Neapolitan(part 1)
Author: eponinesghost (EppieG)
Title: NeapolitanPart 1/3
Pairing: Tracey/Kelly
Rating: R (for this part)
Notes/Summary: Somewhat of a continuation to "Worthy" and "First Chair." Not entirely necessary to have read those first, although I hope that you have or will ;)

Note: Title is explained at the end of part 3 ;)

Tracey Kibre loved Chicago. There was something about it that got under her skin, settled there, and made itself at home. She couldn't quite put her finger on it ... it wasn't just the gorgeous setting on Lake Michigan or the spectacular examples of world-class architecture. It wasn't the haunting history or the mystery and layers of political and social drama. It was all of those things and something further undefined. No matter how often she visited, she felt the pull of the city... carving out a permanent place of affection in her heart and mind second only to her beloved New York. It was because of her deep and growing fondness that she had decided to ignore the only unpleasant aspect of her current assignment. That, and the fact that Kelly was here.

When Branch had sent word that he wanted to discuss this particular event with her, she honestly believed he was preparing her to cover pertinent case issues while other ADA's were absent. When he issued his "invitation" in the midst of their discussion, she was astonished and then increasingly offended. Yes, she was aware that the American Bar Association annual meeting was in Chicago this summer. No, she had been unaware that Arthur would be receiving an award ... unaware but genuinely pleased on his behalf. All of their work was reflected in his recognition. She had barely finished congratulating him and asking about the particulars when he dropped the bombshell. He would like her to attend as a representative of the DA's office. Demurring, she had responded that she was sure that there were others who would feel slighted by her inclusion, unless of course, they would be attending en masse. She was a senior ADA, but not exactly Branch's right hand man, so to speak. Rarely uncomfortable with his associates, Arthur had actually hemmed and hawed a bit. McCoy had no interest in making the trip, and he wanted to reward her and her team for an excellent year. Still, she could tell there was more to it ... she had worked with him far too long.

Then it dawned on her. He was asking her ... telling her really ... to attend because she was a woman. This being a national recognition, he wanted to put a more diverse face on the office. Make the pictures pretty. She'd be damned if she was going to play along. He could offer this "reward" to someone else ... On a slow burn, she flared her eyes at him. She'd had to scratch and claw her way to being considered primarily as a top ADA, not as a female ADA. And now she was supposed to smile and say "thanks for thinking of me first" because she could wear an evening gown?

Taking in her reaction and darkening expression, Branch decided to be blunt. He worked better that way anyway. "Now, Tracey ... you know damn good and well that politics is a huge part of this job. And I know you well enough to know that you want a shot at my office one of these days. This kind of visibility can't hurt."

Steaming, but still rational enough to hear him clearly, Tracey scowled. Damn him for being right. God she hated it when that happened.

"Besides, whatever you may think of my motives, can you honestly say that you and Gaffney don't deserve this kind of atta boy?"

Aha. So it was to be two attractive ADA's in formal wear flanking the boss at the podium. She almost sneered at the ironic term he used. Still, she couldn't deny that they had done some damn fine work in her office. If she refused on account of her pride, she would be slighting their accomplishments. "You're a smug sonofabitch, you know that Arthur?" She shook her head as her anger receded.

Smiling at her, he nodded. "Of course I do. How do you think I got this far?" He handed her a folder containing all the relevant travel information.

Sighing, she took it and tucked it under her arm. "We're not going to kiss your pompous ... face ... for the cameras. Just so you know." She started to leave.

"Never doubted it for a minute." He grinned and put his glasses back on, turning back to the paperwork on his desk. "Oh ... Tracey ... one more thing ..."

She halted near the door, listening expectantly.

"Wear something red ... I like you in red ..."

Her outraged glare and the crash of the door slamming earned a deep belly laugh from him as she stomped down the hall.

By the time she and Kelly made their entrance at the Marriott ballroom, Tracey had successfully quashed any of her remaining hostility. She felt and looked fabulous. Smirking slightly as she glanced down at her black and silver gown, she sent a silent "fuck you" to Arthur on the other side of the room. Not a red thread in sight. Besides, she was nearly giddy every time she looked at Kelly. Stunning was not a strong enough word to describe her partner tonight. She glowed. The pale blue of her strapless dress accented every hue in her eyes, which sparkled like the sapphire pendant Tracey had given her just before they left. Tracey watched her finger it absently as they entered, flushed with the memory of the enthusiastic thank you she'd received. She couldn't take her eyes off of the woman at her side and she was pretty damn sure that at least half the room knew exactly how she felt. It was all she could do not to take her hand.

Kelly wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Granted, no one else knew that she and Tracey were there together ... at least not in that sense. But she couldn't help floating just a bit as they made their way toward their seats near the stage. Her heart paused each time Tracey spoke or touched her, even in the most innocent way. She hoped the enormity of her feelings wasn't plastered all over her face. This was, after all, a business function. A very strange and somewhat loaded one to be sure, but still. Tracey looked dazzling. As each person greeted them or passed by, Kelly was aware of the affect the brunette had on them. She's mine. The thought was almost incapacitating. Her hand was drawn again to the pendant, almost like a lifeline.

Branch slid his chair back and stood to welcome them as they reached the table. Tracey noted that his wife was wearing green.

"Well, if it isn't two of my most talented associates ..." His arms spread wide, he was in a great mood.

Tracey leaned in to his half-hug in spite of herself. "If not the two most talented. Hello, Arthur." She nodded to Mrs. Branch, smiling. She could afford to be gracious now that she was here.

Beaming, Branch drew Kelly in for a bear-like squeeze. "You ladies look absolutely lovely. I'm so glad you could make it."

Recalling the lengthy stream of expletives Tracey had invoked when she broke the news to her about their requested presence, Kelly chuckled. "We wouldn't have missed it, Arthur." She still wasn't quite comfortable using his first name. Scanning the place cards, she realized she would be seated next to Mrs. Branch. At first she was disappointed not to be beside Tracey, but then she noted that she would be in a position to stare at her across the table. That would work.

Settling into their respective chairs, the New York City contingent made introductions and small talk as the guest of honor signaled for more champagne. Smiling at Kelly from her vantage point, Tracey wondered why she had been so reluctant to do this. A few more hours and she'd have the angel sitting across from her all to herself in a suite paid for by the city. That would work. Raising her glass, she tilted it against Branch's in a celebratory toast.

Mindful of the plethora of lawyers and colleagues clogging the city, Tracey and Kelly maintained their professional personas throughout the evening. Each had even danced with Arthur. They kept up the facade during the short cab ride back to their hotel, The Drake, and all the way up in the elevator. Tracey was literally counting the steps down the hall to their suite. Once that door was closed behind them ... For all outward appearances, they were two friends and co-workers on a business trip, sharing a suite with two separate, queen sized beds. And a breath-taking view. Right now the only view that was stealing Tracey's breath was the creamy expanse of skin exposed on Kelly's back. They had barely cleared the archway, the door had scarcely clicked as it closed, and Tracey was whirling her around, pressing her against the wall near the closet, kissing her greedily. My god, she could never get enough. She let her small purse slide to the floor as she pushed closer, moaning low in her throat as Kelly's tongue dueled with her own.

Between kisses and gasps, they struggled to communicate fully. "... dying to all evening ..."

" ... so beautiful ..."

"... unbelievable ... looking at you ..."

"... mine ... "

" ... yes ..."

Panting, Tracey paused, her forehead leaning against Kelly's. They had all night. This was a rare and special opportunity. Pushing against the wall, she backed away slightly, wiping her lip with her fingers. Her voice was a hushed rumble as she promised, "Just a minute ... wait here ..." Somewhat unsteadily she moved across the room, towards the window. Reaching up, she drew the curtains wide with one sweeping motion, revealing the lake below, the lights on the water. Gaining her balance with each step, she picked up the remote that controlled the sound system. With only a few clicks, she found what she was looking for and music filled the air.

Finding Kelly's eyes with her own, she beckoned. "Come here ... dance with me."

In the ballroom, earlier in the night, Kelly had longed to hold Tracey in the crowd, not the random dance partners she had endured for propriety's sake. She blinked slowly as she joined her now, warm all over in anticipation. They meshed together perfectly, arms around each other, adjusting instantly. There was a certain strangeness to the embrace due to the length of their gowns, the oddness of holding each other wearing such finery, but to Kelly it was magic. She exhaled happily near Tracey's ear as they swayed together, hearts so close. "Thank you ... you always know ..."

Kissing her bare shoulder softly, Tracey smiled. "It's easy to give you what you want all the time when it's the same thing I want, baby." She tightened her arms around Kelly's waist. Then Kelly was nibbling her earlobe and she couldn't stop shivering.

"You should learn to accept a compliment ... gratitude." Her tongue was lazily following the curve of Tracey's ear. "Tonight ... you can have whatever you want ..." Lightly her teeth joined in the play. She repeated, "... whatever you want ..."

My god. She was paralyzed with the possibilities. Whatever she wanted? She wanted Kelly, always. Any way, every way. She tried to speak, but nothing came out. Clearing her throat, she murmured, "You should be careful ... that might be a dangerous offer."

Kelly chuckled in her ear. "I'm fully prepared for the consequences, I assure you ..." She trailed her lips down the side of Tracey's neck, sucking softly.

Biting back a groan, Tracey tried to focus. "Let me make sure I understand the terms of this deal ..." She slid her hands up to capture Kelly's head, drawing back slightly to look her in the eye. "Tonight ... for the duration ... I can have .. do ... anything I want ... regardless of your preferences? Without asking permission?" Her eyes were glittering and dark.

Something about the gleam in Tracey's deep brown eyes, the unnatural brightness, sent a sharp shock screaming through Kelly's lower abdomen. Oh. She didn't think Tracey was teasing all of the sudden, and the thought both unsettled and excited her. Her voice wavered, "Y-yes ... exactly." She threw as much confidence as she could muster into her own expression.

Tracey's eyes grew nearly black as she processed Kelly's reply. Her tone stronger. "Starting right now?"

Mutely, Kelly nodded, Tracey's thumbs sliding against her cheeks as her head moved.

"Then ... as gorgeous as it is ... I want you out of that dress ..."

to be cont'd