Moving Violations
A Law and Order Fanfiction
Written by Kate "SuperKate" Butler

She moved in closer.

The bar stank of stale beer and musty cigarette smoke as she leaned in close, her suit skirt riding up high enough to show glimpses of where her tanned legs were not as tan, and her button-down blouse, with the top several buttons undone for comfort's sake, sagging to show off what modesty ordained should probably remain hidden.

He gripped his beer and bowed his head, averting his eyes.

"I know what you're thinking," she slurred, her deep, dark voice rumbling in the back of her throat, her breath heavy with the scent of alcohol. "I can see it in your eyes, and I'm okay with that."

His stool teetered a bit as he shifted his weight, trying to slide away, to separate them.

Her stool teetered, too, and she moved slightly closer, brushing a dark strand of hair from her eyes. "I'm a good prosecutor," she continued, her tongue tripping over itself, her lips dark and wet. "I can read my witness' thoughts before they become words, and I know yours. I know everything about yours." She reached forward, touching his hand. "You're thinking what you shouldn't."

"I'm thinking you're drunk." The retort qualified uniquely as weak, and he felt his voice catch in the back of his throat as he slid from his seat and tossed a twenty on the bar. "Come on, Claire. I'll walk you home."

She stumbled off her stool, her foot catching awkwardly, and he caught her. She held onto his arm, moving closer in half-inch increments until, standing on the street, she leaned against his side.

"You're going to want to come up with me," she informed him clumsily as they made their way down the street, his arms supporting her the entire way. "You're going to want more than coffee, Jack. That's how you work. You're never happy with the least you can get – you always want more. Even if that means inching out on a limb, you'll do it. Until the branch breaks, you'll do it."

She stank of smoke, sweat, and stale beer as she moved closer. Ever closer.

And he, powerless against her wiles, didn't even try to stop her.

Fin.

Author's Notes: Just some Claire/Jack goodness for y'all, since my Jill Hennessey obsession is more than healthy. Written for a challenge about moving, though I suppose moving in close is not the same as moving, like, possessions around or something. But c'est la vie.

February 25, 2005
12:10 a.m.