They are not mine.. Fox own them .. you know the drill..

a/n: Hey guys, sorry its taken awhile to update. Thank you so much for all your reviews :)

The Talk.

Gillian sighed softly as she watched the sun set behind the Capitol Building. The yellow and red hues that had coloured the evening sky were slowly being consumed by the dark of night. She realised that she hadn't seen Cal since the events of the Lab. She wondered if he was out of the office still, or if he was just giving her space, hoping that she would eventually go to him when she was ready to talk.

Gillian slowly rose from her chair and ran her hands over her thighs to smooth out the creases of her dress, and sighs. She thought about the conversation she was about to have with Cal. If she was honest with herself, she wanted them to be something more, but she was afraid. It could ruin their friendship and their company if not handled carefully.

Was she willing to risk it all for him? Risk everything they had built to give them a chance?

Cal had always been there for her; he was also the only one who could cause her more pain than she could bear, unintentionally or not. Gillian shook her head softly and took one last look out over the DC skyline. The sun had all but vanished, and she watched as the lights flickered on across city. She inhaled deeply in an attempt to calm her nerves, straightened her posture and set off for Cal's office.

Cal sat on the couch in his study and sipped at the scotch he had poured himself over an hour ago. He had been distracted all day thinking about Gillian and everything that had transpired between them over the last two days. He wanted to wait for her to come to him as he tried to give her space; he needed to know what she was afraid of, why she was ashamed and embarrassed. He had seen it, clear as day, written across her delicate features earlier that morning.

Cal looked down at the glass in his hand, and gently swirled the remnants of amber liquid around before he downed the remains. He heard the familiar click of Gillian's patterned heels echoing in the empty corridor; the volume increasing as she moved closer to his office. He moved and set the glass on the table. Grabbing the bottle, he poured himself another generous serving. He moved the bottle to the spare tumbler and filled it for Gillian; he was sure she would welcome a stiff drink. He sat back on the couch, kicked his feet up onto the coffee table and awaited her arrival.

Gillian walked into Cal's office to find it empty, she noticed a soft glow coming from his study and made her way across to the door way. She slowly peered inside and found him sitting on the couch nursing a glass. She spotted a second tumbler on the coffee table and assumed he had poured it for her while he waited.

"Is that for me?" she softly asks nodding her head in the direction of the glass.

"Course, darling," he replied smoothly.

Cal watched as she glided towards the table. He could see she was nervous. While her movements appeared to be calm and controlled, he could see the slight tremor in her hand as she picked up the glass; could tell she was anxious by the way she lifted it to her lips and drained the single malt in one long swig. He watched as she reached for the bottle, and refilled her glass before she nudged his feet off the table, so she could pass and take up the vacant spot beside him.

"Thirsty, love?" he questioned. His tone deliberately low and flirtatious as he raked his eyes over her figure. He had wanted her, more than anything, for as long as he could remember. There had always been an attraction between them, it was undeniable; however, circumstances as they were, never allowed for anything more than just friendship. Cal was content just having her in his life, but now there was nothing to keep him at arm's length.

Moving slowly up her body, his eyes lingered on her lips and he remembered how they felt pressed to his, remembered how their need overtook them, and their tongues duelled against one another. He shifted slightly as he felt a fresh wave of arousal flood his veins. No one had even come close in comparison, all the others had been substitutes, simply there to fill a void; all the while, the object he truly desired had been just out of reach, or so he thought.

Gillian watched as he drank her in; his eyes heated her skin as they travelled up her body. She noted that his pupils were dilated, dark with desire and she couldn't help but stare as his tongue darted out to moisten his lips. She blushed under the intensity of his gaze and her eyes dropped to the glass in her hands.

"Thank you, for the drink," She replied softly, raising the crystal to her lips. She took a sip and felt the liquid travel down her throat; she drew comfort in the slight burn it left, before it settled warmly in her belly.

"Any time, love."

Draining the remainder of his glass, he set it down on the table. Sitting up, he draped his left arm across the back of the couch and inched closer to her. He bumped his knees against hers lightly, and settled comfortably. Cal cocked his head to the side and watched as she stared down at her drink unable to look at him. He slowly moved his right hand under Gillian's chin, and gently lifted her face, bringing their eyes level. His chest tightened as he searched her face. Her eyes were slightly glassy and he could see everything.

She wasn't hiding from him; she was letting him see her. He saw her fear, her shame and regret, but most of all he could see the love.

Cal watched as she brought the glass up. He caught her hand and took it from her before she was able to put it to her lips. He shook his head gently and placed it on the table. He looked back and cupped her cheek, as he shifted closer.

Gillian's brow pulled together in a frown. Had he really just taken the glass from her, she mused, slightly confused. She was about to object when he turned back, and began to caress her check tenderly.

"That's enough for now, love. We need to talk, and I want you to have a clear head," He told her gently as he lightly brushed his thumb over her lips.

Cal trailed his hand down the soft skin of her throat; let his fingers dance across the silky flesh of her collar bone. He traced the curve of her shoulder, and felt her muscles tremble slightly before he skimmed his fingers down her naked arm.

Gillian felt the blush creep up her chest and over her neck and was glad the room only offered the soft glow of the lamp in the corner. She cursed her fare complexion as her body betrayed her yet again.

Cal suppressed a grin as he watched her shiver under his touch, and as the faint blush spread over her chest. He had to bite his lip as he thought back to the last time he had seen her chest flushed like that. Inhaling deeply, he calmed his raging libido. He was pleased he could invoke those reactions from her, but that wasn't his goal. He knew they needed to deal with what was happening between them now; he couldn't bare the thought he might lose her.

He gently entwined their fingers and gave her hand a light squeeze. "How about this, love? I promise that I will pour us both a nice large glass of wine after we're done here. I happen to have a nice Point Noir back at home that I know you like," he told her, a small grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. "I'll even buy you dinner and one of those chocolate molten lava cake things that you love... What do ya say darling?"

Gillian looked down at their joined hands as they rested on her knee. She listened as he spoke and couldn't help but smile. "Okay," she nodded shyly. Cal had always been sweet and caring; to her at least. That was up until the last few months, when things had started to change between. Maybe she had been wrong about it all. Maybe things could be different.
"But only if you promise to get it with extra whipped cream," she innocently added.

"Aye, aye," Cal replied, suggestively waggling his eye brows.

"Cal..." she warned, dropping her chin slightly. Her tone failed to hide the smile in her voice.

"Ah, there it is." Cal grinned at her. He dipped his head as he tried to hold her gaze. His eyes were soft and inviting as he drew her face back up to him. "There's that gorgeous smile I haven't seen in a while." He softly whispered. Their eyes locked for a moment and he resisted the urge to lean forward and brush his lips against hers. Cal had recognised the look of disappointment that flashed across her features when he pulled back slightly; it caused his heart to beat violently in his chest.

Cal swallowed hard, his mouth soundly dry. "Gill, I.. What.." he fumbled a little, as she watched him closely. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, and exhaled slowly. "Gill, why did you run last night?" he asked sadly.

Gillian felt her heart break as he looked back at her. He was open and unguarded; she could see the pain and confusion etched into the lines on his face. She let her head fall to her chest, ashamed that she had run out on him. But in that moment she hadn't known what else to do; it had seemed like the best idea at the time.

"Cal.. I.. I'm sorry," she admitted quietly, not able to look at him. "I shouldn't have run like that, but it shouldn't have happened. I shouldn't have let it happen," she told him, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cal's brow knotted in confusion. "Why love? I could tell you wanted it. Bloody hell Gill, I've wanted you since our first bloody session at the Pentagon." He told her honestly. He never would have cheated on Zoe. He could be a royal bastard, but that he would never do.

He had been attracted to Gillian right from the start. What man wouldn't? Her beauty took his breath away, but she seemed unaware of the effect she had, not only on him, but on men in general. He had found out quickly that she was not only breathtaking, but she could also hold her own; never missing a beat, she challenged him. She had a quiet confidence; an unbridled innocence he was drawn to. Gillian had been everything he had wanted in a woman. Brilliant, gorgeous, caring, strong, loyal, couldn't even begin to cover what he thought of her; she was the ideal woman.

Gillian looked up slightly shocked at his confession. Had he really wanted her for that long? Her brows pulled together. "Well, now you've had me, Cal. You can move on." She sighed quietly. Maybe if she could convince herself he didn't care, it would be easier for them to go back to the way they were.

"Oi now love, you know that's not what I meant," he gently chastised. "You're more than just a shag, Gill. I thought you knew me better than that."

"So did I," she replied, sadness resonating in her tone.

"What's that supposed to mean, Gill?" he asked gently; he didn't bother to mask the hurt he felt by her flippant remark. He tightened his hold on her hand slightly afraid that she would pull away.

Gillian shook her head slightly, overwhelmed by the situation. "I.. Cal, the way you have been treating me over the last few months I.." she closed her eyes briefly and breathed deeply. " I don't know what to think any more. I can't keep up. One week you threaten to end our partnership, the next you choose the detective over me, your partner and friend," she told him, her voice wavering slightly. "Then you go and parade around with that leggy blonde and keep me in the dark, Cal. You always keep me in the god damn dark. You leave me there until you need me to clean up your mess, or you get bored of your new play thing. So you tell me, Cal. What am I supposed to think?" she asked sadly, as she tried to hold back her tears.

Cal stared back dumbfounded. He knew he hadn't been treating her like he should have; he had been pushing and pulling, seeing how much she could handle. He knew he'd put her though hell with the loans, his book, their company. He honestly couldn't believe she had stood by him all this time. He watched as a tear slid down her cheek. He felt like an ass; he had never wanted to be the one to make her cry; not like Alec or Burns. He wanted to kick himself. He hated that he had done this to her; made her feel invisible, neglected.

"I'm so sorry, Gill," he whispered sincerely, and moved his hand to brush the stray tears from her cheek. "I know I've been a bloody bastard lately, darling. I just thought that if I kept pushing you, you'd finally end up seeing what a git I was and leave. I thought that if I distanced myself; put some space between us, that it would make it easier to ignore my feelings. I thought it would be better for the both of us. I saw that you loved Burns, and it killed me, Gill. I hated that he had something that I wanted but could never have. I saw how much pain you were in when he left, and all I wanted to do was comfort you, but I couldn't'," He admitted quietly.

Cal closed his eyes and shook his head gently. "I'm such a miserable bastard, Gill. You were in pain and I was happy that he was gone. Now I've gone and fucked it up again," he scolded himself. He moved his hand to lightly cup her cheek and felt her lean into his touch. He could see the tears that had pooled in her eyes. "Gill, I swear those women meant nothing. I've only ever wanted you, but I convinced myself I could never have you. So I kept pushing you away, risking our company, our friendship. I'm sorry, Gill. God, I've been so stupid. Please, love. Give me a chance to fix this. Let me make this up to you," he pleaded. "If you tell me you don't feel anything, I'll let it go, love. But I know you do, I can see it."

" I.. I.. What if we didn't work out? The company? Our friendship? Are you willing to risk it? I don't know if I can, Cal," She whispered. Gillian searched his face. She could see that he was sorry, that everything he had said was true, but she was afraid. She closed the gap between them, and rested her forehead against his. "I'm scared, Cal. I'm scared that you'll break my heart. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you," she whispered.

Cal could feel her warm breath mingle with his own, and he breathed deeply. "I know you're scared, darling. So am I," he admitted. "I can't promise that we'll never fight, or get mad with each other, but I'll do my bloody level best," he assured her. "You're worth the risk darling, and so much more."

I must be out of my mind, Gillian thought for a moment. "Things will have to change, Cal, No more ultimatums. No more leaving me behind. And no more Wallowski," she told him seriously.

"I promise, Gill. You know there never was anything between Wallowski and I. She's just a cop love, nothing more."

Gillian could see he was telling the truth, and nodded slightly. "Okay," she breathed; a small smile on her lips.

"Okay?" Cal repeated softly; a grin on his face.

Gillian didn't respond, instead she erased the distances between them, and gently pressed her lips to his. Cal responded immediately by opening his mouth to her. He let his tongue sweep over her lower lip and nipped at it gently. He pulled her onto his lap and ran his fingers through her hair. He heard her sigh softly and he brought one hand to rest on the curve over her hip. Gillian's ran her fingers though his short hairand she pulled herself closer. She felt his mouth leave hers and whimpered slightly.

"I want to take you home, darling. Will you let me take you home?" He murmured softly against her ear. He kissed a trail down the column of her throat, and stopped to kiss the mark he had left.

Gillian let out a soft moan. "I think you still owe me dessert," she replied teasingly.

"Aye, aye, darling. I promised you dessert. Extra whipped cream, if I recall correctly." He purred as he gently sucked on her pulse point.

Gillian was about to respond, but stopped as she heard someone clear their throat behind them.

"Lightman, Dr. Foster." The voice behind them greeted a hint of jealousy in their tone.

.Gillian looked to Cal and gave him a tight smile, before she turned her head towards the door.

"Detective Wallowski. To what do we owe the pleasure?" she asked coldly. "It's a bit late for a business meeting or is this purely a recreational visit?" she asked bitterly as she tried to move from Cal's lap. He held her still, gripping her hips tightly.

"Gill," he warned gently.

"I came to see Lightman. I need to speak to him. In private," Wallowski replied uneasily, as she looked at Cal.

"Of course you do," Gillian muttered under her breath.

"What is it, Detective? What was so important that it couldn't have waited until tomorrow?" he asked as he glared in her direction.

Gillian had managed to wiggle her way off his lap. She stood, smoothed down her dress and picked up her glass from the coffee table. "Well, I'll be in my office if you need me. You two have fun talking," she announced, moved away from Cal and headed to the door "Detective," she said as she brushed past her and walked out of his office.

"Five minutes, Gill," Cal called out after her. "I promised you desert, love. Give me five minutes.". Cal looked at the detective and snarled.

"Sorry for interrupting." she said amused.

"Now, we both know that's a lie." He snarled. "What do ya want Shazza?"

"I need your help." She replied and ignored his hostility. "You might want to cancel desert first." She instructed arrogantly.

"Not bloody likely, Detective. Not bloody likely at all."

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