Title: Comfort, Pure and Simple
Author: Libmix
Rating: PG
Pairing: Claire/Jill
Words: 438
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just borrowing them.
Summary: Takes place after Episode 1x09 To Drag and to Hold. A possible scenario to what happened when Claire and Jill arrive back at the Washburn residence.
A/N: Humungous thanks and hugs go to Angelfire08 for the beta and general support for this idea.

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It had been one hell of a day and unfortunately, one hell of a night. By the time Jill and I made it back to the house, Ed and the boys were asleep. We girls however were less than tired. Jill made her way to the lounge, kicking off her shoes before curling up on the sofa. I made a detour via the kitchen where I could hear a bottle of white wine calling our names.

We sat and talked about everything and nothing until the bottle ran dry. I don't know how she held it together, having her extremely drunk boss publicise her affair to the entire wedding party. My girl's a fighter though, I know she'll get through this.

We sat in silence for a while, mentally absorbing the day's events. I could see Jill wanted to say something so I simply held her hand and waited. I was expecting her to start crying or to… tell me she'd be fine (which of course I wouldn't believe). What I was not prepared for, was what happened next.

Okay I'll admit I was initially shocked. Frozen even. I mean, I'm Claire, the sensible married one. The closest I've come to this kind of situation is... Actually I don't ever remember being in this kind of situation. On the plus side, I now know something I've often wondered about. Jill's lips really are as amazingly soft as they look. Even if I'd have wanted to I couldn't resist and I felt myself relaxing into the kiss. The fact that she's kinda cute and doesn't have stubble made it all the easier. In the end it was comfort, pure and simple. Just two friends secure enough in their relationship to share this soothing gesture.

Pulling back Jill laid her head on my shoulder and I held her; close and protected. I heard a whispered "Thank you." And before I could check myself I replied.

"Well I hope you don't thank all your friends like that... because then I won't feel special any more."

I heard a small laugh before her grip tightened and the tears began to flow. Sobs racked her small frame and all I could do was hold on tight and whisper assurances that everything would be ok.

I stayed with her that night, curled up in the guest bed. Jill made me promise not to tell the others just yet. She hates appearing weak in front of anyone, including her friends.

I told her that, whilst I couldn't promise what tomorrow would bring, I knew that together, with Lindsay & Cindy, we'd get her through it.