Title: Innocent

Pairing: Karen Desai/Tess Masterson

Rating: K+

Author's Note: These characters are not mine and I do not make any money from them.

Author's Note 2: This is my first foray into the Twisted fandom. I must say, I'm very excited.

Author's Note 3: Spoilers for 1x09 "The Truth Will Out".

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With its gray walls and dim lighting, the interrogation room of the Green Grove Police Department is dingy and unwelcoming and seems, to Karen Desai's displeasure, to function as an extra break room.

Karen sits on the edge of the gray bed in the corner of the room, her feet planted firmly on the ground, her head in her hands. She doesn't look over as the door opens and Tess Masterson walks in and closes the door behind her.

"I had to come talk to you," Tess says. "I didn't sleep at all last night."

"Well, that makes two of us," Karen says, finally looking up at Tess. She folds her hands in her lap. "You shouldn't be here, Tess."

"I checked," Tess says, sitting in the chair at the table. "It's fine." She sighs and rubs her sweaty palms against her pants. "Kyle told me you haven't been officially charged with anything."

"Not yet."

Tess scoffs. "Come on, Karen. We both know you're not a killer."

Karen clucks her tongue against the roof of her mouth and keeps her eyes on her hands. "Yeah, well, you don't know me that well."

"Yes, I do," Tess says surprising herself with the intensity of the conviction in her voice. She moves to the empty spot beside Karen on the bed and rests her hand on Karen's knee.

The touch is electrifying and foreign, yet so deliciously familiar.

It's terrifying.

It's calming.

It's a conundrum of sorts.

Karen shakes her head. "You don't; it's been too long. Things have changed. I've changed."

"Karen," Tess says softly. "Karen, look at me." She waits until Karen establishes eye contact to say: "I told you this six years ago and I'm telling you it again now: You can't change my mind."

"I don't want you to," Karen whispers, leaning forward and pressing a gentle kiss to Tess's lips.

Tess smiles. "You hungry?" she asks suddenly. "You want some food?" She stands up and places a kiss on the top of Karen's head. "I'm gonna go get you some food."

…

…

When Tess arrives back in the interrogation room with dinner, Karen is sitting at the table with her back to the door.

"Karen?" Tess says, trying to get the other woman's attention. "Karen?" When Karen finally acknowledges Tess's presences, Tess says, "Hey, I brought you some food."

Karen turns back to stare blankly at the wall. "I'm not hungry."

Tess sighs. "Come on, Karen. You have to eat something."

Karen stands up and crosses the room. Facing Tess, she crosses her arms defensively over her chest. "I'd like you to leave now, please."

"No," Tess retorts. "I'm not leaving until you tell me–"

"I'm not changing my mind," Karen says exasperatedly.

"About what?" Tess takes a step forward, her eyes pleading with Karen. "Talk to me." She reaches out, her fingertips barely graze Karen's forearm, but Karen recoils like she's been slapped. Tess doesn't give up. She pulls Karen into an embrace, refusing to let go even as Karen fights against her. "Stop shutting me out."

Karen finally gives in and returns the embrace, letting her head rest on Tess's shoulder. "I'm not changing my mind," she whispers.

"I don't expect you to." Tess pulls away slightly and tilts her head to catch Karen's eyes. "I'm on your side."

"What about Kyle?" Karen asks, averting her gaze. "He's going to expect you to stand behind him."

Tess shakes her head. "He doesn't think you're guilty; he just has to prove it."

"What about you?"

"I know you're not guilty." Tess smiles sadly. "Nut I'll support whatever decision you make."

"Why?"

"Because, Karen Desai, I l–" Tess blushes furiously and clears her throat. "I care about you very much."

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