A|N: So this is my first attempt at fanfic, please be nice. I decided to write this story after rewatching some MINX vids on YouTube. It starts after the musicbox gift but takes a quick turn out of canon. So yeah, it's basically A|U and our girls might be slightly out of character but hopefully not too much. You be the judge and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to AMC, except for a few that will be introduced later. So, um yeah, don't sue. I'm purely using them for my own amusement.

Marissa Tasker had sent too many texts and left too many voicemails to sit around at the Chandler mansion and wait for her best friend to get back to her. There was something clearly wrong. She had an idea of what that something was, but it still needed to be addressed. Their friendship was becoming strained, and Marissa didn't want that. She couldn't fathom losing such an amazing person in her life. So that's why she set out to find the recently distant brunette and confront her about the way she had changed.

After stopping by Wildwind, Krystal's restaurant, checking the park, going to Fusion and ConFusion, Marissa finally ended her search at the Miranda Center. I probably should have come here first. It's obvious things haven't gotten any better since we last spoke. She's still being shifty, even when she's by herself. Marissa shook her head as she stood in the doorway to her best friend's office and watched her pace the floor. After a few more moments, she cleared her throat to make her presence known then spoke when her friend stopped in her tracks to face her.

"We need to talk."

Bianca Montgomery visibly tensed after hearing those words come from the redhead. The last thing she wanted to do was talk. Not right now. Not while feeling like her emotions were completely out of her control. This was not the right time or place to have any type of conversation with her best friend that she was actively trying to avoid. God that sounds so wrong. Who avoids their own best friend? Me, that's who. Stupid me because I'm scared. Bianca walked over to her desk and took a seat as she tried to quickly think of a way to get rid of the woman she felt she couldn't afford to spend time with right now.

Unfortunately for her, Bianca couldn't think fast enough because, as soon as she sat down, Marissa had closed the door and took a seat on the other side of the desk. She was poised to begin this conversation and seemed to not be interested in any excuse the younger woman would try to provide to make her leave.

Seeing the determined look in those hazel eyes, Bianca sighed, "What is it that you would like to discuss?"

"A lot of things actually."

"Such as?"

"For starters, why my best friend is purposefully ignoring my calls and texts? Then we can move on to why she has avoided me whenever we happen to be in the same room? And after that we can talk about this ...", Marissa paused to retrieve a white box from her purse and sit it on the desk. "Actually, we can skip the first two things because I know I will find the answers to those while you explain what's in that box."

Bianca swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. "I uh ... I'm not exactly sure what is in that box but ..."

"So you're seriously going to lie to me", Marissa interrupted, "Oh come on Bianca, even if I wasn't your best friend, I know when you're lying. You absolutely suck at it. So please, just do what you do best and be honest. Do not insult me."

"I'm not trying to insult you", she responded defensively. When Marissa's eyebrow raised in question, the brunette sighed again, "Fine, I know what's in the box."

"Why did you give it to JR to give to me?"

"How do you know I ...", Bianca stopped when she saw the redhead roll her eyes.

"There are three reasons as to how I know this came from you and not JR Chandler. First of all, only you and AJ know that song. I highly doubt my son told his father about it and, even if he did, JR wouldn't find it of interest. Which brings me to my second reason: JR is not thoughtful enough to track down a music box with my father's song in it or, in this case, have one custom made. And third, a gift so beautiful and so meaningful could only come from someone who is selfless and cares about me a great deal. Someone who truly loves me and doesn't have their own agenda to get me to be with them just so they look good. This is from a person who shares their heart and sees me for who I am, not someone who wants to make me their trophy. I know you would never do that. And I know that this gift means so much to you for you to go through the trouble of having it made, so why go through all of that only to turn around and be scared to give it to me yourself? Why 'help' JR try to win me back with a gift that came from your heart and not his?"

"You kind of already answered your own questions."

"I know I did, but I want to hear it from you."

Bianca lowered her head and started fidgeting with a paper on her desk as she whispered, "I can't ... I can't do this ... Please ..."

"I need you to do this. I deserve to hear from my best friend why she is trying everything in her power to run away from me and her feelings for me."

The mention of her feelings quickly got Bianca's full attention back. Her head snapped up and she sat up a little straighter. How does she know I have feelings for her? The younger woman didn't know exactly what to do or say in that moment. Her eyes locked onto the redhead's and soon she was lost in them. She knew the silent question that was being asked, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Bianca couldn't find the courage she needed to verbalize exactly what she felt.

After a few minutes of silence, Marissa decided on a new tactic to get the truth. She spoke as she stood up slowly, "Close your eyes." At first she could tell the brunette wanted to protest but, after saying 'please' in a hushed tone, her request was granted. Marissa quietly made her way to the other side of the desk and gently turned Bianca's chair so that she was facing her. She lightly kissed each of Bianca's cheeks then pressed a kiss to her forehead. After she felt her friend move in a little more, Marissa pulled back slightly then lowered her head further.

She didn't know why she was going to such great lengths to prove a point but she felt she had to. So she placed a tentative kiss on Bianca's lips and waited for another response— it didn't take long. Within seconds the beautiful brunette was kissing her back. It was slow and soft, but quickly growing in passion. It spoke the words neither knew how to say. It was a conversation of comfort wrapped in a delicate desire. And while this was supposed to reveal what Bianca felt for her, Marissa found herself receiving a revelation within her own self.

So she moaned as she parted her lips to allow Bianca's tongue access and deepen the kiss. Then she moaned again when she felt Bianca's arms wrap around her waist and pull her closer. And she moaned again as she found herself straddling Bianca's lap and tangling her hands in luscious brown locks. Far too soon, she couldn't help but hear herself moan again as Bianca began to pull away for air. It was then that she saw those chocolate brown eyes darken in a distinctly primal way and she bit her lip to keep herself from moaning again.

They both breathed heavily as their foreheads connected and Bianca couldn't help but smirk as she saw the wonder and lust expressed on the redhead's face. She lifted one hand to cup Marissa cheek while the other stayed on her lower back to keep her secure in her lap. Her thumb traced across Marissa's lips before she broke the silence, "What was that for?"

The huskiness of the younger woman's voice sent a shiver down Marissa's spine. She let out a soft chuckle as she answered, "To let you know ... that I know ... exactly how feel about me ... and to thank you ... for loving me."

"Is it safe to assume that you're falling for me too?"

"Yes."

It was barely a whisper, but Bianca heard it loud and clear. She smiled brightly before capturing those lips that she had instantly become addicted to. Every fear and doubt melted away. Every past hurt erased from memory. This moment was theirs for the taking. Nothing else mattered, except for what was being freely shared in this space and time. And what was being shared was something beautiful. It was something so pure. It was something that neither expected. Yet, it was everything they ever wanted. Both sighed in bliss as the slowly pulled away again. This time they spoke the words left unsaid in full truth.

"Marissa, I'm in love with you. And I ... I was scared that you wouldn't feel the same way before. That's why I decided to pass the gift on to JR. It wasn't that I wanted the two of you to get back together. I just wanted you to have it and I knew you would see it as something romantic. My fear of losing you as my bestfriend after you realized my feelings for you ran deeper got the best of me. I've been down that road before. Of falling for my 'straight' bestfriend and then having my heartbroken by losing her completely. Your friendship means so much to me and I didn't want to lose it. Even if it meant sacrificing my true feelings. I let my past relationship failures dictate my future. But, I promise, I won't do that anymore. If you let me, I want to give you the love you deserve. The partner you deserve. I know this is new territory for you, but I will walk this journey with you and go as slow as you want me to. All I'm asking for is a chance to be with you. I want us to be together. I love you and I want you to be mine. Not in that way that says your my property. But in a way of mutual understanding that my heart is yours if you want it and I would be honored to have your heart if you find me worthy."

"I find you more than worthy, Bianca. And you're right, this is new territory for me, but I trust you with my life. Before a few minutes ago, I didn't know that this is what I wanted. Honestly, I thought kissing you would get you to relax and open up to me. It did that, but it also did so much more. In a matter of moments, I finally got the answers to questions I have been asking myself for days since I figured out that that music box actually came from you. I kept asking myself, why was I so hurt by the fact that you felt you couldn't give it to me and why was I so scared myself about what it could actually mean? The truth is, I was hurt because I felt like you had probably changed your mind about how you felt about me. And I was scared because it actually meant facing something new for me. I have never found myself attracted to woman before, let alone found myself falling in love with one. But that's exactly what happened and I am completely okay with traveling down this road if I know you will be by my side to guide me. I love you too. More than I could have ever possibly imagined. And I want us to be together too."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. As long as your heart belongs to me, then my heart is completely yours to keep. I'm all yours, Bianca."

"I guess if your eloquent words weren't enough, I should have taken your very sexy moans and you being in my lap as a hint", the brunette joked and they both burst into laughter.

Marissa playfully smacked her arm as she gave her quick peck on the lips then finally stood back up. "Ms. Montgomery, who knew you had that kind of power. I swear, that is not something I normally do— especially in someone's office."

"Oh, I'm definitely not complaining ...", Bianca paused as she stood for another quick kiss that elicited the desired response from the redhead. "You keep that up, Counselor, and I may not be responsible for the other powers I unleash next."

"Mmmm, I so want to witness these other powers of yours and I love the way you call me 'Counselor'. It does something to me."

"Is that so?"

"Definitely."

Bianca glanced at the clock and let out an exasperated sigh, "As much as I want to explore the topic on what it does to you, I have a meeting with a very important donor at the Yacht Club in 30 minutes. How about you and I pick this conversation back up at dinner tonight?"

"Are you asking me on a date, Ms. Montgomery?"

"Yes I am. I will handle all of the details, just say you will allow me the honor of picking you up at 7PM and taking you on the best first date of your life!"

"'The best', huh?"

"You deserve nothing less." Bianca took Marissa's hand in her own and kissed it softly before fixing her loving gaze back on those hazel eyes that saw straight into her soul. "So, may I have that honor tonight?"

Marissa couldn't help the blush she felt spread across her cheeks. This was an entirely new side of Bianca that she had never been able to witness before. What made it even more captivating was that the beautiful brunette was showing this side directly to her and she wasn't watching as a friend on the outside. No, she watching as the object of the younger woman's affection on the inside. It stirred more emotions in her that she no longer had to try hard to figure out. Her breath hitched and butterflies fluttered deep within as she saw the true love in those alluring brown eyes. Without a doubt, Marissa knew that Bianca wasn't just dropping lines about what she felt she deserved. On the contrary, she knew Bianca was making a clear and absolutely true statement. Not only was she aware of what Marissa deserved, but she was more than willing to give it to her with no ulterior motives.

Knowing this, Marissa had but only one response, "Yes!"

"Thank you, this is going to be great!"

"I'm already looking forward to it."

After one more lingering kiss, Bianca grabbed her keys and her bag as she walked behind Marissa to the door. "I'm heading over to the Yacht Club now, but first let me walk you to your car."

"You really are a sweetie."

"I try", Bianca chuckled softly before turning serious as they both walked over to her assistant. "Chelsea, I'm leaving now for my meeting with Mr. Jacobs and after that I will be going home. Please clear my schedule for the remainder of this afternoon and this evening. You can move my other meetings for today to Monday and have Chloé Goslin call me directly tomorrow morning, let's say 10AM our time, to give me an update on The Center expansion in Paris. You're free to start your weekend early after you finish that. Oh, and I have some very important plans this evening that I'd rather not be disrupted. That being said, please, absolutely no business calls tonight unless it is an actual emergency. My work cell will be off so, in the event of an emergency, call my personal cell."

The young blonde nodded as she jotted down her last note. "No problem, I'll take care of everything here. Is there anything you need me to do concerning your plans for tonight."

"No, I'll be taking care of all that personally." Bianca glanced at Marissa briefly and smiled as she caught the redhead blush, clearly in her thoughts about what tonight would bring.

The exchange didn't go unnoticed by Chelsea. There was something very different about her boss as compared to how she had been earlier that morning and every day that entire week. It was as if an extreme weight had been lifted and it was clear that her boss's bestfriend was the cause. Or maybe Marissa is more than her bestfriend now. If she is, they definitely make a cute couple. "Well then, I hope you enjoy yourself tonight and have a great weekend!"

"Trust me, I have no doubt that I will."

With that, Bianca gestured for Marissa to lead them the rest of the way out of the building and to her car. As they left down the hall, Chelsea watched with great intrigue as her boss walked with a little more confidence and, dare she think it, more swagger than usual. Marissa seemed to have a little more bounce in her step than what she was used to seeing the lawyer have. There was definitely something going on between them. Oh yeah, most definitely.

"Wow mom you look really pretty!"

Marissa chuckled as she did another spin in her chiffon black flare dress. It was simple yet elegant. Not too much but not too little. I really hope Bianca has the same reaction. She had spent most of her afternoon in and out of boutiques trying to find the perfect dress for this first date with the brunette bombshell and had finally found one she thought would get the Kane stamp of approval. Knowing that Bianca was very much into fashion, hell she was practically raised in the industry, Marissa wanted to look absolutely perfect. She knew Bianca liked her style, but this was different. They weren't two friends just hanging out anymore. They were going on an actual date and first impressions meant everything where the redhead was concerned. That included what reaction she would receive when those alluring brown eyes took in the sight of her.

After giving herself another once over in the full length mirror and fixing her bangs, Marissa finally felt her look was completely on point. She turned with a bright smile to her son to check for his approval again, "Thank you AJ! So, you really think I look pretty?"

The blonde haired boy nodded enthusiastically, "Oh yeah! Super uber pretty! Where are you going on your date?"

"Actually, I'm not really sure. It's supposed to be a surprise. All I know is that I'm being picked up in 15 minutes."

"Your date?" Mother and son turned to see a very visibly pissed off JR standing in the doorway to Marissa's room. His eyes slowly made their way up and down the redhead's body, taking in her look. JR couldn't deny his initial thoughts that she looked completely sexy. It was that thought that made him envious. "So, what, I mess up one little time and you turn around and find some other guy?"

Marissa sighed as she shook her head, "AJ, buddy, why don't you go back to your room and play your video game while your father and I have a little chat."

"Ok mom, I hope you have fun tonight! See you later!"

As soon as she knew her son was out of earshot, Marissa spoke, "Look JR, I was really hoping you wouldn't give me a hard time about this. So unless you have something nice to say, just leave me alone and let me finish getting ready."

"You never answered my question."

"You know damn well that you made more than just one mistake. Stop acting so surprised that I'm going out tonight. We discussed this already, my moving back in here is strictly temporary and is by no means an invitation for you and I to start back up again romantically. I'm moving on in that department and I'm really excited about it. So is AJ for that matter."

JR scoffed, "There's no way he's excited about you 'moving on' when he wants us to be together and be a family."

"Did you not just see him? He's completely excited and I talked to him about my going on a date tonight. All he wants is my happiness. He understands that along with being his mother and being happy with him, I also need to be happy outside of that. And I'm pretty sure that I've found that happiness with the person who is taking me out tonight. This date is really important to me."

"You don't think I can make you happy anymore? Marissa, I told you that I've changed and I can make us work. I don't understand why you won't just trust me and let me show you how perfect I am for you."

"You've given me more than enough reasons to not trust you and shown that you are still only looking out for yourself in everything. You're still using people for your own personal gain and I will not be part of that anymore. It's always the same with you."

"I admit I've made some mistakes ..."

"Some?"

"Fine, a lot, but you have to know that I'm trying really hard to win you back."

"Right, like how you 'tried' really hard this week and took a shortcut with your so called gift?"

"Is this about the stupid music box again?"

"That music box is far from stupid!" Marissa's voice elevated slightly as the conversation started to frustrate her more. "That music box is the most beautiful and thoughtful gift I have ever received in my life! And now that I know who it actually came from, it makes it even more special!"

"You know you keep going off on me about it, but have you spoken to your bestie Bianca? She's to blame too. She's the one who gave it to me to give to you. She knows how much I love you and how perfect we are together! That's why she was willing to help me win you back."

Marissa couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her, "Is that what you think she was doing? Oh God, JR, you are so completely dense sometimes. Or maybe you're just so wrapped up in yourself that you can't see the obvious thing right in front of you."

The confusion on his face said it all— JR was completely lost. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the fact that Bianca did not give you the music box to help you. She gave it to you because she was ...", Marissa paused when she heard the doorbell. "That's my date. We can finish this later. I've gotta go."

Before she could leave, JR blocked the door. "You wanna atleast tell me who this guy is that's taking you out? Do I know the competition? Is it Scott?"

"You are unbelievable", she sighed. "Please move."

"Answer the question?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Because I love you and I want to know who the competition is so I know how to fight to win you back."

"That is your problem. It is by no means a competition. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can get over me and move on too."

"It's not like I can't just go downstairs with you and meet this guy. As a matter of fact, I think I'll go introduce myself."

She wanted to tell him to stay put, but then thought better of it. No, the sooner he knows, the better. With that thought in mind, Marissa smiled, "Okay, fine, come meet my date."

"Wow, Bianca, you look ..."

"Gorgeous", Marissa interrupted as she descended to the bottom of the stairs in the foyer. "Absolutely gorgeous."

Scott Chandler nodded in agreement, "She took the words right out of my mouth."

"Thank you, both of you. And Marissa, you are absolutely stunning." Bianca extended her hand for the redhead to take, which she quickly did, "Shall we?"

"Wait!" JR looked between the two women with his eyebrows raised, "So Bianca is your date?"

"Date? You two are dating now?" Scott smiled in amusement, "That's so great! When did this happen?"

"Actually, we both expressed our mutual feelings today", Marissa explained as she began to blush under the adoring gaze of her date.

"And after we did, I asked Marissa if she would do me the honor of allowing me to take her on a date", Bianca added with a dazzling smile. "Clearly, we all know what her answer was."

"That's really ..."

"Un-fucking-believable!" JR's interruption outburst had all eyes on him. "I get it now, what you were trying to say upstairs about that stupid music box. And you say I'm shady and use people? Well Bianca obviously used me to get to you!"

Scott looked on confused, "What's he talking about?"

"Something that can be discussed later", Marissa said through gritted teeth. She was not in the mood to deal right now as JR was beginning to ruin her night before it even got started.

"No, we'll discuss it now dammit!"

Bianca moved to stand in front of Marissa, never letting go of her hand, as JR started to advance her. "The world does not revolve around you JR and we don't have to comply with your demands. If Marissa said she would discuss it with you later, then she will discuss it later."

"You need to get out of my way and mind your own business, Binky." His voice was cold with a definite edge. "This is between me and my wife."

While others may have backed down in fear, Bianca merely held her stance and smirked. "I believe you mean ex-wife. As in, she no longer belongs to you and can do whatever the hell she wants. And, as it stands now, Marissa is my business."

"Oh yeah? What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you need to watch your tone when you speak to her and watch the way you move around her, or else."

"Or else what?" It was in that moment that Bianca flashed the patented Kane glare and JR immediately took a sizable step back. While he may have been pissed by what he was hearing and witnessing, he knew better than to cross Bianca when she gave that look. Hell, he knew not to cross any of the Kane women when they gave that look. Accepting defeat, for now, JR raised his hands in surrender, "Fine. You win this round. But just know that we're not finished. This is not over between us. I will get Marissa back."

"Oh trust me, we are definitely finished. Bow out now with the grace I am extending in this moment, JR, because you will not receive another olive branch from me when it concerns Marissa. While this is far from a competition, make no mistake that I will fight you for her if it means maintaining her happiness. You should be wise to remember to never underestimate the power of a Kane woman. Especially when you mess with someone she's in love with."

The shock and hint of terror on JR's face was all the response Bianca needed to know she had made her point and it had been heard. With nothing more to say on the matter and being slightly behind schedule, she tilted her head to the side to look past JR and address his cousin, "Scott, it's always good to see you."

"Likewise, Bianca." He continued to look amused at the scene before him. In fact, he found it even better that the brunette had basically laid down the law and put JR in his place. It was refreshing. "Stop by soon, during the day, I so I can show you the progress I've made on the gate house. And you lovely ladies enjoy your night! Have fun!"

Bianca smiled as Scott walked off then turned to Marissa, "I believe we can still make our reservation if we leave now. If, of course, you're still up for our date."

"Um ...", Marissa paused to gather herself. She was still a little in shock that Bianca had stood up for her like that and effectively shut JR up. After a moment, she let out a breath and tried to speak again, "Yes, definitely, I've been looking forward to it since we left your office. Nothing has changed. Let's get out here."

With one more glance at a still terrified looking JR, the women left for their date without a second thought or care. This night was about a new beginnning, and they refused to let anything or anyone stand in the way of that. No, this would be as Bianca said, 'The best first date ever.'

Should I continue? Please review and let me know.

- Kassidy