This chapter is rated M.
Chapter 5
'Sour' wasn't nearly adequate enough to describe Ava's mood as she dropped her purse on Emily Prentiss' old desk. As she plopped down unceremoniously, she noticed a large vase that held a decent amount of red roses resting on the corner, just out of reach. Ava glanced around nervously, trying to spot the rest of her team. They were nowhere to be found. Just as the brunette stood up and pulled the vase closer to herself, Morgan's voice appeared from behind her.
"They were brought in first thing this morning." His grin was unmistakable. "Someone must have had a good night." Ava frowned, picking up the card that was attached.
"Actually, it was a pretty bad night." She retorted, catching sight of JJ and Reid approaching. The two said nothing but the blonde offered her a raised eyebrow at the sight of the large bouquet. Ignoring them, Ava opened the card.
I'm sorry about what I said. You're right, it was ignorant and childish. I overreacted and I hope that you can forgive me.
I love you,
K
Ava blushed a deep shade of red as she quickly stored the card before anyone could read it over her shoulder. She took her phone from her purse and immediately sent a text to her fiancée.
They're beautiful. Thank you. I love you too.
It took several minutes for a response to come through seeing as Kate had already begun work, but when it did, Ava's heart skipped several beats.
I bought this to make it up to you. Hope you're alone!
There was an image attached. Ava took a quick peak around the room, making sure that no one was close enough to see, and opened the image.
"Wow, I didn't know a human being could turn that red!" JJ remarked. Her voice, as well as its closeness, caused the younger agent to jump, fumble with her phone's lock button, and eventually drop it. JJ, giggling from having startled the woman so much, bent to pick it up.
"I really don't think you want to do that." Ava warned as the blonde's fingers grazed the device. Thankfully, it had fallen face down, hiding the image that would surely have JJ unable to meet Kate's eyes when they would eventually meet.
"Oh?" the older woman frowned, watching Ava pick up the phone herself and stow it immediately. "Oh." JJ's cheeks turned pink at the realization and Ava shot her an innocent smile.
"Oh." Ava confirmed, the smile only leaving her lips when the ding from the elevator was heard. JJ watched as the woman's face went from beet red to sickly pale in seconds, turning on her heel to see what she had seen to cause it. A group of soldiers, sailors by the look of them, had stopped at the front desk and seemed to be asking for directions. JJ turned back, confused by Ava's reaction, and touched the woman's arm.
"Are you alright?" JJ could feel the woman's body trembling from that simple touch and her concerned heightened. "Ava?"
"Wh-why are those men here?" her voice was shaky and barely audible, her wide eyes glued to the men who were now entering the bullpen.
"I don't know," JJ said. "Soldiers come here all the time though, it doesn't mean anything bad has happened."
"Maybe not for you." The haunted tone of Ava's voice deepened JJ's frown as she turned to watch the men. She could feel Ava holding her breath as they approached the two women. One, presumably their leader, nodded at the women respectfully before the group of four passed by them without a word. They knocked at the door of an office owned by someone Ava had yet to meet and were told to enter. Only then did Ava release the breath she had been holding. JJ looked back at the woman, noticing that the color had already begun to return to her cheeks, and squeezed her shoulder.
"You know someone?" the blonde asked softly. "Someone in the Navy?" Ava took a deep breath and looked up at her. The unshed tears were evident in the young woman's eyes as she nodded. "Right, well, I'm sure they're just fine."
"Right." Ava tried to control her voice, attempting to weed out the fear that was so indubitably still there. JJ offered her a kind smile before letting go and returning to her desk. Ava debated whether or not to text Kate about the incident before deciding that there was no point. Everything was fine and no good could come from discussing her ex with her current fiancée. Putting her phone away, the brunette looked down at the desk full of paperwork and sighed. It wasn't going to write itself.
Having had a considerably good day after receiving the flowers and apology from Kate, Ava found herself with an abundance of energy by the end of it. It had been rather uneventful in regards to serial killers and kidnappings but regardless, the brunette was happy. She debated going to the gym for an hour or two before heading home, knowing that the newfound energy would keep her up all night if she didn't expel it. Then, with a grin, she remembered that there would be a workout of a different sort in store for her when she arrived home. Pulling up to the complex's parking garage, Ava grinned as she caught sight of Kate's black Lexus. She was home. While she would never admit it, the brunette missed her fiancée terribly whenever they spent the night apart. She knew that Kate felt the same way but the blonde was more inclined to share those types of feelings than she was. The beauty of their relationship was in its balance- when one was emotional, the other was rational. Where one was weak, the other was strong. They harmonized perfectly, able to counteract each other's shortcomings at a moment's notice. For example, Ava's current giddiness and excitement would undoubtedly be met with Kate's composed and calm exterior the moment she opened the door.
"Kate?" Ava cautiously called as she entered. Dropping her bag and coat on the nearest couch, the brunette strained her ears in search of her. Hearing nothing, she proceeded into the bedroom, opening the closet and unlocking the safe she kept there. Not bothering to turn on the lights, she removed the sidearm from its holster and stowed it safely.
"Avalona." At the sound of her full name, Ava's breath hitched. Slowly, she turned around and took in the sight before her. Kate, taking advantage of Ava's absentmindedness, had lit a handful of candles while the brunette's back was turned. She lay on the bed, her skin glowing courtesy to the flames, and beckoned Ava towards her. Ava, her mouth dry and eyes wide, struggled to get her legs to comply. When she finally did, Kate rose and Ava was able to fully appreciate what stood before her. The blonde had on the same thing she did in the photo that she had sent- turquoise lingerie that left nothing to the imagination. Kate had pinned back half of her hair, allowing the rest of the golden tresses to cascade down the side of her face. Despite the inadequate lighting, Ava's heart thumped loudly in her chest. Quite the opposite in fact, the sight of the glowing flames dancing on pale flesh made the brunette's knees weaker than usual. While intimacy wasn't a problem in their relationship, it was rare that they indulge in something like this. Ignoring the feelings that began to stir inside her, Ava swallowed hard and breathed,
"Katherine." The blonde took a step towards her, their chests now almost touching. Ava couldn't help her wandering eyes as they travelled to the woman's lace covered breasts. Despite the blonde's cool façade, Ava could see just how rapidly her chest was heaving in anticipation. Moving lower to her taunt stomach and alabaster-like legs, Ava found herself slightly breathless. With a single finger, Kate lifted Ava's chin in order to look deep into her jade eyes, intrigued by the way the candlelight gleamed in them. Ava was equally as captivated by Kate's once blue eyes, now darkened with lust and almost black in the poorly lit room. Their first contact of the night, despite its chaste nature, was enough to compel the woman to act.
"You're overdressed." Kate informed her. Ava looked down at herself shyly. "Off." There was no question in Ava's mind: this wasn't a request. As she began unbuttoning her blouse, Ava cursed herself for not wearing anything nearly as alluring as Kate. The blonde, however, didn't seem to care as she sat on the edge of the bed and crossed those sinfully long legs, watching her fiancée undress. Leaving her blouse on but completely open, Ava saw Kate's gaze move from her eyes to the black bra she wore. The blonde's gaze was trained on the valley between her breasts and the look in her eyes made it almost impossible for Ava to continue. Almost. Next came her pants that she discarded haphazardly across the room, revealing matching black underwear. She knew that Kate wanted to do this part herself. As if on cue, Kate stood and placed her warm hands on Ava's shoulders. One hand traveled to Ava's cheek, stroking it affectionately before placing a subdued kiss on the full lips presented to her. Ava, desperate for more contact, tried to reach out and pull the blonde closer in order to deepen the kiss. Kate would have none of it. She pulled back instantly, raising a perfect eyebrow at the gasping beauty before her. Ava got the message, dropping her hands back to her sides as she allowed Kate to continue to touch her. The blonde smirked, enjoying having her tough, ass-kicking fiancée at her mercy. She eased a hand underneath the fabric of the blouse and helped Ava shrug a shoulder free of it. Her hand traveled to the toned back as she massaged it briefly before doing the same to the other side. Leaning back to take in the sight of her mostly naked lover, Kate bit her lip in anticipation.
"You are so perfect, Ava." The blonde practically whispered. Despite the low lighting, she could see the blush that overtook the younger woman's cheeks. Kate knew that the pretense Ava put on of being confident and fearless was just that- a pretense. For years she had worked to build the woman's image of herself to no avail. However, when it came to moments like these, she made sure to tell Ava just how beautiful she was.
"You are perfect, Kate." Ava whispered back, her breath hot on the woman's lips. Kate merely chuckled as she lowered her head, bringing her lips to Ava's neck. The brunette inhaled sharply as teeth and tongue scraped against the sensitive skin.
"I'm sorry about last night." Kate mumbled against her. Ava shook her head slowly, having forgiven the woman long before she had seen her in this outfit.
"Already forgotten." Ava's breath hitched as Kate's hands moved to the clasp of her bra, unfastening it with expert hands and letting the garment fall to the ground. Only then did Kate remove her lips from Ava's neck and focus her attention elsewhere. As her mouth got to work on making Ava's eyes roll, her hands went to rest on the woman's hips, stroking the skin that was exposed there and toying with the only article of clothing the brunette had left.
"Kate." Ava groaned, the fists she had formed almost breaking the skin of her palms.
"Yes?" the blonde asked innocently, her assault continuing without pause.
"I need to touch you," Ava practically begged, "please." She knew that asking permission was the only way to get what she wanted from the woman. When Kate was in control, it was unwise to disobey or displease her. She had learned that the hard way. The shorter woman seemed to consider the request for a moment before finally giving her a single nod. With a sigh of relief, Ava reached out and stroked the blonde's sides, watching a grin appear on red lips. Unblinking, Ava wrapped her arms around the woman and pressed her body impossibly close before setting her sights on the heavy, lace clad objects in front of her. Unhooking the blonde's bra and tossing it aside, Ava licked her lips much like a lioness does at the sight of a gazelle. Without ceremony, the two women locked their lips together and began a battle for dominance that would continue until the early hours of the morning.
