Disclaimer - Maria Frank is my own. Others are not.

Chapter 10: Comfort

Opening the door slowly, John looked out and saw her leaning up against the wall, head bowed, arms crossed and hair covering her face. She looked so lost and pained over what she heard earlier. "Maria?" She looked up, startled. "I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean to scare you. I can leave if you-"

"No, you can come over here." She said shaking his head at his offer of leaving. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as he neared. He looked down at her, concerned.

"Anything you want me to do?" He asked softly, his hand on her shoulder for comfort and support.

"Just don't leave me." Her voice was little more then a whisper and her eyes began to fill with tears. Oh, god. Look at her. He felt his heart ache for her. He took a few steps towards her and dipped his head, nuzzling her neck.

"Please, don't cry." He whispered to her ear as he wrapped his arms around her, protecting her from the evening cold. Maria snaked her arms around his waist pulling him closer. His face was buried in her neck, taking in her scent while she moved her head from his shoulder to his chest. He could feel her warm breath on his neck as she let out a shuttered breath, trying to hold in the tears.

"John?" He pulled his head back enough to see the wanting in her eyes. He could feel she needed someone who cared to comfort her. He wanted to comfort to her tonight - now. Here goes nothing... He dipped his head and brushed his lips against hers. Maria's grasp on his waist got tighter and she raised her head a little more, deepening the kiss. He couldn't believe how soft her lips were and his brain was working a mile a minute. He opened his mouth just a little and brushed his tongue against her lips, asking for entrance. What? What if this...oh fuck it! Maria found herself arguing with her own mind. Complying to the silent request, her mouth opened letting out a small moan as he entered. As he prodded deep into her mouth, he could taste the mouthwash from hours earlier. I taste mint. I knew she used mint!

Pushing her backwards, he placed his hands against the wall, pushing deeper into her soft mouth, demanding for more. Her tongue already lost the battle for the control of who was leading. In fact, she already felt like a mass of Jello.

Minutes later, John worked his way down to her neck, kissing and nibbling, causing her breathing to be hitched. She let out a gasp as he hit a sensitive area right below her ear. He gave a small chuckle as she firmly gripped his hips, pulling him closer and digging her fingers into his side. I might just him a bruise for all I know, She thought as she started loosing the fight with keeping her mind focused.

Moments later, he pulled back, giving her enough space to breath but to also rest his forehead against hers. His hand came up and cupped the side of her face, his thumb gently rubbing her cheek. "Please, don't cry." He whispered, feeling her shudder against his weight.

She gave out a small chuckle as she licked her lips and still could taste him there. "Want to get those drinks now?"

"Thought you'd never ask again."