Breaking the Threshold

Chapter 2

by moun-chan

(for Disclaimer see Chapter 1)

CC was not married, and had never found a man she liked enough to share her life with. She'd often so asked herself why... was this the answer? Was she a lesbian? This thought was new to her, but it seemed to be the only logical one.

What was she to do now? CC knew it was anything but the easiest way, yet she couldn't stop thinking about just telling Miss Fine what she was feeling. How would she react? Had she ever said or done anything that could be a hint at feelings from her side – except the kiss this evening?

CC put the glass, in which some whiskey was left, on the table in front of her, then she grabbed both it and the bottle and put it away. Whiskey was no answer, not anymore. She turned on the TV, but she was bored very soon. The clock told her it was 1am as she turned the TV off again and looked at the phone. What had she got to lose?

With slightly trembling fingers, she dialed the Sheffields' number, hoping Fran was there and not in Max' bedroom. Niles answered.

"At Sheffields'?" He sounded tired.

"Niles, it's CC here."

"Miss Babcock, this is neither the 24h-pizza service nor your therapist, what do you want?"

"I'm sorry if I woke you. Is Miss Fine at home?"

"Just came back with Mister Sheffield. Give me a moment."

A few moments later, Miss Fine's unique voice reached her ears. "Yes?"

"It's me, CC."

"Miss Babcock? Me? At this time? What's wrong?"

"It's something important I need to discuss with you. I'm sorry for calling you so late."

"No problem, it's okay. I'm all ears."

"... I would rather talk to you in person. Could you maybe manage to come along?"

"Well, okay. I'll be there in about... fifteen minutes?"

"Thank you."

"See you then."

"See you," CC answered, listened until Fran had hung up, then she did so, too. Nervously she stepped in front of the mirror. She looked at her hair, her clothes, everything. She was wearing nothing very special, but her hair was still pinned up. She decided to keep it like that.

CC sat down on her couch, then on a chair, before she walked around, tidying up a little. She didn't know what to say then, but she couldn't wait for Fran to arrive.

As she heard the doorbell, she almost jumped from her seat. Where was the other CC everybody knew, the calm and chill one? She took a deep breath, then she opened the door. The sight expecting her was incredible. Miss Fine in all her beauty, wearing this great dress, the light playfully sparkling in her eyes.

"Come in," CC managed to say, feeling the effects Miss Fine had on her again, stronger than ever. "Would you like something to drink?" she offered, closing the door behind her guest.

"No, thank you," Fran said, putting her jacket aside.

"Take a seat, please," CC said, pointing at the couch. She herself sat down beside the other woman, leaving a little distance between them, though. On the coffee-table in front of them two candles CC had lit a few moments ago were burning and coloring the room in an additional soft light. Their eyes met and CC had to swallow once more before she got out a word.

""Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome. What's the matter?"

"It's about me," CC said and hesitated.

"You know you can tell me anything you want. I know we haven't been close or friends," Fran smiled and continued, "but who knows, maybe we can be."

"Is that all we can be?" These words escaped her mouth before she knew it.

"What?"

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't spit it out like this. It's that I ... I always just pretended to dislike you. I do like you."

Fran listened attentively, which did not happen so often.

"I'm usually not the person to confess, but this confession isn't usual either. Miss Fine ... I'm afraid I'm in love with you."

Deep brown eyes were connected to light blue ones, wide with surprise, until CC looked away, blushing.

"I don't know how this could happen, I'm sorry. You must feel terribly uncomfortable now, I-"

Fran's voice was low as she interrupted CC. "I don't."

CC stopped speaking and looked back at her beautiful guest.

"I don't feel uncomfortable at all."

"You're not?" CC asked, now she being the surprised one.

"I feel blessed, and I'm very glad you told me."

"Is that supposed to mean..?"

"It is. I'm in love with you, too, Miss Babcock."

CC had no chance to say a word, since Fran leant forward and pressed the other woman back into the cushions, cupping her lips in a breathtaking kiss. CC was stunned for a second, then she returned the kiss, her hand finding Fran's back to hold onto as this one deepened the kiss.

As CC broke the contact, she was gasping. "But- but aren't you and Maxwell..?"

"What? Oh no, no way. Meaningless flirting, that's all."

"... Have you been aware of your feelings for longer, Fran?" CC asked, carefully trying out her love's first name.

"Nah, not really. Few weeks... First I thought I'd gone nuts, but hey..." She shrugged. "...You're ready to make up for some wasted time?" Fran hushed, a seductive smile playing on her full lips, before she sealed CC's mouth with her own again, quickly deepening the kiss this time. The blond woman kissed her back tenderly, a low moan escaping her as Fran's body pressed closer to her own. Amazed by the beautiful sound Fran's passion grew.

"Maybe we should go to the bedroom.." CC suggested in a whisper before she took Fran in her arms, lifting her up to her chest as she stood up. The younger woman was surprised by the sudden initiative and let herself be carried. And in the arms of her desired she started kissing this one's neck. CC almost stumbled as the arousal shot through her body and she took a sharp breath, then looked at Fran. A seductive smile was on her lips again as she looked up in CC's eyes.

A/N: Want more? Or no way? Whatever, if you've already come so far, then tell me what you think, if you hate it or love it, I don't mind, I also accept anonymous reviews, as long as you review at all. Please let me now what's on your mind. And if you have questions or suggestions, just review here or pm me, I'll reply, promised.