Chapter 5

For once Tess and Stef finally agreed on something. They decided instead of their typical weekend appointments with Lena they would schedule it during the week. They figured Wednesday's would be perfect for the both of them; Tess could come right after school and Stef usually wasn't needed during nights, since she picked up day shifts.

But those weren't the only reasons Stef wanted the change. She wanted to give Lena her weekends back. And after that past weekend she really wanted to see her sooner. He was going to ask Nate for her number, but she didn't want to push her away further and didn't want him to insinuate anything either.

Lena on the other hand has been a mess. That weekend definitely confirmed for her that she was very attracted to Stef. From the moment that they met she knew that she would be. When she saw that Tess scheduled an earlier appointment date she considered canceling it and stating that she could no longer be their therapist. She could claim that it's a conflict of interest in regards to her and Stef's mutual connection to Nate. But she couldn't bring herself to do that either. She promised that she would help her big brother. And if she was being honest with herself she wanted to still see Stef.

But the moment they saw each other the tension bombarded the air. Lena couldn't bring herself to look at Stef because one look could give it all away. But meanwhile Stef couldn't take her eyes off of Lena she wanted answers.

Though things seemed tense, Lena was very good at her job and was doing well at maintaining her professionalism. She had them going over a few exercises to help get out their frustrations towards each other and their relationship. Though it pained her to say, it seemed as though they were making progress.

Yet, as she watched Tess while she spoke she couldn't help but wonder what it was about her that made Stef want to marry her. Was it her looks, her intelligence? Lena knew that it couldn't be her personality because she was definitely sassiness personified. Besides the bad attitude, Lena knew that she was all of those things and more. Looking down to Tess's hand she couldn't help but gaze at that ring that she wore. It was gorgeous to say the least. Stef had to have taken time out to pick out such a significant diamond ring. That's when it finally clicked for her that these feelings couldn't go on.

Their discussions drift on to the night of Stef and Tess's argument. To their surprise Tess was more upset about it that they suspected that she would be. As she tearfully explained herself the other two women had no other choice but to look on with guilt. "I just get so frustrated. Everything I seem to do is wrong or inconvenient. That night I already had plans set in place. I understand Stef wanting to be romantic but last minute things don't always work with me. I have long weeks too and like to actually unwind with friends. Then she makes it seem as though her asking to marry me was a chore of hers. After every argument when she gets mad she just disappears. She just runs out and neglect all of my calls and efforts to make things right. That night I called 15 times. Normally someone's pride would cause them to stop after the first few. But no she likes to make me look like the idiot while she's out who knows where".

Stef didn't even know what to think. Though Tess drove her crazy a good portion of the time. The person that she initially fell for is still in there somewhere. And Stef never wants to be the one to purposely hurt another person.

"I'm so sorry Tess. Really, I just don't know what to do anymore". Stef pulled her closer to her hugging her tight as she softly wept into her chest and she rubbed her back. "I just want you to be happy," Stef looked up at Lena into her eyes, " I want to be happy". But for once not knowing her to read her words Lena looked to her notes as if to examine something.

"There's something I want the both of you to do. I want you both to go out more together. Stef you go do things that Tess likes and Tess you do things that Stef likes. You two can spend alone time doing this or out with friends. Either way I think you two still need to learn more about the other".

After their session Stef decided to walk Tess out to her car, considering they came separately once again. Leaning against the car Stef pulled Tess to her, squeezing her into a hug. "I'm sorry for the way I acted. I didn't know that you cared that much," Stef said kissing the top of her head, "I'm glad that we decided to get help".

"Me too," Tess responded before kissing Stef and unlocking the car to get in, "now I hope you see how to improve and we can finally start planning the wedding".

Completely stunned Stef couldn't even think of the proper response before Tess was able to get in the car and pull out of her parking spot. "I'll talk to you later Babe" she yelled from window before speeding off.

"One freaking step forward bc 2 steps back" Stef said in disbelief.

But she wasn't finished just yet. She made her way back into the building and rode the elevator up to Lena's office. When the doors opened up Lena was there getting on. "Oh, you're all done for the night?" Stef asked causing Lena to look up.

"Uhm, yes actually…did you forget something? Because Kelly is still in there if you need to grab it".

"No. I uh came to see you"

Staring at her blankly Lena spoke after thinking of her words carefully, " I see…where is Tess?"

"She left. But I wanted to talk to you about what happened this weekend".

"I'm not sure what you think happened. But I don't see the need in talking about it," Lena snapped defensively as she watched the numbers get closer and closer to the first floor. But not about to take any bull Stef hit the emergency stop for the elevator and stood in front of it. Lena shocked in disbelief gave Stef a look that would detour anyone trying to get in her way, anyone except for Stef.

"Lena what is up with you? You left early this weekend. Now you will barely look at me. I thought that we were…"

Lena abruptly cut her off knowing her only way out of this is to be cold. "I am your therapist. I am suppose to help you and Tess. That is what I am being paid to do. So that is all that I am".

Stef just stared at her for a moment, not knowing if she was putting up a front or if what she was saying was sincere. She just scoffed as she restarted the elevated and rode it down in silence. She could see the discomfort in Lena's stance. But before getting off she said, "Well you know I'm a cop, and it's not hard to tell when people are lying."

The remainder of the week goes by and both women do not know if they should be mad at themselves or mad at each other. But Nate was able to sense the tension in both his partner and his sister. Therefore, he devised a plan of his own.

He convinced Stef to go out and do paintball with him. He told her that they could just do teams with whoever else is there and it could be a good way to relieve some of her stress. When she agreed he also extended the invitation to his baby sister and just failed to mention the other participant. However, Stef was bringing along another wheel as well. She figured that her and Tess needed to spend more time together and this could be part of their assignment from Lena.

Once they all were there it took a lot of coaxing from Nate to convince Lena not to leave. Especially since both Stef and Tess were there, he knew that his sister took her job seriously. And having both of them out hanging out with her was different than accidentally bumping into one. So to make things better, Lena and Nate were in one team and Stef and Tess on the opposing.

They were getting suited up and Lena couldn't help but look over at the two. Stef was dressing Tess in her protective wear laughing and smiling. They couldn't keep their hands off of each other as Tess kept pretending to lose her balance and fall into Stef. Jealous wasn't even the word because she was already so gone beyond that.

Stef knew that Lena was watching. Since she claimed that they had absolutely no type of non-business relationship she figured that she would put it to the test. She began to flirt with Tess more than she normally would. She helped her put on her gear, and kept wrapping her arms around her and hugging her close. Every now and then she would look up and catch Lena right as she turned away.

As soon as the game began it was they were at war. Nate took off running trying to get as many people as he could; wrapped up in the game from the moment the bell sounded. Tess tried to stay close to Stef in the beginning but became wrapped up in the fun herself and went running off. That was all Lena was waiting for as Tess became her primary target. She would hide above on the wooden tower and rain down on Tess before ducking out of view before she could see who it was. Lena went from all different angles just letting her frustrations out.

But Stef was not lying about having a good eye and great shot. She watched Lena's act from clear across the yard. She began to take a few shots herself at Lena. She watched her run towards the back of the yard behind the wall of tires where not a lot of people, probably to catch her breath. Seeing Tess running and chasing after people, Stef ran to where Lena was before she could be seen.

"What is your problem?" Stef yelled pulling off her hooded helmet. Lena did the same not willing to back down, "Excuse me?", she yelled. "You have been acting like an ass all week! What did I do to you? Are you mad because Tess is here?"

"No one is worried about Tess! I'm mad that I'm here! I shouldn't be here."

"Then leave! No one is holding a gun to your head. I am doing what you told me to do. You told me to bond with her. You told me to have fun and enjoy my time with her. You told me that I should try to make it work. You told me to pretty much leave you alone. You are mad at me for doing what you said to do".

"That is not what I meant. I am just trying to do my job! That is all that I want to do. I don't know what the problem is, ok? I don't know!"

Having enough moved closer pushing Lena back against the wall and kissed her full on her lips. With that one kiss Stef felt the whole world go silent. Lena felt herself floating straight into the air. For that moment there was absolutely nothing else on earth besides them, until Stef pulled away.

"For a doctor you sure can be so stupid". With that Stef put her helmet back on and ran out back into the game leaving Lena there completely breathless.

Needless to say the remainder of the game was more than uncomfortable for Lena. She didn't know what to do, what to say, how to act. Stef just kissed her and her lips were everything they thought it would be. But she couldn't help but let the reality of the current circumstances block her from enjoying that.

But no matter how much she knew that she needed to leave for some reason she couldn't bring herself too. Even when Nate decided to make plans for the group. They decided to go to one of the popular sports bars in town to try watch the fight. Though it was Nate's idea Stef just wanted to have a few drinks and relax. And Tess loved to socialize so it was perfect. The only thing is now Lena was even more unsure about now knowingly tagging along.

Walking towards the bar Lena finally spoke up. "I think that I'm going to head home now. I had fun but I think me going to a bar with you guys is a bit inappropriate". Stef then walked past her towards the door holding Tess's hand and looked back at her to say, "Don't worry. We wont be paying you any mind". Lena just watched as they walked in almost forgetting that her brother was still there. "Come on sis. It will be fine. Drinks on me" he said wrapping his arm around her shoulders and guiding her inside.

As soon as they get inside there's already a group of girls at the bar who seemed to know Tess. They were already slightly intoxicated and were calling her over. "Stef, do you mind?" Tess said looking up to her. Though Tess did seem to be making an effort by asking, Stef honestly didn't care anymore. So smiling she just gave a head nod towards her friends and like that Tess was gone.

"Well! Then there were three!" Nate said walking up to her with Lena. "You two find somewhere to sit and I will get us all drinks". Awkwardly looking around the crowded place neither wanted to say anything to the other. So when Lena spotted a table she just took off walking causing Stef to follow behind.

As they walked to the table Stef couldn't help but notice guys dropping their jaw as Lena walked past. Lena can command the attention of a room without even purposely doing so. And Stef was completely fixated.

Lena, however, felt uncomfortable. She didn't really watch sports or fights and she didn't drink anything really besides wine. That with the weight of everything else she couldn't understand why she was still there and her strong facade was beginning to deteriorate.

"So I take it bars aren't really your thing" Stef said finally talking to Lena.

But she didn't reply. She just looked around examining her surroundings. Looking around herself then looking to Tess she had an idea.

"I got the drinks" Nate said returning to the table.

"Great!" Stef said downing half her beer. "Come with me", she said to Lena pulling her by her hand. Confused she grabbed the potent drink from Nate as she went by and quickly downed it.

Stef lead her over to the other side to where the pool tables were located. She handed Lena a cue before setting the balls in place. "Are you serious right now" Lena asked frustrated.

"Extremely. You first." Stef smirked.

Not knowing what else to do anymore, Lena saw no harm in playing. Starting to feel her liquid courage kick in she stepped in front of Stef and bent over to pull the cue. She knew that she didn't bump Stef with her behind but she still didn't expect it when Stef stepped forward pushing against her distracting her a bit. "Go ahead Lena. what are you waiting for?"

Sucking in her breath Lena went to strike the ball right when she felt Stef's hand graze her back. The feeling of her hands on her made her jump and miss the ball completely. Before she could stand back up she felt Stef come even closer and hover above her. Before she could process what was happening Stef's hands were on top of hers.

Stef's face was right beside Lena's taking in her closeness and smell. "So you don't do bars and you suck at pool" she whispered in her ear. Lena shut her eyes as her insides began to tingle from the vibrations of Stef's voice so close to her. "Open your eyes…" Stef kissed the inside of her neck, knowing what she was doing was wrong but she couldn't help it. She stood up allowing Lena to move but this time neither was running away. Stef bent down and broke the balls for Lena looking up and smiling.

Walking to the side of the table where she stood, Stef pretended to be examining the balls and options as she began to speak. "I really like you Lena. More than I can comprehend. There's something about being around you. I just cant completely tell if I'm alone in this".

Feeling the affects of her drink Lena was becoming increasingly bold. "Maybe you should talk to the woman with your ring on her finger about how alone you are".

Completely ignoring her she leaned back against the table looking into Lena's nervous eyes. "We already find each other attractive. I know you must be feeling something for me too because I can sense that in the air. It's like my entire being lights up when I see or think of you". Stef reached up putting a few curls away from her face bolding touching Lena.

When Lena grabbed Stef's hand she was sure that she was rejecting her and about to tell her about how wrong this all is. But instead she stood in front of her with the most hurt eyes Stef has ever seen and said, "I like you very much. I think about you way too much than I should . That I can admit. But we can'r act on that or do anything about it".

Feeling her hear flutter Stef didn't care about the last part she said. If she was honest with herself, she would leave Tess that second to be with Lena. But she knew Lena had her doubts. She pulled Lena through to the back of the bar and into the bathroom filled with intoxicated women. Wanting them out Stef yelled, "Police! Everyone out of the bathroom! Now!" Even though she didn't have her badge on her, her voice was enough to make the drunk women scatter.

Pulling her into the large handicap stall Stef looked at Lena who just shook her head. They both were still feeling the remnants of the alcohol but they needed this moment. Stef wrapped her arms around Lena's waist and brought her closer. Lena just placed her on her biceps scared to get too close but not wanting to push away either.

Lena wanted Stef so bad. But the situation was just too messy and she knew that. But she also knew that something felt so real and so right about her, and that is something that she kept finding so hard to ignore. The longer they stood there in each other's arms just taking in the other person the more Lena couldn't control her desire. Looking up at Stef she let one tear fall as she leaned in closer.

She could feel her lips slightly grazing her as their breaths mingled. Stef wasn't going to take control this time. This time it had to be all Lena as she could tell, even as close as she was she was still contemplating. "Lena you don't…" But before she could finish she felt Lena's lips on hers. The kiss began slow as the wanted to memorize each and every part of it. But then the more the fire raged between them the more heated the kiss got.

Stef pushed Lena against the wall and began to kiss and lick on the nook of her neck causing Lena to lightly moan out in pleasure as she pulled Stef if possible closer to her. Stef lifted Lena off of the ground and wrapped her legs around her waist. Rubbing her body closer and closer into her center. Moving her neck away from Stef's lips she started her own attack on Stef. kissing and sucking as much as she could.

But it was the sound of the bathroom door swinging open and a panicked Nate that caused them to drop everything. "You two better hurry the hell up. A drunk Tess is on her way over". They hurried and got themselves together and right as they exited the stall in walked Tess.

"What is happening? My friend said that a blond cop came in here kicking everyone out?" Tess was clearly already drunk, luckily for them.

Thinking quick Lena replied, "Yeah, its been a while since I drank. And umm Stef came with me and cleared the bathroom so I can vomit and hold my hair".

Seeming as if she fell for the lie, she just nodded her head and walked over to Stef. "I'm ready to go now. Can you drop me off at my apartment Babe?"

"Yes I think that's a great idea. I can catch the highlights tomorrow. Let's go Lena". Nate said guiding his sister out the bathroom, who gave Stef a looked as she walked in front of her.

Stef helped Tess into the car and buckled her up and she instantly went to sleep. She walked over to Nate's SUV and said a goodnight to him and thanked him for the warning. He just laughed and said, "Hey that's my sister and you are my partner. Secret is safe with me". Especially on account of he knew what he was doing when he sent Stef to Lena to begin with.

Stef walked to the passenger side and looked to a now sober Lena. "Good night Lena. Let me know when you are home". But the guilt was now becoming overwhelming for Lena as she began to speak but Stef just cut her off with a sweet kiss. "It wasn't the alcohol talking. I meant every single thing I said"

Lena just smiled, "Good night Stef" before rolling up her window and Stef watched as they drove away.