." She didn't give him a chance to answer, as she pulled her Styrofoam container over, and popped it open, releasing the scent of saffron and garlic into the air. "What can I do for you?" She asked, pulling a fork out of the wrapped set of silverware that came with the lunch.

He seated himself, and crossed his legs, resting his hands on his knee and studying her. Dar maintained the eye contact, while she speared a piece of chicken and munched it. One brow lifted in question at him.

"Ms. Roberts, I'm not quite sure how to broach this." He spoke the words carefully. "I've spoken with my colleagues, and they feel as I do…and I'm afraid we have a difficulty with you.. ah.. your corporate culture."

Dar took a mouthful of rice and chewed it, while she considered the words. "Our corporate culture?" She repeated, then waved her fork at the walls. " You don't like oak paneling and maroon carpet?" She queried, honestly puzzled. "What corporate culture are you referring to?"

He hesitated. "It seems to us that your company has a very.. open.. policy on personal behavior." He stated. "As well as a great deal of diversity in your employee base."

One of Dar's brows rose. "Most people consider that a corporate asset." She informed him. "But what exactly are you getting at?" She paused, and chewed another piece of chicken. "Whose personal behavior are you getting offended by?"

He cleared his throat, obviously discomfited. "Yours, actually."

Dar stopped chewing, and just stared at him. Then she swallowed and took a sip of water from the glass on her desk. "Excuse me?" She almost laughed. "What is it you find offensive.. my tendency to doodle in meetings, or my eating lunch in front of you without offering you any?"

He looked at her. "We spent some time in your cafeteria this morning, and heard of a situation between you and your assistant."

It stopped being funny. Dar felt a cold wave sweep over her, and she knew it must have showed in her face, because she saw his reaction. She put her fork down slowly and precisely, then folded her hands on her desk. "And your problem with that is what?" She heard the drop in her voice, and felt the dark anger stir in her guts.

Dead silence for a dozen heartbeats. "We come from a god fearing part of the country, Ms. Roberts… and I, personally, find that kind of behavior disgusting." He looked right at her, lifting his chin a little. "And my colleges feel the same."

A dozen nasty retorts crossed Dar's mind, and she discarded them. "Well, Mr. Evans… our company's official policy is one of non discrimination…and I'm pretty damn proud of that.. I'm sorry you don't feel the same." She paused. "Let me make sure I understand, though.. you've got a problem with me because I'm gay, right?"

His face twitched at the word. "I accept Gods word on his views about that.. so yes."

"Let's not get into a debate on religion." Dar replied. "You won’t like my views on that, either, I'm sure." She took several deep breaths, to bleed off the angry tension. "All right… well, Mr. Evans.. in the first place, my personal life is no business of yours."

"I don't think we'll be comfortable dealing with you. " He interrupted. "And even if that were not so, your bowing to foreign culture here is something we find very upsetting…Mr. Roberts, do you realize a good portion of your employees do not speak English in the workplace?"

Dar felt her nostrils flare. "Mr. Evans, fifty percent of our employees have something other than English as their native language, based on the fact that they are citizens of another country." She reminded him. "We are an international organization.. in case that slipped your mind."

"We find that.." He never got to finish. Dar stood up, and came around the desk, cold sparks flashing in her pale eyes.

"Do you know what I find offensive?" She growled, leaning on her desk. "I find your small mindedness offensive, Mr. Evans. So I'll tell you what… I'll call down to our marketing group, and we'll just call this little arrangement off, all right?"

"That was my objective, yes." He stood stiffly. "I'm sorry you cannot understand our feelings in the matter."

"I'm not." Dar let out a short laugh. "But let me tell you.. I'm going to have the publicity group release a statement saying we cut you loose because you were too prejudiced for us to deal with."

He drew himself up. "It's not prejudice, Ms. Roberts. It has nothing to do with that… it's just how we see ourselves, and who we prefer to deal with."

Dar just shook her head. "Then you'll find yourself on the inside of a circle growing smaller day by day, mister…and you know what?" She leaned closer, watching him edge back. "We'll go in there and take all the business away from you anyway."

"Not after we talk to those clients, and let them know what kind of people you are." He told her, smugly. "The rest of the country isn't like this place, Ms.. Roberts."

Dar smiled at him. One of her nastiest ones. "Mr. Evans.. when I'm done cutting a deal for them, they won't care if I'm a cross dressing transgendered muskrat." She dropped her voice to a low growl. "Now , get out of here, before I have you thrown out."

He walked to the door, and looked back at her, his hand on the latch. "You are an abomination in the eyes of God, Ms. Roberts."

"Any god I believe in doesn't know what the word hate is, Mr. Evans." Dar replied mildly. "I pity you." She watched the door close after him, and let her held breath out. "Shit."

Damn it all to hell… stupid piece of shit righteousness stuffed up his butt son of a… Dar walked around her desk and dropped into her chair, shaking her head in disgust, as she considered what to tell Jose.

What a way to start out her new job.

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

The sun poured into Dar's office, painting the carpeted floor and warming her back. She took the paper she'd been reviewing and marked on it, then tossed it into her outbox and flipped the pen she'd used in her hands. "I may be a quarter of the way through this crap." She commented to her fish, who wiggled their fins at her. "Oh.. that's right.. I have to feed you today, huh? Your best buddy's not here."

Her phone buzzed. "Yes?"

"Dar…I have Richard Edgerton for you on numero dos."

Dar glanced at the phone in surprise. "Really? Okay.. I'll take it." She hesitated before picking up the line, wondering what her family's lawyer wanted. "Richard?"

"Hello Dar… long time no talk to." The cheerful voice echoed slightly. "Haven't seen you in quite some time… how are you?"

Ten thousand answers to that question.. "Fine, thanks… and you?" Dar replied, recalling a mental image of the forty something lawyer, a former college football tackle who still retained his bulldog physique and almost military crew cut. "Yeah, it's been a while." Her father's funeral, to be exact.

"Oh… doing all right… listen, it's a small thing, but… seems your aunt May had a lock box over at People's First National that nobody knew about."

"Yeah?" Dar leaned back in her chair and nibbled her pen. "And?"

"There's a trunk, and two boxes of stuff in there, and by the terms of her will, it goes to you." Richard advised her. "The bank's closing down, and the called us to tell us, since we were her executors of record."

"Oh." The dark brows knitted. "All right… have it sent down, I guess.. I'll sort through it.. if it's stuff that can be donated somewhere, I'll do that in her name."

"Great… great.. so, how've you been, Dar? I saw your mother last week.. she's doing okay.. her stuff's being shown at a gallery up here in a little bit."

Dar exhaled, feeling the usual stab of pain thoughts of her mother brought. "I'm doing just fine, … glad she is too." She got out civilly. Then an idea struck her. "Listen.. I'm glad you called… I need to ask a question."

"Shoot." The lawyer responded briskly.

"First off.. I um… I need to modify my will." Dar interlaced her fingers and regarded them. "And second.. I need to know what kind of… I'm not sure what you call it, but something that would legally give someone the right to make certain decisions for me.. if I wasn't able to, for instance."

"Uh." Richard stuttered. "Is everything all right Dar? I mean..with you? You're not sick or.. "

The executive chuckled. "No no… I'm fine..never felt better, in fact." How true that was. "Just send me over the draft of the will, and I'll amend it… I need to leave everything to someone other than the Humane Society."

"Oh." He sounded relieved. "Well, sure.. and the other thing.. there's a couple ways you can go with that, depending on how much power you want the person to have." He paused. "How much you want to trust them, that sort of thing."

"All the way." Dar replied softly. "What do you need from me?"

"Just their name." Richard answered. "Dar, are you sure about this?"

A slow smile appeared. "If I've ever been sure of anything in my life, it's this." She confirmed, giving him Kerry's name. "Make sure you spell it right."

"Okay.. but, listen, Dar… it's awful sudden of you.. and you've got quite an estate here, are you really sure about this? You're sure it's not someone looking for treasure, or anything like that?"

Dar regarded the mantel for a long moment, considering his words. "I'm sure." She finally said. "She has no idea of the size, or that I'm doing this."

"Okay." Richard surrendered amiably. "Just keeping your best interests in mind, Dar." He cleared his throat. "I'll draw up the papers and send them down to you… end of the week okay?"

"Perfect." Dar smiled. "Thanks, Richard."

"Anytime, Dar… and watch for those cases." The lawyer added. "Knowing May, it could be anything."

Dar acknowledged that, and hung up, feeling a quiet satisfaction. Yeah. It was time. She turned to her computer and called up a session, then entered into the employee files, and called up her own records.

A few keystrokes, and the contact information was changed for emergencies, and then a few more, and her insurance beneficiary was likewise edited. She paused, watching the blinking cursor for a moment, then she hit send.

Update Complete. It said. Dar nodded, and retrieved a cashew from her trail mix, munching it contentedly. Yeah.

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

"Two of these divisions aren't showing much profit." Duks pointed to a line on the page. "I think some changes need to be made there.. perhaps you could take a look."

Dar regarded the paper, and nodded. "They're not writing good contracts." She shook her head. "They're just putting in new business, and not really adding to the bottom line." The late afternoon sunlight reflected into the office, and warmed her back. "I'll have their new stuff put under technical review."

"Good.. good." Duks stretched. "So.. how's it feel?"

Blue eyes regarded him in puzzlement. "How does what feel?"

"Being the master of all you survey?" The Finance VP replied, with a twinkle. "Did I hear a rumor you were going to cancel the Interlock agreement? What happened?"

Dar regarded her desktop. "Mr. Evans didn't think he could do business with us." She replied evenly.

Her phone buzzed. "Dar, is Mr. Jose on numero uno for you."

Dar sighed. "Okay. " She hit the button. "Yeah?"

"What is this I hear, you cut loose Interlock?" Jose's voice came through, thick with outrage. "What's this shit, Dar?"

"That's right, I did." Dar replied flatly. "He said he couldn’t work with us, so I cut him loose. Got a problem?"

"Hell yes, I have a problem with that!" Jose shot back. "What do you think you're doing? We had a business plan in Idaho.. I am having seven major contracts going in there."

"Not with his cooperation. Try something else." Dar answered. "Go around him."

"Merde…that's a load of… what was his problem?" Jose demanded.

Dar hesitated, then her jaw clenched. "I was."

Dead silence. "You?" Jose spluttered. "Jesu, it figures.. did you tell him off or.. no, I bet he found out you're sleeping with that little slut of yours, and I tell you.. "

Duks got around the desk and grabbed Dar's hand, slamming his own down on the mute button. "Dar!" He called urgently, seeing the pale blue eyes go gray with fury. "Hold it.. "

"Let me go, Louis." Dar felt the tremors start. "I'm gonna fire his ass."

"Come on… listen to me." The Finance VP stood his ground, speaking softly. "He's an ignorant jerk, but life's full of them, and so's the company.. you can't fire them all, my friend."

Dar sucked in a breath, and released it, trying to keep a lid on the anger. "I can fire this one, and maybe the others will get the message." She finally said, in a low voice. "I am not going to put up with it, Louis."

"Okay.. okay… but, please, please, my friend.. give him one warning. Just one…. Keep our asses out of the courts, all right?" Duks asked, reasonably. "You know he'll do it again, Dar… please."

The dark haired woman let her hands fall to the desk, and she leaned on them. For a long minute she stared at the wood surface, then hit the mute button. "Jose?"

"Si? I knew this was going to get us into trouble, and I tell you.. "

"Shut up."

Silence.

"I want you to listen to me, all right?" Dar enunciated her words carefully.

"Si?"

"If you ever make a statement like that about anyone who works here ever again, I'm not only going to personally fire you, I am going to come down to your office, pick you up, carry you outside, and beat the living daylights out of you in front of the entire company." Dar stated softly. "Do you understand me?"

Long silence.

"I asked, do you understand me?" Dar requested softly.

"Si." Came back, very subdued.

Dar exhaled. "Good. Now he had two issues. My being gay, and you're being Cuban. I didn't figure either of us was going to change any time soon, so I told him to take a hike."

Long pause. "That puta had a problem with me?" Jose's voice rose. "My father came over to this country with nothing but a cigar wrapper and six banana leaves, and ended up owning half the real estate in Hialeah, so he can kiss my Cuban ass."

"Yeah, well.. so find another way up there." Dar repeated, then disconnected the call. She stared at the fighting fish as her blood pressure slowly dropped, aware of Duk's close presence. "I think he owes you a thank you."

"Mm." Duks murmured.

Dar glanced up. "I think I do too." She added, quietly.

The accountant shifted a little. "My friend, it's hard, I know….I understand."

"Somehow I doubt the majority of the company consider you and Mari an abomination in the eyes of God, Lou." Dar replied, as she sat down, and rested her hands on the desk. "You try not to care, but it gets a bit much sometimes."

Duks turned and sat on the edge of the desk, regarding her. "You know, Dar… I'm sure there are people who feel that way, but I don't think it's the majority."

"No." Dar had to laugh shortly. "The rest of them just hate me because I'm a bitch." She gave Duks a wry look. "They don't really care who I sleep with."

Duks sighed, and patted her on the shoulder. "Some of us are just pathetically glad you're here, and as good as you are, my friend…and I think there are more of us than you would ever have imagined." He paused. "Come.. let's take a walk downstairs.. get some coffee, hmm?"

Dar studied her hands. "Go on down.. I'll meet you there in a minute."

Reluctantly, the accountant left, closing the door softly behind him. Dar rubbed her face and leaned back, as her stomach slowly untied itself from it's knots. "What a completely sucky day." She informed the ceiling. "A few more like this and I'm going to chuck it all and become a diving boat captain."

A moment later, a soft knock came on the door, and she tilted her head towards it. "Yeah?"

The door opened, and Maria came in, carrying a tall mug, a faint curl of steam visible over it's edge. "Jefa, I know this is so bad for you, but today is not good." She put down the mug, and Dar caught a scent of hot chocolate.

It made her smile. "Thanks, Maria." She sighed. "Yeah… today's been a bitch all right. " She watched the secretary settle in the visitor's chair. "I'm sure the stories are flying."

"Si." The woman nodded. "They have been, is true." She straightened a little. "You know, Dar.. when I came here from my country, in my country I was in the office, the numero uno, you know? And when I came over to this country, all the people looked at me, and it was.. " She made a tiny, discrete spitting noise. "Immigrante."

Dar watched her curiously. "Hmm."

"It did not matter that I was good in church, or that I was running in this big law office, or that I raise my children…. No, it was just .. " She made the spitting sound again. "Immigrante.'

Dar steepled her fingers. "That must have been hard for you. We take our citizenship for granted, a lot of the time."

"Si." The secretary agreed. "You do..I had to be studying many hours before I passed this test, you know? And you do not have to take it… but any the way..what I learned from this, Dar… is that what is important is what is on the inside of people, not on the outside."

Dar gazed quietly at her desktop. "A lot of people never quite get that, Maria."

"Si, you are right.. they do not." Maria agreed. "Even in my church, which is writing that all people must love each other, still, they think that God makes this kind, or that kind better than the other." She folded her hands. "Dar, you are a good person."

The dark haired woman smiled. "Thanks.. I think you're a very good person yourself."

"Gracias." Maria smiled. "Kerrisita is a very good person."

"Yes, she is." Dar agreed, softly.

"When two good people love each other, Dar, God smiles on them, and he does not care what they are looking like." Maria said, gently. "That is what I believe.. that you have been very blessed."

It was like a warm blanket settling over her, coming from the most unexpected source imaginable. "Thank you, Maria." Dar replied softly. "That means a lot to me."

Maria looked pleased. "You are welcome, Dar." She hesitated. "One more thing…my youngest daughter, Conchita is having her quinces next month.. I would very much be honored if you and Kerrisita would come, and celebrate this with my family."

It was a shock. Dar knew enough about traditional Cuban culture to be honestly surprised at the request, but she also knew enough not to refuse. "We'd be honored." She replied, simply. "Thank you."

"Gracias." Maria said, in a dignified tone, as she stood, and brushed off her skirt. "How is Kerrisita?"

"She's doing all right." Dar answered, quietly, taking a long sip of her hot chocolate.

The secretary glanced at the window. "It is five oclock…I am to be leaving.. do you not think those herbs would do better if Kerrisita gets them soon?"

Dar chuckled softly. "Are you telling me to get out of here, Maria?"

"Si." The secretary smiled. "I think I am doing that.. it is very bold of me, no?"

Dar stood up and turned her monitor off. "Sounds like a good idea to me." She grabbed her keys and shouldered her laptop. "It's been a long day."

"And there will always be tomorrow." Maria added. "For new problems."

Dar followed Maria out the door, and shook her head. "Isn't that the truth."

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

Kerry watched the late afternoon light come in the front windows, and pour across the tile floor, painting golden stripes across the table. She was curled up on the couch, with Chino tucked in next to her, and a cup of hot tea resting on the end table near her head.

She felt pretty good. The drugs had mostly taken care of the pain, though she was feeling a little lightheaded from having to take so much, and she'd gotten quite a few things done, so she wasn't feeling any guilt about simply lounging around, watching cartoons all afternoon. It was nice just to have a day off, she reflected, and spend the time mindlessly relaxing, not having to worry about lines going down, or people yelling, or things like that.

She was a little worried though, since she hadn't heard from Dar since the morning, and a recent call to the office had gone to voice mail. She felt a little uneasy about her friend, in a vague, unsettled way, but resisted the urge to use her pager, or the cell phone, because if there was something going on, surely Dar would have called.

Right?

Kerry sighed, and put her head down on the soft couch arm, breathing in the scent of the leather as she tugged a soft quilt around her body. Her eyes closed, and she let the warm comfort lull her into sleep.

It was a strange dream, full of children's laughter, and the smell of hickory smoke. She was snoozing in what felt like a hammock, wrapped in a soft blanket that bore a hint of woods and leather.

Footsteps came close, and she felt a nearby presence, a warmth that brought a smile to her face, even as gentle fingers brushed her hair back, and she felt a kiss touch her lips. Her eyes fluttered open, to see familiar blue ones looking back at her, framed by a face a little tanner, and a little older than she'd expected.

She reached up and hooked an arm around a powerful neck and drew that face down, kissing her again, and reveling in the sweetness, and the passion, and the sense of belonging to each other that had no match in anything else she'd ever known.

And as she did, the children's laughter faded, and the hickory scent shifted to the tang of wood polish, and she opened her eyes to see those same blue ones looking down curiously at her, as a faint smile played about Dar's lips.

"Oh." A little fuzzy, she reached up and brushed her fingers across Dar's cheek, where a tiny scar had shown in her dream, and now was gone. "You're home." Chino was wriggling up against her and nibbling her fingers.

The lips moved into a gentle smile. "Yes, I am." Dar seated herself on the edge of the couch. "How are you feeling?" She scratched the puppy behind the ears.

Kerry glanced at the window, which was darkening into twilight. "Um..better… thanks… I was… I was watching tv, and I guess I dozed off…how long have you been here?" She peered up at her lover. "You look beat."

Dar sighed. "I am.. I had a tough day." She admitted softly. "I've got a headache you wouldn't believe, and I gotta tell you, it's just nice to see a friendly face."

"Aww… " Kerry tugged her down and pulled her into a hug, feeling the long breath Dar released as she did so. She rubbed her lover's back, feeling the warm skin beneath the silk shirt. "I missed you.. what happened?"

Dar allowed herself a few more seconds of bliss, before she reluctantly straightened, and tucked the quilt back around Kerry's t-shirt covered body. She'd been debating with herself since she'd left the office as to whether or not to tell Kerry, then she figured that the blond woman was probably going to hear sooner or later, so it would be best to come from her. "Nasty stuff… I had to terminate a contract today because the company we contracted with felt they couldn’t do business with us." She pushed Kerry's very disheveled hair out of her eyes, and reflected on how cute she was when she just woke up. "They didn't like our diversity."

Kerry cocked her head to one side. "Diversity…. I don't….what do you mean?"

No way to soften it. "They heard about you and me.. and spent some time in the lunchroom and heard the different languages… they didn't like that."

Kerry stared at her. One blond brow rose up to her hairline. "What jerks…tell them to go contract with the KKK."

Dar felt a smile coming on. She should have known better than to worry about Kerry's reaction. "It was a pretty ugly scene…and then I had to explain to everyone.. and that got pretty ugly too… Duks kept me from firing Jose outright."

"Wow." Kerry murmured. "What did he do?"

Dar bit her lip. "He said something I didn't like about you."

"Oh." Kerry considered that. "I'm glad you didn't fire him for that." She stroked Dar's face. "Sticks and stones, and all that stuff." She felt bad, but not as bad as if Dar'd fired him. "I'm sure you handed it in a very professional manner."

Blue eyes glinted in the soft twilight at her. "Um.. actually.. I told him if he ever said anything like that again, I'd take him outside and beat him silly in front of everyone."

Kerry clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh." She muffled a laugh. "Jesus, Dar.. to a Cuban man, that was worse than firing him."

"Mm." Dar agreed softly. "On the bright side, we got invited to Maria's daughter's quinces."

"We did?" Kerry was surprised. "I mean.. we, as in you and I, did?"

Dar nodded. "We.. definitely we, got invited." She confirmed. "Maria said some really nice things to me after everything happened… she's really a sweetheart." She tugged on Kerry's tshirt. "We'll have to go shopping for some really snazzy gowns."

"Uerrg…. I haven't worn a gown since my prom, Dar." Kerry made a face. "And you don't want to know what I looked like for that."

"Sure I would." Dar objected, with a grin. "You haven't shown me all your embarrassing pictures yet… tell you what.. how about we get dinner sent over, and we can trade… I was a really dorky looking kid."

"Eek." Kerry rested a cheek on her shoulder, and bit her lip. "Okay.. but you have to promise not to laugh… I tried to perm my hair for the occasion."

"I promise." Dar crossed a finger over her heart. "But you can't ever admit to seeing the ones from my grade school play."

Mischief. filled the green eyes. "Ooo… you got a deal." Kerry agreed, curling her fingers around Dar's. "Go get into your jammies… I'll call the beach club."

Dar smiled. "Okay.. " She stood up and walked towards the bedroom, then glanced over her shoulder. "Could you have them send.."

"A chocolate milkshake?" Kerry supplied, dialing the phone. "Sure."

Dar's eyes twinkled, as she disappeared. Once she was in the bedroom, she could hear Kerry's low voice , and looked down to see Chino tugging on her shoe, and it made her smile.

Home had such a different meaning now. Dar tossed her jacket over the chair near the mirror, then quickly changed out of her suit, feeling a sense of relief as the soft cotton of her favorite sleep shirt draped over her shoulders. She sat down for a minute on the edge of the waterbed, and picked Chino up to play with her. "Hey there girl… whatcha up to??"

The puppy nibbled at her chin, then licked her face. Her brown eyes gazed adoringly up at Dar as her paws scrabbled for a good hold on her neck. Dar glanced around, then hugged the puppy to her, feeling a silly grin take over her face. Then she stood, and tucked Chino under her arm, as she made her way back out into the living room. Kerry was standing by the coffee table, having just lit two sturdy, scented candles and dimmed the lights. Her blond lashes caught the candlelight, which threw interesting shadows up her body as she turned towards Dar and smiled. "Dinner's on it's way."

Dar gazed at her, imagining what it would have been like, to come home from a day like today, and not have Kerry or Chino there. A sigh trickled out of her, and she put the puppy down, then went over and enfolded Kerry in a hug that came right from her heart.

"Urk.. " Kerry was surprised, but obligingly slid her arms around her lover and hugged her back, loving the feel of the strong body pressed hard against her own. "Mm…. What was that for?"

"I'm just glad you're a part of my life." Dar answered, with a sigh.

"Really?" Kerry murmured.

"Of course. " Dar released her, and leaned back a little.

"Funny you should say that." Kerry sat down on the love seat, and pulled her down as well. "I've.. um… I've got something to ask you.. and before I do, I want you to know it's okay for you to say no."

"It is?" Dar responded faintly, unsure of what to expect.

"Yes." Kerry took both her hands and held them. "I got a call today." She took a breath. "It was from Pastor Robert… I told you about him.. remember?"

"Yes." Dar answered.

"He's in town." The blond woman told her.

"Oh.. that's nice.. you .. um.. want to have him here for dinner?" Dar offered, hesitantly.

"No…well, I mean, sure.. but that's not the question." Kerry squared her shoulders. "He offered to um.. " She stopped, then took a breath. "He said he'd perform a ceremony for us, if I wanted… I mean, if we wanted him to."

Dar blinked at her.

"Listen, I know you're not into that, Dar… I know.. it's not been something you had growing up, and I know it doesn't really… mean….oh." Kerry shut up as Dar pulled her hands loose, and cupped her cheeks, bringing her closer for a passionate kiss.

They broke apart. "I'd love that." Dar stated sincerely. "I mean.. you're right.. I don’t know much about it, and I've never been into stuff like that, but I know it's important to you… and that makes it important to me."

Kerry smiled gently at her. "Wow." It felt wonderful. "Great… now.. you can figure out a place to do it, because I don't know… if I want to have it inside a church down here.. even the one on South Beach."

Dar grinned. "I know a place." She cradled Kerry's face in her hands, stroking her cheeks with gentle thumbs. "It's a little short on amenities, but it's got a killer sunrise." Kerry's requested had delighted her, in ways she'd hardly expected, but she couldn’t pretend she hadn't been considering the same sort of thing lately.. in fact, a dawn run out to that little spot had been on her 'list' of Valentine's Day things anyway. 'Thank you for asking me."

Kerry found herself smiling, just because Dar was. "Sorry you had such a lousy day."

Dark brows knit. "Huh?" Dar asked, honestly puzzled. "What day? Oh… " She laughed softly at herself. "Yeah.. right.. that…ah… " She studied Kerry's face. "Maria was right."

Kerry leaned into the touch, simply feeling the love. "Mm?"

"I have been blessed." Dar stated softly. "I've found my soulmate."

Breathe. Kerry heard a voice, remotely resembling her own reminding her. Breathe, Kerry. Her chest moved, and sucked in air, making a soft, almost sob. She was crying, and she had no idea why, except that just that word made her feel so…

Complete.

Kerry smiled. "Yes, you have." She reached up and curled her fingers around Dar's hand, then turned it a little and kissed the palm. After all this time. The thought echoed gently.

The doorbell rang.

"I'll get that." Dar said, softly.

"I'll get the pictures." Kerry answered.

"We've got a lot of catching up to enjoy." The dark haired woman said, with a smile.

Her soulmate smiled back. "Yes, we do."

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

Dar slowly let her eyes open, aware of the early morning hour even in the strange place she found herself.

Well, not really strange, it was, after all, her couch, but strange enough to jog her lightly out of her sleep, as Kerry shifted and burrowed closer to her. It was still dark out, and as such, she couldn’t see anything but vague shadows in the living room, where books of pictures and scattered memories surrounded them. They'd stayed up until almost 2 am peering through both Kerry's neatly bound volumes, and the ragged eared folders Dar had reluctantly but good humoredly dragged out of her closet.

She hadn't been able to prevent Kerry from kidnapping the one of her dressed as Tigger, and she just knew that was going to come back and bite her in the butt someday. Oh well.. could have been worse… she could have been Pooh.

And that was okay, because she'd snitched not one, but two pictures of Kerry… one of her as a wide eyed, be-ruffled cherub, and another of her taken off guard, as a teenager with her back against a tree trunk, and a book open on her knees. In the second, there was something so gentle, and so wistful in her expression, with her hand spread across the page, and her head resting against the bark, it tugged at Dar's heartstrings irresistibly

Her soulmate. Dar smiled, and stroked the soft pale hair . The word had delighted Kerry, and it really did fit how she felt towards the blond woman, as though they really were part of each other

Maybe they were. Dar pulled Kerry a little closer. They certainly fit together, like a well made wooden puzzle, despite their different heights. Kerry was nestled up against her left side, with one arm wrapped around Dar's stomach and her knees between the taller woman's. Dar could feel Kerry's warm breath against her collarbone, and….Dar smiled. They were breathing in the same rhythm.

It was a nice feeling.

Loving Kerry was a nice feeling. Dar smiled contentedly, and relaxed, thinking about the weekend. More specifically, early Saturday morning, when they'd go out and greet the sun, and tell each other…..

Pale blue eyes popped open in mild alarm. Tell each other what? Could they use the standard vows?

Uh..no.

Dar's mind started working. What in the hell could they…okay, okay.. how about something simple like…. I'll love you forever.

She winced. Not that it wasn't true, but…

Hmm…

You are the light of my life? Augh.. Dar… you sound like a bad seventies hit parade. You make my life worth living?

Well, that was true too. You came into my world, and turned it upside down? Not so flattering, but…

"Dar?" Kerry's sleepy voice interrupted her studied musing. She glanced down, where the blond woman was still nestled against her.

"Hmm?"

"What are you muttering?"

Dar sighed. "Sorry.. I didn't realize I was."

"Mm… so… what was it?" Kerry persisted, curiously.

"Umm… nothing.. really." Dar cleared her throat gently, and snuggled back down. "G'back to sleep." She firmly closed her eyes.

"Okay." Kerry murmured obediently.

Peaceful silence fell.

"Am I really the light of your life?"

Dar made a noise halfway between a groan and a whine.

"I'm not?"

"Of course you are." The taller woman spluttered hastily. "You weren't supposed to hear that."

"Oh." Kerry's voice seemed disappointed. "Okay.. sorry."

Dar gazed down at her, unhappily. "Kerry.. you're all those things… and so much more I can't even begin to tell you.. I was just trying to figure out what I was going to say to you on Saturday morning."

"Oh." The inflection was totally different. "You don't have to say anything." Kerry told her softly. "Just your being there's enough for me."

"Oh." Dar's turn to murmur.

"I thought… maybe… I could just… sort of..um… I mean, I have this poem….that I wrote…I thought maybe I could have Pastor Robert use that."

Dar exhaled in relief. "That'd be perfect." She kissed Kerry's head gently. "Thank you."

Silence fell.

"I turned everything upside down, huh?"

Dar rolled over onto her back, pulling Kerry up on top of her. "Yep."

"Awk.. Dar… c'mon.. you're gonna be squished." Kerry laughed.

Dar rubbed her back, working the strong muscles with her fingers. "Nope..I like this feeling."

"You like not being able to breathe… Dar, you're demented." But Kerry's body slowly relaxed completely against her, melding with her own in boneless completeness.

"Mm…. " Dar savored the feeling.

"Goofball." Kerry nuzzled her neck, nibbling the underside of her jaw "I love you." She felt the muscles of Dar's face move as she smiled. "It's almost time to get up."

"Uh huh." Dar agreed lazily. "How are you feeling?"

Kerry considered the question. "Like I don't want to get my lazy butt up and go running.. but I don't have a good excuse not to." She admitted. "So, c'mon, tiger.. let's hit the Frosted Flakes and get moving."

Dar laughed softly, and pinched her on the specified bodypart. "I'll put the coffee up.. you let the puppy out?"

It was just the start of another day.

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

Kerry yawned. "What a day." She peered out at the sunset they were driving through, on the way home from work. "I don't want to see another TCP/IP diagram this week, Dar… I swear, I have ping test patterns bouncing off the insides of my eyeballs."

"That's an attractive thought." Dar remarked, leaning her elbow on the car window and stretching her legs out. "Did you get ahold of the pastor?"

"Yep." Kerry told her. "He's all set… when I told him he'd get to go out on a boat and see the sun rise, he almost burst a vocal cord cheering." She adjusted her sunglasses, and watched the road. "Now… um…I thought I'd ask Colleen to be there…if that's okay."

"Sure." Dar closed her eyes behind her own sunglasses.

Kerry glanced at her. "If I had a few more days, I'd try to get Angie down here… or Mike.. is there… Dar, do you think your father would like to be there?" She watched the fading sunlight outline her lover's profile, and saw the movement as Dar swallowed. "That was a silly question. .I know he'd like to be there."

Dar was silent a moment. "I don’t think he'd… he won't come with other people there. But it's a nice thought."

"You could ask him." Kerry suggested softly.

Dar turned her head and looked out the window. "Maybe… maybe he won't want to be there, Kerry… it's hard for him, being alone so much."

"What's hard… to see his daughter happy?" Kerry steered the Mustang onto the ferry and parked. "Dar, he doesn't grudge you anything.. even I realize that."

"No.. I know.. but… " Dar fiddled with her glasses, pulling them off and rubbing her eyes. "Damn, I looked at that screen too long today… " She sighed. "What was I saying..oh…no, I don't think he grudges me anything.. I just don’t want to make him hurt more than he is."

Kerry studied her. "You know.. I saw you squinting in that damn meeting today.. when was the last time you had your eyes checked?" She asked curiously.

Dar froze, then settled her sunglasses back on her nose and slouched in the seat. "There' s nothing wrong with my eyesight." She folded her arms across her chest.

Oo. Kerry settled back in her own seat. Hit a nerve. "Okay.. just a thought.. " She replied mildly. "Maybe it was just the glare in there." She gazed out at the water quietly, very aware of the pale blue eyes watching her from behind the tinted lenses of the wraparound sunglasses Dar preferred. "Might be nice to ask Maria, since she asked us to her daughter's ceremony."

"Um… yeah, that's not a bad idea… maybe I could see if Duks and Mari want to come over for it." Dar murmured. "And… I'll.. um.. I'll ask Dad… maybe he'll come over afterwards for a few minutes."

Kerry reached over and took her hand, squeezing it a little. Then she waited, letting the soft hiss of the surf, and the lonely cry of a seagull settle between them. She could see the tiny twitches as Dar's jaw muscles moved, and that was a sure indication the taller woman was working something out in her head.

Or deciding to relate something.

Finally, Dar's head turned a little towards her. "They told me I needed glasses in sixth grade."

"Ah. Really?" Kerry mentally ticked herself a point. "So what happened?"

A faint shrug. "I figured… if my father didn't need them, I didn't.. so I… figured out a way to..um… "

"Trick them?" Kerry inquired mildly. "That'd take some doing."

Dar sighed. "Not really.. I have almost perfect recall. Memorizing a stupid eye chart wasn't hard."

Kerry turned and looked at her in amazement. "You are joking, right?"

Dar solemnly started reciting the chart.

"Son of a… " The blond woman blurted. "Dar, but you…I mean, you're an adult now… surely you could…"

Another shrug. "Wasn't that bad to begin with, and I sort of grew out of it, mostly." Dar regarded the waves. "It gets a little annoying when I get tired, though." She gave Kerry a droll look. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

Kerry shook her head. "What I don't learn about you…. Now that I think about it, you were having trouble the night we came back here.. after I got stuck, weren't you?"

Dar paused, thinking, and smiled faintly. "You know, I honestly don't remember…that wasn't one of the things I retained about that night."

"Ah." The blond woman nodded. "You hit those guys, didn't you?"

Blue eyes regarded her quietly. "Yes." Dar flexed a hand. "I think I fractured at least one jaw."

"Mm." Kerry put the car in gear as the ferry docked, and steered off the platform. The security guard flagged them down, and she pulled off to the side, rolling down her window. "Hi."

"Hey, Miz Stuart.. Miz Roberts… you just had a delivery." The man told them, checking a clipboard. "Federal Express, two big boxes. We had it escorted to your place." He glanced at Dar. "It was for you, ma'am, from New York."

"Ah." Dar nodded. "Yes…I was expecting that… thanks, Jorge." She smiled as he waved them on.

Kerry rolled her window up. "What's up?"

Dar leaned back in her seat. "My aunt May… the one I got this place from… they found a locker with a trunk, and a few boxes of her stuff… I'm her only inheritor, so they sent them down. Should be interesting.. she traveled all over. We'll probably find all sorts of weird stuff in there."

"Oh.. sounds fun." Kerry smiled in surprise. "Maybe there'll be ancient scarabs, or something."

Dar chuckled. "Assorted, dried snakeskins, knowing Aunt May." She stifled a yawn. "We'd better keep Chino away from them."

Kerry grinned, and drove on.

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

"Oh, I get it." Kerry finished slicing up the fresh chicken breast. "I'm cooking, so now I'm your favorite, right?" She gave the patiently waiting Chino a droll look. "Don't you look at me like that.. go find your friend the cookie monster."

"Yawp." Chino yawned, then poked her small tongue out and panted.

The blond woman laughed, and turned her attention back to her task. She checked the steamer full of brown rice, and started a fire under the wok, pouring in a little peanut oil and waiting for it to heat. "Shh…. You keep quiet now, Chino… don't tell Dar I put all these nice vegetables in here, okay? After I finish making the sauce, she'll never know."

Chino sniffed her ankle, then she curled up on Kerry's foot and closed her eyes.

"Oh.. great. What am I, a puppy bed?" Kerry sighed. "You're just hoping I drop something."

One brown eye opened and peeked at her.

Kerry smiled, as she tossed thinly sliced red, green and yellow bell peppers into the oil, and listened to the sizzling. She stirred them around, then added bamboo shoots, peanuts, and Szechwan peppers. "Oo… that smells good, huh?" She got the vegetables nice and crisp, then she slid the two pounds of chicken breast into the vegetables, and quickly stir fried it.

"Almost ready." She murmured, adding the sauce, which coated the contents of the wok a nice, honey brown. She added handful of sesame seeds, then she turned the fire off, and scooped mounds of fragrant brown rice into each of two comfortably sized bowls, and topped it with the stir fry. "Hey, Dar?"

"Mmm?"

The nearby voice nearly scared the bejesus out of her. "Yeeow!" She almost dropped the bowls. "Dar… don't do that!"

"You called me." Dar protested, taking both bowls.

"Well, yeah.. but I didn't realize you were standing in my back pocket." Kerry laughed, as she grabbed two glasses and a bottle of plum wine. She followed Dar into the living room, and joined her as she settled onto the loveseat, putting the bowls down on the end table.

"So." Kerry curled up with her legs tucked under her and accepted the bowl Dar handed over. "That's some chest." She indicated the trunk which had been delivered. It was a curious item, bound in leather that was carved with intricate, interlocking squares. "It's gorgeous."

"Mm." Dar agreed around a mouthful of rice and chicken. She'd changed into a pair of cutoff sweatpants and a t-shirt, and was wearing a thick pair of very white socks which were intriguing Chino immensely. "Good stuff, Ker." She indicated the bowl.

"Thank you." Kerry's nose wrinkled up as she smiled happily. "It's a new recipe."

Dar's eyes twinkled. "I can feel the healthy vibes coming off of it." She used her chopsticks to retrieve a sneakly hidden vegetable and waved it at her lover. "But you could put this sauce on shoelaces and I'd eat them."

Kerry laughed. "I was counting on that." She took a mouthful and chewed it. "Do you really mind the veggies?"

Dar made her wait for an answer for a moment, then she smiled. "Nah." She took a cheerful bite. "Besides, what right do I have to complain? You're cooking."

"Well… " Kerry nibbled a bamboo shoot. "It makes me feel better about having chocolate chip ice cream for dessert." She paused, almost laughing at the way Dar's ears perked up. "Double chocolate chip, in fact." She scooped up a bit of rice. "Which reminds me… we're going to have to take separate cars tomorrow.. I have my annual checkup scheduled.. I almost forgot about it."

"Mm." Dar took a few mouthfuls and chewed them. "Kerry, can I ask you a personal question?"

The blond woman stopped eating, and stared. "Uh… sure."

One dark brow lifted, then dropped. "Why does chocolate chip ice cream remind you of your doctor?"

"Oh." Kerry laughed, blushing a little. "Yeah, I guess that came out a little weird, huh… no, it's because she gave me such a hard time last year … apparently I was too skinny for her tastes.. she started giving me lectures, and pamphlets on eating disorders… " She gave Dar a wry look. "I was imagining her reaction this year."

"Ah… I see." The taller woman nodded in understanding. "Do you think she was right?"

Kerry slowly chewed a mouthful. "I think I'm a lot happier now than I was then.. but there's a lot that goes into that." Her eyes searched Dar's face. "I think the biggest influence in getting me to change my mind was the opinion of someone I really respected."

"Mm." Dar didn't quite know how to respond to that, so she merely murmured an agreement, scooping the last of her rice up. "Well, let's see what we have here, huh?" She put the bowl down and eased herself down onto the floor, where Chino immediately tried to crawl into her lap. "Hey!"

Kerry laughed, as she put her own bowl aside, and joined her lover on the floor, taking the puppy out of her way. "Oo.. look at that hasp."

"Yeah." Dar took the key that had come with the trunk and fitted it to the old fashioned lock, then turned it. The metal protested, but released, and she removed the rusted object and set it on the floor. "Okay." She murmured, then she carefully unlatched the two catches, and released them, tugging the top of the trunk open and tipping it back.

The scent that came out was the oddest mixture of dust, age, and mystery, and Kerry squirmed closer, so she could peek inside. "Ohhh….."

"Wow." Dar leaned on her crossed knees, and just looked. "What a mess."

Inside the truck was a tangle conglomeration of… stuff. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the contents, just a random assortment of odd items, ranging from small wooden boxes, to pieces of metal, to very old clothing. "What in the hell is all this stuff… looks like the leftovers from a bad touring theatre troupe."

"Or a hard up for cash girl scout troop." Kerry murmured, lifting out a metal pan, resembling a camping cup. "Wow." She turned it over, peering at a set of scratches in the bottom. "Initials."

"Uh..huh… " Dar reached in an pulled out a small wooden box, flat and smooth as satin with age. She gently opened it, revealing an old fashioned writing pen, it's tip stained with purpled ink.

"Oh." Kerry took it from Dar's proffered hands and examined it. "Wow.. that's really old." She ran a fingertip down the brass surface. "Was she a writer?"

"I…" Dar thought about it. "I don't think so… but I didn't know here really well, Kerry… we were…it was strange. I wasn't really ever sure why she left me all this… we weren't close." She paused. "Why… do you think she was?"

"Mm… this pen meant something to her… usually you keep the things you use the most, Dar…." Kerry lifted the pen out carefully, and curled her fingers around it. It … fit…. Comfortably, in the oddest way. "Oh.. what a nice feeling." She murmured, flexing her hand.

Dar watched her curiously. "Are you into calligraphy?"

"A little." Kerry responded. "I used to write my poetry longhand…until I figured out it was a lot safer to put them in my computer." She sighed. "They always seemed more intense when I wrote them out… but I knew my parents… or Kyle.. couldn’t find their way through my hard drive."

Dar closed her hand over Kerry's. "Why don't you keep hold of that, then… because if you've ever seen my handwriting, you'll know I will never, ever have use for it." A wry grin edged her face. "There's a reason I type everything…and I have, since grade school."

Kerry gazed at the pen, then up at her. "Oh.. yeah.. I heard Mariana moaning about some evaluations you wrote out… she said she was going to have to call in a Greek scholar to translate." She teased gently. "Thank you… I don't know if I could bear to try and use it, but I like just holding this."

Blue eyes glinted suddenly, with an inner light. "Write me a poem with it." The low voice took on a momentarily deeper tone.

A warmth traveled up her spine, and Kerry smiled in reflex. "All right." She carefully put the antique pen down on the table. "What's next?" She reached a hand in, and collided with a large, heavy metal piece. "Ouch.. what the heck is that? A machete? Did she wander the Amazon jungle or something?" Kerry carefully tugged her find free. "Oh."

It was a rusted, rotting, half disintegrated sword. "Good grief." Kerry got her other hand under the rotted leather of what once might have been a scabbard and lifted it clear. "Would you look at that."

Dar had stilled, and now she exhaled a long breath. "Let me see that." She asked softly, holding out her hands as Kerry gently placed the ancient artifact in them.

The first thing she felt was a slow, faint wash of sadness, gentle, but profound enough to prick the back of her eyes with tears. "Bet there's a story behind this old thing." She commented to Kerry quietly. "You can almost feel the history in it." She gazed down at the ruined sword, noting the plain, worn brass hilt, it's surface encrusted in green, and the unraveling tatters of rotted leather that fell away from her fingers as she touched it.

Dar wrapped her fingers around the hilt, and pulled the crumbling leather away from it, revealing a scarred, pitted steel blade, broken halfway down, it's remaining length gouged with deep, asymmetrical grooves. She twisted her wrist, closing her eyes and feeling a faint, clear bell of familiarity ring deep down, as the weight of it hit her forearm muscles. "Damn.. this brings back memories." She murmured, opening her eyes and regarding Kerry thoughtfully.

"It does?" Kerry had been watching her in mild fascination.

"Yeah… we used to study a couple different types of sword handling when I was really into the martial arts… there are several forms that focus on allowing the artist to become proficient at a lot of different weapons. Dar mused, turning her hand around and letting a faint smile touch her lips. "I gave it up… mostly because it doesn't have a lot of practical application in today's world."

"Mm.. bet you were good at it." Kerry observed, cupping her chin in one hand.

A shrug. "I was all right." Dar gently put the broken sword down. "I'll clean that up… it's a nice conversation piece."

"Right." Kerry reached in, and pulled out another small wooden box, this one a heavier, almost petrified looking wood with a brass band around it fastening it shut. "Care to give a guess? Let's see… a centuries old brass faucet."

Dar leaned on the edge of the trunk. "Okay… um…a petrified dog biscuit." She hazarded, the word biscuit immediately getting Chino's attention.

Green eyes rolled, then Kerry carefully undid the clever latch, and worked the box open, the wooden edges having warped tightly shut. "Ugh.. this is kinda… whoops.. " The box fell out of her hands as it popped open, and onto the tile floor, spilling it's contents. "Oh.. damn… did it break? God, Dar.. I.. "

"Shh… no.. " Slowly, Dar put down her hand, and touched the grayish black stones gingerly. Each was attached to the remains of a silver chain, and she picked one up and examined it. "What in the hell is that?" She picked up the other stone and looked at it, then she rotated it and gingerly put both stones together. "Hey..they match."

Kerry leaned close. "They fit together." Her throat felt funny when she said it. "How unusual."

Dar's finger pushed the two stones around in her palm, their edges fitting snugly together. "They sure do." She mused thoughtfully. "Too bad they're so beat up…it might be kinda fun to… um… "

Kerry gently picked the stones up and separated them. "Let me see if I can clean them up.. I've got some jewelry cleaner upstairs." She glanced up at Dar's face, which was painted in tones of interest and curiosity. "Would you wear half if I can?"

A strange, almost dreamy smile crossed Dar's face. "Yeah… would you?"

A laugh bubbled up from deep inside her, and Kerry released it into the air. "Sure."

In her palm, the stones nestled together, in obscure, gray contentment.

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

Kerry took the small bowl out onto the patio with her, seating herself in the early morning sun and propping her bare feet up against the railing. Dar had left a little while ago, and she'd found herself with some time before her nine am appointment.

So she'd decided to clean the rocks they'd found, before she got dressed and took the short drive over to her doctor's office. She shifted a little and flexed her thighs, a little heavy feeling still from her running that morning, but she'd made eight laps for the first time, keeping up with Dar in a small piece of personal triumph.

Of course, she suspected her lover had cooperatively kept her pace to something Kerry could handle, but… still, eight was eight, and it felt pretty damn good. Add that to the fact that she'd finally… finally.. gotten the hang of that over the shoulder throw last night, and had managed to down Dar with it not once, but twice….

Yeah. She could sit here in the sun with her rocks and her solution, and feel darn proud and pleased with herself. "Heh heh heh." Kerry chortled softly, dipping the rocks carefully in the very mild liquid. She was actually feeling pretty smug, to tell the truth, and she was more than a little looking forward to going in for her checkup for a change.

What she hadn't told Dar was that her doctor, Marie Simpson was a gym rat. She'd not only delighted in chastising Kerry for being so skinny, she'd spent thirty minutes during every appointment trying to browbeat her into joining a gym and starting an aerobics program. She'd also been…to Kerry's mild discomfort, romantically interested in her.

Marie had made it clear that she wasn't looking for anything serious, just some light hearted fun, and they'd gone out a few times together. Kerry had enjoyed herself, still very tentative in adjusting to her sexuality, but she and Marie just hadn't had that much in common. The doctor's interests tended to violent sports, poker, and frank leering at passing bodies.

Marie also like to drink, which Kerry tended to shy away from, and she loved parties full of like minded folks, one of which she'd taken Kerry to, thrown by a professional women's group she belonged to. She'd been all right, until she was cornered near the bar by a couple of very drunk, and very amorous paralegals.

That had been a little ugly. But she'd gotten out of it with the help of a very sweet, and very friendly bartender, who let her slip by behind the bar and through the hotel's kitchen, where she exited and called a cab.

It hadn't been Marie's fault, though the woman had apologized profusely, but Kerry had decided after that she wasn't quite the party animal. "Kerry," Marie had said. "You're sweet, but you need to get a life."

Kerry swished the rocks around in the solution, and looked around her, with a grin. "Bite me, Marie… I went out to Macy's and bought the custom deluxe life model here." She told a seagull floating overhead. "And I bet you're still stuck at K-Mart."

"Okay, let's see what we've got here." She gently fished the first stone out and laid it on a soft cloth, then rubbed it carefully. A layer of the dark surface came off onto the rag, and she examined it, then dipped it again. Three or four more dips, and a careful cleaning with the rag, and she was sitting in some amazement, as the sun poured down and sent fractures of colored light through the pure, clear crystal in the palm of her hand. "Wow." She whistled under her breath. "Check that out."

An idea occurred to her, and she carefully dried off the two pieces of crystal, untangling the ruined chains from them. "I think I remember a jeweler close by Marie's office…yeah."

She grinned, as she stood up and reentered the condo, heading for her bedroom to change.

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

The waiting room was quiet, this early in the morning, and Kerry had only been seated for perhaps five minutes before the receptionist slid her glass window to one side, and motioned her in.

"Good morning." The blond woman smiled at the nurse who met her.

The woman glanced at the folder she was carrying quickly. "Oh.. good morning, Ms. Stuart.. gosh, we haven't seen you here in quite a while, have we?"

"Not for a quite a few months, no." Kerry confirmed cheerfully.

"You must be nice and healthy, then." The nurse tucked her folder under her arm. "Right this way… in room three." She guided Kerry down the corridor, and into the examination room. "Go on and slip into the gown, and I'll be in to take your blood. This is just a regular physical, right?"

"Yep." Kerry put her purse down and shrugged out of her jacket, draping it over the back of the chair. She'd worn a fairly casual, but neatly pressed polo shirt under it, chiefly because she knew she'd be taking it off, and travel irons weren't really her style. She unzipped her skirt and slipped out of it, then pulled her shirt off and left them folded precisely as she pulled on the thin fabric of the examination gown.

Then she walked over to the counter and examined the various jars and containers, wishing this part of the trial was already over. She didn't hate doctors like Dar did, but like any normal person, she found the waiting, and the wondering, uncomfortable.

She didn't have long to wait, though. The nurse came back in, and put her folder down. "Okay… let's get you weighed and then I have to take two blood samples, okay?"

"Sure." Kerry stepped amiably over to the scale and stood on it, watching as the nurse adjusted the weights until the bar balanced perfectly.

"One hundred twenty one…okay." The nurse marked it down. "That's a change from last year."

From ninety four? Yes. "I took a job delivering pizzas… it's made all the difference." Kerry told her solemnly. "You know you have to eat all the ones you can't deliver."

"Oh my." The nurse gazed at her, concerned. "Is that healthy?"

Kerry kept a straight face. "I work with a partner.. I only eat the vegetable ones."

"Ah.. that's really smart." The nurse smiled. "Okay.. go on and sit up on the table there, and I'll get what I need to draw blood."

Kerry obediently went and hopped up onto the table, dangling her bare legs over the edge, and resting her elbows on her thighs. She lifted an arm as the nurse came over, and submitted to the short, chunky woman's touch as she probed for a vein.

"Do you work out?" The nurse asked, in idle curiosity, as Kerry flexed her arm and caused the newly defined biceps in her upper arm to bulge.

"No. Why?" Kerry asked, with devastating innocence.

The nurse peeked at her, then went back to her task. "Oh.. well, nothing. I was just asking." She took her blood and then checked Kerry's pulse and pressure, and wrote those down. "Okay, the doctor will be in shortly."

Kerry rubbed her arm, where the needle had extracted blood and stifled a yawn. She'd deliberately skipped coffee that morning, not wanting to send her blood pressure skyrocketing. "Musta worked." She murmured to herself, recalling the 115 over 72 that the nurse had recited.

She hopped off the table and wandered over to the frosted window, standing up on her toes to peer out the top, where green leaves moved across a blue sky. She spotted a blue bird outside, and she watched, fascinated, as the bird hopped to a nest nearby and started feeding small chicks.

In February. Kerry shook her head in mild amazement, then turned, as the door opened, and Marie Simpson walked in, letting it close behind her as she stood, and studied her patient.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Kerry Stuart?" The slim, frosted haired woman asked, with a laugh. "Holy Jesus came to town, kid…what's up with you?

Kerry chuckled, as she turned, and leaned casually against the wall. "Hi, Marie."

The doctor put her folder down and walked over. "When I heard Nancy talking about this buff blond in room three, who was smart mouthing her, I had to come see for myself."

"I was just messing with her." Kerry felt a blush coming on.. "So, how've you been?"

Marie took her wrists, and moved her arms out, examining her. "Not a patch on you, kid… did my lectures finally sink in or something?" She gave Kerry a slap on the shoulder. "Go sit down on the table.. let's check you out."

Kerry did so, laying down on the table and stretching out, as Marie set her stethoscope into her ears and listened to Kerry's heart, then moved it down to her abdomen. "So, did it?"

"Did what?" Kerry asked.

"My lectures sink in?" Marie asked, probing with gentle, sure hands.

"Not exactly." The blond woman told her. "But I took your advice. I got a life."

"Really?" The doctor laughed. "That wasn't all I told you to get." She teased. "I think I recall saying.. ' Kerry, you're sweet, but you need a life, and good lay."

Kerry cleared her throat, ignoring the flush of blood going to her skin. "I got one of those, too." She muttered, hardly able to believe she was saying it.

"Ooh… did you !" Marie gave her a pat on the belly. "Sit up." She waited for Kerry to comply, then set the stethoscope against her back. "Breathe."

Kerry sucked in a breath obediently, glad of the chance to regain her composure.

"Breathe."

Another breath.

"Sounds good in there… you had any more bronchitis?" Dr. Simpson studied her. "Those dizzy spells come back?"

Kerry shook her head. "No coughing since that last time, and the dizzy spells kinda tapered off in the fall." Since October, in fact.

The doctor picked up a metal bar and tested her reflexes, then peered interestedly into her ears. Kerry sat quietly, looking straight ahead and trying to think of something other than how much that thing was tickling her.

"So.. you lifting weights?" Marie asked, casually.

"Um.. a bit… not that much really, mostly light stuff." Kerry resisted the urge to bat the woman's hand away from her sensitive ears. "Wall climbing.. a lot of running.. some diving.. a little martial arts.. that sort of thing." She glanced up as the doctor stepped back. "I feel great."

Marie put a hand on her shoulder. "You look great." She smiled "I can hardly believe it." She indicated Kerry's clothes. "Get dressed…and c'mon into my office.. we can chit chat for a minute or two." She paused. "Did you want me to schedule you for a mammogram? No..wait.. we did that last summer, right?"

Kerry nodded. "Yes…that's hard to forget.. I still get chilly thinking of it." She grinned wryly. "I.. um… " She chewed her lip. "Check regularly."

Possibly more regularly that strictly necessary, since she and Dar had invented a sort of mutual, gently sensual game to it, when she'd found that her stubborn lover had never bothered to check herself even once.

"Good deal." The doctor nodded. "Okay then, meet you down the hall.. I'm going to grab a bottle of carrot juice. Want some?"

"Uh..no thanks." Kerry ignored the growling in her stomach. "I'm going to pick up some breakfast on the way into work." A Cuban egg McMuffin, she'd decided, and a nice big café con leche.

And one for Dar, of course.

Marie left her to change, and she did, tucking her shirt into her waistband and zipping it, then settling her metallic green jacket over her shoulders. She picked up her purse and went down to the doctor's office, settling into the comfortable chair across from the desk, where the older woman was busy scribbling into her files. "So… everything look okay?"

"Hang on." Marie muttered, still scribbling. "I want to get.. okay." She looked up, and folded her hands. "It'll take a while for the bloodwork to come back, but everything looks good to me." Her eyes twinkled. "And your health does too."

Kerry allowed a smile to cross her face, acknowledging the compliment. "It's been quite a change for me…I moved, I have a new job…" She paused, considering. "Someone in my life… I guess that's been the biggest change… Dar's gotten me into a lot of that physical stuff."

Marie cocked her head. "Dar.. that’s an unusual name.. you don't mean Dar Roberts, do you?"

Kerry blinked, truly startled. "Um.. yes."

The doctor whistled. "Wow.. I never met her, but I've heard stories." She leaned forward. "You got pictures?"

She'd heard of Dar? That made no sense.. given the separate circles they traveled in. "Uh.. yeah, I do." Kerry pulled out her wallet, and opened it, selecting one of her favorite pictures of the two of them, standing near an old oak outside the condo, Dar's arms wrapped loosely around her neck.

"Wow." Marie said again, looking up and giving Kerry a very respectful glance. "My ex was at the bar downtown the night she took out those two robbers…she said she never saw anything quite like it.. just like in the movies."

Kerry's blond brow edged up. "Hah.. I haven't heard that story.. but that's Dar.. she hates making herself out to be a hero."

Marie handed the picture back, with a frank grin. "She definitely saved a few butts that night.. and put one guy in the hospital for three months." A faint shake of her head. "You picked a wild one, Kerry… but if you're happy… " She let the thought drift off. "Listen, we're having a party next Saturday night at the club.. why don't you guys stop by, hmm? I I'd love to meet your friend."

Kerry hesitated. "Sure… I mean, I don’t think we have anything planned…I'll check with Dar when I get to the office." She didn't want to refuse outright, since she did like Marie, but she wondered if Dar would want to make an appearance at what was, apparently, old stomping grounds.

Marie stood up. "Okay.. great.. maybe we'll see you then." She smiled, and held a hand out. "Great seeing you, Kerry.. I'll give you a call if anything unusual comes back in your tests.. but in my considered opinion, just keep doing what you're doing, okay?"

Kerry also stood, and gripped her hand. "Thanks, Marie.. I'll be seeing you."

"Yeah." The doctor gave her a speculative look. "I hope so."

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

Dar was seated at her desk, her head propped up on one hand and her mouse in the other. She was clicking through a series of spreadsheets, checking their contents, then flipping back to others in a blur of white with pale blue lines. A soft knock interrupted her, and she leaned back, welcoming it. "C'mon in."

Maria pushed the door opened and entered, closing it behind her. She was carrying several folders, which she put neatly on Dar's desk. "Is the three new companies we bring in, Dar." The secretary said. "And Kerrisita just poked her head in, to say she is here now."

"Oh?" Dar visibly perked up. "That didn't take long…guess everything's okay then." You never knew with doctors, after all… though Kerry certainly appeared extremely healthy, you just never knew. "Great…I had a lunch meeting sprung on me that I wanted her to attend."

As if on cue, a popup appeared on her window.

"Hey…my doctor wants to meet you."

Dar blinked, and glanced at Maria, then leaned forward and typed back.

"Oh really? Everything go okay then?"

"Remember what Maria thought of me? With the trail mix? That's what my doctor thinks of you."

Dar smiled. "C'mon over." She turned and put her hands on the desk. "So..we have three new acquisitions, eh?"

"Si. " Maria agreed.

Dar drummed her fingers on the desk. "Um… so… what did you have planned for the weekend, Maria?"

The secretary gave her a curious look. "Aye… well… nothing really, just some work in the garden, and my husband is going to paint the bathroom. " She answered, a little puzzled.

"Ah…. That sounds nice… um… " Dar glanced up as the inner door opened and Kerry ambled in, her green eyes twinkling as they found her lover's face. "We were going to have a little get together on Saturday morning… I'd..um.. " The tall woman regarded her pencil, then looked over at Kerry. "We'd like you to be there." Kerry put a paper bag down on the desk and smiled at Maria.

Maria folded her hands, and looked from one to the other. "It is a party?"

Dar looked at Kerry in silent appeal. The blond woman rolled her eyes.

"Sort of." Kerry perched on one corner of the desk. "My former pastor from Michigan is in Miami for a visit, and he… offered to perform a commitment ceremony for us."

She does that so smoothly. Dar marveled.

"Como?" Maria took a step forward towards them. "Do you mean to be saying you are getting married?"

Kerry felt the strangeness of the word. "Um.. yes, I think you could say that." She turned and looked at Dar in question. The woman was chewing the end of her pen so studiously you'd have thought she had a plastic deficiency. "Right?"

Blue eyes shifted to her face, and then to Maria. "Uh.. yes." Dar swallowed, having never really expected to be saying that.

Maria put her hands on her hips, and gave Dar a very severe look. "Jefe, that is not nice."

Dar was startled. "Wh… " Could she have read Maria all wrong? No.. "What isn't nice?" Kerry was also regarding the secretary in some puzzlement.

"You cannot just be doing this without warning… to not give me a chance to get a nice present… that is not fair, Dar….I must get a dress, and.."

"Whoa.. whoa.. no.. no. .it's very casual, Maria.. " Dar stood up hastily. "You don't need to get us anything.. we just want you to be there."

"Right." Kerry nodded. "Really…it's very.. we just decided to do this the other day, Maria."

"Casual? " The shorter woman repeated. "How you mean, casual, Dar?"

"Um.. well, we're going to take my boat out there." Dar scratched her jaw. "And it's on a little island… before dawn."

Maria stared at her for a long moment. "Dios Mio." She shook her head. "Dar, you are too much."

Dar exhaled softly. "It's all right if you don't want to, Maria.. I know it's very short notice.. and it's not… "

"Pardon? I do not think so, Dar.. I would not miss this for all the how you say, coffee in India." Maria stated. "I will get my pair of shorts out, just for you." She beamed at them, then turned and bustled out, shutting the door behind her.

"Well." Kerry remarked, turning and giving her lover a smile. Then she walked around and leaned on the desk next to Dar, her blond hair brushing the edges of the wood surface. "Hi."

Dar glanced at the door, then nuzzled her. "Mm.. you smell like café con leche."

"Oh yeah?" Kerry leaned her way and kissed her lightly. "Imagine that."

Dar's eyes gentled. "Everything okay?" She asked.

"Mmhmm." Kerry told her. "Marie tells me I'm very healthy… and that I look great, and that she wants me to bring you to a party down there so they can all meet the infamous Dar Roberts."

Blue eyes flickered. "Infamous?"

"Mm.. something about a robber.. or maybe it was two of them… "

Dar dropped her head. "Ah. " She nodded. 'That.. damn.. are they still telling that old story?"

Kerry slipped her arm across Dar's shoulders. "Tell you what, partner… I've got some meatballs in the crock pot.. cooking nice and slow… how about you, and me share a big bowl of them and some spaghetti later on, and you tell me that old story, okay?"

Dar smiled quietly at the desktop. "All right." She paused, reflectively. "You know… I remember going out to the beach after that whole thing happened, and watching the sun rise. " She let out a breath. "It was one of the only times I felt… proud.. of who I was.. and the fact that I'd had a positive effect in someone's life."

Kerry studied her profile for a moment, then she reached over and gently tilted her chin up, until their eyes met. "Until now."

A calm silence fell, as they stared into each other's eyes, bathed in the warm sunlight pouring into the room, and spilling over them like a golden blanket.

Abruptly the phone buzzed., and broke the spell. "Dar, I have the Singapore on uno." Maria's voice entered the room.

Dar took Kerry's hand, and kissed it. "All right, I've got it, Maria."

Kerry stroked her cheek, then straightened, and nodded. "See you for lunch?" She motioned towards the bag. "Enjoy."

"Thanks." Dar smiled, as she reached for the phone button. "Yeah?"

"Dar, we've got SITA problems again." The harried voice sounded. "The overseas net is down in the Far East… can you help?"

Kerry moved to the door, and waved, then disappeared.

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

It was cool out on the patio. Dar stood, leaning against the stone wall, her elbows resting on it's top as she gazed out over the water. The salty wind blew her hair back, and she caught a whiff of wood smoke, from the barbeque they were having down at the beach club.

If she turned her head, she knew, she'd see Kerry sprawled in the loveseat, busy with her ancient pen and a piece of parchment, writing something she refused to let Dar see. "Tomorrow's soon enough." She'd told her lover, huddling over it.

Tomorrow. Dar looked down and regarded her hands quietly, absently fingering the golden band around her finger. She wasn't nervous, exactly… after all, it was just a few words spoken by someone she didn't even know. She would have preferred that it were just the three of them, but she couldn’t grudge Kerry's wish to have people there.

Grumpy old antisocial beach bum. She chastised herself, semi humorously. C'mon, it's not that big a step, and it's only Duks, Mari, Maria, and Colleen. Get over it.

Her page to her father had gone unanswered, and though part of her was concerned at that, another part was secretly relieved, and that was warring with the big slice battling off disappointment.

Well, they'd take pictures… he'd like that. Dar sighed, and straightened. The Jacuzzi caught her eye, and she decided a nice warm soak was a good idea. A thought occurred to her. Bet Kerry would like that too. Another thought. We have fresh raspberries and whipped cream.

Brightening, Dar went back inside.

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

Kerry put the last touches on her poem, then untangled herself from a snoozing Chino and trotted upstairs to put the parchment carefully away. Then she examined the white, casual outfit she'd picked out for the morning, cutoff denim shorts, and the soft white shirt that tied across her ribcage, exposing her belly.

Casual, Yeah. Kerry faced her reflection in the mirror and smiled. Dar had picked a worn, stonewashed pair of short overalls, with a white shirt underneath it. It was impossibly cute on her, especially with her tan, and the fact that she intended to remain barefoot.

Kerry laughed gently, then opened her top drawer, and pulled out a wooden box, neatly carved and purchased at Bayside just the day before. She opened it, and exposed the soft, plushly velvet interior, where the two crystals were nestled, the soft lamp light glistening against both them and the brand new golden chains draped about them. The jewlers had polished the stones, causing them to reflect the light in brilliant prisms, and she smiled as she imagined giving Dar hers the next morning.

Soft footfalls alerted her, and she tucked the box away, just in time to turn and greet her wind disheveled lover as she peeked inside the room. "Hey."

Dar entered, riffling her hair with a negligent hand. "I was wondering if you'd like to share a bowl of raspberries and a hot tub with me."

Kerry grinned hugely. "Would I? What kind of a silly question is that? You betcha." She grabbed her bathing suit from the rack and gave Dar a gentle shove. "Meet you out there?" Dar's eyes twinkled, as she nodded, and ambled out, Chino stumbling at her heels.

Kerry pulled her shirt off, and tugged on her suit, pulling at the straps to settle the thin fabric. Then she grabbed a towel and trotted downstairs, in time to meet Dar coming out of the kitchen with two plastic containers and a smudge of whipped cream on her face. "Mm." Kerry stood on tiptoes and licked it off, getting a startled squawk from her taller companion. "Who needs berries?"

They went outside, and eased into the bubbling Jacuzzi, as Dar put the containers on the edge of the pool. "Mm." She stretched out long legs and leaned back. "That was quite a workout tonight…I'm not sure what got into Ken and I… we were like wild weasels." Ken had come out to the island, mostly to get away from the club for one night, and they'd taken over the aerobics area at the island's gym, and really gone at it. The young kid Dar usually sparred with had just stood back against the wall and watched, and for a minute there..

Dar regarded the bright stars. It had all come back, as she'd executed a flickering, almost dazzling move that had dumped poor Ken on his butt so hard he bounced. She'd stood there, blood pumping fiercely, and remembered just how good that felt.

"I told Ken I'd be willing to give a little, local match a try." Dar commented, idly tracing the patterns in the sky with her eyes. "There's one in May…I think I'm gonna enter."

Kerry regarded her speculatively. "Awesome… I think you're going to kick everyone's butt."

A shrug. "Well.. I don't know about that… I'm getting a little old for this, but… we'll see. It'll be a small thing.. maybe I can win a few rounds."

Kerry sploshed over and laid her cheek against Dar's shoulder, gazing up at her with puppylike adoration. "Would you win me a trophy?"

Wide, round, blue eyes stared at her. "Um… what?"

"I always wanted someone to win a trophy for me.. I used to have Brian try it at the State Fair, but to tell you the truth, he was more uncoordinated than I was.. and I'm pretty bad."

Dark lashes blinked. "You're not uncoordinated."

"Not now, no." Kerry agreed. "How about it? Is that too romantically gooshy for you?"

"Romantic?" Dar ran a hand through her hair, confused. "Kerry.. it's a flipping karate trophy.. I don’t know if I can.. I mean… I'm sure there'll be better…I… "

Soft, green eyes gazed at her trustingly.

A sigh. "You want a martial arts trophy."

Kerry nodded. "Mm…. I really do." She assured her lover. "And I'm going to get a t-shirt with your picture on it so I can cheer you on."

Dar made a noise somewhere between a cluck and a sneeze. "Kerry!" She squeaked, truly alarmed.

The blond woman chuckled softly. "Gotcha." She gently nibbled Dar's arm. "Sorry.. whenever you go on about how old you are.. I have this irresistible urge to pull your chain a little."

Dar scowled engagingly.

"Tch.. that is such a cute look." Kerry put a fingertip against the pouting lips. "Seriously, Dar… Ken was totally impressed tonight.. I heard him talking to that kid you usually work with."

"Mm." Dar grumbled. "I just don't want to…" She hesitated. "I guess I don't want to get my own expectations up." She played with the water a bit. "The last time I did this, I was really good, Ker… I know I can't match that now, and I'm trying to convince myself it doesn't matter."

"It doesn't." Kerry put her arms around her friend. "But you're really competitive, aren't you?"

A rueful nod.

"You'll do fine, Dar… no one's going to expect everything from you after all the time that's gone by.. just have fun." Kerry rubbed her belly comfortingly. "I'm looking forward to being there."

"Hmm." Dar produced a smile. "Yeah.. you're right… I guess I'm just being a little bit squirrelly tonight."

Kerry rested her head against Dar's arm again. "Mm.. " She glanced up. "You nervous about tomorrow?"

"No." Dar brushed the thought off. "Oh, well, a little nervous about getting all those people on the boat and out of Government Cut without ramming into Sovereign of the Seas, but other than that.. no." She nuzzled Kerry's hair. "They're going to stock the galley with breakfast for everyone."

"Mmm….. " Kerry moved closer, sliding her arms around Dar's body. "Did you decide on what you wanted to say?"

An unseen smile lit Dar's face. "Yes."

"Ooo… gonna tell me?" Kerry coaxed, easing an adventurous finger under Dar's bathing suit strap.

"Nope." The dark haired woman responded. "You'll find out tomorrow." She bent her head and nipped a line across the back of Kerry's neck, and feeling the soft rise of goosebumps on her skin. Playfully, she reached behind her and dipped a finger in the whipped cream, then put a blob on Kerry's damp nose.

The green eyes crossed slightly as Kerry tried to focus. "Yah."

Dar leaned over and removed the blob, then moved down and kissed her, exchanging a bit of the sweet stuff while Kerry giggled. "Like that?"

Kerry went back for another taste, easing over and straddling her lover as she floated in the water. After a moment she paused. "That answer your question?"

A dark brow arched. "Want some berries?"

"Later." Kerry leaned forward and brought their bodies into contact, creating a gentle friction in the water. Dar's hands slid across her back and increased the pressure, as their legs intertwined and she felt a touch wander down her hip and tickle her thigh.

She slid a strap down on Dar's suit, and heard a chuckle as her fingertips brushed against newly uncovered flesh. "Hope no one's got the binoculars out" She breathed into a tanned ear.

Dar got both Kerry's straps off at once, and slid the sheer fabric down, exposing her body to the water's currents, a sensual moment. "They'll just think it's a full moon." She tweaked Kerry's behind with a twinkle in her eyes, then arched her back as the blond woman worked her own suit off.

"Bite me." Kerry ducked her head under the water and took a nibble, feeling Dar's whole body jerk in reaction. The combination of subtle touches and the water's stimulation was incredible, and she wanted more of it. Hands slid around her ribcage and pulled her up, and she found Dar's lips waiting. The dark haired woman rocked back, and started a slow, teasing expedition that Kerry enthusiastically joined in on.

The stars chuckled overhead.

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

"You ready?" Kerry leaned on the kitchen counter, watching Dar suck a comforting glass of warm milk. The tall, dark haired woman was dressed in her overalls, and had her hair pulled loosely back into a knot outlining her angular profile. The dim light in the room caught her pale eyes, and Kerry could smell the clean scent of the soap Dar used, and a soft hint of sun dried cotton. .

"Yep.. I called the ferry dock, and left the names." Dar replied, licking a few droplets of milk off her lips. "I told them to escort everyone down to the marina.. I figured that was easier than meeting here, then trooping over.. besides, there's parking there." Dar put the glass into the sink and exhaled. "Let's go… I want to get the boat ready."

Kerry picked up a small rope bag, which held the crystals and the parchment, and slung it over her shoulder as she followed Dar out the door.

Almost. "Hey!"

"Yelp!" Chino's head almost got caught in the door, and the puppy complained vigorously.

"C'mon, honey.. you stay here, okay? I don't think you'd like boats." Kerry told the animal.

"No." Dar put a hand on her shoulder. "Let her come.. she's family."

Kerry gave her a surprised look, but opened the door and let the puppy out, watching as she scampered over to Dar's feet and started chewing them. "Okay, but remember you asked me to do this."

Dar scooped up the dog and tucked her under an arm as she got into the cart. She set the puppy down on the seat between them, and released the brake, starting off in the pre dawn darkness.

It was really quiet, Kerry mused, as they rolled along the road, the sound of their tires on the tarmac seeming very loud. To one side, she could hear the gentle hiss of the surf, and to the other, the rustle of sleeping birds that roosted in the ring of trees around the small, 9 hole golf course in the center of the island. Dar steered around the curve that circled the beach club, and headed down the small path that led directly to the marina. The soft sound of clanking rigging got louder, and as they turned the last curve, Kerry could see the security lights of the harbor lighting the rows of boats. "Beautiful morning."

"Mm." Dar agreed, steering down the dock until she was opposite their slip. The boat rocked gently in the water, and Dar hopped aboard with easy grace. "The club people'll be here shortly… " She eyed the front deck, tucking a life preserver away into it's bin. "You want to kick the batteries up.. make sure we've got plenty of juice?"

"Sure." Kerry ducked down into the cabin and stowed her bag, then checked the boat's electrical system, which was hooked to a portal on the dock. "Looks fine." She yelled up, idly opening the small refrigerator. "Hey." She peered inside, spotting a small tray, with two splits of Dom Perignon champagne, and a dish of creamy looking truffles. A card rested there, and she plucked it up, peering at it. "Awww… hey, Dar!"

"Mm?" A voice sounded right in her ear, almost making her hit the overhead.

"Jesus… would you not do that?" The blond woman yelped. "You're going to give me a heart attack one of these days, Dar…"

"You called me." Dar complained. "It's not my fault I was right here." She poked her head into the small galley. "What's that?"

Kerry handed her the card, and retrieved the tray.

Dar studied the writing, and felt a smile edge across her face. "This'll take the edge of your damn nerves… it better, considering it cost more than a damn F18." It was signed. "It's from dad. Wow."

"Open wide." Kerry offered her a truffle, which she obediently accepted. "He's such a sweetie."

"Mmm.hf." Dar nodded, chewing.

"Now I know where his daughter gets it from." The blond woman teased gently, catching Dar in mid chew as a faint blush colored her skin. "Heh."

Dar sighed. "My reputation's in tatters." She swallowed. "Mmm… that's good." Her eyes brightened, and she sniffed after the tray. "More?"

Kerry poured the champagne, and handed her lover a glass, then produced another truffle, which disappeared immediately. "Hey… chew it, okay?" She took a sip of the alcohol, and nibbled a sweet, enjoying the contrasting tastes. She looked down as a scrabbling of claws indicated Chino's approach, and watched as the puppy stumbled down the stairs, and barked at her. "Hello, honey."

"Yawp!" Chino sniffed around Dar's legs, then sat down on her foot. "Urrr.."

Dar chuckled. "Thanks Chino… I needed a footwarmer." She took a swallow of her drink, and let it trickle down her throat, then she nudged Kerry. "You hoarding those?"

Kerry put a truffle in her mouth, then bit down lightly, and raised her eyebrows. "Srof?"

The taller woman tilted her head down, and took the proffered half, brushing her lips against Kerry's teasingly. "This is starting out to be a great day already."

Kerry grinned happily, then she turned as she heard voices outside. "Well, I think we're about to get things going… awp.."

Dar put her glass down, and laced her fingers through Kerry's hair, drawing her closer and into a heartfelt, passionate kiss. They separated after a long stretch of heartbeats and looked at each other. Dar put a warm hand on Kerry's cheek. "I love you." She said, simply.

"I love you too." Kerry answered, her voice a little hoarse. "Thank you, for doing this, Dar.. it means a lot to me."

Dar smiled, and rubbed her thumb against Kerry's soft cheek. "I know." Her eyes shifted to the door. "Guess we'd better get going… I think I hear Duks."

Kerry hugged her for a moment, then released her, and followed her up the steps to the deck.

Sure enough, familiar figures were lining the dock, weirdly shadowed in the ochre security lights. "Morning." Dar lifted a hand, stifling a grin as Duks put his hands on his hips and glared at her.

"You know, Dar.. it's a very good thing I am a forgiving sort." He shook his head. "You could not have had a sunset affair, eh?"

"Wrong ocean for that." Dar put a bridge down and tugged the lines taut as their guests came aboard. "Go on up into the front… we need to take some supplies on board." She gave the waiting staff, carrying insulated coolers a nod. "Thanks for coming… hello, Maria."

"Buenos Dias, Dar… Kerrisita." Maria gave her vermilion headscarf a tug, and handed Kerry a small box. "I know you are telling me not to get any gifts, but you take this anyhow."

'Thanks, Maria." Kerry took the box, then gave the secretary a hug. "Thanks for coming… we really appreciate it."

"Thank you for asking me." Maria smiled. "My family, they think I am having a how you say.. an affair, to be sneaking away so early."

Kerry walked with her to the bow, to join Duks and Mari, who were seated on the cushion, whispering to each other. "They don't really, do they?" The blond woman asked, a little embarrassed. "I mean.. we didn't think about how annoying it would be for everyone else to drag their butts out here before dawn…it's about the time we usually get up."

"Oh… it figures… " Mari laughed. "You know, I should have realized if my overachieving, typical type a friend Dar there found a match, it'd have to be someone who was as much in to self torture as she was."

"What do you do so early in the morning?" Maria asked, curiously, as she seated herself on a cushion.

"Well.. " Kerry glanced over as Duks and Mari started sniggering. "Actually, we go out running." She stuck her tongue out a little at them.

They both groaned. Maria hid a laugh behind a small hand.

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

Dar watched the island staff stow the food, and waited for the two Hispanic waiters to leave before she investigated the contents, snagging a corn muffin and some butter, gaining an instantly attentive Labrador puppy glued to her foot. She split the muffin, then cracked open the hot, insulated dish, and scooped out a bit of the scrambled eggs it contained, and put some on each half. Then she settled down for a moment's peace, glad to let Kerry do the social honors for the time being.

The rocking of the boat soothed her as she chewed, allowing her nerves to settle. It wasn't the ceremony that was bothering her, she realized, it was that she was about to expose a very personal side of herself to someone other than Kerry.

Ugh. Dar sighed. Well, get a grip, rugrat, after this whole thing, they suspected you had a marshmallow center anyway. She shared her muffin with Chino, then took a breath and went back up on deck, carrying a thermal carafe of coffee and a stack of purple styrofoam cups. Purple Styrofoam. Where in the hell did these people get stuff like that? She'd asked for plain foam, and gotten a face from Clermente as though she'd asked for paper frigging plates…he'd wanted to provide a china service for the coffee. So this was his compromise, she supposed, shaking her head.

"Hey, Dar."

A voice called from the docks. She turned to see Colleen, dressed in neatly pressed tan walking shorts and a crsip white polo with a tall, heavyset man in a sweatshirt and cutoffs who she guessed was the pastor. "Morning." She waited for them to cross the gangplank, and gave them a reserved smile. "If you want to bring this up front, Colleen.. I'll get the engines started." She glanced at the pastor. "Welcome aboard."

The man stuck a hand out, which Dar was now free to grasp since Colleen had helpfully snatched the coffee and cups from her. "Hello..you must be Dar."

Dar inclined her head, favorably impressed with his friendly face and firm handshake. "That's right… is it Pastor Robert?"

He laughed. "Sure… it's better than Pappy Bob, which is what my nephews call me." He cleared his throat a little. "It's a pleasure to meet you…from the way Kerry talks about you, I had a feeling she'd found someone special." He smiled a little at Dar's discomfited look. I've known Kerry since she was a little girl."

A hint of warmth crept into Dar's eyes. "I bet you know some stories, then." She eased the subject away from herself. "Was she a scamp?"

"Ooohhh.. yes… a boat…er..load." He started laughing. "And yes, she certainly was…especially when she was in my Sunday school classes."

"Mm… we should talk." Dar bestowed a grin on him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "G'wan up front… I'm going to take us out." She paused. "Thanks for making it out here… I can't tell you how much this means to Kerry… " She hesitated. "And me."

He beamed. "It's my pleasure… and I'm an early riser anyway. The thought of doing this as the sun came up.. out on the beautiful Atlantic under God's own canopy… it's perfect."

Oh. Dar decided instantly. I like him. "Great." She walked over and untied the lines, setting the ship free of the dock. Then she walked to the bridge, and started the two diesel engines, trimming them expertly and backing the vessel out of it's pilon lined slip. She heard a laugh from the bow, and glanced over to see Kerry hugging her former pastor, a look of thinly veiled delight on her face.

Dar smiled to herself as she guided the boat slowly out of the marina, and headed it towards the Cut. The freshening breeze blew her hair back, and she took a breath of the salty air, remembering all the times she'd faced the dawn just like this.

Except, of course, the boat had been a whole lot smaller.

And she'd been the only one on it.

A solid warmth settled onto her foot, and she glanced down to see Chino curled up there.

Definitely different

Duks wound his way over to her and leaned against the railing. "So, my friend…how are things?"

Dar glanced at him, then looked back at her gauges. "Weather's great, water's calm…couldn't ask for better. Why?"

Duks scratched his jaw, and regarded the faintly gray horizon. "Is it hard for you, Dar?" He asked, regarding her. "Letting all of us into private part of your life like this?"

Dar adjusted the throttles, using that as an excuse to delay her answer. Finally she sighed. "Does it matter?"

The accountant snorted softly. "That's answer enough." He advised her. "If it's any consolation, I think it's been good for you."

Pale blue eyes flicked to his face, then went to the water, scanning it. "It's taken some getting used to." She admitted quietly. "I've had to change the way I think about a lot of things."

He nodded. "I gathered." A gentle peal of laughter rose from the bow, and he looked over to see Kerry hopping up and down a little, shaking a finger at Mariana. He looked back and caught Dar watching the blond woman, an unconscious smile tugging at her lips. He chuckled softly and shook his head.

"All right, so where are we going?" Colleen asked, spreading her arms out against the railing and regarding Kerry. "The Bahamas?"

"No… at least, I hope not." Kerry smiled, as she regarded the horizon. "Dar wouldn't say.. or, to be more specific, she gave me a GPS coordinate, which meant to me somewhere in the Florida Straits." She leaned on the railing. "She did say it wasn't that far out… just far enough to lose the city."

They were out of the cut now, and heading across the water, the powerful roar of the boat's engines at full throttle as Dar pushed them through the soft graying light. The ocean was calm, just a faint ruffle moving the dark surface, and the occasional splash as a fish poked their nose up into the dawn, as the horizon went from black to .lavender, spreading out a band of faint color across the rim of the world.

After about twenty minutes, the roar lessened, and Kerry moved to the railing, leaning over and spotting a small bit of land in the growing light. "I guess we're here." She announced with a grin. "It's an island."

They all clustered around her and peered out, gazing at the cluster of trees outlined in the dusky light. A tiny ridge of coral, it seemed, with just enough dirt to allow a cluster of sea grapes and mangroves, with a sand edge which sloped up out of the water.

Dar moved the boat in close, and got a rope around an overhanging branch, securing them, then cut the engines, the sudden silence almost startling as the lap of the waves and the soft hiss as the water brushed the shore became very evident.

Everyone peered at the grayish, licking waters between the boat and the island, then at Dar. Kerry walked over and put an arm on her shoulder. "Um.. Dar?"

"Yes?" Innocent, innocent blue eyes.

Kerry chewed her lip. "Did you..um… think this all out?"

"Yes." Dark lashes batted at her. "Why?"

Kerry leaned close to her. "I don't know if everyone here can swim, sweetheart." She whispered. "Unless you wanted to have the ceremony on the boat."

"Nah." Dar patted her on the shoulder. "Be right back. " Putting her hands on the railing, she vaulted over, landing in the water with a clean splash. The waves came up to her mid thighs, and she waded towards the island with a purposeful stride.

"What is she doing?" Colleen came up next to Kerry at the railing, and peered over. The rest of the group joined her, even Chino poked her head through and sniffed.

"I have no earthly idea." Kerry murmured. "It must be a sand bar.. look how shallow it is here."

Eyes turned to her. "Hope we don't get stuck" Mari remarked with a grin. "Can you imagine the story that would make?"

Kerry peered out into the slowly growing light, chuckling. "No.. she anchored us in a deep enough draft…it slopes up there.. I can see the water getting lighter." She leaned over. "Hey Dar… what are you doing?" They could hear splashing noises coming towards them.

The water parted, and then Dar reappeared from around a bend,, her overalls damp almost to her groin and a rope over one shoulder. She moved steadily towards the boat and as she came closer, they saw something trailing behind her. The wind tugged at her knotted hair, sending tendrils of it whisking around her face, and a flash of white appeared as she smiled up at them. "Here you go." She handed up the rope. "Pull."

Duks took hold, and tugged, and they watched as a barnacle bedecked wooden platform came towards them. It was old, but seemed to be in one piece, consisting of sun bleached wood on rubber pontoons.

"Dios Mio.. it's a sidewalk." Maria said, surprised. "How clever you are, jefe."

Dar leaned against the boat and pulled the wooden bridge into place, tying it securely to the railing. "Well, actually I made this in my much less clever days." She gave them all a wryly frank look. "High school, to be exact." She used the railing to pull herself up, standing on the bridge and removing a piece of impudent seaweed that had attached itself to her thigh. "Water's nice."

Kerry had retrieved the diving ladder from it's hooks, and she set it into place, then climbed down onto the bridge. It bobbed under her weight, but held firm, and she bounced up and down on it a few times. "Well, for a high school shop project, it sure feels sturdy." She gave her lover a warm smile. "Okay… let's go, folks."

With some hesitation and muted screams, they did, and landed safely onto the bridge with little incident, moving along it towards the small beach they could see ahead. Dar waited to bring up the rear, and collect Chino, then she followed along, not surprised to find Kerry waiting for her. "Hey."

"Hey…" Kerry looked around. "So this is an old haunt of yours, huh?" She smiled. "It's nice out here."

Dar took a deep breath of the familiar air. "You could say that… most kids have treehouses.. this was mine." She stepped off the pontoon bridge onto the soft, sandy beach. "It's too small for anyone to bother with it, and it's about the best place I've ever known to just sit and watch the sun rise." She paused, as they walked towards the small group standing on the beach in the growing light. "Or just to daydream."

Kerry looked up at her. "Bet you had some great parties out here." She nudged her lover in the ribs gently.

Dar regarded the intertwined mangroves reflectively. "You're the first people I've ever brought out with me." She remarked quietly.

Kerry sucked in a surprised breath. "Oh." Then she put an arm around Dar and leaned against her as they walked along in silence.

They joined the small group on the beach, where the waves were rolling gently up and hissing back with almost hypnotic regularity. Seagulls coasted over head, circling lazily, waiting for the sunrise which was now painting the eastern horizon in bands of coral and a deep russet. Only a thin tracing of clouds obscured the view, and the breeze grew stronger as if in anticipation.

Dar put Chino down, and watched her dash excitedly over the water, almost immediately encountering a startled crab.

"Yawp!" Chino barked, watching the crab skitter backwards. '"Yawp!"

The group laughed. "Chino. Don't got there." Colleen warned, shooing the crab down it's hole. "You're gonna get your little nose bitten."

Dar cleared her throat. "Thanks for coming out here, folks."

"Thanks for inviting us." Mari answered promptly. "I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning."

The taller woman stuck her hands in her pockets and regarded the horizon. "I know sunrise isn't everyone's favorite time of day… but it seemed appropriate to me because I always regarding dawn as being a time of… " She paused. "A time to start things."

Duks chuckled softly. "I always suspected the reason you were constantly one step ahead of us was because you just woke up earlier, my friend." He stated, with a wry grin. "It is nice to have that confirmed."

Even Dar laughed. "Thanks." She drawled in response, then fell awkwardly silent.

"Well, you can't take the blame for this." Kerry spoke up, as she moved to Dar's side, and they faced the oncoming dawn. "Pastor Robert here was visiting in Miami.. he's been my pastor since I was …well, let's say a long time." She paused, sucking in a slightly nervous breath.

Another round of gentle laughter.

"And he offered to preside at a commitment ceremony.. and I kinda talked Dar into so.. it's my fault we're all out here." She continued bravely. "So I guess it's time to get started." She actually heard Dar swallow audibly at this, and gave her lover a mildly concerned look.

Pastor Robert stepped in front of them, his plain, black sweatshirt highlighting the polished silver cross on his chest. He drew out a small bible and held it, regarding them with kindly eyes.

Kerry smiled back at him, her hand instinctively finding Dar's, and feeling the faint tremor run through it. She glanced at the taller woman, and saw the brief tightening of her lips, and the sudden movement as her jaw muscles clenched under the skin. A gentle squeeze of her hand brought a smile to the tense lips, however.

The pastor folded his hands. "My children." He stated, softly, then glanced at Dar. "It's okay to call you that, isn't it?"

Dar nodded. "Sure." She let out a breath, unsure of what to expect from him. Kerry had merely said he had words prepared, but…

"Good." He exhaled, then started speaking, his voice taking on a rounder, more mellow tone. . "My children.. we stand here in the eyes of God, beneath his sky, and amongst the waters of life he put upon the earth." He paused. "And as those things are by his mercy, and out of our control, so too is the coming together in love of the two people who stand before me, so this ceremony is not a thing of permission, or of sanction, or of regulation, but rather a simple affirmation of a truth that is one of the greatest gifts our Lord has bestowed on us."

The sky brightened, and the sea eased from gray to a thousand shades of green.

Dar drew in a breath, and released it. Waiting.

"So I will state here, in the name of God, whose servant I am, that no person shall sunder what the Lord has chosen to join together, and may his gentle hand guide you, and watch over you for all the days of your lives. " The pastor turned to Kerry, his eyes twinkling a little. "Kerrison, I have known you since you were a small child running rampant in my classrooms."

Kerry bit back a nervous chuckle, but nodded. "Yes, you have."

"I have never known you to give your word and not mean it, or enter into a thing if you didn't intend to carry it through, so if you say to me you wish to spend your life with this person, she'd better watch out." Pastor Robert intoned. "Because for you, I know in my heart, that forever means just that."

Kerry felt tears sting her eyes, but she just nodded in affirmation.

Now the pastor's eyes shifted to Dar. "I have just met you." His voice was quiet, and thoughtful. "But the person I see before me is someone I believe would be steadfast, and loyal, and a friend you could depend on above all others."

Startled, the pale blue eyes flicked to his face.

"And I feel that your word, once given, is never taken back." The pastor went on.

Dar hesitated, then nodded quietly.

Robert nodded as well. "Then sit at the side of the Lord, for his hands cup your souls gently together. " He held out the book, and took their joined hands, resting them under his own on top of it. "Go with God, and know that where love exists, he is present, now, and forever." A pristine rose light spread over them, as the sun hit the horizon, sending a palette of reds, and golds, and tropical tints across the sky.

The pastor squeezed their hands, then let his drop, watching as they turned towards each other, the sound of the surf suddenly loud as he stopped speaking.

Kerry felt very nervous, conscious of the people watching, and the expectant air. Then she lifted her eyes to meet Dar's, and found herself swallowed into them, sparkling there in the rose light, warm and familiar, and her nerves settled. "Me first, I guess. " Screwing up her courage, she took a breath, hoping she'd remember all the words, in all the right places. "I'm not really sure where this came from… I was sitting outside looking out over the water, and thinking of you, and when I looked down, there it was… in my handwriting." She paused, reflectively. "It was like my heart wrote it for me…but anyway.." Kerry cleared her throat. "When I look at you." She stated softly.

I see sunlight and shadows

Deep, still waters, and wild rapids

A fiery heart and a cool, clear mind.

When I look at you,

I see all that I am, and all that I could hope to be.

My past, and my future,

My one safe harbor in a terrible world.

When I look at you,

I see my best friend and playmate,

My protector and defender,

The love of my life and the holder of my soul

Losing you, I would also lose myself

And be left in a darkness so deep,

No light could ever find me.

"So.. where you go…. " She finished in an almost whisper. "I go."

The sun's rays now poured over them, throwing part of Dar's face into shadow, and her chest moved suddenly, as she resumed breathing. "That was beautiful." She whispered, unnerved at the familiarity of the words, and the deep, resonant chime they made inside her.

Kerry dropped her eyes, then lifted them again. "Thanks."

A tiny, awkward silence fell. Then Dar closed her eyes, and sucked in a deep breath, visibly straightening. "Well, I'm really not one for speeches."

A soft chuckle rose.

"And I've never really known how to use words to express what I was feeling… so I guess I'll just have to improvise." Her shoulders dropped a tiny bit, then she opened her mouth and started singing.

Kerry stared at her, completely mesmerized, to the point where she almost missed the words.

But not quite.

I feel like I was born today

Like all my life before's only been a dream,

Only touching the surface, never going further

Never being a part of the world.

I feel like I was born today

Knowing I have to walk a wider path from now on.

Wide enough for two of us, walking side by side

Facing the future together.

The sea is wide,

Our love is wider,

Covering the earth from end to end.

Walk beside me,

Through wind and weather,

For all the years on earth we'll spend.

I feel like I was born today

We leave behind a past of sorrow.

Going forward through the sunlight,

Hand in hand, and soul's united.

Dar let her voice trail off, and she fell silent, uncomfortably aware of the stares focused on her. What had she been thinking of? She sighed. At least it was over. She lifted her eyes to Kerry's face almost furtively, then stilled, seeing the tears running down her lover's cheeks.

In pure reflex, she lifted a hand and brushed them away. "Wasn't that bad, was it?" She joked faintly. "I didn't get a chance to practice it." She paused. "Much."

"Wh.. " Kerry's voice broke, and she cleared her throat, then tried again. "It was gorgeous… awesome… where did you find it?" She asked. "The song? And my god, Dar… you should sing more often.. you have a beautiful voice."

A murmur agreed with her, causing Dar to glance around self consciously. "Thanks." She was painfully aware of the deep blush coloring her skin, and was glad of her base tan to cover most of it.

Kerry moved closer and enfolded her in a hug, burying her face into Dar's chest and squeezing her tightly. She returned the hug, looking over Kerry's shoulder to see quietly respectful glances back at her. Well. That went better than expected. "So… I um… " Dar realized she was rooted in place by her blond lover. "Hope everyone's hungry… they packed enough food to feed half the office."

That broke the reverent tension, and everyone relaxed. Dar smiled as she felt Kerry's hands clench in her shirt.

Yeah. Definitely different.

Kerry sniffed, and backed off a little, lifting her head to peer up at Dar. "Hang on.. I've got one more thing."

Everyone turned to watch her, as she pulled the wooden box from her bag, then handed the bag back to Colleen. She opened the case and the sun poured in, sparking brilliance from the crystals.

Dar blinked. "Wow…. "

Kerry held her hands out. "Hold the box for me?"

Dar did, cradling it in her palms as Kerry pulled the joined crystals out.

"I'm.. um.. I'm not sure where these came from, originally." The blond woman stated softly. "They probably have a history we'll never know…but I really liked the way they're both very unique.. " She parted the two pieces, holding them up to the light. "But they fit together so perfectly." She mated them with a tiny, satisfying click. "I hope we can do the same."

Dar smiled at her. "I love it… they're beautiful.. I can't believe they turned out so nice."

Kerry beamed, then looped one chain over her hand and opened the other, leaning forward, and lifting her arms up.

"Wrong one." Dar stated softly, then she blinked, a little startled.

Kerry looked at her for a long moment, then she nodded, and changed hands, fastening the other necklace around Dar's smoothly tanned neck. She kissed her gently, then stood back, as Dar took the other chain, and fastened it around her, and the crystal nestled itself into the hollow of her throat with a sense of quiet belonging.

Blue eyes met green, in a glance as old as time.

They kissed again, as the sun bathed them, sparkling the waters that surrounded the island as though dancing off crystal walls.

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

"Oh no." Colleen lifted a cup and sucked down a mouthful of the fragrant peach ice tea. "They say going downtown at night 's dangerous.. let me tell you, it's got nothing on a drop in at the local library."

They were seated in the shade, sprawled in the soft sand as they lingered over breakfast, the warm sun and the steady breeze making it too comfortable to want to move. Dar was stretched out, her feet half buried in the sand, leaning on a piece of driftwood with Kerry curled up on her side pressed against her.

"C'mon, Colleen.. how dangerous can a library be.. what did you do, go there at midnight?" Kerry objected, with a grin. "I've been the beach branch..it's safe enough." She paused. "Well, except for the creepy guys sequestered back by the periodicals, that is."

Colleen held up a hand. "Oh no.. no… it was in barroooaaaadd daylight… I just went into the main branch, to look up some material for that anthropology class I'm taking…"

"What made you pick that?" Mari asked, curiously.

"That Circle stuff." Colleen responded succinctly. "Anyway… so I go in and ask for these reference books… and the desk people look at me like I'm speaking one of the three languages that aren't spoken in Miami, right?"

"Right." Kerry tangled her fingers with Dar's and smiled.

"So they tell me.. that's kept in the special research section, and I've got to go back and see the oracle." The redhead stated.

"Oracle?" Duks leaned forward. "M'dear, that's ancient history."

"No joke." Colleen responded. "So I follow this guy back, and he leads me down about twenty minutes full of winding passageways…"

"And you should have exited into the Biscayne Aquifer by then." Dar remarked dryly.

"Shh." Colleen scolded. "It's me story, all right? Anyway…so we finally get there, and it's the weirdest thing. .I thought I was trapped in a Santeria rite. There was this desk, right? And around it was stacks and stacks of these rough loose-leaf notebooks, and shelves, with the weirdest things on them."

Now they were all watching her.

"Candles, lit, mind you, and skulls! Skulls! Heads everywhere…and little bits of armor and leather things I'd rather not think about, and a couple of riding crops that I swear had feather dusters tied to them."

"You're making this up." Kerry stated flatly.

"I am not…and behind the desk, there was this woman wearing this weird mask covered in feathers, typing away at a computer."

"Sounds like a lunatic." Dar offered. "Did you get your research material?"

"What?" Colleen laughed. "Are you kidding? I took one look at the pair of fur lined cuffs on the desk and got my lily white Irish butt right on out of there.. must have set the world land speed record on the way out." She shook her head. "I know some people really get into their job, but.. Sweet Mary!"

They all laughed. "Well, I suppose it's like us nerds having little stuffed Dogbert dolls on our monitors." Kerry grinned. "Dar has Catbert, though."

They looked at the dark haired woman, who shrugged. "Gift from console operations." She glanced up as Chino started barking, somewhere of in the brush to their left. "Chino!"

The puppy just barked harder, then the brush rustled sharply.

"I'll get her." Dar sighed, then hoisted herself to her feet and brushed a layer of sand off her legs. She plowed off through the soft surface, heading towards the sound of the excited puppy. "Chino!"

She pushed through some brush, the froze, as she heard a low voice. A moment later, a grin spread over her face and she hurried forward.

"Would you shut up ya little bag of mouse squeaks?" The voice was saying, in a loud whisper.

Dar parted the last bushes and peered through. "Hey."

Cantankerous blue eyes glared back at her. "Damn dog."

Andrew Roberts was hunkered down, a light three quarter wetsuit covering part of his body, and a neatly stacked pile of diving equipment just off to one side. In the sharply patterned sunlight, the horrible scars o his face were very evident, but even that couldn’t hide the smile as he gazed up at his daughter. "Hey there, rugrat."

Dar ambled over and dropped to her knees next to him. "Thanks for the treats… I'm glad you could make it out here.. but how..?"

"Ah could just go all military on you and say them is classified infomations." The older man rasped. "But the truth is your little kumquat got hold of me and batted those pretty green eyes."

Dar smiled, and glanced down. "She's really something else, huh?"

"Ya got that right." Andrew studied his hands, which were petting a contented Chino. "That was a real nice ceremony." He told her. "Who's Grizzly Adams?"

A soft chuckle. "Kerry's pastor from Michigan.. he's on vacation."

A little silence fell. "Ya know… I always wondered what I'd do if I had to walk you down some long damn aisle." Andrew mused. "I didn't think anyone living could convince me whoever was standing up on the other end was good enough for my kid."

Dar sat down in the sand next to him, and circled her knees with both arms. "I can remember thinking.. that I wouldn't marry anyone unless I could find someone just like you." She told him quietly, feeling a hand settle on to her shoulder. "Then I realized you're one of kind."

"Paladar, if you make me start crying, I'm gonna whup you." Her father growled. "Bad enough I had to listen to all that pretty poetry and you singing and all that.. like to have drowned back here. I almost had to get my damn desal kit out."

Dar had to let out a soft laugh. "Sorry." She studied the ground, a soft gray sand mixed with broken seashells. "Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me."

Andrew reached over and awkwardly stroked her hair. "Makes me feel good to see you feel good, rugrat." He murmured. "I think you found a real good one there."

Dar turned her head and gazed up at him. "Thanks… I do too." She paused. "You want some breakfast?"

"You telling me you had that yacht catered?" He laughed.

A sheepish chuckle. "Something like that….c'mon… come sit by us, and join the party."

A quietly sad look colored his eyes. "Naw… you know I'm not one for company, rugrat."

Dar nodded. "Me either… but I found out that sometimes what matters is what's important to other people… and I'd really love to introduce my friends to my father." She kept her gaze even. "Please, daddy?"

Andrew looked at her for a long, tense moment. A terrible, aching fear was the chief emotion Dar could see in his eyes, which fluttered closed, then opened again as he let out a breath. "You don't know what you're asking me, Paladar."

Dar smiled wistfully. "Yes I do."

Then she waited, listening to the soft sound of the waves rustling all around them, and the contented breathing of the puppy curled at their feet.

"All right." Her father finally said. "If you could get up and sing in front of all them people, I guess I kin do this." He grumbled. "C'mon already… I'm hungry."

Dar pushed herself to her feet and took his hand, ignoring the glare as she lead the way back towards the beach, Chino tucked under one arm.

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

"Where did she go off to?" Kerry worried, getting to her knees. "This is a really small island.. and that's a really big puppy.. she can't have gotten that lost that fast." She peered into the brush, shading her hands, then stopped, as her breath caught. "Oh."

"She got someone with her?" Duks lifted himself up on one elbow. "Where did they come from?"

Kerry watched the approaching duo with a sense of wonder. "No…I can't believe it." She got up and trotted over, giving Andrew a big smile and throwing her arms around him. "Dad…this is great."

Dar's father stopped dead, and managed to give the impression he'd been attacked by a large, friendly, talking alligator. "She do that to everyone?" He asked Dar, who was biting her lip to keep from laughing.

"No." Dar told him. "Only people she likes."

Andrew sighed, then hugged the blond woman back. "Hi there, kumquat…" He joined them as they walked back to the rest of the group, facing curious eyes which glanced at the tall man, then flicked to Dar in question.

"Folks, say hi to my father." Dar announced quietly. "His name's Andrew… dad, this is Duks and Mariana, and Maria, who work with us, and Pastor Robert, from Michigan."

Everyone was a touch awkward, but Andrew rose to the occasion and settled down, his wetsuit creaking slightly. "Nice ta meet you." He stated bluntly, then glanced at his daughter. "Were you saying something about eggs?"

"Dios Mio… " Maria said suddenly. "You are the one who is sending those beautiful flowers! I am recognizing your voice."

"Oh.. the peach colored roses?" Mariana smiled. "I was wondering…"

Andrew glared at them. "Well. ya plastered her picture all over the city, I had to do somethin."

Dar nodded a little, then went to grab her father a plate. She felt a hand touch her shoulder, and turned, to see gentle sea green eyes looking warmly back at her. "He came."

"Mmhmm." Kerry agreed. "You got him to come out with us… Dar, that's amazing."

Dar added grits to the plate, and drizzled gravy over them. "It's a day of new beginnings." She looked out over the water, then back at the blond woman. "Wonder what'll happen next?"

Kerry took the plate from her, and slid an arm around her waist as they walked back over. "I can't wait to find out."

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