Root lifted her beer to her lips, taking a tiny sip and setting it back down on the floor beside her. She'd been nursing the drink for almost an hour, pretending to drink and keeping a careful eye on Zoe and Joss. Zoe took a similarly quick drink, shifting in her chair and putting the can on her desk.

The three of them had gotten together to study for finals. The fall semester was almost over, and Root barely remembered going to classes. She supposed it wasn't too bad. It wasn't like she had come to college for the degree. It was weird to be studying as a group, with friends. Her first two semesters she hadn't had anyone to hang out with and now she had two people. Three, if she counted her absent friend-with-benefits.

They'd been sitting in Joss and Zoe's room for almost two hours, but Root hadn't even opened her textbook. Zoe was sitting in her desk chair, casually leaning on the desk, her books open neatly beside her. The first thing she'd done was set out various colored highlighters and pens, opened two textbooks, and laid out a fresh notebook. Even from the floor, Root could tell that she hadn't written anything.

Joss had started the evening at her desk, but she'd gone through three beers fairly quickly and was now sprawled on her bed, texting John and talking to them. Root wondered if all study groups were secretly just hang outs, or if Zoe knew why she'd come and was also trying to get information. Since the Bachelor had ended for the season, Root had to find a new way to get close to Zoe.

"I'm just saying," Joss said, continuing her earlier train of thought, "I think he's too close to Shaw."

Root laughed. "Don't worry, Sameen's not your competition."

Joss wrinkled her nose, looking annoyed. "I'm not trying to sound jealous. He just spends a lot of time with her. I feel like every time I make plans, he ends up backing out to go off into the night with her."

Frowning, Root knew she was right. Shaw did the same thing. Unlike Joss, however, Root knew that they were busy working together, stealing for their mysterious boss. She couldn't exactly say that. Instead, she just shook her head, replacing her frown with a smile.

"Sameen is getting enough action from me that she doesn't need it from him," Root joked.

Zoe and Joss laughed, and Root picked up her drink, satisfied with the subject change. She took a large gulp before remembering that she wasn't going to get drunk. Swallowing, she put the can down again. Tossing her textbook aside, she stretched her legs out in front of her, leaning back on her hands.

"Seriously, though," Root added, "there's nothing going on there. Sameen keeps complaining about how much John talks to you."

Zoe took another fake sip, and smiled at Root, playing with the tab on the top of the can. "Tell me about Shaw. You two have been dating for a while now."

Root chuckled. "We're not dating. It's very casual."

Raising an eyebrow, Zoe looked skeptical. "If you say so. I don't spend that much time with my casual things."

"Do you have many 'casual' things?"

Zoe shrugged. She took another drink, eyes on Root. It was easy to tell when she was being evaluated, and Root made sure to keep her face neutral and pleasant. Zoe put the can of beer down and rested her hands in the lap of her skirt. Even for a study group in her own dorm room, Zoe looked put together. Root wondered if she ever slipped up, or if she always had every hair on her head in place

Looking over her books, Zoe smiled to herself. "So, it's casual. Do you two talk much? Or is this 'casual' thing also just a physical thing?"

Root blushed, looking away. She wasn't ashamed of the fact that she and Shaw mostly just had sex, but it seemed weird to just say that. Besides, they were becoming friends and Root didn't want to say something that would get back to her and ruin that.

She sat forward, folding her legs under her. "A little bit of both. Well, a little bit of one and a lot of the other. We just like spending time together."

"Does she disappear a lot, too?" Joss asked.

Root chuckled. "Quite a bit actually. I think the two of them are so introverted that they spend time together just to have an excuse not to talk. They probably just sit in silence for hours."

The girls laughed. She and Joss weren't close, but Root felt connected to her because of their grumpy partners. John and Joss had a label, though, and Root and Shaw had nothing. She didn't mind too much, but maybe some sort of talk was in order. Remembering why she'd accepted Zoe's invitation, Root looked at her.

"So, Zoe," Root said, blinking her eyes innocently. "I've been meaning to ask if you had another job. Your clothes are too nice to buy on an RA's salary."

"That's just her daddy's money," Joss answered before Zoe could.

Root tried not to look annoyed at the interjection. She was trying to find out what Zoe knew about the rumors Root had been hearing. Apparently, someone had been using fake names to buy computer parts and office buildings. There was also a rumor that they were trying to build a super computer. If that was happening, Root wanted to be in on it.

She was pretty sure that Zoe's family worked in technology. Even if that wasn't true, Zoe had enough connections to know something about the secretive project. Root wanted to find that person and figure out what was happening. She'd thought that Sameen might be connected somehow, through her robbery ring, but now Root didn't think so. Sameen was stealing lockets and minor trinkets to blackmail rich people. It was nothing like the rumor of an AI that Root had heard.

Joss cracked open another can of beer, bringing Root back to the present. She smiled at Zoe, meeting her eyes. She wondered how much Zoe knew about her, and if she'd invited her to the Bachelor nights to keep a close eye. That was why Root had joined.

"Just one job then," Root said. "I'm jealous!"

"That I only have one job, or that my dad is rich?"

Laughing, Root just shrugged. "Both, I guess. What kind of work does your father do?"

"He owns a tech company," she answered, voice light and casual. "The whole family is involved. Sadly, I don't have a head for computers. I'm planning on going into law."

"We both are," Joss said, chuckling. "My father is a cop, but I'd only do that as a last resort. I'd rather get a job as a lawyer and take on the people in power directly. Stopping crime in the street is great, but it's just a symptom of the larger problem."

Root was surprised to hear that Joss' father was in law enforcement. That didn't seem like something John would want to get involved in. Did Joss know about his criminal activity? Root was willing to bet she didn't. Underage drinking and armed robbery weren't exactly on the same level.

"What about you, Root?" Zoe asked, smiling. "Do you have a job?"

Wanting to lie, but knowing that her endless supply of expensive leggings and leather jackets hinted at money, Root returned Zoe's fake smile. "I make websites. You'd be impressed with what technologically-impared old people will pay for a few hours of work."

"Websites," Zoe repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You're studying Computer Science, right?"

"Yup. Hey, maybe I could intern at your family's business."

"I'll talk to my father." Zoe picked up her can again, taking a sip. "Do you have a resume?"

Root thought about her list of clients. None of her work could be put on a resume. What would she even right at the top? Assassin/Hacker? She realized she'd have to spend a couple nights making fake websites to put on a resume. It would be worth it to get access to the network at Mr. Morgan's offices.

"Of course," she answered, shrugging. "Let me update it and I'll email it to you."

"Great."

Joss groaned loudly, tossing her phone onto the bed. "John doesn't want to come over tonight. He said he's too tired and needs a shower. He needs a shower? That might be his weakest excuse yet."

Zoe clicked her tongue sympathetically, and stood up, taking her beer with her as she moved to the bed. She sat beside Joss and patted her shoulder. "Make him take you to breakfast then."

"If he wants to hang out, he can text me." Joss took a swig of her beer. "I'm not going to keep begging him to spend time with me. I'm better than that."

"Yes, you are!" Root toasted Joss with her can before taking a long drink. "Don't chase after a dumb boy. He's not worth it."

Joss grinned. "Hell yeah!"

Crossing her legs in front of her, Root rested her elbows on her knees, can held lightly in her hands. After spending so much time with Shaw, it was weird to just hang out with someone without the possibility of sex. When it was just the two of them, Root always knew that she'd have Shaw's hands on her, and inside her, before the night was over. She wondered if Shaw would be up for a midnight hook-up. She usually was.

"Text Shaw," Joss said, waving to get Root's attention. "Text her and see if she's with John."

Root grinned, shaking her head. "Ok, but I can't promise she'll answer."

Putting her can down, Root picked up her phone from the floor where she'd put it earlier. Unlocking it, she laughed. There were three messages from Shaw: a middle finger emoji in response to Root's last, flirty message, a picture of a golden retriever in a car, and a text saying she had a job and wouldn't be around.

Texting her back with five frowning faces, Root looked up at Joss. "I think they're working tonight."

Joss just rolled her eyes, but Zoe gave Root a thoughtful look. It was clear that Zoe was suspicious of her, and Root was careful to keep her guard up. She schooled her face to a calm smile and tucked her phone into the pocket of her sweatshirt. Joss laid down on the bed, her head in Zoe's lap.

"I know that working at a crisis hotline is really great, but they work such weird hours!"

Root had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud at the idea of Shaw and John as crisis counselors. Neither of them would be particularly sympathetic to anyone who called in. In fact, Root could see them actually making the issue worse. She hid her face behind her beer and took a drink.

At least she knew now that Joss didn't know what their real job was. Zoe was still looking at her intently, her eyes sharp. Usually, Zoe wasn't so obvious about her desire to watch Root. Maybe she had had more to drink that Root thought. Root decided to play along, finishing her beer and putting it down, purposefully fumbling and knocking the can over. She blushed and straightened it.

"I wish they had a safer job," she said, pouting. "Shaw says the callers seem dangerous sometimes. Like… violent."

"Really?" Zoe murmured, raising an eyebrow. "I suspect John and Shaw can handle themselves."

"Still…" Root flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I wish they did something a little safer."

Joss snorted. "I think those two like being near danger. They probably get off on it."

Chuckling, Root leaned forward. "And what about you? Do you get off on danger?"

"No!" Joss laughed, the thought hilarious for some reason. "I'm very anti-danger. My father would murder me if I got involved in anything dangerous. He really doesn't have room to talk, though. I mean-"

"I think you've had enough to drink," Zoe interrupted. "Maybe it's time for bed."

There was a knock at the door and Zoe sighed. Scooting off the bed, she crossed the room and opened it. Root looked over her shoulder to see a boy with a cloth wrapped around his hand, talking to Zoe in a low voice. Nodding, Zoe stepped back into the room and moved to her closet.

"I'll be right back," she told them, pulling a first aid kit out. "Bathroom emergency."

Wrinkling her nose, Root shivered. "Good luck."

"Thanks."

Zoe gestured for the boy to lead the way and left the room, the door closing behind her. As soon as it was shut, Root jumped up and went to the bed, settling down beside Joss. She watched as Joss picked her phone up again, frowning at the screen.

"What were you saying about your dad?" Root asked her. "He does something dangerous?"

"He's a cop," Joss answered, distracted. She started typing out a message. "He's always on my case, but he's the one who's friends with a criminal."

Root perked up. This could be something useful. If Joss' dad was involved in something criminal, and Zoe was keeping tabs on it, then it was probably something important. Laying down, Root propped her head up on her hand.

"Do tell. Is he protecting a serial killer?"

Joss gave her an incredulous look. "A serial killer? No. It's just some guy who controls the city, or something. My dad doesn't really talk about it. I think he sells weapons? Or drugs?"

Root nodded, pretending like she was only half-listening. "Cool. How did they meet?"

"My dad was trying to find this woman who apparently wants some fancy computer thing, I don't know. Anyway, she got some guys to go after him and Elias saved him. My dad is technically working the case, but obviously it helps to have a criminal on your side when you're trying to catch… a criminal."

While the details were fuzzy, Root got the picture. She was right about the rumors, then. Someone was trying to build a super computer and someone else was trying to steal it. At least she had a name now - Elias. That gave her a place to start.

She could also look into this mystery woman. The NYPD would have records of the case, and she'd hacked into their system so many times she could do it in her sleep. The study group had been a success after all.

"What does your dad do?" Joss asked her, putting her phone down.

Root blinked, caught off-guard. "Oh. I don't know. I don't know him."

Joss gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her on the knee. "That's rough."

The door opened as Root laughed and Zoe smiled as she walked into the room. Tossing the first aid kit onto her desk, she dropped into the chair heavily. Taking in the scene, she sighed.

"I walk out of the room for two minutes, and you two are best friends."

Root grinned at her. "I've stolen your roommate."

Zoe chuckled. Root's phone vibrated in her sweatshirt and she pulled it out, unlocking it. It was a message from Shaw, a picture. Shaw was wearing a balaclava, only her eyes and mouth visible. She was holding two fingers like a V in front of her mouth and sticking her tongue through it.

Root immediately saved the picture. This was her first real glimpse into Shaw's work life and she was going to hold on to it. Shaw would hate that, but if she didn't want Root to keep it forever and save it in multiple places just in case, she shouldn't have sent it.

Tucking her phone away again, Root sat up. "I should get going. We're obviously not going to get much studying done, and I should sleep. Tests, and all that."

"Ok," Zoe said, smiling. "Thanks for hanging out. We should do it again."

"Yeah!" Joss cheered. "Maybe with less drinking."

"Or more," Root joked, climbing off the bed. "We could go out."

Zoe nodded enthusiastically. "I know some great clubs. We'll force John and Shaw to come along."

Root just flashed her a smile and gathered up her things. She put her books and the one pen she'd pulled out back into her bag. She really did need to study, but it wasn't going to happen here and she was probably going to just start looking into Elias tonight anyway.

Standing, she put her bag on and waved at the other girls. "See you later."

They waved back and she left the room, starting down the hallway toward the staircase. It was a shame that Shaw was busy. Root would have liked to talk about what she'd learned. Slowing, she realized that it might be best to keep it to herself.

She didn't know too much about Shaw's job and who she worked for. Shaw's frequent jobs suggested that her boss was someone with a lot of money to spend. It wasn't impossible that her boss was involved with the super computer. There were only so many wealthy people in New York City and they were definitely all criminals.

Entering the stairwell, Root decided to keep her findings a secret for now. If she dug deeper, found out more, and Shaw's name didn't show up, then Root would tell her. She and Shaw had a good thing going, but there was still too much she didn't know.

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A soft beep woke Root, and she drew in a quiet breath through her nose, trying to remember what the sound meant. An almost inaudible scratch came from behind her. She remembered the source of the beep now; it was her window alarm.

Someone had triggered the pressure sensor she'd put in her window. Sliding her hand under her pillow, Root wrapped it around the hilt of her gun. Counting to three, she sat up quickly, her arm shooting out to aim at the intruder's face.

The person was wearing a balaclava, and they ripped it off when they saw Root's gun. It was Shaw, looking confused. Her eyes flicked between the gun and Root's face, like she couldn't understand what was happening.

"How did you know I was here?" Shaw asked, tossing the mask aside.

Root didn't lower her gun. "I have safety measures installed. Is this for pleasure or for business?"

Shaw raised an eyebrow. "Pleasure, hopefully."

"Ok!" Root let her hand drop onto the bed. "You're pretty sneaky."

"No one's ever caught me before," Shaw muttered as she bent forward to pull her boots off. "My pride is a little wounded."

Chuckling, Root put the gun on her nightstand and started unbuttoning her sleep shirt. "I'm very good," Root assured her. "So are you. I'm just better."

Shaw glared at her, taking her pants off. "I thought I took your gun?"

"I have plenty of guns, Shaw," Root said, pulling her sleep shirt over her head. "You still underestimate me."

Shaw just huffed and removed the rest of her clothing. Root lifted the covers, letting Shaw slide into bed. She was cold, her feet practically icicles and Root squealed.

"No!" she laughed. "You need to warm up before you touch me."

"But touching you will help me warm up faster." Shaw scooted closer, forcing Root to back up. "You know me. I'll be hot in no time."

Root's back hit the wall and then Shaw was pressed fully against her. Her cold skin made Root shiver. She wrapped her arms around Shaw's shoulders, brushing their noses together. Shaw let it happen, spreading her hands over Root's stomach.

They just stayed close for a moment, feeling good in each other's nearness. It was probably too romantic for Shaw, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she just lightly scratched at Root's skin, running her hands over her abs, down to her hips.

"Do people break into your room often?" Shaw asked after a while. "You were pretty quick on the draw."

Root smiled, pressing a kiss to Shaw's lips. "I'm a wanted woman, Sameen. There are people in the city who would pay to have me killed."

Shaw moved backwards, giving Root room to lay on her back. She covered Root's body with her own, fitting their hips together, and looking down thoughtfully. Root met her eyes, watching her think about what Root had said.

"Interesting," she finally murmured. "I can't imagine you as a hardened criminal."

"Oh, but I am," Root said, gripping Shaw's hips. She let her legs fall open and pulled Shaw closer. "I've killed a lot of people. It's easy once you get the hang of it."

Something passed through Shaw's eyes and she dropped her head to kiss Root. Root's body responded immediately, warming and shivering as Shaw's tongue pushed into her mouth. She moaned as Shaw bucked her hips.

Strong hands covered her breasts, and Root moaned again as Shaw squeezed them painfully. Root loved when Shaw took what she wanted. She knew that Shaw thought about touching her, about fucking her, and Root was more than willing to let her live out her fantasies.

Shaw pulled her mouth away, lifting her head up. "Tell me," she gasped, dragging her nails over Root's nipples. "How do you do it?"

"How do I kill them?" Root asked, distracted by Shaw's touch. "You want to know?"

"Yes," Shaw answered quickly. She pressed her tongue to Root's neck, nipping at sensitive skin. "Tell me."

Root closed her eyes as Shaw moved her hand between them, brushing over Root's clit. "I, uh, I usually follow them first, and learn their pattern-"

"No," Shaw growled, sitting back. She pushed loose hair from her face. "How do you kill them?"

Her meaning clicked and liquid pooled in Root's stomach at the hungry look in Shaw's eyes. She wanted bloody details about how Root murdered people. It wasn't something Root normally talked about, or thought about, but she could tell her reward would be worth it.

"I like to get personal," Root whispered. "Tasers, needles, knives."

Shaw nodded, and reached for the nightstand drawer. "Keep going."

Root watched as she pulled out the harness and dildo Root kept there, along with a bottle of lube. Licking her lips, Root thought of what to say. She kept her eyes fixed on Shaw's face as she strapped herself in.

"I like to use tasers first," Root started, "because I'm not that strong, and I usually kill men twice my size." Shaw opened the bottle of lube, looking down at Root. "Sometimes, I tie them to a chair afterwards, if I need them to talk." Shaw stroked the dildo, pushing the base against her clit. Her breasts bounced as her arm moved and Root swallowed. "Usually I just kill them where they drop."

Lining it up, Shaw thrust into Root, filling her in one smooth motion. Groaning, Root's head dropped back, pushing into the pillow. She felt Shaw grab her thighs, pushing her legs wide open, and looked up. Dark eyes met hers and Root nodded.

Slowly, Shaw pulled out of her, waiting a second before pushing back in. It was agonizingly slow, and Root tried to wiggle out of her grasp for more, but Shaw held her in place. Root reached up to touch Shaw's breasts, brushing her thumbs over hard nipples. Shaw picked up the pace.

"I like stabbing them from the front," Root continued breathlessly. It was hard to focus on talking when Shaw was inside of her. "I can get a cleaner cut. My knife just slides right between the third and fourth rib, straight into the heart."

Shaw's pace quickened again, her abs tightening as she thrust into Root. She shifted her hands to Root's waist, fingers digging into soft skin. Soft grunts fell from her mouth as she worked, a flush spreading across her chest, and Root knew this was affecting her, too. She looked wild, hair falling around her face, and Root took a breath, squeezing her breasts with trembling hands.

She wasn't sure what exactly Shaw wanted to hear, but she tried to keep going. "Sometimes," she gasped, "I can't taze them in time, and there's a fight. I've taken down huge men."

"Do you like it?" Shaw asked her, voice low and rumbling in her throat. "Beating them?"

Root nodded, pinching her nipples until sharp pain shot through her. "I feel strong. Powerful. I fight until my knuckles bleed, until my whole body hurts, and they're just lying on the ground, a bloody body. I strangled a man to death once and watched him die."

Shaw groaned, thrusting faster. Root wrapped her legs around Shaw, yanking her close. They kissed, their mouths slipping against each other. Root loved how Shaw was reacting to her violence. Shaw liked to hear about Root hurting people. Tearing her mouth away, Root tilted her head, giving Shaw access to her neck.

"I go crazy. My blood pounds in my ears and it's- it's like I go blind with rage. Because, it's just me or them and I'm not-" A moan tore from her throat as Shaw slammed into her. Root reached up to pull out Shaw's ponytail and tangle her hands in her long hair. She yanked it up, forcing Shaw to look her in the eyes. "I'm not going to let some random fucker take me out. I'll rip his fucking throat out before he can lay a hand on me."

Shaw growled, her teeth bare. She looked feral and it excited Root to see her so out of control. Moving her hands under Root's butt, Shaw lifted her up and onto her lap. She turned them quickly and shoved Root into the wall, holding her up with her own body. Her nails dug into Root, holding her in place.

"I'm the only one who lays a hand on you," Shaw spat.

Root's feet found purchase on the bed and she tightened her grip on Shaw's hair until she hissed. The wall was hard and cold against her back, scratching her as she moved with Shaw. She thought the look on Shaw's face should scare her, but instead it only turned her on to know that she had caused it. Shaw fucked her against the wall, hitting deep inside her. Root gasped in time, feeling her body begin to melt. She nodded frantically.

"Just you," she gasped. "Only you."

Shaw grabbed her jaw, holding her head in place. "You come when I say so."

"Yes," Root managed. She took Shaw's hand and moved it down to her neck. "Please."

For a second, Shaw seemed unsure, but then she closed her hand around Root's throat. She didn't cut off her air, but she held Root tight, just enough pressure to let her know that she was in control. Shaw kept up her brutal pace, driving Root crazy.

Root whimpered as she felt her body grow close to finishing. "I'm so close."

"I didn't say you could come yet." She leaned close, her nails scratching against Root's neck, teasing her. "I'm not done fucking you yet."

Her body started to shake, and Root held onto the hand around her throat. It felt so good to have Shaw moving inside of her. She wanted it to go on forever, but she knew that being on the edge would only get painful, and she still wanted to touch Shaw, too. She wanted to make Shaw squirm beneath her.

"Just me," Shaw said, staring into Root's eyes. "No one else."

Root sobbed, her body twitching as she did her best to hold off her orgasm. "You. You."

"Can anyone else make you feel this?"

"No," Root choked. "You. You."

Shaw took her hand from Root's throat and rubbed her clit. "Say my name."

"Sameen." Root's eyes watered, and she clutched Shaw's shoulders. "Sameen."

"Come."

Root's body exploded, her world turning white as her orgasm ripped through her. She gasped and whimpered, her head falling forward. Shaw held her up, keeping her in place so she didn't fall or hurt herself. Her hips bucked, moving against the dildo and prolonging the sensations that swept over her.

After what felt like forever, Root could breathe again and Shaw pulled out of her. Sliding down the wall, Root looked up into Shaw's smug face. Grinning, Shaw lazily ran her hand up and down the dildo, stroking it slowly.

"Not too bad," she said, smirking. "You're pretty hot."

Root tried to catch her breath. Shaw looked imposing and untouchable, towering above Root, but her abs glistened with sweat and Root noticed the slight tremble in her hand. As much as she tried to keep her composure, Root could tell that she was on the edge herself. She looked like a goddess come down to Earth just to fuck Root.

Her loose hair spilled over her shoulders, clinging to her damp body. Her eyes were wide and dark. She took deep breaths, her whole body flushed red. Heat practically radiated off her, surrounding Root. The way her hips thrust slightly against the base of the dildo, and the way sweat dripped between her breasts made Root desperate to touch her.

Root started undoing the buckles of the harness. It was her turn to touch, and she knew what she wanted. When the harness was free, Root pulled the dildo from it and tossed the straps aside. Shifting onto her knees, she smiled at Shaw.

"I'm very hot," she corrected, running her free hand over Shaw's breasts, making her shiver. "And we're not done yet."

She shoved Shaw down to the side, forcing her to lay on the bed. Root covered her quickly, taking a firm, brown nipple into her mouth. Shaw groaned above her, putting her hand on Root's head to hold her in place. Her legs spread wide, and Root settled between them, relishing how desperate Shaw was for her.

"Touch me," Shaw demanded, panting. "Touch me."

Root adjusted her grip on the dildo and pushed it into Shaw, making her hips lift off the bed. She gasped, tugging on Root's hair, but Root kept her mouth on Shaw's breast and started thrusting in and out. They'd never done this before, but from the way Shaw was gasping, Root knew it was the right move. She angled the dildo to hit Shaw's g-spot and was rewarded with a throaty moan.

Lifting her head, she looked down at Shaw. The blush that covered her chest and neck had deepened, sweat beading her body. Shaw's eyes had closed as Root fucked her. Her breasts bounced in rhythm and Root picked up her pace, watching them move.

Shaw looked out of control again, in an entirely different way. Root took one of Shaw's legs and put it over her shoulder, pushing forward. A growl caught in Shaw's throat and her hands clutched at the sheets. She was letting Root have control, letting her touch her without a careful eye. Root's hand brushed against Shaw's clit with every stroke, keeping her desperate and distracted. Root felt like Shaw trusted her.

Leaning down, Root brushed her lips over Shaw's ear. "You're mine, too, you know. All of this is just for me." Shaw opened her mouth, but Root spoke over her. "You can deny it. I won't tell, but I'll know. Big tough Shaw, rendered useless by little old me. Well, look who's on top now."

Moaning, Shaw's hands found Root's waist. They clenched around soft curves and Root grinned. Shaw was close. Her body had started to tremble and Root pushed the dildo deep inside her.

"I'd only slept with two people before you, and just one night stands. Look what you did to me, Sameen. All I think about is getting fucked by you. Fucking you. Now, I'm going to stare down into the eyes of someone as they die and think about you. You're so hot, Shaw. I'm going to make you come."

Shaw fell apart beneath her with a strangled cry. Root kept thrusting, just like Shaw had, prolonging her orgasm until it hurt. When Shaw gasped her name, Root pulled the dildo out. Shaw's knees slammed together as she shook and finally fell to the side as she started to calm. Root tossed the dildo onto the floor, already forgetting about it.

Something was different about the sex they'd just had and Root couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe it was because they'd talked so much, because she'd talked about her work. Maybe it was because Shaw had asked to be exclusive. Maybe it was because now she knew Shaw trusted her.

Whatever the reason, Root felt unsure of what to do. Was Shaw going to spend the night? Should Root pretend like this had never happened? Would it be weird to ask?

Shaw sat up. She looked at Root on the other side of the bed and snorted. "Jesus. Come here, weirdo. You don't have to sleep at the foot of your own bed."

Smiling nervously, Root crawled to Shaw's side, pulling the covers from where they'd been pushed aside in all the fuss. Shaw helped her, putting it over both of them and laying back down. She turned on her side, facing Root.

"Well?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Turn over. I'm not the little spoon type."

Root felt like she was dreaming. She rolled over, giving Shaw her back, and a heavy arm landed on her side. She didn't know what this meant about their relationship, if it meant anything at all, and she decided not to think about it. They'd deal with it, or not, tomorrow. For now, she was going to enjoy being cuddled, even if her whole body was sore.