A/N: Well, it's called March Madness for a reason. My brackets were blown up after the second day of the tournament, but my Wildcats are still going strong so that's all that really matters to me. Go Big Blue! Sorry, it's a reflex to say that when talking about them.

Okay enough about that, let's talk about Minx Madness. Thank you, as always, for the great reviews. I really do appreciate them. I'm picking up this chapter later in the same day of where the last chapter left off. Distance is still keeping the girls apart, but I promise to have them back together soon. I hope you enjoy it!

/

By the time she finally got back to her room after the last workshop of the day, Marissa was exhausted. The lack of sleep and the busy day were finally catching with her. The bright spot of her afternoon had been calling home and talking with Bianca and the kids. Marissa smiled as she entered her room and thought about the kids and how they were so excited earlier to talk to her that they kept talking over each other until Bianca restored order. She loved talking with them and hearing about each of their days. I really miss them. How great are they that they started on their homework right away so they could talk with me more? Bianca and I are so lucky to have such great kids. I have to make sure to get out at lunch tomorrow for a quick trip to FAO Schwartz for them. I know what to get AJ and Gabby, but I'm not quite sure about Miranda. I'll have to give that some more thought. As for Bianca, I have a really good idea of where to go to pick up something for her. I've had this idea for a while now, and this is the perfect opportunity for me to pick it up for her. She'll say that I shouldn't have gotten her something, or that it wasn't necessary or that she didn't need anything. It's just too bad for her though. I want to get her something special because she deserves to be treated to a surprise and to be spoiled no matter how much she may protest, and despite what she says, I think she really likes both. I do love surprising her and spoiling her so much. No one deserves it more than her. I'm still a little worried about her. When I checked with Kendall earlier, she said that Bianca wasn't trying to do everything herself and was letting others help. She sounded so tired though. I know exactly how she feels. Hopefully, we can both get a little more sleep tonight, although it will be hard to sleep without her next to me, holding me. Marissa sighed and checked the time. They would just be finishing dinner about this time. Speaking of dinner, I should probably get something for myself. I really don't feel like going out tonight. I'll just order room service and change into something more comfortable, maybe watch a little TV before I call home for story time.

She opened her suitcase to pull out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt when she saw what Bianca had snuck into her suitcase. A huge grin appeared on Marissa's face. I can't believe she packed this for me! My God, I love her! She is the most amazing person, and I am definitely the luckiest person alive. Marissa pulled out Bianca's favorite t-shirt which also happened to be her's. It was from the Paul McCartney concert they attended together last year, before they realized their feelings for each other. The concert was amazing, and the two had such a great time together. Marissa couldn't decide which shirt to get so while Bianca picked this one, she had picked a different one. She later regretted her choice somewhat, and it became a running joke between the two of them every time Bianca wore the shirt how much Marissa coveted it. The redhead quickly changed her mind and opted for her pajama bottoms instead of shorts to go with the t-shirt since she had absolutely no intention of going out tonight. She placed a quick call to room service to put in her order before changing.

Marissa thought back to that time, before her and Bianca were honest with themselves about their feelings, and laughed at herself. How in the world did I miss everything that was going on between us back then? How did I miss all of the signs? Talk about living in a state of denial! Looking back now, she could clearly see the looks each would steal when they thought the other one wasn't looking. There were the touches between them and the need Marissa had to touch Bianca in some small way every time they were together, the way holding her hand made her feel. There was the way Bianca's smile made her feel. Marissa recalled the countless number of times she felt herself becoming lost in Bianca's warm chocolate eyes and the struggle to pull herself from them every time it happened. It was all so clear to her now, but at the time, Marissa absolutely refused to acknowledge that her feelings were anything more and that Bianca was anything more to her other than her best friend. Talk about being deaf, dumb and blind. At least, I wasn't alone in that. Bianca was too. A huge smile crossed her face just thinking about Bianca. All of those things still happened for her in regards to her girlfriend. Her stomach still did a flip and her heart still skipped a beat whenever Marissa saw Bianca after being away from her for just a few hours. The brunette still took her breath away whenever she would watch her sleeping or see her first thing in the morning. Marissa still got lost in those warm chocolate eyes, but now she reveled in those feelings instead of struggling against them. She relished every soft touch, every lingering gaze, every smile and laugh she caused or that was directed her way and each and every single kiss they shared.

Marissa unpacked a few items from her suitcase. She just couldn't unpack everything. She would live primarily out of her suitcase for the next three nights, deciding that any more unpacking would take place when she was home. As she moved the suitcase to a stand, she noticed a piece of stationary that she recognized as belonging to Bianca had fallen to the floor. Marissa picked it up, sat down on the bed and unfolded it. Her breath hitched and tears began to form as she read what Bianca had written. She immediately recognized the lyrics to one of the Beatles' songs Sir Paul performed that night, "I Will".

Who knows how long I've loved you
You know I love you still
Will I wait a lonely lifetime
If you want me to, I will.

For if I ever saw you
I didn't catch your name
But it never really mattered
I will always feel the same.

Love you forever and forever
Love you with all my heart
Love you whenever we're together
Love you when we're apart

And when at last I find you
Your song will fill the air
Sing it loud so I can hear you
Make it easy to be near you
For the things you do endear you to me
Oh, you know, I will
I will.

The note was signed simply All my love, Bianca. It was something so simple, so heartfelt and so Bianca. Marissa almost couldn't breathe. She wanted nothing more at that moment than to hear Bianca's voice and to tell her how much she loved her. She took a minute to collect herself before dialing her girlfriend's cellphone, knowing it would be more private than calling their home number. Marissa checked the time as Bianca's voicemail was activated. She's either cleaning up after dinner or helping the kids with something. "Hey, it's me. I got your note. Do you have any idea of just how incredible you are? Do you have any idea of just how much I love you?" Marissa took a shaky breath and softly began to sing. "Love you forever and forever. Love you with all my heart. Love you whenever we're together. Love you when we're apart." The redhead released a happy sigh. "I love you, B, with all my heart." She disconnected the call and wiped away the tears that had fallen.

When she managed to collect herself, Marissa went into the bathroom to wash her face. She turned the TV on when she came back into the room in what was soon a sorry attempt to watch the national news. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Bianca, and it made it impossible for her to concentrate on anything else. Marissa heard a knock on the door. She thought it was too soon for room service. The redhead crossed the room and looked out the peephole. She rolled her eyes and sighed. I am so not in the mood for this, for her. Get this over with so you can relax before calling home.

Marissa took a deep breath and opened the door. "Vicki, what are you doing here? I thought a group of you were going out on the town."

The young blonde smiled. "I was hoping I could convince you to come out and join us for some fun. It will do you good to do something different, to unwind, and to let your hair down." She took note of what Marissa was wearing. "You seriously can't be ready to call it a night already. It's still early. I do like your shirt though. It looks great on you. Did you go to the concert? I heard it was great."

"Yes, I did go, and it was great. Of course, going with Bianca made it an even more memorable night, and the shirt belongs to her." Just like I do.

"Huh, I wouldn't have guessed that she'd be into something like that."

Marissa arched an eyebrow as she struggled to control her temper. It seemed that whenever there was even the slightest perceived insult, threat or attack on or to Bianca that the stereotype of redheads and their tempers held true for her. The face that Vicki had made at the mention of Bianca's name did not escape her notice, and it was taking every ounce of self-restraint she had not to rip into her. If it wasn't for the fact that she had to work with her, she would have already kicked her ass into next week. Plus, Bianca also wouldn't want her to lose her temper or do anything to jeopardize her position at the firm, and she was, as always, trying her best for her girlfriend. Marissa really didn't like the way this woman was looking at her right now either. "What do you mean by that exactly?"

"Well, don't take this the wrong way, but she's always struck me as, I don't know, a little uptight, straight-laced or reserved. She just seems more sedate, like a symphony kind of person than someone who would prefer a rock concert. Unlike you, you know? The two of you just seem so different. It's hard to picture you together."

How can I not take that the wrong way? You haven't got the slightest idea of who Bianca is, what she's been through or what she's really like! Breathe, Marissa. The redhead slowly counted to about fifty before responding. "Well, Vicki, it really doesn't matter how hard it is for you or anyone else to picture it. It is a simple fact. We are together and very happy. Look, I'm tired. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night so I'm going to pass on the night out. I've already changed and ordered room service so I'm done for the day. I'll see you tomorrow."

The blonde quickly glanced to her left as she stopped Marissa from closing the door. It was about this time that Marissa caught a glimpse of her friend Brian standing outside the door to his room. He made a slight nod to his left as well. The redhead got the silent heads up and knew there was someone else in the hallway. She knew instantly that it was Tim and that the two had raised the stakes on their bet.

The woman lowered her voice. "Come on, Rissa. It'll be fun, and I'm sure you can use some fun. You probably don't get much of a chance for it back in Pine Valley. You know what they say about all work and no play making someone dull. I have an idea. I could join you for dinner here in your room."

It always amazed Marissa how the littlest things could rub her the wrong way and just set her off. This was one of those times. It had taken a second for it to sink in, and she couldn't believe the gall this woman had, the utter disregard she had. Her check on her temper was barely hanging by a thread. "What did you call me?"

"I called you Rissa. I've heard others call you that. I think it's a cute nickname."

That's it! "First off, the only ones that call me that are my family, Bianca and our children. Don't call me that ever again."

The blonde was taken aback by the steeliness in Marissa's voice. Glancing to her left again, she stammered. "I, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything."

"The hell you didn't! I want both you and Tim to listen to me closely because I'm only going to say this once, understand? And don't say he's not right there beside you listening to what's going on because I know he is. So, you might as well face me, Tim, and get this over with."

A tall, dark-haired man appeared and stood next to the woman. Both had sheepish looks on their faces. Neither had been expecting this type of reaction. Marissa had a somewhat laidback reputation around the office. The woman in front of them was anything but that right now.

"Good! Now, listen to me closely because I won't be repeating myself. The nickname is off limits. Speaking of things that are off limits, I want you to add me and anything to do with me personally to the top of that list. That especially includes Bianca and our children."

"I, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh shut the hell up, Tim! Yes, you do. I was born at night but not last night. I've heard the little digs each of you have made against Bianca, especially this one over here. I've tried to ignore them because that's what Bianca would do, but I've had enough! Neither one of you have any idea of who Bianca is, and neither one of you are remotely in the same league as her. The next time either of you just mentions her name will be the last time you ever speak again, got it?"

The pair looked at each other and could honestly say they saw a trace of fear in the other's eyes. They nodded meekly, not doubting for one second that Marissa meant every word of what she had just said.

"Good! Now, let's talk about your bet, shall we?" Before either could offer the smallest protest, Marissa held up her hand to silence them. "Don't even try and deny it. All of the associates know about it. Hell, it's the talk of the office. Let's settle this once and for all. I am not some sort of prize in some asinine bet between two of the most morally bankrupt people I've ever had the displeasure of knowing. Trust me when I tell you that that's saying something given some of the people I've known. Get this straight. I am in a committed relationship with an amazing person, someone that I would never hurt or leave, especially for the likes of either of you. I love Bianca with all of my heart, and I would just as soon die than betray her or her trust."

"It's only a joke. We didn't mean anything by it."

"A joke, Vicki, really? Do I look like I'm laughing? Maybe relationships are a joke to the both of you because you haven't got the first clue of what they are about, what it means to love someone, but they aren't to me. Mine with Bianca means more to me than anything, and it's not something for others to play around with, bet on or joke about. Besides, I'm not buying one word of what either of you is saying. Did you think by waiting until I was away from home, maybe a little lonely and tired to make your pathetic move that you could so easily trick me into jumping into bed with either of you? Did you think that I could be so easily swayed by your so-called charms that I would forget who I was and everything that I believe in and risk losing the best thing that has ever happened to me? Please! Give me a little credit for having some standards and self-respect!"

The blonde mumbled something under her breath, and Marissa caught every word of what she said. "Yes, Vicki, apparently I do have to be a bitch about it because being nice and ignoring what both of you've been doing hasn't seemed to work. So, unless it's work related, leave me and my family the hell alone and go play your games with someone else! I'm not interested in either of you and never will be!"

"It's not a smart move to get on the bad side of either of us, Marissa. We can make things really difficult for you at work if you decide to mention any of this to anyone. Remember, it's our word against yours." The man warned.

"Yeah, here's the deal with that, Jackass, I mean Tim. I'm not worried about that or anything that either of you might try to do. I'm more than able to handle anything either of you can dish out. You know, I think I have makings of a strong sexual harassment suit against both of you. So, I'd say it's not a smart move to get on my bad side. And no, it's not just my word against your's. Turn around."

The pair turned to see Brian standing there with a big smile on his face and giving them a small wave. "Marissa's right. It's our word against yours. Not that I think she'll need me given the fact that everyone knows about the two of you, and they know her. Do you really think there's even a chance that they'll believe you over her? She does have me to back her up though. I heard every word."

The pair looked at Marissa who didn't even blink. After a few seconds, Vicki broke. "It was all Tim's idea! He thought it would be fun, and he suggested we come up here to see if I could talk you into doing something. If I didn't, he was going to try himself."

"Shut the hell up! You were just as much into this as I was and just as responsible!"

Like rats on a sinking ship. "It doesn't really matter to me whose idea it was, and I don't think it will matter to any of the partners."

The pair looked at each other and hurried down the hallway still fighting with and pointing the finger at each other.

"Well, that was fun and impressive as hell! Are you okay, Marissa?"

"I'm good. Actually, it was kind of fun, Brian. I should've done that with them a long time ago. Thanks for the heads up on …"

"Jackass being there? No problem. It was my pleasure. I like his new nickname by the way. It suits him. And you did what most of the office has wanted to do for a long time. I wish others could have witnessed it. They'd be cheering you on. Vicki is such a …"

"Conceited, lying, cheating, two-faced bitch? Yeah, she really is. About the others, I would really appreciate it if this didn't get around. I would rather not have to deal with either of them or their garbage anymore."

"I won't say a word to any of them, but would you mind if I tell Stef? She'd love to hear about this because she can't that pair either. You know, she was wondering what I would do for entertainment since I'm not into clubs, and what just happened was very entertaining. Don't worry, she won't tell anyone else."

Marissa laughed. "Sure, you can tell her. I'm glad I could provide you with your entertainment for the evening."

"I'm sorry you had to deal with their garbage. You shouldn't have had to. I mean both you and Bianca are the nicest people, and you're a great couple. I just don't understand people sometimes."

"Thanks, Brian. I appreciate that, and I know Bianca does too. As for dealing with them, trust me, we've dealt with much nastier people, and have handled them without any problems." She saw a hotel waiter walking down the hall with her dinner order. "It looks like that's my dinner."

"Okay, you enjoy. I'm going to give Stef a call and check on her. Want to meet for breakfast tomorrow in the restaurant downstairs, at say 8:00?"

"That sounds good."

"I'll see you then. Tell Bianca I said 'hi'. I'm sure she'll love the recap."

"I'm sure she will. Tell Stefanie 'hi' for me. Good night."

Marissa signed for her dinner and ate while she tried to put her earlier encounter behind her. She refused to let either that jackass or conceited bitch get to her and ruin her mood from earlier. When Marissa thought about it, what she had told Brian was true. It was kind of fun to let them both have it. She'd been itching to do it for a while, and now that she had, it was a bit of a weight off of her. I should have done that a while ago, but I was trying to not make any waves. She glanced over at the book AJ had picked for tonight's bedtime story, 'The Lion King'. Well, I better start getting myself ready for my reading. It'll be time to call home soon. Marissa picked up the book and read over it, taking great care to remember the kids' favorite characters. Before she knew it, the earlier ugliness had retreated from her mind and was replaced by the much more pleasant thoughts of Bianca, AJ, Miranda and Gabby.

/

Bianca had everyone bathed and in their pajamas, including herself. It had been a long day, and she planned on making it an early night, hoping to be able to get more sleep than she did last night. In a way, she was grateful that she had been so busy today. Keeping herself that way had made missing Marissa slightly more bearable. She had been taking care of Gabby when Marissa had called not too long ago. Bianca was disappointed that she missed her but was thrilled by the fact that her surprise had the intended affect. She was left speechless by Marissa's unexpected and impromptu concert, and Bianca loved every second of it. She loved to hear her girlfriend's beautiful voice, and when Bianca was the recipient of a private concert, she couldn't begin to describe the way it made her feel.

Miranda had seen her wipe away the tears caused by the performance and was worried something was wrong, that she was upset about something. "Are you okay, mom? You're crying."

"I'm more than okay, Mimo."

"So, you're not sad or upset with anyone?"

"No, I'm not. No one did anything wrong. In fact, Marissa did something very right. I am a little sad, but it's just because she's not here and I miss her so much. As for the tears, sometimes you can have happy tears."

"That's what those are?"

"Yes, these are very happy tears. Marissa did something to tell me exactly how much she loves me, and that makes me so very happy. Do you remember when you were in your school play this past spring and how proud Marissa and I were of you?"

Miranda thought back and remembered how both women were smiling even though they had tears in their eyes. They hugged her and kept telling her how proud they were of her and how good of a job she did. It was probably one of the best nights of her life. "Uh huh, I remember."

"Well, it's like that. Do you understand?"

Miranda studied her mom for a few seconds and was satisfied with her answer. "Yeah, I think I do."

Bianca jumped when her cellphone rang. Right on time. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself. I missed you earlier."

"I know. I'm sorry about that. I do love to hear you sing, and you certainly outdid yourself. I guess I'll just have to save that voicemail and play it over and over and over …"

Marissa laughed. "You give my voice a little too much credit, but with flattery like that, I'll be more than happy to give you a repeat performance when I get home."

"I can't wait for that! Oh by the way, the shirt is just on loan."

"Hmmm. I don't seem to recall anything stating that. You know, possession is nine-tenths of the law."

"Is it now, counselor? Well, I guess I'll just have to take it back once you get home." Bianca laughed.

"Even if I happen to be wearing it at the time?"

"Especially if you're wearing it!"

"You promise?"

"Definitely!"

"That's good! I look forward to that! Is everything okay there?"

"Yeah, it is for the most part. Gabby fell and skinned her knee earlier. I was giving her some TLC when you called."

"Is she okay?"

"Yeah, she's fine. Don't worry." Bianca walked into her and Marissa's bedroom and found the children eagerly waiting for her. "Well, it looks like your audience is ready. Are you?"

"Yes, I am."

"Okay, you're on speakerphone."

"Hey, guys!"

"Hi, mom!"

"Hi, Marissa!"

"Hi, Rissa!"

"Gabby, are you okay, sweetie? I hear you skinned your knee."

"Uh huh, it hurt, Rissa, but it feels better now. Mommy took care of it for me. She gave my knee two big kisses, one for her and one for you, and it felt better."

"Well, her kisses are kind of like magic, and they always make me feel better. She's very good at making people feel better, isn't she?"

"Uh huh, she sure is. So are you, Rissa."

"Thank you, I'm glad to hear that. So, are you all ready for your story?" Her question was met with a resounding 'yes' from everyone, and once they had all quieted down, Marissa began spinning the tale of Simba. When she was done, Bianca ushered the children to their bedrooms, and the redhead listened in as each child was tucked in. She told them each that she loved them while Bianca gave them a kiss from both of them.

After the kids were settled in and Bianca returned to their bedroom, the women continued their conversation. "So, how are you really doing, B? You sound tired."

"I am tired, but I'm hanging in there. What about you? You sound like something's going on up there. I'm sensing a little bit of an edge in your voice."

"I asked you first."

"True, you did, and I answered you. So now, it's my turn to ask."

"And you didn't give me much in the way of a detailed answer."

"I'll give you more detail after you tell me what's going on up there."

Marissa sighed, knowing that Bianca wasn't going to budge. She can be so stubborn sometimes. "Well, it was an interesting night."

"Interesting how?"

"Let's say that I don't think that you'll have to worry about two certain individuals bothering me anymore."

"What happened? Tell me everything."

"Well, not long after I got back to the room, I had two surprise visitors, neither of which was pleasant or welcomed."

"You mean both of them showed up?"

"Yep, although Vicki was the first one to make an appearance." Marissa proceeded to tell Bianca everything that had occurred earlier, leaving nothing out.

After hearing everything that had happened, Bianca was silent for a few seconds. "That bitch! She said all of that to you? And then that jackass had the nerve to threaten you? They better hope I don't see them any time in the near future." Bianca paused, thinking she heard a small chuckle on the other end. "This isn't funny, Rissa."

"I don't think it is. I just really love when you get all protective and territorial over me. I never had anyone be like that over me, before you. It's kinda hot."

"Dammit! I want to be mad right now, but you say something like that and I just can't be. I think it's already been established that those others you were involved with before were idiots."

"Ditto on being involved with idiots before. I'm sorry to interrupt your rant. Go ahead and continue."

"No, I'm done. I don't want to give them anymore of our time. They don't deserve it. I'll just finish by saying that they better stay far away from you if they know what's best for them." Bianca settled herself in bed, turning off the lights.

"So, now will you give me a detailed answer? How are you doing?"

"I'm tired, but I did let people help me today with the cleanup. I'm sure your confidential informants can confirm that."

"I already checked with them, and they've confirmed what you said." Marissa grinned.

Bianca laughed. "Of course, you did. Anyway, because of you and all of the help you arranged for me and the center, we were able to get things cleaned up in record time. The offices will be back open tomorrow morning. Oh, Jesse called to tell me that they have a lead on who's responsible for the break-in. It doesn't look like it's related to anyone associated with the center after all. He thinks it was random, and they were looking for stuff to steal."

"Really? Jesse thinks that? Well, it's good to hear that it didn't have anything to do with the center or what it does directly. I still hate that it happened and want those responsible held accountable for it and all of the damage they did. More importantly, I'm glad to hear that the offices will be opened back up tomorrow. That's great news."

"Yeah, it really is, and it couldn't have happened without you. Oh, Zach and I also have some new security measures in place."

"I'm relieved to hear to that! I know that you've wanted to do that for a while so I'm sure it's a weight off your mind."

"You're right, it is. Oh, I have a question for you. When exactly did you find time to make lasagna for us?"

"Well, since you weren't home and didn't know when you would be, I needed to do something to occupy myself. It seems I had some excess energy I had to get rid of."

Bianca laughed. "Excess energy, huh? Sorry about that. Do you think you might have some excess energy you'll need help with when you get home? I'm more than happy to offer my services to you."

"I'm pretty sure I will, and I have every intention of taking you up on your offer."

"One more thing I really need to know. Do you really think my kisses are magic?" Bianca grinned.

Marissa smiled. "Oh yes, they definitely are! They do the most wonderful things to me and make me feel like I've never felt before. If that's not magic, I don't know what is." She paused. "Now, you really didn't answer my question before. While I'm glad to get the update on what's happening with the center, I asked how you were doing."

Bianca sighed. I can't get anything past her. She shifted onto her right side remaining on her side of the bed she shared with Marissa. "I'm so tired, but I don't know how I'm going to be able to sleep without you here. I wish you were here next to me right now so I could hold you. I miss you desperately, and you haven't even been gone a day."

Marissa sighed as she turned off the lights and got settled into bed. "I know exactly how you feel. I guess we'll just have to stay on the phone all night with each other then. It's not even close to being the same thing, but it's what we've got to work with." She shifted onto her left side, subconsciously staying on what would be her side of their bed back home where she would be facing Bianca if they were together.

They continued to talk until both finally drifted off to sleep, each holding their phones tightly in their hands connecting them over the miles that were separating them, for now.

/

A/N: The lyrics that Bianca writes for Marissa are for the song "I Will" by The Beatles. I don't own the rights to it. They do. I just thought that it fit their current situation pretty well.