Chapter 18

Charlie just shuffled back downstairs trying to force himself to NOT think about why the two girls were in the bathroom together. Amita went to stand up knowing that they needed to get out of the bathroom soon or Charlie would seriously think something is wrong.

"Amita" Terry called standing up herself "Can we finish this conversation later?" Terry asked softly but had that undertone implying that she wasn't really asking but rather wording the statement in a way that sounded like Amita had a choice

"Yeah. I'll talk to Charlie, we may just announce it to the whole group. I'll let you know" Amita replied. Terry smiled and opened the door and waited for Amita to step through. The two walked down the hallway and Terry was about to descend but Amita laid a hand on her shoulder "Terry?" Amita spoke softly

"Yes?" Terry replied turning around worry creeping into her features

"Thanks for everything. I mean what you did. You went with Don which made this seem more like the FBI protecting a consultant rather than big brother protecting little brother"

Terry stepped back up to be level with Amita "Your welcome. I didn't even think about protecting a consultant, it was more going with a friend to protect another friend" Terry and Amita exchanged a hug that lasted a few moments before Charlie's voice floated up from downstairs

"Don, I think the girls are up to no good"

The girls erupted in laughter

1234567890987654321123456789009876543211234567890

"Mr. Eppes it never fails to amaze me how good of a cook you are" Terry said starting to lick the extra barbeque sauce off of her fingers

"My wife was a wonderful cook and a wonderful teacher and please Terry call me Alan" Alan corrected smiling

"Sorry, I keep forgetting" Terry replied finishing off the sauce. After letting out a short laugh, Alan looked around the table and loved the sight. Charlie (who was smiling and love shining in his eyes) was feeding some mashed potatoes to a giggling Amita, Don smiling at how cute Terry looked with a drop of sauce on her nose, and Terry looking content and slightly confused as to why Don was laughing at her

"Come on, let's go inside" Charlie said rising, slightly out of breath from laughing at something Amita had said

"Charlie, want to flip a coin on doing the dishes?" Don asked smiling. He already knew the answer

"If you want to but statistically speaking-" Charlie didn't get to finish cause Terry put a finger up to her mouth

"I'll do the dishes. You two just relax on the couch" Terry answered

"Wait a second…you two? What about me?" Don noted sliding the door to the house open

"Oh you, you're helping me" Terry answered. Don's jaw dropped and Charlie and Amita laughed while continuing on to the living room

"You're lucky" Don said picking up a plate, sponge, and turning on the water

"Lucky? How?" Terry asked picking up a dish and sponge herself

"You're lucky that you're you" Don said trying to evasive but not succeeding. God she smells good. I'm so close to her I can feel the heat rising…stop it Donald Eppes! She is your partner and you can't get involved…but god she smells good. Don scolded himself

"What's that supposed to mean?" Terry asked trying to sound uninterested but failing. If life could only stay this way. Good dinner with people I love…more specifically one person…stop it Theresa Lake! He is your partner and you can't involved…oh I wish this is what I could come home to every night

"It means Terry…" Don trailed off considering his options. He could tell her the truth: that he loves her, that he never really stopped or he could lie and say that it means he would only do it for family and close friends. You know what tonight was too…perfect for this to end. I can't stand it any longer "That if you weren't the woman I love, I would have made you wash these dishes alone" Don spoke softly so as not be overheard. He also spoke to the dishes because he was too afraid to see Terry's reaction. If had looked up, he would have seen Terry nearly drop the cup that was in her hand and the look of absolute shock on her face and the battle between two emotions showing in her eyes. Did he just call me the woman he loves? Is it love like at the academy or is it luv like you love a close friend? How do I react to that? Oh my god, how am I supposed to react to this! If I react to it as love and I'm wrong that will make every day after this really awkward for me but if I react like it was luv and I'm wrong that will make every day awkward for Don…oh screw this

"Don, I love you too" Terry said talking to the plates

"What did you just say?" Don asked pulling Terry's chin up with a soapy hand and leaving it there (so she couldn't mover her head)

"I said I love you too Don" Terry answered looking him square in the eyes. Don smiled widely and kissed Terry. Terry was stiff for a spilt second but then relaxed into Don. They stood for an immeasurable amount of time before breaking apart

"Now let's finish the dishes and get into the living room before they start to wonder what's taking so long" Don said picking up another dish but not before giving Terry another quick kiss

A/N: Ok so major Don/Terry fluff. Didn't really mean for it to happen but I needed a way to pacify you guys AND figure out how I want the dean to have reacted. Hang in there guys, I promise to try to not leave a huge gap between now and the next chapter. If you guys have any ideas at all please leave a comment, it'll help me get the next chapter out faster…oh and whoohoo! for the sequel being WAY longer than the prequel