DISCLAIMERS

1. I DO NOT OWN JURASSIC PARK/WORLD. This is just for fun.

2. This is a femslash story. If you don't like that sort of thing, you won't like this.

PART 18

They held eachother close, struggling to get their strength back. They had had sex for over two hours solid, and frankly, they were exhausted. Though Lex had to admit, she was feeling emotionally tired as much as physically.

As Claire lightly stroked her arm, Lex sighed in contentment. She was still struggling not to think about what tomorrow would bring, when Claire would be gone. Just focus on now. The blonde nonchalantly reached for the beautiful gift she was given, the necklace still around her neck. She could not believe Claire went to such trouble. She did not deserve such a stunning piece of jewellery.

Lex Murphy was not one for extravagance; she was still embarrassed at how pitiful her efforts were to look fancy the previous night. Compared to Claire, who made it seem so easy, Lex was nothing. The redhead was clearly humouring her when she insisted Lex looked beautiful... not that she was complaining, obviously.

Lex was continually amazed at how Claire made her feel. Past girlfriends gave her praise and even presents, but with Claire it seemed... pure. Not that Lex would say previous partners were liars, but the redhead just seemed so genuine. There was an unspoken honesty between them - the kind Lex never had before. And despite feeling unworthy of the golden neckwear, and again proving Claire was not shy about money, Lex felt honoured.

That being said, Lex groaned at thinking negatively of Claire's obvious wealth. Who was she to judge the redhead? Lex - and Tim, obviously - had received a more-than-healthy inheritence from her grandfather. How else would she be able to live alone in a two-story house, much less afford an even larger place to relocate to? Lex was just never one for overt luxury: she did not need to live like royalty. She did not like to be pampered - though if Claire was the one doing the pampering...

Speaking of which, Lex was brought out of her musings by oh-so-familar kisses on her shoulder. She smiled wide as a gorgeous redhead appeared in her view, having moved from her side to resting ontop of her. Without saying anything, Claire brought her lips down to Lex's for a deep kiss. Lex wrapped her arms around her instinctively. Eventually they had to break for air, the grin still on the blonde's face. "Hi there," she giggled.

However, upon seeing the expression Claire's face, the smile dropped. Lex frowned as she looked up at her companion. The redhead appeared unsure, nervous, biting her lip slightly. Her eyes began darting around. "Claire?" Lex asked, concerned. "What's wrong?"

Claire looked right at her and visibly gulped. "Come back with me!" she suddenly blurted out.

Lex's eyes widened. "What?"

Claire took a deep breath before quickly kissing her again. "Please come back with me," she repeated. "I don't want to lose you. Please... I don't... I can't... " Claire closed her eyes in an obvious attempt at reining herself in. "Y... you can stay at my place. When I'm not at work, I'll spend every second with you. We can see the sights, we can do whatever you want... "

Lex could not believe it. "Are... you serious?"

At that, Claire closed her eyes again. "Oh God... I'm sorry. I... shouldn't have asked. It's just... " The redhead stroked Lex's cheek. "I don't want to lose you. This week has been... just amazing. I don't want it to end. I can't bear the thought of not seeing you again." She stopped and looked down. "Dammit... I shouldn't have... I'm sorry. I just... " Lex was dumbfounded. Claire... was feeling the same things as her? Though it was plainly obvious really, to hear Claire say the words... "I... I really care about you, Lex." Claire continued. "I want us to be together. Properly. Is there anychance you... feel the same?"

With only a second's hesitation, Lex responded the only way she could - by pulling the redhead down for a breathtaking kiss. After more than a minute, they separated their lips. "I do," the blonde whispered. She knew all along. She did not know what would - could - happen longterm, but she knew she did not want to be without Claire Dearing.

The smile on Claire's face was pure brilliance. If Lex did not know better, she would have sworn she saw the redhead's eyes water. After yet another long kiss, however, something came to Lex's mind. "But, darling... I can't. I have work. I'm moving. I... " She hated to say it, but it was true.

The smile was instantly gone. "I... understand," Claire mumbled. "But... can't you hold off moving just a little longer? And as for your job... well, that won't be a problem. I'll make sure of it." At Lex's frown, she elaborated - somewhat. "I know some influential people. Trust me, it'll be fine."

"Claire... I... "

"Dammit, you're right," the redhead spat. "I'm sorry. I just... I really, really don't want to lose you. I'll do anything to make it easy for you, but I won't pressure you. If... if you don't want a... " - another visible gulp - "... a relationship, I'll... understand."

Lex groaned inwardly. That must have been another rhetorical comment. Of course Lex wanted to stay with her. She had never met anyone like Claire: she would be a fool to let her go. But there was another - fucking obvious - reason for Lex's trepedition. And it was not Claire's apparent ease at waving off Lex's work commitments.

It was Claire's job. Once more, Lex was reminded of the award-winning level of dancing around the subject the two managed. But if Lex accepted, she knew she would have to face the fact Claire worked at a theme park.

Something in Lex clicked. Maybe it was the realisation Claire would actually, really be gone, maybe it was having the redhead practically begging her to join her... but suddenly, it hit Lex just how ridiculous her fears seemed. OK, it might be a little disconcerting for a few minutes, but there was a big difference between a zoo full of dinosaurs and Disneyworld, or wherever Claire worked. Besides, the stress of Masrani's visit was all but gone and, compared to the idea of not being with Claire... ? It was time to get a grip. Gazing into Claire's beautiful face gave all the strength Lex would need. She looked directly into the redhead's unsure eyes, her voice steady as a rock. "What time do we leave?"

Claire gasped, the lovely smile returning. They then kissed passionately, their bodies melding into the mattress...

TO BE CONTINUED