Title/Author: "Between the Bars: McCoy" by n.s.
Rating: T (minor language, some suggestive scenes)
Summary: A not-canon-but-not-not-canon take on Jack McCoy and Claire Kincaid's relationship through seasons 5-6; in the same universe as "Between the Bars: Logan," so implied Mike Logan/Claire also.
Disclaimer:I don't own any of these characters. This story is brought to you by 20-year-old repeats of Law & Order that happen to coincide with my daughter's nap time.
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She answered on the fourth ring and he hoped she didn't hear his sigh of relief on the other end.
"Hi," she said, knowing.
"Hey. Meet me at Romano's at 11:30. I want to talk about Smith, in person," he said quickly, the words tumbling over each other in his hurry, before she could say no.
"I need some space, Jack," she said, sounding so close he swore if he turned around he would see her. He curled his fingers around the phone and closed his eyes, hoping again his voice didn't betray his desire—no, need—to see her. It had been three days, and the longest in his memory since he didn't see her since they met, and he was feeling it, as a lover and as a friend and as a colleague.
You're in trouble, Jack, Sally's words whispered in his other ear.
"From the case, pizza, or me?" He didn't wait for an answer, tried to be brusque. "Just come. We'll talk there. Neutral ground."
"I'm off the case."
"Then bill me for the time."
He hoped she was smiling when she said, "See you there."