43 ) A trap from which it will be hard to escape with dignity and honour.

[ the moment for regrets has come and gone ]

It wasn't supposed to happen. Not like this. Not at all. Never.

It wasn't supposed to happen, but it is. Like this---oh, just like this---and nothing Mary can say or do can take it back.

She isn't sure she wants to. She bites her lip, holds back the moan that's building up in the back of the throat.

Mary digs her nails into Marshall's shoulders until the skin gives way. He hisses against her ear at the pain and she is undone.

.'.'.

It doesn't take them long to shower, and it is far too soon when they've dressed and parted ways. Words are short and curt between the two; jokes and friendly teasing don't belong in that dark, quiet room.

Mary shuts the door behind her and guilt follows her to her car like a mocking shadow.

.

.

.

A/N: This is what happens when SL gets her cable/internet back, watches the most recent episode of In Plain Sight On Demand, and spends the rest of the time reading MxM fanfic while listening to Portishead. Like with most things, this will be updated sporadically if it is updated at all.